I Knew I Loved Him Then: Part 5: Chapters 18-20
Chapter 18
The term ended with the feast. Afternoon classes were cancelled and
Dumbledore was positively skipping. Break was a lot of fun, considering Sirius
was around. It was filled with snowball fights, jokes, and food. Sirius
stuffed himself silly at every meal, which was perfectly acceptable
considering he hadn't had much to eat but rats for the past two years.
Hermione, meanwhile, was extremely blissful. Harry had been in a
wonderful mood since Sirius had been cleared and that made Hermione and
Ron happy as well. Last year had been trying for Harry, what with the
Triwizard Tournament and Rita Skeeter. After seeing that picture of his
parents, Harry had been dejected, but having Sirius around was enough to
make anyone forget about the dead. Wherever she and Harry went, he would
sling his arm around her waist and lay his head on her shoulder. Ron found all
of it extremely funny, and constantly told them so. Sirius was busy with Cat,
meaning he didn't have time to laugh at them. Fred and George kept to
themselves mostly, but Hermione probably figured they laughed at them too.
Ginny, well, Ginny was Ginny, she had had a crush on Harry for a while so her
dejected behavior was only to be expected.
"So," said Harry on the last day of the holidays. "What should we do
today?"
"I don't know," said Sirius. "You kids do what you want. I'm spending
the day with Cat…"
"No," said Ron. "You aren't. We haven't seen you at all over break."
"Ron," said Hermione. "They haven't seen each other in fourteen
years. Cut them some slack."
"At least give us an idea," said Ron. "We've done everything there is
to do in the castle, and out."
"Hmmm," said Sirius. "Why don't you send a Howler to someone?"
"Sirius," said Hermione, warningly. "Don't put ideas into their…"
"That's a great idea!" said Harry, enthusiastically. "But who? Malfoy?"
"Nah," said Ron. "He'd know it was us."
"You got a better idea?" asked Harry.
"I do," said Hermione. Ron groaned.
"You aren't going to make us read, are you?" he asked. Hermione hit
him.
"No, I'm not going to make you read, God forbid," said Hermione.
"Why don't we visit someone? Professor Lupin? How about, maybe, Hagrid?
We haven't seen Hagrid in ages."
"Well, kiddies," said Sirius. "I'm off. See you all later." He turned and
walked out of the Common Room.
"Okay," said Hermione. "Here's my real idea: we trail Cat and Sirius."
"Harry, what have you done? You've created a monster," laughed Ron.
"Mimi," said Harry. "I don't think that's a good idea. I mean, how
would you like it if we were trailed?" Hermione snorted.
"We are," she said. "Ron 'chaperones' ala invisibility cloak." (A/N:
Tammy, don't freak out!)
"How'd you know?" asked Ron. "I mean, er, I do not." Hermione gave
him look. "Okay, guilty as charged."
"Besides," said Hermione. "They really need a chaperone. Remember
how they were going at each other last week?"
"Remember how you two were going at it last week?" asked Ron. "You
all were just as bad as them." Hermione blushed and Harry glared at him.
" We were alone then," said Harry.
"Or were you?" asked Ron, raising an eyebrow. (A/N: Tammy, don't
freak out!)
"Okay, we were all there, big deal," said Hermione. "Harry, you can
beat up Ron later. Are we going to trail them or not? They need a chaperone
anyway. If you aren't going to come, I'll just go myself."
"And, how, may I ask, are you going to get the cloak?" asked Harry.
Hermione bent close to Harry's ear so Ron couldn't hear.
"If you lend me the cloak," whispered Hermione. "Maybe we could hook
up later in the Astronomy Tower?"
"Sounds like a plan," said Harry. "I think I'll join you in tailing Cat and
Sirius."
"Jeez," said Ron. "Now I have to come to make sure you two don't
blow our cover."
"You know what?" asked Hermione. "If we don't get going, we'll never
find them. Ron, get your cloaks, Harry get the invisibility cloak and I'll go get
my stuff."
Ten minutes later, they were huddled under the cloak, trying to find Cat and
Sirius. Ron tapped Harry and Hermione on their shoulders.
