Its been a while since I have posted on this story but I felt it was high time to add a extra chapter in. I worked for a long time on this one. Its quite emotional with a lot happening in it so I hope you will give me some nice reviews and enjoy!!

Chapter 6

The aftermath of the ministry attack was great. People were even more anxious and protection over everything went up. The gang tried to stay unaffected but it was hard. James and Lily spent as much time together in between work, with for both had become a lot more. Eddie and Sirius seemed to be less like themselves in that instead of joking around with each other they seemed more serious and intense about their relationship. Issy and Remus didn't seem to spend much time together at all really. Lexi put the idea of the club article to the paper and they seemed to like and said they would do a piece on it. When she next spoke to Harry he said that business had picked up a little. People were determined not to let the war affect their entire lives. Lexi's relationship with Caleb had gotten to a new level aswell, they were closer than ever. They still hadn't slept together, they knew they both didn't want to rush in. When their three month anniversary came around Caleb wanted to take Lexi out for dinner. It was odd that they hadn't told anyone about their relationship yet. They knew no one would disapprove. But they just kept it secret out of habit. They went out for dinner and afterwards made love for the first time, it was beautiful and romantic and everything Lexi and Caleb had hoped it would be. Afterwards they decided it was time to tell people about their relationship. It was like they both became ready once they had got to a certain point with each other. The next week was bliss. She told her friends about the relationship. Although they were confused about why she hid it for so long they were exstatically happy for her. She was so happy, Caleb was being perfect, sending her flowers at work. Then he surprised to her with a candle lit dinner at her house, which she so knew afterwards her friends had known about because he clearly hadn't cooked the meal as she knew for a fact that he could actually burn water. He proposed that night and she accepted. It was the happiest night of her life. She cried with happiness when he asked her and accepted straight away. She couldn't believe it had happened to her. She had found love later than all her friends but was the first to get married. It was crazy.

The next morning however she was met with a heavy dose of vomiting. Caleb had stayed the night and was worried.

"It can't of been the cooking," He said looking guilty, " As I didn't exactly cook it."

"Don't worry I'm sure its nothing." Though she knew it was something. She said nothing and smiled. She began to feel slightly better and went off the work. In her lunchbreak however she went to a muggle pharmacy and bought a pregnancy test. She went back to work and went into the loo and took the test. She waited for the most agonising two minutes of her life. Time went by so slowly until finally a red cross appeared on the little circle. Positive. She couldn't believe it. She was pregnant. How was that possible? She knew HOW it was possible of course, she just couldn't believe her luck. In one week her life had been turned upside down. She was extactic but apprehensive about telling Caleb. How would he react?

Elsewhere Lily and James were enjoying a joint day off, they had stayed in bed so far that day and were just lying about doing nothing. Lily lay in James bed in her nightie watching television while James ate some cold noodles from the night before. Lily and James were always at either one house or the other together since the ministry attack, Lily claimed she couldn't sleep anymore if James wasn't there. They lay just hanging out when suddenly Sirius was banging on the door.

"Guys get up, there's an attack, in a muggle village. You've got to get there now." Sirius yelled. The two teenagers jumped ou of bed and got dressed in the fastest way possible they exited the room and Sirius was waiting for them.

"Lets go," Sirius said then giving them the location they apparated there. When they arrived the fight seemed over. There was smoke coming from many many houses. Bodies littered the floor. Muggles mostly. Lily, James and Sirius seemed to be the only people alive in this dead place. The eery feel made Lily grab hold of James hand, he squeesed her hand in reassurance.

"I get the feeling this battle has come and gone." Sirius said gravely. They walked around until they found the clean up team from the ministry. Aurors, healers and obliviators were working tirelessly.

"What happened here?" Lily asked a healer she recognised from the hospital.

"Death eaters, everywhere. These people had no chance. only a few wizards got here in time for the fight and were so out numbered they had no chance." The healer said.

"Who? What wizards got here?" Lily asked desperately. The healer looked down sadly.

"A few aurors, Gregory Firecolt, Victor Greenbaum, and Sally Albright. Then a few trainee aurors, Gideon and Caleb Prewett." Lilys hand flew to her mouth as tears sprung to her eyes.

"No, its can't be true. They're alive, they must be." Lily cried into James' chest. He and Sirius both looked like they had been crushed by their friends death. Lily's head suddenly shot up.

"Lexi," she whispered. "Where are their," she gulped, "where are their bodies?" She asked.

"Three houses down in the front garden." The healer said sadly before turning to deal with one of the bodies of a woman being carried out of a house nearby.

Lily sprinted down the road to where the house was. James and Sirius coming up behind her. When she reached the front gate of the house she stopped and stared. In the front garden were two bodies completely motionless. They looked to have been sleeping right there in the lawn.

By one twin crouched a shaking figure.

