Title: Glass Hearts

Rating: PG-13

Summary: The end of sixth year!

--

Marlene walked through the corridors. She had missed her whole week of OWLs, spending her time instead at St. Mungo's at her brother's bedside and with her family. She didn't know which one she would have rather been doing; exam after exam or worrying about her brother's health. Doug had broken multiple bones in his back and had nasty curses sent on him, so he was in intensive recovery.

As she passed students, faces followed her and people whispered to each other. She wondered if they thought she didn't notice. A few students said hi to her. "All right, Marlene?" Sophie asked.

"Yeah, thanks," Marlene said, giving her a smile.

Marlene made her way up to the seventh floor. She was tired, but not so much physically as emotionally. She had stayed with Doug's wife and his two-year-old son. Doug's wife had worried and cried and worried some more, and she reconsidered ever marrying him, and all this talk messed with Marlene's head.

She approached the portrait of The Fat Lady, and hoped the password was the same. "House-elves?" Marlene said hopefully.

The Fat Lady shook her head. "I'm sorry, dear," she said.

Marlene sighed, glancing around. Might as well wait. She sat across from the portrait. Professor McGonagall could have told her; she had met her at the gate, and she was talking to her mum. Oh, well. Sometime you got locked out of the common room. It was life. And sometimes your brother got attacked by batshit crazy Death Eaters.

About ten minutes later, James and Sirius came up the steps, singing the Hogwarts song in loud voices. "Marly!" James exclaimed.

"Our sister's back!" Sirius said.

"How's your brother?" James asked.

"He's going to be fine," Marlene replied, standing up. She wondered how many times she'd have to answer that question. "He's just got some back damage. He'll be out of St. Mungo's within a week."

"Hey, you want some pie?" Sirius asked.

Marlene smiled. "You got it on you?" she asked.

"To the kitchens!" James exclaimed.

James and Sirius started leading her back down seven floors. Despite the fact that she had just walked up all of them, Marlene went with them. It was nice to be back at Hogwarts and with people her own age. "How was exams week?" Marlene asked.

"Interesting," Sirius said. "I just got out of the hospital wing today. Snape broke half my ribs."

"Shut up," Marlene said, her eyes widening. What had she missed?

"There were eight of us fighting," James explained. "The four of us, Avery, Snape, Rosier, and Wilkes."

"You're kidding!" Marlene exclaimed.

"No way," Sirius said. "We have detentions until the end of the year."

"So, who won?" Marlene asked.

"Us, of course!" Sirius said, skipping the trick step. He ran down the steps three at a time, calling out, "Because Gryffindors are better!"

Smirking, James shrugged. "Remus got Wilkes pretty good," he said.

"We're talking about the same Remus, right?" Marlene said.

"Oh, yeah," James said, nodding. "Let's see...Lily and I Impedimenta'd Avery and Rosier. Sirius got Rosier with a Body-Bind, too."

"Lily?" Marlene repeated. "Wait, are you guys lying?"

Once on the ground floor, after a colorful conversation about the fight, they walked into a door by the main staircase. There was a portrait of a fruit basket. James tickled the pear. Marlene wasn't sure she heard or saw right, but it giggled and then turned into a door handle.

"And here we are," James said, leading them into the kitchens.

There was an enormous room much like the Great Hall on the other side of the portrait. There was dozens of house-elves cooking dinner. A handful of them rushed over to them. "Mister Potter! Mister Black!" he squeaked. "It is so good to see you!"

"Thank you, Snuffles," Sirius said. "This is our friend Marlene McKinnon. She would like some pie."

"What kind?" Snuffles asked Marlene with bright eyes.

"What kind do you have?" Marlene asked.

"We can make anything for you!" Snuffles exclaimed. "Apple, cherry, pumpkin, raspberry -"

Before he could go on, Marlene said, "How about some apple, then?"

"Apple pie it is!" Snuffles said. "Please sit, kind sirs and friend Marlene McKinnon."

The three of them sat down on the edge of one of the tables. Marlene stared around at their surroundings. There was a large fireplace on the other side of the room, and pots and pans covering the walls. "So, this is your secret," she said.

"Don't tell anyone," Sirius warned her.

"It's safe with me," Marlene said. "I can't believe they know you by name."

"Oh, of course," James said with a shrug. "We've been coming in here since...third year."

"Oh, my gosh!" Marlene exclaimed.

