Author's note: Ah, the last chapter. I'm sad to see it go, but I have other story ideas to pursue. I may one day write another story about these star-crossed lovers, but not any time soon. Enjoy!

Lily left the Gryffindor Common Room feeling re-energized. Her talk with Alice had given her a new confidence in herself. Why should she care about what other people thought about her and James? If she was happy, and if he was happy, those who really cared about them would be happy for them.

She almost had the urge to skip down the halls when she heard her name being called behind her. The red-head turned around.

"Hi Kim. How are you?"

The other girl smiled. "Better than last time we met."

Lily laughed nervously. "So what's new?"

"Nothing much really. I just wanted to talk."

"Um, okay then. About?"

"James."

"Huh."

"I bet that's not what you were expecting."

"No, I was expecting it, but I thought maybe in a little while."

"Has he asked you to be his girlfriend?"

"No. I'm expecting he will though soon."

"Why do you say that?"

"I don't know. It's just a feeling."

"Ah, the good old 'feeling'." Kim sketched inverted commas in the air on the last word.

The red-head laughed. "Anyways, what was it you wanted to say?"

"Let's go for a walk." She looped her arm into Lily's. "I'd rather not have this discussion around the fans of the James Potter Fan Club."

Lily looked around and suddenly realized that there were girls who were obviously trying to eavesdrop. They hurriedly bustled away upon noticing that the two girls were aware of them.

"Good idea."

They went outside, and both girls pulled out their scarves from their bags. Even though it wasn't quite winter, fall was obviously over. Lily made a small fire in a jar to keep them warm while they talked.

"I know it's not the best place to talk..."

"It's okay. I understand."

"I just don't want people trying to listen in and then going off to tell James about whatever I say."

Lily was starting to get nervous. "Is what you have to say bad?"

The other girl laughed. "No, no, I'm not here to slander James or anything. I just wanted to talk."

"Okay..."

"In fact, I wanted to tell you that if he doesn't ask you out soon, you should be the one to do it."

Lily was confused and it was apparent on her face. "What in the name of Merlin's pyjamas are you talking about?"

"Hmm, 'Merlin's pyjamas'. I never heard that one. Anyways, back to my point. It's obvious to everyone that James still loves you."

"Oh really now? I hadn't noticed." A small smile played on her lips though.

Kim laughed. "Okay, so I'll back up a little. James is in love with you. This part is obvious to anyone who has eyes. Now, for that matter if you love him back or not, it is irrelevant. I neither want to know nor care to know because it's none of my business."

Lily just stood there looking at James' ex-girlfriend, not really sure how to reply.

"Anyways, the main thing I wanted to tell you is that don't worry about me if James does ask you out. I'm over him, and I have been for a while. Actually, that's what I was doing there that night."

Both girls cringed at the thought.

Kim continued after the slight pause. "I was breaking up with James because, well, I guess I should tell you because I'm explaining it all to you, but I was cheating on him. I didn't tell him because I knew he would fly off the handle."

"So instead, you flew off the handle when he didn't accept you breaking up with him."

"Exactly. And I'm the type of person who won't take it lying down. So I fought back and said some things I shouldn't have."

"I can understand that."

"But, James is a great bloke. Oh, I know he did drugs for a while, but something happened to shock him out of it and he's never touched them since. He's totally loyal and devoted completely to whomever he's with. You just have to learn how control him. I don't think there will be a problem though. You seem like a tough girl who knows her way. Just don't let him trample you."

Lily smiled. "Oh, I think I have the upper hand on most days. He's just denying it."

Kim laughed. "Glad to hear it. Anyways, if you need to chat with someone who knows the ropes, don't hesitate to owl me or corner me in the halls."

"Okay. Thanks." Lily gave her a hug. "I appreciate it."

"Anytime."

Lily walked back to the Common Room feeling lighter. She didn't want to admit it to Kim, but she was worried of what she would think if and when James asked her to be his girlfriend. Now that she knew it was not a problem, life was looking slightly brighter.

Now if only Jordan could ever forgive her.

A voice behind her startled her. "Lily?"

As if by some miracle, Jordan was standing behind her, nervously twisting his hands.

"Jordan! How are you?" she asked, cocking her head to one side as if looking at the boy from a different angle might change what his answer was.

"I've been better, but I've been worse."

Lily moved forward to comfort him. She took his hands in her own to stop them from twisting. Red marks were showing on his skin. "You've started that bad habit again I see."

"I know. I keep trying to stop, but it's hard."

The red-head smiled apologetically. "I know what you mean."

"You haven't started chewing your nails again I hope."

Lily smiled. "No. See, look." She lifted her hands from his so that he could inspect her nails.