"Lexi," Lily whispered walking through the gate. She walked forward and kneeled down beside the shell of her friend. Lexi had one hand on Caleb as though she was holding on to him. She was crying so hard she could barely see and wouldn't have been able to speak even if she tried. Lily wrapped her arms around her friend and cried with her.

How long they stayed there they didn't know. Soon Lexi's sobs became louder, almost screaming with grief. No one bothered them, the boys having gone and helped. Eventually healers came and took the bodies away. At this point Lexi was completely hysterical.

"No!" Lexi cried into Lily. "He can't be dead, he can't be. He promised we would be together forever. He wouldn't have lied to me. He loves me Lily, he loves me. We're getting married. I'm...I'm..." She couldn't bring herself to say it. Lily soothed her, stroking her hair like a mother would. Lexi tried to get up but collapsed down back onto her knees.

"I'm pregnant Lily, I found out this morning. How could he do this to me? Leave me alone, I don't want to be alone. How could he? HOW COULD HE?" She screamed. Lily just waited. Lexi cried and cried until Lily picked her up and took her home. Lily undressed Lexi and put her to bed, Lexi stopped crying eventually. She was so passed crying. She was broken, indefinitely it seemed. She just lay in bed, her eyes wide open shaking with mourning for her lost love.

A week passed and the funeral for the two boys came. Lily woke Lexi on the day and dressed her in a tasteful black dress Lily had had. Lexi seemed like there was no one inside her anymore, she was a shell, empty. The whole group were crushed but Lexi, she was gone.

On arriving at the funeral the first people to be seen was Sophia and her two friends Ella and Harriet. Sophia was shaking with sobs, she of course had finally begun to date Gideon around a month ago. She was crying so much her friends all but carried her into the church. Lexi on seeing this just put on a pair of black sunglasses and walked into the church with her friends following. They sat about three rows from the front. Looking around the church filled up with friends and family of the Prewetts. Molly Weasley walked in with now five children. She had recently given birth to two twins. She was clearly crushed by her younger brothers demise but kept it together for her children, always the mother.

Once everyone was sat the service began. Pictures of the two growing up appeared in a slide show, flashes of their smiles, always looking happy. The pictures flashed up sometimes made people smile, they were all moving ones of course being wizarding ones, the one of Gideon pushing Caleb in a swimming pool and then getting pulled in himself brought a chuckle. The slideshow showed a collection of the moments that best described the twins. The first reader was the twins mother. She stood strong and did a moving reading about her sons. Only towards the end did her voice crack but she carried on and finished. Then their father did a reading. He read quietly and what he said clearly came from the heart. Then Molly said a few words then the priest came and did the last prayers. Lexi sat inbetween Lily and Issy, during the ceremony she had taken both of their hands and held them very tight. She clearly needed to know they were there with er. She sat behind her glasses, soon a single tear dropped from underneath them. She swiped it away. They sat through the ceremony then portkeyed to a location in the hills in the country near where the boys family home was to spread their ashes. Not everyone from the funeral had come to this part but the maruaders and friends had come of course, and the twins close family. They all stood atop the hill and contemplated for a while. Then the boys father stepped up.

"My boys," He said looking proud, "They never let me down. They really made me proud. I think the worst thing a parent could have to do..." He took a deep breathe to hold back the tears," The worst thing a parent could do is have to say goodbye to their child before its their time. To have to say goodbye to two of mine..." He stopped and let out a sob. "Its too much. I just want... I just want their memory to live on. Don't forget my boys." The he stepped down.

Two urns were brought up by Molly and her mother. They stood at the very top of the hill. Faced away from where the wind was blowing and opened the urns and let the ashes float away into the sky. The group watched the twins finally were laid to rest. Lexi couldn't take it anymore.She collapsed to the ground and sobbed until her throat hurt. Lily knelt beside her and hugged her. When she had finally stopped and managed to stand she went to talk to Caleb's parents. Issy went with her while the others waited. She walked up to the mother and father and waited for them to finish talking to another relative. When they did they turned to her and smiled.

"You must be Lexi," the mother said taking her hand and shaking it reassuringly. Lexi took off her glasses and wiped her eyes.

"Thats right. Nice to meet you Mr and Mrs Prewett." Lexi said.

"Caleb told us all about you in the last week, how you had planned to be married." The mother carried on.

"Yes thats right." Lexi said quietly. "I just hope, that I might still get to know you both even though..." She didn't finish, she couldn't.

"Of course dear. We would love that more than anything." Mrs prewett replied.

"There's one more thing, I have to tell you." Lexi said. Issy squeesed her hand pushing her onwards.

"I'm pregnant with Caleb's child." Lexi said looking down almost guiltily. At this Mr Prewett looked up. He took a step forward and hugged Lexi liked a father would.

"Congratulations," He said quietly. "My son, did he know?" He asked.

"No, I found out the morning he..." She tailed off.

"My sons memory will always live on in you then." Mr Prewett said. Lexi nodded.