"There they are," he mouthed. Hermione looked over and saw Cat and
Sirius sitting on a bench in the courtyard.
"Sirius, do you have any idea how upset I was when you left and you
didn't come back?" asked Cat. "You said, 'I'm going to get that rat if it's
the last thing I do' and then you didn't come home that night and I thought
he had killed you until I saw the paper the next morning. I tried Sirius, I
really did try to get you a trial, but Barty Crouch was trying to show his
ruthlessness for the ruthless. He told me the evidence was too great and he
told me. I got so mad, that I stopped trying. Hon, I'm so sorry."
"Cat, don't you forget for a second that I love you. No matter what
you do, say, or think, you can always depend on my love and support," said
Sirius. "Remember? Mr. Lupin always said we were 'living in sin'? We're
partners in crime and don't you ever forget it."
"I think we should go," mouthed Harry. Ron and Hermione nodded and
left the garden.
Chapter 19
School started as usual. Hermione started sifting through her notes,
preparing for O.W.L.s. For once, Harry and Ron followed her example.
"What is with you two?" asked Hermione, putting a Post-It Note on a
pile labelled "Herbs". "You never sift through your notes with me."
"Well," said Ron, a grin starting to form. "Harry wants to sift through
his notes to be with you, and who am I to be all by myself," he shrugged. "At
least it's productive."
"Mimi," said Harry. "I'm beat. Why don't we go to dinner now?"
"Sure, just a second," said Hermione. Hermione put the last Post-It on
her Herbology notes and followed the boys out of the Library.
When they reached the Entrance Hall, there was a huge crowd of
people standing around. Hermione, Harry and Ron elbowed their way through
to the front. Standing in the middle of the crowd was Lucius Malfoy.
"Dumbledore," he was shouting. "What is the meaning of this? You
have a convicted murderer in this school who threatened my son!"
"Sirius has been cleared, Lucius," said Dumbledore. "Or have you
stopped reading the papers?" Sirius appeared next to them.
"What's going on?" he asked.
"Mr. Malfoy is throwing a fit because you're here," explained Ron.
"I'll give him something to get hysterical over," said Sirius, a grin
forming on his face. He strode forward. "Ah. Squeaky Ferret Sr. How really
corking to see you again. Why didn't you write?"
Mr. Malfoy went white. (Er, more than usual. Heh, heh, joke.) He recomposed
himself.
"Ah," he replied. "Dumbfoot, right?"
"No," said Sirius, as though speaking to a three year old. "I was called
Padfoot. Lame, Lucius - you're losing your touch."
"I haven't had practice," Mr. Malfoy retorted.
"Well, obviously," said Sirius. "But, then again, insults never were you
strong point. You were more of a 'curse-them-when-their-backs-are-turned'
type. What's for dinner, Harry? I'm famished. Talking to scum always makes
me hungry. See you around Squeaky Ferret Sr." Sirius waved. "Toodles."
Harry nudged Ron and Hermione in the ribs.
"Look at Malfoy," he gasped. Malfoy looked as though he were trying
to keep from laughing. Hermione gave a small laugh, but concentrated on sad
things. This was the anniversary after all.
Chapter 20
Now that Hermione, Harry and Ron had classes, the time flew by.
(A/N: This is just my way of telescoping time, my apologies. Review at the
end, it's almost there!!) Towards the Easter holiday, Harry brought up the
subject of Viktor's wedding.
"Hermione?" he asked.
"Yes?" she replied, not looking up from her Transfiguration notes.
"Didn't you mention something about Krum's wedding a while back?"
he asked. "Isn't that coming up soon?"
"Oh," said Hermione. "I guess so. Ron, got a date yet?" Ron grinned.
"As a matter of fact," he said. "Yes. I asked Lavender and she said
she'd love to come with me." Hermione stifled a giggle and Harry fought to
keep his face straight.
"What so funny?" asked Ron.
"Isn't she dating Seamus?" asked Hermione.
"I thought Seamus was going out with Ginny," said Harry.
