tangled hearts

||7|| - Hogsmeade

||7|| - Hogsmeade

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The next morning, sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the dormitory. I blinked awake, realizing it was already late morning, and my stomach knotted. Today was the day. My date with Evan Rosier.

"Morning, Claire." Marlene's voice was bright and teasing as she rolled over in bed, already wide awake and grinning like she had a front-row seat to the latest drama.

I groaned, just as Lily poked her head out from behind the curtains of her bed. "Is today the day?" she asked, eyes twinkling with amusement. She wasn't as sarcastic as Marlene, but her curiosity was hard to miss.

"Yep," I said, rubbing my eyes. "Apparently, I'm doing this."

"Oh, you are doing this," Mary chimed in from her corner, where she was already half-dressed and looking as if she were ready for a social event herself. "And we're helping you get ready. You're not walking into Hogsmeade looking like you just rolled out of bed."

I glanced down at my oversized shirt and rumpled hair. "I'm not—"

"You are," Marlene said with a smirk. "No offense, Claire, but Rosier is going to take one look at you and wonder if you had a run-in with Peeves."

I rolled my eyes. "Thanks for the support."

"Come on," Lily said, patting the spot next to her on the bed. "Let us have our fun. This is your first proper date, and it's with Evan Rosier of all people. Let's make sure you look amazing."

They pulled me into the whirlwind that followed. Marlene rifled through my wardrobe while Mary dragged out her makeup kit. Lily sat behind me, gently combing through my hair, her soft hands working out the tangles.

"We need to do something with this," Marlene declared, holding up one of my sweaters and frowning at it like it had offended her personally.

"What's wrong with that?" I asked.

"It screams 'I'm just hanging out with my friends' when you should be saying 'I'm going on a date with someone who actually tried'," she replied.

Mary snorted as she carefully applied some light blush to my cheeks. "Let's just make sure she looks like herself but... you know, a better version."

"Ouch."

Lily glanced at Mary, "I think she's perfect the way she is."

Lily leaned down so I could see her over my shoulder. "How do you feel about something a bit more polished? Not too fancy, but enough to show you put in some effort."

I nodded, grateful for the help. "Sure, whatever makes me look less... me."

Marlene tossed a light sweater at me, a little more fitted and flattering than my usual, along with a pair of jeans that weren't too casual. "Here, try this. It's still you, but, you know... date-worthy."

As I pulled on the clothes, Mary finished up with the lightest bit of makeup—just enough to bring out my features without it feeling heavy.

"Perfect," she said, stepping back to admire her work.

Lily smiled at the finished product. "You look great."

I caught my reflection in the mirror and barely recognized myself. My hair, usually a bit wild, was smoothed down and styled softly. The sweater fit me just right, and the makeup was subtle but made me look more put-together than I had in... well, ever.