Confident | Fred Weasley

Chapter 76 | Album

Sarah hastily pulled on some heeled boots. They were beige, made of some sort of leathery material, and reached her knees. They were tight, and pulling them on in a hurry was difficult.

It was the 14th of November. Her album release party was starting in 10 minutes. She hadn't even left her flat.

As she struggled with her shoes, Sarah reevaluated how her day had gone so badly:

● She'd had the most restless sleep that one could ever imagine.
● Fred and George had trialled some invisible 'Slippery Shower' goo and hadn't cleaned it up. Her hip still ached from the fall.
● She spent a good portion of her day staring out the window, waiting for a letter from Dumbledore (She knew she wouldn't receive one in the present climate).
● She'd completely forgotten about the album release party until half an hour before she was supposed to leave after being reminded by Fred.

With one last huff, the leathery material slid up to reach her knee. The effort of putting on her shoes made her terribly sweaty. Quickly, she performed a couple of charms to refresh her makeup. Sarah regretted saying no to the Prep-team.

Quickly, Sarah scrambled for her clutch bag. She hurried along to the door of the flat and fumbled with the keys to open the door. Capri, Fred, and George had left already.

She hurried down the steps and sprinted through the shop to the doors. She stepped out into the icy evening air, but it was more refreshing than anything. As quickly as she could, she reset Capri's elaborate protection spells.

Finally, with a minute to spare, Sarah disapparated.
   
   
  
   

Sarah appeared in the apparition point of the venue. Her record label had booked a wizarding club on the outskirts of London called 'Solarfield'. Sarah had never been, nor had any of her flatmates. If they were to go clubbing, which would be irresponsible in the present political climate, they would've gone to one of the clubs in Diagon Alley.

When Sarah turned to survey the building, she understood why it was chosen. It rose to two floors, made of lavish stone brick. A balcony extended to the front, overlooking the vibrant greenery around the club. Lights shone upwards from the floor, making the building glow in the night. A neon sign with curling letters was on the front, reading 'Solarfield'.

Sarah was nervous again. Her nerves increased when she heard the distant sound of clicking cameras. Sarah completely forgot the press would be here. That meant she couldn't be seen interacting with Fred, at least not being too friendly with him.

Sarah let out a huff, wiping her sweaty hands on her dress. She inhaled the cool, night air deeply. This simple act stopped her from spiralling too far.

"Sarah!" A voice from behind called out.

Sarah turned sharply, coming face to face with her manager. Lena looked terribly stressed, and suddenly, Sarah felt quite guilty.

"We've been looking everywhere for you! Where have you been?"

Sarah opened her mouth to answer, but Lena shushed her with a wave of her hand, "Actually, I don't care. You're here now. Go make your entrance!"

Sarah nodded. She straightened her posture and lifted her chin in an air of confidence.

When Sarah walked out, there was a rapid fire of flashing lights. Sarah could barely see. She couldn't hear much over the chorus of her name and questions being volleyed at her. She continued to smile and continued to walk, just like she'd practised.

Eventually, she made it to the steps of the club where Betsy was waiting to greet her. She stood proudly in a tight, white dress that trailed past her feet. Somehow, she made a simple outfit look extravagant.