Chapter Text
Gladrags and Shopping Bags
Hogsmeade in the evening was a sight to behold. All the warm lighting from the shops casting a beautiful glow on the cobblestone. Floating lights were suspended in the air making it a whimsical appearance in the Magical town. Ominis had his wand out and was focused on something whereas Sebastian’s eyes were searching the crowds. Adelaide quickly realized they were ensuring it was safe for her to be here before they decided to have fun.
She nudged Sebastian, “Relax. Nothing will happen here in town.”
“You’re utterly right,” Sebastian nodded, “Nothing would ever happen in the middle of the hamlet. About as likely as a troll attack in Hogsmeade.”
Adelaide sent him a look, hearing the sarcasm drenched in his voice. “Ominis, besides the potion station is there anything you could think of that Anne would like?”
“Perhaps you could get her some little trinkets to put on the potion station to remind her of us.” Ominis thought carefully, scratching his head. “Anything will probably be better than what this git buys.”
Sebastian smiled cheekily. “I’m offended.”
“You don’t look offended.” Adelaide observed, looking over at Gladrags. Trinkets would be nice, would she like some new clothing? No, she thought, Anne hardly goes anywhere anymore.
Sebastian raised his eye brows, “For your information, I was thinking about getting her a new card game. Exploding snap.”
“Merlin’s beard,” Ominis groaned, “Well I suppose it’s fine. She beats you at every card game so you’ll likely be the one with singed eyebrows.”
A laugh escaped her. She thought about it for a moment. What Anne seems to love more than anything is spending time with her, Sebastian, and especially Ominis.
“How far have you gotten with Anne?” She blurted out, not thinking.
Sebastian’s head turned slowly and looked at Ominis through slitted eyes. Ominis swallowed, feeling the tension in the air was palpable. “Love, I’d rather not die tonight.”
Adelaide scrambled, “I mean—Have you asked her out on a date?”
“I’ve been thinking about it.” Ominis admitted, smiling. “But haven’t thought of a way to ask.”
Adelaide hmm’d. “I think I have an early birthday idea. What if you surprise her with a date? I could buy her a dress and get her all doll’d up and you could wear a suit—then Sebastian and I could ask Feenky for her favorite meals. It could be so romantic!”
Sebastian looked disgusted. “Darling—“
“That’s brilliant!” Ominis interrupted with a genuine smile on his face. “What color do I look best in? For the Suit?”
She pondered, “Honestly I’m not sure. We’ll have to have a show.”
“A show?” Both boys echoed looking at each other with identical looks of confusion.
She smirked, pushing both boys towards a nearby building. The archway was purple along with the window frames and the lilacs that bloomed next to the doorway. In gold, fancy script was a ‘G’ and ‘R’. Above that, GLADRAGS WIZARDWEAR was spelled out in a similar cursive font.
As they walked into the store, a voice shouted at them from behind the desk. “Before you ask, I’m all out of the new socks, so if your feet are smelly you’ll have to work it out for yourself.”
Sebastian snickered, glancing down at her; about to open his mouth. Adelaide gave him a stern look, “So help me—If you say something stupid, I will find Ominis’ dirty socks and put them in your mouth.”
Ominis bit back a grin, “You truly know how to put him in his place, don’t you?” He spoke up louder to the shopkeeper, “No smelly feet here, Sir. I’m Ominis Gaunt—i’m looking for a suit.”
“Gaunt?” The man from behind the counter wore a dapper red suit with an orange vest. His gray hair was parted down the middle in a wavy fashion and he wore a small pair of spectacles with a chain attached to his vest as if he was prone to losing them often. “Augustus Hill at your service. What’s the occasion?”
“A date.” Ominis stated proudly.
Adelaide’s heart warmed and she looked up at Sebastian with the biggest smile. He didn’t look thrilled, but seeing how happy she was to be doing this for Anne—her happiness was contagious. He mirrored her smile and kissed the top of her head.
