Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing that you would recognize as the fantastic work of J.K. Rowling. I only take credit for those OC characters that appear here.

Sirius and James left Dumbledore's office, leaving Eileen behind. When they reached the bottom of the staircase where the gargoyles stood, James let his breath out in a rush. Sirius could hardly agree more and for a moment they seemed to communicate with their identical looks of incredulity.

'You know for once I honestly don't know how to respond to that.' Said James finally, running his hand through his untidy black hair.

'The feeling is mutual mate.' Agreed Sirius as they slowly headed back towards Gryffindor Tower.

'I guess this means Grey is on our side then.' Said James, glancing at Sirius.

'I guess so.' He said, slightly bewildered.

'You've got it bad for her don't you?' said James, a deadly grin spreading across his face.

Sirius tried and failed to look incredulous. James snickered and Sirius gave him a slight shove which only caused James's laugh to ring clearly through the corridor.

'What do you plan to do about it?'

'What do you mean?' asked Sirius as they pushed their way through the goat tapestry.

'Grey. Dumbledore wants us to be a part of the Order and he obviously believes she's not totally barmy or he wouldn't have asked her too.'

Sirius half shrugged in agreement. 'She may not be running to be a Death Eater but I can't speak to whether she isn't barking mad.'

'You'd know all about being barking mad Padfoot.' Said Lily, opening the portrait hole as they walked towards it.

'It's a perfect fit then!' said James, earning a glowering look from Sirius. They climbed into the common room where Remus and Peter were looking up eagerly from the Marauders map.

'We took this out when you didn't come back Padfoot.' Said Remus apologetically.

'What were you doing with Dumbledore?' Said Peter.

James took a seat opposite Sirius around the fire and the others joined them, Lily leaning against James's legs.

'Dumbledore wants us, all of us, to join the Order of the Phoenix once we're done here.' Said James, an excitement radiating from him.

'What?' said Lily, looking shocked.

'Yeah, he said that it's more important now than ever to become united in our efforts to defeat Voldemort and he said that we would be welcome to help the resistance once we are out of school.' Said James.

Sirius could tell James was in his element, that James felt with every fiber of his being that this was the right path to follow and Sirius knew that he'd risk everything to be right there with James, his brother.

'He doesn't think we are a bit, young?' asked Lily, voicing an opinion that Sirius didn't even consider. The look on James's face told him he hadn't considered it either.

'We are all of age now Lily, Dumbledore knows that.' Said James.

A slight crease formed between Lily's eyes. 'I don't know James, it's dangerous.'

'Of course it's dangerous Lily.' Said Sirius, leaning forward and scratching his head. 'It will still be dangerous if we aren't doing anything. Personally I'd rather know what's happening than be sitting at home waiting for the Death Eaters to show up and do me in.'

'Remus, what do you think?' asked Lily, searching for neutral ground.

They all looked expectantly at Remus. He seemed to pale slightly at their attention but smiled slightly. 'I think Sirius is right Lily. I don't think Dumbledore would have asked us if he didn't feel we were capable.'

Sirius beamed with pride at Remus and Remus rolled his eyes at him.

'But these Death Eaters won't be like duelling here over petty things, they will be dueling to kill us!' she exclaimed.

'Lily, we realise this. I'm not saying I'm going to go out and start looking for a fight with the first Death Eater we come across. I don't think it will be like that. Dumbledore explained that a lot of it is being careful, collecting information, and planning. Remus is right, he would never send us out if we couldn't handle our enemies.' Said James, reflecting a calmness that seemed to settle over them.

'Our enemies.' Said Lily softly, shaking her head slightly.

'He also said that if we wanted we would have access to a friend of his inside the Auror office that could help train us.' Said Sirius, remembering.

This seemed to settle the matter with Lily somehow and she sighed deeply but leaned back against James's legs.

'So what was Eileen Grey doing there then?' asked Remus.

'Dumbledore asked her as well.' Said James, shooting Sirius a grin.

Remus and Lily had both picked up on it.

'I thought she was a Death Eater?' said Peter, confused.

'Apparently not.' Said Sirius dryly.

'What was his reasoning for asking her, did he say?' asked Remus, catching on Sirius's reluctance.

'Something to do with Padfoot of course.' Said James whose ear spitting grin made Sirius laugh in spite of himself.

