Afew weeks passed and gradually, everyone began to settle in. The screams from first years dissolved, (after they figured suits of armour, paintings, moving staircases, peeves and trick steps!) Lily began to enjoy Hogwarts life at the fullest. Food was delicious, lessons were interesting and fun, heads meetings were enjoyable because they never lasted for long and patrols were a time of gossip. The first quiddich match of the season was looming (ravenclaw vs slytherin) and halloween was approaching.

They had begun moving onto interesting things in Transfiguration such as human transfiguring. It was only for the advanced (transfiguration was unfortunately Lily's worse subject) but still good fun to watch and take notes on. Professor McGonagall also talked about animagus and some students who could attempt to try it after school. It was very hard and only three students, James, Sirius and much to everybodies surprise, Peter, were recommended. The thought seemed to amuse them, much to the bewilderment of the rest of the class, but still.

One Thursday, Lily was strolling along the grounds by the lake with Alice and Marlene. It was October and orange leaves were blowing in every direction. Lily had her wand out and was casting charms on the leaves to make themselves arrange in patterns.

'Lily uh- Lily Evans?' A small second year by the name of Rosemary Blackwell stumbled up to Lily. She was wearing a Gryffindor scarf and half a hat (it was blowing away). 'Professor Dumbledore wishes to see you in his office.'

'Thank you,' Lily smiled kindly at Rosemary as she staggered away through the leaves. 'I wonder what he wants,' she asked Marlene and Alice.

'Probably something to do with...heads?' Alice suggested, pulling her jacket on more firmly.

'Yeah. Or maybe you're organising something. Make sure there's ice cream Lils!' Marlene begged.

'IN your dreams McKinnon,' Lily laughed, stowing her wand inside her gillet pocket. 'You guys wait for me later in the common room yeah? Then we'll go down for tea!' Lily smiled quickly before turning into the wind. It blasted her in the face but she staggered towards the castle doors before proceeding to Dumbledore's office.

'So glad you got here Miss Evans, please take a seat,' Dumbledore waved his wand and a chair zoomed forwards. Lily sat down rather nervously. With another flourish, Dumbledore conjured a crackling fire in the fireplace. Letting the warmth wash over her, Lily slumped in her chair as though she was in a hot bath.

'Why are we here professor?' James asked, puzzled.

'Oh yes. Right, I have planned the Halloween feast and the bonfire night fireworks display but I am still thinking about two parties. The first one is a Halloween party, it is traditional and so we must have one. The second is the most important christmas and new years eve masquerade. We haven't had a masquerade for around twenty years and I daresay it will be fun. I am trusting the organising the party up to you two. Is that ok?'

'Will we be planning both professor?' Lily inquired, frowning.

'Ah no,' Dumbledore smiled. 'I have done the Halloween party. I am merely asking you two to arrive early to oversee decorations and food are all there. The Christmas masquerade however, I want you to organise yourselves.'

'So we have to get everything ourselves?' James asked.

'Heavens no!' Dumbledore laughed. 'Intelligent as you two may be, that would take forever. No, you will book a band, Professor McGonagall will help you there. In charms, professor Flitwick will oversee the decorating side. He will help you to find the correct spells so you can magic what you need. You can visit the house elves for the food. Tell them the date and the times so they can transport the food upwards. The ball is to be held in the great hall on new years eve, do you have any questions?'

Lily racked her brains for a moment. She could just picture the great hall filled with decorations. Mistletoe everywhere, people dancing in ball gowns, tuexdos and masks. Masks...

'Professor, what will we do about clothing. There will surely not be enough dresses in Hogsmeade for everybody. If it's a masquerade then people wearing the same dress won't do!'

'That Miss Evans, is something I have taken care of. At the evening of the ball, people will pass through the doors of the great hall one at a time. When they reach the other side, their robes will be in their dorms and they will be wearing a dress to suit their personality. I must ask you two to oversee the fact that they pass through the doors alone. A couple of charms might do it. This one my friend taught me, extremely useful.' Dumbledore smiled slightly.

'I've already got some ideas,' James murmured, lost in thought. 'I'm thinking for the masks. We need a charm rule that nobody can remove their mask until midnight or something. Otherwise it will spoil the fun and mystery.'

'A good idea James,' Dumbledore said. 'I am sure I can find a charm to do that. You two will need to advertise as well. Posters all over the school would be excellent, you may leave now, unless you have any questions?'

'Nope, thank you professor!' James stood up and motioned for Lily to do the same. 'Goodbye!'

They walked down the corridor towards the great hall for tea talking. Each of them bursting with ideas. Plans would be made very soon.

'How about I do the music and food while you do the decorations and advertising?' James suggested 'as they passed Professor Sprout carrying a small flutterby bush.

'Good idea!' Lily agreed. 'How about we meet up tomorrow because it's a Saturday to draw up some plans and get started?'

'Ok, yeah.' James grinned at her. 'Mind you though Evans, I don't plan on having a lame party for our last year at Hogwarts, I'm a marauder!'

'Lame? Party? No way Potter, this is gonna be the best party you've ever been to!'

'Speaking of that how about we get the marauders and your friends to help. We could plan a really good party if we get them to help!'

'Yeah! We'll invite them for tomorrow morning and we'll all meeting in the common room. Sound good?' Lily said.

'Brilliant, race you to dinner!' James smiled, taking of in a run. His eyes full of mischief.

'Hey! That's not fair, you had a head start!' Lily shrieked, taking off after him in hot pursuit.

They ran all the way to the great hall laughing. Little did they know this party would become greater things.

Authors Note: I know, I know. I'm really really sorry. I've not posted for like, 4 weeks but better late then never eh? Either way, chapter 8 will definitely be up either later today or tomorrow so peace! ;) PS. Reviews are nice *wink wink, nudge nudge*