"This is so unbelievably against the rules," Hermione muttered, her breath curling into the crisp November air as she and Ginny weaved through the swarm of Muggle pedestrians. The two Gryffindors had apparated from Hogsmeade, stepping straight from the warmth of The Three Broomsticks into the cold, unfamiliar pulse of London. Hermione pulled her scarf tighter around her neck, her fingers stiff from the chill, but Ginny pressed forward without hesitation.
"Come on, we're going to be late," Ginny pressed, reaching her hand back to grab Hermione's so they could weave more effectively through the many people without losing each other.
"Late for what Gin?" Hermione questioned, still knowing nothing about where they were going or why.
"Lunch, of course," Ginny replied as though it was obvious.
Hermione huffed but allowed herself to be pulled along. The city buzzed with energy – bright lights, fast-moving cars and the constant hum of conversation came from every direction. Finally, Ginny stopped in front of a nondescript wooden door nestled between two bright storefronts. The faint murmur of voices and the rich scent of something malty drifted out as Ginny pushed the door open.
The interior was dim and warm, a welcome contrast to the cold outside. A handful of Muggle patrons were scattered throughout, hunched over drinks, engaged in quiet conversation. The lighting was soft, casting flickering shadows across the room, making it feel cozy and unassuming.
"There they are," Ginny said happily, nodding towards a booth in the corner.
Hermione followed her gaze and immediately spotted them – Harry and Ron, dressed in Muggle jumpers and jeans, clearly awaiting their arrival. Harry was leaning back, nursing a pint, while Ron had a plate of chips in front of him, already hallway through.
"You made it," Ron greeted. "We were starting to wonder if you'd managed to leave Hogsmeade undetected."
"Remember who you're talking to, Ron," Ginny said mischievously.
Harry got out of his seat and greeted Ginny with a kiss before moving to give Hermione a hug. "Good to see you 'Mione," he said warmly.
"What are we doing here?" Hermione questioned as she slid into the booth next to Ron who greeted her with a friendly kiss on the cheek.
"Figured it's be nice to go somewhere where we could just… hang out," Ginny said as she and Harry slid in opposite her. "No whispers, no staring, no front-page headlines in The Quibbler."
Hermione sighed, recalling the day that followed her birthday dinner – the last time she'd seen Harry and Ron. Someone had discreetly snapped a photo of the group at The Three Broomsticks, halfway drunk and laughing. The wizarding tabloid clearly had a joyous time writing about the reunion of The Golden Trio who were rarely snapped out and about together since the war ended.
"Well, she exhaled. "If we're doing this, I hope you're planning to share."
Ron grinned and slid the plate of chips toward her. Ginny waved down a waiter with a triumphant smile. "Now that's the spirit."
The late afternoon air was even colder when they left after a couple of hours of conversation. The warmth from the pub lingered on their skin for only a moment before the November chill settled back in. The city around them was alive with the hum of traffic and the rhythmic chatter of pedestrians. But for once, none of them felt the usual urge to keep their heads down or rush towards somewhere hidden to avoid being the topic of yet another whispered conversation.
Ron stretched, letting out a satisfied sigh. 'That," he declared, "was a bloody good idea."
Harry nodded in agreement. "It was nice to spend time together without worrying."
"When do you two need to be back?" Ron questioned as the group began to stroll down the street.
"I think we can spare another couple of hours," Ginny said confidently. Hermione sighed, still anxious at the thought of someone somehow finding out that they had left Hogsmeade.
"What should we do then?" Harry asked, taking Ginny's hand.
Ginny's expression turned thoughtful as they continued down the street. After a moment, she suddenly veered towards a nearby storefront, struck with an idea. The store was brightly lit, its large glass windows displaying an array of elegant dresses – some long and shimmering, others short and playful.
"Absolutely not," Hermione said firmly upon realising what Ginny was indicating.
"Oh, come on, Hermione," Ginny complained. "We need dresses for the Christmas party! Let's just look."
"I have a perfectly nice dress back at school that will be more than suitable," Hermione countered.
"Nope, you're wearing something new," Ginny insisted, ushering her into the store. "Come on boys, you can give us your expert opinions."
Harry followed his girlfriend compliantly. Ron groaned but quickly recovered upon seeing a jar of small chocolates wrapped in silver foil at the door.
