This is a revised chappie!
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GRADUATION-
It certainly took Sirius a while, but eventually, he accepted Lily into their group. He would definitely miss playing tricks on Snivellus with James. With the headgirl around, it was hard to pull any pranks. But every now and then Sirius would occasionally slip a stink bomb under a teacher's chair, and Lily would casually pretend she didn't notice.
And by graduation, James and Sirius's number of detentions had dropped and teacher's respect for them grew, and they discovered that Lily was right. Growing up didn't feel so bad after all.
It was graduation day, and Lily's head buzzed excitedly. All the girls in her dormitory talked and laughed as they dressed in their graduation robes and did their hair. Lily brushed her dark, red curls, and before she knew it, it was time to walk down to the great hall.
Lily gazed sadly at the now empty dormitory, and felt her happiness slightly decrease. She would never see it again. Seeing as it would be best to leave it before her emotions got to out of hand, she grabbed her bags and walked down the stone steps. The steps she'd never see again.
James, Remus, Peter and Sirius all sat on their dormitories beds, none of them talking or looking at the others. They were the only ones left in the room. They felt to attached to leave it. Hogwarts was the greatest thing that had ever happened to them, it was weird to think that it was all over. None of them wanted to leave the room that they had been in all these years. Or the beds that they had stayed up late in, planning how to prank the Slytherins next. It felt like their whole lives had been here.
"We better go down to the great hall. We can't stay up here forever." James said quietly.
Sirius looked up at him sadly as though he couldn't believe what he was hearing. Remus nodded and sat up, and Peter followed suit.
"Come on, Padfoot, we all knew that this day would come eventually." Said James sadly.
Sirius didn't answer. He just slowly stood up and grabbed his bags. He then walked past James, without so much as looking at him. His eyes were averted at the ground. And James knew why.
And so, they all stopped in the doorway and looked around once again at the empty dormitory. Then, James turned off the light and slowly shut the door. And Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs, walked down the stairs and out of the common room… for the last time.
The Marauders walked sadly into the crowd of bustling seventh years, as they made their way toward the Great Hall. All the teachers were in the great hall already, so it seemed many younger students had snuck out of their dormitories to wave goodbye.
Halfway there, Lily met up with them. Remus starting talking deeply to her about careers, so James took his chance to tug on Sirius's sleeve. He looked at James curiously, who nodded his head toward the right if him. So Sirius followed James out of the bustling crowd.
"What is it, Prongs?" Asked Sirius curiously.
James didn't answer right away, but instead pulled out the 'Marauders Map' from his robe pocket, and muttered, "I solemnly swear I am up to no good." He watched Sirius's eyes dim a bit at the sight of it.
"Padfoot, we have no place for it after we leave. Its purpose is here. This is where it belongs." James said as he gazed at all the miniature, moving dots all over the grounds.
"Wait, your no actually suggesting we leave it here?" Said Sirius, shocked.
James nodded. "We have no purpose for it when we leave. We might as well leave it for some other desperate kids who are looking for trouble." He ended this sentence with his crooked grin.
After a big look of regret on his face. He finally nodded in agreement.
"Shouldn't we get the rest of the Marauders?" muttered Sirius, not meeting his eyes.
"You seem to be having the most trouble leaving this place. More then the rest of us. I think you should be the one to leave it a resting place." Whispered James.
Sirius smiled a bit, and gently took the map. The map that had given them the adventures of a lifetime. And had granted them ever-lasting freedom. "Mischief managed." He whispered. Sirius walked toward the statue of an old hag, and hid it in the crack in her hump. Satisfied, we walked back over his best friend's side, who put his arm around Sirius's shoulder and smiled at him. "We've caused trouble, Padfoot, let's give someone else a go."
Sirius grinned back. And together, they walked toward Lily's calling voice, back toward the crowd of bustling students.
After a walk that seemed to take up eternity, they finally all arrived in the Great Hall. All the leftovers that had been on the table during the end of the year feast were now cleared off. And many students were sitting at their house tables, itching with excitement. There were fewer students than usual since it was only the seventh years, but they were still very crowded.
They Marauders and Lily all took a seat at the Griffindor table. Lily ran her hand over the tables glossy wood. She'd miss all the feasts here. After much chatter, the old Headmaster finally stood up, and with a twitch of his hands, all feel silent in respect.
