Chapter Six
It took Hermione a while to find her way down Diagon Alley's twisting back streets, she had never seen this part of the Alley before. Warm steam rose from metal vents in the cobbles and there were piles of crates and boxes stacked by the back gates. It was much darker too, as the street was narrow and the shops towered up on both sides. It was just before three 'o' clock when she got to the back of Madam Malkin's.
Aurelia was stood in the gateway waiting when she approached,.
"Hey, you came!" Aurelia Perky whispered. "Follow me."
Hermione followed the young witch through the cluttered yard and into a metal door in the back wall.
"This way." Aurelia said as she descended down a dark staircase.
At the bottom of the stairs was another door, this one was chipped, painted white wood. Aurelia took a bunch of keys out of her pocket and began unlocking the several padlocks and bolts on the door.
"My studio." Aurelia said, opening the door wide to reveal a brightly lit room. Mannequins stood in rows, each dressed in the most wonderful gowns Hermione had ever laid eyes on.
"Wow, Aurelia, they are stunning." Hermione said breathlessly, staring in awe.
"You really think so?" Aurelia asked, her face flushing with pride.
"I really do." Hermione said, as she moved between the mannequins. "I never dreamed I might be able to wear anything so beautiful."
"Which one would you like to try?" Aurelia asked beaming.
"You mean I get to chose?" Hermione gasped.
"Of course." Aurelia said, "You are my practise model."
Hermione laughed and began the difficult task of choosing between the gorgeous dresses, each of which had it's own matching masquerade mask, shoes and gloves with it.
"I don't know how I could possibly choose, can't you choose for me, they are all just so beautiful." Hermione pleaded with Aurelia.
"Well I did have one in mind for you but it isn't quite finished," Aurelia explained, "if you trust me, I will tailor it to your exact measurements and you can collect it here at 6pm tomorrow night. Make sure your hair and make-up are already done though. The ball starts at 7 and you won't have time afterwards. We can go together if you like, I have already ordered a Limosine."
"You are too generous." Hermione said, she couldn't believe her luck. "That sounds lovely. Thank you so much."
"Believe me." Aurelia said, "It is I who should be thanking you."
Hermione got back to The Leaky Cauldron with plenty of time to spare. She took a book and made her way down to the bar where she found a quiet corner, ordered a Butterbeer and spent the next few hours absorbed in a heavy new book called 'The Origins of Arithmancy' by Majika Mathnerdia. At around half past five, the pub became too busy for Hermione to be able to concentrate and she decided to go and get ready for dinner. As she crossed the room to the stairway she overheard a group of young witches whispering, "That's her!", "What a lucky witch!", What I would give to be in her shoes!" Hermione turned to look at them and the group of young women quickly turned away.
"Weird!" Thought Hermione, and she headed to her room.