A/N: Hello. We are off school for the day so it's a great day for writing, huh? I'm a little stuck right now so I am hoping this will be ok. Review and let me know. I have had a lot of people read the story but very few reviews. I want to know what you think. Even if you only write, 'Good', or 'Ok', I would like to hear from you all.

So here we go!!!

Disclaimer: Don't make me. It's just too painful. We all know it'll never happen.

Chapter 19: SHOPPING!!!

Lily and James walked back down the small path. James was kind enough to carry all of her purchases and they kept smiling at each other. Lily couldn't have imagined a better day. It was only half past one, however, so she decided that she should look for her friends and they could meet to go shopping for the ball.

They emerged back out onto the road and she turned to face him. She waved her wand and all of the packages shrank. She relieved him of the gifts and put them in her pockets.

"James, thank you for doing all this for me. It was so nice," she said and she hugged him. He hugged her back and took in the smell of her hair. He was a little dejected when she let go.

"Hey, James, I am going to go look for the girls and do a little shopping for the ball, ok?"

"Yeah," he said, "I should probably start looking myself."

Lily looked at him and they began walking back down the lane. "So, do you have any idea what you want to get?"

James looked at her. "That's against the rules, Miss Head Girl," he said eyeing her, the usual Marauder glint in his eye. She nudged him playfully. He pushed lightly back. So, she shoved him. James wasn't expecting to be shoved or shoved as hard as he was. He was set off-balance and toppled over into the brush. Lily stopped and was doubled over laughing.

James picked himself up and saw that Lily was laughing. Oh, was she in trouble.

"I wouldn't be laughing if I were you, Lils," and he charged.

Lily looked up in time to see him start running at her. She took off down the street but knew she was no match for the Quidditch captain. He was in much better shape than she was and easily over came her. He grabbed her around the waist and hauled her over his shoulder. He ran in a victory lap before setting her down on the pavement.

"That wasn't fair and you know it," said Lily even though she was laughing. She meant to sound intimidating but it had been fun so she couldn't help but smiling.

"Actually, Lily, it was fair because you pushed me over in the brush so I was simply retaliating," said James, sounding very matter of fact.

"Come on, let's go look for our friends," she said and together they headed on down the path.

"Hey, look. It's Lily and James. Together," observed Sirius as the group of five crossed High Street. They saw the two laughing as they came off one of the little side streets.

They turned to meet up with them. The girls ran ahead, so when the boys arrived, they heard the four talking excitedly about what they wanted to do.

"Guys, we're going to catch up with you later. We are going to go…"

"SHOPPING!!!!" all of them yelled from excitement. They waved good bye to the guys and went off to look in the dress stores around Hogsmead.

"What is it with girls and shopping?" Sirius wondered aloud.

James and Remus looked at each other and shrugged. They really didn't know. I guess there are some things the male mind just doesn't comprehend.

The girls wandered around until they saw their favorite dress shop, Madam Dubonnet's Dresses for All Occasions. There were very few people in the store so they headed inside.

The store was almost empty. A few girls were wandering around here and there, so it was very easy to look at the racks of dresses. They had just started to poke around when a saleswoman came out from behind the counter.

"Hello ladies. How are you today?" said the lady. "Are you here looking for the ball at Hogwarts?"

"Actually, we are," said Emma.

"No worries, dears. I am here to help," and with that she grabbed Emma by the hand and ushered her into the back room.

The girls decided they would look until they got called so they looked through the racks a little bit. Emma came back out about 20 minutes later and ushered them all together.

"Girls, I have an idea," she said. "We should change our hair color for the dance so no one will recognize us, then at midnight it could change back and we could surprise everyone."

They all agreed and Sam was hooked by the arm and dragged into the back room. When she returned, Aly went. After another 20 minutes, it was Lily's turn. She walked behind the curtain and stood on the platform so the witch could measure her.

The lady took her measurements and stood back.

"So, dear," she said looking at Lily, "do you have an idea about what you want for the ball?"

Lily had been thinking and she had something in mind but wasn't sure how she wanted it to look.

"Well, I've been thinking about changing my hair color to a dark brown or black and I love green, so if that helps…"

But the saleswoman didn't hear her she was busy behind a screen. A few minutes later she returned with a dress, shoes, and mask. Lily saw them and knew it was perfect.

"I love it. I'll take it," said Lily and stepped down. She was about to walk out when the lady stopped her. She held out a small box.

"Here, take this as well. I've had it for so long and haven't had any use for it. It would go perfectly with your dress and looks great with your hair. It matches your eyes as well." She slipped it into the bag and pushed her out through.

He stepped behind the counter and rung everyone up. The girls were thrilled and decided to head back to the castle when something ran past. Well, more like 3 somethings. Boys, to be exact. The girls shook their heads and continued on. The boys stopped and waited. James, Sirius, and Remus joined the group and they all headed back to the castle.

A/N: Ok, that chapter kind of sucked but I got started on the ball. The next chapter may skip a little ahead so I can write the ball. I will stay a little bit before so I can write the planning sessions between Lily and James.

Review so you can give me ideas for Emma, Sam, and Aly. I already have one for Lily, another author graciously gave me a fantastic idea, but I need some help with the others. I would like dress ideas and hair color ideas. I only have so much creativity in me, people! I will give credit when I use the ideas. Much love to all!