5. SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW

"Ah, Miss Potter! What a pleasure to finally meet you!" Narcissa Malfoy greeted her with a studied smile, her hand resting elegantly in the crook of Lucius' arm, a light-blue skirt suit peeking out from underneath her dark blue robes. "Welcome to our home!"

"Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy," Holly replied softly, startling slightly to find herself faced with the entire Malfoy family, Lucius' wife and son clearly having returned from their holiday in Spain.

"Please, you may call me Narcissa and I hope I may be allowed to call you Holly? Excellent, now shall we break our fast?" the blond witch replied brightly before she added with an ever so delicate wrinkle of her nose. "Holly, we do want all our guests to be comfortable of course, but normally we do not take our meals in… gardening clothes?"

Behind her, Draco Malfoy snickered and Holly felt herself flush in embarrassment, absently tugging on the frayed hem of one of Dudley's old shirts.

"Cissa, I was actually thinking that you might take Holly shopping for some new clothes either today or tomorrow," Lucius intervened, throwing his son a brief, quelling look. "Her Muggle relatives seem to have a rather strange sense of what are appropriate clothes for a young witch."

Narcissa visibly perked up at the idea, beaming up at her husband as he led her into the dining hall where Professor Snape was already immersed in his paper. "What a wonderful idea! I'm certain we can equip you with an appropriate wardrobe and of course a wedding dress. If you'd like we can pick up your new school things as well."

"Eh, well, that's very nice of you to offer, but I was going to go meet my friend Hermione to get our new books. She just answered my owl," Holly said, holding up Hermione's lengthy response to her letter as if in proof. Ron hadn't written back yet, but she wasn't overly surprised at that since Ron wasn't a very avid letter writer. "I guess we could pick up some new clothes as well. And I still have the ball gown from the Yule Ball during Fourth Year so that'll do for…"

"Oh, no! No, that won't do at all, my dear," Narcissa appeared truly scandalized. "You can't wear a simple ball gown to your wedding, least of all when it is likely to be the wedding of the century, the symbolic start of new era."

"I'm sure there's a spell to dye it white," Holly tried, already knowing that this would be the wrong answer.

"Don't you know anything, Potter? You'll just end up ruining the fabric," the youngest Malfoy said with a sneer.

"I didn't know you had ambitions to be a seamster, Malfoy," she gave back tartly. "And anyway, Dumbledore is organising the wedding, right? Hermione mentioned something about bridesmaid dresses, I think, so I don't see why I need to worry about my dress."

"As much as I applaud your pragmatism, Miss Potter, believe me that you do not want the headmaster to be in charge of your sartorial options," Professor Snape spoke up, glancing briefly at her over the top of his newspaper. "It's only thanks to Minerva's resolute intervention that teachers are not required to wear iridescent robes."

Holly winced, imaging how very distracting that would have been and then did her best to hide her amusement at how very miserable Professor Snape would have looked. If the Potions Master's glare was any indication, she probably didn't do a very good job on the second point.

"Finding your dress is a very personal decision, Holly, and every bride deserves to feel beautiful and special on her wedding day," Narcissa explained with what she surely thought was an encouraging smile.

But her words only reminded Holly how very much this was not her decision, how her wedding day wouldn't be about her or how she felt. She'd managed for the most part not to think about it these last few days, distracting herself with Quidditch and having almost free reign over the manor and the grounds. But she realised that this grace period would come to an end sooner rather than later and she would have to face the reality of her future.

"Why don't we invite your friend and your other bridesmaids to come with us?" Narcissa suggested, reaching out to lightly pat her hand. "I know this little boutique that all the magical brides go to. It's where I bought my own wedding dress and I know your mother went there as well."

"Okay." Holly sighed, knowing that the blond witch had dangled that piece of information in front of her like bait. "I'll ask Hermione."

"Maybe you should take them to a hair salon as well, mother," Malfoy Jr. suggested with another smirk. "Potter seems to have become desperate enough with that disaster she calls hair that she cut it off over the summer and I can only hope that Granger did the same."

"Oh, yes, a wonderful idea," Narcissa exclaimed before Holly could retort something; instead she kicked her classmate under the table, sending him a fierce grin when he grimaced in pain. "I'll book us an appointment at my favourite spa, shall I? Have you ever been to a magical spa, Holly? Oh, I'm sure you'll love it."