Upon entering the store, Hermione immediately felt out of her element. The store was huge. Warm golden lighting cascaded from elegant chandeliers, casting a soft glow over rows of carefully arranged gowns. The air was lightly perfumed with the delicate scent of fabric, mingling with a faint hint of vanilla, likely from the display of scented candles near the entrance.
Racks of dresses stretched from wall to wall, meticulously organised by colour and style. Deep luxurious velvets in rich winter hues lined one side, while shimmering satins and airy chiffons graced the other. Some were classic and refined, while others were bold and modern, adorned with intricate beadwork or delicate lace. A long row of mirrored fitting rooms occupied the back, their thick velvet curtains giving a sense of privacy and indulgence. A few other shoppers milled about, browsing with quiet fascination, their fingers ghosting over the fabrics as they debated their selections.
Near the counter, a polished wooden display case held an array of accessories – elegant clutch bags, delicate gold and silver jewellery, and intricately designed hairpieces meant to complement the dresses. The entire space exuded an air of effortless sophistication, yet it remained inviting, welcoming. The auburn-haired associate greeted them kindly and encouraged the group to look around the store. She told Hermione and Ginny that they were welcome to try on as many dresses as they desired and to let her know if they needed any assistance.
Harry and Ron made their way toward the plush suede armchairs near the fitting rooms, sinking into them with the resignation of men who knew they'd be waiting a while. Meanwhile, Ginny wasted no time diving into the racks of dresses, her sharp eyes scanning each one with careful consideration. She moved with purpose, her excitement evident as she plucked a floaty blue dress, a daring gold number adorned with intricate beadwork and a sleek, deep red gown, draping them effortlessly over her arm. Beside her, Hermione hovered uncertainly, her fingers grazing the fabric of a few dresses but never quite committing.
"Come on, Hermione," Ginny encouraged. "You have to at least try on one dress."
With a resigned sigh, Hermione ran her fingers through a rack of red dresses. "Well, these are certainly festive," she observed. "But I'm not sure I want something so bright."
Ginny hummed in acknowledgement and tilted her head to the side as she looked further down the aisle of dresses in thought. Hermione followed her friend to a rack of green dresses and focused on the section filled with deep emeralds and jades. "I would argue that these are just as festive," she said helpfully.
Hermione smiled gratefully and looked noncommittedly through the new section. She wasn't entirely convinced she'd find something she liked but as her fingers brushed over a luxurious emerald velvet, she instinctively pulled it from the rack for a closer look.
"Hermione, that is stunning!" Ginny admired excitedly.
Hermione examined it with cautious interest, her eyes indulging in the elegant fabric – until she turned it around and noticed the daringly low back. She hesitated. "I don't know, Gin."
"Just try it on," Ginny said convincingly. "You never know – you might love it."
With another sigh, Hermione relented, draping the dress over her arm. As she continued browsing, she picked out two more options; a silver gown with detailed beading across the bodice and a black satin dress with a bow cascading from the back of the waist to the floor.
Once Ginny was content with her own selection, Hermione followed her to the fitting rooms where they both disappeared behind the heavy curtains. Hermione stood hesitantly, unsure where to begin. She could hear Ginny making quick work of her dresses, immediately discarding the ones she didn't like and only showing the boys the ones she did. She chuckled at Harry's constant evaluation – a repeated "wow" every time Ginny would show him another option.
"How are you going in there Hermione?" Ginny asked as she retreated back into her fitting room to try on yet another option. Hermione had already discarded the silver option – the fabric was too heavy and the beading irritated her skin. She was currently standing in the black satin option, which was beautiful. But it was sleeveless, making the bandage around her arm more prominent than ever. She didn't dare leave the fitting room in it to be questioned by the others.
"Hmm, no luck so far," she replied honestly, peeling the satin dress from her body. She reached for the green dress, hoping that its elegant long sleeves would make her feel more comfortable.
"Alright, prepare to be amazed," Ginny announced a short while later. Hermione popped her head out of the curtain, still unwilling to be seen. Ginny stepped out with the confidence of someone who knew she looked incredible. She was wearing the deep red gown, its sleek fabric hugging her form before effortlessly flowing down to the floor. The rich crimson shade brought out the warmth in her trademark Weasley hair and the satin off the shoulder straps looked sensual yet elegant.
"I should have gone back to Hogwarts," Harry mumbled, his face flushing the same colour as Ginny's dress.
"Mate, that's my sister," Ron said uncomfortably.
Ginny giggled and completed a spin, the red fabric flowing delicately around her form. "You look stunning, Gin," Hermione admired from her spot in the fitting room.
