A/N: Two chapters within a week of each other? WHAT IS THIS MADNESS?! Well, my dear readers, I think it's a sign that my writing is finally on track. Though I must warn you, since next week is my birthday and the night of the Deathly Hallows Pt. 2 premiere, I may have to update earlier than usual or wait another week. It all depends on how inspired I feel. I know where I want to take the story next; I just need to come up with a way to go about it. -sigh- The life of a writer. Oh, and if you want a better image of the outfits that are described in this chapter, I put links at the end of the chapter.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter isn't mine. Duh.
Enjoy!
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Magique
Chapter 9:
Curl of Lip, Swirl of Gown
Harry finished straightening his red cape over the brown and gold clothing that had been set out for him by the royal seamstress that morning. He was dressed in Gryffindor colors from head to toe, the epitome of house royalty .He turned to face the floor-length mirror and sighed. Even the premise of tonight's festivities couldn't lighten his mood. Hermione had been noticeably absent from his chambers the night before and he hadn't seen a wisp of since then. Confusion and concern had plagued his thoughts as he tried to piece together what had happened.
When she had climbed into his bed that night, he couldn't help but feel his mood lighten. He had awoken some time during the night, drawing her into his embrace and holding her there until she had chosen to leave later that morning. He wanted to speak with her, certain that something was wrong, but she had been skillfully out of his reach these past two days. Now, it was nearly time for the ball and he had to meet Clara in her chambers within the next few minutes.
He had been very reluctant in accepting her invitation to accompany her to the ball at first. She was a nice enough girl. Beautiful, that was for sure. But there was something in the back of his mind that wanted him to say no - to come up with any reason to decline her offer. And then he remembered how eager Hermione had been to give him alone time with Clara. He wasn't sure why - last time he checked she still hated the blonde Ravenclaw - but it had happened. Perhaps she had come to terms with Clara. Perhaps she wanted him to be with her.
But didn't she already know that he…?
Never mind all that. It was all in the past.
He reached over to where his golden, bejeweled headband laid atop his desk. He hated the wretched thing. It made his untidy hair look even more ridiculous by drawing further attention to it. Hermione said it made him look "official." He thought it made him look like a ninny.
Reluctantly, he placed the band on his head and adjusted it to the proper place on his head. He turned to the hanging clock on his wall and saw that it was five minutes to seven. Sighing, he made final adjustments to his appearance and exited his chambers.
It was only a few minutes' walk to Clara's room. On the way he passed many of the castle's staff running about, most likely doing last-minute errands for the feast. As he reached the hallway where both Clara and her mother resided, he passed the small side-hallway that lead to Hermione's tower. He wondered if she was still up there, preparing for tonight's festivities. What would she be wearing? Would she be bringing a date? He averted his eyes from the crevice as these thoughts and many more ran through his head. He continued his path dawn the hallway at a brisker pace.
When he came up to Clara's door, he knocked three times out of habit. He paused after the third rap and quickly knocked one more time, correcting his mistake. The door opened and his eyes nearly bugged out of his head.
She was wearing a royal blue dress with a silk under layer. It was embroidered at the top with an intricate gold and blue design. Over the silk was a matching blue long-sleeved chiffon overcoat drawn together at one spot just beneath her bosom by a golden clasp. Her hair was down in long, flowing curls, pulled hallway back with a few pins. In her ears were a pair of golden earrings that complimented the embroidery of the dress. A matching necklace completed her ensemble, bejeweled with three sea-blue stones.
"Wow." Harry breathed. "You look… incredible."
Her cheeks colored. "Thank you. You look quite handsome yourself."
"Thanks." He replied before he held out his arm for her to take. "Shall we?"
She took his arm gracefully, weaving her delicate hands in the crevice of his elbow. "We shall."
Together, they walked back down the hallway and in the direction of the main ballroom. The journey was silent as they traveled through the castle. It was partly because Harry didn't know what to say. His mind was still plagued with thoughts of Hermione and where she was, something he knew he shouldn't worry himself over, especially when he was with another woman.
Clara chose to speak when they were mere meters from the closed doors. "Are you nervous?"
Harry turned to her with a raised eyebrow. "Pardon?"
"You've been awfully quiet."
"Why would I be nervous?"
"You've never gone to one of these balls with a woman on your arm before." She responded thoughtfully, as if she had been planning this response. "Don't you think they'll be questions?"
