Just Like Her
Mystikalolo
Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling created all that you identify and I created the rest.
A/N: Hey peeps! Waz ^? Don't have much to say, so I'll just let You read:
Oh, except that I want to say one (1) thing. Thank you.
OriginalProxy-You can find out right now!
Bertiebottsgeorge-I owe you A LOT (special thanx!) Check your email!
Starblaze-hey!!!! Waz up! You better read this!!!
Marauderbabe289-Thanx!
Mooncancer- Really? You can't wait? Yay!
Kitty- You luv it? That's great!
Scarlett*eyes-Sorry for Lily being like that. But now you can't say she is, can you?
Laina-So I sort of mixed up how Lily is? Well, as long as you liked it, I'm very happy!
Now Read on:
Chapter 4
(In which Lacie and Belle have fun in London and the marauders are all acting silly except Naina)
The trick had gone off perfectly. The Slytherins had been absolutely horrible to everyone, except Gryffindor. And even if the Slytherins were not smart enough to know who did it, Professor Mc Gonnagal could take a wild guess. At the great hall, the day after the tremendous come back, Professor Mc Gonnagal made an announcement.
"James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Naina Randall. Please report to the headmaster's room before your first class."
They looked at each other.
"Oops! Guess we got caught!" said James in an innocent voice.
"Finally! Another detention! I haven't had one for almost a year!" said Sirius thankfully.
"Yeah, but I've never got a detention!" said Naina angrily.
"Well, I'm sure you'll come to like it," said Remus in an amused voice.
"We'll get expelled soon if we don't stop getting detentions," said Peter tremblingly.
But no one paid any attention.
~~~~~***~~~~~
Lacie and Belle were on the train to England. Before they went to Hogwarts, they were going to Belle's dad's house, because her father wanted to meet the both of them.
"So, Is your dad's last name Dupont too?" Lacie wanted to know.
"No. That's my mama's last name. Daddy's name is Gregory Figg."
"Oh. Hey, wait. I think I've heard of him before. Isn't he the one who invented the telepathy spell?"
"Yes, among the other things he's famous for. But he's too much into his work. He doesn't spend enough time with his family. At least, it used to be like that. That's why Mama divorced him."
Belle moved on to another conversation topic. "So, d'ya think I could pass off as an English lady?"
"Yeah, I think so. I know I can. Gosh, I miss Marie."
Belle was just about to agree when...
"Witches and Wizards, and Magical beings of all sorts, we have reached the station. Please collect your baggage and we will come to a halt in two minutes."
Lacie and Belle rushed to get their suitcases and bags. They slung on their knapsacks and picked up their baggage as the train stopped. As soon as the doors opened, they rushed out.
The two looked around for a man who might look like Belle, when someone tapped Belle on the shoulder and said in a pronounced English accent-
"Arabella! Come give your old dad a huge hug!"
"Daddy! Oh Daddy! Hiiiiiiiii!"
Lacie looked at Mr. Figg interestedly, taking in his looks and personality in one shrewd glance. It was-just like her-to be so perceptive.
Gregory had dark russet hair with streaks of silver that looked distinguished. His eyes were an amethyst blue just like his daughter's. He was tall and pleasant. After he had done greeting his daughter, he met Lacie.
"Oh, so this is the red-headed young woman my Princess is always talking about. I'm very pleased to meet you Lacie. The name's Gregory Figg. How do you do?"
Lacie smiled and answered. "I do just fine sir. And I've heard a lot about you too. I am very grateful to you for having me at your house."
"No problem. You're welcome to stay as long as you want. A friend of Princess's always has a room at my house." And he ruffled Belle's hair.
("Daaad!")
Lacie felt a pang of something strange. Could it be possible that Lacie Errata was jealous? Yes, that was it. Lacie felt sad that she didn't have anyone to meet her.
But that was stupid. Mr. Figg was so nice. And she should be nice too for once. So she followed Mr. Figg and Belle to the car-actually limousine-and went in.
It was a one-hour drive from the train-station to the Figg Estate-Crystal Manor. And on the way, they laughed and joked and talked, while listening to music on the radio.
Belle whispered in Lacie's ear,
"I like England just as much as France. The sights are cool, and the houses are cute, and the music is groovy! The only thing not as good is the clothes. They're not as up-to-date as Paris finery is."
"Only because Paris is the fashion capitol of the world! And England has pretty cool clothes," answered Lacie somewhat irritated. After all, this was her homeland. Belle didn't have the right to say anything against it. They hadn't even been here for twenty-four hours.
[Chill ice queen! She's your best friend! She wouldn't insult you on purpose! God!]