"She said that she dumped Seamus," said Ron. "And now he's going
with Ginny. She actually asked me if I was free over Easter and I asked her
and she said yes."
"Whatever," said Hermione. She had heard different and was sure
Harry had too. Hermione had heard from Parvati, Lavender's best friend,
that Seamus dumped Lavender for Ginny and that Lavender was getting back
at Seamus by dating Ron.
Hermione checked her watch. "Come on guys, we'll be late for Herbology."
*****************************************************************
The weekend before the Easter holidays, there was a Hogsmeade visit.
Hermione tore herself away from her studying for O.W.Ls to buy a new
dress. Lavender joined them in Hogsmeade and, to Hermione's dismay,
suggested that they separate and meet up for a butterbeer at the Three
Broomstick's later.
Hermione and Lavender entered the shop.
"Hello," said a witch who ran the store. "I am Madam Sophia. How may I help
you?"
"Er, hello," said Hermione meekly. "We were wondering if you sold Muggle
dresses."
"Yes, right in the back, follow me, dears," said Madam Sophia. Lavender and
Hermione followed her to the back of the shop where there were a few
racks with Muggle dresses on them.
"Oh, Hermione!" squealed Lavender. "This one would look fabulous on you."
Lavender was holding up a knee length, A-line dress. It was crimson red and
strapless and would go perfectly with Hermione's coloring (A/N: I'm a big
fashion type person, so I apologize for my strenuous description of her
dress.)
"No way," said Hermione. "I'm not wearing anything strapless."
"Don't be such a priss, Hermione," said Lavender. "Try it on, at least. It
would look perfect on you. Please?"
"Oh all right, but I get to pick out a dress for you," said Hermione.
"Here, dear," said Madam Sophia. "These shoes were made for the dress."
She was holding a pair of red, strappy, two-inch stilettos.
"Are you two trying to make me look like a slut?" asked Hermione. "I'll never
be able to walk in those - let alone dance."
"I'll teach you," said Lavender, going back to the rack. "Now go try on the
dress. Once you see it on, you'll change your mind." Lavender thrust the
dress and the shoes into Hermione's hands and closed the door of the
dressing room behind her. Hermione stood in the dressing room, pouting for
a minute until Lavender said through the door, "Are you alright, Hermione?"
"I'm fine, Lavender," replied Hermione. Hermione slipped into the dress,
which she found was high-quality silk. She put on the shoes and wobbled out
of the dressing room.
"Hermione," whispered Lavender. "You look wonderful. Come here and look in
the mirror." Hermione gasped. Standing in front of the mirror was a
beautiful and graceful girl that looked unlike Hermione in every way.
Hermione tore her eyes away from the mirror.
"This mirror isn't charmed, is it?" she asked.
"No dear," said Madam Sophia. "That's you." Hermione looked back to the
mirror.
"Do you have anything to go over it?" asked Hermione.
"There's a little shawl," said Madam Sophia. "Might I suggest that you wear
your hair curled?"
"Yes," said Lavender. "I can see it. Her hair curled and put up with a
butterfly clip, the ends hanging over the back and some strands by her face.
Red lipstick or maybe lip gloss for the finishing touch."
"Stop talking about me as if I'm not here," said Hermione. "I'll take the
shoes, the dress and the shawl. Now, I'll go change and pick out a dress for
you Lavender."
"I can't wait!" squealed Lavender. "Hermione, that dress was made for you."
"Yeah, yeah," said Hermione, flatly. She dug through her purse and pulled
out some coins. "I'll change and pick out a dress for you." Hermione quickly
changed back into her robes and emerged from the dressing room. She
looked in the mirror just to make sure it wasn't charmed. She saw the
reflection she had seen this morning while doing her hair. Hermione heard a
clap of thunder. She looked out the window; it had started to rain.
Hermione started to browse through the dresses. She found two she really
liked: a short, sapphire blue dress that was sleeveless and a deep violet
dress that was ankle length and strapless. When Hermione showed the
dresses to Lavender, she squealed with delight. Hermione groaned inwardly.
