𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝑺𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐄𝐫𝐚

Chapter 16

"Wake up!" Emerson exclaimed in a hushed tone, delivering a playful smack with a pillow to rouse Victoria from her slumber.

Victoria yawned and blinked as she found herself face to face with Emerson's exuberance. "I forgot I slept here..."

"I'd offer you breakfast, but my so-called mother would probably Avada us both if I did..." Emerson rose from her bed, casting aside the sheets. "Since you don't have clothes for the day, how about a fashion show? Is that what you call it?"

Victoria shifted to her side, only to tumble onto the floor with a resounding thud. "Fashion show, but aren't all your clothes a bit too fancy for everyday wear?"

Emerson scoffed, arms crossed. "True, my closet is mostly filled with the dark, dreary clothes Mother insists I wear. But hidden under my bed is a treasure trove of my favorite pieces. I've charmed them to fit under my bed, of course."

She retrieved the box, and with a flick of her wand she made the box grow back to size before placing it on the bed. With a bright smile, she opened it up, revealing a white long-sleeved shirt with delicate pockets on each side, fastened with a small hook rather than buttons.

"Isn't it amazing?" Emerson tossed the shirt to Victoria, who examined it with interest. Then, she pulled out a pair of jeans with a worn yet stylish appearance, complete with a subtle rip at the knee and a bootcut style. These too were passed to Victoria once she finished inspecting the shirt.

Next, Emerson grabbed a large leather jacket she had pilfered from Sirius some time ago. Emblazoned with the word "Palace" across the front, it exuded a rugged charm that perfectly complemented the outfit. Tossing it over to Victoria, Emerson couldn't help but grin at the outfit she put together.

"That's the clothing, now we need to add shoes and accessories!" Emerson exclaimed, clasping her hands together with excitement as she closed the box of clothing, using a shrinking charm to shrink it down.

"You really don't have to -," Victoria began, but Emerson waved her off.

"Nonsense, I love styling people. Sirius used to let me style him when he was here," Emerson's voice carried a hint of pain as she mentioned Sirius. Victoria could sense the unresolved feelings between them. Sirius's absence weighed heavily on Emerson, and Victoria knew better than to pry further.

Emerson produced another box and enlarged it with a flick of her wand. "Isn't using magic forbidden outside of school grounds?" Victoria inquired.

"Well, according to a book I read, since I'm already in a magical household, there would be no Trace, so no alert. I just hope it's right..." Emerson replied, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Opening the box, Emerson revealed an assortment of shoes in various styles and sizes. Her gaze settled on a pair of tall black heels with thick, towering heels made of leather. She handed them to Victoria with determination.

"Emerson, there's no need for -" Victoria tried to protest, but Emerson cut her off.

"Shush up! I have a few items I want to add, and then you can speak your truth!"

With a sense of purpose, Emerson rummaged through her drawers and retrieved a tiny black bag adorned with the words, "Dump Him," spray-painted on it. Sirius had gifted her this bag a year back, and it held a sentimental value despite the blunt message.

"Here, now try it all together. Luckily, I have a bathroom in here, so just waltz in," Emerson pushed Victoria up to her feet and ushered her into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.

Left alone, Emerson felt a sense of pride in the outfit she had assembled. She quickly tidied up the room, making her bed and preparing herself for the day ahead. As she searched for something to wear, a soft knock interrupted her thoughts.