Oh my god! I am sooooooooooo sorry for the long update! I've had exams going all this month, but thats them just ended, so I can get back to this story! :)
Is it just me, or has my chapters started to get longer? lol
Review Replies For Chapter 17
Kristal:I find it amusing that you came across this story by accident, lol, but I'm glad you decided to give it a read anyway :) Yes, Tom does have evil in him, but I want to show that before Lord Voldemort fully became him, there was once a normal side to him. It's that part of him that Hermione is beginning to bring out. But trust me, there will be some show of his evil side by maybe the next couple of chapters. Haha, yeah, I haven't really elaborated on the whole 'Harry's voice think in her head' idea. I just haven't been able to squeeze it into the story yet, but I hope to soon. If I don't get to, then I'll explain it in one of the later chapters as part of an Author's Note or something. This chapters pretty simple, but I hope you enjoy it! R&R! :D xxx
Jensniffer:Wow... lol, your review made me have a major cheesy moment. I couldn't stop smiling! lol :) I'm glad you're enjoying so much, and I hope that I will be able to keep up with your expectations! Wooft... still smiling, lol :) Hope you enjoy the update! :) xxx
Mistress DragonFlame:Well... what can I say to that? I can see where you're coming from. Yes, Tom does have evil in him, but in my story I am having Hermione effect him as much that there is now some slight normality to him, that separates him from Lord Voldemort. Yes, I do have some moments planned later in some chapters where we get to see some more of his old self, but that happens when I make that next dive into the plot line. I'm looking forward to doing so, but I need to keep the story at the pace it's going so I don't rush things, and screw it up, if you know what I mean. It will come.... :/ xxx
Solice2:Aww, thank you! lol :) That was great to hear, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yes, Dumbledore is a rather odd character to write in my opinion, lol, he's just as much a Slytherin at times as he is Gryffindor ;P Hope you enjoy this chapter, R&R xxx
maripas::D It's always great to get your reviews, they've practically been there from the very start! It's great to know that you have yet to get bored with my story :) I've missed writing it lately, and I'm lucky I got through my exams, cause half of the time all I thought about was what I was going to put in next when I got the chance, lol ;) Your welcome, that was really nice of you to say. Thank for the luck, lol, I'm gonna need it, cause I can tell you that this story is going to get very complicated very soon ;P R&R xxx
laurakyna:Hun... I can honestly say that your last review left me quite scared for my own life, lol :S You have my sincerest apologies for the slow update, but it's the exams that are to fault, not me. My exams finished Friday, so this is what my main focus has been on since then! I hope you like the update! R&R :) xxx
3rdplanet: Why, helloooooo there, lol. Long time no write ^_^ Ye, lol, quite a few :) But I'd suffered a bit of writer's block meaning I hadn't updated in quite a few months, but all's well now, lol, I'm back into it, and relishing in every death threat that I have received since then :S It's great to know you're still enjoying the story. I've never really thought much about my writing :) I just picture myself in the situation, and write down whatever, lol, while keeping to the story. I'm glad you have fun reading it! I hope so, I missed your story The Wandering Rocks. Chapter 3 soon, perhaps? Hope you like the update! R&R xxx
More Please: You sound like Oliver Twist...
Ankoku Dezaia:I would highly appreciate that you didn't try to kill one of my characters, for that would leave me with pretty much no story... ;P lol. Ahh, you are very hopeful. Sorry, but not so much in this chapter, but perhaps in the next few. The chapter before the party takes place will be where I start to delve much deeper into the plot. Yes, I think everyone wants a little bit of the younger Lord Voldemort, lol, I still have the image of him in the cake scene implanted in my head ;) It's been a long wait, but I hope you enjoy the update! R&R :) xxx
Blueglaceon:Hey! Yeah, lol, I do feel wanted! But I never expected to put my life at risk when I started writing this story, lol ;P Yeah, 'Riddikulus' is normally used on Boggarts. It was just as sort or experiment Hermione thought up during the duel, which is the main reason she cast it silently, cause if she said it out loud and it didn't work, lol, she would've looked a bit silly :) Hmm.... A dancing Dumbledore... thanks for that. Now I have that image planted inside my head. Yeah, it was quite casual for Hermione, but it was her attempt at conversation. Yeah... that's always a great excuse for us girls though, lol ;P I'm not really brilliant, lol. You fic is fine! Don't down yourself. You're a great writer, never let anyone or yourself tell you anything different :) haha, lol, god good. Hope you like this chapter, it's a bit boring, but R&R anyway :) xxx
I also want to give a big shout out to all those that also reviewed. Getting them all just boosts my motivation, and I am extremely grateful for them.
