A/N: This is it! This is the last chapter of Seventh Year. Hope you all like it.



Chapter 20 ~ Saying Goodbye





The school year was rapidly coming to a close. Students could be seen studying in all parts of the school. The Quidditch Season was now over, the Cup being won by everybody's favorite team, Gryffindor, and arrangements for the Seventh Year Ball were all set.

Lily had felt lonely during the weeks she spent at home. Her therapy was doing her a lot of good. She was now able to walk with the help of crouches and soon she would be able to use just a cane. But she missed her friends. She missed her classes. She missed her teachers. She missed the happy atmosphere that was felt throughout the castle but above else, she missed James.

She knew that he was back at Hogwarts. She had received word of it from Emma and Katie. They had told her all about the twins and the chaos they created for poor James by hiding in his trunk. She had laughed as she read the letter, imagining the expression on his face the moment he noticed his nieces' presence in his trunk. She wished she had been there. She wished she had the opportunity to meet the young girls. And she wished things could be different and that they had stayed the way there were at the beginning of the year.

On this sunny morning she was sitting in the parlor waiting for her mother to be get ready, they were on their way to do some shopping.

"Lily dear, are you all set?" Asked Mrs. Evans from the entrance hall.

"Yes mum." Said Lily slowly coming to her feet. Although she was now able to walk for short periods of time before getting tired, she still needed a little bit of help to get up.

"Do you need help dear?" Asked Mrs. Evans as she opened the door to see what was holding her daughter up.

"No mum, I'm fine. Have you seen my purse? I thought I had it here with me." Said Lily looking around.

"Oh, is here in the hall dear." Said Mrs. Evans from the hall.

Lily soon joined her mother in the entrance hall waiting for the car to be brought to the front.

"We need to get you some new clothes and some new accessories dear. Do you need anything from Diagon Alley?" Mrs. Evans was chattering as they waited.

"No. Professor McGonagall is sending somebody to give me the exams. We will only need to wait for one more week until the end of the school year." Said Lily.

"Are you sure dear that you don't want to go to school now? I'm sure that you could do fine now, and the professors would be glad to help you." Urged Mrs. Evans, she was eager to see her daughter go on with her life and forget about all the trouble she has gone through the last months.

"I don't know mum, let me think on it." Said Lily with a sigh. Even though she missed her friends and missed her school she wasn't sure she wanted to go back. So many things had changed, she was sure, and she didn't want to feel that she had been left behind.

They passed a marvelous time shopping. It had been a while since they had gone to do something together and Mrs. Evans was taking advantage of this unique opportunity. Her daughters would soon be leaving and she would feel so alone when they did.

"Have you decided Lily what are you going to do?" Asked Mrs. Evans when they were driving back to their home.

"Do?" Asked Lily, what was her mother getting at?

"Yes, after school dear. Are you going to look for a job in the magical world or are you going to stay here with us." Said Mrs. Evans.

"Well, Professor Dumbledore offered me a position in Hogwarts. Not as a teacher but as an apprentice. I would be an apprentice for a few years before I'm given a full position as a professor."

"Do you want to do that dear?"

"Oh yes, I think I would enjoy it. Hogwarts is a very prestigious school, there is no better place to work. Even if I had an offer from the Ministry I would still consider working for Hogwarts instead."

"Well dear, as long as you are happy."

"I will love it mum."

"If you say so dear."

"Why did you bring it up? You are not dying are you?"

"Oh no dear. I was just wondering, we haven't really discussed it."

"I know. But don't worry mum, whatever I decided to do, you will be the first to know."

"Thank you dear."



The next couple of days were very important for the seventh years. The time for them to take the N.E.W.T.s had arrived. Most of the seventh years were seen studying at all times on the days previous to the test. Most younger students had to tiptoe around them or keep quiet, they had learned to do so after several students were frightened by stressed seventh years telling them to be quiet.

"Argh, I really hate this, I don't see why we need to be tested on all of this we are not going to use it once we go out to the real world." Exclaimed Katie slamming her book shut.

"I agree. I see why we need muggle studies, but really, why do we need to know about the goblin rebellion. When are we going to need that information?" Said Sirius as he banged his head on the table.

"Stop that Sirius. You are shaking the table." Snapped Emma.

"Just try to do you best. We will be fine." Said Remus also closing his book. His eyes were too tired from reading too much.

"I think we need a break. Perhaps we should go outdoors for a while. Clear our minds for a while." Said James coming to his feet. He really needed to stretch his legs a bit.

"You are right let's get out of here." Said Katie pulling Sirius with her.

The group was soon seen leaving the common room and walking around the school grounds.

The evening was warm and there was a slight breeze. It was perfect weather to clear their minds.

The days were getting longer and the nights shorter, but the group didn't mind. They liked the fact that they were together. There was only one piece of the group that was missing and the felt it keenly.





"Mum, dad, I've come to a decision." Said Lily as she entered the kitchen that evening.

"Yes dear, what have you decided?" Asked Mrs. Evans as she turned to look at her daughter. She was so happy to see Lily on her feet once more. The previous weeks had been grueling and very taxing for the family. Especially for Lily. But during the last week all the hard work had paid off when Lily had started to walk unaided once more. Now Lily could walk, run and do most of what she had been able to do before her accident. It seem miraculous to the Evans, even if Lily still needed to do further exercise to fully recuperate.

"I'm going back to school. I want to spend the last week with my friends." Lily said.

"Are you sure Princess? You really don't need to go back, you are taking the exams tomorrow with the teacher Dumbledore is sending." Said Mr. Evans.

"Oh I know that I really don't need to go but I want to see them before we all go our separate ways." Said Lily thoughtfully. "I know that we will keep in touch and see each other occasionally, but we really don't know what will really happen and I really do miss them. I will be back on time for Petunia's wedding." She quickly added but in a low voice muttered "not that she would really miss me."

"If you are sure dear that you want to go back, then of course we will let you. But, how are you going back?" Asked Mrs. Evans.

"I'll owl Professor Dumbledore." Said Lily and skipped out of the room.

"It will be only for a while Rose, she will be right back." Said Mr. Evans at seeing his wife's concerned expression.

"I know, but I can't help being concerned. She still needs more therapy to go through for her to be completely recovered."

"She will be back and will continue with her therapy, she won't be going off until she is sure she is completely healthy. We have a smart daughter Rose, she knows what is best for her."

"You are right."





The next two days were very stressing for all students. The fifth years were taking their O.W.L.s , the seventh years their N.E.W.T.s, and the rest of the school their class exams.

By the end of the week everybody was exhausted but happy that it was all over and that they had only one week left of school until their marks came out.

