The Beginning of the End ? Tom Riddle

Chapter 11

I supposed that was a valid point. I had mentioned Hogwarts being stuck in a fog of despair, so a boost in morale was very much needed. Although I felt as if Myrtle and the circumstances surrounding her death were being swept under the rug.

It was like the ministry officials and teachers knew there was something deeper lurking, that this wasn't its face value, but they wanted so strongly not to get involved, they ignored it. What lazy people. Getting to the bottom of things and keeping order was their job.

" So will you help me pick a dress? I was thinking you, me, and some of the girls could go out for a shopping day tomorrow. What do you think?" Mae asked as she hooked her arm through mine, as we walked side by side down the corridors.

" Alright, I suppose." I gave in to her requests as she grinned. Though I wasn't sure I would attend myself. It still felt so wrong to be attending a masquerade ball when Myrtle was just murdered in the girls lavatory.

I couldn't even imagine how Kurtis was handling this. I had wrote him once so far to check in and offer my condolences again to him and his family. He replied with a kind but short thank you note. He did mention however he would likely return by next week, after the funeral his family was holding in Myrtle's honor.

...

The following day Mae, Nagini, Mila, the Badru twins, and even Gemina dragged me out of the castle bright and early.

Too early for a Saturday in my opinion.

The teachers had given 4th year and up students permission to travel to Hogsmead in order to prepare for the masquerade ball just a week away. I suppose the benefit of getting out early was that the streets and shops were absolutely barren.

Just off of High Street was our destination, Mademoiselle Marchbanks Bewitching Boutique. Having been here before with Mae and Nagini, I knew the owner, Mademoiselle Marchbanks, an extravagant but kind witch who grew up in Paris, where she studied wizarding fashion.

" Ah! My loves, Isla, Mae, Nagini!" She greeted us with a smile and kisses to the cheek which we returned. We introduced her to Kalila, Layla, Mila and Gemina. Before long she was running around her store pulling matches for the girls to try on.

Mademoiselle Marchbanks had a supreme eye when it came to fashion. She knew exactly what would look best on a person as soon as they were in her sights for a moment. She was a legend at matching colors with complexions, always bringing out the beauty of every skin tone and making the client pop.

Although she asked twice to make sure, I declined her help at finding a dress. I told her a bit about the situation and my relation to Kurtis so she understood. She told me she had a feeling that the right dress for me, if I did decide to go, was not at her particular shop. I didn't doubt her one bit. This was the magic of Mademoiselle Marchbanks.

I sat on the pink couch, continuing to catch up with Mademoiselle Marchbanks as we awaited the girls to unveil their dresses. Gemina came out first. She had a beautiful and fun sky blue dress on that complimented her eyes. The dress was silk and the top had ruffles. A long sleeve was on her left side that had beautiful beaded embellishments. The bottom half was long and beautifully draped.

She instantly said yes and bought it.

Nagini was next. She wore a gorgeous midnight blue dress that was sprinkled with light pink and medium blue pearls. The top had beautiful black beaded accents that added movement to the top.
She said yes as well.

Next came Kalila, who was sporting a elegant and simple light peach dress, the entire thing had a top layer of sparkles that reflected beautifully. And the dress was draped to perfection, even including a twisted section across her stomach.
She loved it and bought it.