'UltravioletSpark', 'Black Holly', 'mrsmalfoy21', 'sweet-tang-honney', 'Black-Roaw23', 'Annunmir', 'becoming darkness', 'Suck-A-Butt' (don't worry... I made sure to look past your pin name like you suggested, lol ;) ), 'Mistpool32132', 'Kitty Malone', 'blindfaithoperadive', 'Annewang1', 'elladora lestrange', 'camya', 'Lizzy likes the hot guy', 'JENNABONSFENALIA', 'xiia0moonlight', 'Herm', 'omgahitsbritt08', 'Capt. Clooless', 'WrittingAkatsuki', 'Sagesther', 'greenbeans214', and last but not least, 'Would've0Could've0Should've'
Chapter18
"I can't believe you!"
Minnie walked backwards and forwards in the girl's dormitory, hands clasped behind her back as she paced, keeping her pace steady and fast.
Hermione humphed. It was probably six o'clock in the morning, and she was still slightly tired, normally having a wee bit longer to sleep. Her covers were scattered about her feet, and her head was shoved under a pillow with her hands holding each side down. It was her failure of an attempt to block out the ranting Minnie was making.
"I mean... I just don't get it! Well... I kind of do, but it's just all so weird. Why did you say yes to him, when you could've... and probably should've said yes to the other!?"
"Minnie," Hermione finally snapped as her head whipped out from under pillow. She sat straight up and glared at her current best girl friend. "Will you please, with all due respect, shut up!? I told you this all last night! I said yes to him, because, despite past experiences, he seemed really genuine about it."
"But, Potter?"
"I only just met him!"
'And do you have any idea how AWKWARD that would be for me!?' Hermione added inside her head, trying not to grimace at the thought of going out with her best friend's grandfather. 'Sorry, but that's just wrong on too many levels for me'
"Didn't I tell you that Tom was a snake though? You're a Gryffindor. He's a Slytherin. I don't mean to be prejudice but those two don't normally go together well." Minerva tried to reason.
Hermione sighed. "I know, but the Slytherins have been pretty okay with me so far, apart from Dolohov, so I can't really hold anything against them to say no," Hermione explained. "Besides, Tom can actually hold a decent conversation with me and can be rather nice when he wants to be."
Minnie raised her eyebrows at the word 'nice'.
Hermione just shrugged her shoulders.
If Minnie thought it was weird, then she had no idea how it was for Hermione.
Hermione Granger was going to the Slug Club Welcome Back party with Tom Riddle.
What was getting into her!?
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Tom didn't know quite why, but when he woke up that morning, he felt as if the world had just been lifted from his shoulders.
It was sort of funny, when he thought about it.
Magic he could handle. Power he could handle. Keeping his peers in line, he could handle. Charming the teachers, no problem what-so-ever.
Getting a girl who had plagued your mind for almost two weeks to go with you to a dance... rather nerve racking.
It was something he was far from used to. Normally on occasions like these, he didn't bother with getting a girl. It wasn't as if it would be difficult for him, any girl would give anything for such an opportunity.
He never showed them off, or used them too much to his advantage, but he wasn't ignorant of his good looks either.
But for some reason, when he had someone like Charles Potter standing there, he knew he'd have to do it, and actually ask her. He'd be damned if he let such an opportunity slip past him, and he sure as hell wouldn't be able to stand the sight of someone like Hermione draped over the arms of a Potter.
Tom had raised his eyebrows slightly when, just after he'd gotten back to the common room yesterday, Antinon Dolohov walked in. He'd had a bandage wrapped round his head, and was sporting a rather foul mood. Tom didn't really see the use for the bandage, considering that magic would do the job just the same. This made Tom come to the conclusion that Madame Lara had been told some of the story of the duel in class and had made this into a sort of punishment for the Slytherin in her own form.
