Chapter 42: Understanding

Sirius stopped at the door, he brought a hand up to the wood, a hand that had been curled into a fist, for the majority of the year, and knocked.

He swallowed and wiped his sweaty palms on his robes, he was nervous and after what seemed like an age and no answer had come from the other side of the door, he turned and was just about to head down the spiral staircase when at last the door opened.

"Come on in Mr. Black," came the voice of Professor Dumbledore.

Sirius grimaced, it was one thing to think about what he was doing, but another to actually go through with it. Taking a deep breath, his hands curled into fists once more and he stepped into the Headmasters office. Immediately he felt calm, even before he had sat down, his shoulders had relaxed, his hands were no longer balled up into fists and he felt himself smiling at the twinkling eyes of the Headmaster he had looked up to for the last seven years.

"Have a seat, Sirius, I'm sorry about the earlier delay, I was reading a rather intriguing chapter in my book and I just had to find out what happened, before I answered the door," Dumbledore said, patting a book that was open on the table.

Sirius didn't say anything, he just sat down, his hands resting lightly on his knees, some of his nervousness had returned, but he was feeling a lot calmer.

"Well?" Dumbledore prompted when Sirius hadn't said anything. "I don't want to be pushy, but I don't want to keep you from your exams either."

"It's only Muggle Studies," Sirius said with a dismissive wave, finding his voice at last he continued. "I'm actually here to ask you something, it's be bothering me for a while now."

"And is the main reason for you spending hours on end, camped outside my stone gargoyle?" Dumbledore asked lightly, a smile on his face.

Sirius blushed. It was true he'd spent the last two weeks, the whole two weeks he was meant to be studying for exams, working up the courage to talk to Dumbledore, he was running out of time and the matter at hand was effecting his sleep, and his ability to transform.

"It's about Marlene," he said, startling both himself and Dumbledore with his bluntness.

"You're wondering why, I chose her for such a daunting task, and not you or James?"

Sirius could only nod. Not for the first time he was amazed at how Professor Dumbledore, could understand them and make them feel at ease whenever they needed him. It was like he read their minds with his twinkling yet piercing blue eyes.

"While it's true that you are both equally suited for the task I gave Marlene. However James has no connections and you understandably broke off any connections you had when you ran away. Marlene has been put in an unfortunate situation, that together we have managed to spin a positive on to it."

"Yes that's how she and James described it, but what I don't understand is why you agreed to put her in danger!"

"My dear boy, I believe that Marlene is in no more danger then you and I are walking down London, shouting to the world that we hate Voldemort."

Sirius frowned, "then she's in danger?"

"Would you ever walk down London shouting that you hated Voldemort." Dumbledore asked calmly.

"No that's suicide," Sirius exclaimed.

"Well, then, Marlene is a smart young woman, she knows what to do if she ever finds her self in danger."

"I know, and when she first told me, I understood, I really did, but now with it getting nearer I'm worried. I know that her brother would never hurt her. But Voldemort... how can one woman bring him down?"

"Sirius, Marlene isn't trying to single-handedly save the world, that is too much to expect from one person and I would never put that onto anyone, let alone an eighteen year old, just out of school. Have you ever heard the expression, keep your friends close and your enemies closer?" Sirius nodded. "You've said it your self, Martyn will keep her safe, and as will Regulus."

"Regulus? What's he got to do with this?"

"I believe both your brother and Marlene's brother have made some terrible decisions in their past and if Marlene can at least convince them, they are on the wrong side, then Voldemort side weakens and ours grows stronger."

"But Voldemort doesn't take too kindly to traitors."

"To him, they aren't going to be traitors, they are still going to be loyal... in his eyes." Dumbledore said almost cautiously as if he was judging Sirius to be trustworthy with this news.

To Sirius however, Dumbledore's plan made sense. Imagine fighting Voldemort and his army of followers that weren't loyal to him. "Marlene's finding and removing weak links, it's ingenious."

"So now do you understand? Dumbledore asked warmly and Sirius felt like a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. "Marlene is my eyes and ears, truth is that she'll never even meet Voldemort, she'll just be a supporter, she'll never have to do anything, well for lack of a better word. Evil. She'll still have her job in the Ministry and she'll also attend Order meetings, only those whom Marlene wishes to tell will know what I have asked her to do."