The seventh years now had something else in mind. The Graduation and the Ball. They were all looking forward to dressing up and spend an evening of fun dancing and partying. They were also looking forward to be presented to the wizard community as fully trained witches and wizards that were now ready to join the real world.

The day before the ball we find our favorite group sitting around the fireplace of the Gryffindor common room, making plans for the next day.

"What are you wearing Katie? You haven't told me about it." Urged Sirius as he sat beside her watching the light that was reflected from her hair. She liked sight of the light as it hit her hair.

"I'm not going to tell you. It's a surprise." She whispered in his ear.

Sirius eyebrow lifted. A mischievous look entering his eyes. "Really? I'm going to have fun tomorrow night then."

"We shall see." She said with a flirtatious smile.

"Will you two stop it, you are making us sick. Go to the Astronomy Tower if you want to be all lovey-dovey." Said Peter making faces behind their backs.

The others laughed. Katie and Sirius didn't usually flirt with each other when they were all together, but it was a fun sight nonetheless.

"Well, I think it is time for us to go to our dorm. We want to have enough rest for tomorrow. We have a long day ahead." Said Emma pulling Katie to her feet.

"Oh yes, we need our beauty sleep." Joked Katie. They waved the boys goodnight and started to climb the stairs.

"What do you reckon? Should we go up to bed?" Said Sirius with a yawn.

"It seems that you are ready to do so." Laughed James. "We might as well. There is nothing else for us to do until tomorrow."

"Do you have everything we need Sirius?" Asked Remus as the group started to make their way to their dorm.

"Yes. Everything settled. We are having fun tomorrow." He smiled. The others smiled back. They certainly planned to make the most of the party.





"Do you know who James is going to the ball tomorrow?" Asked Emma to Katie as they prepared for bed.

"No, he didn't answered when I asked. Why, what have you heard?" Whispered Katie as she settled in Emma's bed ready to share gossip with her friend.

"Well, you know that James has always been a theme of gossip around here but I've heard that he is going with Jezebel to the Ball." Emma whispered back.

"He wouldn't!" Exclaimed Katie in a scandalized tone. "Not after what happened."

Emma shrugged. "I don't really know. He hasn't told anybody whom he is going with. I asked Remus and he doesn't know either."

"I asked Sirius as well and I got the same answer. I don't reckon he would tell Peter do you?"

"Oh no. Sirius is his best friend. If he would tell somebody it would be him."

"Hmmm.I really don't know why he is keeping it quiet. Nobody would say anything against him if he went with any girl. They are all crazy for him. Even when he was going out with Lily they were still crazy for him."

"Well, I suppose we have to wait until tomorrow to find out."

"What do you want to find out?" Said a voice from behind them.

Both girls turned quickly to see who it was and gasped in surprise.

"Lily!" Both girls screamed and run to hug their friend.

Lily laughed as they threw themselves to her. She was glad that she had no need of crutches or cane anymore otherwise she would have lost her balance and they would be tangled on the floor right now.

"What are you doing here?"

"Why didn't you tell us?"

"When did you arrive?"

"Are you going to the Ball?"

"Oh this is going to be great!"

Lily laughed at being deluged with questions from her friends. "Will you stop?" She laughed. "I need to unpack you know."

"Oh yes, we are sorry Lily." Said Emma quickly reaching for Lily's trunk and pulling it toward the bed that belonged to her.

"Emma, I can do that." Lily said she didn't want to get special treatment especially from her friends. But they didn't seem to be paying attention, while Emma pulled the trunk, Katie was pushing Lily toward the bed.

"Come Lily, don't stay there." Said Katie. "We have lots to talk about."

The girls stayed awake late into the night chatting of everything that had happened during the last couple of months. Light was started to get light when the three friends finally fell asleep.





The boys woke up earlier than usual the next morning. They promptly got ready and went to the Great Hall for breakfast. They weren't expecting to see the girls at all that morning. They thought the girls would prefer to do whatever girls did when they were getting ready for a party.

"Are you going to stay in here James?" Asked Remus when they were ready to leave the Hall.

"Yes, I have to talk to the prefects. Sirius remember to get here before lunch. We have to check everything before the Ball." Said James as he remained sitting on the table. Sirius nodded and they left leaving James behind.

"Do you know who he is going with? Emma asked me the other day but I don't know." Asked Remus as they walked down the corridor toward the Tower.

"Now that you mention it Katie asked me the same. I don't know either, he has never said anything about it." Said Sirius with a thoughtful expression.

"You don't think that he will skip it do you? I mean this is the most important social event of the school year." Exclaimed Peter.

"Peter, this is the only social event of the year." Scoffed Sirius.

"What is the gossip about him?" Asked Remus.

"What do I care for gossip it's all lies." Exclaimed Sirius.

"But sometimes it's based on truth." Said Remus. "We might be able to find out through it."

"The only thing I heard was that he was going with Jezebel Robinson." Said Peter.

"There you are, all lies. I mean, James wouldn't go with her. Not after what happened with Lily." Exclaimed Sirius.

"What is he hiding then?" Remus asked.





"Lily will you stop? You are making me nervous." Complained Katie.

"Well, I don't know if I should put up my hair or not." Snapped Lily.

"Will you two calm down? We still have time to get ready." Emma tried to soothe her friends.

The girls had decided to stay in their room for the day getting ready. The elves had brought them breakfast and were now partaking of a light luncheon as they started to get ready.

"I'm going to take a bath, maybe that will relax me." Said Lily taking her towel and toiletries from her trunk.

"Are you going to the Head Student's bathroom?" Asked Katie. She knew that Lily had decided to stay in the room until it was time for the ball because she was trying to avoid meeting James.

"No, I'm using our bathroom. There is no need to go anywhere else." Said Lily with a shake of her head.

"Oh. I thought maybe you would like to go to the biggest bathroom." Said Katie with a sigh. She had thought that maybe she could get James to meet Lily when she had gone.

"It will only take a moment, I don't need to lose time going out of the Tower." Said Lily and quickly locked the restroom door behind her.

"How long do you think she will stay away from him?" Asked Emma.

"I don't know, but I don't think they can avoid each other during the Ball."

"Hopefully. Let us hope that they don't quarrel in the middle of it."

"Oh no, I don't think they will. They are both very aware of their social standing to make a scene."

"Who do you think James will be going with? It's a shame that Lily returned until last night. She didn't have time to find a date."

"Maybe we can find someone at the Ball. But I don't think she will lack partners. Everybody will be so surprise to see her that they will all want to spend time with her."

"You're probable right." Responded Emma and turned back to the mirror to work on her hairstyle.





Two more hours left for the Ball to commence and members of the planning committee were standing in the middle of the room gazing at the decorations with awe.