"What about you?" Ginny encouraged. "Let's see!"
"I don't know," Hermione responded. "I think it's a bit much."
"Not possible," Ginny said encouragingly. She paced to Hermione's fitting room and swept the curtain aside. Hermione stood in front of the mirror; her arms folded tightly over her stomach. The emerald velvet clung elegantly to her frame, the rich colour complimenting her complexion and making her eyes seem even brighter. The dress had a tasteful v-neckline and long fitted sleeves that ended perfectly by her wrists. The fabric swept down into a stunning full-length skirt with a small train that trailed behind her. The low back made her fidget hesitantly but there was no denying that the dress suited her perfectly. "Hermione, you look incredible," Ginny gasped. "Come on, let's show the boys."
Before Hermione could resist, she found herself being gently but firmly tugged towards the main area. She stepped out cautiously, her hands nervously smoothing the fabric at her sides. Harry and Ron looked up from their conversation, their expressions shifting.
"Bloody hell, Hermione," Ron said genuinely. "You look beautiful."
Harry nodded in agreement, another "wow" escaping his lips. "It really suits you," he added.
Hermione let out a breath she hadn't realised she was holding. Ginny stepped in next to her, grabbing her hand and leaning them playfully in the direction of the mirror that covered the adjacent wall. "We look perfectly festive," Ginny mused, admiring their reflections. Hermione smiled, tilting her head to rest lightly against her friend's. It was true. With Ginny in her stunning crimson gown and Hermione in emerald green, they looked like something out of a Muggle magazine. "Shame we won't have dates to appreciate them," Ginny added sarcastically making Hermione chuckle.
Hermione had elected not to tell Ron about her forced date with Malfoy. He was still blissfully unaware that he was Head Boy and Hermione wanted to avoid another uncomfortable confrontation about how unfair the whole situation was. So, she had politely requested that Ginny and Harry not say anything and they had complied.
After finalising their purchases, Hermione and Ginny rejoined the boys before stepping out into the brisk London air. They exchanged farewells, sharing excited conversation about next seeing each other at Christmas before Ginny and Hermione apparated back to Hogsmeade and made their way back to the castle.
When Hermione returned, the familiar balcony door was slightly ajar, indicating that one or both of the Slytherin boys were outside. She stepped forward and nudged it open just enough to catch their attention. Theo was perched precariously on the balustrade while Malfoy leant against it with his usual effortless indifference. Both were already halfway through a cigarette.
"Ah, she returns!" Theo greeted with his characteristic charm. Malfoy nodded politely in her direction but remained silent. Things between them had been somewhat tense since Hermione's panic attack in the weeks prior. While she no longer received sarcastic comments or snide remarks from him, they were by no means warming to each other.
"You two should probably wrap it up here," Hermione instructed. "I saw Filch heading this way."
Malfoy cast an evanesco on the cigarettes and stretched into an upright position. "I'll go get dinner. Joining us, Granger?"
"Sure," Hermione nodded, allowing him to pass. She rather enjoyed being included in their routine. It was a welcome escape from the idle chatter in the Great Hall when she wasn't in the mood for socialising.
Once Malfoy left, Theo tilted his head curiously. "Good day?"
"It was nice," Hermione responded honestly.
"What's in the bag?" he questioned, his eyes dropping to the dress bag draped over her arm.
"Just a dress," Hermione responded, dismissively. "Ginny made me get it for the Christmas party."
Theo's brow arched. "Can I see?" He might have been genuinely interested, or simply amusing himself – Hermione wasn't sure. With an exaggerated roll of her eyes, she unzipped the bag just enough for him to peek inside. "Hmm, it's pretty," he observed. "Green is an interesting choice," he added playfully.
"Green is festive," Hermione clarified, though Theo's remark gave her pause. When she'd picked the dress, she hadn't even considered the implications of wearing Slytherin's signature colour to the party. Now, she wondered if she should have chosen differently.
Theo chuckled and hopped down from the balustrade, effortlessly shifting gear. "We need to meet in the library this week," he said. "That book you gave me has some interesting stuff in it."
Hermione nodded. She had been avoiding their research lately. Her arm had been bothering her a little less and she was still confused over the strange reaction she'd had to Malfoy's touch. She was looking for a way to raise the subject with Theo. "Is Friday okay?" she questioned, hoping to buy herself a little more time to think.
"Yeah, course," Theo replied, pushing open the balcony door and gesturing for her to go ahead.