Albus Dumbledore looked around at all the students ready to go off on their own. His eyes filled with that magnificent twinkle.
And every student raised their head in admiration toward the old man who had brought them through so much, and dared to take the time to teach them so many things. And before the headmaster had even opened his lips to speak, practically ever seventh years' eyes filled with tears, except a few Slytherins. They were really going to miss that man.
"The road ahead," he started, "Will be a most difficult one. You have all faced your equal trials here. For these last few years have been most troubling. Many have faced losses of family and relatives to none other than Lord Voldemort. But you have held up through it all. I don't recall ever being so proud of a group of graduating students." Dumbledore smiled warmly, and many of the downcast faces smiled back.
"Whether you studied hard this year, or caused trouble," Dumbledore quickly glanced toward the Marauders, who smiled at them selves, "I do hope you remember all you've learned here at Hogwarts, for your futures ahead of you will be one of the greatest adventures you'll face. Your steps form here on, are entirely your own. But know, that you all have in some way, left a more vibrant history at this school. You have all contributed to it. And without much more of an old man's rambling," Dumbledore smiled, and some students chuckled, "May we present the names, of Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry's graduating year…"
The students cheered madly. All the teachers lined up and Professor Mcgonagall took a few steps forward with a large scroll.
She cleared her throat as to regain her stern nature, but all the students could tell it was hard, since she was tearing up.
"Abbott, Marcella."
A blonde girl from Ravenclaw stood up as all the students clapped. She walked up toward the teachers and took a rolled up parchment from Headmaster Dumbledore, while shaking his hand. Then she went down the line and shook all the other teachers hands as well. After which, she stood against the sidewall. A boy from Hufflepuff followed suit, then stood next to her. And then, Sirius was called. He looked a bit dazed as he walked up there. The other three Marauders and Lily hooted wildly and pounded their hands on the table, as the other students clapped. Sirius reddened a bit.
"Well done." Said Dumbledore merrily. Nobody but Sirius heard this, for the great hall was so full of applause and hooting from James.
"Thanks." Said Sirius.
"You shouldn't be worried," said Dumbledore softly, as though he had read Sirius's mind. "I daresay you and James's will still hold the record for the most detentions well after you leave." The headmaster chuckled lightly, and a huge grin spread across Sirius's face.
After many names, the old Griffindor Professor finally called,
"Evans, Lily"
James squeezed Lily's hand in comfort beneath the table. Lily was taking deep breaths, but she finally managed to regain her stature as she walked gracefully up to the front of the hall. The hall clapped and the Marauder hooted, with James giving off playful catcalls.
"Miss Evans." Dumbledore smiled broadly, "You'll do well in the outside world."
"Thank you, Headmaster." Lily blushed.
Lily then walked over to Professor Mcgonagall.
"Aw, Miss Evans." The professor examined. "I daresay you'll be one of the students I'll miss the most."
Lily smiled, and shook her hand. Then she went and stood next to Sirius, whom she hugged in joy. Sirius looked a bit shocked at first. But after she released him, James could make out his face, which was flustered with red and topped off with his cheesy grin.
Many, many more students were called before Remus was. Who shook all the teachers hands and then walked proudly into the line of seventh years. He pulled Lily and Sirius into a rib-cracking hug, his face was bright, and all his tiredness was gone for the time being.
Then it was Peter. He too joined the line with parchment in his hand. They couldn't help but all be surprised.
As more names where called, James felt a horrid rush of dread. What if they didn't call his name? Was it possible that Lily and his best friends would go on without him?
He snapped back to the ceremony by the call of the name he thought he might not hear.
"Potter, James."
A huge sigh of relief escaped his lips. And as he walked up to the front of the hall, he heard more applause then anyone who had gone up so far. A few girls where standing up and giggling gleefully. James dared to glance at Lily, who seemed to burn in jealousy. He also noticed that the Slytherins, especially Snape, did not seem thrilled at all.
Yet, feeling he left his chair on a lighter note, he walked up there proudly and gladly shook Albus Dumbledore's hand, who beamed happily at him.
"Well done, James. You've certainly achieved more than I thought you ever could have."
James grinned proudly and glanced over at his clapping friends who stood in line waiting for him.