"Oh it's better that what I had in mind." Exclaimed Katie as she saw the bewitched sparkling confetti falling from the ceiling of the Great Hall.

The confetti disappeared as it touched the floor that way dancers would have a clear dance floor. Fairies danced among the plants lining the walls. Round tables were placed on one side of the room each sitting up to eight people. They were covered with white lacy covers and the shields of each house were embroidered on them. Lighted candles floated in the middle of each table. The glass doors on one side of the Hall had been opened leading into the gardens and fairies were seen skipping from flower to flower. There were more tables placed just outside the doors, also with floating candles. But these were much smaller than the ones indoors, sitting only two. These were especially placed in a darkened area of the garden to give some privacy to those couples that wished it.

"I cannot believe that Dumbledore agreed to the tables outside. I thought somebody would be against it." Said a Hufflepuff girl as she giggled.

"Oh he thought it a great idea, it was Professor McGonagall that complained." Said James with a smile as he turned to look at the stage placed where the Teacher's table was usually placed. The band would stand there and the teacher's had agreed to sit at one of the round tables along with the students.

"Well of course she would complain." Said Sirius. "But old Dumbledore wouldn't let us down."

"Well, I think we are all set. The band just arrived. They are waiting in the room next to the Hall. I think it's time for us to go to our rooms and finish getting ready." Said James.

The group didn't need to be told twice as they excitedly left the Hall, chattering as they went.





"Hurry up, we told the boys we would meet in the common room at seven." Exclaimed Katie urging her friends to hurry.

"We are almost done. Hold on to you pants." Said Emma. "They will wait for us, they can't go into the ball without us."

Lily giggled. She was sitting on her mattress watching her friends as they got ready. "Don't worry, you all look fine."

Emma looked at Lily with worry in her eyes. "Are you sure Lily that you want to go? What if you get tired?"

"I will sit. I'm fine, really. But I will stay in my seat if you prefer." Lily said touched by her friends' concern in her welfare.

"Oh no, you have to dance at least once." Said Katie, "then you can sit as long as you want."

"Well, I won't be dancing if you lot take too long. The Ball will be over by the time you are done." Said Lily with a laugh.

"Oh dear, look at the time. We have to go." Exclaimed Emma as she looked at the clock.

"That's what I've been saying!" Screamed Katie in exasperation.





"Will you lot hurry? I promised Katie I would wait for her in the common room." Said Sirius as he shifted his weight from one foot to another as the rest were running from one side of the room to another making sure they weren't forgetting anything.

"Did you get her a corsage?" Asked Remus, he had just thought of it and was thinking that Emma would feel overlooked it Sirius got one for Katie when he didn't.

"Were we supposed to?" Whispered Sirius with terror. "I didn't got her one. Oh lord! Do you think they will be mad?"

"Damn, what are we supposed to do now, where can we get one at this time?" Said Remus pulling his hair messing his tidy style.

"Uh, I think that you are forgetting something." Said James trying to stifle his laugh. Remus and Sirius turned to look at him with hopeful expressions. He couldn't hold it any longer. He laughed.

"Will you stop laughing and tell us what we are forgetting?" Snapped Sirius.

James tried to control his merriment and coughed for a moment before speaking once more. "You are wizards, you can use a spell to get a couple of corsages." He said very slowly.

Remus groaned and hit his forehead with his hand. "I forgot."

James burst up laughing once more. "How could you forget that you are wizards?"

"Oh shut it!" Exclaimed Sirius as he got his wand and carefully created a small carnation corsage. "Do you think she will like it?" He asked as he presented it to his friends.

"Oh she will adore it." Said James with a laugh.

"You are in a good mood." Warily said Remus, he would've thought that James would be feeling a bit sad at this time with thoughts of what could've been.

"Of course I am. If you lot are ready I think it's time for us to go and wait for the girls in the common room." Said James and walked toward the door.

"Oh, all right." Said Sirius as he looked in the mirror one last time.

"Come on Peter!" Called Remus as they started to leave the room.

"Coming." Said Peter. He had been too quiet during the whole time they had been preparing for the ball.

The boys soon arrived to the common room. The girls had not arrived yet and they settled by the stairs to wait for them. Most of the Gryffindor common room was empty. Most of the seventh years had long gone down to the Great Hall and the younger members of the house were in their own rooms gossiping about their older housemates.

The boys soon heard footsteps and giggles coming from up the stairs. Peter had left a couple of minutes before to meet his date. Sirius and Remus lined up next to the stairs and James sat in a couch facing the stairs. Soon three figures appeared on the landing and the three boys gaped at the site.

Emma and Katie were up front blocking the person behind them. The boys thought she was probably a friend who would be going with a boy from another house so they didn't pay too much attention. Their eyes were locked on the two girls before them.

"You look beautiful." Breathed Remus in awe.

"You truly do." Agreed Sirius.

Both boys stood rooted on the spot and made no sign that they would stepping forward. The girls stood at the last step, the third girls stifling her giggles behind them.

"I think you're friend is eager to be on her way. Why don't you step aside so she can meet her date?" Said James with a bored drawl.

The girls burst out giggling at this. James frowned, what was so funny, he thought. Sirius and Remus looked at each other puzzled.

"Oh we have a surprise for you." Said Katie with a huge smile.

"Oh?" Asked James with a lift of his brow.

"Is it a nice surprise?" Asked Sirius with a mischievous smile.

"Oh I think you will like it." Said Emma.

The girls stepped aside and the boys' jaws dropped. "Lily?" The three boys said in surprise.

Lily smiled.

Remus and Sirius run to hug her.

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"Look at you, you look gorgeous."

"Are you feeling all right?"

"Are you tired?"

"Do you need to sit?"

Lily laughed. "I'm fine. You two look handsome." She said before turning to look at the silent figure standing behind the joyful group.

"Hello James." She said.

"Hi Lily." He answered.

They didn't say anything else. They stood looking at each other without saying a word.

Katie sighed and turned on James. "Who are you taking James?"

James blinked trying to capture the question that he was just asked. "What?"

"Who are you taking?" Katie repeated.

"Oh, I didn't ask anybody." He said.

Emma and Katie looked at each other with a smile.

"This is perfect then, you can take Lily." Exclaimed Emma.

"Come Lily, take his arm, we have to go to the Hall." Urged Katie.

Emma and Katie turned to Sirius and Remus who were smiling at the girls' obvious machinations.

James and Lily stood looking at each other, not knowing what to do.

"Come on. We have to go." Said Sirius as the portrait opened.

James silently offered his arm and Lily took it. The group slowly made it's way out of the room and turned toward the Great Hall.





The Great Hall was crowded by the time the group arrived. They stood by the door looking around as their classmates walked around greeting each other and mingling.

"Oh dear!" Sighed Lily.

