Disclaimer: I do not own anything in the wonderful wizarding world and all credit must be given to Ms. JK Rowling, however, anything unrecognisable is of my own creation.
Chapter 25: Dress Robes and the Red Dress
Dorea's very excited about going dress shopping with me: according to James, I'm the daughter that Dorea always wanted. We've just arrived in Diagon Alley, with James and Sirius in toe, because Dorea doesn't trust them home alone. Yesterday, James and Sirius blew up a cauldron, while trying to brew Everlasting Helium Serum, which is another potion from Essential Potions for Pranksters. The accident left James and Sirius with abnormally high-pitched voices until the serum wore off: I laughed so much when either of them spoke, because they sounded ridiculous. They're currently both sulking, because Dorea forced them to come dress shopping. Our first stop is Madam Malkin's, because Dorea says James needs new dress robes. James and Sirius groaned at the sight of the shop, but Sirius instantly cheered up when he realised that he wouldn't need measuring for new robes. Sirius and I watched Dorea drag an almost kicking and screaming James into the store, before Sirius took hold of my hand and we followed. Inside the store, the sales assistant welcome Dorea. Dorea spoke.
'My son needs measuring for new dress robes.' The sales assistant nodded enthusiastically, ordering James to hop up onto the platform. James begrudgingly did as he was told, although, not without a threatening glance from Dorea. Sirius and I seated ourselves in the waiting area: Sirius spoke.
'Prongs would've been happier wearing the dress robes, which are too short around his ankles.' I smirked.
'He's just being a big baby.' Sirius looked at me as if I had a second head, apparently, Sirius would take James's side on this matter. I changed the subject, asking when Remus would arrive. Remus is staying at Potter Manor for the last few days of the holiday, and the New Years Eve ball.
'Tomorrow morning sometime, he should've recovered by now.' The full moon was a few nights ago. I know that Sirius and James feel bad that they couldn't be with Remus, but they had to keep their abilities secret, and Remus's parents lock him in their basement. I hoped Remus is okay, because I've heard his transformations were bad when he was a teenager. I took hold of Sirius's hand, as I could see the worry in his eyes.
'He'll be all right. He's a Gryffindor, remember.' Sirius grinned.
A few moments passed, before James spoke. He'd just realised that he's having to endure the torture of being measured up alone.
'How come Padfoot doesn't have to have new dress robes?' Dorea chuckled.
'Because Sirius will be wearing his Black family dress robes... and they're designed to grow with the wizard.' James smirked and Sirius's face fell as he registered Dorea's words.
'What?!' Dorea repeated herself.
'You'll be wearing your Black family robes, hun.' Sirius shook his head.
'I won't... and you can't make me.' Dorea's smile was positively evil, meaning Sirius corrected his wording. 'I... I mean you w-wouldn't make me. Please. Please auntie, I hate them. Please.' He was begging by the end, and pouting towards Dorea, who shook her head.
'You'll do as you're told Sirius Orion Black.' ... and with that Sirius didn't talk to Dorea for the rest of the day. I ran my fingers through Sirius's hair, trying to make him feel better.
'Siri, don't sulk. It can't be that bad.' Sirius spoke stubbornly.
'Is!' I sighed, continuing to run my fingers through Sirius's hair. I listened to Dorea as she described what style of dress robe that she wanted for James. James muttering under his breath about his mother's choice.
It took around an hour for James to be fitted with new dress robes: he looked nice in them and pulled ridiculous poses in front of the mirror. Sirius called him a brainless vein stag, to which James stuck his tongue out in a childish manner. After leaving Madam Malkin's, Dorea gave James and Sirius money to entertain themselves with in Diagon Alley, whilst we went into muggle London to shop for dresses. Dorea threaten to confiscate their broomsticks, if they caused a scene and ended up in one of the Ministries holding quarters again. James and Sirius ran off down Diagon Alley, as I asked Dorea what happened last time. Dorea sighed.
'They'd just taught themselves the Disillusionment Charm, and found it amusing to jump out and scare people. The Aurors were called, and Charlus was informed his son was in the Ministries holding quarters for disrupting the peace.' I rolled my eyes, following Dorea back to the Leaky Cauldron. She said we'd be dress shopping in Covent Gardens, as there's apparently lots of nice dress boutiques there. I started the conversation as we walked to Covent Gardens.
'Who is invited to the ball this weekend?' Dorea grinned.
'There's around 200 guests... the Black family is invited, and usually all attend. Sirius's cousin Bellatrix is bringing Rodolphus and Rabastan Lestrange, as she's engaged too Rodolphus. They're getting married this summer, though, I doubt Sirius will invite you to the wedding. Andromeda Black might bring her husband, but he's muggle-born. The Malfoys are attending... the Weasleys... Horace Slughorn... the Prewetts... the Longbottoms... Charlus has invited a load of people whom work at the Ministry: Alastor Moody will be there, you'll find that amusing, because Sirius is terrified of Moody.' One surname had stuck out in particular as Dorea spoke: the Weasleys. I would meet a young Molly and Arthur: and Bill and Charlie as children. I must've looked worried as Dorea continued, because she told me not to worry and that she'd introduce me to everyone. I am nervous about meeting some of these guests, as Dumbledore has informed some of them that I'd 'predicted' their deaths. I received a letter from Dumbledore the other day: he's finding it difficult to gather much information about the Horcruxes, but has informed his contacts at the Ministry about the list of Death Eaters.
Dorea and I tried several dress shops as we wondered through Covent Gardens. There were lots of lovely dresses: the first one that I tried on was a black corseted cocktail dress, with rose patterning and a waterfall skirt-line. It was nice, though it reminded me of the Black family style. Dorea said I looked lovely in this dress, and that it would be a good choice, if I did attend Bellatrix's wedding as Sirius's date. I was eventually persuaded into buying this dress, even though it wouldn't be suitable for the ball. I have a feeling I've just been invited to a wedding this summer, without Sirius's knowledge. I doubted Sirius even wanted to attend his cousins wedding, but apparently he's now taking me as his date. Dorea found a steady supply of dress options, as we moved from shop to shop. I thought she looked incredible in everything she tried, well, until I saw her in the dress that she ultimately purchased. It's a vintage dress with a beautiful black lace bodice and a champagne floor-length tulle skirt, which the lace overlapped with. I would never look as good as Dorea did in this dress. Once Dorea had paid we moved to the next shop. I tried a few dresses, before I came across this red dress. I instantly fell in love with the floor-length red dress, which pools around my feet. The dress has a bow, where the fabric ties at the back, and the shape fits perfectly. I feel beautiful in this dress, and when Dorea saw me she smiled.
'That's the dress... I can tell from your face.' I couldn't help smiling. 'You're beautiful: that colour suits you.' I hadn't known what colour dress I wanted, but I knew it had to be floor-length and elegant: this dress ticks both of those boxes. Dorea chuckled at my reaction, as I almost giggled like a pathetic little girl, whilst gazing into the mirror. I love this dress.
A/N: Okay so I'm sure no one will complain, but this chapter ended up longer than usual :P. Hope you all enjoy it. The next chapter will be Remus's arrival, then the following chapter the ball. Read and Review. Love Roxanne the Laugh x.