Augustus Hill set his pale olive tea cup down with an excited clang and clapped his hands. “Please, all of you have a seat over here.” He gestured to a blue couch, “We’ll be right out.”
He took Ominis to another room which made Adelaide wonder where all the clothes to purchase were. Perhaps they had a magic catalog that just Apparated the clothes to the seller.
Adelaide turned to Sebastian who was sitting lazily on the couch next to her. He had once again loosened his tie and his sleeves were rolled up to his forearms. “Thank you for being a good sport.”
He didn’t say anything for a moment, but his tone was surprisingly serious and sincere. “There’s no one I’d rather have for my sister than Ominis. He treats her well and values her. And he’s already my brother.” Seeing her look, he added, “If you repeat any of this, I will deny everything.”
She was saved from answering as Ominis walked out. He wore black suit pants along with a black dress shirt. His vest was a darker gray color with a striped pattern in various grays. He wore a neat black bow time and looked debonair.
“Well? What do we think? Intimidatingly handsome, no?” Augustus inquired, looking from Ominis and back to the two on the loveseat.
Sebastian contemplated, “It’s all black Ominis with grays stripes on the vest to give contrast. I know Anne’s favorite color is blue.”
“What shade?” Augustus looked eager.
“Powder blue.” Ominis spoke up, “Like the sort when the sun hits the lake just right near Hogwarts, I’ve been told.”
Augustus snapped his fingers, “I know just the suit. Follow me Mr. Gaunt.”
It was only a few minutes later that Ominis reappeared. He wore a pair of powder blue trousers with shin high dark brown boots. His vest was a light gold color with a white dress shirt underneath. He wore a matching soft blue ascot victorian tie that had a large sparkling gem in the center. Ominis looked like a prince from a fairytale and Sebastian grinned at the sight.
“Blue trousers in the shade she likes. A gold vest. Matching tie with a large gem at your neckline,” He described out loud, “Ominis she’ll love it.”
A redness spread from his neckline to his cheeks. He was blushing at the praise, but he looked incredibly happy. Sebastian noticed and once again opened his mouth to say something when Adelaide covered his mouth with her hand.
“It’s perfect. We want to surprise his lady with a dress. Could you help me?” Adelaide smiled at the cheery expression that washed over the salesman.
He nodded and gestured for her to follow him, “What’s nice is that suit also comes with an embroidered blue overcoat with gold stitching. Perfect for placing over a chilly lady’s shoulders to set the mood.”
“There will be no mood setting.” She heard Sebastian grumble before the door closed.
She looked to see that the room was quite large with numerous racks full of clothing sorted by color and men or women’s apparel.
“Did you have anything in mind?” Augustus asked her, browsing through the racks.
She frowned, thinking. “Do you think it would be too drab for her to match him? With a blue dress?”
“Not necessarily, but I believe we can do better.” Augustus replied easily, “Any idea of a fabric she’d like?”
With Anne’s illness and the pain, she probably wouldn’t want something that was heavy.
“Light. Easy to move in.” Adelaide said simply.
Augustus Hill had the largest smile on his face. “Tulle it is. Give me a moment.”
Adelaide looked through the dresses, searching for one Anne might like. But it was in no time at all, that Augustus came back with a floor length tulle gown. The skirt of the dress started white, but there was an ombre design, and the dress turned dark midnight blue at the bust. The bodice was a corset which would accentuate her waistline and…other assets that would be disapproving in Sebastian’s eyes. But over the bust and skirt was a sheer lace fabric that was glittering with gold. As the dress moved in Augustus Hill’s hands, each golden speck refracted the light and it left her speechless at how dazzling the dress was.
He smirked arrogantly. “I’m amazing—I know. Should I package this up as a surprise?”
Adelaide nodded, still speechless, but finding her voice. “This is perfect. And the fabric is so light—it’s weightless.”
“I added a charm for free.” He winked, “It will feel as if she’s wearing nothing and easy to take off at the end of the night for whoever’s helping her.”
She was incredibly glad that Sebastian was not in here to hear that. “Amazing. Thank you so much.”