"I am so delighted Lexi. Please come visit us as much as possible. We will of course get you whatever you need for this baby." Mrs Prewett said.

"Thank you Mrs Prewett you're too kind," Lexi replied touched by their generosity.

"Call me Maggie," She said resting a hand on Lexi's shoulder before saying goodbye as her and her husband departed. Lexi waited behind after on her own. She convinced her friends to leave her. She assured them she would apparate in a little while home. They agreed and let her stay.

Once everyone was gone she sat on a rock overlooking a view of the countryside. She cried a little then looked out as if she was speaking to Caleb.

"Caleb, even though you're gone I know you're in heaven and I hope you're listening. I have news. I'm carrying our child. I had to tell you. I can't believe you're not here to see it all. I just hope you watch down on this child. Guard it from harm. Just know Caleb. I will always love you. Forever. I just hope that you'll wait up there for me. Bye Caleb. I'll never forget you." Lexi said before standing. Taking one last look then apparating home to her friends who waited anxiously for her.

The next few weeks were full of sadness, but also excitement. One of their friends was having a baby and the other girls couldn't be happier for her in that anspect. They all started planning what they were going to do. When Lexi had suggested moving out and finding a place for her and the baby it was washed away completely. They weren't going to leave her to raise a child on her own. She would live as she was and room would be made for the baby.

"We can get rid of the second tv room, I mean come on! Its not like me need it. It'll be the babies room. Its perfect!" Issy said. Lexi just smiled. Her friends always cared for her. She was still in mourning for Caleb, her heart was completely broken it felt, but she knew she had to carry on for the little person inside of her. They thought it was too early to start buying stuff for the baby but they did think it was time for Lexi to go get her baby checked out. She booked hersefl an appointment with the baby specialist at mungoes. Lily assured Lexi that Sandra the specialist was the nicest lady imaginable and she would be in good hands. Lexi made the appointment for tuesday, she had been allowed the morning off of work to go.

When she woke up at nine, a little later than usual because her appointment wasn't till ten she was surprised to come down and see all three of her friends there waiting for her.

"What are you guys still doing here? Shouldn't you all be at work?" Lexi asked confused.

"Of course not silly. We're coming with you to your appointment. You didn't think we would let you go all by yourself did you?" Eddie said smiling warmly. The relief spread over Lexi's face made her friends smile. They all knew she hated doctors and that she had probably dreaded having to going alone to this.

"Thanks girls, you're the best." Lexi said gratefully.

"We know," Lily said grinning cheekily. Lexi pinched her on the arm and Lily squeeled and ran off like a naughty child. They all went to the appointment and waited in the waiting room for Lexi's name to me called. They were getting strange looks from other pregnant women. It was strange to see four eighteen year old women in a pregnancy clinic.

"I think they think we're all pregnant," Lily whispered to Lexi making her giggle. Lily started rubbing her tummy suggestively and pretending she had back pain like most pregnant women did, Lexi said "sh!" but couldn't help but giggle at her friends actions. Finally her name was called.

"Alexia McCraggen." She stood up and walked into the room. The other girls followed in. The lady doctor looked up surprised.

"You're all coming in?!" She asked.

"Yeah, we're support." Issy said smiling. The doctor just smiled and nodded. She told Lexi to lie down on a bed wish a raised back. She lay down and the doctor told her some basic things about pregnancy. Lexi was only nineteen, she hardly knew anything about childbirth and all the things she had to do, the doctor told her the things she shoudl eat etc and then asked Lexi to uncover her stomach so the doctor could examine her. The doctor pulled out her wand and said a small word which made Lexi's stomach tingle pleasantly.

"What is that?" Lexi asked.

"I'm just checking whether your baby is healthy... wait a minute somethings... not right." The doctor put her hands on Lexi stomach, it didn't protrude yet as she was only around three weeks pregnant. Lexi's face was full of panic.

"There's an irregularity that makes the spell tell me. But it turns out to be wonderful news. You're having twins!" The doctor said. Lexi's jaw dropped and she didn't speak for a full five minutes neither did her friends. The first person to talk was Lily after the long silence.

"We're going to need some help," Lily said.

This news was what pushed Lexi to finally confront her mother the next day and tell her the news. She had been avoiding it so far, she hadn't even told her mum she had been dating anyone never mind tell her she was pregnant. She went to her childhood home to break the news to her parents.

She felt nervous about telling her parents but when she told them they were both exstatic for her.

"Whose the lucky guy honey?" Her mother asked glowing that she was going to be a grandmother. Lexi felt choked when her mother asked about Caleb.

"I was with a guy. His name was Caleb, we were going to get married but he..." She couldn't finish. She wished he was there with her.

"He what? Did he leave you? Tell me who he is and I'll..." Her father didn't get to finish because Lexi held up her hand to stop him.