'That's not what he meant at all Prongs you git.'

'Sure, tell us what he did mean then.' Said James, still amused with himself.

'I've told you what I know about her, Dumbledore must know it too.' Said Sirius, avoiding Lily's eye.

'Oh my! Remus! The time! Our exam!' exclaimed Lily suddenly, leaping to her feet and in a blaze of red hair she was firing herself around the room collecting quills and notes.

Remus went wide-eyed and had shot directly out of his chair after her and not thirty seconds later the two of them had disappeared in a whirlwind of robes with the fat lady yelling after them about manners.

James, Peter and Sirius simply stared at the portrait as it swung shut with a clunk. They exchanged a look with each other and it was too much, Sirius's mouth curved upwards as Peter's eyes sparkled and they were off, roaring in laughter until their sides hurt and feeling giddy with the excitement of all that had been revealed to them that day.

The final week seemed to pass by in a haze of reminiscent laughter and a sad but eager determination to finally be able to say that they were, after seven amazing, trying, perfect years, finally graduating from Hogwarts. To top off the exhilaration they were feeling, Sirius had come into a small fortune left to him by his Uncle Alphard who had died the day after exams ended. Sirius had only met him on a couple of occasions but he had liked the old man and clearly the feeling was mutual. He was still wrapping his head around the amount of his inheritance and what to do with it as he, James, Peter and Remus spent the day gathering their belongings from the dormitory and the common room and packing while chatting happily.

"You both have to come over this summer of course.' James was saying absently to Remus and Peter.

'Thanks James that would be great.' Said Remus, smiling and stacking his textbooks neatly into his trunk.

'I think I'll buy a flat.' Said Sirius suddenly, the idea striking him.

'You don't want to stay with me anymore?' said James laughing.

'Why don't you move in with me?' he said, excitement spurring more ideas into his head.

'I'm joking Padfoot, I think Mum's trying to keep me at home while she can for now. Save me a room, mate.'

Sirius grinned at him and turned to Remus. 'Why don't you move in with me Moony?' he said, ignoring Remus's appalled look as he haphazardly chucked his things into his trunk.

'You want to live with me?' asked Remus, looking uncertain.

'Moony, I haven't offed you in seven years I'm sure if the urge was there it's passed.' Said Sirius, making Peter and James snicker.

'I – Padfoot, I don't have any -.' He started and realising what he was going to say Sirius quickly cut him off.

'I wouldn't accept it even if you did Moony. Just shut up and move in with me.'

'I'll talk to Mum about it.' Said Remus, growing red but smiling anyway.

'Where is Lily heading for the Summer Prongs?' asked Peter who had finished packing and was sitting on his bed.

'Home with her parents. She's invited me to visit though. I can't wait – They're muggles you know.' He said, looking bewildered at the idea of staying with Muggles.

'Lily's muggle-born? I didn't know.' Said Sirius sarcastically, dodging a pair of rolled up socks James tossed at him.

Sirius finished packing and went over to harass James by sneakily removing things and sending them into various corners of the room. Peter snickered lightly, catching on as James, huffing, went to recover some quills he had just packed from across the room. Sirius plucked out the Marauders map and pointed his wand at it. He watched as it came to life and filled with the dots of the hundreds of students milling about the school. He leaned back, abandoning James's trunk, and watched the dots on the map going around the school in a busy little way that made him feel comfortable and at home. He hadn't really considered his feelings about leaving but he knew, like the others, that he was sad in a way to leave. Hogwarts had become more of a home than that of his parent's dreadful house, and it was his escape from their relentless disappointment. He felt great that he could get his own place now and especially that if Moony moved in, he wouldn't have to stay there alone. It was a thought he wasn't particularly enjoying because it made him remember too many nights alone in his room in his parents' house, listening to them argue or worse discuss his unsavoury behaviour. He had felt alone in that house even when there were people there, he couldn't imagine staying alone in his house now with absolutely no one. He pushed those thoughts away, resolving to make it his mission to insure Remus or James moved in.

He stared down at the map, watching Dumbledore sitting in his office with Professor McGonagall and Professor Slughorn and he wondered briefly what they were discussing. His eyes traveled over the map to the dungeons where he spotted Regulus's name in his own Dorm and savoured a bitter thought for his younger brother. Maybe if he had spent more time with him when they were younger, oh well the time had passed for that, Regulus was as good as a Death Eater now. Sirius hoped he never would have the opportunity to find out personally. He watched as Regulus's dot moved to the Slytherin common room where it moved over next to the dot that read Eileen Grey. Sirius frowned, and felt something rumble inside of him that he wasn't enjoying.