Harry pondered the question for a moment. She was right - he hadn't taken someone with him to the Freedom Ball before. Sure, he had brought female companions to other balls and celebrations where dates were appropriate, but never to anything held under his own roof. He hadn't really thought it would be a big deal to bring Clara. But clearly he had forgotten how much gossip could be stirred in a situation like this. Next thing he knew Remus would be back on his case about formally courting the young Ravenclaw.
His face became noticeably sour. "I hadn't really thought about it."
"Oh," She said, realizing she had just opened a can of worms that Harry had not been aware of. "I'm sorry, Harry. I've just been thinking and I thought you knew and that's why you were being so quiet and-Ë®
"It's fine, Clara." Harry interrupted. "I've just got a lot on my mind is all."
"Oh?" She inquired softly.
He looked at her with a small smile. "I'll tell you later if the gossip mongers don't get a hold of us first."
She nodded in understanding. They reached the double doors and she turned to him one more time before he nodded to the guard to let them in. "What do I tell them, you know, if they start asking questions?"
Harry pressed his lips together in thought before carefully answering. "Tell them that you're my date but we're not courting."
"So the truth?"
"Yeah. The truth." Harry confirmed.
And with that, Harry nodded at the doorman and the grand ballroom was revealed to them. It was nearly unrecognizable with the crème and white banners adorning the walls, each of the kingdom's crests sewn onto a separate cloth. There were large circular tables scattered on the opposite end of the hall as well as a long rectangular table along the back wall for the royals and their guests. Each was covered with a white tablecloth and gold candelabra. The remainder of the ballroom was dedicated to a dance floor and stage for the hired performers. The chandelier even looked brighter than he remembered.
Although he had seen the room two days ago when Clara and he had sorted out last minute frivolities, it hadn't been close to looking like this. He was gob smacked at the transformation.
"Prince Harry James Potter and Clara Ruanne Fowl." The announcer spoke through a Sonorus spell.
The ballroom was already crowded with people scattered in every direction and when their names were announced Harry felt each one of their eyes shift to where he and Clara were still standing at the top of the small staircase. He ignored this and led them forward into the lion's den. Whispers followed them as they made their way to the back where Harry spotted Sirius and Remus, deep in conversation.
Clara tugged on his arm slightly and they stepped to the side for a moment as she spoke. "I'm going to go find my mother," she said. "Tell her the truth before the local gossip finds its way to her."
"You didn't tell her we were going together?"
She shook her head. "I wanted it to be a surprise. She's wanted me to make a move on you for ages and I want to make sure she doesn't have a panic attack and think we're engaged when we're clearly not."
Harry laughed and nodded. "Good call."
"I'll meet up with you later."
And then she did something he didn't expect; she slid her arm out of his and stood on her tiptoes to give him a kiss on the cheek.
He gave her an odd look as she pulled away. "What was that for?"
She smirked. "To give the gossip mongers something to talk about."
He snorted. "Go on, then. Next thing you know, they'll think you're pregnant."
Her eyes widened. "Do I look pregnant?"
He shook his head vigorously. "Of course not it was - I was just trying to make a joke."
"Right. Of course." She said, looking thoroughly relieved. "I'll just… I'll see you in a few minutes."
Harry nodded and watched her go. He couldn't help but admire her nice behind as she hastily moved through the crowd to search for her mother. He was only human, after all. Smiling to himself, he spun around on his heel and continued on his way to the back of the ballroom. Sirius and Remus were still engrossed in conversation when he arrived and he had to clear his throat in order to get their attention.
Remus looked a bit befuddled to see him standing there. "Oh Harry. We were just talking about you."
"Only good things, I trust." Harry remarked jokingly.
Sirius and Remus shared a look and Harry's light demeanor faded slightly. "What?"
Sirius answered him in a somber tone. "Harry, we couldn't help but notice that you've escorted young Miss Fowl to the festivities tonight."
"Yes," Harry confirmed.
"Is this an official outing for the two of you?" Remus asked.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Oh Gods, not this again. We're just friends."
"We're aware of this Harry. We're just thinking about-Ë®
"What?" Harry interrupted. "My reputation or my well-being?"
"Well, both." Remus answered.
"Both my reputation and well-being are perfectly intact, no thanks to your proficient pestering." Harry spat at the two of them.
"Harry we're just trying to help you." Sirius said.