"Dad he didn't leave me. Well he did. But not in that way. He was killed in a death eater raid a few weeks ago. He died before I could tell him about the babies." Lexi said. Her mother rushed to her side and hugged her so tight Lexi thought she might burst. But she just cried and embraced her mother back.

Her parents supported her entirely and said they would of course start a trustfund for their future grandchildren. They also said that she was welcome to come live with them, But she said her friends had insisted on her staying with them. After she left she felt slightly happier which she never thought she would.

Lily's relationship with James seemed to be in a comfort stage at the moment. They spent time together in the evening and stayed in each others houses often. They had become so close and cosy that the excitement seemed to have gone down. Lily decided they needed the spark back so decided they would stop staying at each others houses. Only after official dates because if not they were pretty much living together, which killed the mystery as far as Lily was concerned. James pouted and said he didn't want to but Lily said it was final. Plus she was extremely busy with work at the hospital and sometimes just wanted to come home and either chill with the girls or just on her own. James felt left out but understood what she meant, he had been neglecting the guys and wanted to spend some time with them. He felt as though they had all grown up so much. They had missed the ending to their school career and he felt sad, he and the marauders had meant to cause mayhem and laughter all through their last year, and they didn't even make it through one term. He just hoped that the rest of his days was made up with fun times and that he didn't regret anything.

Lily worked six days a week at the hospital and was constantly being called in in her free time when an attack occured and all help available was needed. She was working one day at work and it was a fairly quiet day. There had been an attack for days and she was just wandering about checking people in their beds. She was walking inbetween two wards when two hands came over her eyes and a voice said,

"Guess who." She knew it was James and she spun around and grinned at him, she was happy to see him, she hadn't seen him in a day and a half and had missed him.

"Hey you," He said sweetly and kissed her on the lips. He pulled a bunch of flowers out of nowhere, as if my magic, and handed them to her.

"I thought since we were bringing the romancing back into the relationship I thought flowers were in order." He said handing her the delicate white lilies." James said. Lily smiled.

"You do realise White lilies are the flower for most funurals." Lily said smiling and taking a whiff of her lovely flowers.

"Yeah, but they're beautiful, just like you. So I wanted to get them for you." James said sweetly. Lily kissed him and smiled. She loved him so much.

"I love you so much," James told her right there in the middle of the hospital.

"You read my mind, I was just thinking that about you." Lily said grinning. James kissed her again.

"I have to go." James said looking sad. But do you want to go out tonight, not dinner or a club or anything. We could apparate somewhere nice. I don't know. I'll surprise you. Just be ready at seven okay?" James asked.

"Okay," Lily said quietly kissing him goodbye before he jogged off. He had clearly snuck out of auror training to see her. She just hoped he didn't get into too much trouble. She walked down the corridor smelling her flowers with delight, that is until she was called by the matron to come help her with a patient. Elsewhere Eddie was sitting in the clothing shop she worked in, she was thinking about the dress she had just bought with her shop discount. It was a really dark green and was strapless and was a corset at the top then was a pencil skirt bottom, she had also bought the matching shoes which were snake skin and a matching green colour with a round toe and killer heels. She couldn't wait to wear it that friday when she and Sirius and her had a date.She got an owl suddenly from Lily.

Hey Ed,

Got a hot date with James tonight. Need hot dress. Nothing too formal. If you buy it I'll pay you back at home.

Love ya forever.

Lils

xx

Eddie smiled. She knew just the dress she would get for her friend. The shop was empty so Ed came from her post behind the counter and went over to a rack of dresses. She searched to the back and found a black dress, shaped fairly fitted with a pencil skirt. and from behind it was backless all the way down the the waist and the neck line at the front was fairly high. It was perfect for Lily. Eddie rapped it up and put her own money in the till, to pay for it. It was five o'clock and she wishing it was closing time already. She took her pirch on the stool behind the counter again and sat and waited for five o'clock to roll around.

When Eddie came home Lily was in the shower, she lay the dress she had brought her on her bed and went to watch television. She heard Lily come in and find the dress.

"Eddie! Its awesome! How much do I owe you?" Lily called down the stairs.

"It was twenty galleons." Eddie called back. Lily shouted okay then went to finish getting ready. When she was ready she had put gentle curls in her hair and worn her purple open toed stilletoes with a six inch heel. She brought the matching bag, it was a warm evening so she didn't bring something to put over the top.

"You look awesome Lil's," Issy said who had arrived home from work. Lily just smiled.

"All thanks to Ed, she got me the dress," Lily said modestly. Eddie just waved her off.

"What are you up to this evening Ed?" Lily asked looking around for her keys.

"I don't know, I might pop round Sirius' later." Eddie said grinning.

"Ah, the classic booty call." Issy said smirking at her friend cheekily.

"Oi, me and Sirius are in a serious relationship. Its not all about sex." Eddie said fake seriously.

