A Stitch In Time (Nova)

[Trent Innes]

Trent made his way into the Entrance Hall, heading toward the spot where Nova had been setting up over the past few days. He’d seen the table and supplies whenever he passed through, but this was the first time he’d stopped by. A folding table had been arranged with sketchpads, pencils, and supplies spread across the surface, with a tape measure nearby and a small curtain set up beside it for anyone who preferred a little privacy while being fitted. It was a practical little workspace, allowing her to work while still catching students as they passed through.

Trent waited until she had a break between students before approaching. “Hey, Nova.” A neatly wrapped parcel sat beneath his arm, covered in festive paper and tied with a ribbon. He held it out to her. “Merry Christmas. I know it’s early, but you might need this.”

He’d bought it weeks earlier during the Hogsmeade trip, intending for it to be a Christmas present. But after seeing how much time Nova had been spending creating outfits for the ball, he figured she could put it to use a little sooner. Inside were several lengths of fabric in different colours and textures, along with spools of thread, lining material, ribbons, lace, buttons, and other sewing supplies.

Trent glanced around the Entrance Hall. There didn’t seem to be anyone else waiting at the moment, the steady stream of students having briefly slowed. Rather than heading off, he pulled out the nearby chair and sat down. With the ball only a few days away, he knew she was probably going to be busy, and this might be one of the last chances he had to simply stop by and visit. “How’s it going?”