"Thank you, sir. I had a bit of help."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled.
"I was told that you had to career choices in mind. Still planning to take the one as a professional Quidditch player, I presume?"
"Actually, no. I've picked my other career choice. But I appreciate the concern." James smiled, and shook the Headmasters hand one last time. As James walked onward, the Charms teacher leaned over.
"Pity he dropped Quidditch player. He would have made a good one."
"Yes," agrees Dumbledore, not talking his eyes off James, "But he'll make an even better Auror." He grinned merrily.
"Well, Potter." Said Professor Mcgongall, he lips pressed tightly, "Congratulations. As much as I had to yell at you to pay attention in Transfiguration, I always believed you could do it." Her pursed lips formed into a rare smile, and James was surprised to she tears glinting in her eyes. James felt quite foolish to feel the corners of his eyes fill up as well. He leaned forward and gave her a friendly peck on the cheek. He was about to head down to his friends, but halted in his steps as he heard his name again.
The professor looked at him, "I never thought I'd say this, but, Hogwarts could always do with another Potter."
James grinned 'I believe that can be arranged' he thought, as he fiddled with something in his pocket.
He quickened his pace to get to the line where his friends waited for him. He stood next to them proudly. Sirius clapped him on the back. He had never felt so proud. Lily grasped his hand tightly.
A few more names, and then…
"Snape, Severus…"
"Snape!" The Marauders yelled in mock surprise.
Snape looked more disgusted than ever. His greasy, black hair curtained his face, but it didn't hide the expression of hate. His lip was curled in a sneer, and his black, pit less eyes showed nothing but malice. Yet, as Snape walked down to join the line, James had the feeling, he should do something right and respectful, especially on their graduation day. So right as Snape was about to walk by, James stuck out his and, and plastered a smile on his face. Snape stared at him for a moment, his expression hard to read. But, by a miracle, Snape thrust out his hand. He only touched James for a second, but at least it was a handshake. Then the greasy boy walked down the lines, looking angry with himself, and as sulky as ever. James didn't know why he did it, or even more, why Snape actually attempted to shake his hand. Perhaps it had been because James had saved the Slytherin's life. Or maybe it was because old Snivellus had felt the headmaster's eyes on him.
Sirius's shocked expression was surprise beyond belief. But James shrugged it off, and acted as if what he had just done was no big deal. Lily looked at him deeply, as though unsure whether it was really James, or an imposter. James took her hand once more to reassure her, at which point, she smiled her beautiful smile.
Finally, they called the last name.
"Weasley, Arthur."
A boy with red-hair, which was almost as red as his face, stumbled up to the front of the hall, toward the teachers. He was flushing with embarrassment. Or maybe it was because another redhead; a girl, was batting her eyes at him and waving sheepishly.
He to finally came and stood in line with his roll of parchment, and glanced around hesitantly before grabbing the redheaded girls hand in his own. She looked down at her fingers laced in her own, and then the girl; Molly, leaned over and pecked him on the cheek. Arthur's ears turned as red as his hair. James laughed silently to himself. He was sure that he had been the only one who had seen it, for the graduated students were now chatting happily.
Finally, Dumbledore stood up and congratulated them, at which point, every seventh year twitched with excitement, and threw their hats into the air. Cheering erupted throughout the great hall. Sirius looked at James, and he nodded. Smiling, they lifted their wands into the air, and shouted an incantation (which couldn't be heard over the uproar of the students), and tons of confetti burst from their wands. The students cheered louder.
The Marauders and Lily backed a bit away from the cheering crowd, and embraced in a group hug.
"We did it. We really did it." Lupin whispered.
An overwhelming feeling was filling each and every one of their hearts. A torn feeling that told them, their childhood was over, and another that told them, their future was just beginning.
They knew it wasn't really the end, for they decided long ago to go out and face the world together. Yet, as they stood in a circle, all their heads touching, each one of them felt the warm tears prickle at the corners of their eyes.
They finally broke away. James tried to pretend he was just cleaning his glasses as he wiped at hot tears. Sirius bent down as though he was tying his shoe, but James knew that he too, was wiping away his eyes. Lupin just turned away with a smile on his face.
"Come on then, let's go join the celebration." Sirius said joyfully, giving off a bit of a sniff.