"Yeah right," Lexi said coming in and dropping her handbag on the floor. The others laughed including Eddie. The door bell rang.

"Have a nice time Lil's." Eddie called. Lily smiled and went to answer the door. When she answered James was standing there in smart trousers and a long sleeved dark green top. He looked Lily up and down and whistled appreciatively.

"You look amazing," James said kissing her on the cheek. Lily smiled.

"Thanks, so where are you taking me?" Lily asked curiously.

"You'll see. Lets go inside so you can side along apparate with me." James said. They walked into the porch and then he apparated both of them, he first told lily to close her eyes. When the spinning stopped she felt a warm glow and a breeze pass over her. She opened her eyes and saw they were standing on a beach in some exotic location.

"Where are we James?" Lily asked.

"We're in Hawaii. I figured it would be a change from London." James said smiling. "Oh I booked us a table in a restaurant at the end of the beach, I hope you don't mind."

"Of course not," Lily said popping her shoes off and walking hand in hand with James down the beach. They talkd idily and James pretended as though he was going to put Lily in the water so she tripped him up in the sand then ran off. He patted himself off then chased after he, finally catching her and swinging her into the air. She giggled and screamed until he put her down. He pushed the hair out of her face and kissed her gently on the lips. She sighed, everytime he touched her it made her shiver. He smiled down at her.

"I think you might just be the one for me Lily Evans," He said happily.

"Well I'm glad you're so sure. I still don't know about you Mr Potter Lily said teasingly. He tickled her sides and she giggled and screamed again.

"Okay, okay I love you too. Happy?" She asked.

"Very." He said taking her hand as they carried on walking. They finally reached a restaurant on the beach, they climbed onto the wooden decking and a waiter greeted them

"Right this way Mr Potter," He said leading them to a table nearest the ocean. They sat and Lily looked around.

"This must have taken a huge effort James, what's the occasion?" Lily asked.

"Do I need an excuse to take you to nice places?" James asked smiling.

"I guess not," Lily said.

The enjoyed a nice meal. While they were waiting for their desert to come James began to sweat a bit.

"Are you alright James?" Lily asked worried.

"Yeah, just a bit hot." James said smiling. He reached in his pocket and seemed to be fiddling with something inside it. Lily didn't noticed as she was looking at onto the sky blue ocean. He pulled out the small box and looked at Lily. He was so nervous.He put it back in his pocket again. He took a deep breathe.

"James, I know you're going to say something," Lily said not taking her eyes off the ocean. "So just say it." Then she turned and looked James straight in the eye.

"Right then, I best just say it then." James said. He got out of his chair and kneeled infront of where she was sitting. "Marry me?" Just like that. No pre-speech about how much he loved her. He just said it like that. Lily grinned broadly.

"James! Are you serious?" She asked.

"Um... yeah." James said nervously. Lily jumped out of her chair and pulled James to standing then pulled him into a breathe taking kiss.

"I take that as a yes then?" James asked.

"Take that as a hell yes." Lily said. Then they kissed some more. They paid and left the meal after that and walked back down the beach. They were walking down when suddenly James remembered something.

"I forgot to give you the ring!" He said. "I didn't do this all very well did I." Lily just smiled and kissed him.

"It was all perfect." James said got down on one knee and took the ring out of his pocket and opened to box. Inside was a white gold band with a ruby and two emeralds ruond the outside. Lily gasped as James slid in onto her hand.

"Its beautiful James." James just smiled at his beautiful fiancee.

"It was my grandmothers, my mum gave it to me to give to you. About five hundred years ago in my family there was a marriage between a Slytherin and a Gryffindor and this ring was made. Its gone down in my family to remind us all that is hasn't always been war between the two houses." James said.

"I love it James. I love you. I've never been so happy in my whole life." Lily said her eyes watery.

"You deserve to be happy Lily. I love you so much." James said smiling thinking his happiness culd never be topped. They walked back down the beach and enjoyed the best evening in both of their lives.

Elsewhere other couples weren't in such paradise.

"Why the hell do you have to be so stubborn?!" Sirius bellowed at Eddie.

"Me! Me! You're the one who went mad over me suggesting we move in together!" Eddie shouted back.

"Its too soon. I'm not ready for that. Why can't you understand?!" Sirius yelled exasperated.

"Is that it then?" Eddie said quietening her voice. "You're just not ready... I think thats a load of bollocks Sirius and I think you know it too. Why don't you just say what you really mean?" She added with a sad face.

"I think we should take a break." Sirius said, every word coming out his mouth breaking Eddie's heart. She just stared at him with stone eyes.

"Fine, a break. If thats what you call it Sirius. Why don't we just say goodbye here and now." Then Eddie and turned left Sirius house.

