All right, I'm hoping Mom will go to bed soon so I can get the phone line. I hate dial-up Internet. Broadband and cable are sooo much better. Anyway, here's chapter 4. Enjoy!
Chapter 4
Perfect Costumes
Hermione's POV
After I left Harry and Ron, I headed for Madame Malkins. I wanted to get a costume now before the ball was announced. I was almost to the door when I noticed another small shop. The sign above the door read 'Medieval and Victorian, The Muggle Way'. I smiled; those were my two favorite time periods. Ducking inside, I stopped short.
The shop was dimly lit, but not gloomy. Racks of clothing were scattered around the room. There were shelves and cases of accessories and jewelry. I headed for the dresses, entranced. One caught my eye immediately. It was a medieval style with an emerald green bodice and full skirt. The skirt was full with a French style slit in the front and the fabric underneath was sapphire blue. The sleeves were a sheer deep green with bell sleeves. I picked it up off the rack and carried it over to the dressing rooms.
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Draco's POV
The shop was amazing. The clothing and accessories were enough to keep even me busy for hours. Scouting around a little I found the racks of men's clothing. Running my hand along the fabrics, I was surprised at how rich they were. Halfway through a rack, I found it. A silk emerald green shirt and black linen pants. A silver belt and black leather boots sat under the shirt and pants. Picking them up and grabbing the hanger, I walked to the back of the store towards the dressing rooms. At a small table, I stopped. On it sat a sapphire blue sword with the hand guard in the shape of a dragon. (A/N: The sword is a Blue Dragon Katana. A gorgeous sword, at least in my opinion.) I immediately knew it was meant for me. I picked it up and stepped into the dressing room.
The clothes fit perfectly, like they were tailor made for me. I figured they had a fitting charm on them, but I had the feeling they didn't. Either way, I had the distinct feeling that something was missing from this costume. Stepping out into the store, I started poking around, hoping I wouldn't run into Granger. It would be a little hard to explain what I was doing here. A voice from behind me made me whirl around and my hand flew to the hilt of the sword at my side.
"Good morning, young man. May I help you with something?" it was an older woman, with nice features. She was smiling sweetly and I relaxed a little.
"I'm not sure."
"Did you know you were missing part of that costume?"
"I'm not sure."
"Well, I suppose that it is my fault. My husband is always telling me to make sure all the costumes are together. Come along and we'll get the last piece." She gave me another smile and walked toward the front of the shop. She reached a door next to a display case and told me to wait a minute and she opened it and went inside. I turned my attention to the display case. Inside there was an assortment of jewelry in all colors and shapes. One simple one caught my eye. It was a sapphire crescent moon with a fine silver overlay on a silver chain. Suddenly the old lady appeared next to me, carrying something black.
"I see you've found it. I had the feeling you would." Confused, I turned to look at her. "That necklace goes with the costume that complements yours." She gave me a smile and held out the black cloth. "Here, dear. Try this on, and I'll ring you up when you're ready." I nodded and walked back to the dressing rooms. Pulling the thing on, I realized it was a long cape that reached to an inch above my boots. The clasp was a silver crescent moon. It was perfect, and I knew it. I changed back into my clothes and walked to the counter. The old lady handed me a black mask with a tiny silver star on it.
"All set, dear?"
"Yes, thank you." She smiled and rung up the outfit.
"12 sickles and three knuts, please." I paid her and she handed me the neatly wrapped bundle and I headed for the door. "Wait a moment, dear. You've forgotten something." I turned around, confused again. She pressed a small package into my hands. "Here. You'll know what to do with this when the time comes." She gave me a smile and pushed me gently out the door. I turned and flashed her a quick smile.
"Thank you."
"Your welcome, dear. Enjoy your ball." I nodded and walked down the street towards the Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer.
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Hermione's POV
I felt like a princess. The dress was gorgeous and fit me perfectly. I twirled once and smiled. The skirt moved with me, and was surprisingly light for the fabric it was made of, rich velvet and satin. I was standing in front of the mirror when an old man apparated next to me, and I jumped.
"Sorry about frightening you, dear." He smiled at me.
"D-don't worry about it."
"Well, I was wondering if you had the shoes that go with that dress?"
"No, I didn't see them."
"Alright. Wait here and I'll run and get them." He walked off through the shop. I walked over to one of the random tables and started poking through the piles of gloves and hats. Underneath a bright purple hat, I found a simple black mask with a small star on it. I put it on and was surprised to find it matched the costume. I pulled it off and the old man appeared next to me again. He handed me a small pair of black boots. I slipped them on and was happy to see they made me an inch taller.
"They're perfect, thank you."
"Your welcome, dear. Now just come to the front when you're ready to go." I nodded and turned back to the mirror for a second before heading into the dressing room to change. Heading to the front of the store, I smiled to myself. The costume was perfect and no one would know it was me and I could be someone else for an evening. The old man smiled when I stepped up to the counter.
"All set?"
"Yes, thank you." He rung up the dress.
"10 sickles and two knuts, please." I was shocked at the price.
"Are you sure that's correct?"
"Yes, I am."
"Alright." I paid him and he wrapped up my costume.
"Enjoy your ball, dear."
"I will, thank you." I smiled at him and left the store. Harry and Ron would be waiting.
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There! Chapter 4. I'm proud of myself. Here's some thank yous'.
Valkyrie Nienna Helywanwe, Elvencherry07 (I'll fix that….), Inspired, and canttellastranger…sorry^-~. Thank you!
~K~
