Author's Note: Once again, none of this is mine… I'm just playing in the worlds created by Jane Austen and JK Rowling.
Chapter One
Hermione could not believe her eyes as she took in the sights of Diagon Alley. There were shops and restaurants galore, not to mention one interesting looking building that looked like it came right out of the 18th Century. In fact, the entire town was beautifully blended with 18th Century architecture. The roads looked like they were made of large smooth stones; there were even a few horse-drawn carriages being driven around the town. It was all just so different from her home; it was wonderful! Hermione glanced at the sign on the building which had caught her eye; it read 'The Upper Rooms'. She wondered if it was a themed restaurant or something like that. Perhaps Mr. and Mrs. Dumbledore would take her there soon; and maybe they could even get a ride on one of those horse-drawn carriages.
The car stopped in front of a modest looking hotel with a sign that read 'The Leaky Cauldron'. It was quite an odd name for a hotel, but Hermione thought it seemed to fit in just fine with the rest of the town. When she started to get her bags from the trunk, Albus placed a gentle hand upon her shoulder and simply nudged her toward Minerva. Hermione felt a little bad for Albus having to carry all her bags, but she didn't want to offend him. As she headed toward Minerva and the entrance to the hotel, a couple of young men passed her by and as they did she clearly heard them mumble something about being 'ripe for the picking.' Unnerved by this comment, she hurried her pace and quickly clasped her arm with Minerva.
After they got settled in, Hermione stood by the window watching all the people who were wandering around on the streets outside.
"Just look at all those people out there. It really makes you want to know what their stories are."
"Not really, it just makes me wonder why they aren't all indoors enjoying a nice fire like us." Albus stated as he propped his feet on the pedestal.
Hermione turned her attention to Minerva, "I suppose it's too late to go out on the town tonight?"
"Well of course it is, dear. And besides, we have absolutely nothing to wear!"
"But I brought my nicest dress from home. It may be hand sewn, but it's the best I have."
"We'll go out shopping tomorrow and get you a whole new wardrobe, how does that sound? Do you think you might be able to bear a day out shopping and spending dear Albus' money?"
"I'll do my best, ma'am."
After a night of sleeping upon the softest mattress Hermione had ever felt, she couldn't wait to go out shopping with Mrs. Dumbledore. She'd never had any new clothes of her own; not that she was complaining. It was just that her family did not have the wealth of some, so they did without many things and hand-made whatever they could.
The hotel had a small restaurant on the first level, where Mr. and Mrs. Dumbledore and Hermione all enjoyed a large breakfast while they chatted with a few of the other guests about local news and events. Mrs. Dumbledore was thrilled to learn that 'The Upper Rooms' would be hosting a dinner along with some dancing that very night. Hermione instantly perked up at the name, and remembered it as being the unique building that she had seen on their way in to town. She inwardly hoped that they would go to that dinner and dance; but she didn't want to appear overly anxious to her hosts. So she kept these hopes to herself and continued eating her breakfast, while thoughts of handsome men and beautiful women weaving an intricate pattern danced in her head.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Mrs. Dumbledore asked her if she was ready to head out shopping. She nodded her head in assent, excused herself from Mr. Dumbledore, and thanked the staff for the wonderful breakfast; she linked arms with Minerva and out to the streets they headed. Before Hermione could fully take in the sights of the town in full daylight, they had already stopped in front of a shop with windows covered in the most beautiful fabrics she had ever seen.
A kind looking woman stepped out of the shop, "Welcome to Madam Malkin's. We carry some of the finest fabrics and silks in the county. Come in, come in and let's start fitting you."
Hermione was swept away in to the shop by this kind looking woman with Mrs. Dumbledore close behind, who spoke up once they were in the store. "I'd like to get this young woman a brand new wardrobe; dresses for day, night, dinner parties, dances, and whatever else you can supply. And please put it all on Mr. Dumbledore's account."
"Oh Mrs. Dumbledore, I couldn't! This is way too much! All I simply need is a dress."
"Don't worry about it dear. Let us spoil you since we don't have children or grandchildren of our own. Madam Malkin, do you possibly have something appropriate for the dinner and dance at 'The Upper Rooms' tonight? And just have everything else delivered to our room at 'The Leaky Cauldron' when you get them finished."
They allowed Hermione to pick out her favorite fabrics and they took all her measurements for the dresses to be made. She also asked if she could have some simple blouses and pants made for when she returned to her home. For their outing that night, she chose a beautiful light pink and flowing dress. (A/N: imagine the dress Hermione wore to the Yule Ball in the 4th Harry Potter movie)
On their way back to the hotel, they stopped in at a little café to grab a bite of lunch. Hermione took the opportunity to ask Mrs. Dumbledore about 'The Upper Rooms.'
"I noticed the building on our way in to town, and I couldn't help but notice its architecture. Is it a themed restaurant or something?"
"Well, yes it is themed; as you can probably tell by the architecture it's based from the 18th Century. But it's not exactly a restaurant; it's more like a grand hall. They sometimes have afternoon tea parties, or have grand dinners and dances much like what's happening there tonight. You aren't required to dress as they did in the time period, but all the dances will be authentic. You won't see any club-type dancing there. And don't worry if you don't know the steps; few people do. Just follow the flow and you'll be fine."
"I hardly think I'll be asked to dance, but it'll be fun to watch."
Minerva held her comments, but she had a feeling that she would be beating the young men off with a stick tonight.
Author's Note:Oh geez! Please forgive me for the absence of Draco in this chapter! I promise you he will be in the next one. Who else did you think would be asking sweet Hermione to dance???
