Excused from my afternoon classes, I walk to Hogsmeade to the apparition point. On the walk over, my mind is consumed by the events of the previous night, replaying them over and over again in my head.
I can't believe I actually purred in front of Draco Malfoy. The memory of it sends a wave of embarrassment rushing through me, causing a flush to spread from my neck to my cheeks. I try to rationalize it to myself–it was a moment of warmth, comfort, and drowsiness, combined with his alpha tone… My instincts took over, and the purr slipped out uncontrollably. I let out a soft groan as I mull over the situation. And of course, he played along, pretending to by excuse and even offering water. My omega, unsurprisingly, reveled in the attention.
Despite my chagrin, I still settled in my nest and fell asleep with my nose buried in his robe.
Once I arrive at Hogsmeade, I don't waste time apparating to wizarding London. I take my time strolling past the various shops, hoping to find something that catches my eye. However, to my disappointment, nothing seems to stand out. Even though I told McGonagall I was only going to London an impulsive thought crosses my mind…
Before I can second-guess my decision and let doubt creep in, I summon my determination and embrace the thrill of a little rule-bending. With a resolute flick of my wand, I channel my magical energy, focusing on the desired destination. The familiar sensation of being momentarily untethered from the physical world washes over me, as if time and space conspire to bend at my will.
In an instant, my surroundings dissolve into a blur of colors and shapes, merging and morphing together in a mesmerizing dance. The world becomes a kaleidoscope of fleeting impressions as I traverse the ethereal realm between places. It's as if I'm suspended in a momentary state of weightlessness, untethered from the laws that govern conventional travel.
With a burst of energy, I begin to reassemble, my essence reforming amidst the enchanting ambiance of wizarding Paris. The bustling streets come into focus, alive with the sights, sounds, and scents unique to this vibrant magical city.
After adjusting to my surroundings, I set off along the cobbled streets, keeping an eye out for shops that might capture my interest. Turning a corner, I'm instantly drawn to an elegant sign displaying the name "Le Cupidon Sauvage." Intrigued, I approach the shop's window, where enchanting gowns adorn the mannequins.
Stepping inside, my gaze sweeps over the carefully arranged dresses, admiring their varied colors and magical designs. Just as I approach a gown, I am warmly greeted by a witch with striking green eyes that seem to sparkle with curiosity. Her impeccable attire, complemented by her naturally curly hair and a small hat adorning it, exudes a sense of sophistication.
She asks how I am and if she can help me with impeccable French. Her voice is filled with genuine interest, eager to assist me in any way she can.
Returning the greeting in French as well, I express my need for a gown suitable for the upcoming ball. Her attentive gaze studies me intently, eager to understand my desires.
"An Englishwoman. Tell me what kind of gown you need." She gives me a warm smile.
"Something… nice, I suppose. Floor-length," I begin.
With a gentle yet determined demeanor, she interrupts, understanding the importance of capturing the essence of what I desire. "Mon amor, I need to know how you want to feel in your gown. Do you wish to feel irresistibly sexy, captivating the attention of everyone around you? Or do you prefer an elegant gown that makes you feel like royalty? Perhaps, something more subtle yet undeniably stunning? Or modest but still seductive?" As she speaks, dresses seemingly come alive behind her, embodying different moods and aesthetics.
My eyes scan the array of dresses, feeling uncertain as I struggle to make a decision. "I honestly don't know," I admit, my voice tinged with a hint of overwhelm.
The shop attendant leads me to the dressing room before gesturing for me to take a seat. "Please have a seat, Miss...?" she asks politely.
"Granger," I reply with a forced smile, catching her glance over her shoulder. I settle into the comfortable chair and startle slightly when a teapot and cup materialize next to me.
"Miss Granger?" a refined voice calls out.
I look up swiftly, recognizing the voice. Standing before me is Narcissa Malfoy. Her white hair contrasts starkly with her perfectly styled dark locks. She's impeccably dressed, accompanied by a guard carrying a load of bags.
"Mrs. Malfoy," I manage to utter, feeling a mix of surprise and trepidation. It's been a while since I last saw her, back during Draco's trial. A part of me worries that she might view my presence outside of Hogwarts, let alone Scotland, as suspicious.
"I've been well," she responds with a tight smile. "It's quite a surprise to see you here." Her unspoken question lingers in the air.
"I'm shopping for a dress for the ball. I'm running a bit behind schedule," I explain, my laughter tinged with awkwardness.
"Ah, yes. You are rather behind, Miss Granger," she comments, her ice-blue eyes studying me intently.
I blush slightly, feeling the weight of my procrastination. "Yes, I've been quite preoccupied with school and my flying lessons that I haven't even gotten my date his bowtie yet," I force out another laugh.
"Draco mentioned he was tutoring you in flying," she remarks casually. "Who is the lucky gentleman?"
Part of me hesitates, not wanting to divulge this information, but I can't resist. "Viktor Krum," I confess.
Her eyebrows raise ever so slightly. "How lovely," she comments.