Holly hummed vaguely, taking a few unenthusiastic bites from her cereal before excusing herself.

§*§*§*§*§

She had hoped that Hermione would come up with a clever and polite way of getting out of this plan, but instead the other girl had seemed strangely excited, only muting her enthusiasm in deference to Holly's bad mood.

("Holly, just think: The lady of one of the oldest and most influential Wizarding families wants to take us shopping! We'll probably see an entirely new side of the Wizarding world, one that I at least would never be invited to otherwise.")

So Holly had given in, with ill-grace, and admittedly Narcissa had been nothing but gracious and generous to both of them, prompting Hermione for her opinion for the wardrobe choices she had selected for Holly, patiently and with some ardour explaining the differences between various types of robes and vehemently opposing the purchase of all-purpose-robes, which as they learned, was what they had been wearing.

"Now, they are fine for school, of course, since you can hardly be expected to change between each class, but no proper young witch should leave Hogwarts without at least one set of casual robes for wearing around the house, a set of work robes for potion brewing, gardening and other physical activities and of course a set of formal dress robes," she explained while the curly-haired saleswitch nodded along fervently.

"But for the Yule Ball most girls wore ball gowns," Hermione hazarded. "Only the boys wore dress robes."

"Very true, for balls or any kind of dance event an evening gown is a perfectly suitable choice," Narcissa replied and with a swish of her wand a number of pretty dresses floated from the racks and swirled in a merry dance above their heads. "But for official functions – Ministry functions, charity events, museum openings – dress robes are the more appropriate and polite option."

"What do dress robes have to do with politeness?" Holly asked, absently smoothing her hands over the soft green jumper she had tried on.

"By wearing dress robes you show that you understand that the focus is not on you, but on the cause or initiative you came to support," the blond witch said, eying her critically. "Yes, that's an excellent colour on you. Do you like it?"

"It's very soft," Holly agreed. "But I don't like this skirt, it's too…"

She shrugged helplessly, but Narcissa was already nodding in agreement. "Too old-fashioned, I agree. Maybe try one of these dresses instead. And we have to get you some trousers as well – both Draco and Lucius mentioned how much you enjoy Quidditch."

§*§*§*§*§

After they had bought a complete new wardrobe for Holly and several clothes for Hermione as well, Narcissa took them to her favourite spa, which like the clothes shop was not located in Diagon Alley, but a confusing walk of side streets further down towards the centre of London, along a wide shopping promenade that looked as clean and sparkly as if someone routinely applied cleaning hexes to all the windows and sidewalks, the shop signs and cobblestone, before the shop owners opened their doors.

The spa itself – Just Charming! - was decorated in pastelly colours, cast in soft, glowing light created by the numerous scented candles that floated through the air and filled with witches of all ages. Holly could hear the whispers start as soon as they stepped inside and shrank back a little, trying to hide behind Hermione. But Narcissa had made arrangements for them and the witch that greeted them led the three of them to a private room, where two very motivated witches set to work on Hermione's and Holly's hair respectively, applying potions and creams, hair-taming and straightening spells and masterfully directing an army of enchanted scissors, combs and brushes. It was a bit daunting, but both Holly and Hermione agreed that the end result was rather amazing. Hermione's frizzy brown hair had been transformed into sleek, shiny curls and Holly's unruly mop of hair, which had grown another few centimetres overnight, had been gathered away from her face with two side braids, tied together in the back, the rest of her hair falling in soft, artfully tousled waves over her shoulders. The two hairdressers, rightfully, looked very satisfied with their work.

Narcissa, meanwhile, had merely gotten a minute trim and had her fine blond hair fashioned into a new elegant updo, while an elfish-looking witch had given her a manicure. Hermione had also got her nails done in a soft, shimmery pink hue, while Holly had opted for nail polish that changed colours depending on her mood. Finally, Holly had also agreed to try a cosmetic potion that would correct her eyesight for up to one month so that she wouldn't need her glasses anymore, which, as Hermione pointed out, would be very convenient in her daily life and for playing Quidditch.

They had lunch at a café nearby and while the two girls were finishing their desserts, Narcissa excused herself for half an hour to make some of her own purchases. Holly suspected that the blond witch had planned it like this to give them a chance to talk in private and felt a rush of gratitude for her forbearance.

"How are you, truly?" Hermione asked, a slight furrow between her warm brown eyes, nipping on her glass of woodruff sherbet.

