The final of the story. Thank you to everyone who's stuck it out throughout the posting of this story, I really appreciate it.

Also, thanks to everyone who took the time to review this story - they were all so wonderful!

So, without further ado, welcome to the last chapter of Summer Changes, I hope it's everything you were hoping for.

Disclaimer - character's are not mine.

Chapter Nine – September 1st

September 1st found the usual hustle and bustle of Platform 9¾ as parents rushed their late children onto the train, students gossiped about their summers and others panicked about things they were only just realizing they'd left behind at home. The four would be friends only allowed themselves a single glance at each other before they pushed any kind of thoughts to the backs of their minds. It didn't matter anymore what they thought, they would return to school like nothing had ever happened. It would be the same as always.

As if to reinforce this fact the four found themselves in their usual compartments of the Express as it began to move out of the station. With a sigh Sirius stared aimlessly out the window, Lily played a game of exploding snap by herself, Remus began reading ahead in Potions and James was once again bombarded by false smiles and insincere welcome backs.

It was just like nothing at all had happened over the summer. It was all like is had always been in their lives. The only problem to contend with now was something had indeed changed. They weren't the same four students that had gotten off the train at the end of the last school year. No, now they knew what it was like to have friends and without them their lives just didn't seem so fine anymore. The emptiness that had always been lurking at the back of their minds was now brought into the light and it refused to be ignored again.

***

The four took their normal seats at the Gryffindor house table after surviving the rather uncomfortable train ride. None of the rest of the student population suspected that anything had changed. The gossip was still about the group of now seventh years, but most people were just repeating what they knew from last semester. James was subjected to much insincere sympathy for, what everyone assumed, had been an awful summer. At the same time, Lily and Remus were forced to endure the cruel whispers and hateful glares of their peers. It was only Sirius, as usual, who was given a wide berth in which students tried to pretend he didn't even exist.

Once the sorting and feast had finally finished, when most students were full and only looking forward to getting out and finding their warm beds in their dorms, Dumbledore once again stood.

"I'm sure you're all eager to get off to bed. However, if Lily Evans, Remus Lupin, Sirius Black and James Potter could please stop off at my office before they leave for just a moment? Thank you and sleep well."

With that, talk sprang up amongst the students as any traces of sleepiness vanished and even more glances were sent the fours way. Questions about why Dumbledore wanted to see them and theories about failed tests worked their way to the fours ears.

So, it was in a dead silence that the four made their way to the Headmasters office, butterflies flying rampant in their guts. Even the reassuring smile on Dumbledore's face as they were seated before his desk failed to provide any kind of comfort.

"Lemon drop?" He offered kindly, all four politely refused.

"Well, I confess I asked you four up here to talk about your summer assignment, as I'm sure you've all guessed. There was just something I wished to read you before I finished with it." At this the elderly man shifted about some parchment on his desk, some of it they recognized as their assignment. Adjusting his half moon spectacles he cleared his throat and began reading aloud what was written there.

"'When I began this assignment, I truly believed that it would be the most painful, frustrating and stupidest thing ever. While I was right about believing that, I didn't plan on it being because it was painful to see people I'd begun to consider friends hurting; that it'd be frustrating that someone was blaming himself, and had been taught to do so, for something completely out of his control; that it was stupid because we were all so inexperienced at being friends that we let one wrong word completely destroy a whole summer of experiences. It was because of this painful, frustrating and stupid assignment that I learned, for the first time in years, what it felt like to not be alone.'"

Dumbledore then picked up another piece of parchment.

"'Despite the information I learned by doing the assignment, I believe I've learned more in my social interactions with my three group members then I have in my six years of being at this school. For the past six years I've been aware that I wasn't accepted by my fellow peers on anything more than a 'homework help' level. I had resigned myself to this position and – don't misunderstand me – I'm truly thankful for having even been allowed to be here at Hogwarts. However, this past summer has opened my eyes to so many new experiences. I did things I'd only ever read about people doing. I saw things and felt things that I didn't even know were possible. That's why, this summer – through this assignment – I have learnt what it feels like to be valued.'"

Another piece of parchment found its way into the Professors hands.

