Hogwarts Champion // Triwizard Tournament

XIII

DANCING ON THIN ICE

The weekend in Hogsmeade offered a much-needed respite from the rigors of school life and tournament preparations. As Nerida, Grace, and I strolled through the village, the snowflakes danced around us, creating a magical ambiance that was impossible to resist. Icicles adorned the roofs of the quaint shops and pubs, glistening in the soft glow of the winter sun.

We wandered through the snow-covered streets, browsing the displays in the shop windows and enjoying the festive atmosphere that permeated the village. Laughter filled the air as we shared stories and jokes, momentarily forgetting the pressures of upcoming exams and challenges.

As we stepped into Gladrags Wizardwear, Mr. Hill greeted us with his usual charm. "Welcome, ladies! So lovely to see you again."

Nerida's eyes sparkled with excitement as she exclaimed, "We're so excited to find the perfect dresses for the Yule Ball!"

Grace nodded eagerly, adding, "Yeah, we want to look absolutely stunning!"

Mr. Hill beamed at our enthusiasm. "Well, you've certainly come to the right place. Let's start by taking a look at some of our newest arrivals."

He led us deeper into the shop, where racks of elegant dresses beckoned. "Here we have some exquisite options, each one more enchanting than the last."

Nerida's fingers trailed over the delicate fabrics as she mused, "I don't know where to start! They're all so beautiful."

Grace nodded in agreement. "I'm torn between something classic and something a bit more daring."

Mr. Hill chuckled. "Decisions, decisions! Why don't you each pick out a few favorites, and we'll go from there?"

As we explored the shop, trying on dresses and sharing our thoughts, Mr. Hill offered his expert advice. "This one would complement your complexion beautifully, Miss Roberts" he suggested, holding up a deep blue gown.

Nerida's eyes lit up. "Oh, I love that color!"

Meanwhile, Grace admired herself in a floor-length gown adorned with intricate lace. "What do you think?" she asked, twirling in front of the mirror.

"You look stunning," I replied sincerely, a smile tugging at my lips.

As I browsed through the racks, Mr. Hill approached me with a warm smile. "And what about you, Miss Seraphina? Any particular style catching your eye today?"

I pondered for a moment before replying, "I'm not really one for big, extravagant things. I want something sleek and subtle."

Mr. Hill nodded thoughtfully, his eyes scanning the array of dresses before he disappeared momentarily. When he returned, he held out a stunning dress made of deep emerald silk, its simple elegance catching my eye.

"This might be just what you're looking for," he suggested, presenting the dress with a flourish. "Sleek, yet sophisticated. The subtle shimmer of the diamonds adds just the right touch of sparkle."

I took the dress in my hands, admiring the rich color and the delicate details. "It's beautiful," I murmured, envisioning how it might look when worn.

Mr. Hill smiled knowingly. "I thought you might appreciate something a bit more understated. Shall we try it on?"

With a nod, I followed him to the dressing area, excitement building as I anticipated how the dress would look when worn. As I slipped into it and admired myself in the mirror, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. This dress was perfect – elegant, yet understated, just as I had hoped.