He didn’t speak for a moment, giving her a once over. “Your lover is other one, correct? The Scottish one with freckles?”
Adelaide smiled, “Yes, he is.”
“Then,” With a wave of his wand, the dress he had been holding folded itself into a large purple box with a silver bow. He Accio’d another dress of the hangars and she looked at it with a question clear in her eyes. Who was this one for?
She stared at at the long, velvet wine red dress. It was off the shoulders with delicate draping sleeves and a cross bodice that would emphasize her chest. The dress wasn’t coated with glitter, but she could see small, very fine shards of rubies and diamonds that almost appeared as if someone had crushed them into a rough powder and thrown it at the dress. It created an eye catching effect, the light almost making the dress appear enchanting.
“At the very least, you must try it.” Augustus grinned largely, “I’ll go tell the gentlemen you found a dress to try on as well.”
Before she could argue, Augustus left the room and an elf appeared to help her change. She willed her cheeks not to turn red at the thought of Sebastian seeing her all dressed up. After the house elf got her dressed, Adelaide looked at herself in the mirror. She could barely recognize herself. When did she change from a peasant girl in the farmland to a powerful witch? Her cheeks were tinged pink, but her cheek bones were higher than she remembered—almost regal. Her greenish eyes sparkled at how beautiful the dress was. And the way it fit her body—she had to adjust the top because she felt it was too much cleavage showing. The sleeves fell off her shoulders, giving her a dainty look she wasn’t accustomed to seeing. And the dress itself fell to the floor, making her legs appear longer than they were.
She wished she had done something with her hair, but she had let it dry last night in a braid—so now it hung in soft waves around her face.
The door opened, “Are you—“ Augustus paused at the sight of her. “Merlin. Sometimes I surprise myself. You look absolutely magnificent my dear.” He looked behind himself, “You need to make sure you treat this lady right. I am rarely taken aback by a lady’s beauty these days.”
Augustus moved, revealing Sebastian. At first, his expression was entertained. But then he saw her. He started from the top, his eyes trailing down her neckline. His gaze caressed her bodice and then slid down to take in the skirt.
The way Sebastian looked at her made her recall a play she used to love. In the first Act, she remembered reading about the Capulets welcoming a disguised Romeo and his friends to the party. But at the sight of Juliet, Romeo is love-struck and absolutely besotted. She never understood how someone could convey to another through a look that they were enamored. Until now. Under Sebastian’s stare, she could hear all the silent words he wanted to convey. You’re beautiful. Enchanting. Dazzling.
“Why’s it so quiet?” Ominis perked up, bringing his wand out.
Sebastian kept his eyes on her, “She’s lovely, Ominis. A rich, deep red velvet dress that falls to the floor. I can’t convey through words how ethereal she is.” His smile grew at the blush evident on her cheeks.
“Of course she is.” Ominis smiled kindly and then to break the tension said, “Are we ready to go get a butterbeer?”
Adelaide nodded quickly, “Let me change. Augustus already wrapped up the dress for Anne—she’s going to love it.”
“Follow me, Mr. Gaunt. We’ll settle the bill.” The clerk clapped his hands once again and Adelaide walked into the room to change. She felt someone turn her suddenly and her back hit the door; closing it. She looked up in surprise to see Sebastian with a heavy look in his eyes.
“I am so in love with you.” He leaned down, hand on her the side of her neck as he kissed her. He kissed her so deeply it was as if he was trying to convey how much he loved her through it. The affection left her breathless and she could only return his enthusiasm, pushing her body closer to his.
After a few minutes, she smiled against his lips, “As much as I would love to continue this, Augustus isn’t only to be pleased to find you in here.”
“What’s he going to do, put me in detention?” Sebastian quipped, dipping his head into the crook of her neck.
The door banged, “Worse, I’ll turn you over to Officer Singer for unruly activities.”
Sebastian snickered and placed a quick kiss on her neck. He gave her a devilish grin, “I can help you out of your dress, if you’d like.”
Another Bang.