Apparently, the healer was rather fond of Hermione. Hermione had told Tom at one point during a conversation that while she'd been here before school started, she and the healer had became quite good friends.
Again, Tom was thankful for the fact that he was on Hermione's good side at the current moment.
But one thing that he was rather looking forward to, was for his duel with the girl.
That would most certainly be an interesting display.
She'd stuck to the basics throughout her duel with Dolohov, that being Dolohov's major slip up, but Tom had an inkling that if she'd been able to let go and use her own magic, then she probably would of had the boy down in the first ten seconds, maximum.
School that day had flown past rather quickly for Hermione. Fridays classes didn't seem to be all that exciting really. Most of it was spent taking notes.
Although there had been many moments in classes that she would catch the eyes of her 'date.' What was worse, was that she would see a small smirk appear on his face when she felt her cheeks begin to heat up, signalling to Hermione the start of a blush, making her quickly look down. Any other day she would easily match his gaze, but for some reason, today she felt like a little school girl.
Charles Potter. Now that was an issue all by itself. She'd only spoken with the boy once and now he was glaring at, and not speaking with her. She was in advanced Transfiguration, and he had came over and was about to sit down but saw that she would be sitting down next to him. He quickly maneuvered himself to sit on the opposite side. This just caused Hermione to roll her eyes and sigh. When she'd been in the kitchens the night before with him and Tom, she'd read it in his mind that he'd planned to ask her to go with him to the party after seeing her 'skills' in DADA. Apparently he had a lot planned for the after party too, making Hermione feel slightly sick. Charles was like Harry in so many ways, and seemed as if he could be a pretty good friend. But on the other hand, when Hermione looked into his mind, there was also a lot of him that wasn't like Harry. At least Harry had better control over his hormones!
Also, what Hermione noticed must be a family trait, the Potters knew how to brood!
Now it was dinner, with classes having ended a good half hour ago. Just as people were about to start on dessert, a loud coughing could be heard coming from the head table. Everyone spun and saw Headmaster Dippet staring down at them with a large smile on his face. "Sorry to interrupt you, almost at the end of dinner and just before dessert, but I have a short announcement to make."
If you continue to ramble, it wont be a short announcement' Hermione thought to herself with a roll of her eyes.
"Due to some festivities that will be taking place in just over a weeks time, I have organised a trip to Hogsmeade tomorrow, Saturday."
Hermione's eyes widened slightly upon realisation. Damn, she'd forgotten about a dress.
"It will only be for people that have been invited to, or are being escorted to Professor Slughorn's private Welcome Back party. There will be no time limit, as I'm sure some of you young ladies will be eager to impress your male escorts," he added with a deep chuckle.
Hermione automatically looked towards were Tom was sitting. He was looking at her at the same time, but with a sort of glazed look. But as if sensing her glance, Tom's eyes sharpened again, and Hermione saw him begin to smirk at her. Hermione smiled and shook her head before looking away.
Just as she turned her head, she heard a slight cough come from behind her. Turning in her seat, Hermione looked up, only to see Charles Potter standing over her.
"Excuse me, but could I talk with you for a second?"
"Well, I-"
"Forgive me, but I wasn't talking to you, Granger." He stated, looking down at her before his eyes shifted to look over at something behind her.
Turning again, Hermione saw Minnie frozen on the spot, a fork full of potatoes and gravy half way to her mouth, her mouth open and ready for them. Her jaw snapped shut as she looked up to her peer. "Me? Eh... sure, why not." Wiping her mouth with a small napkin, Minnie got up from her stool, and went to start walking away with Charles, throwing Hermione a confused look from over her right shoulder. Hermione just shrugged her shoulders.
It had only been a few minutes after she'd left that Minnie came back and sat beside Hermione again at the dinner table. Hermione noticed that Charles hadn't came in behind her. Looking at Minnie, the girl looked a little flustered and confused, not even taking notice of the ice cream and put together and had placed in front of her.
Getting impatient, Hermione decided to talk first. "Well?"
No answer.
"Minnie?" Hermione waved her hand in front of the girl's face a couple of times. "Earth to Minnie."
