"I'm back!" Mrs. Evans called loudly.
"Mom's back!" Lily said excitedly, then jumped up and ran to greet her.
Pomona followed as well. By the time she reached the door, Petunia was already there, and the sisters helped Mrs. Evans carry her things inside.
"This isn't for you two."
Just as Petunia was about to open one of the bags, Mrs. Evans spoke, then handed it to Pomona.
"This is your birthday present."
"My birthday isn't now," Pomona said.
"Consider it a belated gift." Mrs. Evans insisted on handing her the bag. "Besides, you're our guest."
Feeling unable to refuse such kindness, Pomona took the bag and was about to open it when Mrs. Evans stopped her.
"Let's go next door and try it on. You two go play by yourselves," Mrs. Evans told Lily and Petunia.
The sisters took the remaining bags to the living room, while Pomona followed Mrs. Evans into her bedroom.
The first thing she did upon returning to her room was draw the curtains. Pomona could not understand why she had to close them in broad daylight.
"You can open it now," Mrs. Evans said.
Pomona opened the bag. Inside was an oddly shaped piece of fabric.
"What is this for?" she asked in confusion.
"Didn't your mother teach you?" Mrs. Evans asked worriedly.
In fact, Pomona had never met her mother, but she doubted Mrs. Evans would understand creatures like Veela.
"I'll teach you," Mrs. Evans said. After undoing the fastenings on the fabric, she added, "Take off your top."
Pomona did as she was told.
"Why are you still wearing this little vest?" Mrs. Evans reproached her.
"It still fits," Pomona said, looking at her flat chest.
Mrs. Evans shook her head and had Pomona take that garment off as well before putting