Shopping.

[sassy]

It was another Hogsmeade weekend, and Saski Stark had decided to go for the one and only purpose of shopping. It was her only consolation these days, the Slytherin common room was become a terrible bore and she needed something to pick up her spirits. She dressed in calf-high black boots, a black knee-length skirt, a green shirt and a dark green sweater; that buttoned up the front, over it, she did not button up the sweater, she thought the contrast in greens looked good, and she was usually right. Saski liked nice things and she had impeccable taste in everything, it was her gift. To top off the look she flung a black scarf loosely around her neck before leaving the dorm.

The days were getting cold now, Halloween just having past a few weeks ago and winter well on her way. She left the dungeons and walked up the stairs to the ground floor, and then out the oak doors. Saski had a coach to herself, no one wanted to share with her and she most certainly didn’t want to share with the others that were going on the trip; little Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors. Disgusting. The coach ride was relaxing, Saski watched the scenery as it passed by, the one thing she could not hold against Hogwarts location, it was beautiful there.

The coach pulled up in Hogsmeade and Saski got out and looked around. Hogsmeade was nice and all, pretty good shops but she still had a preference to the look of Diagon Alley, though she did not know why. She looked for her first stop and decided on a little shoe shop at the end of the road. She walked down, her heels clipping against the ground; she stopped when she heard someone call her name. Now who in their right mind was going to call her name out like that? If they knew her at all they would know her reaction.

[dawn]

Dawn was sick of being stuck in the Slytherin Common Room. She adored her house, but she hated how if you walked into any room you didnt know if it was day or night. There were no windows, due to the fact the Common Room was seated in the depths of the school; the dungeons. After awhile you did get used to the cool feeling of a breeze rubbing your ankles but, it just seemed a little too gloomy for Dawn's mood today.

She felt the mood to go take a walk around Hogsmeade. She hadnt been there in awhile. 'Seems the place to do on a day like today, eh?' she thought to herself as she walked across the marble floor as she made her way to the oak doors. Dawn was dressed in dark brown corduroy pants, with a black long sleeve shirt. Her long dark blonde hair was down, which was an odd sight for Dawn. She also wore her glasses. She dressed different than she normally did, due to the fact she sensed today was going to be a good day. Might as well make sure you are as comfortable as ever.

Walking down the castle's stone stairs she stepped into the carriage that waited for her and a few others to board. A few minutes passed as Dawn finally arrived at the small town of Hogsmeade. Stepping out of the carriage she walked through the gates. Dawn didnt know where to begin. Turning left she began to look at the shops. Since the last time she arrived, many new places moved in. Looking a little bit down the street she saw her friend Saski making her way through the crowd alone. "Saski." Dawn said, just about five feet behind her. Picking up her pace a tad she met up next to her. "Didnt know you were comming out today." she noted as she spoke again. "Where are ya' off to?" she asked as Dawn slipped her hands into her pockets comfortably.

[sassy]

Saski spun around, read to deal with whoever would be so sill as to call her name out like that. However, Saski did not unleash her wrath because the one who had called her was a friend. Saski looked at Dawn, “And what’s the meaning of calling my name out like that?” she said teasing. She had not expected to see any of her friends today, but it was a pleasant surprise. “I didn’t know you were either, or we could have ridden in together.” Saski looked in the direction of the shoe store, “I’m going to that little shoe store down at the end there. Where were you headed?”

Saski started to walk again, “So I didn’t know you and Leland Astor were so close,” she remarked, referring to the evening the three had spent in the common room. “I mean I was aware your two families are close, but I didn’t realise it had filtered down to the two of you,” Saski said innocently enough for her. If Dawn did have a crush on Leland who could blame her, he was attractive.

[dawn]

"I really dont know. I havent been here for so long, I was just going to walk around. Most likely end up in Hogshead or something." she said with a shrugg. "I'll come with you to the shoe store." she said with a grin as she looked towards the shop.

Looking back at Saski, she went on about Leland. With a smirk Dawn looked away. "Well I dont know. Yes, our families are close but I loathed him the last couple years! It just seems weird that this year we can hold a conversation." Dawn looked back at Saski, "Who knows. Im not going to push anything. Not like I want to!" Dawn said as she started to walk towards the shop. Thinking in her head Dawn thought of something. An evil smirk appeared on her face as she turned to Saski whom was at her side. "Why do you ask? Do you fancy him or something?" Dawn asked as they neared the shop.