"He asked me to the party..."
Hermione immediately stopped in her actions. She stared wide eyed at her friend, who still appeared to be staring off into lala land.
"What?" Hermoine whispered.
Minnie just nodded, her head eventually started to turn until it was facing Hermione's. The girl's eyes were back in focus.
"Charles Potter just asked me to the Slug Club party."
"And?"
"Well... I said yes..."
Hermione gazed annoyed at the dancing flames of the Gryffindor fire. It was late, and she was the only one still up at twenty past two in the morning, sitting cross-legged on the the carpetted floor. Directly across from the fire place, charmed so the heat wouldn't effect her. This was something she always did when there were things picking at the over sized brain in her head and she needed to think things through. If she didn't, then she simply wouldn't get any sleep. This just happened to be one of those long nights, good thing she wasn't that tired anyway.
First thing was first. She hated to say it, let alone think it, but she knew that it played a part of it in some way. Charles was so like Harry, it was kinda spooky. And because he was so like Harry, and because he'd been so nice to her when he'd first met her, the last thing she wanted to say or accuse him of, was using Minnie to get to her. She didn't want to believe it.
I mean... maybe he had planned on asking her anyway, before he met me?
That could be possible, but the other reason seemed likely also.
But she would never voice her thoughts to anyone else. Minnie said he seemed genuine about it when asking her, and she knew Minnie was a smart girl and could handle herself. Hermione knew enough from her own time that getting on the bad side of Minerva McGonagall was a very stupid move.
She just hoped Charles wasn't one to make stupid moves, or else poor Harry might not even get the chance to be born by her time.
Then there was the second issue... an issue she should've, but hadn't worried about in quite a while.
The Time-line.
Now that she did think about it... what the hell had she done!?
In her time, Lord Voldemort was ruthless, dark, powerful, dangerous.... not to mention down right ugly. She'd done a lot of research on his past, and had discovered a lot about him, hoping it would help in the up coming fight against him. She'd kept this little detail to herself, planning on telling her friends when it was needed. She knew from her research, that Tom in this time now, was supposed to be cold, uncaring, intelligent, handsome, and to have a firm grasp over the students and professors, bar Dumbledore. However, what Hermione saw was someone who still had a good grasp over students and professors, he was intelligent and handsome, but he wasn't as cold or uncaring as she'd expected.
Somewhere, along the lines, Hermione had a feeling that she'd maybe changed him. It would be a good, no, a great thing, had it not been for the fact that none of it matched her future information, therefor meaning that she'd changed the time-line in a way.
Hermione had been silly thinking that she could ignore that fact, and just enjoy a bit of freedom. Freedom from her war, allowing herself to have a bit of fun and be more carefree. Yet, just lately, certain people and things were causing her to remember all that had happened, who she had left behind.
Dumbledore was still trying to find a way for her to get back... but now she had a problem...
Did she really want to go back? Or forward for that matter... ?
In her own time, nearly everyone she loved was either dead or captured by Death Eaters. Lord Voldemort had won the battle. If she went back, she would be sealing her fate.
Here she was able to be more like the teenager she should've been. She had friends, not replacements for the friends she once had, as they would never leave her heart, but new friends, that helped in the making of a new life for herself. She wasn't playing a major part in a war full of people trying to kill her simply cause of her parents. She was even slowly beginning to change the ways of a future Dark Lord.
Although... he wasn't exactly an angel. Yes, she knew that he'd killed people by now. But couldn't she maybe change that part of him? Try and make him feel some slight remorse?
Maybe, by staying here, she could change her future, and give all her friends the chance to live freely. Harry would be alive, along with his parents. Ron would be alive, along with all his family. Remus... she'd be damned if she let Greyback get to him for a second time.
But would Dumbledore allow it?
Oh there was just so much she could do. She could save her friends, and let them live the lives they were supposed to... she could even allow herself to enjoy life more.
She loved Dumbledore, now almost as if he was a grandfather, but at the end of the line, it was her life, and her responsability.
She realised something just then and there.
This may be her old time's past... but right here, this is there present, and ever since she arrived here, it has continued to be her present also.
"Come on Hermione, time to get up!"