Sirius nodded. "Thank you Professor, you have no idea how much it means to me that you told me, and I promise that what has been said in here will be between us."

Dumbledore returned the nod and picked up his book. "Now I believe you have an exam to take and I need to find out if George and Timmy, will ever learn to trust, Anne, Julian and Dick.

Sirius managed a smile and left Dumbledore to his book. He had given Marlene permission before, but now he fully understood the intent of what she was meant to do, and that Dumbledore was so sure of her safety, he felt so much better. Realising that he was late for his exam he took the spiral staircase at a run, and hurtled out of the entrance almost knocking over Professor McGonagall with a stack of reports.

"Mr. Black, please watch where you're going!" she exclaimed as Sirius shouted an apology over his shoulder before hurtling round the corner.

"That boy has no sense of time," Marlene muttered as she paced the entrance hall. The rest of the seventh years who were taking Muggle Studies had already entered the Great Hall, the doors left open for a few stragglers that were running because they had overslept.

"If he misses it, he misses it Marls, there's no point hanging around here for him, you'll see him at lunch." Lily said, she and Remus were sitting on the marble staircase quizzing each other for the Arithmancy exam they had after lunch.

Marlene was about to come up with a response, when Lily let out a strangled yell as Sirius hurdled down the stairs. Launching himself over Remus and Lily, he waved and grinned at Marlene before slowing to a walk.

"I'll explain over lunch," he called over his shoulder as he calmly walked into Great Hall. As is head turned to face forward again, he paused, and turned back. Looking at someone behind Marlene, his face fell from his calm demeanor to one that suggested he was struggling to find the right words. "I... I trust you," he called. Marlene, Lily and Remus all looked to where Sirius was looking. "You... you look after her!" Without another glance at Marlene, he slipped into the Great Hall and found an empty table, muttering an apology as Professor Quirrell handed him his exam.

Marlene glanced at Lily and Remus, they were as confused as she was. Who was Sirius talking to and where had he been?

Regulus had ducked behind a suit of amour. Had his brother completely lost it? And what did he mean, by "I trust you?" What did he trust him with? Regulus shook his head, surely the pressures of his exams, graduation and the Dark Lord were getting to his brother.

Footsteps broke his musing and he watched as Marlene and two of her friends, the pale one and the red haired, Regulus was terrible with names, head out into the bright June sunlight to spend their morning in the grounds. Stepping out from behind the armour, he quickly followed the Gryffindors down the staircase and managed to tap Marlene on the shoulder before she could wander off too far.

"Regulus?" she said surprised when she turned around, she looked ready to say more but Regulus could see a sort of understanding in her eyes, as if she had just worked something out. She turned back to her friends. "I'll see you at lunch," she said and Regulus couldn't help but notice the slight nod she gave in his direction.

"But we need to study!" the red-head exclaimed and Regulus couldn't help but roll his eyes.

"I'll be fine, go on," she turned back to Regulus and smiled. "What's up?"

"Have you and Sirius broken up?" he asked bluntly and Marlene noticed the look of hope that flashed in his eyes.

"What? No, Sirius and I are fine, we're not going to be breaking up anytime soon. I hope," she added under her breath. "What was the main reason you wanted to talk to me."

Regulus stalled, to be fair there wasn't really anything to say, he had been heading to the library when his brother had called on him, he then followed Marlene and her friends to ask why Sirius had given him his blessing.

"What did Sirius mean, he trust me?"

Marlene shrugged. "Brotherly love?" she asked but Regulus scowled. "Sirius' mind works in mysterious ways, half the time I have no idea what he's thinking, only that it's a miracle that he's thinking."

"That's harsh... but true," he said with a soft smile. Marlene smiled as well in which Regulus heart almost melted with joy. He'd really have to get his feelings in check.

"Look, seen as you are here, final exam is this afternoon, therefore three days of doing nothing before the end of term. Fancy getting together and practising, I have my dinner with Martyn next week and I'm a little out of sorts."

"Start this evening?"

"All the seventh-years are getting together to have a little soiree in the Great Hall, Lily, James and the seventh-year prefects organised it, we've got snacks from the kitchens, decorations, just a little pick me up, and celebration of sorts for staying alive this past seven years."

