Chapter Thirty-Seven
Christmas Eve Requests
A/N: We won't talk about the fact that I haven't updated since February. We're not going to talk about the struggles I've been having.
But what we are going to talk about is that I have two chapters prepared for you. They're slightly shorter because I didn't want to combine them. Please enjoy!
Disclaimer: I only own Aurora and any other OCs. Remember, I will occasionally use quotes from the books and the movies; I do not own direct quotes or phrases. The chapter images (ArchiveOfOurOwn, Quotes, and Wattpad) do not belong to me. I have found them either through Google or Pinterest. I take NO credit.
~ oOo ~
The day had finally arrived: Christmas Eve.
Severus and I had finished our grading, so we had been enjoying our Winter Break by reading and lounging around. Aurora was excited for that evening, for the Yule Ball, something she had been looking forward to for the past few weeks. She was excited to have an excuse to dress up, do her hair, and even do her makeup. But most importantly, she couldn't wait for Severus to see her in her dress. It could not compare to her wedding dress, but it was a close second.
With the weather frigid, they had a fire blazing in their chambers; the dungeons had felt like ice. It was cold to the point that Aurora was wearing a cloak all day, every day, and even had a blanket placed across her legs as she lounged by the fire to read her books. Severus was currently making lunch in the kitchen, something simple. Aurora sighed in contentment, happy with her life. Despite the slight hiccup, she loved everything and her life's direction.
"What time were you meeting Ms. Granger?" Severus called from the kitchen as he placed their meal on the table.
Aurora dropped her book and claimed her seat at the table. "Around four; that'll give us enough time to take care of our list before the ball starts."
Silent for a moment as he consumed several bites of his sandwich, Severus then said, "It was very nice of you to agree to help her."
"I couldn't say no. The poor thing looked like she wanted to cry when she asked me." She swallowed her bite. "I'm happy she asked. Makes me feel…really happy they trust me like that."
"They do," Severus commented. Aurora's eyebrows rose at his words. Opening her mouth to speak, Severus beat her. "The infamous trio care about you more than you know."
His words left her smiling. "You're so sweet!" She grinned.
"I know," he said smugly.
"You are just the absolute best, Severus; I mean it."
He nodded, closing his eyes. He was about to reply, to give another snarky comment when their portrait suddenly cleared its throat. The two of them turned toward the door.
"A Mr. Malfoy is here to speak with you."
Aurora's heart thumped in her chest. Lucius? Here? Now?
Eyes blinking, Aurora had to admit that she still held some fear to the head of the Malfoy family. She might have convinced him several weeks ago, but the witch knew there was a part of the male that didn't believe her.
Standing, Severus touched his wife's arm. "I'll get it." Sighing, Aurora was happy. Her husband just seemed to understand without needing any words. Near the portrait, Severus opened it, and he suddenly said questionably, "Draco?"
Huh? Draco? What was the boy doing here? The boy was speaking on the other side, but she couldn't hear him.
"Yeah, she's here…really? Do you want to see her? Of course, come on in." Severus stepped aside, allowing the young Slytherin to enter as the portrait closed. Draco took several steps forward, a frown always evident on his face.
Still, Aurora smiled. "Draco, it's always a pleasure." She quickly stole a bite of her meal. "What," she swallowed. "What can I do for you?"
"Professor, I - "
But the witch shook her head. "No, no, none of that."
"Huh?" Draco tilted his head.
"You don't have to call me that. When we're by ourselves, you can call me by my first name."
The boy's eyes widened slightly as he glanced at his godfather. But Severus merely nodded, reclaiming his seat at the table to finish his sandwich. "You heard her. She doesn't give that pass to many students."
"But…why?" He asked, possibly angry.
Aurora thought it was cute how confused he was. "I mean…" She tilted her head this time. "Aren't we technically family? Severus is your godfather, and now we're married, so…"
"Yeah," Draco interjected, his nose scrunched. "I'm still not used to that idea."
"Better get used to it, Draco," Severus said bluntly. "She's not going anywhere." Aurora's heart momentarily stopped at her husband's words. She placed a gentle hand against his arm and smiled.