Hermione sighed a frustrated sigh. Maybe she should've continued her act as a scary morning person, cause now Minerva had lost her fear of waking the girl up.
It had been the back of three when Hermione had gotten to bed last night, and it wasn't until she'd gotten to her bed that she'd realised how tired she actually was, and waking up now, she was started to feel the consequences.
"I was wandering, by the way, if you wanted to come with me, so that we could maybe pick out our dresses together?"
Again, Hermione groaned. "Damn, I'd forgotten about the dressed. Yeah, sure, I'll come." Hermione sat up on her bed groggily, stretching her arms.
"You know... Your sleeping attire is rather odd..." Minnie said, looking over at Hermione with a curious expression as she tied her long black hair into a pony tail. "I've only ever seen men wear two piece sets at night."
Hermione smiled at Minnie, and then looked down at her blue pj's. "Yes, well they're a lot more comfortable that the itchy nighties us females wear. I could transfigure you a pair if you want to try them one night."
Hermione looked up to see Minnie smiling at her with a grateful look in her eyes, making Hermione laugh a little.
"That would be great, Mione. Now get your lazy arse out of bed, and get ready. I'd think you'd like something to eat before we head off."
Hermione nodded her head and somehow managed to get herself out of bed, wincing slightly as her warm feet made contact with the cold stone floor. She quickly looked over to the clock on her bedside table and saw that it was actually a late 7:30am. Oh well. She made it the rest of the way to the bathroom.
It took her a good thirty minutes and good few charms, but Hermione came back out the bathroom, dressed and refreshed. Her hair was tied into a high pony tail, and she was dressed in a simple, white garden dress, topped with a small, baby blue cardigan that had sleeves which reached to just above her elbows, and the bottom ending just past her waist. It was nice day, why waist a good dress?
She wore blue, doll shoes. She didn't have anything to match the dress, so she transfigured this pair by herself.
"Very nice," Minnie smiled at her. She'd been sitting on her own bed with a book while she waited on Hermione. She herself was dressed in a white satin shirt that had a few buttons undone, but not too may that it was indecent, and had on a knee length, navy, pleated skirt.
Both girls looked at eachother, smiled and then headed out their dormitories, through the common room and out through the portait hole, arms linked the whole time.
They'd gotten to the great hall in no time, and were soon seen sitting at their table, munching on some toast and jam.
Once they were done with their breakfasts, they got up from their seats and headed out the set of double doors. Judging by the amount of people that had started filing into the hall once they'd started to leave, they'd say that they were probably the firsts ones to leave. Before the term had started, Dumbledore had offered Hermione a substantial amount of money to help pay for her things through the year. Hermione had refused at first, but eventually gave in, with all his badgering on at her, but she promised to pay him back, no matter what his protests were.
Luckily for them, because they were the first ones out, they would get first pick of the dresses.
"This one?"
"Too fluffy"
Five minutes later...
"Too puffy."
Another five minutes later...
"Far too frilly."
Another ten minutes later...
"That's just down right ghastly!"
"Oh, for the love of god!" Cried a hysterical Minnie as she stomped back into the dressing rooms. "That was the last one! Seeing as we've been here for almost an hour, and how my shopping taste is 'down right gastly', why don't you go choose me a dress!"
Hermione simply laughed at her friends antics. They'd decided that they would shop for Minnie's dress first, then her own. "Okay..." She called out to Minnie, as she stood up from her stool in front of the dressing rooms and headed back into the shopping area.
Okay... there's bound to be something that we'll both agree on.
Hermione spent a good ten minutes going through nearly every dress there was, spotting a few she liked, but none that would go with Minnie herself. She was hoping to find something a deep red colour, as it would bring out her friends eyes, and also her skin and hair. This was the only place in Hogsmeade that selled dress robes, so she'd have to get some sort of help.
Hermione walked over the front desk that was placed bang on in between the female section and the male section.
"Excuse me, mam," she said politely, catching the woman's attention. "Hi there, me and my friend are shopping for some dresses, but neither of us can seem to find the right sort of dress for her. I was wandering if you had any other dresses that hadn't been put on display yet?" Hermione asked hopefully.
The assistant smiled at her. "Hello there. Yes, as a matter of a fact we do. Just tell me what you're looking for and I'll see what I can find."