The fight had been coming since the minute came to Sirius'. He had planned on sitting in his underwear watching tv but she made him get dressed and she wanted to go out. Then they couldn't decide on where to go. So they had decided to stay in, Eddie had brought up the subject of moving in together and it had sparked the big blow out which they knew had been in the works for a few weeks at least. Eddie walked down Sirius' street and kept walking for ages. Finally she stopped after about twenty minutes of walking and burst into sobs of tears. How could he do this to her? Didn't he love her? Was this just a break? Would they get back together? These questions were all floating around in her head and she sobbed all the harder. Finally she dragged herself into an alleyway and apparated herself home. When she arrived the other two girls were there tucking into a bowl of maceroni and cheese. When they saw Eddie they dumped the bowl on the table and rushed to Eddie.

"Whats happened? Has there been an attack? Is it Sirius?" Issy asked hurriedly looking terrified.

"No." Eddie said holding back the pain in her voice as much as she could. "Its not an attack." The girls heaved a sigh of relief.

"What is it then sweetie?" Lexi asked sitting Eddie down and sitting down next to her. Eddie kicked her feet up and lay her head in Lexi's lap while Lexi stroked her hair soothingly. Eddie didn't say anything and Lexi didn't push the matter. Eddie lay there sobbing into Lexi's lap for a while before turning and looking to Lexi.

"He doesn't want me anymore." Eddie whispered. Lexi looked confused.

"Who? Sirius? Of course he wants you Eddie." Lexi said reassuringly. Eddie shook her head tears still streaming down her face.

"No," Eddie said, "He doesn't. He broke up with me." Eddie said her voice going to a very small whisper as the thought of being without Sirius hit her again and she began to sob even more. Lexi and Issy both looked shocked and soothed their friend.

At the very worst point possible Lily walked in looking happier than she ever could. She rushed in and looked around.

"Hey guys guess what?" She said smiling hugely and looking and seeing Eddie in bits stopped smiling and rushed over.

"What happened?" Lily asked kneeling by her friend.

"Sirius broke up with me." Eddie sobbed. Lily looked shocked.

"What? Tonight? Why?" Lily asked all at once.

"He said he didn't want to move in together. Then we started arguing then he just said it. That we should take a break. He may as well have ripped my heart out." Lily looked heart broken for her friend. She tried to hide her ring as she didn't think this was the right time to show her broken hearted friend. But as she reached for it to take off Eddie noticed to glint of it and swallowed hard.

"Is that what I think it is?" Eddie asked. Lily looked sheepish.

"Yeah, James proposed tonight." Lily said. Her other two friends jumped up happy for her and hugged her. Eddie just sat there. Silent and staring. She got up and walked to the staircase.

"Eddie... I'm sorry." Lily said quietly. Eddie carried on walking not crying anymore. She seemed empty. They didn't see her for the rest of the evening as she stayed in her room. The other girls were so happy for Lily.

"We decided not to get married for a year or two maybe. We are a bit young yet and we think maybe its best to wait and see what happens with the war and everything. But I'm just so happy. But I am worried about Eddie. I hope she's alright. I have never seen her so cut up over a guy before. I think she thought her and Sirius would be together forever. I can't believe he would do this to her.

As James got home with the good news Sirius was sitting along in the living room with no tv on or anything.

"Hey buddy." James said cheerfully. Sirius didn't reply. "What's up Pad?" Sirius just put his head in his hands.

"I screwed up James. Me and Ed... we're over." Sirius said.

"What?! Why?" James asked shocked.

"It was just all too much. I bailed like I always do." Sirius said. He looked up at James. "So did you propose?" James nodded obviously not wanting to talk about that though.

"Sirius, why did you do it? You love her. I know you do." James said to his best friend.

"It all got too much okay James! I got scared and as usual I ran away from the problem!" Sirius shouted not really knowing why he had yelled at James he stormed out of the room and out of the house. James stayed behind and stood in shock at his friends actions.

The next morning everything seemed to have a grey cloud over it. The weather reflected everyone's moods as it was pouring down with rain. The rain battered on the windows of the girls house and as Lily woke up she sighed. She was so happy for her own good fortune to have James but her heart was breaking for her friend who was so unhappy. She went downstairs and made Eddie some breakfast, boiled eggs with soldiers, making sure the eggs were really gooey just how she lied them. Then she made a cup of coffee and brought it all up on a tray hoping it might cheer her up a bit. She opened Eddie's door and inside the room was the tidiest it had ever been. Eddie wasn't in her bed though. Lily placed the tray on the desk and looked around. Things were missing. Lily opened Eddie's wardrobe and all the clothes were missing, Lily paniced. She opened all Eddie's draws. All the clothes were missing.

"Oh Eddie," Lily said to herself placing a hand over her mouth to hold back the tears. Lily realised Eddie had run away. Lily sat on Eddie's bed and felt something underneath her. It was a letter. Lily knew it would the letter explaining why she left. It had Lily's name written on it. Lily opened it up and unfolded the pice of paper.

Lily,

Good luck with James. I know he'll treat you well.

