Chapter Three

A Trip To Hogsmead

It was finally Saturday and Charlemaine's cold had dwindled down to a runny nose and coughing. Garreth was on his way to Hogsmead walking through the mud of another rain. He hardly went on Hogsmead trips, which caused much starring, and it was hard for him to get into the clothing shop unnoticed. He was there to buy things for Charlemaine. To him she seemed much more happy. She often laughed at things he did and always talked to him. Sometimes she even sang when she thought he wasn't listening. He liked it when she sang, though he often felt guilty when she caught him starring at her. Perhaps it was because she was wearing his robes and shirts. That's what lead him to Hogsmead today.

He slipped into the store and headed to the women's section. He grabbed many shirts and pants. He also found a few dresses for Charlemaine. He also decided to get a few casual robes. What else? He went to the shoe rack and found some sandals and a pair of sneakers. Then he grabbed some hair bands for her. Then he stopped and starred at a particular section. Garreth forgot to buy one thing underwear! He could feel his face getting hot with blush. Who would be willing to buy some women's underwear for him?

Hermione and Ginny were looking at some skirts when a tall boy with black hair and a pile of things in his hands walked up to them.

"Hermione?" said the boy. "Could you do me a favor and buy some underwear for me? Not for me, but for this girl that I know who doesn't have much and I…" Said Garreth stopping and feeling stupid. He stood there embarrassed waiting for a reply.

"Um… sure I guess." Said Hermione. "Um, is that all you need?"

"Yeah basically," He said, " Here, just take it all, here's some money. Just get whatever a girl would need." He handed the pile of things to Hermione and started to walk away.

"Wait!" Said Hermione, "What size is she?" Garreth stood perplexed then pointed at Ginny and said.

"About her size." Then left to wait outside

"Hmph!" huffed Ginny. She crossed her arms in front of her chest. "Tactless."

"Aren't they all." Replied Hermione. "But he did give us a little over ten galleons to go shopping." They walked all over the shop picking up various items. Including some pretty bra and underwear sets. They even grabbed a curling iron and some fingernail polish.

"I'm afraid that's all we can afford to get." Said Hermione to Ginny after picking out a pair of striped toed stockings. They placed the day's haul on the check out counter and talked jovially until all the items were packaged and paid for.

"Who is the boy that asked us to do this for him?" Asked Ginny. "I've never seen him before."

"His name is Garreth Stone." Replied Hermione. "The only other time I've ever talked to him was on the Hogwarts express while I was on prefect duty. He sat in a compartment all by himself, he is sort of strange, but I treat him with respect."

"He is strange. Doesn't show much emotion does he?"

"No." They walked out the door and found Garreth sitting solemnly on a bench outside the shop. Hermione handed him the packages.

"And here's the change." She said handing him a few sickles.

"Um, thanks." Said Garreth giving her a small smile.

"Well we have to go, Harry and Ron are waiting for us at the Three Broomsticks." Said Hermione walking off with Ginny. Then Garreth slipped away heading back towards Hogwarts.

"Did he actually smile?" Said Ginny amused. They entered the Three Broomsticks; they spotted Harry and Ron sitting in the corner of the pub. They walked over and sat down next to them.

"Where'ave you been?" Asked Ron slurring his words. Hermione got a big wiff of something and wafted it away.

"You let him go the Hogs Head and get a Firewiskey?!" Said Hermione angered.

"I was getting tired of him complaining." Said Harry smiling, "It hasn't addled him anyway, he was like this before the whiskey." They all laughed, well except Ron.

Garreth entered the castle and headed towards the dungeons. He entered the Slytherin common room and found it fuller than what he had expected. He tried to advance towards his dormitory, but was stopped when Draco Malfoy stood in his way.

"Haven't we been busy today?" Said Malfoy in an arrogant tone. Garreth starred at him without a word. Malfoy starred at him for a few seconds, then took one of the packages and tore off the paper. He had one of the dresses and looked at it dumbfounded.

"Are you going gay?" Said Malfoy in mock concern. The room rang out in laughter. Malfoy sneered and stepped aside. "Sorry for the interruption Ma'am." The room erupted in laughter once again. Garreth grabbed the dress from Malfoy and stormed to his room, as he approached it his anger quickly turn into excitement. When he opened the door Charlemaine jumped up from the sofa smiling.

"Finally you're back!" she whined, "It was rather boring without you here. What's all that?" She said pointing at his load.

"Yours." Said Garreth dropping the packages on the bed and dropping the packages on the bed and holding up the dress.

"Open them." He said giving Charlemaine the dress and pushing her onto the bed. She opened every one of the packages and then ran into the bathroom with various items. And hour later she came out with a white baby doll dress on. Her hair was curled and her nails were painted pink. She also had a pair of white high-heeled sandals. She looked beautiful and glowed with happiness. She took a step forward and almost twisted her ankle.

"Oops!" Said with surprise. Her face turned pink. "I guess I have to get used to them."

A.N. Thank you to all of those who reviewed last chapter.-