It was the last day of term, and James was once again lounging on the couch in Lily's room. She was busy packing and double checking that she had everything.
"Hey, Lils?" he said, sitting up.
"Yeah."
"I was thinking. Maybe we should have an announcement made in our honor at the feast tonight," he said.
"You mean, an announcement regarding our engagement?" she asked.
"Of course I do, Lils," he said with a kiss.
"But in front of everyone? In front of Remus and Sirius?"
"Yes, Lils. They have to find out at some time, don't they?" James said.
"Yes, but aren't you afraid of their reactions? This is a big secret. I doubt you've ever kept anything from them up until we started dating," Lily said, concerned.
"True. But they're our mates, Lils. They'll be happy for us. I know they will," James said, getting up. "Speaking of them, let's go find them."
"Wait," Lily said. The ring on her hand was now visible.
James smiled. "Ready now?"
"Yes."
With that, the two of them went off to find their friends.
"What's that, Lily?" asked Remus, pointing to her ring.
"Nothing. It was my grandmother's. I found it at the bottom of my trunk," she replied.
"Who cares? It's just a ring. And it's stopping us from eating. Let's go!" yelled Sirius.
The four of them took their seats at the head table. The hall was decked out in red and gold, as it had been for the past seven years.
Food appeared on the plates and Sirius and James eagerly piled their plates up and began to shovel food into their mouths.
As Lily was getting her own food, a voice asked, "Do they live for food?"
She turned and looked into the twinkling eyes of Dumbledore. "Honestly, I think they do. Professor, this is for you," she said, handing him a note.
It read:
'James and I are engaged. We were hoping to have in announced at the end of the feast. Thank you.'
He looked at Lily's hand and nodded. "Congratulations."
Once everyone was finished eating and the plates were cleared, Dumbledore stood up.
James nudged Lily and she smiled, "Yes, but not yet."
"I'd like to thank you all for another glorious year here at Hogwarts," Dumbledore said. "I've several announcements to make. The first being that O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. results will be sent out during the holidays."
He pulled a plaque from under the table. "The second is to explain this award to you. It reads, 'Hogwarts Pranksters- never to be forgotten. The Marauders: Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs.'"
James and Sirius laughed and grinned proudly.
To the confused audience, Dumbledore said, "This award is dedicated to the group of pranksters who have in some way or another, affected each and every one of us throughout the past eight years."
"The third item on the agenda is the awarding of the House Cup. In fourth place, with 172 house points, is Slytherin, mainly in part to a single teacher who shall remain unnamed."
At this, Sirius smiled and perked up, basking in the attention.
"In third place," Dumbledore continued. "With a total of 203 house points, is Hufflepuff. In second place, with 269 points is Raveclaw. And finally, the winner of this year' House Cup, for the eighth year in a row, is Gryffindor, with 301 house points! Congratulations!"
The hall erupted. Cheers, stomps, whistles, and screams came from three of the four tables. Boos, hisses, and insults came from the final table.
Dumbledore let the noise continue for a time, sitting down, looking amused.
Lily looked over at James. He was extremely fidgety and was trying hard to pay attention to Sirius.
She smile as Dumbledore tapped her arm and said, "Am I correct to say that I'm the only other person that knows about this?"
She nodded, suddenly tense and white faced.
Dumbledore stood up once more. "If I may have your attention for one final time this evening. I have only just been informed of this announcement tonight, and I am very happy to have the pleasure of telling you this." He paused and looked over at James.
"Just say it. Please," said James.
"All right," Dumbledore continued. "This is a first on several accounts. I believe it is the first time an announcement of this sort has been made at Hogwarts. And I know that this is the first time I've been privileged to make this type of announcement. And, it is the first time anybody besides myself and the people it concerns will hear about this. I am pleased to announce the engagement of Lily Evans to James Potter!"
The hall erupted once more. Lily and James both sat there, beaming, a heavy burden now behind them.
After several moments, Sirius left, students following his lead.
As Lily and James started to leave, Remus said, "Congratulations you two! I'd love to be a part in the talk that you'll have with Sirius, but sadly I need to finish packing. See you tomorrow."
Lily and James covered themselves with the Invisibility Cloak and made their way, unnoticed, to the staff room.