"What is it Lily? Are you all right?" Asked Emma with some concern as the whole group turned to look at Lily with worry.

"Oh I'm fine. I'm just nervous." Said Lily with a small smile.

"Don't worry Lily, you look wonderful. Everybody will be so happy to see you." Said Sirius with an encouraging smile.

Lily smiled back and took a deep breath. "All right, I'm ready." She said with determination.

The group walked into the Hall. They soon attracted the attention of those present and whispers soon spread.

"You are a hit Lily!" Squealed Katie with excitement.

Lily merely smiled. She hated being the center of attention. And James' silence unnerved her. Didn't he have anything to say to her?

The group walked toward one of the tables in which the staff was sitting keeping an eye on the boisterous crowd.

"Hello Professor Dumbledore. Professor McGonagall." Greeted Remus to the nearest teachers.

"Ah Mr. Lupin. I see you are now ready to join in the fun." Said Dumbledore then he turned to greet the others. "Mr. Black, Mr. Potter. I hope you all behave tonight. Miss Holmes, Miss Bennet, you look wonderful as always. Ah and Miss Evans, our prodigal daughter has returned. You look gorgeous of course. I'm glad you are better and could join us tonight."

"Hello Professor. I'm fine really." Lily smiled to the kind Headmaster who peered at her with intensity as if he was trying to determine if Lily was telling the truth.

"Well dear perhaps it's better if you sit for a while there is no need to get tired, I'm sure you will soon be surrounded by people trying to greet you." Said Professor McGonagall motioning to an empty table beside theirs.

Their conversation was now attracting the attention of the other teachers in the table who broke into smiles as they noticed the group that had been keeping the Headmaster occupied.

"Lily my dear, so glad to see you with us again." Squealed tiny Professor Flitwick as he spied his favorite student.

"Hello Professor." Said Lily with a bright smile. She had always liked the Charms professor who had become a mentor to her during her years in Hogwarts.

Soon, she was surrounded by friends and classmates welcoming her back. They laughed and talked as they waited for the Ball to start.

Professor Dumbledore stood up and waited for the students to fall silent.

"Welcome to all seventh years. We have come to the end of the most important year of your life. Tomorrow you will be presented to the magic community as the new fully trained wizards. But for tonight. Have fun, eat and dance, but above all else, be with your friends. Please join me in a round of applause as we acknowledge the hard work of the planning committee." He said.

The Hall broke into applause as silver plates with golden shields of each house appeared before them. Menus appeared before the plates and soon people were asking for what they wished and the food promptly appeared on the plates. Jugs full of pumpkin juice and butterbeer appeared on each table. Conversations resumed as soft music started to play on the background.

"Oh this looks wonderful!" Exclaimed Emma as she looked around the room noticing all the adornments.

"You all did a great job." Said Lily with a nod. She was picking her food. The presence of the young man beside her unnerved her and the fact that he hadn't said a word made her more nervous.

"I'm glad it's over though, I didn't like the meetings too much." Said Sirius relishing his food.

"They were too long for him. He gets bored too easily." Said Katie.

"Everything bores Sirius." Said James. Lily looked at him beneath her lashes, but James didn't turned to look her way.

The table was one of the most boisterous. They attracted the attention of all of those present. Soon, dinner was over and Dumbledore signaled for silence.

"Now that we are all fed and full, can I please have your attention?" He said as the Hall eventually fell silent.

"Now, it is customary for the Head Boy and Girl to open the dance. This year, because of especial circumstances, we had two sets of Head Students. But we have all decided that the original Head Students should have the privilege of opening the dance. Mr. Potter, Miss Evans if you please."

James and Lily turned to look at each other. James stood and offered his hand to Lily. Lily sat for a moment looking at that hand before finally reaching up for it. Together they walked to the middle of the floor. The lights dimmed, only the candles above the tables gave off light to the room a small band stood on the stage and they started to play a slow song.

They started to dance.

"Are you all right? You'll tell me when you tire, won't you?" James quietly said after they had been dancing for a while. They weren't alone on the floor anymore, and were now surrounded by others.

"Yeah." Answered Lily. They fell silent once more, they were both too conscious of each other to think of anything to say.

"I'm sorry about your dad." Lily said.

"Thank you." James responded.

Remus and Emma were dancing nearby keeping an eye on their friends.

"We have to do something, I can't believe they are not speaking much." Exclaimed Emma.

"It wouldn't be right to butt in Emma. They have to learn to deal with things on their own if their relationship is going to work. You and I will not always be there to make things right for them." Said Remus.

"I guess you are right. But I hate seeing them like this."

"We all do. But they have to deal with it, it's their problem."

"I know."

Sirius and Katie were having a similar discussion nearby.

"But we can help." Katie was saying.

"I know we can, but they wouldn't appreciate it. Let them be Katie, there isn't much we can do if they don't go along with any plans we might make." Sirius said.

"Oh but-"

"No buts Katie. Besides, the year is almost over, we don't know what plans they have after school, if they are going to have a relationship at all, they will figure things out by themselves."

"When did you become so mature? I don't like it." Said Katie with a pout.

Sirius laughed. "I'm sure you are exaggerating."

The dance was soon underway. The dance floor was soon replete of moving bodies and couples were seen going out and in from the glass doors.

"Are you sure Albus that it is wise to have the gardens open? We cannot keep an eye on students if they are out there." Said Professor McGonagall.

"I'm sure Minerva. It's time to for them to feel that we trust them to behave as adults." Said Professor Dumbledore with a smile.

"Well, if you say so. But I disagree." She said.

"I know you do Minerva. Don't worry, I won't take it against you." He smiled. They continue looking at the dancing students. Dumbledore was tapping his feet with the rhythm of the music.

The night looked magical. They couldn't have better weather. The night was warm and a slight breeze flew through the trees. Fairies skipped and danced among the bushes and flowers.

"I like the way it all turned out." Said Lily as she tried to open a conversation with James once more.

"Yes, it all came out better than I expected." He said.

"It seems like a lot of work." Lily smiled.

"No more than the Festival. I think it was about the same." He smiled.

"Oh no! Thank the gods there were more volunteers for the planning committee than there were prefects."

"Yes, we were lucky."

"I see Sirius got his way and fairies were bought."

"Well they could be a good investment."

Lily smiled.

"Do you want to rest? Perhaps a walk around the garden?"

"That would be lovely."

They didn't notice the many pairs of eyes that followed them out the room.



Bewitched lanterns lighted the paths in the garden, the fairies were busy playing and dancing among the plants, and the lake sparkled with the light from the moon.

The young couple walked among the paths in silence, meeting others along the way. Finally they reached the lake, which was now completely silent and nobody was around.