Hermione let out a relieved sigh. "Yes, well, for my friend, I was hoping for something sexy, but still staying modest, just enough to make the guys' mouths water if you know what I mean. Also, preferably in a deep, rich red colour." The woman nodded at her and made to turn around to enter through the door behind her, when Hermione quickly stopped her... "Wait!" She stopped and turned back round to face her. "Listen, I can shop for my friends, but I can't shop for myself. Could you do me a favor? Whilst you're back there, could you see if there's anything that might suit me?"
The assistant smiled, "okay then. Take a couple of steps back for me so I can get a better look at you." Hermione did just that, holding her arms out a little. "A small twirl?" She twirled.
However, when she turned back to look at the assistant, she was more than a little unnerved when she found her to be smirking at Hermione rather mischievously.
"Er..."
"Not to worry. I've got just the thing for you."
Before Hermione could say anything else, the woman disappeared through the door.
Hermione was only standing there for a few minutes before the woman came back out through the door. She was carrying with her to coat hangers, with whatever was hanging on them covered by two black bags.
Instead of handing them to Hermione from over the counter, she walked past it. "Lets go see your friend." Hermione didn't say anything, but instead followed behind the woman, heading towards the dressing room.
"She's in that one," Hermione pointed to the cubical with closed curtains in the middle. "Her name's Minerva, by the way, and mine's Hermione."
The woman smiled again at her, she held out her hand for Hermione to shake. "Pleased to meet you, Hermione. Mine's Susan."
Hermione smiled, and took the woman's outstretched hand, giving it a small shake.
Once Susan had let go of her hand, Hermione watched as she walked over to the middle cubical. "Excuse me. Miss Minerva?"
"Yeah?" Came Minnie's uncertain voice.
"Hi there, my name's Susan, I'm here with your friend Hermione. I believe we've found the right dress for you."
Just then, Minnie's head poked out from one side of the curtain. "Hey," she greeted softly.
Susan simply held out one of the hangers. Minnie took it with no questions being asked and disappeared again behind the curtain. There was a small unzipping sound, and a gasp before her head poked out again. "You can't be serious."
Susan looked at with raised eyebrows and said, "100% Now go ahead and try it."
Minerva shook her head in disbelief before disappearing once again. Susan looked over at Hermione, who had once again taken her seat on the stool. She winked at Hermione before looking back at the curtains patiently.
Finally, after a long two minutes, the curtains were drawn back. What Hermione saw made her beam.
Minnie looked absolutely breath taking. "Oh my god, Minnie! You look gorgeous! Your totally gonna knock them off of their feet!" Hermione squealed looking at her friend.
"You really think so?"
The dress was Gryffindor red, perfectly suited for a Gryffindor and a Potter date. The material looked soft to the touch, and had the sleeves, which were only an inch long, falling down past her shoulders. It didn't show much cleavage, but left enough for the imagination. Just below the bust, at the back, were corset style ties, making her curves stand out just right. Past her hips, the dress fell down smoothly and elegantly, not fanning out by much. It stopped just at her ankles.
"This is the one." Hermione confirmed. "What do you think, Susan?"
Susan smiled triumphantly. "It's perfect for you. Maybe on the night you could curls your hair and let it fall down? I think it would compliment the dress just nicely."
Minerva looked at herself in the mirror, cocking her head to the side, trying to imagine it for herself. When she turned back round to face Susan she said, "thank you so much. I think that that would be a great idea."
Susan's smile never faultered, "right-oh then. How about you get back and change into your normal clothes, and then little miss over there can try her one on."
There it was again, Hermione noticed suspiciously. That God damned mischievous twinkle she got in her eye every time she seemed to think about her and this dress.
Another five minutes later, Minnie stepped back out dressed in her own clothes, a big, relieved smile in her face. The dress was back in the bag and on the dresser, now hanging over her arm.
Hermione sighed when she saw the expectant looks both girls gave her. "Okay, okay. Let me have it."
Susan smirked at her whilst she held out the dress for Hermione to take. Hermione marched up and gave the woman a suspicious narrowed gaze while she took the dress. Susan merely raised her eyebrows at her. Hermione sighed once again as she entered the changing room, and shut the curtains.
