Chapter Two

Disclaimer: I own nothing pertaining to Harry Potter! Thank you for the reviews and for reading, really made my day and inspired me to write more!

Hermione and her mother set off to spend the day getting pampered and shopping. Her father asked that they try not to spend too much. Their first stop was Sebastian's, an ultra-chic hair salon in the middle of London. It was very modern, lots of chrome and mirrors, with soft music piped in. Hermione felt a little intimidated walking into the salon, it was filled with women who could be models and probably some of them were. They were greeted by a tall, gangly man in his early thirties. He was completely bald, had a neatly trimmed goatee and his eyes were a piercing blue. He was dressed in a tight fitting black T-shirt and leather pants with motorcycle boots. Hermione thought that he was security for the salon and was about to escort her and her mother off the premises. Imagine her surprise, when he started to speak and it was with a very pronounced high-pitched lisp. He embraced her mother and said, "I was so happy when you called, darling! What does your daughter need today?"

"Sebastian, she needs the complete works. This is my daughter Hermione." She gently pushed Hermione towards Sebastian and he looked her over from head to toe.

"When was your last hair appointment with a professional, sweetie?" he asked.

"I cannot remember. I usually trim my hair myself when it gets too ratty." She replied.

He sighed and said, "Yes, it is obvious it has been quite a while since your hair received attention. Come on back and I will do what I can."

He led her to his station and had her sit in the styling chair. He stared at her in the mirror and lifted her hair in different angles. He nodded and spoke to himself a few times. All of a sudden, he clapped his hands and said "Eureka, I've got it! Do you trust me sweetie?"

Hermione answered, "Sure, you are the expert, do whatever will keep my hair from being so unruly."

He smiled and said, "Oh, you will not regret this, let Sebastian work his magic!"

She and her mother emerged from the salon a few hours later with manicures and pedicures. Hermione could not get over the change in her hair. She wondered if Sebastian was magical. For the first time in her life, her hair fell in smooth waves and was not a frizzy bird's nest. She was not sure what all he did, but her hair looked fabulous. He gave her his line of styling products and said to use them religiously. She also promised that she would come back in a few months for a trim.

They spent the rest of the day shopping and it was a successful venture. She and her mother had such a great time together. She got a whole new wardrobe, along with nice lingerie and new makeup. She was a bit shocked when her mother urged her to buy thong underwear and told her panty lines were atrocious. The boot of their car was full. Hermione felt a little guilty to have all of these items, but her mother insisted that she and her father felt that Hermione deserved it.

They arrived home and unpacked everything. Hermione could not help being efficient and organized everything for her trip. She was leaving in two days and was eager to go. Something told her that this was not going to be an ordinary holiday. She had always been intrigued by the New Orleans area and was looking forward to exploring the city. She had read many books on the history of New Orleans and was drawn to it. She could not help but feel that some unseen force was leading her there besides Natalie's invitation.

Finally, the day arrived and her parents drove her to the airport. They made sure that she had everything she needed, including American muggle money. Hermione assured them that she had everything she needed and that she would call them as soon as she arrived. She was a little worried that she did not let Harry or Ginny know that she was going away, but the hell with them, there were a few correspondences after the incident at The Burrow, but nothing more. It was as if they conveniently forgot about her. Well, no problem. She thought about her new motto and smiled. Sometimes you have to say, "What the fuck" and life goes on. She boarded the plane and did not think about her so-called friends again.

She arrived in New Orleans midday. She stepped off the plane and walked with the other passengers to the terminal. She saw Natalie waiting and she started waving. Natalie ran up to her and gave her a big hug. She stepped away from Hermione and told her that she liked the new look. She was used to seeing Hermione with no makeup and her hair pulled back in a ponytail. She was glad to see her friend with a new hairdo and makeup. She always thought that Hermione had "hotness" potential. Natalie helped her retrieve her luggage and they headed for Natalie's car. Natalie and her family lived in a small town about 20 minutes away from the airport, so that was going to be their first destination. The girls were so happy to see each other and talked nonstop. Natalie could not wait for her family to meet Hermione.

On the way to Natalie's home, Hermione told her what had happened with Ron. Natalie cursed like a sailor and had quite a few choice words for Ron. Natalie was a beautiful person, inside and out. She was crass at times, but extremely loyal to family and friends. When Hermione told her what Ron did, Natalie took it personally. No one did that to her friend! Hermione looked at her friend and told her she looked like the actress Jessica Alba. Natalie was one who was completely unaware of how pretty she was. Boys were ready to fall all over themselves around her, but were intimidated by her strong personality. That was definitely one of the reasons Hermione liked her so much.

They arrived at Natalie's and Hermione could not believe that this was where her friend lived. Natalie's family was one of the most powerful pureblood families in the United States. They preferred living in the muggle world and her father, Earl Dupre, had made his fortune in architecture and restoring antebellum homes. Natalie's mother was the former Delia Everhart. The Everharts were one of the oldest wizarding families in Louisiana. Natalie's family home was a restored plantation built before the Civil War. It was situated near the Mississippi River and Hermione was amazed at how close they were to the mighty river. The house was huge for only Natalie's parents and herself. She had one brother, Lenny, but he was away at Louisiana State University for football practice. Natalie's parents met them at the door and Hermione immediately felt right at home. They were so warm and welcoming. She could not get over how this pureblood wizarding family who had a fortune to rival that of the Malfoys could be so down to earth. Natalie was never pretentious and one would never guess that she grew up with "a silver spoon" in her mouth.