"Yeah, I guess you're right," replied Belle as she looked out the window to see more.
~~~~~***~~~~~
"Shit!"
"Shit!"
"Shut it Sirius. I'm not fooling around."
"Shut it Naina. I'm not fooling around."
{POW} "Ow! Naina! Damn it! That hurt!"
"I told you I wasn't fooling!" she smirked at him.
"Both of you shut it! I feel like bloody bull! This ruddy paper Binns gave us is impossible!" shouted Remus.
Naina and Sirius stared at Remus. He usually did not shout at them when they were in one of their many arguments. He just let them have it out. But he was pretty fed up today.
Just then, James walked in through the common room.
"Guess what."
"Huh?"
"Who do you think just got a date with Linda Pfizer?"
"Who?"
"Me!"
"NO way! "Lick your lips" Linda? Wow man! You are there!" shouted Sirius.
Remus grinned and gave him the thumbs up sign, but Naina just stood there. She finally got it together because,
"James Marcus Orion O' Hallery Potter! How could you possibly be happy about going out with that slut? How could you ask her? She-she-I-I cannot believe that you would forsake Lily like this."
James winced.
"Look, I loved Lily, but I know she wouldn't want me to sulk about her. She's sacred. But I have to move on. Did you know I'm considered a member of TMEBIH?"
"Whaaat?"
"The Most Eligible Bachelors In Hogwarts. It's a club for the guys that the girls deem "perfect in every way". Cool!"
"Yeah. Sirius and me are in it. We've always been in it," said Remus grinning.
"Yeah, and guess who got me in it."
"Who?"
"Lauren Scrotal!"
"Whoa! I thought she hated you."
"So did I. Well, I guess I owe her one."
Naina made an annoyed sigh and rolled her eyes. Both movements were exaggerated.
James caught her. "What?" he asked.
"You idiot! You nerd! You loser! You asshole! Don't you understand? Lauren Scrotal knows you owe her one. So that's how she'll get you to go out with her! And you will cause you're an imbecile! God! How can boys and girls be in the same species and yet I've got some sense and he's got play dough in his brain! So how come he's still better in transfiguration than I am? I'll never understand the male gender!"
and she stomped out of the room.
James looked at the retreating figure like a statue. Sirius had his mouth opened WIDE and even Remus had his eyes popping.
That's when Peter came in. he looked at his three friends! And he said,
" What are you doing?"
James ignored him. He asked, "D'ya reckon she's right?"
All three friends stared at each other. Then-
"Naaaaaahhhhhhh!" and they put it aside for the day and all four played Exploding Snap.
~~~~~***~~~~~
Crystal Manor was absolutely beautiful. When the car drove in, the gold gates opened and there was a grassy front yard with a huge fountain right in the middle, bubbling clear sparkling water. Behind it, there stood a stone mansion.
It was Victorian-style. The Chauffer dropped Lacie, Belle, and Mr. Figg by the front step and then drove around to the back. Mr. Figg rang the bell and it sounded like crystals chiming. A tall stately person clothed in a black suit, opened the door.
"Good day sir. We are very glad to see you home. This way ladies."
"Girls, this is my butler, Tredswell. Tredswell, this is my daughter Arabella and this is her friend Lacie Errata."
"Good day Ms. Arabella and Ms. Lacie." And they went in.
The hall they went through had stonewalls and velvet carpet. Its walls had many portraits, all leading their own portrait lives, some running over to chat with others, some asleep, and some just shouting across to one another.
One of them had a distinguished lady dressed in an evening dress with pearls and diamonds practically dripping about her.
"Good evening Mister Figg. And who are these fine young ladies?"
Lacie smiled. She loved moving portraits. Portraits had such vivid personalities. Just like her. Mr. Figg introduced them and they moved on.
Another one said,
"Oh, hello Mr. Figg. I can't stop and chat now though, I must be going. Mrs. Canings has invited me to three-I mean tea-three portraits down."
And the little man hurried on.
Belle giggled.
They entered the central room. It was carpeted in velvet also. Its walls were marble and there was a chandelier hanging on top. There were many seats and benches and sofas. Mr. Figg told them to sit and rest. Then he called a maid. The maid came with their belongings and took them up to their rooms.
"Please call me Esther miss'," she said in a Yorkshire accent, " Now Ms. Arabella, this is your room over here. And Ms. Lacie, this is your room right beside hers. And now I must go. Enjoy."
They went into their respective rooms. Belle looked at hers and said,
"Ooh La, la! C'est magnifique!" The room was plush carpeted in red.
