Scorrose

eight - edit

Rose's days were a flurry of homework and classes and Quidditch practice leading up to the big day, and before she knew it, she stood before the full-length mirror in her dormitory staring at her reflection.

She found herself scrutinizing every aspect of the way the dress hung on her body. Her mother had tailored it perfectly according to her measurements. Not only did it accentuate the few curves she had in the best possible way, it really did look stunning with her flaming red hair, hanging in loose ringlets down her back. She'd curled it and worn it half-up, her simple go-to for formal events.

The dormitory was completely empty, as the rest of the girls had already headed off to meet their dates.

With a deep breath, she gave herself one last look-over and left to meet Siobhan in the common room.

The common room was almost deserted, save for a few underclassmen who watched her with wide-eyes as she entered. She could almost sense the jealousy radiating off of them, the longing as they craned their neck at every upperclassman that passed by.

Rose shot them a small smile in acknowledgement, feeling overdressed in their presence.

Luckily, Siobhan made her way down to the common room only a few minutes later. Her hair was braided into a crown on her head, which opened up her face and made her look older somehow. She wore a deep maroon dress that cinched at the waist and spread out to her ankles, with heels that added at least three inches to her petite frame.

Siobhan beamed as she made her way over.

"Siobhan, you look lovely," Rose said.

"Thanks!" She reached Rose, and the excitement radiating from her was almost palpable. "And Merlin's beard, look at you. Your dress is spectacular."

Rose smiled. "Thank you."

"But your hair..." Siobhan touched Rose's hair, her eyebrows knitting, and Rose immediately felt her smile drop.

"Is it awful?" She asked.

"No, not awful," Siobhan said quickly. "It's just... it looks a little bit... plain compared to how intricate your dress is."

"I don't really know how to do much else," Rose said, feeling self-conscious now. She had inherited a bit of her mother's bushiness, although her hair was more manageable than her mum's. She usually dealt with it by putting it into simple braids or a ponytail or using a headband to keep it out of her face. Anything beyond that was a bit out of her skillset.

"I might have an idea of what to do with it," Siobhan said. "If you'll let me."

Rose hesitated, glancing at the time. "We'll be late," she said.

"It won't take me long. Anyway," she shrugged. "There's nothing wrong with being a bit late. That's when the party actually starts to get good."

Rose sighed, fingers twirling at the ends of her hair, pondering it. "Okay. Sure."

Siobhan sat atop one of the sofas while Rose sat on the ground in front of her, letting the girl braid her hair. Rose tried her best not to wince when she pulled at a strand a little too hard or complain at her lack of gentleness. Just when she thought she couldn't take another yank at her scalp, Siobhan's hands stopped.

"Voila!" She said.

Rose had to hand it to her— the girl really did know how to work with hair. Despite the thickness, Siobhan expertly manipulated it into an elaborate braid that Rose knew she'd never learn to replicate, leaving out wispy curls to frame her face.

She studied her hair in the mirror, surprised at how nice it looked. "Wow, thank you. It's so... elegant. How did you learn to do that?"

"I have my ways," Siobhan said. She held out her hand. "Shall we get going, then, madam?"