"I never said that! I - !" Aurora could tell Draco was getting defensive. Quickly, she stood and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Hey, hey, it's ok. We're well aware this came as a shock for everyone. And that includes you." She smiled gently. "Now, you stopped by for a reason. How can we help you?"
Calmly breathing, Draco stared at Aurora. An eyebrow steadily rose, but as he watched her continue to smile at him, Draco slowly relaxed his features. "Well, I…I came to see you, actually."
Aurora was taken aback. Her mouth fell slightly. "Me?" Draco nodded, which caused her to nod as well. "O-Oh. Of course! What can I help you with? What's up?" Glancing around, she led Draco to the couch while she claimed a seat beside him.
Draco still eyed her carefully. "So…" he began slowly. "The Yule Ball is tonight."
"Yes! Are you excited?"
The boy shrugged. "For the most part, I guess. But…" He quickly glanced between Aurora and his godfather. "Tch," he hissed. "Never mind. I shouldn't have come by." He moved to stand, but Aurora stopped him, placing a firm hand on his knee.
"Oh, no, you don't. You stopped by for a reason, and - wait. How'd you even know where our chamber was?"
Draco pointed backward at Severus. "He told me. Said that if I ever needed anything, I could stop by."
"Ah." Aurora smiled with her husband, knowing Severus took his duties as Draco's godfather seriously. Having the boy sit back down, Aurora was gentle with her words. "And I agree with Severus. We're always here for you, Draco. Now, let me ask this again: how can we - I - help you? This is about the Yule Ball, right?"
He nodded slowly. "Mother and father have sent me a new set of dress robes. Top-notch, most expensive."
"I can only imagine. Nothing but the best, right?"
"Of course!" He smiled smugly. "The Malfoys are nothing but the best!"
Aurora rolled her eyes. "Not the point of the conversation, kiddo."
It was then Draco's smile fell. "Fine. I need help with…" But then his voice dropped into a deadly whisper.
Sighing, Aurora patted his knee once more. "Draco, sweetie, I can't help you if you don't tell me what you need - "
"I need help styling my hair!" He huffed in one breath. Upon realizing his tone, his cheeks grew pink. Stammering, he said, "Umm, well, I-I…"
His innocent outburst caused the woman to smile. In the background, Aurora could see Severus snicker, having found amusement in Draco's statement as well. Aurora wanted to laugh, but she knew Draco was already embarrassed, so she refrained from letting even a giggle escape. Smiling as loving as she could, the witch finally replied, "Whatever you need, Draco, I will help."
"…you will?" He raised an eyebrow, almost incredulously. "Even with something as stupid as this?"
Her mouth fell. "Of course. And this isn't stupid, Draco. It is perfectly acceptable to want to look nice for a special someone. I'm assuming…" Crossing her arms, Aurora thought for a moment. "This wouldn't have anything to do with your date being Pansy Parkinson, no?"
The boy's cheeks grew red almost instantly. "How…how did you…?!"
The witch shrugged. "Ehh, I've heard some rumors, have watched you two from afar, so I just took an educated guess. Now!" Standing, Aurora removed herself momentarily as she stepped into the bedroom. Draco watched her disappear, then glanced at his godfather, who returned the look with a smirk.
"You've made her day, Draco," Severus stated honestly.
Huffing, the boy replied, "Over a stupid request? Nonsense."
"It's not nonsense to her." Stepping away from the table, the wizard claimed his wife's seat. "You may not see it nor care, but she cares about you, Draco."
"Tch, why? She shouldn't after the way I've treated her."
"She sees much potential in you. She was always talking about you when you were in her class."
That caught the boy off guard. "She…she did?"
"Yes," Severus answered softly. "Aurora, she…she does see you as an extended family since you are my godson."
"But…that's the thing. I'm your godson, not hers."
"And she's well aware of that." Standing again, Severus placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Just give her a chance, Draco. Trust me, Aurora would surprise you." The boy was about to say something else, but the bedroom door opened with Aurora holding a decent-sized mirror.
"Alright, if you're ready, let's get started!" She placed the mirror on the counter near the kitchen sink and moved a chair to sit in front of it.
