"Hey, Rose?"

In the Gryffindor common room, Rose looked up from her Transfiguration textbook to see a girl she didn't know struggling toward her with a large box.

"This just came for you," the girl panted. Rose thanked her, took the box, and headed upstairs to her dormitory.

Rose carefully opened the box on her bed. Inside was a mass of midnight-blue fabric. She touched it, liking the silky feeling on her fingers. An ornamental rose of the same color was lying on top of it. Rose guessed it was for her hair. She lifted the dress and shook it out, holding it up to examine it. Rose's breath caught in her throat.

It was absolutely beautiful.

Long and elegant, it had a high neck and no sleeves. Tiny golden sparkles twinkled around the hem and neckline. It was fitted at the top, but flowed out at the waist, the hem coming to land lightly just above the floor.

There was a note tucked off to the side of the box. She picked it up, unfolded it, and read:

Dear Rosie,

Dad and I went out to buy your dress for the ball yesterday. He wanted something pink, but I put my foot down. I know you hate that color. When I found this, I knew it was perfect. Dad agreed. He said it would bring out your eyes. He also found a hairpiece that matched- it's enclosed. By the way, who are you going to the ball with?

Hugo says hello.

Write back soon! Dad and I want to hear all about it.

Love,

Mum, Dad, Hugo, and the garden gnomes out back.

Rose fought an insane urge to laugh as she put the note on her bedside table. What would Mum and Dad say if they knew just who she was going with? She decided to write back now, but carefully.

Dear Mum and Dad,

The dress is perfect. Not too girly, not too frilly. Great choice, Mum! And Dad, the hairpiece is lovely too. I'm going to a right sight at the ball.

Actually, I do have a date for the ball- one of Al's friends. Say hi to Hugo for me.

Love and hugs,

Rose

There. That just about said it all. Rose rolled up the parchment, coaxed Errol the Second out of his cage, tied the letter to his scaly leg, and opened the window. Errol the Second gave her a disgruntled look, and then flew out into the cold wind.

Rose shook out the dress and laid it carefully on her bed. She put the hairpiece on top of it, and headed downstairs to lunch.