"I wanted to go see you when you were in the hospital." James suddenly said.

"Why didn't you?" Lily silently asked.

"I didn't know you were there. Sirius and Remus didn't write to me about it. All I knew was that you were back in London and that you were going to undergo a treatment. By the time I found out, you were already gone back to your house."

"You could've visited."

"I couldn't get away from the estate. St. Mungos' is connected by the Floo Network, and it would have been easy for me to visit. Your house wasn't."

"We had it temporarily connected while I went to therapy."

"I didn't know."

"Why didn't you write?"

"I didn't think you would have opened my letters. I was told to stay away from you while you recovered."

Lily turned to look with surprise. "Why? Who?"

"Professor Dumbledore. He said that I would agitate you and that wasn't something that they wanted. You needed rest."

"I kept wishing that you were there."

"I wanted to be there. But I was also afraid."

"Of what?"

"That you didn't want to see me."

"I was afraid as well."

"Were you?"

"Yes, that what I saw was that night in the common room was real and you didn't love me anymore." She whispered.

"Oh no Lily, I was never unfaithful to you. You are the best thing that ever happened to me there was no way I was going to jeopardize what we had." He exclaimed.

"We lost so much time away from each other."

"Is it too late for us to start anew?"

"I think it is. We only have one more day together and then we go our separate ways."

"Does it have to be that way?"

"I don't see how else it could be."

"Marry me?"

Lily sighed. "Oh James, I wish I could, but we are not ready for marriage. You have a estate to run and two little girls who look up to you and I still have therapy to complete. We are not ready."

"You are right we are not, but I don't want to let you go, I don't want to lose you once more."

"If we are meant to be together, we will meet again. And maybe by that time we will be ready to have a deeper relationship."

"I will keep my fingers crossed." James smiled.

James put his arms around her. Lily leaned her head on his chest, James leaned his head above hers. Together they watched the lake ripple and sparkle into the night.



What is keeping them so long? Emma thought as she looked toward the glass doors leading to the gardens. She had just come out of the dance floor and was now waiting at their table for Remus who had gone to look for refreshments. Katie and Sirius were still on the floor.

"Here you are. I brought a pitcher of butterbeer and pumpkin juice, I wasn't sure which you would prefer." Said Remus as he approached their table.

"Thank you." She said with a smile and turned to look at the dance floor.

The dance floor was filled to capacity. The dancers didn't seemed to mind that there wasn't enough room for everybody. The band had been playing for more than two hours now and soon would be taking some break time.

"How long do you think they will take?" Asked Emma as she sipped her glass of butterbeer.

"Who?" Asked Remus.

"Lily and James of course." She said frowning at him.

"Oh them. I don't know, as long as it takes them to get things right between them I guess."

"Do you think they will get together again?"

"I don't know. I don't think this would be the best time though. "No listen to me." He quickly added when he saw Emma ready to contradict him. "Think of all the things that they have gone through. Lily still needs to go to therapy to completely recover from her accident and James has to put his estate in order. There as so many things that they have to do, there won't be time for each other and their relationship would suffer."

"I suppose you are right." Emma sighed. "But I do wish things would be better for them."

"We all wish so. But if they are meant to be together they eventually will be."

"I hope so."

"Come let's dance some more before the band goes on break." Urged Remus as he pulled her to her feet and led her laughingly into the dance floor.



Lily and James slowly made their way through the dim-lit garden. They met with other couples who had also decided for some privacy and were taking their time touring the grounds.

"Maybe we should go back, it seems that it's getting crowded out here." Said James with a laugh.

Lily smiled. "Yes, let's return. I'm sure the others are wondering what happened to us."

"I'm surprised they are not out here spying on us."

"I think Katie prefers to dance the night away than to be out here and miss all the fun." Lily giggled.

"Well, thank god for that then. They can be in the way sometimes." Exclaimed James making Lily laugh.

They soon reached the Great Hall. The dance floor was still full of people and the band was playing the last set.

"Do you want to dance?" Asked James.

"I would love to." She responded.

The couple joined the others on the floor and spent a good half hour having fun.



"Oh wow. That was something!" Exclaimed Sirius as he slumped on his chair.

"Oh don't tell me you are tired." Teased Katie.

"I'm getting old." He said.

"Well old man, you did very well at your great age." Laughed Katie.

Remus and Emma soon joined them and they could see Lily and James not too far behind.

"How long were you two inside? We didn't see you come in." Exclaimed Katie as soon as Lily and James sat.

"Oh, we've been on the dance floor for quite a while." Smiled Lily.

"Come Lily, let's refresh ourselves at the girls' room." Urged Emma with a sly look toward Katie.

"Oh yes, let's. The band is on break now so we won't be missing much." Said Katie quickly coming to her feet.

Lily went along with the girls, there was no point in arguing with them. The boys just looked at each other and let them go without a word.

"What do you reckon they will say to each other?" Said Remus as he watched to group walking away.

"Oh gossip most like." Said Sirius with a shrug as he reached for the butterbeer that was still on the table as Remus and Emma had left it before.

"I think they are planning to interview Lily." James said as he waited for Sirius to be done with the pitcher.

"An interview, about what?" Asked Remus watching the couples returning to their tables or walking through the glass doors to the garden.

"About what happened out there of course." Said James.

"Oh."

"So, what did happen out there?" Asked Sirius.

Remus turned to look at James, waiting for his answer.

"Nothing happened."

"What? Are you telling me that you were alone for more than thirty minutes and you didn't even bother to patch things up?"

"Oh we talked, and we got along just fine. We even came to an understanding. But nothing more." Said James as he continued to sip his butterbeer.

"What, no kiss?" Sirius urged.

"No kiss, just a hug."

"Well!"

"I did ask her to marry me." James suddenly said.

Two glasses fell to the table and butterbeer spread through the cover unnoticed.

"What?" Said Remus and Sirius.

"She said no, it wasn't time. We are not ready for it."

"What did you said?" Asked Remus.

"She was right, we are not ready. Maybe in the future we will."

"Oh sure, I have no doubt." Said Sirius with a wave of his hand. He had been scared for a minute there. Marriage! Perish the thought.



After half an hour the girls were back and the band was again ready to play. Professor Dumbledore sat with Professor McGonagall watching the young people as they had fun.

"Is everything ready for tomorrow?" He asked.

"Yes, all is set for the ceremony. The apparition point has been assigned and I have owled the maps."

"Good, what about the muggles?"

"Hogwarts Express should arrive first thing tomorrow morning. It left London an hour ago."

"Does the Three Broomsticks think that they can handle all the arrivals?"

"Yes, Rosmetta believes they are ready. The fireplace has been cleaned and ready to receive visitors."