There was a king-sized bed with a veil over it. The walls were covered with cherry and white draperies. There were paintings and portraits of the Figgs from centuries back. There was a huge human-sized mirror bordered with ivory. There were shelves of books and a huge window to the side with a plush window seat.
Belle jumped onto her bed. Just then, Lacie came in.
"Oh, your room is gorgeous!"
"I know. What about yours?"
"Come and see." They went to the room next. It was also plush carpeted.
The bed was a queen-sized waterbed and the dresser was cherry-wood. Belle looked around.
"Oh!" she gasped. The walls were filled with trees and plants and animals. On the ceiling, you could see leaves look as if they were hanging down and the blue sky and white clouds. The carpet was grassy green and even felt like grass.
"It's beautiful!"
"I know. It can change scenery too. It keeps changing from time to time. Oh I must thank your dad for such kind hospitality."
"Nonsense! You're going to be part of the family Lacie. Daddy was glad to do it." And they went exploring around the house.
~~~~~***~~~~~
The marauders were sitting in the Great Hall and eating breakfast. This time it was Naina and Remus who were bickering.
Peter was joining in sometimes for either side.
Sirius was talking to Tara Mc Kinney and flirting with her and James was kissing Cara Hotly. And her name fit her very well, because she was considered by every Hogwarts boy to be very hot.
James somehow wasn't very much into the kiss. He was thinking about what Naina said and was wondering if he really should be kissing another girl.
[But James,] his subconscious said to himself.
[You were already broken up with her. And she really wouldn't want you to be lonely and bored. And it's not like you have anything going on with Cara.]
And then he got into the kissing.
What James didn't realize was, that since Lily had gone from his life, he sort of treated other girls like paper. You use one up and then throw it away. It was sort of like someone else on drugs. James was on girls.
Professor Dumbledore shouted. "May I please have all your attention? I have an announcement to make. And yes, it does affect all of you." The children stopped talking and there was a murmur of interest.
"Thank you. Yes, I have an announcement. I would like to tell you that we are receiving two transfer students from Beauxbatons tomorrow. They travelled yesterday by train to London and will arrive here tomorrow. They are top students in their school. And I hope you will make them feel very welcome.
Thank you that is all." And the whole day, the kids buzzed about what the new students would be like.
~~~~~***~~~~~
Lacie and Belle had gone shopping that day. Muggle style. And, wow, was that an experience!
The chauffer had dropped them off at Blue Water Shopping Mall and their only chaperone was a young 19-year-old French-maid. They went in. The mall was huge! There were stores everywhere and people everywhere.
Belle dragged Lacie.
"Come on Lace! Let's go to that store! The clothes are almost falling out!"
There were so many clothes to choose from. But each time Belle and Lacie decided on something, the French-maid, Carlotta, looked at it distastefully.
Finally she dragged them to a little fitting store in between two huge shops. In fact, it was so little, that it seemed that everyone there walked past it, as if they did not realize it was there. Lacie knew why once she went in.
Inside, it seemed bigger than all the other stores. Hundreds of men and women were walking around trying to fit people and helping people and putting things in places.
They all wore gold cloaks that flashed, as if magically, their names. And at their side, a long stick-like thing pointed out of their pockets.
The store was called:
Bewitching Attire: Muggles and Magic Mix Together!
At once, a man, about 30, with long, silver dreadlocks, and flashing brown eyes, dressed in a hideous orange silk office shirt with purple and gold buttons, and vivacious grey slacks, with the gold cloak on top, came to help.
"Good evening darlings! And welcome to Bewitching Attire! Oh my god! Look at these gorgeous ladies! Just itching to be properly clothed! Teresa! Teresa! Do come at once! And bring Sharon with you. Oh, and you!", he pointed to Carlotta,
" you must be properly clothed too. Teresa, bring Melanie also! Come at once Sweeties! OH what lovely hair and what gorgeous eyes!"
Lacie and Belle stared. Teresa, Sharon, and Melanie came over to them. They were young girls of about 20.
Teresa was wearing a white tank top with sparkling blue pedal pushers. Her short, curly hair was the same colour as her light-brown eyes.
Sharon's blonde hair and lime eyes matched her yellow chemise, bordered with lime-colour lace and yellow and lime chequered Swoosh Shorts.
Melanie wore a cream mini-dress and a beige sash that went well with her orange-dyed curls and deep golden blue eyes. And all three wore the gold cloaks.
Teresa took Belle, Sharon took Carlotta, and Melanie took Lacie.
"Who is that guy?" asked Lacie.
Melanie giggled. "Oh, him. He's part owner of this store. His name is Ramón Flassichhe. I think he's a little, you know!" and she made a loco sign. Lacie and Melanie giggled.
