Haley Potter and The Goblet Of Fire

Ball Gowns for Four, Please!

The Weasley party goes home early the next morning; Mrs. Weasley is tearful and relieved to see them all alive, after reading about the Dark Mark in the wizarding news. Mr. Weasley heads to the Ministry to clear up rumors written by the reporter Rita Skeeter in the article, and Haley confides to Ron and Hermione about her scar hurting; they react just as she predicted they would. For the following week, Percy and Mr. Weasley spend all of their time at the Ministry of Magic, while Haley, Hermione, and the Weasley kids prepare their school things to return to Hogwarts. They learn from Bill about Rita Skeeter's reputation for ruining wizard reputations in her news articles.

The night before they leave for school, Mrs. Weasley brings to the kids an armful of laundered dress robes, and Ron throws a fit at the fact that his are second-hand and lacy, and Mrs. Weasley leaves the room defeated. Haley feels deeply sorry for Ron about financial matters, because Haley's parents left her a small fortune, and the Weasleys are always struggling to make ends meet.

After lunch, the group of girls, that is of course, Haley, Hermione, Cassandra and Ginny accompanied by Mrs. Weasley, made their way to Madam Malkin's Robes For All Occasions, their curiosity piqued by the purpose of their visit. They had pleaded with Mrs. Weasley for clues, but she remained tight-lipped, teasing them with the promise of an exciting year ahead. Arriving in Diagon Alley via Floo powder, Haley couldn't shake the queasy feeling that always accompanied this mode of transportation, even after they had walked the remaining distance to the shop.

"Welcome, dears, to Madam Malkin's Robes For All Occasions. What can I help you with today? School robes? Ball gowns? Anything you desire can be found here," greeted Madam Malkin, her mauve-colored attire giving her an air of elegance. Haley recognized her as the same woman from her very first visit to this magical world.

"We're here for ball gowns," Mrs. Weasley replied with a smile.

"Ball gowns? What's going on at Hogwarts, Mother? Please tell us," Ginny pleaded, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Mrs. Weasley's smile only widened as she replied, "You're going to have a wonderful year at Hogwarts, that's all I'll say for now."

"Come, girls, hop on the stool, two at a time. We'll take your measurements and show you some dresses that match your fittings. If you have a specific design in mind, we can note it down and stitch it for you, ensuring it arrives before the special day," explained Madam Malkin. She then turned to Mrs. Weasley, adding, "It's a good thing you came early; we already have quite a few orders for dresses."

Pointing to Cass and Ginny, Madam Malkin instructed them to take their positions on the stools. Haley's gaze wandered to the familiar set of stools, reminding her of the first time she encountered Draco Malfoy. Their conversation had left her feeling bitter and insecure, unaware of the intricacies of the Wizarding World. Now, however, she found herself wrestling with conflicting thoughts about the boy. As if her confusion wasn't already enough, the incident at the World Cup further muddled her perceptions of him.

Her train of thought was disrupted by Madam Malkin's voice, pulling her attention back to the present moment.

"That's a beautiful dress you're standing in front of, my dear. You have an excellent sense of style," complimented Madam Malkin, who had finished noting down Cass and Ginny's measurements. "It will suit you very well."

Only then did Haley realize that she had been captivated by a stunning off-shoulder gown. The green tulle fabric shimmered under the light, adorned with delicate sparkles. A black satin ribbon cinched the waist in the form of a bow.

"Try it on, dear," encouraged Madam Malkin.

Haley glanced at Mrs. Weasley, Hermione, and her other friends, all nodding in approval. With the dress in her hands, she entered the fitting room, never having imagined herself wearing such a beautiful ball gown. Life had a way of surprising her when she least expected it. Haley slipped into the dress, though it proved slightly too big for her frame. Nonetheless, she stepped out with a smile, only for her friends to burst into laughter. Even Mrs. Weasley couldn't help but chuckle, and Haley found herself joining in.