A/N: Okay, I know I haven't updated for what seems like a billions of years! There is such a horrible thing called exams, which are now thankfully over. Thank you for all reviewers, especially those who have reviewed faithfully for every chapter. Even those that constantly bugs me at school! Hopefully you haven't forgotten the plot... P.S. I recommend you to read Romance in the Rain by Fallingangel911, Marauders: Their First Year by Marauders4eva and also check out my other story!

The Trouble Starts

The hall was brightly lit by colorful fairy lights, flashing dimly in synchronization. The four long tables have been carefully stacked away, instead there was several tables cluttered at the back, giving the front of the hall enough space for dancing. The teacher's table had been pushed closer to the central, and there was a small stage set up on the platform instead. This is where the talent quest supposed to be performed and judged, including the Weird Sisters.

A long banner unrolled itself magically, bearing the words 'Hogwart's 1500th Anniversary'. But it was the hall itself that had the magical aura, what with the walls changing the colours every 5 minutes and fairies and elves sprinkling rose petals.

Flashback

"I think we overdone the decorations." Lily commented, exactly 3 hours before the ball.

"No, it's 'romantic', just the way you wanted." James teased.

"Well, I don't think that changing the colours on the wall is 'romantic'." Lily replied dryly.

"Hey, it's a good distraction when the speeches gets too boring."

"Whatever," Lily placed her wand inside her cloak, "I am going to get ready." She flashed a cheeky grin at James.

"What, already? It takes you 3 hours to get ready?" James raised his eyebrows.

"Ok, fine. I won't dress up for the ball and you can take me looking this ugly."

"In that case, I will ask Sirius to introduce me some of her pretty girl friends." James began. Seeing Lily's face expression he added hastily, "But of course that's totally unnecessary because my girlfriend is always pretty."

Lily looked embarrassed and rolled her eyes. "Meet me at 7 on the Common Room stairs."

Lily, Melinda, Tamari and Rachel walked hand in hand down the stairs, like models walking down the catwalk. Each of them looked gorgeous in their own way- Lily the classic beauty, Melinda the party princess, Tamari the oriental goddess and Rachel the dreamy angel. (Or so they were labeled.)

James bowed comically, taking Lily's hand and acting like a real gentleman. "You look beautiful tonight, my fair lady." He whispered, whilst trying to keep a straight face.

"You're not half bad yourself," Lily surveyed him top to toe. There is always laughter when you're around James, she thought.

Lily thought James looking a little dismayed, so she gave him a kiss.

"James, Lily! Get a room already!" Sirius shouted across the room. James groaned when every eyes landed on them, especially that of the jealous girls. Normally he didn't care less, but now that Lily and James are officially together, there seems to be funny little accidents that somehow always land on Lily. Of course, both of them were quite aware of the fact that they were by the works of James's Fan Club. Lily hasn't said anything yet so James thought it was better if he didn't bring it up.

Presently the duo walked over, rolling their eyes profusely. Not that we're the ones that really needed that warning, James thought.

"Look at those two," Melinda spoke up, directing her eyes to where Remus and Tamari were deep in conversation, lost in their own world.

"How about I give them a nice surprise?" Sirius suggested mischievously, his blue eyes sparkling with excitement.

"No, you don't." Melinda replied firmly, as if daring him to do it.

"Ok, I lose, you win." Sirius said weakly, sighing dramatically.

James and Lily laughed heartily over the fact that Melinda seemed to control Sirius. It seemed more like the other way around with his ex girlfriends. Funny the way love makes you do things.

James gave a sudden start. "Where's Rachel?" "Oh," Lily exclaimed, looking startled, "She was here a minute ago."

Sirius and Melinda casted their eyes around the room.

"She must've left already, we should go now too." Sirius stated.

"Yeah..."Lily replied uncertainly. "It's all my fault though, I promised not to leave her out of things."

James squeezed her hand encouragingly, "Knowing Rachel, she's probably on the lookout for an eligible dance partner."

He did not catch to see Lily's tentative face.

The six some had entered the hall and was comfortably seated. Later on, however, Lily and James would have to join the Prefect's table later on, much to their disappointment. The real alarming thing was that Rachel was no where to be found...

"James, I have this bad feeling about this. There's been something wrong with Rachel recently. She is normally the happiest soul but tonight...she didn't even felt like coming to the ball and she loves balls! No, we've got to find her now."

"Yes, but the ceremony's starting...oh, alright. Whatever you say, my lady. She's probably in the Common Room."

"I'll come too, if you don't mind." Tamari added.

"No, you stay here and enjoy yourself. If anyone asks where we are, just say that we're getting the performance ready." Lily answered decisively.

The two got up briefly and sneaked outside the hall. Everyone was too busy watching the Weird Sisters, but somehow Lily felt that Professor Dumbledore was watching them.

"I'll go check the Common Room, you check the Hospital Wing." She said and sped off.

"Wait..." James called after, "I've got the Marauder's map." He added quite unnecessarily.

I'll be there for you!

When the rain starts to pour

I'll be there for you!

Like I've been there before

I'll be there for you

Cause you're there for me too