Another chapter for my lovely readers! I think there will only be one more after this chapter before we begin the sequel...

Chapter 52:

The marauders rushed out of the humid History of Magic classroom and made their way down to the Great Hall for lunch. They hollered and shouted at the top of their voices, "we're done!"

Lily tutted from behind them, "some people are still in exams you know!"

James and Sirius laughed in her face before Sirius said, "whatever Evans" and James practically shouted, "it's all over! First year is practically finished."

The last week of term was spent outside in the grounds; swimming in the lake and sunbathing in the sun. The marauders were biding their time. They had an amazing idea for the perfect last prank of the year but they didn't want to do it too soon as the older students still had exams. The Gryffindor girls and Frank had spent most of their time with the marauders by the lake, much to Lily's dislike. Two days until the last day of term the N.E.W.T students had their last exam and so the marauders planned a big party for the common room. Someone had brought a wireless down from their room and was playing loud music. Several older students were dancing happily.

James and Sirius had gone down to the kitchens to request food for the party and had come away with enough food for several parties. James was sat with the other first years reminiscing over everything that had happened in the year, when a second year girl tapped him on the shoulder. "Hey James," she began. She was a pretty girl with blonde hair that fell smoothly down her back. She had sparkly blue eyes. They reminded James slightly of Dumbledore's eyes.

"Hey Rachael," James nodded.

"Do you want to dance?" she asked shyly.

"Er, yeah sure." James answered, standing to his feet. He went over to an area where the tables and chairs had been moved away to make space for dancing and took Rachael's hand. They began dancing awkwardly. James tried to think of something to say but Rachael beat him to it.

"How did you find your exams?"

"Oh, yeah, fine I guess," James answered, running a nervous hand through his messy hair. James could see Sirius watching him with the other first years. Sirius was laughing at James' awkwardness. James wasn't very good at the whole shuffling on the spot thing. His mother had insisted that he learn how to dance when he was younger because of all the different parties they had at the house. "What about yours?"

"Oh, it was ok. Don't think I got any trolls," she giggled softly. Soon the music stopped and Rachael stepped back gently. She lent up and kissed him briefly on the lips, "I'll see you next year James." Then she walked off, leaving James standing there feeling slightly shocked.

James made his way back over to his friends who were making kissing noises and laughing at his facial expression. "Your face was a right picture!" Sirius doubled over with laughter. The friends continued to talk about what they had planned for the summer and what they thought second year would be like. The party continued for several more hours until Professor McGonagall came barging in through the portrait hole wearing a dark purple dressing gown. James couldn't help but notice that her hair was still up in a bun. "Enough! Everyone to bed, now!" She shouted before leaving through the portrait hole once more.

Slowly everyone scattered until it was just the first years sat quietly round the fire. "I can't wait to see my parents," Mary smiled, yarning slightly.

"Yeah me too," commented James. He realised in that moment that he really had missed them. "Right I'm off to bed. See you all in the morning."

"Yeah right! Like any of us are getting up in the morning," Sirius said, as he got to his feet, "try mid-day."

The first years all laughed quietly as they got to their feet and made their way towards their dormitory. Alice said a quick goodnight to Frank before heading up the girls' staircase. When the girls reached their dorm they all flopped on their beds. "You know, I'm going to miss those marauders," Mary sighed.

Lily snorted. "You know Lily, you really should give them a chance." Marlene said in between yarns as she pulled on her pjammas.

"As if that is ever going to happen!" Lily laughed as she jumped in between her warm sheets. She was going to miss Hogwarts.

The last few days of term went by ridiculously fast and before the first years knew it, it was their last night in the castle. They had spent the last few hours packing and were now making their way down towards the Great Hall. Gryffindor had won the Quidditch cup but the students were excited to hear who had won the house cup. James felt sure that he and the other marauders had lost far too many points for Gryffindor to win. Although, when he had said this out loud Remus had reminded him of all the points they had won the house. The marauders were excited about their last prank and Sirius was bouncing up and down impatiently.

When they reached the Great Hall, the marauders made their way up to the front of the hall to where the teachers table was. Dumbledore winked at them whilst Professor McGonagall's face turned into sour expectation. She was worried what they could possibly be up to this time. "Good day guys and gals!" James began.

Sirius cut across him, "Good day ugly" he gestured towards the Slytherin table "and beautiful people!" He winked at several pretty Gryffindor girls.

"Mighty cleaver and awfully brainless," Remus continued.

"And the hysterically funny and slightly witless," Peter concluded nervously. All the students in the Great Hall were paying avid attention to them, anticipating a prank.

"We, the marauders, would like to congratulate you on completing a spectacular year!" James smiled. Several people cheered.

"We congratulate those of you who got outstandings and we commiserate with those of you who got trolls." Sirius called to the room at large, getting a few laughs.

Remus looked around the room, "we, the marauders, question the need for houses."

"We feel that there should be but one!" Peter squeaked.

"The House of Marauder!" James shouted out, excitedly.

"A house of laughter and excitement. Of joy and mayhem." Sirius continued.

"A house of mirth and exhilaration." Remus smiled.

"Of elation, havoc and bedlam!" Peter laughed.

"A house of tomfoolery and shenanigans!" James smiled.

"Of high jinks and pranks!" Sirius shouted.

"A house where everyone's welcome as long as they are willing to have a little fun!" James said as he lifted his wand. He directed it at the Hogwarts banners; changing their appearance. They were now a bright purple with the letter M in bright yellow. "Welcome to the house of marauder!" Everyone's clothes changed colour, leaving the entire room a vivid purple. The boys made their way back to their seats and waited for Professor Dumbledore to make his speech. The entire room burst into applause – except the Slytherin table; they merely looked miserable.

Next chapter is the final chapter - we will see how Dumbledore responds to the marauders prank and see which house wins the cup!