'You okay Mate, you look like you swallowed some of Hagrid's cooking.' Said James, and Sirius realised he had been making faces at the parchment.

'We should go see him, one last time.' Said Peter, looking eager as always.

Sirius looked back down at the map and noticed that Grey had left the common room and was heading towards the owlery. Making up his mind he jumped up and stuffed the map into his back pocket.

'I'll be back, and then we can go see Hagrid.' He said, tucking his wand away.

'Where are you going?' asked James.

'To see Eileen Grey, maybe I can return the favour of popping up around corners like a git.' He said, earning a smile from James and a narrowed look from Remus.

He left the common room, waving briefly at Lily and Mary MacDonald.

Remus had this annoying way of making it apparent that he could see straight through Sirius and Sirius resolved himself to be less obvious about Eileen Grey. He took the steps to the owlery two at a time, hoping that she was still there.

She was. Her back turned, tying a letter to the leg of a large barn owl. Sirius considered her for a moment, enjoying the fact that he for once had the upper hand in their meeting. She turned and spotted him, jumping slightly and a rose-coloured blush spreading up her cheeks.

'If I didn't know better I'd say you're up to no good. And as I do know better I'm sure you are.' He said, smiling at her and leaning against the open door frame.

'You startled me. I was sending a letter to Hector if you must know.' She said but could tell she was amused.

She strode over to him and leaned against the wall, peering out the hole in the wall.

'Hard to believe we're leaving isn't it?' she said, smiling sadly.

'What are you going to do after this?' he asked and they both knew he wasn't asking about her summer plans.

'I'm going home. Dumbledore doesn't think they'll try much straight away, especially if I go home and continue pretending to be their adoring daughter.' She said, and Sirius noted the bitterness in her voice.

'You don't think that it's a good idea?' he asked, admiring her and feeling his stomach flip as she pushed a lock of wavy blond hair behind her ear.

'It's not that I don't agree I just wanted out. Hector and Dumbledore both crooning about patience though. I just want to run.' She looked longingly out over the grounds and Sirius nodded silently, following her gaze.

She looked back at him and her expression softened. 'I was right to harass you into speaking to me you know.'

'You think so?' he said, enjoying her daring.

'Yes, it's very nice to say these things to someone and not be looked at like someone who needs protecting.'

Sirius gave her a smile and stood. 'What about when they do try something, as you said?'

'I'm not sure. Dumbledore said he would contact me before then. I suppose I'll be joining the Order then. Hector has been involved for a while.'

'Yea he mentioned he would contact us as well.' Said Sirius, not liking the uncertainty of waiting.

'You think this Order will make a difference Black?'

'I do.' He said with conviction and she seemed to be reassured by it.

'Well perhaps I'll see you at some point this summer Black. It's nice to think there is a friendly face out there while I'm locked up at home.'

Sirius gave her an understanding smile and turned with her to go back down the stairs.

'Didn't you come up here to mail something?' she said and Sirius felt suddenly like he was caught red handed.

'Um – I. No.' He said and they stopped in the stair case and looked at each other.

'Did you come here just to see -,' but what she was going to say was cut off as Filch stomped towards them looking irritated and angry.

He seemed to draw in a breath as he seen them standing there looking back at him. Sirius was slightly flushed from being caught and a blush had risen into Eileen's face.

'Hmm, and what have you two little beasts been up to hmm? Making a mess somewhere no doubt,' he spat at Sirius, eyeing them both. 'Thought you'd cause some trouble right before you left for good did you Black!'

Eileen went to open her mouth but Sirius widened his eyes at her. Unfortunately Filch caught the look.

'Empty your pockets now, let's see what trouble you've been making.'

With great trepidation Sirius turned over the marauders map, which thankfully had been cleared. Eileen dropped some owl feed into his hand, looking stony faced and irritated.

