arranged / dm

08

January 1st

"Amara, it's important that the dress you choose to wear represents both parties--your family and mine--in a respectful manner." Narcissa sat at the head of the dining table, several images of dresses sprawled across the tabletop for everyone in the room to see. "I brought in some Pureblood girls, that have already chosen suitable dresses for their own weddings, to provide some input and assistance in picking." 

Amara turned her head, her eyes locking with Astoria Greengrass' first. Her glare might've killed Amara if she hadn't looked away--though the gaze was still strong on the back of her head like daggers. Pansy, who stood a distance away from Astoria, flashed Amara a smile before turning back to the angry girl. 

"If I may, I have an opinion." Astoria scoffed, strutting to the table with her eyes on Amara. "This dress is the one she should pick." 

She gestured to a tight, white dress with full length sleeves. The neckline was atrocious, not to mention. Amara grimaced and shot a wide eyed look at Pansy. The dark haired girl shrugged her shoulders and stepped up next to Astoria. 

"With all due respect, Astoria, that's not Amara's style. Sure it would look good on you, but Amara's build is different." Undertones of disgust and anger laced Pansy's words as Astoria stepped away from the table. 

"Yes, I agree with Ms. Parkinson." Lucille Blackwood smiled. "Pansy, which do you think would look best on her?"

Her brown eyes fell onto Amara's green eyes as she took another step toward the wooden table. "I think this one. But, obviously it's up to the bride." 

Amara followed her arm down to the dress. It was a significant upgrade from the one Astoria picked out, and Amara genuinely liked this one--it almost made her upset she'd never wear it. The stunning dress had presented itself in Amara's imagination. She could almost picture herself in the off the shoulder dress vividly. Pansy had perfect taste, as usual, and believed this dress was made for her friend to walk down the aisle--even if she wished not to.

"That dress doesn't seem very respectful. Have you forgotten Mrs. Malfoy's wishes?" Astoria scoffed. 

"If it wasn't appropriate, why is it on the table?" Pansy retorted, sliding the photo to Narcissa. 

"Yes, very well. It does suit Amara's body." Her head turned to Amara swiftly. "And you are happy with this choice?" The girl nodded with a small smile, flashing Pansy a thumbs up. 

"When will we have it fitted to her? Soon, I presume?" Lucille asked, gathering the extra dress photos. 

"Yes, the date is in March so we will have someone here by next week to fit you and we should have it with us that same night."

Amara's head spun. She slightly hoped she'd be able to wear the dress for a small amount of time, but almost all of her wanted out of this Manor as soon as she could get out. Even if that meant never wearing such a beautiful dress. Her brain was fogged with worry and, shockingly, guilt. 

Guilt of not telling her mother she planned on running away with Draco Malfoy in an attempt to free herself. The guilt dropped pressure on her shoulders, weighing her down like an anchor. The waters of fate were rising rapidly. If the anchor held her down for much longer, she'd surely drown.

"I believe that is all." Narcissa stood, brushing the photos into a small bag in her hand. "I will see you all at dinner. Astoria, come with me." The girl glared at Amara, her arms folded tightly across her chest as she left the room in silence. Pansy watched as she rounded the corner and disappeared from their sight, her shoulders dropping.