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Reyna and Hermione strolled through Hogsmeade, the high street was bustling with students eagerly perusing the colourful array of dresses and dress robes on display in every boutique. Despite the lively atmosphere, Hermione's countenance was one of utter despondency. Her gaze flitted from one shop to another, her shoulders drooping with every futile attempt to find a shop that wasn't overflowing with students.
"Don't look so depressed, Hermione," Reyna nudges the girl. "Come on"
The two women, who appeared to be witches, turned away from the main street and walked past the Brood and Peck. Eventually, they arrived at a small, nearly vacant boutique.
"Welcome to The Eye of the Needle," Reyna opens the door, the small bell chiming through the shop.
"If it isn't my most loyal customer,"
"Hermione meet Madame Delacroix," Reyna smiles. "The best clothes maker in England"
"I'm assuming you ladies are in the market for a dress for the Yule Ball?"
"We only want a dress from the best," Reyna grins at the woman.
"You are such a sweet talker," The woman sighs before waving her wand.
As the two young witches stood still, measuring tapes suddenly appeared and started to wrap around their bodies. A quill then began to swiftly scribble down their measurements on a small notepad. Once she was convinced that she had all the necessary information, fabrics of various hues and textures started to flutter around the teenagers in a dazzling display of colours and patterns. It was a mesmerizing sight to behold.
"What are we thinking?" The shopkeeper asks. "Pink, blue, fuchsia, scarlet?"
"Black," Reyna says and the woman sighs, rolling her eyes. "With a splash of red and silver"
"And for you?"
"I honestly have no idea," Hermione shakes her head.
"A blank canvas is always best," The woman smiles. "I can surprise you with something I know you'll love"
"She has amazing instincts," Reyna nods. "She'll whip you up something amazing Hermione"
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The pair of witches sat leisurely on a wooden bench, soaking up the remaining days of the mild autumnal weather before the impending winter would force Reyna to hide indoors for most of the season. They relished in the moment, savouring the rich aroma of their to-go coffee cups as well as a buttery croissant each as they sit, watching the world pass by. Suddenly, Scout, popped his tiny head out of her coat pocket, eagerly stretching his neck to grab a bite of the flaky pastry.
"I spoil you," The witch murmurs, handing the niffler a chunk of the pastry.
"Who have you got your sights on?" Hermione asks before clarifying what she meant. "To go to the ball with?"
"Hermione, I thought we were above idle gossip," Is Reyna's reply.
"I hear Eloise Midgen is gunning for George," Hermione states and Reyna snorts. "Jealous?"
"No," Reyna shakes her head. "I'm secure enough in myself to not get jealous or feel threatened by other females"
"Viktor Krum asked me to the ball last night," Hermione blurts.
Reyna's head suddenly jerks towards the left, her mouth gaping in surprise at the news the girl had just dropped on her. Scout, who was holding his piece of pastry, lets out a small squeak of shock and drops it in disbelief.
"You're both so dramatic," Hermione huffs with a roll of her eyes.
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As the wooden door to The Eye of the Needle reluctantly gives way, the loud jingle of the bell announces the entrance of Reyna and Hermione. Madame Delacroix emerges from the depths of the shop, her frame draped in measuring tape and a flurry of colourful threads swirling around her like a halo.
"Oh good you're here!" The dressmaker beams. "The dresses are ready for you both and they are some of my best works I must say"
With a swish of the witch's wand, two mannequins drift out of the back of the shop. The two witches stare at the dresses, speechless as they marvel at the stunning craftsmanship of Madame Delacroix.
"Professor McGonagall is going to have a stroke when she sees that neckline," Hermione murmurs. "All eyes will be on you in that dress"
"Then it's brilliant," Reyna grins.
After gratefully compensating Madam Delacroix, the two witches gracefully carried the bewitched dress bags out of the shop. A sense of contentment enveloped the pair as they chatted about hairstyles and makeup for the Yule Ball, momentarily forgetting all their worries. For a brief moment, they felt like regular teenage girls again, relishing the chance to indulge in a carefree moment.
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"Rey!"
Reyna turns at George's shout, her eyebrow raised inquisitively as the wizard jogs to catch up to her. George exhales loudly before clearing his throat dramatically.
"Reyna-"
"Are you about to ask me to the ball?" The witch asks.
"Y- yeah,"
"A red flower corsage," Reyna points at him as she begins to walk away.
"You couldn't just let me ask?" George calls after her.
"Reinforcing gender stereotypes aren't my thing!"
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