She was going to have to spend all of the Easter holidays with a squealing
airhead. She handed the dresses to Lavender, who had found 'the cutest
little shoes' that were beaded and black with little heels. Lavender decided
on the long violet one, to Hermione's surprise. She had thought Lavender
would go for the short one. Lavender paid for her things and the two girls
ran to the Three Broomstick's.
"So," said Harry's voice from behind her. "Were you two successful?"
"Quite, actually," replied Hermione. "Did you guys order drinks?"
"Yeah" said Ron. "What did you get Hermione? A long sleeved brown dress?"
"No," said Lavender. "She got a very pretty dress. It's not brown, either -
it's red. That's all the information you'll get though. She'll look smashing,
she'll knock you off your feet, Harry."
"One thing I wanted to remind you two about," said Hermione. "Muggle
clothing is going to be worn at the wedding, so you both need to find suits."
"What's a suit?" asked Ron. Lavender, Hermione and Harry cracked up.
"What?"
"Ron, come with me," said Harry. "We'll go out after lunch and get a suit.
'What's a suit?' – priceless."
After lunch, Harry took Ron to get their suits and Lavender dragged
Hermione off to look at jewellery.
"I don't need jewellery," said Hermione. "I don't wear it." Lavender stopped
dead.
"You don't wear jewellery? Not wearing makeup I can understand, but no
jewellery?" she asked. "Hermione, honestly, I'm going to transform you into
a girl for this wedding."
"I am a girl," said Hermione, defensively. "I'm just not your type of girl."
"Hermione, Hermione, Hermione," said Lavender.
"What, what, what?" asked Hermione, mocking Lavender.
"Never mind," said Lavender. "You can't wear a strapless dress and not wear
a necklace. This garnet one would go nicely," she held it up to Hermione's
neck. "Perfect. Excuse me, sir, we'll take this garnet necklace; that
amethyst one; that diamond tennis bracelet and that watch, see? The one
with the diamonds and rubies? Thanks."
"Lavender," hissed Hermione. "I can't afford that watch."
"All of this jewellery is my treat," said Lavender.
"Miss," said the storeowner. "That necklace isn't garnet, it's made of a
common stone that only looks red. It's called the Russati stone. It's very
common, found in South Africa. This, over here, is garnet," he pointed to a
chunky necklace.
"We'll take the Russati necklace," said Hermione. "It matched the dress
more. It looks like ruby, it's fine."
"But…" started Lavender.
"No Lavender," interrupted Hermione. "I'm putting my foot down. I like this
necklace. I'll wear it more." Lavender paid for the jewellery and the pair left
the shop.
"Let's go to Honeydukes," said Hermione before Lavender could drag her
somewhere else. "I haven't been in ages."
"Candy is fattening," said Lavender.
"Oh, and you're on a diet?" asked Hermione. Lavender entered Honeyduke's
without protest. Hermione spotted some red hair and ran over. It was Ginny
and Seamus. Hermione started to turn back, when Ginny spotted her.
"Hey Hermione," said Ginny. "You're soaking wet, have you been outside
long?"
"Not really," said Hermione, trying to end the conversation quickly. Lavender
appeared at her side. "Ginny, can you pass me that box of chocolate frogs?
You know they're Harry's favorite." A look fluttered across Ginny's face
and she passed Hermione the box. "Thanks Ginny, see you later." Hermione
picked up some more candy and paid for it. She and Lavender left
Honeyduke's for the castle.
A/N: I know it's a bit abrupt, but hey, that's me. Anyway, the next part is
going to be long and the last part. I don't own it if you recognize it. Thanks
to Rachie V., my Beta Reader, although she is a bit rough… heh heh, joke.
Right, I am going to be EXTREMELY busy until March 26th/27th about. This
is my schedule:
February: Mon-Fri School. Sat. rehearsal, Sun. HW.
March: Exams, Li'l Abner(I'm Daisy!!), vacation for a week.
Sorry this took so long, critisize Rachie, no don't. My computer is sick, too so
I won't be getting much out. Sorry, but I have already started the sequel, so
never fear to my loyal fans. ? this thing is getting WAY too long. Review!!!