"Wait - now?! But the ball doesn't start until…"
"I'm well aware. I have a prior engagement before the ball, so now is the only time I can help."
His face fell slightly. "Won't it…won't my hair fall by the time it starts?"
She shook her head quickly. "Not if I put a stasis, so it'll - oh! I'll also cast an illusion charm on it!" She was pleased with her idea.
"What'll that do?" Draco asked.
"The Illusion Charm will hide your hair," Severus stated, moving to stand in the kitchen alongside his wife. "Aurora will place the charm on long enough until you start getting ready for the ball. Correct?" He peered at the witch, who nodded.
"And you're sure it'll work?"
Sighing, Aurora scratched the back of her head. "I…know you don't like me much, but trust me. Alright?"
Severus watched Draco for a moment. Kissing Aurora's cheek, he said, "I'll step out. There's something I need to speak about with Dumbledore." She gave him a quick smile, watching as he turned and left their chambers, leaving the two of them alone.
Waving her hand toward the chair, she smiled. "Ready to become handsome for your date?"
"Ick, that sounds gross." But he sat down nonetheless.
"But isn't that what you're here for?" She grinned as the boy fought to roll his eyes. Looking at Draco in the mirror, she said, "Hmm, this is what I'm thinking. See how your hair naturally wants to go down? I say we slick the sides back slightly. Almost like how you were wearing your hair last year, but not so tight."
He stared at her through the mirror, too, contemplating her words. "Will that look good with my dress robes?"
Aurora squeezed his shoulder. "I think it'd make you look dashing. You'd still be young but slightly more put together."
Momentarily quiet, Draco stared at himself, trying to imagine the style Aurora was presenting him. Tilting his head from side to side, the young male smirked.m "Alright, if you say it'll be good, let's try it. But if it's bloody terrible, you'll redo it, right?"
"Of course. Wouldn't want you to look like shite for your date."
"I'm telling you, it's not a date!" Draco's face flushed in annoyance.
"Sure, I believe you, Draco," the woman giggled as the boy huffed.
They spent the next twenty minutes in silence. Aurora worked diligently as she retrieved the specific products that would work on Draco's hair. The woman was meticulous as she styled the boy's longer locks, using the fringe to both frame and shape the length of his face. Using gel and different products, she could maintain the style she was aiming for. Glancing in the mirror occasionally, she tried gauging Draco's reaction to determine his thinking, but the boy was a blank slate the entire time. So, they remained in silence.
But that twenty minutes was over before she knew it. Giving Draco's hair one last touch, she smiled at him. "Ta-dah! There you go. What do you think?"
"It's…rather simple, don't you think?"
Aurora's face fell slightly. "Do you want something more extravagant? I can do over the top if you'd like. A nice pompadour would probably look good with your forehead."
Draco's mouth fell. "A pompa - what? No, I don't think so. I didn't say it looked bad!"
She patted his arm. "Be honest. Would you like something else? You're not going to hurt my feelings, Draco. This was important enough for you to find me for help. If you want it a particular way, please tell me, and I can fix it."
Standing, Draco ran a finger down the length of his face, angling his head in the mirror to better see what the woman had done. He did the same gesture on the opposite side until he turned around. "No, I actually like it. I think it's subtle and not too over the top. I don't think a pompa - whatever you called it - would work on me anyway."
"N-no, I don't think so either," Aurora chuckled. "No offense, but you wouldn't be able to pull off a pompadour. That's a style usually reserved for females, especially with longer hair." Clapping her hands, she then added, "Well! I'm glad you like it! Better than you imagine?"
Turning back to the mirror, Draco examined himself one last time. "I…didn't have any expectations, but this is decent." He rotated, offering Aurora a tight-lipped smile, but it was a smile nonetheless. "Thank you, Aurora. You didn't have to go out of your way, but I…I appreciate it."
That compliment left Aurora glowing. "Oh, Draco, you are more than welcome." Before the boy could protest, Aurora pulled the boy into a quick hug, releasing him the moment he was about to protest. "I was being serious earlier. You can always turn to me or Severus if you are ever in a pinch. All you have to do is ask. You know that, don't you?"
