Home For Good
Chapter 6
August 10, 1998
Following her goodbyes at the Burrow, Hermione apparated to her family home, Adlington Hall. She had sporadically popped in and out following the end of the war, but she hadn't returned to staying home full time. Now, she was ready. She missed the vast terrain of her family's Country Estate, and being constantly surrounded by animals, nature, and family. Something she missed more than anything. Sure Hogwarts had nature and animals, but it wasn’t the place she grew up. It wasn't home. This was home.
It was nearing 16:00. Her parents should be headed in for the day to wash for dinner. She had apparated into a wooded area near the back patio. She was close enough to where her family parked their cars, and came in from the stables, that there would be no questions asked when she entered the family entrance into the mudroom. She smiled when she noticed her house shoes were exactly where she had left them. Lost in thought while removing her Dragonhide boots, she didn't even hear her mum and dad come in.
"Hermione, is that you?" Her mum, Emma asked. All Hermione could do was nod as her mum rushed in for a hug.
"How long are you back for?" Her dad added, giving her a large hug.
"For good, until the school year starts of course." She answered as they made their way into their home.
"Did you choose to go back or are they making you?"
"They're making everyone repeat the past year because of everything. It sucks, but I think I've made a good deal with the Minister to be able to do most of the things we had talked about."
"Well that's brilliant then! Dan, can you let Chef Robert know Hermione is back for good and to set an extra place for dinner!"
"Of course darling. I'll meet you upstairs to get ready for dinner."
Dan went towards the kitchen to talk with the Chef while Hermione and her mum went upstairs to wash up. Hermione and her mum fell into easy conversation as though they had never been separated. Hermione filled her mum in on the details of the last few days and the new changes coming at Hogwarts.
"Sweetheart dinner at 19:30 in the dining room."
"Formal or informal dress?" Hermione called as she opened the door to her room.
"Informal. It is only a Monday after all." Emma laughed and headed to her room.
Opening the door to her room, again Hermione noticed. that nothing had changed. All her things were clean and exactly where she left them. She made her way into the large ensuite, which also was exactly the same. She started the shower and took what felt like the best shower of her life. Her muggle hair products actually controlled her hair and showed its state of voluminous ringlets. After spending months on the run, and nearly a year away from home, it felt amazing to have the luxuries of home.
Once her makeup and hair were complete she made her way to her closet to pick out an appropriate outfit for dinner. Although it was informal, there was still some protocol for dinner dress. She noticed there had been some new clothes added to her closet. She found a slim line royal blue satin midi skirt that she paired with a slouchy white crepe, tie neck blouse and some strappy heels that must have been deemed appropriate by whoever added them to her closet.
She looked at the time and noticed it was 15 minutes before their scheduled dinner time. She added some perfume and headed to the dining room. Her parents were both dressed smartly and her outfit matched perfectly.
Dinner conversation flowed easily. Hermione told the taIe of what Grandfather and Cabinet were doing to set up Kingsley. Her father thought it was hilarious and was more than happy to not tell Grandfather that Kingsley was joining the family for brunch on saturday. Her parents were happy to hear about the Order of Merlin ceremony. Hermione thought her mum was more excited for the fashion opportunity than anything, so a shopping date was planned.
August 12th, 1998
Hermione was thankful for slow and quiet Wednesday mornings. As an early riser, she was up with the sun and able to take her 14 year old, 14.2 hand, light dun colored, Connemara Pony, named Puck out for a nice long hack, before she would be spending the day dress shopping with her mom. Their property had gorgeous bridle paths and cross country jumps all throughout and she had a wonderful time out for a joy ride with her boy. She was done riding and inside at 9:00, she had just enough time to shower and dress before breakfast at 10:00.
Hermione used this time getting ready for breakfast to make sure she was fully ready for the day. She knew her mother took shopping very seriously and likely had already set up appointments with her favorite designers. Hermione knew she was just along for the ride, and honestly she preferred it this way. She had the perfect body for designer fashion, but not the natural fashion sense.
Now ready for the day, she was dressed in a simple all white Chanel shirt dress, paired with brown chunky heeled loafers, and a matching belt. She went down to breakfast, hopeful she would get her mum's seal of approval.
“Darling you look wonderful, where is this style coming from all of a sudden? You are wearing something I would have picked for you.” Her mum complimented, and made their shared joke about Hermione’s general lack of style.
“Your style had to rub off on me at some point. Also it might have to do with the fact someone rearranged my closet…” They both laughed and finished up their breakfast.