'I'm sorry Mr. Filch. You do realise that I'm a prefect. We've been sending a last-minute owl. I don't see any offense in this. I suggest you hand Black back his parchment and I'll take that,' she plucked the owl feed out of his open hand. 'I would hate to have to tell Professor Slughorn that I've had property taken from me on my last night here, being his favourite student. I'm sure you understand Mr. Filch, we wouldn't want to bother Professor Slughorn with that would we?'

Sirius had to admit he was impressed with her audacity and had to fight to repress his glee over the look on Filch's face.

Sirius could see his beady eyes working at what she said and he threw a nasty look at Sirius. 'You have your belongs Miss Prefect, this however,' he waved the map temptingly beneath Sirius's nose. 'I'll be keeping. I'm sure it's got some secrets it could tell me.' He threatened and Sirius felt his stomach drop slightly. Remus and James would kill him if he lost the map to Filch of all people. Before he could respond Eileen cut across him.

'Don't be ridiculous it's spare parchment.'

'We will see about that.' He said and he turned and walked away from them, Mrs. Norris swishing her tail in a satisfied way.

'Fuck.' He said, scratching his head to think.

'That wasn't a spare bit of parchment was it?' asked Eileen, looking sorry.

'No. Bloody hell. Prongs is going to murder me.'

'Who is Prongs?' she asked, stowing the owl food back in her pocket.

Sirius gazed up at her, the ridiculousness of the situation washing over him. He had just lost the map because he had wanted to see this strange, messed up, confusing and compelling girl. She had at least fought for him and his insides did a dance that made him grin at her.

She looked at him, confused but smiled back.

'Oh well at least you got your bird food back.' He said, ignoring her question and continuing down the stairs.

She laughed. 'Oh yes, it would have been devastating to lose that.'

He chuckled with her as they reached the landing.

They turned to each other and Sirius felt his stomach betraying him again.

'So maybe I'll see you this summer.' He said.

'Yea, possibly. Cross your fingers I'm not blown to bits before then.' She smiled slightly at her attempted joke.

'I sincerely hope you aren't blown to bits.' He said and feeling that reckless fire blaze through him he stepped closer to her and placed a kiss on her cheek.

She stepped back quickly and touched her cheek where his lips had been. Her face was blank but that rose blush was glowing across her face and Sirius felt his own heat considerably.

'Sorry. Um- Good luck. Don't get blown up.' He said, and turning he walked away from her, feeling her eyes boring into his back.

He didn't know what made him do it but he felt smug and warm and she had smelled so sweet that close and her skin against his lips had been enough to make him want to turn and walk back to her. He grinned boyishly at nothing at all and felt for once that he had left her standing shocked and confused. He considered it a personal accomplishment and a great change of routine.

Dumbledore, McGonagall, Flitwick, Sprout and Slughorn stood on the bank of the lake watching the group of graduating seventh year students climb into the small boats. They were all dressed in black except for the different coloured hoods they wore in representation of their various houses. Lily and James had led the precession down from the great hall with school prefects after them and finally each of the houses.

James climbed in the first boat followed by Sirius and Remus. Peter took the boat with Lily and Mary Macdonald, exactly as they had on their very first night at Hogwarts seven years ago.

'Is it just me or have these boats shrunk since the last time we were in them?' asked Sirius, having to crunch his legs up to accommodate James and Remus.

'No you've just grown about two feet since then mate, and gained at least six stone.' Said Remus, laughing.

The professors stepped closer to them and Dumbledore beamed at them all crammed into the tiny boats. Sirius had a feeling that they rather enjoyed the spectacle of grown adults trying to fit themselves in boats made for eleven year olds.

'Finally! Finally your heads are filled with as much knowledge as we can impart upon you! Leave Hogwarts now as adults in the same way you came to us as children, with a sense of wonder and excitement at what your lives will hold!' and with a flick of his wand and a smile that radiated over them all Dumbledore sent the tiny boats moving across the water.

Sirius eyed Eileen Grey riding in a boat a few over from his. She was crammed between Snape and some Slytherin girl and she looked both excited and apprehensive. Sirius didn't blame her, he wouldn't want to go back to what she was going to either.

When the little boats hit the other side of the lake they all climbed eagerly out of them, stretching their legs and chatting happily. Their trunks and belongings had been brought down to the train earlier and James, Remus, Sirius, Peter and Lily boarded the train looking for an empty compartment.

Finding one near the back of the train they gathered into it and settled down. Once the rest of the train was full of students the whistle blew and the train started to roll out of the station.