Regulus raised an eyebrow at the strange choice of words, but he nodded all the same, the seventh-years always seem to have a little something, he remembered last years lot had got permission to hit the town.

"How about tomorrow morning?" Marlene asked, bringing Regulus out of his thoughts.

"Unlike some people, I have class. Schools not over for the rest of the school till Friday. Exams all week, not as strenuous as next year mind, but still, you remember what sixth years like."

"Tomorrow evening then? Normal place, I can help you study afterwards."

Regulus grinned. "Sounds like a date."

Marlene raised an eyebrow, and Regulus could've sworn he saw a flash of anger, but it was gone, controlled. "Be careful what you say, some people might not understand the innocence of what you just said."

Regulus nodded and Marlene made to turn away. "Look I would stay, but Lily is right, Arithmancy later on and it's no walk in the park."

"Sure, sorry to intrude on your day of studying," Regulus said as he watched Marlene, walk back to where her two friends had their noses behind their books.

It was becoming a common occurrence not to see Peter at lunch, he always showed up for dinner, explaining that he slept in, or was doing something that made the rest of his friends leave him alone. However when Peter graced them with his presence, that afternoon he was welcomed with open arms.

"Wormtail mate, we thought you had either gotten lost, or on one of those random diets, neither of which could be true, as you know this school as well as we do and you love food too much, to diet." James said as Peter sidled in beside him.

Peter shuddered at the thought of giving up food. "I was studying," he muttered, which was partly true, he very much wanted to say what had been going on over the past two weeks whilst his friends had been busy in exams, but he kept quiet, they would never forgive him.

"Studying for what, after the girls and Remus' exam this afternoon, we're free agents."

"I'm having to resit Potions." Peter said softly and his five friends nodded in sympathy. Their potion NEWT was done individually and halfway through the exam, there was a loud bang, and a yelp of pain. All eyes suddenly turned to Marlene, who was looking as bewildered as the rest of the Hall. Then they noticed Peter. With being left to his own devices, Peter had flaked and forgotten everything, he managed to melt his cauldron and his table, and the potion was on it's way to seeping through into the dungeons, when Professor Slughorn managed to clean it up. It was an instant fail and Peter was escorted to the Hospital Wing a bumbling wreck.

"That's nice of them to give you a resit, when is it?"

"Tomorrow afternoon," Peter stammered, just thinking about the resit made him nervous and the fact that where he had sat down for lunch, he had a perfect view of the Slytherin table, in which a few of them were glaring at him.

"Well tomorrow morning, we'll help you study, we'll all relax tonight and study with you tomorrow." Sirius said, helping himself to another slice of quiche.

"You will?" squeaked Peter.

James laughed. "'Course we will, you big rat, that's what friends are for, you're here for us, and we will be there for you."

Peter smiled, despite the guilt he felt at helping the Slytherins, but there was no-one to protect him, in his mind the only option was to help them or face the consequences, and Peter Pettigrew didn't like consequences.

"How did your exam go?" Lily asked and Peter was glad of the change of subject.

"It was so easy, loads of questions then a foot long easy on how a muggle item works, I chose Motorbikes," Sirius added puffing out his chest in pride.

James nodded. "Same, after all that work we did tripping out Sirius' motorbike last year, I think we did pretty well."

"I have yet to see this motorbike," Marlene mused aloud and ultimately regretted it.

"What? Have I not shown you it yet, Marls, oh that'll change, I'll take you for a ride. We'll start of slow of course, maybe just round London, then into the countryside, and then the air," he spread his arms dramatically almost whacking the fifth year he was sitting next to.

As his friends laughed and joked, Peter couldn't help wondering what he was getting into. He'd been friends with James and everyone for ages, ever since the first evening when they saved him from the lake when Mulciber 'accidentally' pushed him in, a payment he repaid by accidentally throwing up in Sirius' hat. And now was he about to throw it all away because of his own safety? He forced himself to think about other things, he was sure what he was doing was right and they'd all be saved sooner or later.

