A/N: this is the new and improved version of chapter three (it's actually one chapter now). Sorry for the mix up. When I posted this fic I just kind of did things at random without having any idea what I was doing. I probably should check things more carefully. Anyhoo, here you are: enjoy.

Chapter 3: Of Love and Good-byes

Snape was released from the hospital wing two days later. Gryffindor Tower was tense with hope and anxiety. The past few days had been unbearably long and stressful for Lily. She couldn't concentrate on her classes. James was equally antsy as he waited for Dumbledore to hear Snape. Sirius and Remus were also suffering. Peter appeared completely oblivious to the fact that one of his friends was on the verge of expulsion. In History of Magic Adielle passed Lily a note.

'You should do something for Potter if he's expelled. You know, make it a little easier for him to leave.'

'Like what?' scribbled Lily.

'I don't know. Give him a kiss goodbye or something.'

'That's supposed to make it easier for him?'

'Well you know what I mean, something nice. Something he'd like.'

'I bet he'd just love a kiss goodbye.'

'I don't hear you objecting.'

Lily looked at the note. It was true. She wasn't objecting. Perhaps she didn't mind so much now. After all, what harm could it cause? She glanced over at James and back to the note. Adielle gave a small laugh; Lily forgot to glare at her.

Potions was particularly tense. Snape sat in his usual spot in the back, but Lily, James and Sirius sat with Adielle.

"Has Dumbledore told you yet?" Adielle asked James. He shook his head, hacking away at a Jasling root.

"I think he's taking his own sweet time in making a decision. He's trying to torture me."

"Well, if you don't get expelled, be on your best behavior for the rest of the year." Adielle said.

Lily asked "What are you going to do if you do? Where will you go?"

He shrugged, "Home I expect. I'll get a job doing something. I really haven't given it much thought. I guess I should. I wanted to be an Auror but it doesn't look like that's going to happen."

Lily gave him a sympathetic look. "You'll find something, I'm sure."

"Yeah, suppose so." He muttered dejectedly.

After dinner, they went up to the Common Room. James said he was tired went up to bed. Lily tried to do her homework but couldn't. Slow foot steps descended the staircase. James stood at the foot of the stairs with a tight worn look on his face.

"The train leaves Hogsmeade day after tomorrow." He said dully. He held a small note in his hand. It took a moment for the news to sink into the silent room. Then it exploded with cries of out rage. James seemed not to hear them.

"I'll just go send an owl to my mum, I suppose." He said tonelessly and left.

Lily exchanged a look with Adielle and followed him.

The Owlery was silent. James stood before a window gazing out over the lake.

"So this is goodbye then." Whispered Lily approaching him.

"I guess so." He replied thickly, not turning around.

She put a hand on his shoulder, "I'll miss you."

"Me too."

She gently turned him around to face her.

"No regrets, right?" she said.

He nodded, "No regrets."

She stood on tiptoe and kissed him gently. He seemed stunned. When she let go, she was surprised to feel a lump in her throat. She ran away crying, a hand clapped over her mouth.

The next day passed in a miserable blur. Lily had spent a sleepless night in the Common Room crying. Adielle, Alantra, Sirius, and Remus stayed up with her. James had never returned from the Owlery. Now she was going through the day in an unhappy daze. James was even worse off. He was trying to enjoy his last day, but the looming image of the train was ever present in his mind. Classes eventually ended and the Gryffindors retired to the Common Room to wait for dinner. As Lily walked up the grand staircase a Hufflepuff first year ran up to her.

"Here." He said stuffing a note into her hand.

She opened it slowly. She stopped walking as she read. She stuffed the note into her pocket and bolted to Gryffindor Tower. James was in his dormitory making sure he had everything packed. Lily knocked on the open door happily.

"Oh, hi Lily. Come on in." he said sadly. She bounded over to his bed and said, "Oh, packing won't be necessary."

He raised an eye brow, "And why would that be?"

"Because," she said brightly "You're not going anywhere."

She handed him the note. "It's from Dumbledore. He rethought everything and he's not expelling you."

James dropped the note in disbelief. Lily beamed at him and kissed him.

"Hurry up and unpack, it's almost dinner time." She turned to go.

He laughed and followed her. "I can always do that later." He caught her around the waist and kissed her. When he pulled away Lily whispered,

"I think I know the answer to that question you've been asking me since first year. If only you would ask it one last time."

He looked confused for a moment then grinned, "Hey Evans, will you go out with me?"

She grinned back, "Yes, Potter."

Laughing they went down to dinner, hand in hand.

A/N: I know they get together rather quickly but there is more to come. And Froggy: you are incredibly awesome. You're the only person to review this fic so far and I love you for it. Thank you!!!