Chapter 18
The term ended with the feast. Afternoon classes were cancelled and
Dumbledore was positively skipping. Break was a lot of fun, considering Sirius
was around. It was filled with snowball fights, jokes, and food. Sirius
stuffed himself silly at every meal, which was perfectly acceptable
considering he hadn't had much to eat but rats for the past two years.
Hermione, meanwhile, was extremely blissful. Harry had been in a
wonderful mood since Sirius had been cleared and that made Hermione and
Ron happy as well. Last year had been trying for Harry, what with the
Triwizard Tournament and Rita Skeeter. After seeing that picture of his
parents, Harry had been dejected, but having Sirius around was enough to
make anyone forget about the dead. Wherever she and Harry went, he would
sling his arm around her waist and lay his head on her shoulder. Ron found all
of it extremely funny, and constantly told them so. Sirius was busy with Cat,
meaning he didn't have time to laugh at them. Fred and George kept to
themselves mostly, but Hermione probably figured they laughed at them too.
Ginny, well, Ginny was Ginny, she had had a crush on Harry for a while so her
dejected behavior was only to be expected.
"So," said Harry on the last day of the holidays. "What should we do
today?"
"I don't know," said Sirius. "You kids do what you want. I'm spending
the day with Cat…"
"No," said Ron. "You aren't. We haven't seen you at all over break."
"Ron," said Hermione. "They haven't seen each other in fourteen
years. Cut them some slack."
"At least give us an idea," said Ron. "We've done everything there is
to do in the castle, and out."
"Hmmm," said Sirius. "Why don't you send a Howler to someone?"
"Sirius," said Hermione, warningly. "Don't put ideas into their…"
"That's a great idea!" said Harry, enthusiastically. "But who? Malfoy?"
"Nah," said Ron. "He'd know it was us."
"You got a better idea?" asked Harry.
"I do," said Hermione. Ron groaned.
"You aren't going to make us read, are you?" he asked. Hermione hit
him.
"No, I'm not going to make you read, God forbid," said Hermione.
"Why don't we visit someone? Professor Lupin? How about, maybe, Hagrid?
We haven't seen Hagrid in ages."
"Well, kiddies," said Sirius. "I'm off. See you all later." He turned and
walked out of the Common Room.
"Okay," said Hermione. "Here's my real idea: we trail Cat and Sirius."
"Harry, what have you done? You've created a monster," laughed Ron.
"Mimi," said Harry. "I don't think that's a good idea. I mean, how
would you like it if we were trailed?" Hermione snorted.
"We are," she said. "Ron 'chaperones' ala invisibility cloak." (A/N:
Tammy, don't freak out!)
"How'd you know?" asked Ron. "I mean, er, I do not." Hermione gave
him look. "Okay, guilty as charged."
"Besides," said Hermione. "They really need a chaperone. Remember
how they were going at each other last week?"
"Remember how you two were going at it last week?" asked Ron. "You
all were just as bad as them." Hermione blushed and Harry glared at him.
" We were alone then," said Harry.
"Or were you?" asked Ron, raising an eyebrow. (A/N: Tammy, don't
freak out!)
"Okay, we were all there, big deal," said Hermione. "Harry, you can
beat up Ron later. Are we going to trail them or not? They need a chaperone
anyway. If you aren't going to come, I'll just go myself."
"And, how, may I ask, are you going to get the cloak?" asked Harry.
Hermione bent close to Harry's ear so Ron couldn't hear.
"If you lend me the cloak," whispered Hermione. "Maybe we could hook
up later in the Astronomy Tower?"
"Sounds like a plan," said Harry. "I think I'll join you in tailing Cat and
Sirius."
"Jeez," said Ron. "Now I have to come to make sure you two don't
blow our cover."
"You know what?" asked Hermione. "If we don't get going, we'll never
find them. Ron, get your cloaks, Harry get the invisibility cloak and I'll go get
my stuff."
Ten minutes later, they were huddled under the cloak, trying to find Cat and
Sirius. Ron tapped Harry and Hermione on their shoulders.