The evening couldn't come soon enough. With the exams finished and dinner over, the small band of prefects (the other years had pitched into help as decorating the great hall was too much for seven prefects, James and Lily to handle,) got started on decorating the hall whilst the other seven years, returned to their common rooms. The boys relaxed nonchalantly, whilst the girls treated this as a big thing, and ran round their rooms, even going so far as to enlist the other years and sometimes the other houses, to achieve the look they wanted.

Mary and Rebecca had yet again taken over their bathroom, so with Lily helping down stairs Marlene used the head girl bathroom for a quick change before joining Sirius and Peter down in the common room, where Sirius was attempting to teach Peter the dangers and uses of Giant Hogweed sap.

"So why were you late for Muggle Studies?" Marlene asked as Sirius had reached a barrier in teaching Peter.

"I had to talk to Dumbledore," Sirius said living it at that.

"Okay," Marlene said and was about to start a conversation with the first year she had sat down next to when Sirius sighed dramatically.

"Okay, you dragged it out of me, you're so, good at persuading people to spill their darkest secrets."

Marlene raised an eyebrow, she did nothing of the sort.

"I was asking why Dumbledore had chosen you to...er...clean his socks."

The first year looked confused as did Marlene until Sirius gave her a glare.

"Yes the socks, well what did he say?"

"Well he said that you had connections and that you're not in danger... of his smelly socks." he added just to be sure the first-year didn't understand.

"Yes because... nope can't come up with a stupid code for that sorry, Rachel, Sirius is being silly." Marlene said turning to the first-year.

Rachel shrugged and the moment she saw her friend come through the portrait hole, ran over and the two of them disappeared up the girl's staircase.

"So you're okay with me washing Dumbledore's socks then?" Marlene asked with a slight grin.

"Yes and I meant what I said before, I'm fine as long as you come home to me every night." Sirius replied with a cheesy smile.

Peter coughed, to remind them that he was still there. He didn't want things to get all mushy when there was no-one else around. But he didn't have long to wait as Remus, James and Lily all traipse through the portrait hole.

"Gentleman, and Marlene," James said as he flopped down onto the sofa next to Marlene. "Would the boys care to join Remus and myself up in the boudoir so they can help us pick out our outfits for tonights shindig."

Sirius and Peter glanced at each other before bursting out laughing at James' choice of words.

As the four boys left to go up to James' room, Lily motioned for Marlene to follow her to hers.

"They're up to something, someone mentioned in passing how they were going to miss the boys and they're pranks and James got all glassy eyed and practically ran to where Remus was helping Hector Bagcroft hang up streamers, and they spent half the time discussing things at length in a whisper."

"So," said Marlene raiding Lily's cupboard for something her friend can wear. "It's understandable, maybe it's a good thing, one last prank before they start growing-up and becoming responsible adults."

"Hmmm, I suppose one little one couldn't hurt," said Lily shaking her head vigorously at the emerald green dress with the bright yellow flower on the front, Marlene had found stuffed at the bottom of the cupboard.

"There we are then, for seven years they been entertainment when times have gotten too hard... mainly at ours or the Slytherin's expense, but still, let them go out with a bang. They deserve it, they've gone the whole year without anything." Marlene said bringing out the same emerald green dress, but without the flower.

"Where did you find that?" asked Lily, putting the dress up to her, and gazing in the mirror.

"Oh just lying amongst some shoes of questionable fashion," Marlene said with a shrug and hiding her wand behind her back.

Lily seemed to believe the story and disappeared into the bathroom to change. "What do you think they've got planned?" she asked through the bathroom door.

"Who? The boys? Don't know, we'll wait and find out," Marlene said, sitting on the bed and swinging her legs, idly playing with the stuffed stag that she knew to be James'.

"But aren't you curious?" Lily asked poking her head and then her whole body out of the bathroom so Marlene could see the dress. "Never mind," she added retracting the question when she remembered that Marlene was hardly ever curious.

"It suits you, matches your eyes. James is going to love it."

"I'm sure it had a yellow flower on it, what happened?" Lily asked as she ran a quick brush through her hair and they left the room.

"Oh just a severing charm and stitching to hide the gaping hole, look there's the boys now!" she said skipping off to meet the boys at the bottom of their staircase.