"I do," Draco replied for a moment. "It's just…" Heaving a sigh, he stared right into Aurora's eyes. "I didn't like you for the longest time."
That had the woman rolling her eyes this time. "Oh, please, tell me something I don't know."
"B-But that's not the case now!" Draco was quick to state. Glancing away, he covered his mouth, a touch of redness coating his cheeks. "You…You're good at what you do, professor - I mean - Aurora. And…if it means anything, I'm glad Severus chose you."
"…huh?" Head tilting to the side, Aurora didn't know what to make of the boy's statement.
Draco said, "You may still be a M-Muggleborn…" Even Aurora could tell that he struggled to say that one word. "But if Severus can see past that, then I will too."
That caught Aurora by surprise. "Y-you will?"
He nodded. "My Dad told me about the dinner you two had with Mum a few weeks back. Do you…I mean…are you really on our side?" It almost seemed like the boy was pleading with her. He wanted to know the truth.
And it partially broke the woman's heart that she would have to lie to this boy. Aurora could anticipate that Draco would be put through trials and tribulations in the future, and because of the extent she'd have to go to prove her worth, she still didn't want to lie to Draco.
Still, she found herself nodding, clasping her hands before her chest. "Yes," she said quietly. "I am."
"But-But why? I thought you…you're a Muggleborn!"
"That may be, but…" She took a deep breath. "Think about it this way: you know how there are some Pureblood families out there who don't believe in blood status? Just think of me being the opposite; I guess that's the best way to describe it." Draco was about to say more when Aurora held up a hand. "No, no. I understand you want to learn more, Draco, but tonight is not the night. I promise, when everything comes to a head, you'll understand more."
Her words gave something for Draco to consider. This was a different side to his professor that he wasn't expecting, and he didn't know how to feel. Should he forget the way he had treated her these past three years? Should he trust her like his mother did? Or should he be apprehensive like his father? If anything, Draco wanted to learn more about Aurora. He had disliked her from the moment they met, but even the boy had to admit she was a strange and peculiar witch.
So he held out his hand as she raised an eyebrow at the gesture. "So…how about a truce?"
"A truce?"
"Mhm. If my father is willing to trust you, then so am I."
Knowing what to do without giving it much thought, Aurora grasped Draco's hand with a firm shake. She beamed at the boy, who could only smirk. "So…does that mean you like me now?"
"You're at least tolerable," was his quick reply.
"Geez, ever the critic," she murmured.
The portrait suddenly opened, and Severus appeared from the opposite side. Seeing the two standing together, he raised an eyebrow as he stepped forward, curious as to what they were talking about. "Well? How'd it turn out?"
"See for yourself!" Aurora nudged Draco gently toward his godfather. "What do you think? Draco says it looks decent."
Glancing around, Severus nodded. "I think you look good, Draco; very sophisticated. Your date will be happy with Aurora's help."
The boy groaned. "How many times do I have to say it? It's not a date!"
Aurora gently held his arm. "We mean no harm, Draco. We want you to enjoy yourself tonight." Waving her hand before Draco's head, she muttered the Illusion Charm. "There, you will be good to go until the ball starts."
"There's nothing I have to do?"
"Nope, it'll happen automatically."
Draco eyed her curiously. He suddenly asked, "How do you use wandless magic? I've seen you use it several times; you make it look so easy."
"That's because it is easy," she replied. "Trust me, it wasn't at first. Wandless magic takes time, practice, and, most importantly, patience. With time, you'll grow to be able to perform almost anything without a wand. But I will state this: using a wand helps with precision. So there's pros and cons to both."
He nodded. "And you, Severus? You can use wandless magic, too?"
"Yes, I can. And I agree with everything Aurora has stated. It takes practice and patience, so don't assume you'll be able to perform something without your wand on the first try."
"Remember: you must master the basic skills with your wand before you can move to use without it," Aurora stated as a matter of fact. Checking the time, she politely ushered Draco toward the door. "I suggest you take your leave. You're more than welcome to spend your afternoon with us, but you should go enjoy this time with your friends."
Before the portrait, Draco turned one last time to say, "…t-thank you, Aurora, truly. I…well…" He struggled with his words, and Aurora had to fight off a chuckle. He exited through the portrait, leaving the loving couple to themselves once it shut.