I nod with a small smile. "Thank you. Even though I'm behind, I'm looking forward to it."
"You've come to the right shop. Some of my favorite gowns and robes are from here," she gives me a tight smile. "I must be off. It was nice to see you, Miss Granger."
"You as well, Mrs. Malfoy." I return the tight smile before looking towards the shop attendant assisting me. "I'm sorry, I missed your name."
Her eyes are a bit wide on me after the exchange before she clears her throat and gives me a smile. "Camille. Shall we?" An excited glimmer sparkles in her eyes.
"I'm ready," I give her a nervous smile.
I lose track of time as Camille immerses me in the world of dresses, having me try on one exquisite piece after another. My afternoon is filled with a kaleidoscope of colors and styles that ignite my imagination. With each dress I slip into, I search for the one that resonates with my essence. She passes me yet another dress and I disappear into the dressing room.
I slip into the depths of a mesmerizing deep green dress, a shade richer and more captivating than the iconic Slytherin green. The allure of this gown lies in its striking design, featuring a plunging neckline that gracefully accentuates the décolletage. The sheer corset bodice, adorned with delicate floral lace appliqués, adds a touch of intricate elegance, while slim spaghetti straps lend a subtle support.
Drawing attention to the waistline, the dress showcases a natural waist that gives way to a multi-layered, voluminous A-line skirt. With each step, the skirt cascades in a breathtaking display of movement and grace, enhanced by a daring thigh-high slit that adds a hint of allure. The back of the dress has an open-back design and a gentle scoop above the lower back, revealing just the right amount of skin.
In this enchanting gown, I exude an air of sophistication and confidence. The deep green hue, the alluring silhouette, and the intricate details come together harmoniously, creating a captivating ensemble that is both timeless and unforgettable.
I finally found the one. Its silhouette embraces me like a second skin, and its color radiates against my complexion. My omega stirs as I admire myself in the mirror.
Camille's words fill me with a mix of delight and bashfulness as I take in her compliment. Her genuine admiration for how I look in the dress warms my heart, and I can't help but feel a surge of confidence. The reflection in the mirror confirms that this is the gown that makes me feel truly beautiful.
Blushing softly, I respond to Camille, my voice filled with genuine appreciation, "Thank you so much. I absolutely adore it. This dress truly makes me feel stunning." The joy in her clapping only amplifies my excitement.
Camille wastes no time, eager to assist me further. "Let's get this dress wrapped up and ready for you to take home," she suggests with enthusiasm. Her attention then shifts to a previous conversation, and she curiously asks, "And did I hear correctly that you were speaking with Madam Malfoy? Taking Viktor Krum as your date, I presume?"
Nodding affirmatively, my blush deepens slightly as I admit, "Yes, that's correct. Viktor Krum will be accompanying me to the ball. Speaking of, I need to arrange a matching bowtie for him…"
Camille responds, "Wonderful! I'll make sure to arrange a matching bowtie for Viktor. It will be delivered to you by tomorrow afternoon." Her willingness to accommodate my request only adds to the exceptional service I have experienced at this boutique. I can understand why Mrs. Malfoy loves this shop.
Feeling grateful for her assistance, I make another inquiry, "Could you also arrange for the bowtie to be delivered directly to Viktor? " Stepping out of the exquisite gown, I hand it back to Camille, knowing that it will be carefully taken care of.
With enthusiasm, Camille responds, "Absolutely! Consider it done. Now, let's explore some accessories to complete your ensemble." Her eagerness to help me find the perfect finishing touches fills me with excitement as we venture into the realm of accessories, ready to add that final touch of elegance to my look.
As I make my way to the counter, my selected gown and accessories are packaged on the counter. Camille and I had agreed that silver jewelry would be the perfect accent color to complement the dress, and we had chosen a stunning pair of black stilettos and a matching clutch to complete the ensemble. The silver accents would add a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall look.
During our discussion about the finishing touches, we also talked about the ideal hairstyle. We both agreed that an updo would allow the back of the dress to be showcased. With that in mind, I felt confident that my appearance would be impeccable from every angle.
As I reach the counter, ready to complete the purchase, my eyes catch sight of a black leather garter. Instantly, a practical idea comes to mind. This garter would be perfect for securely holding my wand, allowing me to keep it within reach at all times. With a sense of satisfaction, I include the black leather garter in my selection of items to purchase.
As Camille rings up my items, her gentle smile catches my attention. "Your dress and accessories have been covered," she informs me, handing over the garment bag and the bags carrying my additional items.
Surprised by her statement, I quickly interject, "Camille, I insist on paying-"
"Madam Malfoy had your purchase put on her account before she left," she kindly interrupts, her words causing a warm blush to spread across my face.
"Oh," I stammer, momentarily taken aback. "That is very kind of her." Grateful for Mrs. Malfoy's generosity, I make a mental note to send her a heartfelt thank-you note.
As I gather my belongings, excitement fills my heart. I found the perfect dress and accessories and I can't help but look forward to the ball.
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