All four boys were wearing matching tuxedos, James's bow-tie however was emerald green which surprisingly was the exact same colour as Lily's low cut, off the shoulder dress. Sirius' was sapphire blue, which also coincidently matched Marlene's pencil cut, one shoulder. Remus and Peter's were the normal black.

"Wow so dashing," Marlene teased as she accepted Sirius' outstretched hand.

Lily smiled as she linked her arm with James.

"I'm sorry to assume milady but will you accompany me to the Great Hall this evening?" James asked.

"Yeah, what he said," Sirius said turning to Marlene.

Marlene wrinkled her nose and peered round to where Lily was trying not to laugh. "Swap you,"

"I'm good thanks," Lily said and she allowed James to walk her to the portrait hole.

As Sirius and Marlene headed after them, Marlene noticed Peter try and hide something behind his back.

"What are trying to hide?"

"Nothing," Peter squeaked but as he sped up to James, he tripped and whatever he was holding flew out of his hands.

James heard Peter squeak in dismay and turned in time to see the brightly, coloured box, fly out of Peter's hands. With a practised step, he caught the box and handed it to Remus before continuing out of the portrait hole.

Remus held the box as if it was going to explode, but walked with Peter behind James and Lily. Marlene just stared.

She opened her mouth, but decided against it and allowed Sirius to lead her out of the common room and into the corridor.

"So what is it?" Lily asked when they finally reached the Great Hall and people had stopped congratulating them on the decorations.

"You'll see," James said mischievously and motioned for Remus to hide it somewhere.

The hall was decorated with brightly coloured streamers, the four house tables had been pushed against the wall, and snacks, beverages and deserts had been spread out among them. The seventh-years were mingling, no-one was a smartly dressed as the Gryffindor boys though.

"It helps us go out with a bang," Sirius whispered as they grabbed a glass of punch from the drinks table. "It took a bit of magic, to transfigure our clothes and to be honest the bow-ties are a pure coincidence," he added when he finally noticed what Lily and Marlene were wearing. "You look really nice," he added and Marlene smiled.

Soon all the seventh-years had arrived, there was a couple of other years there as well, as friends or dates as the seventh-years. There was some teachers around as well, including Dumbledore who was going around congratulating people and generally talking to the students.

James and Lily slipped away from their friends at that moment and head up to the high table, to stand behind Dumbledore's lectern, where James politely cleared his throat. A few Slytherin's sneered but the rest of the hall hushed them.

"To us," James said raising his glass in toast. "For completing seven marvellous years at Hogwarts."

There was a mutter as everyone raised their glasses and joined in with James' toast.

"There's no denying that these past seven years haven't been hard on us all, we have lost a lot, but gained some much more, we've gained knowledge, understanding, experience, friendship and love," James added slipping an arm around Lily, making her blush. "I think I speak for everyone when I say, that all we have gained hasn't just been us, but a large part of it has been thanks to wonderful guidance and patience of the Hogwarts staff." There was a cheer and applause for the Professors, even Hagrid got congratulated. "Therefore as a thank you, I would like Professor Dumbledore to join Lily and myself up here, as we have a little something for him."

As Dumbledore walked up to the high table, amidst cheers and applause from the students, Lily tried to hide her confused look to one that showed she knew exactly what James was talking about.

James motioned for Remus to recover the box and he held it carefully whilst walking up to the high table. He passed it to James who passed it to Professor Dumbledore. "This little gift is a token of appreciation, I think I speak for everyone when I say how lucky we are to have you as our Head Master, and this hopefully sums up our appreciation.

Dumbledore took the brightly covered box, and James pulled Lily away, and down to where their friends were standing, giving Dumbledore the floor.

"Well James, Lily, thank you, and this comes as a great shock, I'm unsure of whether to open it now, or later in the privacy of my office, in case it's something embarrassing like socks."

Marlene and Sirius let out a bark of laughter causing their friends and many others who heard to stare at them strangely.

"Open it now!" called Lester Bagcroft, causing the whole hall, to agree with him. Only the four boys of Gryffindor stayed silent.