"There they are," he mouthed. Hermione looked over and saw Cat and
Sirius sitting on a bench in the courtyard.
"Sirius, do you have any idea how upset I was when you left and you
didn't come back?" asked Cat. "You said, 'I'm going to get that rat if it's
the last thing I do' and then you didn't come home that night and I thought
he had killed you until I saw the paper the next morning. I tried Sirius, I
really did try to get you a trial, but Barty Crouch was trying to show his
ruthlessness for the ruthless. He told me the evidence was too great and he
told me. I got so mad, that I stopped trying. Hon, I'm so sorry."
"Cat, don't you forget for a second that I love you. No matter what
you do, say, or think, you can always depend on my love and support," said
Sirius. "Remember? Mr. Lupin always said we were 'living in sin'? We're
partners in crime and don't you ever forget it."
"I think we should go," mouthed Harry. Ron and Hermione nodded and
left the garden.
Chapter 19
School started as usual. Hermione started sifting through her notes,
preparing for O.W.L.s. For once, Harry and Ron followed her example.
"What is with you two?" asked Hermione, putting a Post-It Note on a
pile labelled "Herbs". "You never sift through your notes with me."
"Well," said Ron, a grin starting to form. "Harry wants to sift through
his notes to be with you, and who am I to be all by myself," he shrugged. "At
least it's productive."
"Mimi," said Harry. "I'm beat. Why don't we go to dinner now?"
"Sure, just a second," said Hermione. Hermione put the last Post-It on
her Herbology notes and followed the boys out of the Library.
When they reached the Entrance Hall, there was a huge crowd of
people standing around. Hermione, Harry and Ron elbowed their way through
to the front. Standing in the middle of the crowd was Lucius Malfoy.
"Dumbledore," he was shouting. "What is the meaning of this? You
have a convicted murderer in this school who threatened my son!"
"Sirius has been cleared, Lucius," said Dumbledore. "Or have you
stopped reading the papers?" Sirius appeared next to them.
"What's going on?" he asked.
"Mr. Malfoy is throwing a fit because you're here," explained Ron.
"I'll give him something to get hysterical over," said Sirius, a grin
forming on his face. He strode forward. "Ah. Squeaky Ferret Sr. How really
corking to see you again. Why didn't you write?"
Mr. Malfoy went white. (Er, more than usual. Heh, heh, joke.) He recomposed
himself.
"Ah," he replied. "Dumbfoot, right?"
"No," said Sirius, as though speaking to a three year old. "I was called
Padfoot. Lame, Lucius - you're losing your touch."
"I haven't had practice," Mr. Malfoy retorted.
"Well, obviously," said Sirius. "But, then again, insults never were you
strong point. You were more of a 'curse-them-when-their-backs-are-turned'
type. What's for dinner, Harry? I'm famished. Talking to scum always makes
me hungry. See you around Squeaky Ferret Sr." Sirius waved. "Toodles."
Harry nudged Ron and Hermione in the ribs.
"Look at Malfoy," he gasped. Malfoy looked as though he were trying
to keep from laughing. Hermione gave a small laugh, but concentrated on sad
things. This was the anniversary after all.
Chapter 20
Now that Hermione, Harry and Ron had classes, the time flew by.
(A/N: This is just my way of telescoping time, my apologies. Review at the
end, it's almost there!!) Towards the Easter holiday, Harry brought up the
subject of Viktor's wedding.
"Hermione?" he asked.
"Yes?" she replied, not looking up from her Transfiguration notes.
"Didn't you mention something about Krum's wedding a while back?"
he asked. "Isn't that coming up soon?"
"Oh," said Hermione. "I guess so. Ron, got a date yet?" Ron grinned.
"As a matter of fact," he said. "Yes. I asked Lavender and she said
she'd love to come with me." Hermione stifled a giggle and Harry fought to
keep his face straight.
"What so funny?" asked Ron.
"Isn't she dating Seamus?" asked Hermione.
"I thought Seamus was going out with Ginny," said Harry.
