A week had gone by since their slightly awkward brunch at Firefly. She was almost saddened by Draco´s lack of attention. They normally had met up during the week at least once as well.
Why did she suddenly care about such things? They were just friends after all. She then remembered he had been in New York this week to try and move forward on the merger he was planning. And yet she still felt an uneasy emptiness of not having spoken to him. She liked speaking to him. Oh boy she was in trouble she thought. How could this be? Why now? Why did she have to feel that way about him? Even just a little bit she thought. She made up her mind that moment he could not find out.
And she still had not found the right dress, she remembered. After all this was not her area of expertise. She had called Ginny on Wednesday to schedule a serious shopping day to find THE DRESS for the fundraiser the following weekend. Ginny always knew what to do.
As if on queue, that Saturday morning, Ginny stepped through her fireplace at 10 am. Why did Ginny always have to look so perfect? Bouncy dark red hair. Impeccable style. It just was not fair, Hermione pondered. When they had still been at Hogwarts, Hermione had at certain moments felt jealousy towards her fellow Gryffindor who in reality was so much her sister now.
"Ready to go?" Ginny asked, tilting her head to the side as if examining Hermione. "What were you just thinking of?"
Hermione was frustrated. Did this girl have a 6th sense for whenever she thought about a guy.
"Hi Ginny. Oh just nothing" Hermione mumbled, hoping Ginny would not inquire more.
"Really? Hermione, I've known you long enough. You are all flushed and your eyes are distant. I know that look. You were thinking about a guy. Admit it." Hermione could not believe it. Of course Ginny would not leave her alone on this one.
"Drop it Ginny. Let's just leave. We need to find a dress today." Ginny grinned like the cat that got the cream. "Oh Hermione, You know I will find out who it is you were thinking about. And do tell me, what is this dress for?"
Thirty minutes later they had finally arrived in Diagon Alley but Hermione decided that their best chance for this sort of thing was Muggle London. Thank goodness they were in London or this search might have become more difficult Hermione thought. They started on Bond Street, made their way to Harrods without any luck. After hours of looking through dresses and walking tirelessly they ended at Selfridges.
Suddenly, Ginny shrieked, startling Hermione. "Oh my goodness, Hermione we found it!", Ginny declared not even noticing Hermione´s confused expression.
Hermione still could not see what Ginny was referring to. They kept walking for another 10 meter and then Hermione saw it. A pink, draped crepe-cady floor length gown in fuchsia. And it split up the leg so high it would make Angelina Jolie blush.
Ginny rushed to get it in Hermione´s size and shoved her into a dressing gown. Hermione did not want to look. This must turn out to look silly. She did not wear such things. She wasn't unfeminine but this was really pushing it a little. Ginny called Hermione to come out. Hermione slowly made her way out of the dressing room with an annoyed expression. "Hermione, that's the dress! Draco won't know what hit him if you wear this". Hermione rolled her eyes and replied, "Ginny we don't even know if I can afford this." Ginny turned Hermione around and looked at the tag and let out a breath. "Oh Hermione, what's the current exchange rate?" Ginny asked lightly but Hermione knew it couldn't be good. Hermione grabbed the tag off Ginny. Of course, the gown was Giambattista Valli. And 2300 pounds. Hermione let out a breath. It would be a lot even in Wizarding currency but it did look good, Hermione thought while examining her in the mirror. And maybe Draco would notice her in it. Hermione shook her head. He would not ever see her that way and that should not be her aim. But she remembered what Draco had said about the guy he was trying to close the deal with.
"I'll take it!" Hermione declared and Ginny nearly jumped out of her shoes. "Hermione I'm going to do your makeup and hair for the evening. You will look spectacular."
After the seamstresses made adjustments and Hermione had paid Ginny and her finally went to find some food at the Duck and Waffle a new place that had just opened in the Shard. It was going to be a long week of waiting, Hermione thought.
