Disclaimer: I own nothing of HP or the Wizarding World.
I couldn't grasp just how fast this year was going. One minute we were celebrating Harry's win during the first task, the next there was an announcement that there would be a Yule ball. Practices were occurring to make sure Hogwarts students didn't embarrass themselves on the dance floor, and a highlight of the year was watching Ron dance with Professor McGonagall. The twins will never let him live that down, and I can't even begin to describe how happy that makes me. Sirius had gotten back to me after a month of waiting.
Little Lamb,
This old dog would be honored to have you come and stay. Don't worry about anything. You are welcome here as long as you need. It'll be nice having some company, especially one as pretty as you. Better than Remus' ugly old mug at least. Be warned, he does tend to come around unannounced, and can be a bit prickly sometimes, although that may just be with me.
Enough joking around, I'll be Sirius. You can stay as long as you need, and you don't have to try and prove your worth. Kreacher is here, and he takes care of the house, sort of. We'll handle your old man if needed, but I can promise you'll be safe here no matter what. I'll have Remus escort you here at the end of the year, with his dog Snuffles. If you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out to either of us. You are important to us, and we'll take care of you, Dove. Thank you for being there for our pup. I know he's in good hands with you around. And if Harry is okay, I'm okay. Rumor has it there's a dance going on at Hogwarts. Do me a favor and make sure Harry doesn't embarrass himself. Most importantly, have fun, and don't do anything I wouldn't do.
See you soon, Dove.
After hearing from him, it was like a weight was lifted. I felt freer, and less like my life was falling apart. Dread wasn't lingering in the back of my mind constantly. It was, however, at the very forefront of my mind right now. I was sitting in a dress shop, with Hermione and Ginny, helping them pick out their dresses. Hermione had found a gorgeous periwinkle dress that fit her amazingly. She looked gorgeous, and we told her to stop looking, it was definitely the one. Ginny had been given a small bit of money, and the dresses that were available were not the best. I could see her getting dejected, and toying with a light green and pink dress. I got up and started looking around. I spotted a darker pink dress, with white lace accents, and long white lace sleeves. It was slightly out of her price range, but I thought she'd love it. The lady behind the counter had been helping us, but wasn't looking overly hard for Gin, knowing her price limit.
I addressed her. "Excuse me ma'am. Do you see that pink and white lace dress over there?" I waited until she acknowledged the dress in question. "I think my friend would really appreciate that dress, more so than the ones she is currently looking at. Would you be so kind as to show her and have her try that one on?"
The woman sighed. "I would, but your friend can't afford that dress. I'm sorry, there is nothing I can do."
"I'm aware of what the price is, ma'am, I just asked if you could show it to her. If she likes it, I-"
The woman cut me off before I could finish. "Look hun, I understand you are just trying to help your friend, but I know she is a Weasley, and I know they don't have the extra money. So no, I won't show her a dress that isn't in her price range, because I know she can't afford it, and I won't sell it to her for less. I'm sorry." She tossed her hair and went to disregard me, and I was pissed.
"That's lovely that you know who she is. Do you know who I am?" I waited as she looked me up and down, debating on whether or not she could figure out who I am.
"My name is Ana Nott. If you would have let me finish speaking, you would have heard me say I would pay you the remaining balance on the dress, as long as you told her it was discounted to match her price. Now, I'm not really sure if you recognize my last name, but I'm bloody rich, and could afford to buy out your entire pathetic shop. So, if you don't want mine and my friends' business, that's completely fine. I have no issue going somewhere else and spending a ridiculous amount of galleons." I wasn't sure the exact amount in the vault my mother left me, but I knew it was enough to have not been telling a lie to the shopkeeper.
"My apologies Miss Nott. I didn't know that was you. I haven't seen any pictures of you in many years. Of course, I will do that for you and your friends. It is very generous of you to do that for her. I'll be over in a minute."
I gave her the most obnoxious smile that I could. "Thank you so much." As I walked away, I rolled my eyes. It was all about who you were and how much money you had. So stupid. I overheard Ginny say she would have to settle with the pink and green monstrosity, because there was nothing else any better.