Harry sighed heavily. "I know. But that doesn't mean that you need to relay the Court's message like you believe it's the right thing."
"How do you know it's not what we-?" Harry raised an eyebrow and Sirius cut himself off. "I know the Court's opinions are old-fashioned and strict but we're just trying to make it so you don't find trouble with them in the future when you're king. Merlin knows they give me a hard time because I'm not of royal blood. They can't wait to kick me off the throne."
Harry frowned. He knew that Sirius wasn't well-liked by some of the members of the Court but that never mattered to him. Sirius was a damned good king, no matter what his lineage.
"All eyes are going to be on you within the next year." Remus said. "And they're going to be looking at the flaws and flop-ups more than the triumphs. They'll use them against you."
"We know that you're young and willing to give into the world of female companions, serious and not. But tread careful because the eyes of the Court will always be watching." Sirius added.
"Then let them watch." Harry responded. "I'm not going to let the Court decide who I can and cannot have at my side. Now, I'm going to enjoy my night with my date and we're going to have a lovely time."
Sirius nodded, feeling pride well up inside of him. "Go on, my boy. Have at it."
Harry nodded and set off to find Clara, eager to rebel against the rapidly disapproving opinions of the Court.
"He's just like James." Sirius relayed to Remus, a smile on his face.
"I know," Remus responded with a frown. "That's what I'm afraid of."
~*~
The next hour, Harry found most of his time spent on the dance floor, leading Clara in dances of every sort. She seemed to be enjoying herself and for that Harry was glad. He was starting to loosen up himself. But he still couldn't help but worry about Hermione. He hadn't seen her yet and it was nearly time for the feast.
The current song, a slow medley played by a single performer on the lute, ended and Clara removed her arms from his neck. "I think I'm going to get a drink. I'm parched!"
"I'll join you." Harry said, feeling thirsty himself.
Together, they made their way to a refreshment table where Harry poured them both a glass of water. He clinked his glass against hers and they both took a long glug of the refreshing liquid.
"Hello darling." The musky voice of Elizabeth Fowl spoke from beside Clara.
The younger girl turned to face her mother with a smile. "Hello mother."
Elizabeth was dressed in a black silk gown with blue trimming down the middle. Embroidered on the blue were intricate flowers that ran the length of the material. Her hair was drawn up into a curly updo with sparkling pins places precariously throughout. She looked every bit the picture of elegance.
"Are you enjoying your night?" She asked, looking over at Harry in turn.
He nodded along with Clara. "Wonderful."
"Good." She said, flashing a wide smile. "It won't be long before… before… Harry, what are you looking at?"
Harry had allowed his eyes to drift behind Elizabeth for only a moment but that was all it took to see who had just entered the ballroom. Elizabeth and Clara, puzzled at Harry's silence, turned to see what he was staring at.
"Miss Hermione Jane Granger." The announcer's voice boomed.
She was dressed in a white gown that shimmered gold as she descended the stairs. It was a stiff, shining material for the bodice that slowly loosened into a flowing skirt just bushing the floor. The sleeves were a clear white-gold material similar to the rest of the gown with an intricate pattern stitched in gold. A silver belt was wrapped around her waist, slightly contrasting from the rest of her dress. Her hair was half up, somewhat similar to Clara's but not quite, with a shining silver headband wrapped around her head. She was also sporting a gold necklace that sparkled under the light.
She looked beautiful.
"Excuse me for a moment."
Without waiting for an answer, Harry brushed past the Fowls and made a beeline to where Hermione had just recently entered. She saw him approach and he could have sworn he saw her expression turn sad for a moment. But his eyes must have been playing tricks because when he reached her, she was sporting a wide smile.
"Harry," She greeted.
"Hermione," He said, bowing slightly. He straightened himself out and held out a hand. "Would you do me the honor of being your first dance?"
She nodded and took his hand as he led her to the dance floor. On the way, he passed Elizabeth and Clara, who were sporting different looks of surprise. Clara was pleasantly so while Elizabeth had her eyes narrowed in an almost angry manor. But Harry didn't pay them any mind. This was the perfect opportunity to ask about her whereabouts after she left.
The music playing was another slow song so he wrapped his hands around her waist delicately while she circled her arms around his neck. They began swaying to the music and Harry took the opportunity to begin talking.
"What happened after you left two nights ago?"
Her brow furrowed. "Pardon?"
