A/N: I decided to update really fast because I am having really good ideas on what should happen next. Chikka and Clare: thank you so much for reviewing. I would be pleased if even one person reviewed my chapter. Oh, also, this chapter is kind of weird with the announcement but I assure you, it's for a good reason. Ok, so here is the next chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter Four: Back At Hogwarts

The Great Hall was filled with silence as Dumbledore stood up to make his speech.

"Welcome back! I hope you have enjoyed the feast. I have a very important announcement to make," he paused and then continued. "As you all know, Lord Voldemort-"some students gasped "Voldemort is a growing threat. A few weeks ago, he attacked Hogsmeade with his Death Eaters. I have received letters from many of your parents, asking to cancel school. I assured them, thought, that you will not come to any harm under my protection. But unfortunately, the Ministry decided to also take part in it. The Ministry has asked us to cancel school. I have tried to explain to them that you were safe inside these walls but they have ignored my pleads. You will be going back home in tomorrow and will return to school after the Ministry considers it safe for you to come back. I am sorry," he ended and sat down. Professor McGonagal stood up and said, "Please finish dinner and head to your dormitories."

The Great Hall was filled with chatter again. Lily stood up and linked arms with Emily and Jessica.

"I can't believe that we're going back home! Why did they make us come here anyway?" Jessica exclaimed, clearly annoyed.

"Maybe Dumbledore didn't find out until today," Emily suggested.

"If I go back now, I'm going to have to spend all my time with Petunia," Lily groaned. Emily and Jessica patted her, sympathetically as they entered the common room. Everyone was talking, making it impossible for the girls to hear each other. Emily pointed a corner where the Marauders were deep in conversation. Not many people were there, so they decided to join them.

"Hello ladies," James greeted as the girls sat down. He was writing or drawing something down in a notebook. Probably planning their next prank, Lily thought.

James turned to Sirius and Remus, "My parents are going to France so we have the whole house to ourselves."

"YES!" Sirius cried. Remus smiled and said, "Are you sure they're not going to leave you with a babysitter? I mean, leaving James Potter alone in a house with Sirius Black doesn't sound very responsible."

"Oh my God! You're going to live alone?" Jessica asked, with her eyebrows raised.

"Yep," James replied proudly.

"But your house is huge! Your parents are trusting you with it?" Jessica asked. She had gone to his mansion before with her parents to the party they had hosted for New Year.

James nodded. "Padfoot and Moony are coming as well. Peter has to go back home," he added.

"Lucky! Can I come over?" she asked with pleading eyes.

"Sure," James shrugged. Jessica widened her eyes.

"I was just kidding. But if you're serious, then could I really come?" she asked. "With Emily and Lily?" she added.

"Of course," James said. "The more, the merrier, right?"

Jessica turned to Lily and Emily. "Can you guys come?" she asked.

Lily nodded, "I'll send Mum a letter. She won't mind because me and Petunia often have fights. She'll probably be glad."

Jessica turned to Emily. "Emily? Can you?"

"Yeah, probably. My mom and dad are working full-time and they're rarely home so it's better that I'm over at James' house anyway."

"Great!" James said, smiling. "Send your letters and tomorrow we'll go to my house!"

The girl got up and headed to the Owlery.

"I can't believe that we're going to James' house!" Lily exclaimed, excitedly.

"James' mansion is more like it. It's huge! And so beautiful. When I went there, I only saw the ballroom. But still, it was incredibly elegant and beautiful. I can't wait! We're going to have so much fun!" Jess said jumping up and down.