thick skin and an elastic heart

Chapter 14

"It looks like a Christmas card!"

Valentina whirled around, sticking out her tongue as snowflakes fell into her open mouth. Some settled on her long fishtail braid before melting. Juliana grinned at Valentina as she surveyed the village square. She had been to Hogsmeade a few times before, but never during the wintertime.

Pure white snow blanketed Hogwarts and its neighbor Hogsmeade overnight, dusting the thatched cottages and shops. Green garland and bright red holly berries hung from light poles and over windows and doorways, giving the entire village an excited, festive vibe.

Juliana beckoned to Val who pranced closer to her. They continued down the snow-lined cobblestone pathway, past the apothecary, the Three Broomsticks, and the local owl post before arriving at Gladrags Wizardwear. The shop stood out, with its pink-painted windows and mint green paint; the front window showcasing ochre dress robes.

"Well, here it is," Juliana said, blowing on her frozen, gloveless hands. They entered the shop together, a small bell above the door ringing. A welcome witch sat behind the counter.

A fireplace roared in the back of the shop, filling the small room with a comfortable warmth.

Val looked around, eyes round. "It's so cute," she squealed.

"Welcome to Gladrags. How can I help you?"

Valentina immediately answered as she strode towards the witch, "Hi, how are you? Do you have-"

Juliana left them and headed towards the back of the store to a section clearly labeled: clearance rack. She vaguely heard Valentina speaking to the owner and as they walked around the shop.

Juliana focused on her shopping. She quickly shifted through all the clothes marked 'clearance' and stifled a frustrated groan.

Everything was outdated by at least 100 years or more. Maybe she could modify one of the robes. If she had more time, she would make her own out of one of the bolts of fabric for sale, but that would take time she didn't have anymore. The NEWTs (England's final wizarding examinations) were approaching, and all the professors decided December was the month to start prepping in earnest and swamped the seventh years with piles of holiday homework.

Creating and gifting Val the robes had derailed her plans, but she didn't regret it. The pure joy on Valentina's face was worth this last-minute headache.

That, plus her mother was safe. That morning Montilla had sent her another short letter, promising they would meet soon. She was so relieved that she almost sagged to the floor. At least one thing was going right in her life. Juliana pushed aside a hideous plaid dress. No amount of magic can fix that. Maybe she could borrow something from Valentina for the ball.

As though summoned by her thoughts, Valentina sauntered over to her. A different worker trailed behind with several floating dress robes. Valentina's bright smile melted some of the ice from Juliana's mood.

"I found you some options," she said, "Let's go try them on."

"Val," Juliana paused, glancing at the worker. She didn't want to talk about this in front of a stranger. It was embarrassing enough to tell Valentina, but she didn't have a choice.

Valentina intuitively sensed her discomfort.

"Can you please put these in the changing room?" She asked the witch, who nodded. "Thank you."

As soon as she left, Valentina turned to Juliana. "What's wrong?"

"I can't afford any of these."