"Hermione, I haven't seen a wink of you for two days. You left my chambers before I woke." His voice softened. "I just want to make sure I didn't-Ë®
"You didn't do anything wrong." She finished for him.
"Are you sure?" He asked. "Because it's not like you to avoid me."
"I wasn't avoiding you." She said quietly. "I just… had a lot on my mind."
He furrowed his brow at the mirror of the comment he had made earlier. "Like what?"
She avoided his gaze. "Just things."
"Hermione." He said sternly. "What things?"
She looked back up into his eyes and smiled. "Nothing to worry yourself about."
"But-Ë®
"Look, can you just drop it, Harry?" Hermione said harshly.
He recoiled at her change of tone but abided by her wishes. Whatever she was hiding it was clear that she didn't want to talk about it. Even if he desperately wanted to know what was bothering her, he knew he had to wait until she was ready to tell him. She would open up eventually. She always did.
"So," He said, changing the subject. "How did you sleep last night?"
"Well enough." She answered. "I'm still standing, aren't I?"
"Yes but you've always been stronger than others when it came to hiding things. How much make-up did you put on this time?"
She blushed. "Only a bit of paste under my eyes. But I should be better soon."
"Why don't you just sleep with me?"
"I can't rely on you forever, Harry." She said sadly.
"Who says?" Harry asked.
She met his eyes. "Society says. One day you're going to marry and she'll be the one sharing your bed. There won't be room for me."
"Hold on, I'm not getting married anytime soon." He defended.
"That may be so," She agreed. "But I need to get used to not being with you in that way. Especially now."
"What do you mean `especially now'?" Harry asked, thoroughly confused.
"Well you came to the ball with Clara, didn't you?" She asked.
"Yes," He answered. "But what does that have to do with-?"
"What would she say if she knew that we slept in the same bed sometimes?" She asked, raising a challenging eyebrow.
"Well, if I explained the situation to her…" He sighed. "I don't know. I don't really care to find out."
"Then it's settled." Hermione said with finality in her tone. "Those days are behind us. We can be free to do what we want and be with who we want."
"But what if who we want is unattainable?" Harry asked, more to himself.
Hermione heard his quiet inquiry and spoke in a reassuring tone. "I'm sure Clara is far from unattainable."
"I'm not talking about Clara." Harry said in an even tone..
Hermione looked at him curiously. "Then who are you talking about?"
Harry ignored the question and removed a hand from her waist to brush aside a strand of hair that had come loose. Hermione felt her stomach tighten at the gesture and avoided his gaze once more.
He began to speak in a soft whisper. "You look be-Ë®
"DINNER IS SERVED!" The loud, booming voice of one of the guards echoed throughout the room.
Both Harry and Hermione were broken from the trance they hadn't realized they had been a part of and untangled themselves from one another. They walked to the back of the ballroom together and separated when they arrived at their separate tables. Hermione was assigned to the table closest to the back by the royals, seated among some of the higher class throughout the four kingdoms. She saw a few familiar faces from Ravenclaw and Slytherin seated around her such as Luna and Xenophilius Lovegood, Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle, and Padma Patil. The woman on her right was a widow from the nobility of Gryffindor, Selena Wayne. The man on her left's head was turned to the person next to him so she couldn't make out either of their faces. She was quite disappointed that Ron was not with her. He was a few tables back with the majority of his family - Molly's idea, no doubt.
Albus Dumbledore arose from his seat at the middle of the royal table. As the court consultant, he was required to lead over every major event in the four kingdoms. Hermione thought it was a silly idea to make a single man lead nearly every formal event that the kingdoms planned but it was law.
"Welcome one and all to the third annual Freedom Ball!" A polite clapping resounded from the audience and Dumbledore smiled. "I would like to thank King Sirius and Prince Harry for so kindly lending the use of their grand ballroom for the festivities as well as the Fowl family from Ravenclaw for assisting with the décor. A fabulous job, I must say. Well done!" More clapping occurred, a bit louder than before.
When the noise died down, he continued. "On this day four years ago the Dark Lord Voldemort was defeated by none other than Prince Harry." A booming applause erupted. Dumbledore raised a hand to calm down the crowd. "With Harry's bravery came a new hope - a hope that has kept our four kingdoms safe these many years. This is a celebration to commemorate everyone who was involved in the historic defeat that has truly shaped Hogwarts in more ways that we can imagine. Here's to another year of prosperity and freedom!" The hall was silent, soaking in the words. Dumbledore gazed across the crowd before continuing. "Now, I'm sure you are all famished from the festivities thus far so, without further ado, let's tuck in."
