Chapter 49: Finals

The fight between Mary and Jamie lasted up to NEWTS. Between everything going on Lily felt ready to pull out her hair. Her first exam was after lunch and she was having one final freak out. Defense was first.

"You ready?" James asked her before stuffing his mouth with a biscuit. Lily shook her head, feeling tense. "At least eat something." He coaxed handing her the other half of his roll.

"I'm not hungry." She told him.

"You think better on a full stomach."

"You really do. It's been proven." Remus added.

"See. Come on." James slid the bread closer to her mouth.

"No." Lily told them.

"It's easy." Sirius told her. "You just pick up the food, place in mouth, and swallow. It's easy."

"It's not that I don't know how." She snapped. "And you forgot a step."

"Did not."

"Did to. Pick up food, place in mouth, chew, then swallow." she ticked them off her fingers.

"Chew?" Sirius tried the word several times as if he'd never heard of it before. James let the subject drop going back to his food.

Lily'd gotten snippy, so he'd discovered it was safer to just pick the battles and let things like eating go. He rubbed her arm giving her a small smile, silently telling her it would be okay. She didn't crack a smile, but somehow felt reassured all the same.

After they ate they herded up to the common room for half an hour before they'd go to the first exam.

Ivy started a game of chess with James, Ambre had class so Remus sat with Sirius watching the game and talking randomly. Lily felt the need to be distracted. She couldn't stand sitting still with something as important as this exam looming over her. She wasn't sure if she was going to pass or not, but she was sure she knew the material.

James moved out his knight first. Then Ivy moved a pawn in front of a rook.

"Peanut butter." James said suddenly causing Lily to stop her pacing.

"What?"

"Toffee." He said.

"Peach." Sirius added as if this was some game.

"Beans." this time it was Remus to add something. Lily frowned at them.

"Hot dog." James said.

"Biscuit." Lily said still confused, but not thinking about the exam, instead trying to figure out the boys randomness.

"Chocolate frog." Sirius said.

"Chicken." Remus went on.

"Carrot." Said James smiling at Lily.

She was still frowning as she said, "Gram cracker."

"Fudge." Ivy pitched in.

"Licorice." James continued immediately. That along with following the game of chess was enough to keep Lily's mind busy enough.

After each exam that week the group of five, or sometimes six, would go down to the lake and discuss it. Make fun of their examiners or the ridiculous questions. Mary and Jamie continued to avoid each other, so Lily didn't see a lot of them. And when she did it was during exams, dinner, or at night.

-~-

The year really was ending and by the way things were going Mary and Jamie were never going to make up. They just silently avoided each other. Giving the other the cold shoulder. It was a bit ridiculous actually.

After the final exam all the stress of the year felt lifted. Lily lay sprawled out on the grass under the tree by the lake, her head resting on James' leg. Remus sat in the tree enjoying a book, while Sirius and Peter skipped rocks in the lake.

Lily's shirt sleeves were rolled up, her shoes and socks scattered across the lawn almost forgotten. Her robe inside the castle. James had his shirt unbuttoned, the tie hanging undone around his neck, his trainers laying near Lily's and his pants rolled up to let the wind brush against his legs, the sun warming them. His school robe was already packed.

Sirius's uniform was almost matching James', his pants rolled up, trainers forgotten on the lawn, but unlike James, Sirius took off his shirt completely. Reveling his well formed muscles. Peter on the other hand, had the hems of his pants soaked through, since he couldn't get them to stay rolled up they sagged in the water, his tie was loose, but not undone, and his shirt was fastened.

Students lay under various trees on the grounds, enjoying the few days left before they'd go home. Start a new chapter of their life or prepare to continue their education. A new adventure awaiting all of them.

Girls watched giggling as Sirius flaunted his body, every so often he would dip under the surface to get more rocks, coming back up with water glistening off of him. His hair falling out of it's dark pony tail.

This was the moment Lily wanted to remember for the rest of her life. The ease and calm of simplicity. Her friends nearby soaking up the sun and warmth. Her love forever close by.

What she didn't know though, was what laid tucked in his back pocket. It was something that would change the rest of their lives. None of them were ready, but all of them were willing. All it took was a simple answer, and everything would change until the end. If they lived that long.

So I know this is a rather short chapter and it leaves you on a cliff. -what's in his pocket? -Is Dumbledore ever going to talk to talk to them? -How does James propose? -What becomes of Mary and Jamie? -When does Moldy, excuse me, Voldemort, ask them to join his side? --And if you weren't asking these Questions I bet you are now.
Well don't worry. There is one more chapter to go and I promise it's long. I'm not even half way done and it's a good 2,600 words. The size of my average chapter. I would make it into 2 but no so don't even ask.

I would love a review though!