"Hey guys, am I interrupting something?" Sapphire asked after making her way into the corridor closet to find Andre and Tulip discussing outfits for the ball.
"No, actually you're just in time," Andre informed as he waved Sapphire to come closer.
"I was just critiquing Andre's work on your outfits," Tulip noted. Sapphire raised her eyebrows in surprise. Having spent the majority of her past few days helping Penny decorate the Great Hall, Sapphire had given very little thought to her outfit.
"Outfits? As in, more than one?" she asked in astonishment. Andre smiled proudly. He knew the importance of a good ensemble, and his friend spent so much of her time helping others that he wanted to return the favor.
"Well, I couldn't quite decide on just one, so I decided to give you a few options. They aren't finished yet, though, and I thought I would ask Tulip for her advice," Andre explained.
"Yeah, the outfits are exciting and all, but I'm more interested in who you're going to ask as your guest for the ball, Sapphire," Tulip smiled mischievously. A small tint of pink stained Sapphire's cheeks.
"I haven't given much thought to it, really," Sapphire lied, trying her best to remain nonchalant. Well, it wasn't a total lie, at least. She had been so busy, the worries of finding a date did slip her mind for the most part.
"You mean you haven't asked anyone yet?" Andre questioned. Sapphire shrugged in response.
"I've been helping Penny with decorations," she confessed before trailing off momentarily, "and I was kind of hoping to be asked, I guess," she finished in a softer tone.
"We could help you with that, you know," Tulip replied, "just tell us who you would want to invite you," she urged curiously.
"Oh, there's no need for that," Sapphire smiled, "Andre is already doing more than enough for me by designing multiple outfits, and there's still plenty of time to find a date. I'm in no hurry-"
As Sapphire was finishing up her sentence, Barnaby burst through the door. His chest heaved as he tried to catch his breath.
"Sapphire, there you are! I've been looking everywhere for you!" exclaimed the Slytherin. "I need you to come with me," he requested. Without waiting for a reply, Barnaby reached forward and took Sapphire's hand into his immediately pulling her towards the exit.
She turned her head to look over her shoulder so she could give Andre and Tulip a quick goodbye, but instead, she was met with two knowing grins.