Severus turned to his wife, eyes curiously seeking hers. "Did…something happen while I was gone?"
"I doubt you'd believe the conversation Draco and I had."
Moving himself and Aurora to their respective chairs in the living room, Severus said, "Try me."
After several minutes of catching the male up to speed, Aurora was still left turned by the truce that had now been established between her and Draco. She didn't know that Lucius had been speaking with Draco, nor explained their dinner from several weeks prior. But she wasn't surprised. If this was Draco's way of wanting to accept Aurora as one of them, then this was something she would gladly do.
Once done, Aurora took a deep breath before leaning back against the cushions. She had to admit that she was slightly mentally exhausted from such a conversation with Draco. Still, she felt that it was both positive and necessary, something they had to do to overcome the obstacle blocking their path for the past three years.
"I mean…that seems very mature for Draco to do something like that."
"That's kind of what I was thinking," she nodded in agreement. "I'm not sure I like the idea of Lucius talking with Draco about our dinner with his parents, but if I think about it, I have to assume that it's something the man would do. Of course, he would explain to his son that one of his professors favors Voldemort." She cringed at saying the name. It wasn't the name specifically, but it was the idea that she was not associated with that group. But, it was something she was willing to change her life for. Anything that meant she could protect Severus in any way possible.
Leaning over, Severus placed a loving hand on her knee. "We'll work it out; everything will be fine. Do you believe me?"
"I believe you," Aurora replied instantly. "Doesn't make it easy to do so."
"I'd expect nothing less, considering the circumstances." Severus stared at his wife, wanting to change the subject. "So…you did Draco's hair, and now you're going to do Ms. Granger's. Is that all you're doing?"
"She also needs a dress, so basically, I'm helping to complete her look."
"Ah, I see. But…will that leave you enough time to get ready?"
The woman smiled, loving how considerate her husband was being. "That's not a problem. I already have my dress, and I know how I want to style my hair. It should take an hour tops."
"Ah, you seem confident," the man grinned.
"More than confident." Grinning back, she added, "Besides…your jaw will drop when you see my dress."
"Really? How sexy should I assume it is?"
Aurora held her chin in thought. "Think of…think of a sexier version of my wedding dress. I think that's a decent description."
"Your wedding dress?" The man asked, perplexed. "Nonsense. Nothing can beat your wedding dress. And sexier than that?" He shook his head. "Preposterous. I, for one, thought you were extremely sexy on our wedding day."
"I have no doubt, taking into account how sexy I did feel. But this is a different dress, so… remember that."
Groaning, Severus dropped his head, glancing at the clock. "Now I just have several hours until I get to see it. I can't get a sneak peek? Just at the dress?"
Standing, Aurora bent and kissed her husband's head before heading into the kitchen. "I don't think so, Mr. Snape. It doesn't work like that."
Placing the kettle on the stove, she began to boil some water, preparing their mugs as she waited. She was craving some tea and wanted to make a mug for Severus. Lost in thought, it took the witch a moment to realize that Severus had stood and wrapped his arms around her waist. A thought suddenly entered her mind.
"Do you remember our bet?"
Severus' eyebrow rose. "Bet? Which one?" A lightbulb went off in the wizard's mind. "Oh, are you talking about the bet from the World Cup?"
"Yep, that one!"
He groaned again, remembering that she had won. "Yes, yes…What, I must wear a ribbon in my hair, correct?"
"For an entire week," she added to his statement, grinning evilly as she rotated in his arms to stare at him.
Rolling his eyes dramatically, Severus moaned and sighed. "You can't be serious."
"Oh, I am very serious, Severus." She snickered. "Not my fault you lost the bet!"
"I…guess it's fair. A ribbon for an entire week; when is this supposed to start?"
"Today."
"Today?"
"Yes. I want you to wear the ribbon in your hair for the ball tonight. And then, you have to wear it for the rest of the week. But, think about it this way. A vast majority of the students are gone for Winter Break, meaning most of them won't even see you." She widened her eyes as if to say, 'beat that.'
Sighing in defeat, even Severus had to admit that he should be thankful for the thought. "Fine, you win. Any particular style you prefer I should wear?"