The crowd began to cheer just as the empty serving dishes on the tables filled themselves. A mumble of wonder and appreciation sounded throughout the hall as people helped themselves to the delicious food in front of them. Hermione reached for the potatoes first, her favorite dish at this event. Just as her hand reached the bowl, another bumped into it from her left.
"Sorry." A masculine voice said from her left.
"It's quite al - Cedric?" Hermione asked, her eyes widening. "Cedric Diggory?"
"Yeah," Cedric said, shooting her a winning smile. "And you're Hermione Granger."
"Sorry I - I didn't know it was you. How have you been?"
Six years ago during one of the many tournaments held throughout the four kingdoms, Cedric had been the favorite participant, winning over the kingdoms with his dashing good looks and talents with both a sword and his wand. Harry had just turned of age to enter and had made it past the preliminaries to compete. At the end of the tournament, only Harry and Cedric remained, duking it out in a sword- and wand-dueling round. For the first time in history, there was a draw. Both Harry and Cedric bowed to each other after hours of battling, both too tired to continue.
A few minutes after shaking hands, Harry had touched the trophy for a victory portrait and disappeared. It was later known that he had faced Voldemort for the first time that day and lived to tell the tale when he reappeared hours later, beaten and out of breath. Cedric gave up the shared title after hearing the news, claiming that a man who faced Voldemort and lived was worthy of the glory.
"I've been alright. Just training to take my father's spot on the Council when he retires this year."
"Your father is retiring?" Hermione asked in surprise. Amos Diggory was one of the most highly regarded members of the Council, serving the Hufflepuff kingdom for many faithful years.
Cedric nodded. "He's getting old, I'm afraid. Says he can't take the high stress it requires to be a part of the Council."
"It's a shame," Hermione remarked. "He's a valuable asset there. One of the few who isn't corrupt."
Cedric chuckled. "I hope I can do him justice."
"I'm sure you will." Hermione said kindly.
"Thank you for your support milady." Cedric said with one of his charming smiles. "For that, I'll let you have the first helping of potatoes."
Hermione chuckled. "Thank you, kind sir."
She scooped some potatoes onto her plate and handed him the serving spoon when she finished. She watched as he loaded his plate with two helpings of the delectable dish and smiled. He caught her gaze and returned her expression.
As she helped herself to some meat and vegetables, she continued with their conversation. "So are you and Cho still together?"
"No," he answered, taking a bite of lamb. "We haven't been on good terms ever since she got with Harry while I was away for training."
Hermione frowned. "I'm sorry about that. I assure you that Harry-Ë®
He held up a hand. "Don't worry about it. Cho told me the entire story."
"Oh."
He continued with humor in his voice. "And when I found out she was lying, I used my pensive and saw the whole thing."
Hermione pursed her lips. She had never liked Cho. Harry had been sweet on her when they were younger but after their brief fling when she was still together with Cedric, he saw what kind of a woman she was. Hermione couldn't see what either guy saw in her. Sure she was pretty but beneath that façade was a selfish, spoiled wench that didn't know how to treat others with respect.
She bit back a response and instead went the sympathetic route. "I'm sorry."
"S'alright." He said. "It's not your fault."
Their conversation drifted to easier topics as they caught up with each other's lives. He told her about the goings-on in Hufflepuff and she informed him of her drab life in Gryffindor. They continued talking throughout dinner and by the time they were done, the music had started back up. Hermione hadn't noticed until Cedric mentioned the change.
"The music's playing again." He said breezily.
"Oh," She said absentmindedly. "So it is."
He looked at her for a moment and held out a hand. "Dance with me?"
She smiled at the gesture. It wasn't often that a nice, good looking guy asked her onto the dance floor. Well, other than Harry, that is. But he didn't matter right now, no matter how much her mind begged to differ. So, with a slight nod, she took his hand and he led her to the dance floor, unaware of the pair of narrowed emerald eyes following them.
Harry watched as they departed with a deep scowl on his face. He had been casually glancing at them for a while, looking on as Hermione laughed and joked with him. He knew he shouldn't be reacting like this - like Hermione said, he was with Clara. But he didn't want to be, as he so desperately wanted to tell her. No matter how lovely Clara was or how nice she was to be around she would never be Hermione. But she would never know that. She wanted him to be with her. She was deliberately straying from his bed so that he could take a wife and not worry about her.