[sassy]

“The Hogshead sounds good for later,” Saski said as she pushed a first year out of her way. “Yeah we haven’t spent much time together since school started back. I haven’t even seen Israel yet, though I know she is busy with quidditch most probably, or her latest conquest,” she said with a smile. “Israel always has a new conquest.”

Saski smirked, “So you suddenly are getting along eh? Hmm sounds liked there could be a little joining of the families going on,” she teased. They were getting nearer to the shop when Dawn asked the most flabbergasting question. “Me?” Saski said stopping for a second and then picking her pace up again. “Me fancy Leland Astor, Dawn what are you thinking? I have hardly even spoken to Leland, how could I possibly fancy him?” Saski said defensively. “Besides you are closer to him, and he actually speaks to you.” Saski smirked she had another opportunity to tease Dawn, “Why are you worried?” she asked. They had reached the shop and Saski pushed the door open and entered.

The shop was lovely inside, thought the pink curtains were annoying Saski, pink in there with that décor was a big mistake. When a fat elderly woman approached her, and asked if she could help, Saski immediately rattled off what she wanted. “I want to see everything you have in a size nine,” she said flatly. She didn’t have to be politely to the clerks and service workers; she was above them. She turned to Dawn, “You looking for anything in particular?” Saski asked.

[dawn]

Saski went on about how she couldnt possibly like Leland, but Dawn small smirk didnt leave her face. "Who knows maybe a change in pace for Saski Stark is good. The Astor family would fit good with your standards!" Dawn said teasing Saski back. "Besides, its Leland! Our past with disliking each other, oh blimie! We used to hex each other any chance we got! Trust me there is nothing between me and Leland. Maybe just friends for a start this year." Dawn said with a shrugg. "We actually sat next to each other in Defence against the Dark arts..... odd enough as it is." Dawn said as she watched Saski push open the shop door.

The Colors Pink filled the room. "Shocking." she said a bit annoyed as the woman came up to Saski and her asking if they needed help. "Everything in size seven and a half." He said as she was much taller than the stubby woman who stood in front of her and Saski. Walking over to a cushioned bench in a particular shade of pink, Dawn cringed. "The Décor here needs a few renivations." Dawn said out loud, just loud enough for the owner to over hear her.

Sitting down four workers came out. Two to deal with Saski, and two to deal with Dawn. Plenty of boxes were brought in front of her and Saski filled with shoes of many colors and styles. "Fine, now find me something new that would match my emsemble right now." Dawn demanded as she crossed her arms and waited for the workers to find a new good shoe for her to wear, amongest many other pairs she was going to buy.

[sassy]

Saski was listening to what Dawn had said before they entered the store. “Dawn? I mean…Leland?” she looked at her, her nose crinkled. “Yes the Astors are a great pureblood family, same as the McGrogans and Starks, but me and Leland. I could never. Besides, as I stated before, we don’t even talk, except that night in the common room, and that was only because you were there,” Saski defended again. “See you sat together, that is a start.”<br>
Dawn was very adamant that she didn’t like Leland, professing how they hated each other, and could only become friends if anything from that year. “So…Dawn, if you don’t like Leland whom do you like?” she asked her as she sat beside Dawn. “You’re sure telling me. Look at this,” Saski said, as she pulled at the pink cloth beneath her, fully aware that the owner was listening to what they were saying. “I mean really, pink? What were they thinking? Are they blind?”<br>
Four women approached them; two were to deal with her and the others for Dawn. They placed several boxes before each of them; inside lay dozens of pairs of shoes, in their respective sizes, anything from slippers to boots. “I want nothing in pink,” Saski emphasized, “and I mean nothing. I don’t care how cute you think it is, it’s hideous. No pink.” As one woman removed the boxes containing pink shoes, the other began opening the others for Saski to see. “Oh yes, that one…put it on,” she demanded, the woman giving her a stun look. The woman could not have expected Saski to take of her own boots now could she? The woman removed the left and then right and slipped the black slippers on her feet. The shoes were patent leather, glossy with a thong toe and inch and a half heels. Saski stood and walked around on them, they looked great on her. “What do you think Dawn?”

[dawn]

"Oh lala." Dawn said laughing. "Nice." she said as a woman caught her attention and held up a dress shoe for her. It was black leather with brown stiches. It had a chunky heel, only about 1 inch in height and width. Holding out her right foot, she motioned for the woman to take her already existing shoe off. She looked just as astonished as Saski's helper did. With a narrow of her eyes Dawn spoke. "HELLO, service would be nice now.." She said as she put her foot down due to the fact it was getting tired. The woman finally took her shoe off of her right foot and her left. Then slipped on the new shoe.