Taking the mug off the stove, she equally poured the water into each mug before adding the tea bags. She dunked each simultaneously, ensuring the flavor would be strong and potent, just as both preferred it. Giving the man his, Aurora took a tentative sip, knowing the water would be hot. Despite that, Aurora smiled, loving the warm feeling it brought to her chest.
"Wear it the same way you did for our wedding. You thought I was sexy? I'm telling you, that hairstyle made me weak in the knees the moment I saw you at the end of the aisle."
Severus' eyes widened slightly. "Really? That I did not know." Bopping her nose with a finger, he said, "If that is what my wife wants, then that is what she shall receive."
Taking their mugs into the living space, they claimed their seats and fell into a comfortable silence. Merlin and Sapphire sat close to the fire, craving the warmth as Aurora placed a wool blanket over her legs. She picked up her book and read silently, loving that she and her husband could have moments like this where they could work independently without any tension or awkwardness. They didn't need always to talk; just being around each other was enough to fill their hearts with the love they deserved.
This was how they spent the next few hours. Aurora stayed curled on the couch while Severus occupied his chair. Occasionally, they moved their silence to various topics. One topic they gravitated to was the Triwizard Tournament. Aurora was still concerned about the tasks they were to complete, while most of that concern was set aside for Harry. She stated at the start of the term that something would happen. She didn't know what that something was, but her gut steamed at her that this tournament would end terribly.
Not only that but there was the Dark Mark that appeared at the World Cup. Nothing publicly of the sort has happened since, except for the burning of Severus' mark both before and after the mark was revealed. Like the tournament, Aurora knew something was lying in wait regarding Voldemort. What was the coincidence that the Dark Mark would appear at the World Cup during the same year the Triwizard Tournament was to take place? Then again, maybe it wasn't planned, and it indeed was an accident. Still, Aurora decided to listen to her gut. She'd rather be on edge and prepared for anything to occur than be sorry and worried about what to do.
The clock chimed four just as Aurora finished her book, causing the woman to snicker. Standing, she placed the book back onto the shelf, waiting to choose another until she next had time to read. Heading into their room, she quickly changed into jeans and a thick sweater, deciding that, even though she had a relaxed relationship with Hermione, she still wanted to be presentable rather than wear sweats. The meeting with Draco was unexpected as he appeared at their chambers rather than meeting him.
Returning from their room, Aurora stretched as she stepped into her shoes. Eyeing her from over his paper, Severus asked, "Is it that time already?"
"Yes, sir. She's meeting me down here, and we'll go to my old chambers. I figured she wouldn't want to be here. This is our personal space."
"I appreciate that."
Stepping toward him, she gave the man a loving kiss, staring intensely into his eyes. "Will you be alright by yourself?"
He glanced at Merlin curled by the fire. "I've got company, even if they're silent and sleepy."
His words left her chuckling. "Merlin's good company when he wants to be." Gesturing to her dragon, she called, "Sapphire! Let's go!" Squeaking, she soared across the room and landed on Aurora's shoulder.
With her partner in crime, Aurora left and walked two minutes until she was at her old chambers, surprised to find Hermione was already standing outside the portrait.
"Oh, Hermione! Did I make you wait long?"
She waved a hand. "No, I just arrived right before you."
She nodded, casting the correct password for her old portrait. She allowed Hermione to step inside as the door closed behind her. She immediately ignited the fire and cast a warming charm as the room was below freezing, a chill instantly settling across their frames. Waving her hand, the spiders, cobwebs, and dust disappeared, leaving a clean room, just how it was before she moved.
"Alright," Aurora said. Just like she did with Draco earlier, she conjured a mirror and placed it on the counter for Hermione to see and then summoned a comfy chair to be placed before it. Gesturing for Hermione to sit, she took her seat. Staring at the young girl through the mirror, she asked, "So…have you had time to think of what you might want?"
"I'm…thinking I want it up. I always wear my hair down, which is fine, but I'd like something different." Hermione seemed cautious, maybe because she was seeking a change and was slightly scared to take action.
"We can definitely do an up-do. Half up or full up?"
