Now everyone eat fast so we can go shopping." As everyone was leaving to go to their rooms to get ready to leave, Annika and Lilli started to go to the elevator and right when the doors closed, Lilli spoke, "Annika did you know that Draco and Hermione are friends and co-workers, what if she knows your lies." Annika was angry and was going to get Hermione back for whatever she is planning to do to her. _________________________________________________________________________
Hotel Lobby (No one's POV)
Everyone was ready and in the lobby except for Lilli and Annika. They came down and everyone was staring at them. Annika spoke up, "What? Better late than never." They were wearing the boldest outfits you can think of. The boys were in the den while the girls were going shopping. Hermione's aunt Fiona noticed Ginny was tagging along, "Hermione, is your friend here coming with us?" Hermione saw the hidden tone in Fiona's voice and decided to respond, "Of course aunty, who else will help me carry all the designer dresses we made." She winked at Ginny. Her aunt spoke up again, "So Lilli and Annika you will come with me, and the rest of you can figure out your rides." Lilli and Annika gave Hermione unhappy looks after the comment she made. They left in their rental car was a van but an "expensive van" as Annika liked to say. Hermione's mom then took the lead, " Sarah and I are going to go to a cafe while everyone else goes shopping, Hermione, why don't you take Lacy and Ginny, and then Corina you take Mira and Violet." And they were off. Both Hermione and Corina took a sports car.
Mall Parking (Valet)
Lilli and Annika were waiting for Fiona to get the Valet ticket when they saw two sports cars pull up behind their car also waiting for the valet. They stared in awe as they watched the rest of their family get out of the cars. Right as they were all about to leave Fiona stopped them all. "Now listen girls, the biggest celebrities are going to be there and wearing the nicest things you could possibly think of. Your job is to become a celebrity through looks, we want people to think we are above them and look at us with jealousy. Let's not embarrass the Granger family name (looks at Hermione). Now, everyone, go!"
Everyone walked into the mall and Lilli and Annika tried to go to every single store they could, trying to find the perfect "celebrity" dress. While they did that, the rest went to the back of HLM to collect their dresses. They took their time as the dresses only needed simple touch-ups and they had everything else. While they were busy doing touch-ups, Annika and her little group walked into HLM.
Annika's pov
Annika didn't want to go into HLM as she works for a different company and on top of that, it's Beavers store. She tried looking for Hermione but didn't see her, so she was safe right? At least that's what she thought. Many of the dresses weren't her type of style. As she passed the dresses she would make quiet remarks, "too long", "too much coverage", and "ugh green". None of the dresses were quite connecting with Annika. She looked over and saw that Lilli already found a dress. Annika couldn't believe she chose a blue and white dress in summer, but it would make Annika look way better.
Annika kept looking for five minutes or so until she spotted a couple of dresses behind the counter. It was like they were calling to her. There was this beautiful ruby red dress and the V-neck and straps were totally her style. He would find her irresistible with that dress and wouldn't hesitate to marry her. She was on her way to the counter when a redhead popped up from the floor looking like she finished making alterations to the dress. She then started taking the dresses off the hangers and started walking towards the back. "I need to get that dress" she mumbled to herself.
Ginny pov
After hurling her guts out this morning, she was starting to feel better as the day progressed. They got to the store and while Hermione took everyone back to get their measurements for final touches, she was making alterations to the dresses behind the counter. After adjusting a stitch in the bottom of the dress (A/N: I am very sorry I know nothing about fashion), she got up, grabbed the dresses off the rack and started taking them to the back. On her way, someone cut her off...
"Excuse me. Hi. yes, I would like to purchase that dress in your hand." It was Annika. She kept trying to grab the dress out of her hands. Oh, how Ginny wanted to take her down...but she knew better.
"I'm sorry Annika but these dresses aren't for sale". Ginny spoke in the sweetest possible voice she could muster up.
Annika: "What do you mean these aren't for sale!" "They were on a rack were they not?!"
Ginny: "yes..."
Annika: "And they are in a store are they not?!"
Ginny was noticing Annika's face was starting to turn red. Oh boy was she gonna have fun bursting her bubble.
