"those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."
Without Lucifer there to lead a rebellion things may play out differently, though.
The problem is that Aziraphale's old friend is a demon. The angel never could be exactly the same person. Aziraphale will have to accept either the loss of his old friend, or the fact that his love for Crowley is selfish (He'd rather keep him, than save him from Hell.).