But he would always worry about her. He would always want to protect her. She was his Hermione.
He shook himself of these thoughts as quickly as he could manage. It didn't do well to dwell deep in his thoughts. He could easily lose track of himself. Turning to his right, he saw Clara looking dreamily towards the dance floor. He was turning out to be a rotten date, glaring at Hermione and Cedric and not paying any mind to her. Even if he felt only attraction to Clara, he still owed her a nice night.
"Do you want to make another trip to the dance floor?" He asked, shaking her from her reverie.
She smiled at him. "More than anything."
He helped her out of her seat and led her to the swirling mess of dancing couples. The music was more upbeat than the slow, romantic songs before dinner. He saw Hermione and Cedric dancing a few feet to his right, their hands grasped tightly in the other's as they jumped and swirled about. Harry looked over to Clara and tried to focus on her, twirling her into his chest and back out again. But he couldn't help his wandering eyes.
A year ago, that was him. He was dancing with Hermione like that. It's how the Freedom Balls usually went. He and Hermione would arrive alone and find their way to each other, dancing and talking the night away. Ron always stole a few dances with her, but that was only natural. The redhead would usually end up with some pretty Hufflepuff and get a good snog in before the night ran out.
But now she was with someone else and that, more than anything, let him know that what Hermione said was coming true. What they had been sharing all these years was coming to an end. He didn't even know what exactly it was that they had but it was something wonderful - something extraordinary. Something dangerously close to what others defined to be romance. But it was a romance, in a way. It was their own innocent, beautiful, loving relationship that was too surreal and too special to be defined. A romance highlighted by one stolen kiss on a rainy evening, nights spent entangled in each other's arms while one battled night terrors, and a thousand silent touches for reassurance, companionship, and comfort.
No matter how much he didn't want to say goodbye, he knew that he must. It was what she wanted him to do. He could see that she would miss it, too. It was blatantly apparent. But she was making all these efforts to rid them both of it so he would be happy. So he could get married.
He sent another fleeting glance her way as Clara rested her head on his chest. It was for the best, he reminded himself. It was what she wanted.
With that in mind, he turned back to Clara and twisted her under his arm. She laughed in response and he managed a smile in return. It became easier to relax as the song went on, increasing both in pace and rhythm. He became so numb to his surroundings that he didn't sense the pair of cold eyes on him.
~*~
She had been so close.
When she saw Clara and Harry walk arm in arm down the staircase, she was practically giddy with delight. Her plan had worked out after all, despite her daughter's reluctance. The couple seemed happy together as they danced and that brought her even more pleasure than she originally felt. The crown was within their reach at last. All her planning was finally paying off.
And then she walked in the room.
Hermione Granger had stolen Harry's attention away from Clara the moment she entered the room. She expected nothing less as she had seen them dance together at the Freedom Ball in years previous but she had underestimated Harry's reaction to the Muggleborn witch. From that moment on, Clara was not his first priority. He danced with Granger until dinner was served and all throughout the meal, shot jealous glares at her and the Diggory boy. And now, on the dance floor, while his arms were around Clara, his eyes were on Granger.
It was clear that there was something between them that she hadn't seen before. But she wasn't about to give up. Her husband had left her and Clara with practically nothing. Only after his will was read was it revealed that they would inherit his life savings after Clara was married. Clara knew nothing about this, of course, but Elizabeth was sure that if she did she would agree to participate wholeheartedly. But it was for the best that she was unaware. She didn't want to put any pressure on her young daughter. After tonight, though, she may have to reconsider.
One thing was for certain: She had to get rid of Hermione Granger. All she had to do was figure out how.
~*~
Harry: http://disparue.org/gallery/6/merlin/1/101/images/merlin101_1787.jpg
Clara: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9ipXv9sXY2c/So_4Ln-zsOI/AAAAAAAAACI/vzva7FU3Jsk/s1600-h/blue1.jpg
Elizabeth: http://www.christianstories.com/discountdressshop/images/872nox-black.jpg
(substitute white for blue)
Hermione: A combination of: http://disparue.org/gallery/6/merlin/3/301/images/merlin301_0985.jpg & http://www.wedding-des-moines.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/medieval-wedding-dress-pictures-3.jpg
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