Standing up Dawn walked about three steps and turned around and sat down. "Horrible! I hate the feeling! I Swear you messed up the size! This is a 6 1/2 you dim witted fool! Plus this shoe looks horrid! Makes my feet look like they are men's feet! Get me a new pair.. Now!" Dawn demanded to the woman that showed her the shoe in the first place.

The woman who put on the new shoe, took it off aswell. Picking up another shoe it was beige with a small black leather bow on the top, the heel was nearly 1 1/2 inches. The thin heel matched the black bow. "Oh, two tone, Lovely." She said as she held out her foot. The woman placed the shoes on as dawn stood up, she gained height and the shoes were wonderful. With a grin Dawn looked at Saski, "Better than the last ones, eh?" she said as she did a turn and still held her balance.

[sassy]

Saski grinned, “I’ll take em,” she said flatly and tossed the shoes at the second attendant. Dawn tried on a pair next, and the foolish attendant got the size wrong and annoyed Dawn, Saski could not help but laugh. “Really what is happening around here? Where is the service, or are they all that dumb? What do you think Dawn? I say; they are that dumb.”<br>
Saski looked at the new pair Dawn had tried, she was right, they were better than the last. “Much better.” She then looked at the attendant who was serving her, she was looking at Dawn too, “Excuse me, I’m over here,” Saski said waving her hand in front of the woman’s face. “Next?” Saski said coldly. The woman brought out another pair of shoes, red with stiletto heels and a very pointy toe, “Oh no, what do I look like? Forget it, get it out of my face,” Saski demanded.

The next fourteen pairs, were all hated by Saski, and the women were getting nervous, the more she complained the more agitated their boss became, but Saski didn’t care. If it was one thing it was another; the shoe was too flat, too wide, to bright, not bright enough, too tight, to pointy, to square. Saski found fault with all, till number fifteen was brought to her. “Oh yes, finally you get one right.” It was a tan coloured boot, with a chunky heel, three inches tall, tan stitching and a rounded edged square toe; the boot reached just above her ankle. Saski stood and walked in them, “I’ll take it. Now these are shoes.” After she bought another ten pairs, Saski deemed it was time to go. “Dawn you done?” she asked her friend as she handed the cashier ninety-six gold galleons.

[dawn]

With a nodd Dawn made the woman who was helping her box the pair of shoes she just tryed on. She really liked them. Saski steamed as the woman showed hew red stiletto heels. Raising her eyebrows, Saski boomed at the woman. "I do hope you didnt bring me out anything like that!" Dawn said as she glared at her helpers. "All Hell would break loose if that happened." she said firmly. Turning her head back to Saski, she saw out of the corner of her eye that a woman pushed two boxes away.

The other woman grabbed Dawn's attention as she waved a pair of black knee high boots on her face. Glaring at her she stuck out her foot stubbornly. She was going to try on every pair. Thirteen pairs later, Dawn had a good amount of boxed piled ready to be bought. Saski was finished as Dawn tryed on her last pair. Merely kicking them off, they flew across the room.

"I want to wear the first shoes I tried on.... Now!" Dawn commanded as both woman jumped as she spoke. Tapping her foot on the floor Dawn was getting impatient. Maybe it was the color pink getting to her but she was starting to get angry.
Going though all the boxes again the women found the two tone pair Dawn adored. Placing them on her own feet, she grinned as she stood up.

After paying 88 galleons, 2 sickles and 14 knuts, Dawn took out her wand. The women watched her very closly as Dawn flicked her wrist and the boxes shrunk all into one shoe box. Ripping a peice of parchment from a scroll behind the register, Dawn took and used a quill that was on the desk. She wrote-
To: Dawn McGrogan Slytherin Sixth Year
Hogwarts Castle

If course she wasnt going to walk around carring all of the boxes. Sticking the address on top of the box, Dawn handed it to the woman behind the register. "You can Owl that to me, wont you?" Dawn said with a smart alick smile. Her tone was more demanding that a question. The woman glared at Dawn. Of course she saw the change in the woman's face- that set Dawn off, "Yes, You will Owl it! Or I will have his shop off the street by tomorrow moring! Now Dear you do NOT want that! I bet this income of this store is all you have. And me and Miss Stark over here just payed for your family's Christmas presents. I can take Everything away from you, hun. I know you will be ruined if that happened." Dawn said in a threatening tone as she finished. Dawn was deffinatly younger than the woman by a few decades- but Dawn knew her kind and couldnt tolerate not being put under the best service at all times.

