Memories of the Heart || Harry Potter x Reader

Y6 ~ Slughorn's Christmas Party

"Ooh, Y/N, you look absolutely stunning!" Hermione gasped as she shut the bathroom door behind her, eyes widening in admiration.

She wore a delicate salmon-pink dress that dipped slightly at the neckline, its soft fabric flowing gracefully just over her knees. The warm hue complemented her complexion, and her chestnut curls, which had been meticulously combed, shone in the dim candlelight of the dormitory. A faint blush colored her cheeks, a mixture of excitement and genuine awe as she took in Y/N's appearance.

"Thanks, Mione! You do, too." Y/N smiled, adjusting the hem of her gown as she steadied herself on her black heels. "Pink suits you really well."

Y/N had chosen the only dress she had packed for the school year—a black gown that was simple yet effortlessly captivating. It hugged her form in all the right places, the material elegantly draping down to her ankles with a subtle slit running along her right leg. The neckline was a perfect blend of modest and alluring—a semi-sweetheart cut that left her collarbones and shoulders bare while long, fitted sleeves cascaded down to her wrists. Her hair was styled in an intricate updo, soft tendrils framing her face, and pinned in place with the delicate blue butterfly clip that Harry had gifted her one Christmas. The small accessory glistened under the flickering dormitory light, a cherished token of their friendship—or perhaps something more. Her makeup was understated yet sophisticated, enhancing her natural features without overshadowing her elegance.

Hermione's lips parted as she studied her friend with admiration. "You have such an incredible figure; I envy you," she said with a playful sigh, resting a hand on her hip. "Honestly, if I had your curves, I'd wear a dress like that every day. Your date won't be able to keep his eyes—or hands—to himself."

Y/N let out a laugh, shaking her head as she glanced in the mirror, smoothing the fabric against her waist. "Oh, come on, Mione, don't be ridiculous. You look amazing, too."

Hermione smirked mischievously. "Still, I stand by what I said. And speaking of dates, are you finally going to tell me who you're going with?"

Y/N raised a brow, crossing her arms. "Mione, you already know who my date is. You don't have to act like you don't know, my little sneaky friend."

Hermione giggled, feigning innocence. "Oh, you know... just trying to build some suspense."

"If we're talking about suspense," Y/N said with a teasing grin, "when are you finally going to tell me who your date is?"

Hermione let out a nervous laugh, avoiding Y/N's gaze as she smoothed the fabric of her dress. "Oh, um... you'll see soon enough," she muttered, her voice lacking its usual confidence. She forced a small smile, but the way she fidgeted with her hands betrayed her unease.

Before Y/N could respond, the muffled sounds of laughter and chatter from the common room grew louder, signaling the excitement outside. And then, the door swung open with a sudden burst, revealing a breathless Ginny Weasley.

"Hermione, come on, we're going to be late!" Ginny huffed, her urgency evident as she pushed a stray curl from her face.

Then, her gaze landed on Y/N. The shift in her expression was instantaneous—her smile faltered, her eyes narrowing slightly before she scoffed under her breath. "I'll wait outside," she muttered, spinning on her heel and vanishing as quickly as she had come.

Y/N rolled her eyes, exhaling sharply. "Honestly, I still don't understand why she acts like I've personally wronged her. It's not like I have any control over what Harry does or feels." She turned back to the mirror, adjusting the butterfly clip in her hair one last time.