I have to leave. I don't know when I will be back. I left the rent money in the bills drawer.

Sorry I am not as strong as you.

I love you.

Eddie

x

P.S Tell the others I am sorry. I just couldn't face the goodbyes.

Lily didn't cry. She folded the letter back up and walked out of the room. When she told the others what had happened she couldn't hold back the tears though as they all broke into sobs. One of them leaving was like a bit of each of them leaving. James came round around midday to see Lily. He gave her some flowers and kissed her on the cheek.

"She's gone." Lily said quietly.

"What do you mean?" James said confused. He knew she meant Eddie though.

"Eddie ran away this morning. No goodbyes or anything. She just left." Lily said teary eyed. James hugged her and she hugged back. James knew how much Lily depended on Eddie's strength.

"I am so sorry Lily. Sirius... he's cut up about it too. He knows he made a mistake. I think he wants her back. I don't know how I am going to tell him she's gone." James said.

"I just don't understand why he would do that to her." Lily said.

"He was scared. He went back to his old ways of running away without thinking. But this time he knows he doesn't want to do that anymore." James replied. Lily just looked sad.

"I have to get to work my shift starts in half an hour." Lily said. James nodded.

"I love you Lily. You've made me the happiest man alive." He said quietly to her. She smiled and kissed him.

"I love you too James. I just wish our friends could be as happy.

Just as Lily and james were about to leave together there was a pounding on the door. Sirius barged in.

"I need to see her Lily where is she?" He asked. His eyes were blood shot from lack of sleep and his hair was messed up and looked as though he had been pulling at it. He looked like a broken man.

"Sirius..." Lily said warily. He just barged past her to the stairs.

"I need to see her! To tell her I love her!" Sirius said going up the stairs. Before he reached the stairs Lily yelled out.

"She's gone Sirius!" Sirius turned around.

"What do you mean?" Sirius said looking terrified.

"She left this morning. Didn't say goodbye. She just left a note. I don't know where she is. She's gone." Lily said her eyes watering again. Sirius turned from going up the stairs and sat down putting his head in his hands.

"What have I done?" Sirius said. James walked up to his friend and sat next to him on the stairs.

"Come one mate. Lets get you home." James said picking Sirius up and taking him down the stairs. Lily watched on and then apparated to work.

The next few weeks Sirius seemed to be in a pit of despair of his and Eddie's relationship ending. James and Lily were in a haze of love as they began wedding preparations. Lily thought they should book the church very early even though it was for a year later. She always liked to be prepared. Everything seemed to be shadowed somehow though. Lily always had dreamed Eddie would be her maid of honour. Now with her gone Lily didn't really want to make a choice between Lexi and Issy so just left it. She had loads of time after all. James' best man dream wasn't exactly going to plan either. With Eddie gone Sirius had stayed down for a few weeks and then suddenly changed. He came out one morning dressed, cleanly shaven and smiling.

"What's happened to you mate?" James asked shocked at Sirius' sudden change.

"Nothings wrong. I'm fine." Sirius said smiling grabbing a piece of toast and walking out of the door whistling. James guessed this was his new way of dealing with Eddie leaving. He began dating a large portion of the women in London. He wasn't picky. He just kept himself busy. James figured he was keeping his mind of Eddie. He also noticed that all the girls that Sirius dated had one specification, they looked in no way like Eddie.

Lexi's pregnancy was in full swing. She had began to have weird cravings, like marmite and salmon sandwiches. Gherkins and cheese mixed with cornflakes. It got weirder and weirder. But she was fairly cheerful through the whole thing. She clearly missed Caleb. But she knew that a part of him would always be with her with her kids. The girls had decided that Lexi would have the attic, it was roomier than her room and would make space for the babies. Lexi figured she would move out eventually but until then decided that living with the girls would be great help. The attic made a spacious addition to the house. They removed the junk and painted the walls as there were stairs to the attic it was easy to get to it from the other floors. They painted half the walls pale green and the others white. Issy painted a border of children fairy tale characters around the border as she was quite artistic. Then they floated the furntiture upstairs. There were two or everything, cribs etc. So the room soon filled up nicely.

"Thanks for the help guys." Lexi said. She now had a large belly and wore huge dungarees to cover her tummy.

"Its okay," Lily said smiling.

"I feel ginormous as the moment. I wish I could see my feet." Lexi said.

"You look beautiful," Issy said, "Glowing even." Lexi smiled.

"I just hope I will be able to lose all my preggers weight before Lily's wedding so i can fit into a nice dress." Lexi said taking the weight off her feet and sitting on a nearby chair.

"You will be." Lily said. They sat around and looked at the room.

"I can't believe you are having a baby... babies even." Issy said. "I still feel like we are just little kids."

"Yeah I know what you mean. I feel like a kid having two kids. But we have to grow up some time. Lily's getting married. I am having these babies of mine, and Issy, what are you doing Issy?" Lexi asked her friend.