Saski soon spoke up. "Yes, Im ready now." Dawn replied as she walked towards the door. Pushing the door open she spoke over her shoulder, "I Expect it at the castle by the time I arrive back." she said stringently as she walked outside of the small shop.

Fixing her glasses, Dawn looked down at her feet. She loved her new shoes. Looking back up to Saski she said. "Any preferance on where to go next? I just need to go somewhere, where I will be treated with respect." Dawn huffed as she started to walk slowly away from the small pink shop.

[sassy]

Saski heard Dawn railing at one of the assistants, there was a reason they were friends and that was it, they demanded respect and they wouldn’t take anything less. Saski propped against the checkout as Dawn kicked her last pair of shoes across the room, she clapped, “Brilliant.”

Dawn joined her soon after, her packages ready and one of her new pairs of shoes on her feet, Saski was back in her black boots. “I almost forgot about that,” she said as she watched Dawn write a note with the address of where to send the shoes. Saski wrote an identical note, “Do not confuse them, or misplace them. I would hate to have to come back here to deal with that,” she said coldly. Saski started out with Dawn but stopped as Dawn went in on the woman behind the desk, Dawn could put someone down as good as she did. As they were leaving Saski looked back, “And change the colour of this place. It’s disgusting, absolutely revolting, I had to keep my eyes moving to prevent myself from throwing up. Next time we come in here, let it be emerald. Do you understand?” she said demandingly and slammed the door shut behind her.

“With respect? I know just the place,” Saski said with a grin. “Madam Faulkerty, down there,” she said pointing. “She has great clothes, all the latest styles and she knows class when she sees it. Haven’t’ I not take you there before? I must have? I always go there to get my clothes in Hogsmeade. She’s a fat woman, mole on her left cheek, where fantastically ugly clothes herself, but brings in the best. You know I only like the best,” she said grinning. “Let’s go.” Saski strutted her slender self down the road towards the store, “Get out of the way!” she screamed at some younger students who were trying to go in the same direction as she was. “Don’t you just hate it when they don’t move?”

[dawn]

As Saski spoke the words, Madam Faulkerty, Dawn grinned. "Yes, Someone brought me their awhile back. I remember it was a wonderful place." Dawn thought about it and remembered the grand clothing that was there. "Perfect spot. Good idea Sassy." she said as she began to walk down the street. Saski pushed a few people out of the way, as she spoke out. "Yes, it makes me wonder if they are deaf or something!" Dawn said and a laugh after as she took a young boy by the head ans shoved him out of her way.

The cool breeze from the winter weather seemed to be flowing into the town. Everyone was rushing around as Christmas was on their minds. Gifts to buy and what not. Dawn tried not to worry about the hussle and bussle. Hogsmeade was wonderfully decorated, just for the season. Evergreen trees on each corner decorated a specific way, with a specific color. It was a good Idea, but all the color would be shielded when snow came.

Walking down the cobble stone street, Dawn arrived with Saski at the shop. Opening up the door, she walked into the shop. The smell of burning wood filled her nose. Looking into the corner, there lay a large burning fire place. Flicking her hair behind her shoulder, Dawn went to the cash register as she waited to be assisted.

[sassy]

Saski smiled, “I knew you had to know the place, I could not imagine you not knowing it.” she scoffed, “Thank you Dawn, you know I always knew where to shop,” she said as she shoved another third year out of her way; she heard the girl fall but did not look back, she was a mudblood after all what did Saski care. The pair laughed together as they moved unwanted miscreants out of their way, “I often wonder that myself. Or is it that they can’t see class when it’s standing in front of them?” The streets were adorned in fantastic arrangements and decorations to entice passers-by to pop in and buy something before the big Christmas rush, and it seemed to be working, several stores they passed were backed with people.

“Looks like the Christmas rush has started early,” she said to Dawn as she passed another shop on the verge of bursting. Soon the din died down and they closed in on the Madam Faulkerty’s shop and entered. The room smelled of fine wood burning and some exquisite perfume, this store unlike the others were virtually empty as only those with a substantial pocket could afford to shop there. Dawn went to the desk and Saski followed; the two did not wait long as Madam Faulkerty herself soon appeared to assist them. “Ah, Miss Stark, Miss McGrogan how nice to see you again. Come to spend daddy’s money?” she asked with a wry smile. “Of course, and you know how I like to spend daddy’s money,” Saski replied. She and Madam Faulkerty had a perfect understanding of each other, they both liked money and both had style.

