Hey guys - so I quickly edited the chapter - I missed out Marlene. Sorry. Thanks to Kasyntra for letting me know...

Here you go... the last chapter. Thanks to everyone who has faithfully read this story and especially those who have graced me with a review or two... I absolutely love hearing what you think and some of you have been ridiculously encouraging!

Chapter 79:

That evening the Gryffindors tried their hardest to be happy. It was the end of another school year yet the Great Hall was full of anticipation and fear. Professor Dumbledore stood to his feet, "Well there is much to say… first that I am proud to say that another year has passed and whilst some of you have disappointed me," his eyes fell on the Slytherins, "others have shown such courage and virtue that I am overwhelmed. As you all know Holly Kilmont died fighting to protect the students of this school. She was a superb auror and an amazing teacher. She was even better friend," his eyes lingered on James. "She was not the only person to fight on that particular night. If I were to tell you their names most of you would not be surprised. Many of you have been rescued by these people before. They show bravery that is expected of their house and then some… Peter Pettigrew, could you come here?" The small pudgy boy walked up to his headmaster, "for your bravery I award you fifty points and an award for special service to the school." Dumbledore shook the shocked boy's hand. Peter returned to his place at the table clutching his award. "Remus Lupin… for your incredible use of brains and an understanding of non-verbal spells at the age of thirteen; I award you fifty points and an award for special service to the school." Remus stared at his award in amazement.

Dumbledore smiled at the people around the hall, "Most of you will never know what really happened on that night… it will become the thing of rumours and you won't know the truth from the lie. You will have no idea, what it meant for Kate Stone to defend her friends and her school. Kate… for your love and your loyalty I give you fifty points and a special award for services to the school." Kate cried as she read her name on the plack. "You will probably never need to appreciate the courage it takes to stand up for your beliefs and your values when everyone you love most disagrees with you… Sirius Black has integrity even in the face of opposition…" He caught Sirius' eye as he passed him his plack. "For your brillant integrity I offer you fifty points and a special award for services to the school." Dumbledore saw a tear glisten in the boy's eye. "Alice Prewett… the girl who will never give up… Alice for your persistence I award you fifty points and a special award for service to the school." Alice hugged her headmaster before returning to her seat. Dumbledore chuckled, "Many of you will know that Marlene McKinnon has something us teachers call attitude. She may at times seem stubborn but in truth it is her firmness and clarity of mind that always keeps her on the right track. Marlene, you always seem to know what you want and how to get it. You read people as if they were a book on your shelf. You have a discernment of hearts that is rarely seen in someone your age. For your ability to see what other's fail to see, I give you fifty points and a special award for service to the school."

"Every year we have the priveldge of welcoming new witches and wizards into the magical community. Last year we had the amazing honour of welcoming Lily Evans. She came and made herself at home," his face lit up, "and she never once allowed what many sadly consider weakness to pull her down or stop her achieving. Instead she took what some would disregard and made it beautiful. Lily, I award you fifty points and a special award for services to the school because you made it your home, and you protected it accordingly, regardless of the fact that many did not make you feel welcome."

Lily smiled at Albus as she accepted her award. Dumbledore took a deep breath, "James Potter… one of the bravest boys I know… none of you know what he has done for this school. Not just this year either but consistently. He has been sacrificing so much consistently. He repeatedly has risked his own life for the lives of others. James, for your consistency and your stability I give you fifty points and a special award for service to the school. You are someone to truly rely upon, even in the dierest of circumstances." James shook his headmaster's hand. "The final award goes to Mary MacDonald. Now Mary didn't fight… instead she kept her wits about her in a different way. She served in the hospital wing caring for the hurt and the injured without once complaining. I would suggest Mary – you may have found yourself an occupation. You'd make a splendid nurse. For having a gentle touch when even the softest fingers hurt, I give you fifty points and a special award for services to the school."

Dumbldore took another breath, "I don't think I need to tell you who won the house cup this year." The headmaster chuckled. "Probably don't need to tell you that Slytherin lost either. Alas… it is a tradition. In fourth place with five points… Slytherin. In third place with 357 points… Hufflepuff. In second place, Ravenclaw with 421 points… and finally Gryffindor win the house cup with a total of 972 points… I do believe that might be some sort of a record. Tuck in!"

They spent ages eating the amazing meal that the house-elves had created for them. When all the dishes were once more empty, Dumbledore called for their attention once more; "Well, the year is over. This coming year may prove even more challenging than the one just gone. I ask that you follow the example of your fellow students… be brave, be clever, be loving and loyal, have courage and integrity, be persistent and never give up, be ever vigilant, defend what is right, be consistent and stable so that other's can always rely on you and finally have a gentle touch when the situation requires it. There is much that we will learn over the next few years but I look forward to going on that journey of exploration, that journey of learning with you all. For those of you who will be leaving us, you will be missed. For those of you who will be returning, I look forward to it. There may be dark clouds overheard and there may be a lot of uncertainty around us but one thing that will never change is this school. Until next year…"

The train journey the next morning seemed longer than usual. The Gryffindor second years sat together. "I'm scared," Mary admitted.

"Don't be… no matter what happens we'll face it together," James began, "We're stronger…"

"When we're united," Alice finished.

"Dumbledore was right… we still have Hogwarts… it's still home," Sirius said.

"Oh Si, you know that mum is expecting you at ours for the whole summer don't you? She arranged it with your parents and everything," James told his best friend. "We need to make the most of the summer before Nancy and everyone move into their own place."

"She already got her own place?" Sirius asked.

"No…" James smiled, "Mum and dad want to buy them a house…"

"Ah of course," Sirius laughed, "the Potter's and their extravagant gifts."

They were pulling into Kings Cross. The friends had a big group hug. "I'm going to miss you guys," Marlene cried.

"Ah come on Marley… you'll be round mine like every day," James laughed.

"I spose…" She snuffled.

"Come on pretty girl…" Sirius wrapped his arm around her and helped her carry her trunk off the train.

James looked at Lily as she struggled to carry her trunk. He wanted to help her but he couldn't. He poked Remus, "help her."

Remus frowned, "Why don't you."

"I can't. Please."

Remus went to the girl's rescue. James watched from the side of the platform as her parents welcomed her. Dorea and Charlus hugged him tightly. "I'm so glad you are home, James."

"Me too mum," James replied, still watching the girl that he cared too much for.

Well as ever... please review...

I'll upload a author's note when I start the sequel... but you might want to author alert me so you definitely hear about it. :)

Love you guys! Actually really do... it's been so awesome having you read my story!