Within moments, they were eating apple pie, even though dinner smelled delicious. "Thanks," Marlene said.

"No problem," James said. "I was needing some pie myself. Exams suck."

Marlene nodded. "This week sucked," she said.

"But he's going to be okay, right?" Sirius asked.

"Yeah," Marlene said, "but what about next time? What about my other brother and my dad?"

There was a moment of silence. Marlene had spent so much time this week thinking about this, and she wanted it all to be over. She wanted the war to end so she wouldn't be afraid for her family. She knew others sympathized with her, and yet their fear overruled their desire for justice. They were sacred into submission, complacency. That wasn't going to be her. She would fight.

"Did they find out who attacked him?" James asked.

"Who cares?" Marlene said. "It happened."

James paused. "What do you mean who cares?" he asked.

"They're all following You-Know-Who," Marlene said. "If they hadn't have done it, someone else would have. What You-Know-Who wants to happen will happen. He has enough followers."

They were silent again, and Marlene took a bite of her apple pie. "It's going to end," she said. "Someday. . .this war will end."

--

James flicked his wand. "I solemnly swear I am up to no good," he said. The map - their masterpiece that had taken so much time and work - began to appear, ink lines coming together to form the halls and secrets of Hogwarts. Dots were moving around. Students were scattered around the grounds, many were outside, enjoying the return of the sunny weather. Mostly everyone was lazy, tomorrow the last day of classes.

He scanned the map and found the name he was looking for. The library. Of course.

He started walking towards the fourth floor. He was looking forward to another summer, but at the same time, he knew they would be leaving the safety of Hogwarts. There was a world out there that was in war; while they were in Hogwarts, they were effected, but not to a great extent.

James entered the library and roamed the empty rows. He found Lily at a table by a Charms section. "Hey," he said, sliding into the seat next to her.

"Hi," Lily said, giving him a small smile.

"Tomorrow's the last day of classes, you know," James replied.

"Really?" Lily said. "I had no idea."

James smiled. "Why are you in the library?" he asked.

"Charms," Lily said shortly.

"Tomorrow we're just having a party," James said.

Lily just looked at him, and he knew she had no intention of giving him an answer. "I just wanted to say thanks for sticking up for us the other day," James said. She had been on their side in front of McGonagall. "It didn't make it any better, but I think it means that you're starting to like us."

"It was just for Remus," Lily said coolly.

James rolled his eyes. "You were too shocked about him going postal on Wilkes," he said.

Lily gave him an indignant look, but James knew he was right. He was always right. "People don't think Remus can fight," James said with a shrug. "He doesn't like to, no, but everyone's good at something they don't want to be good at. He could tear me apart."

Lily paused, looking thoughtful. "But he'd never fight you," she said.

"Hopefully not," James said with a shake of his head. "Anyways, I appreciate it."

"How's Sirius?" Lily asked.

"Good," James said. "I'm pretty sure he passed all of his exams."

"He's pretty smart," Lily said fairly.

"That's what I told him," James replied.

This year had been an emotional roller coaster with Lily Evans. They had yelled at each other and ignored each other. They had kissed and hugged. She had hexed him, and he had slipped ice cubes down her shirt. They had seen each others underpants, they had laughed, and they had enjoyed each other's company. Somewhere down the road, they came to the point of being something close to friends, but not quite. It wasn't anything close to where James wished they were, but it was much better than where they had been at the beginning of the year.

"I still think you're an idiot for fighting with them," Lily said. "You're really the one who started it all."

James shrugged. "I don't like his dad," he said. "It's not my fault he had a problem with it."

Lily shook her head. "You're unbelievable," she said.

"What?" James said defensively. "Their family is. . .disgusting."

Lily looked away from him, continuing to shake her head. She looked thoughtful.

"What?" James said. "What are you thinking?"

"Nothing," Lily said. "I just. . .I just wonder what it's going to be like once we're out of school."

James nodded understandingly. "Me, too," he said. Would he and Sirius get enough NEWTs to become Aurors? Would they pass Auror training? How long would they survive? Who would become Death Eaters? Who would fight for good?

"I just have a feeling," Lily said, "that the next time you do something stupid like that, you might not get out alive."

James met her eyes, smirking. "Is that a note of concern I hear in your voice?" he asked. He batted his eyelashes. "Doth my ears deceive me?"

Rolling her eyes, Lily said, "Do you mind? I have things to do."

"That's it!" James pumped his fist in the air. "You didn't deny it. I exposed your weakness. You are succumbing to my charms."