“I have just the things for you. Follow me.” Madam Faulkerty led them into a spacious back room with a runway down the middle. “Take a seat, the show will begin momentarily. Excuse me,” she said and disappeared. Saski took a seat in the blush blue chairs that were placed along the front and side of the walk, “Don’t you just love it here?” she asked Dawn. Because of who they were they got the extra special treatment, the private showing of what she had, so there was no need to try things on if you did not wish, you simply said you wanted it and it was yours. Two women came out a few seconds later, “Would you like something to drink or snack?” they asked both Dawn and Saski, “I’ll have a mineral water and finger sandwiches,” Saski ordered and the woman nearest to her wrote it down and disappeared with a bow of her head. Saski winked at Dawn, she loved being treated like she owned the place.

[dawn]

Not too long after Dawn began to wait at the desk Madam Faulkerty showed up and directed them into the back room. Dawn knew, Saski and her were in for a treat- this place was a great memory to remember and now it is yet again happening in present time.

Madam Faulkerty said "she had just what they wanted." That made Dawn grin. She loved the thought of not even needing to worry about a thing when she walked into a shop.

Walking into the back room it was a vast room with a cat walk down the middle. Dawn's head fully remembered this from the last time she was here. Sitting down next to Saski, an two women walked out and asked if Saski and Dawn wanted anything to drink or eat. Saski spoke first as Dawn followed after with. "Im in the mood for a butterbeer, thats all." Dawn spoke as the two women nodded, they went off.

As Dawn waited for the show to being she spoke. "When you said 'Madam Faulkerty's shop', somehow I forgot about this, dont ask me how- but I just remember how much I adored it all." Dawn sat back in her chair. "Just what I needed.." she added in right before the women returned. One woman handed Saski a plate of her finger sandwichs and a goblet of mineral water. The other woman went on Dawn's side and handed her a goblet of butterbeer. Taking a sip, Dawn spoke. "Thank you." as the woman on Dawn side, nodded again and walked away.

Nearly 30 seconds passed as the lights began to dim. The only Lights that were on, were the ones on the runway. Madam Faulkerty walked out as she spoke. "These are the styles I find that both you girls will adore. If you see one that you would like for yourself just mark it down on the peice of parchment in front of you." Seconds later two peices of parchment appeared in front of her and Saski. A well dipped quill was floating right next to it. "Now we shall begin!" Madam Faulkerty spoke as the first girl walked out.

She was almost the same height as Dawn and Saski. She was dressed in a brown shirt that was a diagonal from her right knee to the back of her left calf. The skirt was corduroy and was worn with a white cloth belt. It had an intricate design on it, which looked like it dated back to the early 1820s. That waved at the girls side. It was visable directly under a tight 3 quarter inch sleeve ribbed red sweater. The sweater didnot have shoulders. It folded under, as a belt clip was placed at the left shoulder to hold it down.

Dawn watched the girl, up and down and watched how the fabric formed to her shape. Dawn liked this outfit- but ws deciding on a different color other than red. Setting her goblet down, Dawn picked up the quill and checked off the first outfit, but made a note beside it for a different color. The girls walked into the back as a new one soon emerged.

[sassy]

Saski smirked at Dawn, “How could you forget this? This is why I shop here and not so much at other places, they know nothing about service.” Saski took one of her sandwiches and ate it, they were superb as usual, Madam Faulkerty knew how to do everything right, “Thank you,” she said casually and went about her business of waiting for the show to begin, while the women disappeared into the shadows.

Less than a minute later, the lights dimmed and the music started, the runway came alive and Madam Faulkerty appeared to introduce the styles she had picked out for them, once she was done the girls started to model down the runway. The parchment and accompanying quill appeared in front of them so they could make their notes of their choices. Saski picked hers up and placed it on her crossed legs comfortably.

The first girl was about their height, but maybe a few years older. Saski looked at the outfit she had on, it was nice and Saski made a note: belt in white, black and brown, sweater in red and grey, she really didn’t care for the skirt. The next girl was wearing, a white halter top with a diamond clasp at the neck and tied at the back, when she turned you saw a rather low-cut back and she wore a black with jagged frills that fell in layers to her knee. Saski made note: top in every colour, skirt in black, white, green and grey. Get shoes if possible.

“What do you think of that one Dawn? I think it would look better on you,” she said with a smile.