"'When I first found out about this assignment I fully planned on not even bothering to turn up or help in any way, shape or form. However, it was Lily Evans coming into my compartment on the train – something most people avoid doing like the plague – that I changed my mind. It wasn't always easy getting on with the other three – by no stretch of the imagination was it always pleasant. Yet, this summer; despite many arguments, glaring and just plain name calling; I found myself – for the first time in my life – feeling like I really belonged, that I was accepted despite my obvious faults and sometimes uncouth manner. This summer, I felt like I'd finally been accepted for the first time in my life.'"

Finally the fourth and final piece of parchment.

"'This summer has been one of the strangest and most confusing ones of my life. I was expecting it to be unbearable with these three students who I've only ever heard negative stories about these past six years. What I found was far greater than anything I could have ever imagined. While I am popular at school, I doubt that most people who wish for my friendship actually know the real me. This past summer, these three students who I only knew their names and the odd rumor or two about, have become closer to me than any other students at Hogwarts. This summer I've found students who I'd have confidently considered my friends.'"

Stunned silence met Dumbledore's words as the four astounded teens stared blankly at their Headmaster; the old man simply smiled over the top of his now interlocked fingers.

"Was… was there anything else, Sir?" Lily finally managed to rasp out.

"No, other than you four got top marks for this assignment. Well done." He said simply before his office doors opened to announce he was finished with them. Numb with shock the four rose to their feet and left the office, blindly walking down corridors as thoughts swam through their minds. Finally, James led them into a room that had four armchairs in a semi-circle around a warm fireplace.

They had only been sitting in awkward silence for two minutes before Lily suddenly chocked on a sob and covered her face with her hands, legs curling up under her.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean any of it, James, you're not a selfish bastard and, Sirius I should be the one asking for your acceptance and Remus; you've no idea how great I think you are – not because you're super smart, but because you're so kind and nice to everyone." She cried loudly.

The three were still for a moment before, to everyone's surprise; Remus moved forward and gathered the weeping girl into his arms.

"You're right, Lily. It was a really stupid argument. You're not alone." He said in his normally soft voice, concern and comfort tugging at the edges of it.

"Yeah, you guys are way cooler than being seen as a criminal by the rest of the school." Sirius grinned boyishly as he joined the group hug.

It was after four beats of silence that James found himself under three scrutinizing gazes. Shifting uncomfortably, James tried to make up his mind.

"You need to pick James. You're the one who's going to have to change their lifestyle the most if you pick us. We don't exactly fit in with your world of popularity." A rueful smile crossed Sirius' lips before he once again turned serious. "It's your choice and, whatever you decide, we'll respect it."

Silence once again descended upon them as James struggled to choose between the popular lifestyle he'd always known and the freedom they were offering, a life where no one would care what he did or control how he did it.

He let his dark eyes travel over the trio clumped together on one of the couches. The red haired girl who had a wicked sense of humor and a smile that made his heart flutter. The bookworm who hid the adventuress side of himself behind dusty tombs and quills and parchment. Then the supposed criminal who had a passion for motorbikes and a strong protective instinct around those he cared about. Looking at the three he allowed the faintest of smiles to flicker to life before he put on a cocky smirk, his decision made.

"Well, I guess I could share my precious time with you lot." He drawled as Sirius and Remus let out indigent cries. Lily, on the other hand, jumped up and hugged him tightly as they both laughed.

***

It was an hour later, when they'd gathered together their scattered emotions and caught up with one another about the last few days of their holidays; that they managed to make it to the fat lady without receiving a detention. Looking at the painting as she raised an eyebrow in question at them, they could almost feel the magnitude of their life-changing moment hit them.

"Are you ready?" James looked at his three companions – no, his three friends.

"As ready as I'll ever be; you two?" Sirius looked over with a slight smile.

"Yeah," Remus offered a bright smile that boosted their confidence and pushed away some of the nervous butterflies in their stomachs. Lily, however, had an almost pensive look on her face.

"Everything's about to change, isn't it?"

Grinning James grabbed her hand and squeezed it encouragingly.

"Just think of it as the beginning of our next great adventure."

With a large, confident smile he took a step forward and – offering a password – lead them through the entrance to not only the Gryffindor Common Room, but the entrance to a brand new life.

Then End.

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