Outcasted

22- Dress Shopping

Willows POV

I seal the envelope with wax and give it to the snowy owl in front of me. The owl flies of out the window. I check the time and realise I'm running late. Me and Fred are going to Hogsmeade to get our outfit for the Yule ball. "Hey, sorry I'm late" I say trying to catch my breath as I get to Fred. "No worries" he says smiling at me. "Get in" he adds. I begin to climb in to the carriage when I slip. Fred catches my wrist and pulls me onto the carriage. "Ow!" I scream in pain. "Woah are you okay? Did I squeeze you too hard. " he's asks concerned. "No no I'm fine" I say pulling my jumper further down my wrist. He looks at me concerned. "Um how's Harry? Is he nervous?" I ask changing the subject. "He seems fine" "what is it he's looking for" I ask. "I think it's a necklace" "I didn't think of You Know Who as a jewellery kind of guy" I say trying to lighten the mood. Fred laughs and places his hand in mine.

We make it to the shop and walk in. "Good evening!" A small witch says from the counter. "Good evening" Fed replies. "Look this is the one I wanted!" I say pulling him towards the back corner of the shop. It's a navy blue dress. Tight near the top but long and puffy near the bottom. "You will look great in it" he says kissing me on the head. "What are you going to wear?" I ask. He doesn't reply. He's looking at a silver dress across from us. It's a floor length dress with sparkles. "Fred?" I say. "Oh sorry, I'm getting this." He's says pointing towards a black dress robe. "And this navy blue bow tie to match with you" he says. I smile and we walk towards the counter. "Is this for the Yule ball?" The old witch asks. "Me and Minerva were talking about that the other day" she says. "Yes it is" I say smiling. "Oh I remember my days at Hogwarts, best years of my life" she laughs. We both pay and leave the shop. It had become dark and cold now.

We climb back onto the carriage and sit close to keep warm. "Don't you have a quidditch match on Friday" I ask. "Yes I do, will you be there?" He asks. "I don't think I can make it, shouldn't you be at practice?" I say. "I skipped for you and I've had enough practice through the years." He says.