I SPY || 𝕝𝕦𝕔𝕚𝕦𝕤 𝕞𝕒𝕝𝕗𝕠𝕪

Chapter 13 - Bewitched

Astrid stared at herself in the mirror for what seemed like an eternity, taking in every aspect of her image. Her blonde waves had been tamed into a low loose bun, some shorter waves falling forwards framing her face. She'd spent what seemed like hours applying her makeup, she did the full works. Nude pearly eyeshadow covered her lids, blended into a medium brown at the corners, followed by black smoky liner and layers of mascara, giving her a foxy wispy look. Coral pink blusher was dusted on her cheeks, a shimmering bronzer applied just on her cheekbones and temples, with a light dusting on her nose of course, her freckles still showed through defiantly, giving her a sun-kissed beach babe vibe. She finished the look with a rosey nude lipstick, sheer, and topped it with dab of oily gloss. She kept her brows natural and neat, fluffing them up with her brush.

            She sighed as she set the brow brush down on the counter, her hand trembling.

            "You can do this, try to have fun, ignore him, he doesn't matter, you matter." She told herself in the mirror, hyping herself up.

            Astrid stepped into her dress, waving her wand so that it fastened itself securely at the back, thank merlin for magic she thought, she'd never get it on with her trembling hands otherwise.

            After slipping on her nude strappy heels, she was ready. 

            Astrid took one last look at herself in the mirror before leaving her chambers and starting down the many flights of stairs from the tower to The Great Hall. When she approached the hall students had already begun to gather outside in anticipation, it was a sea of brightly coloured dresses of all shapes and styles, the boys generally wore black with the odd navy or grey dress robes.

            "Not long now guys, you all look fantastic," Astrid smile as she slipped passed the students and through the doors, closing them securely behind her, there was still ten minutes until the room would open to the crowd of waiting teenagers.

            As Astrid walked in, she was taken aback, the Great Hall had been transformed into a winter wonderland, what looked like snow fell from the ceiling, the walls looked as if they had been frosted with ice and three stunning Christmas trees took up a prominent position at the end of the hall beneath the giant window that showcased the nights full moon just outside. Round tables had been setup at the side of the hall closest to the entrance, the dance floor placed further back in front of the shimmering Christmas trees.

In the middle of the dance floor Professor Dumbledore and Professor Umbridge were briefing the staff, governors and parental chaperones, Astrid tried to slip in unnoticed, finding a space next to Severus, who glanced down at her briefly. He was dressed in his regular black robes, maybe a smarter version of them, but very much the regular Snape attire, nothing out of the ordinary there. Umbridge's dress was, of course, a bright hot pink, a thick brocade fabric with a lighter pink pattern going through it. A pink hat with a large pink feather sat upon her head.

            "We must be vigilant for any signs of alcohol consumption, any suspected students must be sent straight to myself, as for student relations, dancing is allowed with hands above waists, anything else, cuddling, kissing and such is prohibited and should be sent straight to myself," Umbridge addressed the room as she read from her pink clipboard. "Ah Professor Moody, nice of you to finally join us, this meeting started exactly... seven minutes ago," Umbridge squeaked.

            "My apologies Professor," Astrid breathed, her cheeks threatening to grow hot as all eyes turned to her, including the eyes of a certain chairman. Lucius stood at the other side of the huddle, a tall slim woman pulled grasped his arm at his side, Astrid tried not to stare, opting instead to use her peripheral vision to get a good look at Mrs Malfoy. She was beautiful, pale, her hair a mixture of white blonde and brown, pulled back in a half up half down style. She had thin highly arched eyebrows, and red lipstick donned her lips. Her dress was black with green beadwork, tying in with her husband's black dress robes with black patterned waist coat adorned with a subtle green pattern.