Minerva scrawls a quick note to Albus letting him know where she is before she goes into the bedroom to change. She picks out a dress that is light fabric and is knee length. She sits on the edge of the bed and takes off her high-heeled teaching boots replacing them with sensible navy blue heels. She lets her hair down out of her tight bun. She puts the front of her hair up and pins it off her face. The students would never believe it was her she looks so different. She grabs a sweater for later out of her wardrobe before she leaves the room. She walks quickly through the castle down towards the first floor jumping trick stairs as she goes. When Minerva arrives in the foyer Xiomara is already there.
"Ready to go?" Xiomara asks when she spots her friend.
"Absolutely, I left Albus a note so he won't be concerned about where I am." Minerva says with a smile as the friends leave Hogwarts.
"You've gotten better at figuring out what you need to tell your husband so you can have some alone time. You're brilliant, Minerva! I just hope I'm that smart when I get married." Xiomara says as the friends laugh together.
"He's always concerned about me because of his role in the war. I'm sure Severus is very protective of you too because of what he did. Albus and Severus are very similar that way. They're very protective of the people they care about. It's a quality I admire very much." Minerva says as they walk across the grounds of Hogwarts.
"Severus is very protective of me, too. In fact, he's so protective of me sometimes I feel stifled by him. I know he only does it because he cares about me, but he doesn't always realize how overwhelming he can be. He played such a vital, dangerous role in the war that he knows that he's put me in harm's way, unintentionally, by trying to be happy with me. We love each other so much. I can't believe how far we've come together." Xiomara says as Minerva shuts the gate behind them. The two ladies walk slowly towards Hogsmeade village. "Minerva, how did you feel when Albus proposed to you last year?"
"I can hardly remember that night. I was overwhelmed the moment he got down on his knees. I can hardly remember what he said, but I do remember the absolute elation I felt. He made me feel so special. He was concerned about me rejecting him to try and protect him. When I saw the look on his face that night I couldn't say no even if I wanted to in order to protect him. You'll understand when you see the look on Severus' face. I know you don't always see the way he looks at you, but I do see the way he looks at you. He absolutely adores you. When Severus proposes just enjoy the moment and consider recording what he says because everyone will ask you what he said. I'm sure he's got it all planned out now we just need to get you set." Minerva says as she opens the door to the small dress boutique and allows Xiomara to go in ahead of her. "Hello, Muriel! We're going to need your help. My friend here needs a fabulous cocktail dress for a fancy dinner on Saturday night."
"Right, Madam Hooch, what colour would you like your cocktail dress, for your big occasion, to be?" Muriel asks as she approaches Xiomara.
"My boyfriend's favourite colour is emerald green. I'd like my dress to be tight, one-shouldered, and lightly beaded, if possible." Xiomara says firmly.
"I know exactly the dress you have in mind. I'll pull it for you and put it in a dressing room for you." Muriel says with a sparkle in her eyes.
"Thank you, Muriel." Minerva says kindly. She's known Muriel well for three years and has come to Muriel for all her special occasions.
Xiomara sits down on a chair in the store and pulls her high heels out of her over-sized handbag. She slips her flats off and puts her heels on.
"I wondered where you had put your high heels." Minerva chuckles at her friend. "Now go try on that dress that you want so much."
Xiomara smiles at her friend as she walks on unsteady feet towards the dressing room. "It's been so long since I've worn high heels I can't walk." Xiomara laughs.
"You, my friend, need to practice walking on those heels before Saturday or you'll crash and burn. Severus will be carrying you home." Minerva teases.
"You're terrible! I remember a time when you weren't so steady wearing high heels either, my friend." Xiomara says as she pulls the curtain across the dressing room. She slips out of her work outfit and slips into the cool, silk emerald green cocktail dress that Muriel brought for her. "Minerva, can you zip up my dress for me?" Xiomara asks from inside her dressing room.
"Course I can. Come on out and I'll zip you into the dress." Minerva says from her seat just outside Xiomara's dressing room.
Xiomara steps out of the dressing room and pushes the curtain back. She walks up to Minerva on unsteady feet. She feels beautiful in her dress. She turns her back on her friend and Minerva slowly moves the zipper up. She then puts her hands on her friends' shoulders and turns her around." Xiomara you look stunning! Severus is going to be amazed! You look so feminine! I've never seen you look that wonderful! That is your dress for dinner Saturday night. What do you think?" Minerva says as she looks at her friend.
"I think this dress will make Severus fall on his knees and propose instantly. It's sexy, elegant, and feminine. I've never felt this beautiful in my entire life. Severus will be surprised when he sees me. He's only seen me in a dress twice before at other people's weddings. I just need some accessories to go with it. This is my dress!" Xiomara says with a wide smile.
"Muriel, wrap up this dress; we're leaving with it. Come on, Xiomara, we've got other things to do tonight. Go get changed while I figure out where we're going to get your accessories. Do you have shoes to wear?" Minerva calls through the curtain.
"Did you see the shoes I have on? They're the only high heels I have." Xiomara says as she changes out of her dress.
"Well, we'll have to change that. Are you ready to go? I know exactly where to take you." Minerva says as she fingers some of the garments on the racks.
"Professor, when will I see you in here for another special occasion dress? It's been a while since I've been able to help you out." Muriel says with a smile as she watches Minerva.
"I know, but there's a big Ministry of Magic event coming up in about three months, so I'll probably be in before for something fabulous." Minerva says with a smile.
Xiomara comes out carrying her new dress over one arm. "I'm ready to go. Muriel, thank you so much for your help. Severus will be thrilled with this." Xiomara says gratefully.
"Wait, your date is Severus Snape? I never thought I'd see the day. It sounds like the two of you are truly happy." Muriel says with a smirk. Severus Snape is notorious for being unemotional.
"Good Merlin, I thought everyone knew about my relationship with Severus. I thought Albus would have told the entire town by now. Come on, Minerva, let's get moving." Xiomara says rolling her eyes.