Dumbledore nodded, placed it on the lectern, and pulled one of the bits of ribbon. With the ribbon untied he pulled off the lid. There was a silence, then out of the box shot four different coloured fireworks. The Green and Silver one shot off into the crowd circling round a group of Slytherins before it hovered in the air above the table where the Slytherins would normally sit. A blue and bronze circled the Ravenclaws before hovering where their table would be, as did the Yellow and Black with the Hufflepuffs. The Red and Gold circled James and his friends. When all four were hovering they formed the Hogwarts crest and shot out sparks and stars. Everyone applauded at the spectacle and Dumbledore smiled down at James.

"Thank you," was all that he said, before he motioned for the festivities to continue.

The end of term came around as quick as anything, bags were packed final goodbyes were said. The boys were fortunate, the night after the seventh-year party was a full moon, and they made the most of it. Saying goodbye to their favourite places and staying out longer than normal,

Marlene was heading home first, and then spending nights at Sirius, moving out slowly so as to not lose the comfort of the house should anything happen. Moving in with Sirius would surely make her plans for Martyn to trust her, a little more difficult.

Whilst they were waiting for Dumbledore and McGonagall to see them off onto the boats for the final time, the five friends (for Peter was nowhere in sight) sat under their favourite tree and relaxed.

"Finished," James announced with glee causing the rest of the group to look at him strangely, after all they were talking about Voldemort and the Order. "No more school, we can finally kick some Death Eater b..."

"What if we fail and have to retake the year," Lily asked timidly it was clear she'd been worrying over her exams results. Results that't aren't due until July.

"That's not going to happen," said James soothingly. You'd know by now if you'd failed and you, Miss Evans are too smart to fail, you'd pass an eye exam, you're that smart."

"But it's too soon to tell, we don't get our results until July. It's only June!" Lily exclaimed.

"Do you remember Danny Elvendork?" Sirius asked and everyone shook their heads. "He was a seventh-year Slytherin when we were in first year and he took his NEWTs, finished school and got a job pretty high up in the Ministry, partly due to contacts, partly due to his ten Outstanding on his OWLs. So his summers going great, lots of parties, Minister of Magic himself raves about his new assistant, July comes as does NEWT results, and he's failed everything, not even a Acceptable to help him keep his job, he needs to retake the whole year. He was devastated, ended up as a vial cleaner in the apothecary Pretty sure he fights for the other team now..."

"You mean his gay?" squeaked Peter, appearing out of nowhere and sitting next to Remus.

"What? No don't be daft, where have you been anyway? Never mind, don't answer that. I mean he's with Voldemort."

The silence was golden, Lily gasped and Marlene rolled her eyes. James glared.

"That probably didn't calm Lily down," he said. "Don't worry babes, we all passed, especially you."

"Hey guys," a voice called and they turned to see Mary running towards them. McGonagall's ready for us.

The six friends stood up, looked up at the castle and followed Mary across the grounds to where McGonagall and Dumbeldore were standing.

As the boats whisked them back under the canopy of ivy, the seventh years, all simultaneously turned around and glanced at the castle. For some of them it would be their last glance, for others it was their first as a graduate. Marlene sighed and leaned her head on Sirius' shoulder, she closed her eyes and listened to James and Sirius shout over to Remus and Peter in another boat. She felt a hand on hers, and recognised that it belonged to Lily. Opening her eyes she smiled.

Yes their years at Hogwarts were over, but there was so much more to come. Many hard times were behind them, their struggles through the year, tolerating James and Sirius, to actually being classed as family. Marlene sighed, yes times were hard and they all understood that times were going to get harder.

A/N: Tada, *hides behind sofa whilst people throw projectiles* so first things first, I'm sorry. I've got a new job. For eight months of the year (with a two month break every four) I work for a mouse, on a big boat, with questionable internet connection. It was very hard to come up with anything, I did try honest but mainly I was exhausted. Then I come home and it's like wow, this can happen and Sirius... but Regulus oh and where's my iPod as it's 3am and I've just though of a one-liner that turns into a whole paragraph. And here it is. Seven pages of them finishing school I hope you like it.

Next chapter is going to be a new story. Called Hard Times: The Order and Beyond, I was going to split Hard Times up as my sister thinks 42 chapters is too long (and I agree however I need to play with and see if I'll lose my review count), speaking off reviews *grin* please do so. Nice ones and tell me what you think. Thanks for your patience.