"I don't know. Me and Remus... I love him. But I always feel he doesnt love me as much, he's always hiding himself from me." Issy said sadly.

"Of couse he loves you!" Lily said.

"I don't know, I just think it may end one day. Until then I will make the most of my time with him." Issy said.

"Oh Issy thats so sad, Please don't think like that." Lexi said.

"Its fine. I didn't expect to be with one man for the rest of my life anyway." Issy said, after that the subject changed, but Issy's sad words stayed with them.

Soon it came time nearing the birth of Lexi's twins, it was June and hot and Lexi found the heat annoying in her extra large state. She wore large dresses and sat in the garden most of the time now on maternity leave drinking gallons of water due to the sweltering heat. One day she was sitting out in the garden when the front door opened. Lexi was too big and tired to move though so she simply called out.

"Lily? Issy? That you?" She called. There was no answer though. She heard someone come through the kitchen and she turned to look at the back door and gasped when she saw who it was.

"Eddie?" She whispered. She tried to get up but couldn't lift herself quite up. Eddie dropped her bags at the door and rushed forward.

"Don't get up. I... I just thought it was time to come back." Was what Eddie's first words were on her return. Her hair was longer with light streaks in it, her skin was tanned and she just seemed different. Her face seemed different, not in a bad way, she looked, older. She looked tanned though, she had obviously been somewhere sunny wherever she had been.

"Eddie? Where have you been? You've been gone sixth months!" Lexi exclaimed.

"I know, I know. I've been travelling. Living with my aunt in spain mostly. I just had to get away after..." She trailed off but didn't seem upset. She had clearly moved on from the past.

"Eddie I am so glad to see you," Lexi said slightly tearfully. Eddie came over and hugged her heavily pregnant friend."

"Look at you Lex. You're huge. Have you been hitting the doughnuts a bit harder lately or something?" Eddie teased showing her old side again.

"Oi, how rude. I happen to be carrying to fattest twins of all time. I feel like I weight a million pounds." Lexi said huffing in her chair. She looked to her friend. "I can't believe you're back Ed. We missed you so much. So much has happened since you left. Lily's wedding is in like five months, we converted the attic into mine and the babies room."

"I'm sorry I haven't been here," Eddie said frowning.

"Its okay. We understand you had to get away. We just wished you could have stayed and let us help you. We missed you so much." Lexi said. Eddie smiled slightly.

"So should we dodge around this question for a while or should I ask now how Sirius Black is doing?" Eddie said. Lexi frowned. Should she tell Eddie about him coming after her the night she left. She thought it was probably a bad idea as Sirius was in a bad state right now.

"He's changed. Not as fun loving. Or maybe a bit too much in some ways. He tried to get over you in his same old ways. I think he broke his own heart with his mistakes concerning you." Lexi said. Eddie held her head high.

"He deserves a little pain. I just hope he doesnt change too much, I have come to terms that he's not a bad guy. He's just messed up, a lot. Being away really helped me get through some issues. I am totally over it. I came back because one, you're have two little babies and two, Lily my dear is marrying a marauder. This demands my presence most definitely." Eddie said.

"I am so glad you are okay. With no word from you for so long we wondered what had happened to you. I mean the war isn't completely over. There are attacks every now and again, small ones mind, but people are still going missing." Lexi said.

"So I hear, and I come back in the hopes of helping. I will rejoin the order and do what I can." Eddie said.

"You have to go see Lily, she's at the hospital. She's missed you so much Ed." Lexi said.

"I've missed her too. I am going to have a shower then I will go to the hospital to see her." Eddie said. Going back into the house. Lexi was still in shock from her friends surprise return.

Once Eddie had showered she took a bus, then a tube to get to the entrance of the hospital. Since being away she hadn't used magic once and had got stuck in the habit. She entered the hospital and it was buzzing with its usual amount of busy-ness. Eddie walked to the front desk.

"Hi, could you tell me what department Lily Evans is in please?" Ed asked he receptionist, the receptionist looked up and smiled politely, she was a middle aged woman with a kind face.

"I believe Lily is up in the magical burns and wounds today love. Third floor." Eddie smiled and thanked her then set off in the lift to find her best friend, she was nervous as to how she would be greeted. Would Lily be angry that she left?

Eddie arrived at third floor and walked out to see a bustling floor of people rushing about doing various jobs. Eddie kept her eyes peeled for a flash of red hair but didn't see any. She walked down the corridor looking into wards trying to see if she could spot her. At the final ward she stopped and saw no Lily. Where was she? Then she heard a gasp come from behind her. Eddie turned and saw the person she had been searching for.

"Eddie?" Lily said with such shock on her face.

"Hey Lily," Eddie said in a quiet voice. Lily just stood there for a minute before rushing forward and grabbing her friend into the tightest hug of her life.