Something Real {Dramione} (#Wattys2017)

Chapter 7: Hogsmeade

The snow continues to fall as they trudge along to Hogsmeade. Even though it's barely December, a blanket of white thoroughly covers everything.

Hermione walks a bit in front of the group, leaving the rest to huddle with their partners and Ron trailing behind her. The wind blows against her face making her hair fly into her mouth.

"Did you hear the wonderful news at breakfast this morning?" Asks Ginny.

"About the Christmas ball?" Returns Luna.

"Yes, it is to be after exams but before we depart for the holidays. Sounds fun don't you think?"

She earns a few "yeahs" and "that's cool" from the boys. Hermione smiles inwardly at their response knowing that it is similar to hers.

"Well I guess you girls can get your dresses while we shop?" Suggests Harry.

They all nod as they reach Hogsmeade. The ally is covered with snow and the windows are frosted.

"Shall we drop into the dress shop first? The boys can go off and do what they need to do while we shop. Let's meet in the 3 Broomsticks in 2 hours and move on from there." Hermione suggests and gains approval from all.

They all bid their farewells and enter the dress shop. The contrast from cold to warm makes the girl's skin flush red as they shake off the snow and pull off their jackets.

  The shop isn't too terribly big, but it's lined on both sides with rows and columns of dresses. The front is left open and has a mirror and some little dressing rooms with curtains. The walls are paneled with wood and lit by a skylight and some lamps. There is a hint of cinnamon dancing throughout the shop. It looks the same from the last time Hermione had come here to buy her dress for the Yule ball.

An older woman emerges from somewhere in the back reaches them with her wand and a note pad. "Hello my dears. Come to get a dress for the ball I assume?" She's a jolly lady with graying ringlets that are pulled into a knot. She reaches forward to Ginny and pulls her the the mirror.

"Hello Ms. Weasley, it has been a while since I have seen you." She starts to measure Ginny while glancing at Luna and Hermione in the mirror. "You too Ms. Granger and Ms. Lovegood. So nice to see all of you again."

"Good to see you as well." Luna returns with a smile. She starts to walk around the shop and Hermione follows.

"So Hermione, who are you going to ask to the ball? Or has someone asked you already?"

She chuckles and stops browsing to look at her. "The ball was just announced only this morning Luna. No I haven't been asked or chosen to ask anyone yet. Are you trying to tell me that you've asked someone?" she says as she wiggles her eyebrows. Luna flushes and giggles, "Well Neville and I sort of mutually agreed. He's so sweet and I'm very excited." Then the pair continue to thumb through dresses. "Are you sure there isn't someone you would like to go with?"

"Well I'm not sure. See, I don't want to go with Ron because it just feels wrong and still a bit awkward with all we've been through. We've know each other too long, you know?" Luna nods and urges her friend to continue. "There is the one guy, but he's not like me. He's too different."

"Well different can be good too you know. I know someone who is a very kind person, but people don't always recognize them. People are always full of surprises. But if you ever need anything, you can talk to me whenever you need a friend." She pauses to smile at Hermione. "I know and I am very thankful for you and your friendship."

Looking back at the racks, Hermione pulls an elegant burgundy dress. It's beautiful. It has short sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. The top part of the dress was encrusted with tiny jewels, and a key hole in the back. It has a high waistline that stops under the bust and black colored chiffon that drops to the floor.

"Excuse me Luna, but I'm going to go see if this could be made in my size." She smiles and continues to look for her dress.

"Um excuse me Madame, but I was wondering if you could make this in my measurements?"

She looks up from her catalog and smiles. "Why of course dear. Come stand here and let me take your measurements."

She hangs the dress on the hook and steps up on the platform looking at herself in the mirror. Quickly the woman took her measurements and stepped over to the dress.

"Ah, this dress. It is sure a beauty." pausing, she looks over at Hermione. "This will fit you quite well and I hope you agree. It was donated by a woman a few years back. Kind lady she was." She wove her wand and handed the dress to Hermione. "Go on, try it on!"

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Checking to make sure all the zippers and clasps are done, she pulls the curtain aside and steps out. Ginny is in a dress as well and Luna stands on the platform getting measurments.

"Oh, Hermione you look beautiful!" Luna looks brightly at her. Ginny smiles widely as well and holds her hands out to Hermione. "You, look absolutely breathtaking. I vote yes. What about you Luna? Yes or No?"

"Oh, Yes! Its is perfect!" Luna says stepping down pulling a light pink dress with a pile of ruffles with her into a dressing room.

Ginny stepped on to the platform and dazed at herself. "So, Ms. Weasley, What do you think?" Asked the Dress lady. "I think you look magnificent! What do you think Ms. Granger?"

"Oh Ginny, Its beautiful. I love the dark blue and faint black lace. It works really well with your hair. I vote Yes. Luna do you vote yes as well?"

Luna stepped out from behind the curtain and looked at Ginny, "Oh absolutely! Now what do you think of this? Does this look nice?"

Luna was wearing a pale pink dress with ruffles around the scoop neckline. The skirt was made of tule and was sprinkled with sparkles.

"I think we all vote yes." Ginny laughed and hugged her friends. "You both look Beautiful, I think your dates will be pleased."

"Well that's only if I get one." adds Hermione.

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"Oh guys, look at the time, we need to head over to the Three Broomsticks"

Once inside, they spot Harry, Neville and Ron sitting in the corner talking and laughing.

"What's so funny? We're back." Ginny announces and sits down next to Harry and kisses him on the head. Just like a real couple. Luna politely squeezes in next to Neville and he puts an arm around her. Ron Looks over at Hermione as she squeezes in next to him.

"So I take that shopping was successful? " comments Harry while nodding at each parcel. "Since we have all had drinks, we can just circle the streets and go in places when we feel need." The group all nods and starts to get up gathering all there stuff together. Luna, Hermione and Neville wait patiently outside. Hermione pulls out a small bit of parchment.

   Harry- Quittich book, Ginny- Chocolate frogs, Ron- assorted sweets, Luna- charm for her necklace, Neville- charms book, Draco-  "Don't be ridiculous, but he's the other head boy and I swore that I would try to be nice to him, he's not that bad" she muttered to herself as Harry, Ginny and Ron joined them. Hastily, she slipped the parchment back into her robes and they walked on.

A/N: Hey Wonderful Readers!

So I know I've been a horrible person and haven't updated in a while. I've been so busy with school work lately and haven't been able to get around to it.

Also, you may have noticed, I have decided to switch to 3rd person. I also like 1st Person, so I am going to alternate between the two of them in chapters or for entire chapters. It will be obvious and I hope that doesn't bother you too much.
Hopefully it won't get too messy.
I hope you are still reading and enjoying my story.

Please Like, Share, Comment and Vote!!

Love, Emily