The Cupboard Series 4: The Fourth School

Chapter 15

"As you all know, we're due to go to Hogwarts in a little over a week's time to watch the choosing ceremony for the TriWizard Tournament," Headmistress McGonagall began to the assembled group.

Harry shifted slightly in his seat to get a bit more comfortable, inadvertently allowing him the chance to gaze around the large sitting room of the manor. Apart from the fourteen students, all of the Academy's regular teachers were in attendance. Most of them were spread along the back wall. Only Beth, Mrs Granger and Madam Longbottom were positioned closer to the front, bracketing a sheet-covered something that no-one had been able to get a peek underneath of.

"In order to facilitate an impression of respectability," Headmistress McGonagall continued, "Professors Pemberton, Granger and Longbottom, in conjunction with a number of your parents, have designed a uniform that you will all be required to wear while we are away from Potter Haven or at any other official functions. Ladies?"

At her invitation, the three women moved to replace Headmistress McGonagall at the front, Madam Longbottom levitating the sheet-covered display to join them.

"Good afternoon, everyone," Mrs Granger began with what looked to be a nervous but excited smile. "As Headmistress McGonagall indicated, we have here a new uniform for Diricawl Academy that we'd like to present you with. So, without further ado, I give you your new uniforms!"

An easy swish and wave from Madam Longbottom's wand wafted the sheet upwards before it vanished. When Harry next blinked, he saw a pair of mannequins, male and female, displaying the uniforms.

Both were very similar, apart from the long skirt on the female mannequin. A dark green robe, with a silver clasp at the throat and the golden badge of Diricawl Academy on the cloak's left breast was the first and most noticeable piece of clothing. The skirt and long pants were both jet black, matching the rich dragon-hide boots. A white button-up shirt, topped with a forest green tie with slim golden diagonal strips completed the outfit.

Mounted on a board to the side were the optional accessories: a sweater vest done up in a matching green as the cloak, the Diricawl logo on its left breast; a green and gold scarf; black gloves with dark green edging around the cuffs; beanies in either dark green with gold trim or gold with dark green trim; and lastly, a pair of black stockings that Harry hoped were aimed at the girls.

As Harry leaned forward to get a better look, he noted the excited whispers breaking out around him.

"As you can see, we've tried to keep it fairly close to what you already know, just with some colouring differentiations that more match our school," Mrs Granger stated.

"We're also considering having some book-bags in Diricawl's colours and with our logo on the flap made up," Beth commented, "but they won't be ready before we go next week."

"The main uniform that you can see on the mannequins will be required for each of you," Madam Longbottom instructed. "I would suggest that you each get a minimum of three. The accessories will be by personal preference."

Running his eyes over the display board again, he knew that he'd be getting one of everything, except the stockings, of course. And probably even a beany in each colour. Glancing to either side of him, he suspected that he wouldn't be the only one.

"Before we can order what uniform parts that you'd like, we'll need to get your measurements," Mrs Granger stated.

Her comment was obviously a cue for the house elves, for Dobby, Jaxom and Nerri popped in in front of her. Harry blinked hard at the sight of them before he broke into a wide smile. Each elf was adorned in a miniature Diricawl uniform, although Dobby had made some typical alterations to his. Instead of the traditional black pants, his were more like black cargo pants with at least half a dozen pockets that Harry could see. And instead of a beany on his head, Dobby had a new dark green beret with the gold Diricawl badge on the front.