Chapter 14
Petunia buys a wedding dress 1 day before the wedding
Dolores Umbridge strode through the bustling streets of Diagon Alley, her signature toad-like features twisted into an expression of thinly-veiled impatience. Beside her, Petunia Evans, Muggle and the unsuspecting fiancée of a dark wizard, glanced around with wide eyes. The sights, sounds, and peculiar smells of the wizarding world overwhelmed her, but today was special. Today, she was to find her wedding dress.
They approached the door of "Enchanted Elegance," a renowned wizarding wedding dress shop adorned with shimmering silks and spellbound fabrics. As they entered, a chime rang, and the shop owner—a tall, svelte witch with a mane of dark hair—turned to greet them. However, the moment her eyes fell upon Petunia, her expression soured. The disdain was palpable, and it did not go unnoticed.
"Welcome to Enchanted Elegance," the shop owner managed, her voice dripping with condescension. "How may I assist you... today?"
Dolores, a high-ranking official at the Ministry of Magic, shot the woman a piercing glare. "We’re here to find a wedding dress. Now, hurry up and show us your finest selections."
Petunia’s heart raced as she followed Dolores deeper into the shop. The walls were lined with dazzling gowns, each more elaborate than the last—layers of tulle, beading that shimmered like stars, and flowing fabrics that seemed to breathe with enchantment. But as she examined the dresses, her stomach sank. None of them resonated with her.
“Ugh, what are these?” Petunia muttered under her breath. The dresses seemed to whisper of ages long past, evoking styles she had only seen in ancient paintings. It felt as if she had stepped into a time capsule where elegance was frozen in the 17th century.
The shop owner, overhearing Petunia’s remark, couldn’t contain her disdain. “You’re just a Muggle,” she sneered. “What do you know about wizarding wedding dresses?”
Petunia’s cheeks flushed with indignation. “I know that these dresses look outdated and impractical! Muggle dresses are far more sophisticated and stylish than whatever this is.”
Dolores interjected, sensing a brewing conflict. “Enough! We’re here for a wedding dress, not a debate about fashion. We can choose any dress from this collection.”
“No,” Petunia shot back, her voice firm. “If I’m going to marry, I want to wear my dream dress.” With newfound determination, she pulled a sketch from her bag—a design she had been envisioning for weeks. “This is what I want.”
In swift strokes, Petunia began to draw. The gown emerged on the paper as a simple yet stunning mermaid wedding dress, sleek and flattering, with a flowing train and delicate lace embellishments. The shop owner watched, her expression shifting from skepticism to curiosity.
“What kind of dress is this?” she asked, clearly intrigued.
“It’s called the mermaid wedding dress,” Petunia explained, her voice steady. “Now, if you please, design it for me.”
With a wave of her wand, the shop owner summoned scissors and threads that floated around her like fireflies. Petunia’s design came to life before her eyes, the fabric swirling and shaping itself into the breathtaking dress she had envisioned. Dolores watched, her usual smugness momentarily replaced with genuine admiration.
When Petunia finally slipped into the completed gown, she was transformed. The mirror reflected a vision of beauty—an ethereal figure with an elegant silhouette, the mermaid dress hugging her curves perfectly and flowing out in a cascade of fabric that shimmered in the light.
The shop owner stepped closer, her previous arrogance evaporating. “You look… breathtaking,” she said, her tone softening. “I apologize for my earlier behavior. I see now that your taste is exceptional, even for a Muggle.”
Petunia smiled, feeling a warmth in her heart. “Thank you. It means a lot to me.” The owner’s words melted away some of the tension that had filled the shop. “And yes, you can create similar designs for your shop. I’d love to see Muggle-inspired dresses in the wizarding world.”
As they made arrangements, Dolores observed the exchange with newfound respect for Petunia’s taste and creativity, even if it came from a Muggle perspective. With the dress secured, Petunia felt a mix of triumph and dread as she prepared to face her future with a dark wizard, but at least now, she would do so in a gown that truly represented her.
As they exited the shop, Dolores couldn’t resist one last quip. “Well, it seems you’ve made quite an impression, Petunia. Who knew a Muggle could surprise us?”
Petunia chuckled lightly, her confidence blooming like the flowers woven into the dress. “You’d be surprised what a Muggle can do when she’s determined.”
And with that, the unlikely duo stepped back into the bustling streets of Diagon Alley, the world around them abuzz with magic, hope, and a little unexpected friendship.