James' mind had been blown badly off-track. He wasn't wondering about Sirius's secret date, nor was he busy planning an elaborate prank and apparently, he wasn't trying to pay attention to the Transfiguration lesson either.

"Mr. Potter will you pay attention! I am covering a very important topic which will most definitely come up in your NEWT's! Detention, Mr. Potter, your third today." Professor McGonagall barked, straightening her monocle.

James jerked upright, straightening his own glasses with a slightly cheeky grin. Sirius snorted. McGonagall shot a disapproving look at him and ploughed on with the lesson.

Remus was observing this all along. The night before, James had arrived late from the night rounds (which he nearly always tried to avoid but always ended up attending) soaking wet, unresponsive to their questions and muttering something about rain. He had then crashed into his bed falling asleep instantly. And now this morning he was acting as though this had never even happened.

Sirius had been out of his character lately too. Remus had guessed Sirius's 'Secret date' a while ago and had no intention of telling James (it was fun to see him suffer).

Later that very evening the Marauders were playing exploding snap, sitting on their usual chairs in the common room. James and Sirius being the often superior team were losing badly.

"For god's sake Prongs either play or quit! I know that you aren't even looking at your pack of cards!" Sirius (ironically) barked at James.

Everyone was barking at James today. This allowed Remus to take cover (a werewolf's senses are heightened before and after the full moon, in this case after the full moon).

"I am looking at my pack of cards Padfoot! Where else d'you would I be looking?"
"Oh I don't know," Sirius smirked, "Lily maybe?"

James' mouth opened and closed like a codfish.

"Don't you think we've noticed you taking a butcher's at Evans, eh? If you are still under the impression that we can tolerate this then break your bubble and ask her out. For the last time." Sirius sighed looking up at the ceiling; he was good at making speeches.

James stared into the fire for a few long minutes, the exploding snap forgotten. He then slowly got up from the couch.

"For the last time." Saying this he went up the armchair in the corner, where Lily was sitting.

Merlin only knows how long he was away. Meanwhile Remus, Peter and Sirius resumed their game of exploding snap. Now with James gone Sirius was bound to win the game (though barely and by cheating openly).

After what really was ten minutes James came back, panting.

"What?" Peter asked slightly sceptic.

"She said yes Peter she said yes!"

Remus stared in disbelief. The leaned out of his armchair to see Lily smiling at James or well, she was smiling in that direction, something she never even subconsciously did. Well as they say, five-hundred and seventy-first times's the charm.

"Well if what you're saying is true then all that is left is finding a decent set robes for each one of us and yes, finding Remmy a date. What was the name of the hot Ravenclaw rounds-partner of yours?"

Remus gulped, this meant trouble and trouble; was the Marauders' speciality.

"How does this look?" James asked throwing a pair of brown robes at Sirius.

"A century old." Sirius answered throwing them back at James.

"Well then what do you think I should wear?"

"The blue ones."

"Am I the only one not bothered about this stupid ball?" Remus asked his head in his hands.

"Well there is Peter too."

"AUGH!"

An hour later the Marauders were waiting in the common room.

James was just staring blankly at the staircase of the girl's dormitory. He jumped when he heard the soft clatter of heels.

Lily walked out first. She was wearing green robes which brought out the colour of her eyes accessorised with a green bandana. She was looking absolutely beautiful.

Next came Marlene McKinnon wearing a black outfit and a flimsy yellow scarf. She too was looking nice.

Remus noticed as all the girls walked out. Suddenly his jaw dropped. Ariadne Ranger walked out, but it didn't seem like her.

She was wearing black and white robes of some kind of shimmering material. Her face was full and her eyes vibrant. The biggest change was her hair. It was sleek and shiny, her hair falling loose around her shoulders in delicate curls. She was still using crutches but Remus couldn't help notice the glittering black heels she was wearing. She was smiling nervously.

He gave James a nudge and pointed at her.

"What the-"

At that very moment she descended down the stairs and went over to grab Sirius' hand.

"Hadn't expected that."

Sirius led Ariadne through the entrance of the Gryffindor common room.

"How did you pull this off?" He asked her as a Hufflepuff girl goggled at her.

She gave an uncharacteristic giggle.

"I got a lot of help from Lily and Marlene! They were rather enthusiastic." She added with a slight laugh.

They went down to the entrance hall and out into the carriages. Hermione soon saw Lily and James walking hand-in-hand. She beckoned them into the carriage. James had a bewildered expression on his face. Then the carriages set into motion. James and Sirius began pointing at every significant or insignificant sight along the way causing a lot of hilarity.

At last they reached Hogsmeade. It had been decorated beautifully with a myriad of colours all around.

There was a sign reading- ""ONLY STUDENTS ABOVE THE AGE OF FIFTEEN CAN STAY FOR THE BALL IN THE EVENING.""

Sirius and Ariadne parted ways with James and Lily ("I've got to show her 'round Hogsmeade, mate!")

"Have you ever tried Butterbeer?"

Hermione nodded. She stated that it was the best thing in the world. Sirius agreed.

"Ever had Firewhisky?" Hermione asked feeling courageous. Sirius shook his head.

"Never. And what about you?"

"Just once." Sirius raised his eyebrows.

They went all around Hogsmeade. They bought sweets at Honeyduke's, drank Butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks and visited the shrieking shack. It felt like no time had passed when evening came.