"That's good. I'm proud of you." He fidgeted again. "Look Lil, can we talk? I feel really badly how we ended things and I want to apologize somehow."

"Jordan, there's no need. I've already forgiven you. You were just upset."

"It was more than that. I really thought that the two of you were shacking up behind my back and I was just being strung along for the ride."

"Many people thought that, but it was nothing as such. I'm not his girlfriend, and he is not my boyfriend. We haven't been since fourth year."

"I know, I know! I was completely stupid because I convinced myself. I should have believed you, but I just thought... you are so beautiful that you could have anyone you wanted and you chose me and I didn't feel like I deserved you. And then my paranoia set in and I thought that because James was always looking at you and sometimes you would look back at him, that you had gotten over me to someone who could handle your beauty and make it shine even brighter." Jordan shook his head. "I sound crazy. I'm sorry. I shouldn't be dumping all of this on you."

Lily rubbed his arm. "Jordan, you know that you can tell me anything. Just because we're not dating anymore, doesn't mean we can't still talk and be friends. Yes, it will be awkward. But, we were such good friends before we started dating."

"You know it can never be like that. Not like it was before."

"I know. But what else can we do?"

Jordan shrugged. "Nothing else that is an option."

Lily took a deep breath. "I know it's hard, but like you said, there's nothing else we can do that is in the realm of possibility."

"It is hard because I still love you, even if I know you don't love me anymore."

"Jordan, I do love you, just not in the way you want me to. I'm sorry."

The man in question just looked at the red-head. "I've come to terms with that," he finally said. "As much as I hate to admit it, I'm ready to accept your moving on, even if it's with Potter."

"Thank you Jordan," she said, kissing him on the cheek softly. "It means a lot to me."

"Just try not to flaunt it too much please?"

"I promise I will try."

They both laughed before Lily spoke again. "Anyways, I should probably get back up to my room. I need to take a bath. I'll talk to you later okay?"

Jordan nodded. "Bye luv."

Lily smiled before she turned around and went inside the Common Room.

James was sleeping on the couch, his hair tousled in all directions and his glasses were hanging from only his left ear.

Lily chuckled to herself at the sight and moved quietly towards her room. Once inside she quickly shed her clothes and made her way to her bathroom, anxiously awaiting her bath.

She was just about to turn on the tap when there was a knock at the door of her room. "Who is it?"

"James."

"Oh. Um, give me a minute." She dashed back to her room and picked up her dressing gown, hastily putting it on. She opened the door and James was leaning against the frame.

"Took you long enough."

"I needed to find something to put on."

"You were naked?"

"Yes."

"And you didn't invite me to witness it."

"No."

"Aw, no fun luv."

"Too bad." Lily smirked. "I was about to take my bath though, so can we make this snappy?"

"Can I join you?"

"You wish."

"Of course." He flashed her his biggest smile in hopes to charm her.

"Okay, sure, why not."

James suddenly looked serious. "Really?"

"Pfft, no." Lily made a face to go along with the words.

James laughed. "You had me going there for a moment."

"That's nice to know. Anyways, what was it you wanted to talk about?"

"Did you think about us?"

"Us? As what? As each individual? 'Cause I have to admit that I think about myself way more than I think about you."

"You hurt me luv," James said, placing his hand upon his heart. "But seriously."

"Seriously? Yes, I have."

"Have you come to a conclusion?"

"Yes, I have."

"And...?" Lily just looked at him. "Come on luv, don't leave me hanging."

"If you still want me, I think we can give it a go."

James' mouth erupted into a grin. "Really?"

"Yes really. But, things will be different than last time. You have to know that. You cannot control me or try to because the moment you do is the moment I leave and I am never going to come back. Got it?"

"Feisty, I like that." He moved close to her and wrapped her in his arms. "I promise Lil, I won't let anything bad happen to you."

"You'd better not," she said, her voice muffled in his shirt.

James laughed as he squeezed her. "I guess you want to go take your bath now."

Lily nodded. "And no, you can't join me," she said, noticing the look on James' face.

"Bloody hell Lily. You will be the death of me."

"So you've told me. Now, if you excuse me, I need to take my bath." She kissed his lips, feeling them tingle slightly at the contact.

She closed the door softly and took off her dressing gown. "Just to let you know," she called out through the door, "I am now naked."

"I will knock down that door Lily, if you keep telling me these things."

"You'll get your chance to see me naked eventually. Just not today."

With that, she turned on the tap, which drowned out his response.

THE END.

Author's note: It seems like an odd way to end the story, but it ended on a funny note, which was what I wanted. I hope you all enjoyed the story. PLEASE PLEASE review. And I want to thank everyone who has reviewed and encouraged me to write. It really does help.