She placed the hanger onto the hook attatched onto the wall, and quickly unzipped the case.
Hermione stood there. Completely speechless while the bag dropped to the floor. Her jaw had dropped to the floor, lucky for her, not literally. The dress was.... well....
She let out a long shaky breath. "Oh my..."
She heard a snort come from outside. Susan obviously wasn't the type to be shy when first meeting people.
Knowing she really didn't have much of a choice, she decided to quickly, and shakily, take off her outer clothes. Once they were off, she removed the dress with the hanger, and slipped it on. It fit like a glove.
Taking a deep breath, Hermione turned and pulled back the curtain.
Minnie sucked in a deep breath, staring in awe at her friend as she came out of the changing room. Susan smiled the biggest smile she'd ever known she could muster. "I knew it."
Hermione turned to look at the mirror, al beit a little uncertainly. What she saw made her gasp, bringing her hand up to her mouth.
"Mione... you look... just, wow!" Minnie finally got out. Hermione turned, only to see a determined look on her friends face. "You have to get it."
"You don't think it's not too... well, you know...?"
"NO! Not at all! Hermione, all they boys will be showering in cold water tonight if you wear that! You're simply breath taking!" Minnie protested immediately.
Hermione cocked an eyebrow at her friend's more than crude comment, but couldn't help but smile. Hermione turned and sent a fake glare towards Susan who was smirking now, victoriosly. The glare only lasted a second before Hermione let a large smile grace her features. "Against my better judgment and character... I'll take it!"
Hermione, Minnie and Susan were both walking together and laughing as they made their way back to the front counter.
All three of them, however stopped in their tracks when they saw three men standing there waiting impatiently to be served. Hermione's eyebrows shot up, most likely so did Minnie's, as there stood Malfoy, Lestrange, and Tom Riddle.
Susan gasped and quickly rushed forward to take her place behind the counter. "My sincerest appologies, Gentlemen. I was helping with some other customers. I hope you weren't waiting too long?"
Malfoy sneered, his aristocratic personality shining through some what. "Yes, it seems as you have been very helpful, however, me and two of my friends here have been waiting a good five minutes without any service what-so-ever."
Susan nodded, feeling a bit ashamed of herself for getting a bit carried away.
Hermione decided it would be best if she helped her new found friend out a little. She walked up the counter and placed her things down on it before Malfoy got the chance to. Minnie, noting where this was going, followed. "Susan, thank you very much for your service today. Thanks to you, both me and Minnie got just the right dresses." Hermione dumped a small bag of gold onto the counter. "This should be enough for both mine and Minnie's dresses and there is also a nice tip in there for you too."
Hermione turned and looked at the surprised face of Malfoy. "Malfoy! How good to see you. I take it someone invited you to the ball with them?"
Lestrange was forced to press his lips together. Judging by Malfoy's smile, he clearly missed the dig to his intelligence. "Yes, as a matter of a fact, Slughorn himself invited me."
Hermione cocked her eyebrow at him. "Yes, well I hope everything works out for the both of you."
Lestrange snorted, trying to hold in his laugh.
Susan smiled at Hermione. Hermione winked at her before turning to leave. She got a few steps before she was standing in front of Tom.
"Tom," she nodded her head in greetings.
Tom cocked his eyebrow at her, but returned her greetings with a nod of his own head, "Hermione."
Hermione smiled at him, then looked down to what he had in his arms. It was a black tux. The waist coat was emerald green, and so was the tie. Hermione looked back up at him. She shook her head at him, her smile turning into a playful smirk. She took out her wand from the white tie that went with her current dress. She used it to tap the waist coat twice, and then the tie, all the while whispering a small charm.
Tom watched all this with a curious expression. He'd let her do what she wanted with her wand, so long as it was nothing against him.
Hermione watched, satisfied when the emerald green silk turned into silver silk.
When Tom looked at her, ready to ask why, when she simply held up her bag for him to see and then gave it a little shake.
Tom smirked and nodded his head in understanding. It was to match the dress.
Hermione and Minnie both walked out after the small exchange, satisfied with their day of shopping.
R&R
Madame Dee! xxx