"I try not to think about it," Holly replied, staring out the window. "Because when I do… I'm terrified."

"Oh, Holly." Hermione sighed, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "Sometimes I really hate how backward the Wizarding world is – a marriage of state! As if you were nothing more than a commodity for them to sell off to the highest bidder!"

"That's exactly what I am," Holly gave back bitterly, still slightly warmed by Hermione's outrage. "I just… I feel like everyone expects me to be happy because there'll be peace and isn't that worth any sacrifice? But…"

"But they're not sacrificing anything," Hermione finished for her and Holly nodded. "Oh, Holly."

"I look at him and I see the monster of my nightmares," she confessed in a whisper. "He might have got his youthful looks back, but he still feels the same. And I don't know how I'm going to survive that."

Hermione harshly brushed her fingers over her cheeks, sniffing back tears, before she reached around the table to pull the other Gryffindor into her arms. "Does your scar still hurt?"

Holly shrugged. "Snape is working on a potion for that."

"That's good. I'm sure Professor Snape will be able to develop a remedy for you," Hermione said, striving for an optimistic tone. "And I promise you will not be alone in this. You have your friends, Sirius and me, and you will be able to return to Hogwarts."

"Have you heard from Ron?" Holly asked, having noticed Hermione's omission.

The other girl shifted a little uncomfortably. "You know how he can be. He probably just needs a little time to wrap his head around everything. But I'm sure he'll come around. He always does."

"Great," Holly muttered bitterly. "I guess it's a good thing I don't have to pick a best man, then."

"I'm sorry," Hermione said. "I'll try to talk to him again, but…"

"Yeah, I know," Holly admitted with a sigh, both girls knowing from long, personal experience how mulish and thick-headed Ron could be.

"Do you still want to go shopping for a wedding dress?" Hermione asked a moment later when they saw Narcissa's tall, slender form appear outside on the street.

"'Want' might not be the right term, but I guess it can't hurt if I'm at least comfortable in what I'm wearing on that day," Holly said, waving over a waiter to pay their bill and then stepping outside with Hermione to meet back up with Narcissa.

§*§*§*§*§

The bridal boutique Narcissa took them to looked to Holly like something that would fit right in at Buckingham Palace. There were crystal chandeliers, ornate gold mirrors, velvety furniture and plush carpets. The gowns were displayed on animated mannequins that curtsied and swirled at a word's request to show of all the filigree details of their dresses; veils fluttered merrily along the walls; hundreds of pairs of elegant shoes tap-danced in a large showcase at the back of the boutique; glittering jewellery sparkled from all corners and display cases.

It was overwhelming and rather intimidating and Holly had to resist the urge to turn on her heel. Narcissa placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, jostling her a few steps further into the shop and towards an elderly witch with a wide smile, purplish hair and keen violet eyes.

"Ah, Miss Potter, what an honour, what a pleasure to have you here," the elderly witch exclaimed, reaching out to enthusiastically shake Holly's hand. "My name is Amorette Zapateado, bridal consultant and owner of Bridals A to Z, and you, of course, are my bride."

"Hi, nice to meet you," Holly said. "This is my best friend Hermione Granger and I guess you already know Narcissa."

"Of course, of course," Amorette said, also shaking Hermione's hand before greeting Narcissa. "I still remember the wonderful frock you picked out: Long sleeves, form-fitting, with delicate lace appliqués and a matching veil, wasn't it?"

Narcissa smiled and nodded. "It's still the most beautiful dress I ever wore and it gave me the confidence I sorely needed."

"You were nervous?" Holly asked hesitantly.

"Very much so," Narcissa replied with a gentle, sympathetic smile. "I don't claim to understand exactly what you're going through, Holly, and I would not dare suggest that my situation then was comparable. But Lucius and I were not a love match. The marriage was agreed upon by both our families and our feelings on the matter were not relevant to their expectations. We didn't really know each other; we had met only a few times, had maybe two full conversations before our engagement was announced."

She shook her head with an almost nostalgic smile. "Lucius turned out to be a kind and generous man, committed to me and to our family. But it took a long time for me to feel comfortable in my new roles as his wife."

"Why didn't you refuse?" Hermione asked carefully.

"Frankly because I did not know any other way," Narcissa explained, her lips quirking up into a smirk as she looked to Holly. "Though, I have a cousin who was sorted into Gryffindor who was brave enough to rebel against our family's wishes. A part of me always admired him for that… Now shall we look at some dresses?"