"Very well. Let's give these young people one more hour, then let's send them off to bed. Tomorrow will be a busy day for them."

"I agree. They need some rest."

"My dear Professor, we need the rest. They could go on all night if they wanted." Laughed Dumbledore. Professor McGonagall smiled. She agreed with him. She knew that these youngsters had too much energy for their own good, especially the Gryffindors.

Soon it was time for the Hall to be emptied. The students slowly made their way to their respective quarters. The Professors went off to the grounds making sure that everybody was inside. They asked for the fairies' help to do so, thus, the fairies were seen skipping from bush to bush looking for students.

An hour later, the lanterns were blown out. The candles were doused off and the Great Hall was swallowed by darkness. Only Peeves was heard awake in the castle, everything was silent and peaceful.



Everybody woke up with a feeling of expectation and wonder. It was the last day of school. The seventh years were running from one side of their room to another making sure that they were ready for the ceremony, which was taking place in one more hour. The younger students were staying late in bed until it was time for them to meet in the Great Hall at luncheon and find out how they did on their tests.

"Have you seen my hat? I can't find my hat!" Exclaimed Katie looking around her bed and trunk for her witch's hat.

"It's right over your pillow." Said Emma as she tried to style her hair.

"Oh thanks." Sighed Katie.

Lily was sitting on her bed all dressed up waiting for her friends to be over. She was trying to read a book but could read no more than a few lines before being distracted by her friends.

"Lily, aren't you going to get ready?" Katie suddenly asked.

"I'm all set, just waiting for you."

"You cannot be ready, come Lily let me do something to your hair." Urged Katie.

"Just leave it Katie, there is no time we have to be down in a few minutes, the ceremony is going to start soon." Said Emma.

Lily sighed with relief, she didn't feel like letting Katie mess with her hair.

The girls soon joined the other seventh years on their trip to the Great Hall.

The students were wearing their black school robes, but instead of wearing the shield of their house embroidered on them they had the Hogwarts' shield instead.

They were led into a room beside the Great Hall, they could hear conversations and chatter through the doors. It seemed that parents and family members had arrived.

"Oh I'm so nervous." Said Katie.

"I don't know why, you are not the one who has to give a speech." Snapped James. He was holding a parchment in his hands and his hair was starting to get messy. He had been running his hand through his hair constantly.

"Oh don't worry James, I'm sure you will do fine." Said Lily as she run her fingers through his hair trying to undo the damage that he had done.

"How come you are not giving a speech?" Asked Sirius to Lily.

"I arrived too late for them to ask me." Said Lily with a smile.

James groaned. "Lucky."

Professor McGonagall appeared on the doorway, the students fell silent and look at her.

"If you are ready, follow me please." She said.

Some of the students smiled. They remembered her saying the same thing when they arrived as first years.

The tables of the Great Hall had disappeared and in their place hundreds of chairs filled the hall. Four rows stood empty at the front. A wide path was cleared in the middle. Behind the four empty rows sat hundreds of wizards and witches waiting for the ceremony to begin. The hall was decorated with banners bearing the Hogwarts shield, a lion, a badger, an eagle and a snake around a large H. Where the staff table usually stood, now only chairs stood in a row. A podium in front of them.

Professor McGonagall led the students to the four empty rows of chairs.

"Please sit, silently. Now don't push. Mr. Potter I need you up there on the stage. Come now, in orderly fashion." Professor McGonagall said as she directed the students to their seats.

James went up to the front row and waited for the teachers to join him.

As soon as the students had appeared, flashes from cameras filled the hall. Students waved as they saw their families and some parents had stood up yelling their kid's name to attract their attention.

Soon all the students were sitting and the teachers were walking into the room. The crowd fell silent.

Dumbledore stayed standing while the rest of the teachers sat.

"Welcome." He said in a magnified voice. "I'm glad you could join us in this important facet of these young people's lives. When they first came to Hogwarts it was clear that this class would be a special one. I expect greatness from them and I expect to hear a lot of them.

"It has been our privilege to have these young people with us. They have worked hard to get to this moment. They have gone through tribulations and happy moments and I'm sure that these moments have made them into the young men and women we have today.

"They will now go on to the real world as fully trained wizards and witches. To a world that is constantly changing and full of danger. They will have to make choices, and I truly believe that they are ready to face these choices and do the right thing."

The crowd applauded as Dumbledore stopped speaking. As soon as the applause stopped he continued.

"I would like now to introduce you to one of these brave young men. He is the perfect example of the great things that this class of students are capable of. Mr. James Potter."

The audience cheered and applauded. James felt like fairies were doing summersaults in his stomach and thought that he would get sick. But then he saw his mother in the crowd. The twins were with her, both standing on the chairs to have a better look. Tears were running down Mrs. Potters cheek as she watched proudly at her son.

"Thank you Professor." He began. "Welcome parents, students and professors to one of the most important days of our lives. When we first came to Hogwarts we were innocent and full of awe." Several students sniggered and scoffed when he said innocent. James smiled. "Well, some more innocent than others." He corrected and the audience laughed. "But among the pranks and the detentions we learned as much as we could. We will miss Hogwarts. We will miss meeting Hogwarts Express every September 1st. We will miss the Halloween Feasts. But I'm sure that we will not miss the exams." More laughter was heard from the crowd. "Hogwarts has become a huge part of our lives, we became who we are because of what we learned within these walls. We have formed lifelong friendships and I'm sure that a few of us have met that special person we would like to spend the rest of our lives with. We don't know what we are capable of yet. Some of us are not sure what the future holds for us. Even if you took Divination, if sure you don't know your future. We have come to our crossroads in our path, and no matter what road we take I'm sure that what we have learned here will help us along the way. Thank you Professors for sharing your wisdom with us. Thank you for being the ones to mold us into the beings we are today."

Applause filled the Hall as he stepped from the podium and turned to sit back on his chair. Professor McGonagall stood with a large book in her arms. Dumbledore also stood.

"Thank you Mr. Potter." He said. "Now the Heads of each House will call out the names of the students under their charge. Each student will come up and signed the magical registry and be presented with their Diploma. As you all know, the magical registry is usually found in the Ministry of Magic offices and one time each year is brought to Hogwarts for the names of the graduating class to be added to its pages. When your name is called, please come up."

Professor McGonagall placed the book on the podium a golden quill appeared before it and a bottle of golden ink appeared at the base of the book. Professor McGonagall stood beside the podium next to Professor Dumbledore.

"We will start with Gryffindor House." Dumbledore announced.

The Gryffindors stood and started to walk toward the stage.

"James Potter." James stood up from his chair and came forward. He took the quill signed the book and shook McGonagall's hand. He then turned to Dumbledore who was smiling down at him a rolled parchment appeared in his hand and gave it to James. James took it and hugged Dumbledore. "Thank you for everything Professor." He whispered.