'I can't believe this is the last time we will be here. This is the last time we will ride this train together.' Said Lily sadly, gazing out the window as the train picked up speed.

'I'm sure we will find ourselves back here at some point.' Said Remus absently, pulling a book down and making himself comfortable in the corner.

'Our kids will get to come back here.' Said James happily and Lily shot him a 'don't get ahead of yourself' kind of look that made Sirius and Peter laugh.

'So when are you going to look for a flat Sirius?' asked Peter.

'I'm going back to James's place for a few weeks and we will look while I'm staying there. You'll let me know Moony if you're moving in right?' asked Sirius, plucking the book out of Moony's hands.

'Yes Sirius I will, give me that back.' He said, trying to snatch his book back.

'No. You can give us your attention for the next few hours until you finally run away from us.' He said, tucking Remus's book behind him.

Remus rolled his eyes but gave in and pulled out a chess board to engage Lily in a game.

James, Sirius and Peter chatted happily while Remus relentlessly beat Lily at chess. After her fifth defeat Lily got up and pulled some muggle clothing out of her trunk.

'Well boys we should be there soon, I'm going to go change. I'll be right back.' She slid out into the corridor, shutting the compartment door behind her.

'Well you heard the lady.' Said Sirius, pulling his graduation hood over his head followed by his black robes.

Remus, Peter and James followed suit and five minutes later they were all changed into jeans and t-shirts and the train was slowing significantly. Lily returned wearing shorts and a t-shirt and Sirius grinned as he watched James take her in.

'She's all yours mate, no need to stare.' Sirius whispered to him as they pulled their trunks down.

James laughed. 'Mate I'll be staring at her for the rest of my life.'

Sirius and James grinned at each other as the train rolled to a stop and the whistle sounded again telling them they could unload.

Sirius always hated getting off the train because he would have to see his parents and it was always an unpleasant experience as his mother stared him down while he went off with the Potters.

As if his thoughts had magically materialized them, his parents were standing there, greeting Regulus as he pulled his trunk off the train. As if on cue his mother looked up and they stared at each other briefly. James noticed and quickly stepped within his line of sight and Sirius turned quickly and headed towards James's parents who were beaming at them a few feet away.

'Boys, it's so good to see you both. How do you feel? Graduated!' said Mrs. Potter, engulfing James and then Sirius into warm hugs. Sirius saw his father throw him a nasty look before they disappeared beyond the barrier.

'Mrs. and Mr. Potter, it's so nice to see you again.' Said Remus, who had come over and shook Mr. Potter's hand.

Remus was surprised as Mrs. Potter pulled him into a hug as well and then grabbed Peter and Lily and did the same. Looking embarrassed but pleased they let the Potter's chat with Remus, Lily and Peter's parents.

'Look.' Said Remus quietly, motioning with his head behind Sirius.

Eileen Grey was climbing off the train and heading towards two people that could only be her parents. Her father was a large dark-haired and bearded man who seemed to look over the crowd with an air of authority. Sirius noticed he had Eileen's moss coloured eyes but with no hint of the friendliness and sparkle that Eileen's had. Sirius wasn't intimated by him but he could understand why someone might feel that way. The man looked dangerous and nasty. They both wore dark robes and looked out-of-place in the crowd of excited families. Her mother, who was tall and thin had silver blond hair that was twisted into a knot at the back of her head. Sirius remembered she was related to the Malfoys and the resemblance to them was uncanny. She hugged Eileen briefly before releasing her and turning to leave.

Sirius looked back at his friends. 'Seem pleasant don't they?'

'Right cheery almost.' Said James dryly.

'Well, I'll owl you all and let you know what we are doing this summer.' Said James, changing the subject.

'Yea and Moony don't forget abou-,' started Sirius.

'I won't forget about it Padfoot.' Laughed Remus.

James and Lily hugged and James gave her a quick kiss on the lips. Sirius watched Lily's sister, Rose or Daffodil, or whatever her name was, give them a dirty look. Sirius couldn't help himself and catching her eye he winked hugely. The girl went red and moved out of view behind her parents.

James moved and hugged both Remus and Peter quickly. Sirius did the same and gave Lily a tight hug. 'See you all soon!' he said as he went to join the Potter's heading back into muggle London.

Author's note: Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please leave a review, it's so greatly appreciated!