Closest To Heaven That I'll Ever Be. *Complete*

30. Handbags and Gladrags

I have to say that Astoria was true to her word. I have no idea what that contract actually said but whatever it was, we did not hear a peep from her.

Not that the papers still weren't full of stories about us. Me particularly. Apparently, being a niece of the great Albus Dumbledore, made me quite the celebrity. That meant that no matter where I went now, I had what Theo called paps following me. I was asked many questions about my uncle, my life, Draco. So far I had managed to keep everyone in the dark about the machine. Otherwise, I would never be left alone.

But it was beginning to get on my nerves. I could hardly go anywhere for people wanting to ask me about my life or about my relationship. All the ladies wanted to know about Draco and me. Of course, they did. And I was happy to tell them...to an extent.

After about 4 months of it I was fed up. And it was only going to get worse. I just didn't know it yet.

The beta test for the machine was underway in the hospital and everyone seemed to be very hopeful and thankful. It was working a treat, and we already had orders for one in Ireland and parts of Europe. Which meant that I was busier than ever before and very rarely got much time to spend at the two stores. Thankfully, I had Pansy managing one store and Ben managing another, so I knew they were in good hands.

Draco, Blaise, Hermione and I were working on a press release. We had to be careful to answer questions without giving too much information away. That way our competition couldn't find out our secrets.

Everything was carefully planned out, orchestrated and arranged to the finest detail. We spent maybe week nights planning and prepping with George and Ron helping where they could. It wasn't a small task either, we had to create a user manual, troubleshooting guide and updates manual for each hospital. We then had to write out our little press release, anticipate any questions. Book in maintenance work for the machines and training for the staff. It bloody took ages.

We tried to anticipate every issue we may have, every problem we may face and basically anything that could go wrong with the launch.

What we hadn't banked on was the upcoming Battle of Hogwarts Memorial Ball.

Of course, we knew about it, we all received an invitation. And I was making sure that we all went. Much to the Slytherin's dissatisfaction. But I was persuasive. I always got my way. Actually, Draco was the hardest to persuade. The whole, withholding sex thing I tried, but that was just making me as grumpy as him. In the end, I did the only thing I could think of that would actually work.

I told his mother and she made him go.

So the night of the ball, everyone had gathered in mine and Pansy's to head off. We were to meet Hermione, Ron, Harry, and Ginny in McGonagall's office. Apparently Harry and Ron had a surprise for me.

Thank Merlin for Narcissa because I was clueless when it came to fashion. I had some style, so I liked to think, but it wasn't ball worthy. Narcissa had arrived this morning with a dress she said was sure to make everyone fall over themselves. I had no idea what they meant, but it scared me.

So when it came time to leave, I was standing in my room looking at myself in the mirror. I didn't even recognise the girl staring back at me. It was very tight, very fitted and very...sparkly.



I did not wear those shes though!! These are my shoes: https://img.ltwebstatic.com/images3_pi/2022/03/23/1648022784b243eb5497e3c63df23833115390431b_thumbnail_600x.webp

I turned left and right. I may not be able to breathe, but I never wanted to take this dress off.

"Alright hot stuff, your boyfriend sent me to come and chase -" Daphne giggled as she entered the room but stopped dead. "Holy fuck!"