"It was nothing James, your father was a great friend and I hope that you will be mine as well."

"There is no doubt." James smiled, he then returned to his seat and watched as his housemates were called up in alphabetical order.

"Alicia Bale."

"Katherine Bennett."

Students passed one by one.

"Sirius Black."

They waited until their name was called before they stepped up to the book.

"Hugh Devon."

"Lily Evans."

James shook hands with his friends as they passed in front of him.

"Emma Holmes."

Students smiled and waved to the audience as they stepped up.

"Remus Lupin."

Mrs. Luping was crying softly into a handkerchief. She had never thought to see the day her son graduated from Hogwarts not after his accident.

"Peter Pettigrew."

The line was smaller now.

"Tobias Wood."

As soon as all the Gryffindors had passed through Professor McGonagall returned to her seat and Professor Sprout stepped forward. Hufflepuff House was next.

Students waited for the rest of their classmates' names to be called. Cheers and applause filled the Hall as each name was called. Finally it was time for the Slyderin House to be called.

"Martin Avery."

"Maureen Avery."

The sky was shining bright through the clear ceiling.

"Lucius Malfoy."

James was sorry that he was sitting among the teachers, he had a strong urge to stretch his leg and trip Malfoy as he passed by.

"Narcissa Mulliens."

Students played with the rolls of parchment that had been given to them as they waited for all the names to be called.

"Jezebel Robinson."

Three girls in the Gryffindor section watched Jezebel through wary eyes as she passed in front of James. James turned his head trying to ignore her. Needless to say, she didn't like that. She leaned toward him and whispered.

"We will meet again James. I promise you." And kissed his cheek.

James scowled. Lily gasped. Emma and Katie cursed.

"Severus Snape."

Soon the last name was called. The book was closed. And the special quill and ink bottle disappeared.

"Ladies and Gentlemen." Said Dumbledore in a loud voice. "I give you the graduating class on 1975."

The Hall broke into applause and cheers as the students threw their hats into the air.

The ceremony was now over and the students turned to look for their families.

"Uncle James."

"Uncle James."

Two bundles of energy run into James' legs.

"There you are." He laughed as he kneeled to hug them.

They hugged him back and kissed him. Mrs. Potter laughed and waited for her son to be done with her granddaughters before hugging him.

"Your father would be so proud." She whispered.

James smiled. He had been thinking of his father lately. He was sorry that he had to miss so much. But life had to go on, and his father was a great man and he would do the best he could in his honor.

On another side of the room Lily was hugging her father and mother.

"Oh I didn't know you would be here." She squealed.

"As if I would miss my Princess' especial day." Mr. Evans said in mock horror.

"I'm so glad you could make it." Lily said with bright tears shining in her eyes.

"Oh we wouldn't have miss it for the world." Said Mrs. Evans.

"What happens next?" Asked Mr. Evans as he looked around the Hall.

"Oh, there is a special luncheon set out on the lawn. The younger students will come in here soon and get their final reports." Said Lily.

"That sounds lovely. Should we be going then?" Asked Mrs. Evans.

"Perhaps we should." Said Lily as she noticed several families starting to walk out of the Hall through the glass doors leading to the gardens.

A tent had been erected on the lawn near the lake. Round tables were put underneath.

Three large tables stood at one side laden with food and drinks.

Soon, the tent was filled to capacity and a line had formed as people started to serve themselves.

"Oh Rose I'm so glad to see you again." Said Mrs. Potter as she spotted Mrs. Evans sitting in a table nearby.

"Susan! How are you? Haven't seen you in ages." Mrs. Evans exclaimed.

"It feels that way doesn't it? So many things happen when we least expect it." Mrs. Potter smiled sadly.

"Oh yes, but let's hope things get better." Mrs. Evans sighed.

"How is Lily? I haven't seen her yet."

"Oh she is doing beautifully, she has done great improvement. There is still some therapy that she has to complete but I'm sure it won't be long until she is completely recovered."

"Oh I am so glad."

The two women stayed chatting for a moment, then they joined by Mrs. Black and Mrs. Lupin. The twins had returned with James bearing plates of food for the ladies. As soon as the ladies were served, James quickly withdrew and joined his friends at another table. They had decided that they didn't want to join their parents but wanted to spend some more time together.

"They are too busy gossiping to miss us." Reported James as soon as he joined the group.

"Well that should take them a while." Said Sirius as he pulled his plate toward him.

"Well, the train is leaving in a couple of hours so they must finish by then." Said Remus.

"Are you lot staying or leaving?"

"I'm staying." Said Katie.

"So am I." Said Lily.

"Me too." Said James.

"We are all staying Moony." Said Sirius.

"I wouldn't miss the End of the Year Feast. Gryffindor won the House Cup." Exclaimed Emma.

The group talked and laughed as the seventh year luncheon continued.

The younger students were at that moment meeting in the Great Hall, where the House Tables had once more brought in place. It looked as if nothing special had happened there that morning.



The sun was setting, there was a warm breeze blowing, and the food was over as the seventh years and their families returned to the castle. Kisses and hugs were given on the entrance hall as the families said their goodbyes to those seventh years who were staying behind to stay during the Feast.

"Now James, remember to check that you haven't forgotten anything." Mrs. Potter was saying as she hugged her son. The twins were quietly standing beside her.

"I know mum." He exclaimed in an exasperated tone. He then kneeled in front of the twins. "You two will behave yourselves now won't you?" The girls looked at him and nodded. Francesca had her finger in her mouth while Cassandra stood with her eyes dropping with sleep. James chuckled. "You better take them mother, they are ready to fall asleep where they stand."

"It has been a long day for them. We had to be up very early this morning. I thought that they would take a nap as we rode the train but they were too excited to do so." Said Mrs. Potter with a smile.

"Bye, mum. I will see you tomorrow."

"Bye dear."

Mrs. Potter took the girls' hands and led them to the horseless carriages that awaited them to take them to Hogsmeade.



Most students were napping or resting in their respective common room. Except for a group of four, who were at the moment wandering among the corridors of the castle.

"Are you sure we are going the right way?" Asked Peter as he cautiously looked around.

"Yes. You forget we have the Marauder's Map. We wouldn't get lost." Exclaimed Sirius.

"Will you lot be quiet? We are not supposed to be here remember." Whispered Remus.

"I still say we should have brought the Cloak." Said James.

"But it won't cover us anymore." Said Sirius.

"I hadn't noticed how much we had grown in the last year. Who would've thought that the Invisibility Cloak wouldn't cover us anymore." Said James with disgust.

"Shhh!" Exclaimed Remus. "I hear something."