"She said that she dumped Seamus," said Ron. "And now he's going
with Ginny. She actually asked me if I was free over Easter and I asked her
and she said yes."
"Whatever," said Hermione. She had heard different and was sure
Harry had too. Hermione had heard from Parvati, Lavender's best friend,
that Seamus dumped Lavender for Ginny and that Lavender was getting back
at Seamus by dating Ron.
Hermione checked her watch. "Come on guys, we'll be late for Herbology."
*****************************************************************
The weekend before the Easter holidays, there was a Hogsmeade visit.
Hermione tore herself away from her studying for O.W.Ls to buy a new
dress. Lavender joined them in Hogsmeade and, to Hermione's dismay,
suggested that they separate and meet up for a butterbeer at the Three
Broomstick's later.
Hermione and Lavender entered the shop.
"Hello," said a witch who ran the store. "I am Madam Sophia. How may I help
you?"
"Er, hello," said Hermione meekly. "We were wondering if you sold Muggle
dresses."
"Yes, right in the back, follow me, dears," said Madam Sophia. Lavender and
Hermione followed her to the back of the shop where there were a few
racks with Muggle dresses on them.
"Oh, Hermione!" squealed Lavender. "This one would look fabulous on you."
Lavender was holding up a knee length, A-line dress. It was crimson red and
strapless and would go perfectly with Hermione's coloring (A/N: I'm a big
fashion type person, so I apologize for my strenuous description of her
dress.)
"No way," said Hermione. "I'm not wearing anything strapless."
"Don't be such a priss, Hermione," said Lavender. "Try it on, at least. It
would look perfect on you. Please?"
"Oh all right, but I get to pick out a dress for you," said Hermione.
"Here, dear," said Madam Sophia. "These shoes were made for the dress."
She was holding a pair of red, strappy, two-inch stilettos.
"Are you two trying to make me look like a slut?" asked Hermione. "I'll never
be able to walk in those - let alone dance."
"I'll teach you," said Lavender, going back to the rack. "Now go try on the
dress. Once you see it on, you'll change your mind." Lavender thrust the
dress and the shoes into Hermione's hands and closed the door of the
dressing room behind her. Hermione stood in the dressing room, pouting for
a minute until Lavender said through the door, "Are you alright, Hermione?"
"I'm fine, Lavender," replied Hermione. Hermione slipped into the dress,
which she found was high-quality silk. She put on the shoes and wobbled out
of the dressing room.
"Hermione," whispered Lavender. "You look wonderful. Come here and look in
the mirror." Hermione gasped. Standing in front of the mirror was a
beautiful and graceful girl that looked unlike Hermione in every way.
Hermione tore her eyes away from the mirror.
"This mirror isn't charmed, is it?" she asked.
"No dear," said Madam Sophia. "That's you." Hermione looked back to the
mirror.
"Do you have anything to go over it?" asked Hermione.
"There's a little shawl," said Madam Sophia. "Might I suggest that you wear
your hair curled?"
"Yes," said Lavender. "I can see it. Her hair curled and put up with a
butterfly clip, the ends hanging over the back and some strands by her face.
Red lipstick or maybe lip gloss for the finishing touch."
"Stop talking about me as if I'm not here," said Hermione. "I'll take the
shoes, the dress and the shawl. Now, I'll go change and pick out a dress for
you Lavender."
"I can't wait!" squealed Lavender. "Hermione, that dress was made for you."
"Yeah, yeah," said Hermione, flatly. She dug through her purse and pulled
out some coins. "I'll change and pick out a dress for you." Hermione quickly
changed back into her robes and emerged from the dressing room. She
looked in the mirror just to make sure it wasn't charmed. She saw the
reflection she had seen this morning while doing her hair. Hermione heard a
clap of thunder. She looked out the window; it had started to rain.
Hermione started to browse through the dresses. She found two she really
liked: a short, sapphire blue dress that was sleeveless and a deep violet
dress that was ankle length and strapless. When Hermione showed the
dresses to Lavender, she squealed with delight. Hermione groaned inwardly.