"All the way."
"Gotcha." Gently touching Hermione's hair, she stared for several moments. Analyzing and thinking of what she could specifically do. "Hm, this is what I'm thinking. We'll style it up, but I think leaving a small section off to the side would add a little sass to your overall ensemble."
"What would that look like?"
"Well, it's sort of hard to describe. But, let's try a few styles, and whatever you don't like, we'll try again."
Hermione seemed skeptical. "Are you sure we have enough time? I don't want to take time away from you getting ready."
"I swear, you and Severus asked me the same question. Don't worry about me; I already know what I'll do. I'll probably only need an hour; if we're out of here by six, that'll give me plenty of time. So don't you worry about that. Now, let's get started."
She took her time. Although it was thinning each year, Hermione still had thick hair. Though that didn't cause problems, it did make styling all her hair quite interesting. First, Aurora placed her student's hair into a bun at the top of her head; however, Hermione thought it looked too tight and sleek and instantly did not like it. Aurora then moved to placing half the hair up and curling the rest. The young witch liked this style better, but it wasn't quite right.
And so, Aurora stared at the hair, questioning, wondering what she could do. But as she stared, the witch could suddenly see it all: the perfect hairstyle that would compliment everything that encompassed who Hermione was.
"I think I got it. This time, it'll be perfect. But I will turn you around; I don't want you to see it until it's done."
Taking her time, Aurora was careful with her sectioning. She placed a small section of hair at the back and secured it with a clip. Then, she swooped the rest of the hair on the sides towards the back. Removing the clip, she twisted the pieces together and began securing them with bobby pins, leaving a small section at the back for later. Pulling small strands so they puffed slightly outward, Aurora curled the section she left out and draped it over Hermione's shoulder. Lastly, she curled the side pieces near her ears so they framed and shaped her face.
Once the style was complete, Aurora took a deep breath. Glancing at Hermione, she asked, "You ready?" The young witch nodded eagerly.
Turning the chair around, Hermione faced herself in the mirror, her mouth falling the moment she saw herself. "Oh, Aurora. It's…it's so beautiful!" She gingerly touched her hair, afraid that if she placed her finger anywhere, sections would fall.
"You can touch it. There's enough hairspray on your hair that it'll stay no matter what."
"I can't believe…Is that really me?"
Aurora squeezed her student's shoulders, feeling saddened that Hermione seemed to perplexed at her reflection. "Yes, this is you, Hermione. You are a beautiful young witch; always remember that." Hermione continued to stare, but a smile eventually grew on her lips.
"Thank you. I, yeah, I would not have been able to do this on my own."
"You can't thank me just yet." Hermione tilted her head in confusion. "We still have your dress to consider!"
"Oh! How could I forget? But…what will go with the hair?"
"Don't worry about that." Aurora had Hermione stand. "Everything will come together. Now, how should we…? Here, take this."Aurora handed the witch a white slip, something that covered her form, and reached her knees. The young female stared curiously at her professor. "Don't worry, this is just the frame we need for your dress since I'll create one. Go put that on, and we'll get started."
Hermione returned minutes later, rubbing her arms because of the short sleeves. Stepping forward, Aurora cupped her chin, lost in thought. "Have you thought about what you might want?"
"I was thinking something light, maybe with a little dark. Either blue or purple."
"Blue or purple, okay, okay…Let's style the dress, and then I can change the color. Strapless or sleeves?"
Hermione took a moment to think of the options. "I'm thinking something of both? Sleeves, but maybe something see-through?"
Walking around the room, Aurora continued to bombard Hermione with multiple questions, formulating an answer in her head. "Long or short?"
"I think this event calls for a long dress."
"Train or no?"
"No train."
"Alright. What material? Satin, velvet, chiffon, lace…?"
"What would look better?" Hermione asked, unsure herself. "These things aren't something I usually consider, so I don't know."
"It does depend on the style. How do you feel about ruffles?"
"Ruffles? It…depends?" Hermione scrunched her face.
"Satin and chiffon can complement each other. What I'm thinking is this…I'm thinking we have a satin bodice with a chiffon skirt. Ruffles will be placed on the sides of the skirts, but each tier of the ruffles will turn into a darker shade until it hits the ground. How does that sound?"