The four fell silent. They couldn't hear anything.

"Check the map, is there anyone nearby?" Asked Sirius.

"Doesn't look like it. I don't see anybody in this area." Said James.

"Are you sure we should be doing this?" Said Peter behind the group.

"Of course Peter, is not like we could get detention now could we. We already graduated." Said Sirius.

"Come on, keep walking." Urged James. He put cleared the map and led the group forward.

"Ouch. Peter, you stepped on me." Exclaimed Remus.

"S-s-sorry." Peter stuttered.

"Will you lot shut up?!" Exclaimed Sirius.

"Honestly, I don't know how we got away with things with you lot making so much noise." Said James as he turned toward the group.

"Neither do I." Said a voice in front of them.

The four boys turned to see the new caretaker, Argus Filch.

"What are you doing here?" He asked.

"Er, nothing. Just taking a tour around the castle before we leave." Said James with a smile.

"So you say. What is that in your hand?" Filch asked as his eyes fell in the parchment in James' hands.

"Oh nothing, just a piece of parchment. See?" James said as he showed him the blank piece of parchment.

"Give it here." He commanded as he extended his hand to take the parchment.

The boys turned to look at each other with consternation.

"Well?" Filch Exclaimed.

James put the parchment on Filch's hand.

Filch brought the parchment close to his eyes examining it with care.

"Why do you have it?" He asked.

"Oh, we thought we could make some drawings. Something to remember you know?" Said Remus.

"Well, in that case, you won't mind if I keep it, do you?" Asked Filch.

Four expressions of horror appeared on the boys' faces.

"Why?" Said James.

"You can't." Exclaimed Sirius.

"It's ours." Said Peter.

"Oh no." Moaned Remus.

Filch just smiled and walked away. With the map in his hand.

"See what you've done." Exclaimed James.

"Don't blame it on us. You should have put it in your pocket." Snapped Sirius.

"We might as well return to the common room." Said Peter.

"Yeah, let's go." Said James.

"But what about-"

James interrupted Remus. "We'll think of something else." The group walked slowly back to the Tower.



The Great Hall was noisy as always. Students laughed and chatted as they waited for the teachers to join them and the Feast to begin.

The Hall was decorated with the Gryffindor colors. Red and Gold Ribbon fell from the ceiling and red banners with a golden lion decorated the walls. Gryffindor was in high spirits and it took them a while to notice that the teachers had arrived and Dumbledore was standing up waiting for the Hall to get silent.

"We have come to the end of another year. You are leaving with your mind full of information, and I'm sure that you will return in September eager to learn more. We hope the seventh years will leave us with a sense of accomplishment and full of knowledge. And don't forget, that the doors will always be open to you. These are Dark times in our world. Be careful. Be vigilant. And choose the right path. There is something more that I would like to say to you, enjoy." Food promptly appeared in the golden plates in front of the students. Chatter filled the air once more.

Soon, the plates were emptied and the students started to leave their tables. Students were starting to pass through the doors when an uproar was heard from the Slytherin table. Everybody turned to see what had happened.

Every Slytherin male was wearing nothing but their underclothes. Pieces of their robes were falling to the floor.

The Hall broke into laughter. Four boys near the Gryffindor table smilingly congratulated each other.

"You lot never grow up." Said Katie.

"Now why would we want to do that?" Asked Sirius with an expression full of innocence.

The girls giggled and led the boys to the Gryffindor Tower.



The day of their departure was sunny and warm. The seventh years were all packed and saying good bye to their teachers as they waited for the carriages to take them to their last ride in Hogwarts Express.

"Well Hagrid. I hope you owl me. Don't become a stranger." Said James as he hugged the kind man.

"Oh no worry there." Said Hagrid.

"Take care Hagrid. There is nobody better than you to take care of Hogwarts." Smiled Lily.

Hagrid flushed at the praise of his young friends.

"We hope to hear all the news of Hogwarts, Hagrid." Said Katie as she kissed Hagrid. He blushed even more.

Emma laughed. "Bye Hagrid owl us."

And the group waved as they started to climb into the carriages.



Lily sighed as she settled into one of the empty compartments. She got separated from the group when they left the carriages behind. She had looked all over but she didn't find the others and decided to get a compartment hoping that they would soon join her.

"There you are, we've been looking all over for you." Exclaimed Katie as she stepped into the compartment.

"I looked for you as well." Lily said as the others started to file into the compartment.

"Are you sure we will all fit in?" Said Emma with a doubtful expression.

"I think so. If not, my lap is free." Said Sirius with a sly smile.

"Sirius, honestly." Exclaimed Katie with a mock expression of shock.

The group settled into the compartment, which surprisingly enough, was big enough for the whole group.

"What are we going to do now?" Said Katie with a sad smile as she leaned her head on Sirius shoulder.

"What do you mean?" Asked Emma.

"Well, we are not going to see each other very often any more. What if we lose contact with each other?" Katie responded.

"Oh that would never happen. We all have owls, we will owl each other often. And if one of us doesn't then we all inundate him or her with lots of owls and won't stop until we get a response." Said Sirius.

"That would work. Specially if we send howlers." Laughed James.

The group smiled.

"Let's make a deal. In ten years let's all get together and see what we have done with ourselves." Said Remus.

They all nodded. They were sure that in ten years they would have a lot to talk about. None of them thought that they wouldn't be able to do so.

The train traveled down the countryside. The students visited each other in their respective compartments. They ate the snacks and enjoyed their last time together. Soon they were speeding through the city in London and pulling up to the platform. Parents and friends were waiting for the students to spill out of the train.

It was chaos as soon as students filed out of the scarlet locomotive. Owls screeched. Cats hissed and toads croaked as the students started to pile their luggage.

James took Lily aside for a moment.

"I don't want to lose contact with you. Promise me you will reply to my owls." He said.

"I will try. I don't know how much time I will have available." She said.

"That's enough for me. Take care Lily." He said and leaned to give her a swift kiss.

"You too James." Lily sighed as James turned to walk toward his family. She kept watching him until she heard someone calling her name.

"Lily! Lily!" Emma was calling.

Lily smiled and pushed her luggage toward her friend.

"Your parents are waiting." Emma said.

"Thanks Emma. Take care." Lily hugged her friend.

"Bye Lily. Owl me." Emma said.

Lily crossed the barrier and soon spied her parents waiting for her.

"Everything all right Princess? A good trip?" Said Mr. Evans.

"Yes Daddy. A great trip." Said Lily with a smile.

"Are you ready dear?" Said Mrs. Evans. Lily nodded.

The Evans didn't notice the young man who watched them leave.







A/N: That's it, seventh year is over and now they start a new way of life, I hope all of you stay and share it with them.