Disclaimer: well the same as previous chaps still reply. Much to my own disappointment
A/N: ok sorry this took a while :( but here the next chapter. Thanks to those of you who have reviewed up until now and please do continue to do so cos that's the only way I'll update HA HA HA.
Enjoy
Minervarulez
Poppy had dragged me all the way down to Hogsmeade that afternoon in search for something for me to wear, no matter how many times I had tried to protest about it, saying I was OK with my usual set of dress robes – I got a row. Me Minerva McGonagall getting a telling off from a Med-Witch – who would have thought it. Oh well. I know my friend means well but she can be very annoying and this is really getting out of hand.
She can clearly tell I am less than willing when she pulls me in the direction of Gladrags Wizardwear.
"What can there possibly be there to suit an old woman Poppy, I ..."
"Minerva do shut up, and just trust me they will have the perfect set of robes for you, And you are by no means an old woman" Poppy smiled at me.
I had no energy to fight her so I let myself be dragged into the store. Clearly this must be a place Poppy comes often, for her and the younger woman behind the counter seem to know each other well and are on a first name basis.
"Poppy!" the young woman squealed with excitement as she stood and made her way round from behind the counter to give her friend a hug "What's been keeping you? I haven't seen you down here in a while" I watch as they pull apart "I'm well thank you Rossa my dear, I just haven't been able to find the free time to get away from the school to go shopping as much" Poppy smiled
They continued their conversation for a while and I am grateful that I seem to have been forgotten for now. For it allows me time to have a look around at what this shop has to offer for myself. 'Ok so it doesn't seem to be that bad' I think to myself. But nothing really seemed to jump right out at me, that is until I spotted a nice traveling cloak in black with roses embroidered in a silver thread along the materials edges 'Hmmm maybe' I think to myself, but all too soon I am brought crashing out of my own world as I can hear myself brought into the other two woman's conversation.
"So what can i get you today then Poppy? What's the occasion" Rossa asked
"Well..." by this time she had pulled me over to the counter "you see i have not come for myself, my friend here needs a dress or a new set of dress robes"
"What's the occasion?" Rossa smiled as if she had already known what Poppy was about to say.
"We have received an invitation to an engagement party this evening, and my friend has the need for something special to wear to.."
"Say no more i think i know exactly what you mean, a special someone will be at this party i expect" Rossa smiled
All I can do is nod as I feel the blush creep up my cheeks, I curse Poppy for even making me do this, I don't know why I'm getting so embarrassed about this its just an outfit. "Follow me" she said as she walked through to the back of the store "Oh Poppy could you keep an eye on things, I will only e a few minutes then you can come and help your friend, oh and that traveling cloak hanging on the rail by the door I think Miss McGonagall has taken a shine to it" she said giving me a knowing smile as I followed her through to the back, and as I do so I also notice that she has started to put together a pile of things for me to try on.
"Try these on my dear, I'll send Poppy through to give you a hand, she'll be better suited to help you pick out the right dress. Just be sure to let me know when you have decided." She smiled at me again before disappearing back to the front of the shop and after a few moments I am once again joined by Poppy.
I had lost track of the amount of time me and Poppy had spent trying to decide what one suited me and the occasion the best, but eventually we had it narrowed it down and we had to choose now between two dresses one of a deep red colour and the other of an emerald green both of a similar design, both with a high neck, both with no back to speak of and both left very little to the imagination as they were both made of a Webb like material that clung to every curve of Minerva's body, the only difference was the red one had a piece of material missing in the front also which would reveal the slightest hint of cleavage.
I wasn't too sure as to which to choose, but I was left with very little doubt as to which one Poppy thought I should go with.
"Look Poppy I don't know, I'm far too old to wear a dress like that" I said
"Oh nonsense Minerva, you have a better figure than I did when I was forty" Poppy said smiling, she is of course teasing a little "See there are times I wish that I was or well used to play Quidditch especially if it leaves you with a toned figure like that"
"Poppy, stop it will you, I'm embarrassed enough already"
"I'll just go and ask Rossa her opinion" Poppy said gathering both of the dresses and going through towards the front.
As I sit and wait before going back through to pay for the items I hear the door chimes go off indicating there was another customer entering the store.
"Oh Mrs Potter, how wonderful it is to see you, what can I do for you?" I can hear her asking
"Oh I'm here to pick up the dress I asked you to alter for me"
"No problem, just give me a minute till I go through to the store and get it for you dear. Oh and while you wait would you mind helping Miss Pomfrey choose between these two gowns for her friend, we three cannot make a choice between us"
'God no anything but that' I think to myself, 'this is all I need, the sister of the man engaged to the one I am so desperately in love with is helping pick out a dress I an to wear to said couples engagement party in order to try and steak the heart of the bride to be. Can my life get anymore complicated or comical than it already is' the answer to that is well most probably yes. I cringe slightly – why me.
"No problem, Are you coming to the party this evening Poppy?" Ginny asked
"Oh yes of course dear, I won't miss this for anything" I can almost see the smile Poppy is most likely wearing on her face.
"Anyone else coming do you know?"
"I know that Neville and his wife Luna will be attending, along with the heads of house as well?
"What about Professor McGonagall?" my attention is caught again as I hear my name being mentioned, I guess I best go through.
"I don't know dear, she is as yet undecided about whether or not she will be attending"
"Oh Hermione will be dreadfully disappointed if she does not go this evening"
"What makes you say that?"
"Well, she has always looked upto Professor McGonagall, she was always her favourite teacher at school"
No I can't remain through the back any longer upon hearing this confession from Ginny Potter and I make my way through, closely followed by Rossa.
"Mrs Potter, What a pleasant surprise" I can't help but smile at the shocked expression on the younger woman's face.
"Professor, how are you?" Ginny asked
"I'm well thank you, Poppy have you come to a decision as to which one?"
"No, I still can't decide, Ginny was just about to give her verdict though" Poppy smiled
"I um….i think um …I don't know the red one?" she suggested as Rossa was ringing up her purchases. "I do hope you will come this evening Professor" Ginny smiled at me "Take the risk" she said before picking up her bag and leaving the store.
"So Minerva, will you go with the young lady's choice?" Rossa asked
I give her a small nod, "Yes why not, I'll take the red gown, and the travelling cloak, but you already knew I would, actually i'll buy both dresses, i may want to change my mind at the last minute if i decide to go" I smile as I pay for my items and leave the store with Poppy following close behind me.
"Am I doing the right thing Poppy?" I ask as we walk back through Hogsmeade
"Right thing by what?"
"Ruining someone else's happiness for my own, going to this party tonight with every intention of breaking The engagement between Hermione and that Weasley boy?"
"As Ginny said, Take the risk, take the risk and live Minerva." She said to me and we walked the rest of the way to the castle in silence.
Well thats the next chapter, chapter 4 is kinda shortish so i'll post that lil snippet up within the next few days (reviews depending or course).
i am undecided as to what dress she is gonna wear so please help me choose - red or green????
Minervarulez