Ginny: "yes... however Annika, these dresses have already been paid for... by me," she said with her signature smirk as Annika was about to burst. "And I was just about to bring these to Hermione and Lacy so we can make the final adjustments on everyone." Right when Ginny mentioned Lacy and Hermione's names, Annika lost it.
Annika: "You have no idea who you are messing with Gabby. One word to my fiance and this whole place will be over! Shut down! Ruined!"
Ginny: "Oh but that's the thing Annika, I don't think you know who you're messing with," she said smirking.
Before anyone could throw a punch, Hermione came out and spoke to diffuse the situation. "There you are Ginny, let's get those dresses on the girls so we can alter them". They walked to the back and Ginny could feel Annika staring at them, she couldn't help but smirk. They got everyone fitted into their dresses and left to go back to the hotel where the guys were already in the den.
Annika's POV (A/N please pretend that malls are open super early in the morning, its the only way this timeline will work)
All the girls made their way to the spa, Annika was the one who needed it most after her fit earlier today. She was so focussed on clearing her head that she didn't notice Hermione and her group go into a different section. Annika was stuck with Lilli and her mom and two random strangers beside her. As time in the spa went on, Annika had her face mask on and was getting her nails and toes painted a violent red. She was finally starting to relax... until the strangers beside her started talking about Draco. These two girls were gossiping beside her and she couldn't help but eavesdrop.
Girl 1: "I'm so excited for this announcement tonight what about you"
Girl 2: "Same, plus there's no doubt that Draco and Harry with look absolutely handsome tonight"
Girl 1: "you know I heard a rumour going around that Draco has been secretly married for years"
Girl 2: "I heard someone say that he also has kids"
Girl 1: "I've also heard that Harry has been seeing someone secretly"
Girl 2: "I think she's staying in this hotel"
Girl 1: "What about Blaise? Do you think he's married?"
Annika couldn't help but feel her blood boil. She couldn't stand the thought of Draco being with someone else besides her. She was taken out of her thoughts when the nail technician told her to stop moving. She needed to come up with a plan and fast. "Lilli...."
Hermoine's POV
Hermoine didn't think twice and tried to get away from her cousins and aunt. She snuck away with everyone else to a private room she booked. She can't stand her cousins and needed a break. She didn't think she'd see Annika shop at her store, however, it wasn't a surprise that she tried to pick a fight with Ginny. That would be the first and the last time Hermione would step in to save her cousin. Hermione loves Ginny but her emotions and protectiveness can overcome her sometimes. The last thing they needed was a scandal before the conference. It hasn't slipped her mind how Annika claimed to be engaged to Draco. She is curious and worried as to how and what she is going to do at the conference. But Hermione can't wait to see her face when she finds out that Hermione has been married to Draco for years.
No one's POV
After everyone finished at the spa, the girls went to the den to collect the guys so that everyone could get ready for the conference. Draco, Harry and Blaise seemed to have joined the uncles while the girls were at the spa. Draco was about to give Hermione a hello kiss but both suddenly remembered no one knows they are together. So they quickly adjusted to a hug and played it off like old friends saying hello. Annika was glowing red and their kids were trying so hard not to snicker. Scorpio went up to Draco and whispered, "nice one dad".
Everyone started making their way to the Elevators. Draco had to make a quick stop as someone needed to discuss some finalized details for the conference. With everyone inside (they split people into two elevators), except for Annika. Weirdly enough she said she "would take the next one seeing as this one is quite full". Yet there was still plenty of space. Lacy noticed a smirk plastered on her cousin's face as the elevator doors were closing. "What is she up to" Lacy thought.
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oooo what is Annika up to...
Hey everyone.... I finally updated!! I'm sorry it took so long, I have just been occupied this past year. Because it has been a while since I've written this, there may be some plot holes here and there. If there are, just let me know and I'll try and fix it, but I will need to know how it's a plot hole. I'm thinking of making the next chapter the final chapter so comment down any event ideas or celebrities or even characters (from other books, or even made-up ones). Thank you all so much for your support!! Summer is coming up so I shouldn't have any excuses not to write.