“What’s the plan for today?” Hermione asked.
“We are going to take a quick trip to Paris.” Hermione rolled her eyes as her mum said this. Only she would think a trip to Paris would be quick. “I’ve made a few appointments at some of the fashion houses there that I know you have liked in the past when I’ve worn them.”
“So Dior, Givenchy, Balmain, and Chanel?”
“Yes dear, all four.”
“In one day?” Hermione said worriedly.
“Yes. We should be going, I asked the pilot to be ready to leave at noon.” Hermione and her mum departed for the airport to begin their day of shopping.
Three hours later they were in the car on the way to their first appointment at Balmain. Once inside they were brought into a private office. They quickly disclosed that they were preparing for a very last minute, private event this weekend, so custom and bespoke was not possible in the time allotted. The designer took one look at Hermione’s figure and practically begged to dress her for the next high society event she had to attend. After looking at their showroom, and some sketches, she and her mother agreed to be presented with sketch options when they knew their next formal event date.
From Balmain, they made their way to Montaigne Avenue where their next stops would be. They first made their way into Chanel. They stuck to the ready to wear section as they didn’t want to commit to more designers ahead of events. Hermione didn’t find what she was looking for but did find a cute tweed wrap skirt, and her mum purchased a new skirt suit before they left the store.
They hopped over to Givenchy next and again came up short, but didn’t leave empty handed. Hermione found a beautiful gold lock necklace with a G on it for Givenchy, for her it meant Granger. Her mum, who was a sucker for subtle unbranded handbags, ended up leaving with three and forced Hermione to pick one as well.
As they made their way out of Givenchy, Hermione opened up to her mum a bit more about what she was looking for. “So, I think I know why I haven’t found my dress yet.”
“Why is that?”
“When I was little, I was looking through Grandmum’s photo albums and fell in love with this black and white photo she had of herself. She was wearing a very structured, slim cut dark dress, with an asymmetrical neckline, with a large bow and a cape. I can’t help but think it would be perfect for this event.” She said sadly.
Emma smiled, familiar with the picture Hermione was describing. “I’ve seen that photo before. What if I told you I know where that dress was designed and we are headed there next.”
Hermione perked up, looked at her mum, and smiled. At the same time they were given the go ahead to start crossing the street, where they would make their way into one of Emma’s favorite designers, Dior. The doorman opened the door for them as they made their way to the door. Once inside, they were immediately met with her mum’s favorite sales associate Julia.
“Emma, it’s so good to see you again. I was so glad you called last night!” Julia greeted and gave mum the customary two cheek kisses. “You must be Hermione. Lovely to meet you!” She greeted Hermione with kisses as well.
“Randolph, can you please store these ladies bags as they shop?” Julia asked the doorman. No sooner than she had finished her question, he scooped up their bags, and took them to a private room at the back of the boutique. Hermione finally took a moment to survey her surroundings. She appreciated how few people were in the shop. Other than her and her mum, there was only one other woman who looked strangely like Narcissa Malfoy. She shook that thought off, as there was no way a Malfoy would be shopping in a muggle boutique, right?
Hermione was brought into the showroom where she was allowed to browse this seasons ready to wear dresses. She had found quite a few beautiful options that seemed perfect for the Wizarding World, almost too perfect. Julia, who had been an amazing help, had also been lost in conversation with her mother. It was nice as she was able to prioritize Hermione but also entertain Emma. Hermione was so focused on the beauty of the garments in front of her, she had no clue what her mum and Julia were speaking about.
The first dress Hermione tried on was a summer season runway dress. It had a high neckline, ¾ length sleeves and buttons up the front. It was a beautiful champagne white and looked as though it was a crocheted satin. It was beautiful, but too intricate for her. She did hear her mum and Julia comment on how well the dress fit her, but it didn’t do anything for her confidence or complexion. Hermione was unaware, but she had picked up a small audience. The woman she had deemed the Narcissa Malfoy look alike had taken great interest in the curly haired girl trying on dresses in the showroom. The girl seemed familiar to her, but she couldn’t place her.
The next dress was a 4 stone behemoth of a dress that Hermione would need help getting into. It was a complete 180 degree turn from the previous dress, and was Julia’s pick. “Now can you wait until I call your name before coming out?”
“Sure.” Hermione said, confused.
