It was Saturday, which meant that Harry was off work and free to roam around. Actually, he was never off and was constantly out looking for former Death Eaters, but that's not the matter right now. The Ministry held a New Year's ball each year in which every employee may ask a date to accompany them to. Prizes were given out and they celebrated with live music and butterbeer.
Harry, being volunteered someway or another, was going to scope it out. You know, the usual, making sure nobody was there that shouldn't be and impressing the ladies.
It was a rumor around the office that Harry Potter would be looking for a mate to accompany him to the New Year Ball. Harry himself had his own plans to unleash at the party. For instance, how he was temporarily leaving the Ministry to fulfill his skills at Quidditch while he was still young. He figured this was going to bring a lot of mixed reactions, but for some reason he welcomed it. Ginny still didn't know about Harry leaving to play Quidditch...only Hermione and Dumbledore knew about that.
So here he found himself on a bright and chilly December morning searching for - well, that was the thing, he wasn't sure what exactly he was searching for. He fingered a little piece of paper he had in his cloak, and continued on his way to Madam Malkins.
After fighting off several people who wanted autographs (must be tourists) he entered and slammed the door.
An older, but feminine as ever, Madam Malkin came out and gave him a curious look. "More tourists?" She asked sympathetically. He nodded and glanced around. "Is Ginny working?" Madam Malkin grinned mischievously. "No...she's out on lunch break. Want me to take a message?" Harry shook his head. "I need...uh, I need a special order, ready in three days for the New Year's Ball."
Madam Malkin's face lit up. "Oh? And this custom order will be delivered to?" Harry felt his knee shake and he stepped forward and handed her the paper he was fingering. "I'll come and pick it up...It was designed especially for...a friend. Can you manage?" Madam Malkin took the piece of paper and looked at the sketches.
"This is...beautiful. Exceptional! Where did you...This looks like Ginny's designing-" Harry covered her mouth. "Mustn't let the word out. Not a word." He released his hand and smiled at her. She sighed and hummed a little tune.
"When shall I come to pick it up?" He asked nervously. "Come back Monday, noon. She'll be out on break. And Harry- Wise choice." Harry nodded and fled out of there. It was one thing to go through with his plan...it was another to let someone else in on it. He sighed and made a beeline to get out of there.