Natalie showed her to her room. The room was decorated in the manner of keeping with the tradition of an antebellum home, but had all of the modern conveniences. Hermione hooked up her laptop and started unpacking. When she put everything away, she took a look around and appreciated how beautiful the room was. The walls were painted a very light green and a queen-sized 4-poster bed sat in the middle of the room. It was even fashioned with the mosquito netting used in the last few centuries to keep the pests away. The bathroom was complete with a shower, tub, and huge vanity. Hermione allowed herself to fall on the bed and smiled. She was so happy that she had decided to come here.

She and Natalie explored the grounds. Natalie's father had a gazebo built in the back of the home along with a swimming pool with a fountain. Everything was landscaped with greenery and huge oak trees were everywhere on the large property. Hermione was glad to see the pool. She had taken swimming lessons when she was younger, but it was so rare that she actually was able to use a pool. She was looking forward to it and was thankful that her mother made her purchase swimsuits for her trip. The heat that day was stifling and extremely humid. Natalie asked "Do you want to cool off and swim? The water will be cool, it is climate controlled."

"That would be wonderful. You do not have to twist my arm! I will go up and change." Replied Hermione.

The girls changed into their suits. Hermione was a bit self-conscious to change into the neon pink bikini, but remembered her new attitude. Besides, there were not many people there. It would probably be only her and Natalie. Natalie wore a white string bikini that really set off her tanned complexion. Hermione was pale, but she intended on changing that. She actually tanned easily, but it wasn't often she had a chance to sunbathe. They complimented each other on their suits and Natalie commented she was glad to see that Hermione actually had a body underneath the shapeless clothes she had previously worn. Hermione laughed and playfully punched her friend.

They swam and tanned for the rest of the afternoon. The water was blissfully cool. There were comfortable loungers around the pool. She and Natalie reclined comfortably and allowed the sun to bake their bodies, then jumping in the pool when it was too hot. They decided to go in and get ready for dinner when the sun went down. Natalie was shocked at how quickly Hermione's skin had tanned. She had no tan lines because the swimsuit allowed UV rays to go through. It wasn't the healthiest thing to stay in the sun, but Hermione didn't care, the tan looked good. She was sick of looking like Casper the Ghost.

Natalie's parents had gone out for the evening, so the girls decided to order pizza and stay home. Lenny was coming back the next day and was going to accompany them to New Orleans. Hermione was looking forward to finally be able to explore the charming city. They were going to be staying at one of the oldest and most elegant hotels, Le Pavillon. The hotel was supposedly haunted, but ghosts did not bother Hermione especially after dealing with Peeves at Hogwarts. The girls ate their dinner and the conversation flowed. Of course, this led to boy talk. Natalie was curious to know what Ron looked like, so Hermione produced a Hogwarts yearbook and looked at it together. When they got to Ron's picture, Natalie started laughing.

"What is the matter with you?" Hermione asked in a laughing manner.

"Hermione, I just cannot believe this is who you have been pining for the last few years. I mean, he isn't horribly disfigured, but he is borderline fugly." Replied Natalie.

"Okay, what the hell is fugly? Asked Hermione.

"Well, it means not just ugly, but fucking ugly!" Natalie howled with laughter.

"That is just so wrong and mean, but I am going to have to remember fugly. I am sure I will be able to utilize that term in the future." Hermione laughed too.

Looking at Ron's picture made Hermione realize how much she did not miss him. She actually felt nothing. It was a welcome change. They looked through the yearbook some more and Natalie stopped at one picture of the Slytherin Quidditch team and said, "Wow, who is that? If you had to pine for someone, he should look like this!"

Hermione could not believe that she was staring at Draco Malfoy. As she looked at the picture, she had to admit to herself that Draco was quite good-looking, but his attitude was awful. She explained to Natalie the relationship she and her friends had with Draco over the past few years. Natalie was appalled at the "mudblood" comments. It was beyond her how some people could be so narrow minded and prejudiced.

"I guess this is a case of not judging a book by its cover. He is a very attractive cover to look at despite being such a supreme asshole! Have you and he ever, you know?" Asked Natalie.

"Uhh, no! He is unbearable and arrogant. I try to stay out of his way and ignore him. I will be quite pleased if he doesn't return to Hogwarts." Answered Hermione.

"I keep forgetting that you have to return for your final year. I cannot wait to go to the muggle university. " Said Natalie. Natalie had been accepted at Louisiana State University and planned to start in the fall. Her parents felt it was important to experience different worlds.

"Are you looking forward to going back to Hogwarts?" asked Natalie.

"Sure, I enjoy school. I think it will be good to get back into a routine of attending classes, but you know what? I am not spending all my time in the library and studying. I intend on making the most of my last year there. Everyone thinks I am so prim and proper; I want to break out of that. I mean, I don't want to be the school slut, but I need to loosen up. Am I making any kind of sense?" said Hermione.

"You are making perfect sense. I totally understand where you are coming from. From what I have seen and heard from you since your arrival, I think you are well on your way to changing your classmates view of you." Said Natalie.

They talked into the night and finally made it to bed after midnight. Hermione slept very soundly and wondered what the next day would bring.

The next chapter will be taking them into the city of New Orleans. What will await Hermione there?