“Now this dress is designed by my friend here,” she pointed to her left, “John Galiano, for House of Dior. He calls her Maria- Luisa, she is a special combination of 18th and 19th century techniques. It’s only ever been worn once, on the runway. I’m sorry when I saw you, and your mum mentioned you enjoyed vintage silhouettes, I had to put you in it.”
As Hermione walked forward, the dress cascaded behind her like a waterfall. Although the dress was physically heavy, it was not uncomfortable. It comfortably hugged her curves and gave her a very feminine shape. She was surprised how much she liked it, but sad knowing how likely it was that some aloof wizard would trod upon the train while not paying attention.
All Emma could say was “Wow.” She was mesmerized by her daughter's confidence in the huge dress. She initially thought the dress would be a nice laughing moment for all of them, but this was something else entirely, she was seeing her daughter blossom, and she wasn’t entirely ready for it.
Hermione turned away from the mirror and acknowledged the designer. “Mr. Galiano, this dress is fantastic. It’s far more comfortable than I ever could have expected and is one of the most beautiful garments I’ve seen. I will say, "I don't think this dress will be safe at the event I’m going to though.”
“Thank you for your kind words, and your honesty knowing this dress isn’t appropriate for your event.” The English designer for the French fashion house said. “I wish we had you to model this dress on the runway. I loved our model Sophia, but you add the right magic to this dress. We have an event at the British Museum of Art next month, would you be willing to model for us?”
“Of course.” Hermione responded, without considering she would be at Hogwarts.
“You still have one more dress to try on, correct?” He asked. Hermione nodded her head in response. “Perfect.” He said something to Julia quickly before she came into the dressing room to help her change.
The last dress was a light blue, similar to the color of the Beauxbatons robes, made of a thick drapey satin that gave it a beautiful shape. It was paired with a tailored waist length jacket that had buttons all the way up the front, and a high neckline. It wasn’t as dramatic as Hermione was hoping for, but it would work given the last minute circumstances they were facing.
Hermione came out of the dressing room. Her mum was still there with John, but this time he was holding a black Dior garment bag. Refusing to ask for information until it was given, Hermione continued looking over the dress she had on.
“What are your thoughts Hermione?” Julia asked.
“This could suffice given the limited time we have to find something. It’s more than suitable for the occasion and it fits beautifully.”
“Hermione, it’s a dress, how does it make you feel? We don’t need a clinical assessment. Also, they all fit you beautifully. I went over your measurements with John and the basis they make everything to is literally your exact measurements.”
“Well that’s dangerous.” Hermione said under her breath, as Dior became her new go to brand. “Yeah, tell me about it.” She heard her mom murmur in response.
“It doesn’t make me feel anything special. It’s just safe.” Hermione answered the question.
“Well then it’s not your dress.” John said with absolution.
“It’s Wednesday. I need a dress by Sunday. One of these has to be my dress.”
“What if this is your dress?” John started shaking the garment bag he was holding.
“I don’t even know what’s in there.”
Emma whispered something in John’s ear, then he turned to Hermione. “I dare you to let me blind fold you and have Julia put it on you.” He smirked, and Hermione’s jaw dropped. The betrayal. Her mother told John about her inability to refuse silly dares OVER A DRESS.
Glaring at her mother, she replied. “I see how things are. Fine then. Blindfold me.” The smiling and laughing sales associate pulled a scarf off a nearby display and blindfolded Hermione.
In the nearby dressing room Julia started to dress Hermione, who truly couldn’t see anything in the special dress. She could feel the fabric was a luxuriously soft yet structured satin, and the dress hugged her hips, waist, and chest perfectly. She could also tell there was something around her shoulders, and something trailing her.
Across the way, hidden from view, the Narcissa Malfoy look alike, who wasn’t a look alike at all, had been watching the whole exchange and was confused. Who were these people? She had been to this store what felt like hundreds of times and spent thousands upon thousands of galleons, but she had never been catered to the way these muggles had, let alone meeting, and being fawned over, by the head of the company. She wanted to be furious, but she felt like she was witnessing something rare, and special, but now she felt like an intruder. Once she caught a glimpse of the girl coming out of the dressing room, and before she could ruin the intimate moment between mother and daughter Narcissa collected her things and left.
Julia grabbed both of Hermione's hands and led her out of the dressing room. That’s when she heard the gasp from her mum and John. “Shoes, we need shoes.” John said before rushing around. Not even thirty seconds later a pair of heels were shoved on her feet.
“Pull her hair back, add diamond earrings, a necklace and a bracelet.” Emma said. Hermione, who still couldn't see anything, thought her mum sounded like she was tearing up.
