Chapter 3

Shopping and Preparations


Hermione was happier than she had been in years. Since Harry had proposed, he had moved in with her, because they decided things would be easier that way. They had begun to plan the wedding, and things couldn't be better. The night he proposed, they were so excited, they began owling everyone they knew to tell them of the good news. They didn't care how late it was, and actually, nobody else did either. They were so grateful that the two lovebirds were finally going to be together. They had decided to have a June wedding, and Professor Dumbledore had been nice enough to suggest the Great Hall at Hogwarts for the ceremony because there would be so many people there that there weren't really any other places to fit them all in. If Harry and Hermione had their way they would have a very small ceremony with only Hermione's parents and the Weasleys present. Unfortunately, being The-Boy-Who-Lived has its disadvantages.

It was a sunny Saturday in March, and Hermione had finally gotten around to dress shopping. There had been so many other arrangements to see to that she had found it necessary to neglect what should have been the most important part of the ceremony for her. Luna had been kind enough to accompany her as she made her way through Muggle London to search for a suitable dress shop. She had decided at the start of the planning that it would only be right if she wore a Muggle dress. She needed to remind everyone that she was proud of her Muggle upbringing.

They finally found a suitable enough looking shop and went in. Immediately, Hermione found herself drawn to one dress in particular. It was tucked in the back of the shop, almost like it didn't want to be seen. It was rather plain, compared to the others in the shop. It was a creamy off-white, strapless gown with only slight beading on the bodice. Just enough to be noticeable, but not enough to be gaudy.
Hermione said excitedly. I think this is the one.
But how can you know for sure? You haven't even tried it on yet, and this is only the first shop we have visited. Surely you would like to look around a bit before deciding? Luna answered back, looking at the dress appraisingly.
I'll try it on, Hermione agreed. but I'm almost positive that I won't find anything I like better anywhere else. I don't want to be too extravagant, I just want to be pretty. This dress is pretty. Hermione went toward the dressing room with the dress so she could try it on.
A few minutes later, she emerged from the dressing room looking victorious.
This is it, she told Luna.I know it is.
Luna said, surprised. You're right. It's perfect.
The dress fit Hermione like a glove, hugging her in places it should, and flowing in others. She looked like a Queen.
After speaking with the shop assistant to make sure the dress could be altered as necessary, Hermione paid for the dress and they made their way out of the shop and back toward The Leaky Cauldron so they could finish the rest of their shopping in Diagon Alley.