She was going to have to spend all of the Easter holidays with a squealing
airhead. She handed the dresses to Lavender, who had found 'the cutest
little shoes' that were beaded and black with little heels. Lavender decided
on the long violet one, to Hermione's surprise. She had thought Lavender
would go for the short one. Lavender paid for her things and the two girls
ran to the Three Broomstick's.
"So," said Harry's voice from behind her. "Were you two successful?"
"Quite, actually," replied Hermione. "Did you guys order drinks?"
"Yeah" said Ron. "What did you get Hermione? A long sleeved brown dress?"
"No," said Lavender. "She got a very pretty dress. It's not brown, either -
it's red. That's all the information you'll get though. She'll look smashing,
she'll knock you off your feet, Harry."
"One thing I wanted to remind you two about," said Hermione. "Muggle
clothing is going to be worn at the wedding, so you both need to find suits."
"What's a suit?" asked Ron. Lavender, Hermione and Harry cracked up.
"What?"
"Ron, come with me," said Harry. "We'll go out after lunch and get a suit.
'What's a suit?' – priceless."
After lunch, Harry took Ron to get their suits and Lavender dragged
Hermione off to look at jewellery.
"I don't need jewellery," said Hermione. "I don't wear it." Lavender stopped
dead.
"You don't wear jewellery? Not wearing makeup I can understand, but no
jewellery?" she asked. "Hermione, honestly, I'm going to transform you into
a girl for this wedding."
"I am a girl," said Hermione, defensively. "I'm just not your type of girl."
"Hermione, Hermione, Hermione," said Lavender.
"What, what, what?" asked Hermione, mocking Lavender.
"Never mind," said Lavender. "You can't wear a strapless dress and not wear
a necklace. This garnet one would go nicely," she held it up to Hermione's
neck. "Perfect. Excuse me, sir, we'll take this garnet necklace; that
amethyst one; that diamond tennis bracelet and that watch, see? The one
with the diamonds and rubies? Thanks."
"Lavender," hissed Hermione. "I can't afford that watch."
"All of this jewellery is my treat," said Lavender.
"Miss," said the storeowner. "That necklace isn't garnet, it's made of a
common stone that only looks red. It's called the Russati stone. It's very
common, found in South Africa. This, over here, is garnet," he pointed to a
chunky necklace.
"We'll take the Russati necklace," said Hermione. "It matched the dress
more. It looks like ruby, it's fine."
"But…" started Lavender.
"No Lavender," interrupted Hermione. "I'm putting my foot down. I like this
necklace. I'll wear it more." Lavender paid for the jewellery and the pair left
the shop.
"Let's go to Honeydukes," said Hermione before Lavender could drag her
somewhere else. "I haven't been in ages."
"Candy is fattening," said Lavender.
"Oh, and you're on a diet?" asked Hermione. Lavender entered Honeyduke's
without protest. Hermione spotted some red hair and ran over. It was Ginny
and Seamus. Hermione started to turn back, when Ginny spotted her.
"Hey Hermione," said Ginny. "You're soaking wet, have you been outside
long?"
"Not really," said Hermione, trying to end the conversation quickly. Lavender
appeared at her side. "Ginny, can you pass me that box of chocolate frogs?
You know they're Harry's favorite." A look fluttered across Ginny's face
and she passed Hermione the box. "Thanks Ginny, see you later." Hermione
picked up some more candy and paid for it. She and Lavender left
Honeyduke's for the castle.
A/N: I know it's a bit abrupt, but hey, that's me. Anyway, the next part is
going to be long and the last part. I don't own it if you recognize it. Thanks
to Rachie V., my Beta Reader, although she is a bit rough… heh heh, joke.
Right, I am going to be EXTREMELY busy until March 26th/27th about. This
is my schedule:
February: Mon-Fri School. Sat. rehearsal, Sun. HW.
March: Exams, Li'l Abner(I'm Daisy!!), vacation for a week.
Sorry this took so long, critisize Rachie, no don't. My computer is sick, too so
I won't be getting much out. Sorry, but I have already started the sequel, so
never fear to my loyal fans. ? this thing is getting WAY too long. Review!!!