"I don't know, Gin. There has to be something here." I encouraged.
"Ana is right! We'll find you something cute. Don't you worry!" Hermione agreed. In only a matter of minutes, the shopkeeper arrived.
"Miss Weasley. I was looking through our records, and this dress is actually discounted, and falls within your price range. Would you like to try it on?" She lied famously. Ginny's eyes got wide, and she nodded, eagerly taking the dress and going to put it on.
We waited a moment, and when she stepped out, there was no doubt. She looked amazing.
"Oh, Ginny! That's beautiful." I grinned and agreed with Hermione. It fit Ginny perfectly, and I could tell she felt beautiful.
"I really like this. I feel good wearing it. Are you sure this is in my price range?" The woman confirmed, and Ginny immediately said she'd take it.
"Now it is just your turn, Ana!" Hermione exclaimed. "What are you looking for?"
I shrugged. "Meh, anything. I don't really have anything I'm looking for exactly." So Hermione began searching for a dress she thought I'd like, and as I browsed the racks, I thought back to when Erik asked me to go with him.
Hogwarts Grounds
Erik had asked me to hang out around the castle while the rest of the school went to Hogsmeade. It had been a while since we were able to spend time together, so I agreed easily. Our hands kept brushing against each other, but he had yet to take my hand in his, so I was nervous.
"I love autumn. The changing of the leaves, to cooler, crisp weather. It's just beautiful to see." I broke our silence. Erik glanced down at me.
"Truthfully, at this moment I haven't been able to appreciate the changes. I've been distracted by your beauty." His words caused my face to flush. I gently and playfully shoved him.
"Oh, stop being smooth. You don't need to try and impress me anymore. I already like you."
"I need to butter you up so I can make sure you say yes when I ask you to be my date to the Yule ball." He said it so nonchalantly, that it took me a second to realize what he said.
"Oh, so you're planning on asking me, are you?" He glanced at me out of the corner of his eyes.
"You better believe I am."
"Well, that's a relief. I turned down some other offers counting on you. Glad to know it wasn't in vain." He stopped in his tracks, grabbed my hand to stop me, still holding it, and whipped around to face me.
"Someone else asked you out? Who?"
"No one important, Erik. Although the one person who IS important still hasn't asked me, so make of that what you will." He smiled, and grabbed both of my hands in his.
"Well in that case, Ana Nott, will you go to the Yule ball with me?"
I gave him a small smile back. "I would love to go with you." He gave me a soft peck on the lips, and we continued our walk around the grounds.
Hogsmeade- Dress Shop
The feel of silk brought me out of my thoughts. In front of me was a deep emerald green dress. I normally stayed away from Slytherin colors, just on principle now, but there was something about this dress. I took it off the rack, and made my way to the dressing room. Slipping it on, it was apparent that I absolutely could not wear a bra, as it would be incredibly obvious and tacky looking. Otherwise, the dress fit like a glove. It clung to my curves, and staring back at me was a woman who I could hardly recognize. I loved it. Hearing both Hermione and Ginny's voices outside of the fitting room, I stepped out.
"Oh my god." Hermione gasped and actually covered her mouth in shock.
"Oh damn, Ana. You look hot!" I grinned.
"I like it."
"Like it?!" Ginny exclaimed. "You look sexy as hell. You should love it! I do."
"You really do look incredible, Ana. I'd definitely get that one if I were you. It beats all the other ones we looked at."
I glanced down at myself, running my hands over the smooth silk of the dress, and looked back at myself in the mirror.
"Not to mention, Erik won't be able to keep his hands off you." Ginny snickered.
Staring at myself in the mirror, I smirked. That was the plan.
This is a short chapter because the next one is going to be very long! Not to mention, I wanted to keep up on the lighter, feel-good vibes. The next one has a little, but then gets darker. So be warned. Below are Ginny and Ana's dresses. Hermione's is the same as in the movies!