Tilting her head, Hermione tried to imagine the mental picture. "I think that makes sense. If you'll create it with how I'm thinking, that might look pretty."
Aurora smiled. "Alright, we have a start. Let's begin there, and we can always change. Now, I'll ask again: blue or purple?"
Smirking, Hermione said, "Surprise me."
Chuckling loudly, Aurora immediately began working. She swished her wand in different directions and mumbled different enchantments. Surprisingly, the creation didn't take as long as Aurora had thought. She took several minutes to complete the look, changing the color here and adding a ruffle there. As she walked around Hermione, who stood there motionless, Aurora had to hum in contentment.
"Hopefully, you like it because I think it's gorgeous."
Grabbing the mirror from the counter, Aurora stood before Hermione and held the device at arm's length. The moment she saw herself, Hermione gasped, her mouth falling open as she covered it with her hands. Those same hands instantly moved to the dress and switched her eyesight from the mirror to glancing down at the dress. Turning and swirling, the young witch gawked at herself seamlessly, more in shock than when she saw herself with her new hair.
"Aurora! I-I can't! How did you do this?!"
The witch merely shrugged. "I know, I'm awesome."
"Not just awesome, but this…this is gorgeous! And you went with purple!"
She walked around Hermione, looking to see if anything needed to be altered. "I considered blue, but the color would not have worked with this type of dress. Besides, I think purple works better with your skin tone."
Taking the mirror in her hand, Hermione continued to stare; she was still in awe, and Aurora thought it was heartwarming. While the female was busy, Aurora quickly created earrings and floral pins she would place into the hair.
"Here, put these on," she gave Hermione the floral earrings. "I'm going to put these in your hair." She strategically placed the flora pins, the color catching on the dress as everything came together. Conjuring a smaller mirror, Aurora had Hermione hold that one as she led the larger one before her so she could see the back.
"Everything's perfect," Hermione murmured.
"I'm so happy you like it, Hermione. Mr. Krum's going to think you're beautiful." Mentioning her date caused the young witch to blush, the redness falling onto her neck.
"M-Maybe…"
"Hey," Aurora squeezed her shoulder. "Hey, you like the young man, right?" Hermione nodded. "Just have fun tonight, alright? Eat good food, ask for a dance or two tonight, and end the night with a smile and a hug. But only that!" Aurora sternly stared at the student. "I don't want to hear that you and Mr. Krum went off into the night and - "
"No, no!" Hermione slightly yelled, a hand falling to cover her mouth. "I promise, nothing of the sort will happen!"
Aurora guffawed, tears forming in her eyes as she loved that response. "Oh, Hermione! Don't worry, kiddo, I trust you. But as an adult and teacher, I'm inclined to inform you that the teachers will monitor such interactions. You promise me?"
"Yes, I promise."
"Good, that's what I want to hear." Gently hugging the girl, Aurora held the witch at arm's length. "Now, is there anything you want changed? I can do any alterations you want, but we must do them now." She glanced at the clock and realized that it was just minutes past six.
But Hermione shook her head. "No, everything's perfect. I couldn't have asked for anything better. Seriously, thank you."
Beaming, Aurora gave the girl another hug. "Anything for you, sweetie. And I mean it: anything. I'm always here for you."
"I know. That's a promise you've kept for four years." It was Hermione's turn to check the clock. "Oh! I better leave so you have enough time."
"Wait, before you go." Waving her hand, Aurora did the same as she had for Draco and cast several charms on the girl. "There, you're good to go. I placed several charms to hide your outfit and hair. The charm will go away right before the ball starts at eight, so you might want to be in a secure spot before you reveal your dress."
"That makes moving through the castle much easier. Thank you again, Aurora. I can't stop saying that; I seriously owe you."
"You can just give me some chocolate, and we'll be good."
Hermione tilted her head. "Seriously? Just chocolate?" Aurora nodded with a smile. "Okay, then I'll get you a big basket of chocolate you can share with Professor Snape."
"He'd appreciate that." She didn't want to tell Hermione that Severus rarely ate chocolate.
~ oOo ~
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