"Sod off, James," Lily said.

"You see?" James stood up. "We're on a first-name basis. The world has never been more beautiful."

Lily let out a small laugh. "Keep walking," she said.

James walked backwards, winking at her. "Hey, owl me if you need anything this summer," he said. "I'd love to help you rub sunscreen on -" he ran into something solid. Turning around, he realized he had walked into Madam Pompfrey. "Sorry, Poppy."

--

"Are you scared?" Alice asked.

"A little bit," Frank replied.

The summer sun shone down on them. The puffy white clouds moved lazily across the clear blue sky. The air was full of laughter and voices. Today, the last day of classes, marked the end of the year, and the beginning of summer. Alice lay next to Frank on the grass by the lake, the two of them gazing up at the sky. She remembered their first kiss last summer; they had been in her backyard, stargazing, and he had kissed her unexpectedly.

Alice turned on her side and set her head on his shoulder. "Be careful," she said.

"Don't worry," Frank said gently.

The last six months had been crazy. She had spent her time keeping up with school while trying to juggle her emotions about the attack on her family that had taken two lives. Frank had been there for her the entire way through. She had cried in front of him more than her friends. He went out of his way to talk to her. They had both had lots of homework, but they had spent a lot of time together. She had never felt ready to be more than friends, although of course they were, but now, as she realized that he was leaving Hogwarts to go into Auror training, she didn't want to wait anymore.

She propped herself up on her elbow. "Frank," she said softly.

"Yeah?" Frank met her eyes.

"I'm not scared anymore," she said.

Somehow, he knew what she was talking about. She bent down, closing her eyes. Their lips met, and she didn't care anymore. She was ready to give him all of her, to trust him, to be there for him as he had been there for her. He reached up, touching the side of her face. She deepened the kiss, and even though people could see them, she didn't care. Let the rumors fly. Let Mary give her dirty looks. She loved Frank Longbottom.

--

Lily knew she has a difficult summer ahead of her. She was going to be working at St. Mungo's as an aid twenty hours a week. Professor McGonagall had worked it out for her; Lily would be ever grateful. She also knew that switching from home to work would be difficult. Her older sister had always been a pain, and she was practically engaged now. Lily was sure that once they decided to get married, she would be left out of the wedding plans completely. Their relationship had only worsened over the years. And as the war had as well, she didn't know how much she wanted to explain to her parents.

The students started boarding off of the Hogwarts Express. Parents greeted their children, their faces bright. Aurors lingered around, trying to look conspicuous. Lily saw the famous Mad-Eye Moody and let her eyes linger on him for a moment. He had a variety of scars on his face and one blue eye, which spun around, watching the happenings of the platform. With this eye he looked at Lily. She gave him a nod, then looked away, blushing a little bit.

Lily started saying goodbye to her friends. Mary's dad was attracting a small crowd. Mary rolled her eyes before pulling Lily into a hug. "Have fun at St. Mungo's," she said.

"Thanks," Lily said. "We should do something."

"Yeah!" Mary exclaimed. "Maybe I could get us tickets to a game or something."

"Cool!" Lily said. "Write me."

"I will," Mary promised. She pushed her cart over to her parents. Her and her mum pulled her dad out of the crowd of admiring fans.

Lily said goodbye to Candace and Debra, giving them hugs. Marlene pulled Lily over to her parents. Her dad was a large fellow with wispy hair. Marlene looked more like her mum, their light brown hair wavy and long, and the same smile.

"This is my dad Chris and this is my mum Abigail," Marlene said. "Mum, dad, this is my friend Lily."

"Nice to meet you," Chris said, shaking her hand.

"I can't believe we haven't met before," Abigail said brightly. "Marlene talks about you so much."

Marlene grinned at Lily. "What can I say?" she said.

"It's great to meet you," Lily said. "I've heard a lot of great things about you."

Marlene hugged Lily goodbye, the two of them promising to make plans that summer.

Everyone was saying goodbye to Frank, wishing him luck in Auror training. Lily gave him a quick hug. "Thanks for everything, Frank," she said. Even after her messy relationship with Paul, the two of them had remained friends. "Write me and let me know how everything's going."

"You, too, Miss Healer," Frank said.

Luckily for Mary, she wasn't around to see Alice and Frank kissing like no one else was around. Sirius and James made catcalls, and Frank's parents walked over while they pulled away. "Hello, Alice," his mother said, her smile bright. "I'm glad to see the two of you are getting along."