Holly agreed shyly, her spirits slightly lifted by Narcissa's story and her compliment to Sirius, and after she had admitted that she had really no idea what style of wedding dress she was looking for, she was once more bustled off to a dressing room where Amorette presented her with an endless variety of dresses to try on.

"Oh, you look like a warrior princess!" Hermione clapped her hands in excitement as she stepped out of the dressing room in the umpteenth dress.

Holly reluctantly looked up at her mirror image, glad at least that the boutique's mirrors were not of the talkative kind. After the big poufy dresses and sparkly gowns she had tried on before, this one was refreshingly straight-forward, with a soft, flowing skirt, completely unadorned safe for the subtle shimmer of the fabric, and a sleeveless tight-fitted bodice with a small banded collar. The delicate lace of the bodice that extended slightly over her shoulders created the illusion of shoulder plates and the dress cinched tight at her waist, giving her a more womanly silhouette.

"Yes, very beautiful and very fitting, I would think," Narcissa judged, nodding her approval. "How do you feel in this, Holly?"

"Okay, I guess. I like that I feel a little more covered up," Holly said, studying herself critically in the mirror. "And I like the way it flows."

"Would you like to try it with a veil, dear?" Amorette asked, already holding out several options.

Holly acquiesced with a nod and after she had decided on a veil, after Narcissa and Amorette had picked out shoes and jewellery for her, they were finally, finally done, Amorette promising to send everything over within the next few days after any necessary alterations had been accomplished.

By the time they were ready to leave, though, it was already getting rather too late to get their school things. But Narcissa had apparently been busy during their lunch break, revealing that she had Floo'ed all the usual shops to set aside the supplies they would need and send them over to the bridal shop. Hermione was very impressed by her efficiency (though also slightly disappointed that she would not get to browse the selection at Flourish & Blotts).

Hermione and Holly divided up the purchases, Hermione making sure that she truly had everything she needed, before Narcissa offered to Apparate Hermione back to her home while Holly would take the Floo in Amorette's office back to Malfoy Manor. Hermione hugged her tightly, whispering that they would see each other soon and to keep her chin up. Holly nodded gamely, managed a smile and then stumbled into the Floo at Bridals A to Z.

A few disorienting moments later she stumbled out of the Floo in Malfoy Manor, coughing up soot and just barely catching herself against one of the armchairs before she could fall to the floor. When she had steadied herself and looked up, she startled slightly to find Snape's dark eyes trained on her. The Potions Master was sat in one of the high-backed armchairs, a book open on his lap, his long legs crossed and his usual stark teachers' robes looking slightly less stark with the uppermost buttons undone and the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

"Good evening, Professor," she offered, a little questioningly.

"Miss Potter." He inclined his head minutely in greeting, closing his book. "I've been waiting for you."

"I don't think you can assign detention for being out after curfew during the holidays, sir," Holly pointed out, striving for a light tone, grinning a little at Snape's unimpressed narrow-eyed gaze.

"I've finished a first draught to help with the pain from your scar," Snape replied after a suitably long stare to curb her amusement. "I would suggest you take it now since the Dark Lord has informed Lucius of his intention to visit in two days."

"Two days? But that's my…" Holly protested, biting the inside of her cheek to stop herself from screaming.

"He's aware of the date," he told her, sounding almost indifferent as he produced a tiny potion bottle from his robes.

"He simply does not care," Holly muttered, sighing softly. "But I'm grateful that you worked on a potion for me. I'll be happy to try it."

"It should be sufficient to block any pain from his mere presence and any strong positive feelings. His negative emotions are not as easily subverted, but I'm still working on that," he explained. "Be careful, you may feel a bit dizzy."

He reached out to her when she swayed, taking a secure hold of her shoulder. She closed her eyes for a moment, to counter the sensation of vertigo, the potion tasting like mud in her mouth.

"Okay," she finally declared, pulling back a little. "Should I feel any changes?"

"You should of course tell me if there're any adverse effects – pain or nausea, raised temperature, skin rashes – but that withstanding, I will expect your feedback in two days," the Potions Master declared. "And now, perhaps, you should go to bed before I do find a way to assign detention after all."

Holly laughed, gathering her shopping bags and directing herself towards her rooms. "Okay, Professor. Goodnight."