“Need, or do you have?” John asked Emma, the two having developed some form of short hand.
“We have, can we grab something for full try on effect though?”
“Good idea.” He said, literally running over to the jewelry cabinet, pulling out a beautiful three piece diamond set, without a care in the world, and setting off the security alarm in the process.
“John is excited about something!” A sales associate shouted in french, as the jewelry associate shut off the alarm and everyone excitedly followed John to the Showroom as this level of excitement usually meant John had a new muse.
Hermione heard lots of footsteps and multiple gasps from people she didn't even know were around. Someone, Hermione assumed Julia, lightly clipped her curIs back. Then another person put a necklace, bracelet and earrings on her. All of a sudden the room got very quiet.
"Hermione, just a warning. Someone got a little carried away, so there are quite a few people in the room right now." Julia warned. "Are you ready to see what has John, and everyone, so excited."
Hermione nodded her head and Julia removed the makeshift blindfold. She was in awe of who she saw looking back at her in the mirror. The dress was similar to her grandmums, but different enough that it was completely her own. The dress was a deep bordeaux red, it sported a folded over sweetheart neckline, and a wrap around the waistline that accentuated her figure and hung down past her knees. The dress had a beautiful wrap that appeared more like a cape or robe. She was absolutely overwhelmed.
"Excuse my language, but Oh. My. God. I feel beautiful." She looked at her mom standing next to John and tears came to her eyes. Everyone in the room was beaming with excitement. “How did you know?” She asked John.
Julia actually responded first. "Your mum told me about the photo of your Grandmum while you were first looking at dresses."
"Julia told me about it when she mentioned putting you in Maria-Luisa . I remembered this fantastic piece we had upstairs in our temperature controlled storage area."
"Can you tell me more about this piece?” Hermione asked with interest. Everyone present was listening closely as well.
"You are wearing a vintage House of Dior piece from 1951, designed by Mr. Dior himself. From what I could find, this dress was a custom design based off one of Mr. Dior’s runway pieces. The intended owner never picked up the dress, and it’s been here ever since."
Hermione looked at her mum, completely in awe of what she was hearing. Her mum looked back, just as mystified, as John continued.
“Now over the years, there have been rumors that we hold vintage dresses to share with very particular, and special clients. We are all trained to squelch those rumors, but well…” He trailed off. Hermione felt absolutely amazing in the dress. She was hopeful she would have the opportunity to wear the dress for the Order of Merlin Ceremony.
“So Hermione, is this the one?” John asked.
“You would actually let me take this and wear it?” She asked?
“Absolutely, it looks like it was made for you. It doesn’t need a single alteration. This dress belongs with you.”
Hermione looked to her mum for guidance and agreement. Her mum happily nodded her head. Hermione then looked to John and said, “If you’ll let me, then I would love this to be the dress for my event.”
John hugged her and everyone excitedly applauded her. Julia gave her a big hug, as did her mum. Hermione was so excited that she didn’t know what else to say or do to move forward. Her mum led the process and conversation as they proceeded.
Emma had the jeweler remove the jewelry that had been used for effect, while Julia removed the hair clip, and fluffed Hermione’s curls. Hermione looked at her mum and said, “We definitely need the shoes too.”
Her mum and John, both smiled and agreed. Julia led her back to the dressing room to help her change out of the dress. When she came back out in her personal clothes, she heard her mum say. “They have just gone to make sure the dress is properly packaged, and I’ve already completed the purchase.”
“Wait, they let us buy it.” Hermione was astounded. “I thought something like that would only be a borrow and return.”
Her mum laughed and said, “Honey, I don’t think you understand how besotted everyone here is with you. John will have you on an ad campaign by the end of the year if he has his way.”
“I doubt it.” Hermione scoffed.
“Honey, he’s already asked for your availability and my permission to ask you. Would you like anything else while we are here?” Hermione looked at her mum gobsmacked. After the few moments she needed to recover, she walked around the rest of the boutique with her mum, picking out additional purchases. In addition to her dress, and shoes, she also bought a matching clutch, a nice fall jacket, a beret she fell in love with, and some perfume.
After some final farewells with Julia and John, Hermione had agreed to work with John on at least one Ad Campaign. Their purchases, and packages from the other boutiques had been loaded into their awaiting car and they began the return to the airport. Once they returned to their plane, and were airborne, Hermione fell asleep as the excitement of the day was a lot even for her.