"That's an interesting way to put it," James said quietly to Lily.

Frank left with his parents while people waved goodbye. "He should have been Head Boy," Sirius said, shaking his head ruefully.

Bertram and Melissa had left already. Lily couldn't believe it was Melissa's last year. Even though they had only become friends this last year, Lily was sad to see her go. Bertram had given an hour-long speech at the last prefect meeting about how it had been his best year at Hogwarts. When he left the platform, James and Sirius had cheered.

The platform cleared quickly, and Lily waited patiently for her parents. It was around eleven thirty as she sat up against the wall, glancing around. James and Sirius were still there. After Mad-Eye Moody left, they made they way over to her, pushing their carts. Lily's owl Oscar hooted at the sight of new people.

"Your parents forget you?" Sirius asked.

Lily rolled her eyes. "Close enough," she said. They were busy, but Lily was used to it.

James sat on his trunk. "You know I don't really know anything about your parents," he said matter-of-factly.

"Let's keep it that way," Lily said.

"If we're going to get married, I'll become their son-in-law," James said. This made Sirius let out a bark-like laugh.

Lily gave him a look that said, In your dreams. James shrugged. "I just thought I might get an early start," he said.

"Honestly," Sirius said, "do you ever think you try too hard?"

James made a face at him. He looked at Lily, a smile on his face. "It's all in good fun," he said. "I mean, nothing would make me happier, but I know it probably won't happen."

Lily shook her head. "At least if everyone else rejects me, I know I'll have someone," she said.

"You'll always have two someones," Sirius said.

Lily and James looked at him with wide eyes. Lily didn't really think she could handle two Marauders after her. Especially if it meant they would fight even more.

"James and Snivellus," Sirius said.

Lily kicked him in the thigh, nearly pushing him off of his trunk. "Ow!" Sirius said, rubbing his leg. "It's true!"

"If Snape and I were the only males left, who would you choose to repopulate the earth?" James asked.

Putting her head in her hands, Lily wondered why, as she had many times before, James had chosen her to torture.

"She could have both of you," Sirius said.

"That's disgusting," Lily said, vocalizing the look on James's face. She knew who she would choose, but she wasn't about to say. "Don't ever say something like that again."

Sirius smirked. "So, what are you doing this summer, Red?" he asked.

"I'm working at St. Mungo's, actually," Lily said. "Twenty hours a week."

"Cool," James said. "I reckon Sirius and I will do...pretty much nothing. Sleep, Apparate around, party a little bit. Hey, we should do something."

"Hmm, sleeping, Apparating, and partying sounds exciting," Lily said dryly.

"Especially the partying part," Sirius said.

"Seriously," James said. "We live right by Jewel and Juniper, so we could all hang out."

Lily just nodded. "We'll see," she said. She didn't really think that hanging out with Sirius and James outside of school would be something she would do, but who knew? She never thought she'd be sitting here talking to them casually.

"Lily!"

Lily looked up and saw her parents approaching them. She smiled, standing up. "Hi, guys!" she said. She walked over and gave both of them hugs.

"How's my girl?" her dad asked, ruffling up her hair.

"I'm good!" Lily exclaimed. "Ready to go home."

James and Sirius had stood up and were leaning on their carts casually. "Oh," Lily said. Her mum's green eyes sparkling, she led them over to the two boys. "Mum, dad, this is James and Sirius. Guys, these are my parents."

"Nice to meet you," Rose said warmly, shaking their hands.

"We've heard a lot about you," Edward said.

"Oh, really?" Sirius raised his eyebrows.

"Only good things, right?" James asked.

Everyone laughed a little bit, knowing what was really said about James at the Potter house. "Of course," Rose said lightly.

"You ready?" Edward asked. "Maybe we can go out to eat."

"I want to meet your sister," James said.

Lily smirked at him, thinking of all the things she could say. No, you don't. She doesn't want to meet you. "Well, maybe next year," she said. She started to push her cart, but her dad took it for her. "I'll see you guys in September."

"Have a good summer," James said, waving as they walked off.

Lily and her parents walked through the barrier that brought them back into the Muggle world.

--

A/N: Sorry this took forever to get up! But alas, sixth year is over. We've still got loads of fun ahead - the summer, seventh year, and beyond! I can't decide whether to start a new story or just continue it with this one. Decisions, decisions...please review!