They began to walk toward the crowd once again, then James seized lily's wrist. She got the hint and held back as the others headed for the crowds.
James looked at her for a moment, holding both of her hands in his own. Her deep, green eyes shone with curiousness.
"Lily, I know we only started dating this year. And I know there were many times that I annoyed you, or badgered you into dating me. I followed you around since out first year. And I know I just seemed like some arrogant prat, but, I only did it because I didn't know how else to get your attention."
Lily smiled, and her eyebrows slanted a bit in a type of mild pity.
James continued, "Lily, you were never a crush. I knew I loved you since the first day I saw you at the train station. I knew right then, that I'd do anything for you." His voice cracked and he inclined his head down a bit. Lily put her hand beneath his chin and raised his face to look at her again. Her eyes sparkled with an unearthly majesty as their eyes met. A strong bond seemed to surge through James, causing him to feel stronger in spirit and carry on.
"Lily, I dropped my defenses a long time ago," he said, staring deep into her eyes, "I was willing to push everything I had, just to get you to look at me." He reached into his pocket, keeping his other hand grasped around Lily's. "Every breath I've ever taken, every fall and pain I've ever endured was for you. Lily, I love you. I've loved you since age eleven. I'm willing give everything if you will let me spend the rest of my life with you. I'll fill every minute adventure, and mirth. I'll make you laugh everyday. I didn't mean for this to come out as a lecture, I'm not very good with propositions. But what I'm trying to say is, Lily Evans, will you marry me?"
At this point, James knelt on one knee and opened the box that had been hiding in his pocket, secretly screaming to be opened since the first day he decided he'd propose.
Lily looked down at him, tears glided down he cheeks gracefully, falling into her red-hair with curled elegantly on her shoulders. For a moment, all words seemed lost as she gazed at him, to the ring. And then she whispered. "Let me tell you a secret, James Potter. As much as I denied it. As much as I forced you away, and said ruthless things to you, as much as I yelled at you of ignored you, I couldn't betray my heart. And my heart was telling me that I loved you, James Potter." Her last sentence came in a sob; "I've loved you since day one."
James jumped up, with tears splashing his cheeks, and Lily thrust herself on him, sobbing happily into his shoulder, pressing herself against his chest. James felt he'd never let her go. After a few seconds, Lily whispered in his ear, "Yes, James Potter, I will marry you."
James hugged he in such joy that she lifted off the ground. He spun around with her in his arms, and then he kissed her, and she kissed him. All the cheering and celebrating seemed to drown in their ears as they held one another, not wanting to let go. Not wanting to let this moment in.
The tearful couple only released when a familiar voice brimming with satisfaction, sounder next to them. "About time!" Sirius said grimly, (he had to yell it so they could hear over the crowds). James and Lily looked at him with broad smiles, and then back at one another as James slipped the diamond ring on his only love's finger.
"You know, James had to rob his parents to get enough money for that." Sirius teased.
Remus, who had just joined the little group, nudged Sirius in the ribs.
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Meanwhile, as the celebration continued, a disgruntled Filch stalked the corridors, in hope of finding a stray student that might have snuck down to take a peak at the party. Unfortunately, he didn't find any. But he did find something.
Misses Norris came prancing up to him, a piece of blank parchment in her mouth.
"What's that you got there, my sweet?" The caretaker grunted.
After many attempts to reveal what secret it may have been hiding. After minutes of no success and frustration, he went back to his office and through it in one of his grubby 'confiscation' drawers. Where it wouldn't be found for many years to come. When two redheads, unable to hold back on their disobedient nature, would reveal it's secret once more…
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As for the Marauders and Lily, the time had come. They group hugged one last time, and promised to see each other everyday. Dumbledore opened the great oak doors, revealing the horseless carriages waiting outside with all their luggage already packed. Piling out with all the other students, James winked at Dumbledore who smiled, and then he grabbed hands with Lily, his other, around Sirius's shoulder. Remus was holding Lily's other hand and Peter was next to Sirius. And together, arm and arm, and hand in hand, they walked through the doors of eternity, into the world of an unpredictable future, and entering a river of dreams.
The end of this chappie! YES THERE IS MORE! I'm only half way through the story! There's a lot more to come for Lily and James, so keep reading! Thanks to all that review! LUV YA!