The next week at breakfast the girls' desire became a reality. There would be a Halloween Ball and since the holiday itself was on a Saturday, the ball would take place on that day.

Lily and her friends weren't the only ones who were excited, it seemed that everyone was a bit more cheerful that day.

"Okay, now I can start to stress out guys," said Addison "I hope he asks me. What should I be? Where should I even get my costume? What are you two going to be? Who do you want to go with?"

Lily and Emily started laughing, Addison always got a little jittery about the balls, but it had never been this bad before.

"Addi, take a deep breath," Lily instructed. "Today is Friday so why don't both of you come sleepover in my room tonight and we can plan everything then? Do any work you want to get done before dinner and after that it's girl time!"

Emily nodded vigorously and Addison looked relieved. They finished their meal and headed off to the first class of the day, Herbology.

Arriving at the greenhouses Lily looked around for Charlie. Since they shared this class the two of them usually partnered together.

"Hey, Lilypad!" Charlie whispered in her ear, and she jumped. He had snuck up behind her.

"Charlie," Lily squealed turning around and lightly hitting his arm, "You know I despise that nickname!"

"Yes but I can get away with it can't I?"

"I suppose so, but don't let it happen again!" Lily tried to sound tough but the truth was she didn't really care as much as she made it seem.

"Will you still be my partner today?"

"Absolutely."

The time is class passed quickly, Lily always had fun when she was with Charlie and before she knew it they were walking back to the castle.

"Excited about the Ball?" Lily asked him "Got your eye on any girls in your house?"

"A few, but I actually wanted to talk to you about that. What do you say we go together, it's our last year after all and I suppose for the more serious balls you might prefer to go with a romantic interest. I thought Halloween would be perfect for us."

"Of course Charlie, it will be just like old times. One question though, will you match my costume?"

"I wouldn't dream of doing anything different. What are you going to be?" Charlie responded

"No idea, but I'll let you know."

The two parted ways shortly there after having different classes next. Lily was excited about going with Charlie and even more excited about deciding on a costume. She couldn't wait until that evening.

After classes that day Lily spread all her work out on the table and resolved to get through as much as she could before dinner so she could truly enjoy the time with her friends.

James had been badgering her lately to lend him her potions notes to supposedly study, but she had a sneaking suspicion he would copy them.

When she heard the portrait hole open and then felt someone tap her on the shoulder she waved the distraction away,

"James, I told you no, I'll help you with potions on Sunday, alright?" she asked, exasperated.

"Lily, It's me Remus, James told me the password."

"Oh, hi," Lily turned towards him. She was a bit embarrassed. "Sorry I snapped at you then, um, unfortunately James is not here."

"I know, he's at quidditch practice. I actually came to talk to you. If you don't have time however, I can just leave,"

"No, no, sit down," Lily said, motioning to the couch, "I always have time for you."

"Thanks Lily, I'll try to make this quick." He said as Lily plopped down into one of the comfy chairs. "It's just well, I don't really know how to say this, I hope you're not mad, but I-I really like Addison, and I want to ask her to the dance."

"Why would I be mad? I think that's great, and I'm pretty sure she'll say yes."

"See that's kind of what I am afraid of, I mean I really like her Lily, and I just I'm afraid that-that she won't accept me, once she finds out my condition."

"Remus, you don't have to tell her right away, you know? But I know that if you did, she wouldn't think any less of you."

"I know she's your best friend and you think you know her and could predict how she would react but you just can't be sure."

"But I can be sure."

"How? How is that possible? Just because you were so understanding doesn't mean that everyone will be!"

"Please Remus trust me, and ask her, okay? Just take it one step at a time."

"Alright, thanks Lily, and sorry for, well, for acting rude I suppose would be the way to put it. This just brings out the worst in me."

"I understand." Lily said soothingly as Remus stood up and gave her a quick hug. She returned to her studies as he silently slipped out the portrait hole.

Before Lily knew it, She was walking down to dinner.

"How about a giant squid?" Emily asked

"Nooo!!" squealed Addison, "god why would I ever want to be that."

"I wasn't serious, but none of our other ideas are to your liking so I thought I'd throw that one out."

The three girls laughed. They were lounging in their pyjamas on Lily's bed trying to decide what to be and looking through Lily's clothes for inspiration.

"How about a cowgirl?" asked Emily hopefully, taking a denim skirt from Lily's drawer. "You could wear this with a plaid shirt or something."

"Nope," replied Addison almost automatically.

"Hey, I like that idea." Said Lily, "I'll be a cowgirl, what do you guys think?"

"I think it's perfect for you, Lils. But what would work for me?" whined Addison

'I don't know Addi, what about a cat?"

"Hmm," she said seeming to at least contemplate the idea, "What would I wear?"

"Well you can borrow a leotard and ballet skirt from me, and you have black tights don't you?"

"Yeah, but what about the ears?"

"Oh that's easy, I can just charm a black headband."

Addison squinted her eyes as if imagining the ensemble and then nodded her head.

"That actually sounds like it would work Thanks, I was getting worried I would never decide on a costume." So Ems what do you want to dress as?"

Emily was still trying to think of another idea for Addison since she had doubted Lily's idea would be accepted. It took her a second to regroup but she had already been thinking of so many costumes that she had a specific one in mind already.

"I'm going to be a belly dancer," she said "I have all these scarves and pieces of jewelry from my mum that would work perfectly."

"You're going to look amazing." Lily commented

"And so are you two! Now all we have to do is find dates."

"Easier said than done." Whined Addison

"Addi if you want to go with Remus I bet he'll ask you, just give him the opportunity. As for you," she said pointing a finger at Emily, "I don't think you need any help getting a guy to ask you, the question is who do you want to ask you?"

"That's easy," Addison stated, "She wants Black to ask her." At this Emily blushed a bit.

"That's true, I wouldn't mind if he asked me, we are friends after all. Now all we need is for James to ask Lily and if everything works out, we can all go with marauders."

"Not gonna happen."

"Lily, come on, you know he's better this year, and I bet he'll ask you, all you have to do is say yes."

"No, Ems, as much as it pains me to admit it, I know, it's not that."

"Then what is it? What's your reason now?"

"Charlie already asked me to go with him, since it's our last Halloween Ball ever, and I said yes."

"Okay, I guess that is a valid reason."

"I should hope so! Now who wants to do pedicures?"

Without answering Emily and Addison raced over to Lily's nail polish collection and started deciding what colors they wanted.

When James got in late that night after hanging out with his friends he was surprised to see light coming from beneath Lily's door. He almost went to talk to her when he heard giggles coming from behind the door.

'Her friends must be over,' he thought to himself. 'Damn, and I was going to try and ask her to the ball. I guess I'll just wait until Monday; this weekend is going to have enough going on with Saturday's full moon. Yeah, it's better this way.'

A/N thanks to everyone who reviews, you guys rock. hope you enjoyed this chapter!

xoxo