"So, have you ever been here before?"
"No, this is my first time to London."
"Oh, well you'll really like it. Are you going to go to school at Hogwarts?"
"Yeah! You know about it?"
"Sure! Went there myself. I used to work in a beauty-parlour at Hogsmeade, but I wanted to try somewhere else."
"What's Hogsmeade?"
"Oh, it's a little village near Hogwarts. There's all these fabulous shops there. You'll love it! Oh, honey, where did you get your hair? It's just gorgeous! Did you pay for it, or were you one of the luckies who got it the old-fashioned way?"
"Mine's pure hereditary."
"Oh, I envy you! Now, I'm going to give you the works! Even makeup and nails and body works. Besides clothes, that is."
"That's great! What do we do first?"
"First, I'm gonna' take your measurements." She did.
"Wow! You're real thin! Now, this is your size department, but if you want, we can make your clothes anyway."
"No, I'll take a look here."
"Okay. Your size is a 12. That's very good."
"It is? I would have thought that rather large."
"Our sizes aren't like regular department store sizes." "Now, see anything you like?"
"Ooh, yeah! How about that lavender turtleneck?"
"No, no! That won't be right! I think you should go with the black turtleneck. You'd look gorgeous in black!"
"Really? Okay. And how about that velvet jumper?"
"The green one? Oh yes! That's you."
"And the red mini-skirt? And what about the silver pinafore?" said Lacie, enjoying herself. Just like her.
"Yes! Yes! Yes!"
"Ooh, I like that midnight blue blouse..."
When they were done with clothes, they went on to makeup.
~~~~~~~~
Belle got into the chair. "So, Teresa, what are you going to do now?"
"I'll give your nails a manicure. I'll give your face some massaging balm and other types of cream. I'll make your body beautiful. I'll make your hair look like an angel's, and when that's all done, I'll makeup your face."
"Ooh!"
Teresa got started. Belle's face was purple with goop, her eyes had cold cucumber slices, her nails were in an escalation liquid, her legs and arms had wax. Her hair was wrapped up in crepe. Teresa worked and exerted herself to the fullest.
The silvery-blonde hair was getting spiralled and crimpy, her leg and arm hairs were falling off. Her nails were out of the liquid and getting shaped and polished. The cream was washed off and the eyebrows were getting threaded, the upper lip getting waxed, and the face was getting smoothed. The eyes felt fresh. The eyelashes were getting brushed.
Soon, the hair was done. It was beautiful and in glistening coils. Her limbs were hairless. The nails were a pretty violet and sparkled and the shape was professional. The face was hairless too and Belle, without any makeup at all, still looked breath taking.
Then Teresa proceeded to put on the makeup. Light layer of liquid foundation. Then a bit of powdered foundation. Rose blush. Clear mascara. No eyeliner. Belle didn't like it. Just powdery pearly eye shadow. And clear shimmering lip polish.
Belle loved it.
~~~~~***~~~~~
mystikalolo
A/N: Psst! I got a secret! Closer! Closer! Okay, here's my little secret, something I want you to do. Review. Please. :)
Mystikalolo
Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling created all that you identify and I created the rest.
A/N: Hey peeps! Waz ^? Don't have much to say, so I'll just let You read:
Oh, except that I want to say one (1) thing. Thank you.
OriginalProxy-You can find out right now!
Bertiebottsgeorge-I owe you A LOT (special thanx!) Check your email!
Starblaze-hey!!!! Waz up! You better read this!!!
Marauderbabe289-Thanx!
Mooncancer- Really? You can't wait? Yay!
Kitty- You luv it? That's great!
Scarlett*eyes-Sorry for Lily being like that. But now you can't say she is, can you?
Laina-So I sort of mixed up how Lily is? Well, as long as you liked it, I'm very happy!
Now Read on:
Chapter 4
(In which Lacie and Belle have fun in London and the marauders are all acting silly except Naina)
The trick had gone off perfectly. The Slytherins had been absolutely horrible to everyone, except Gryffindor. And even if the Slytherins were not smart enough to know who did it, Professor Mc Gonnagal could take a wild guess. At the great hall, the day after the tremendous come back, Professor Mc Gonnagal made an announcement.
"James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Naina Randall. Please report to the headmaster's room before your first class."
They looked at each other.
"Oops! Guess we got caught!" said James in an innocent voice.
"Finally! Another detention! I haven't had one for almost a year!" said Sirius thankfully.
"Yeah, but I've never got a detention!" said Naina angrily.
"Well, I'm sure you'll come to like it," said Remus in an amused voice.
"We'll get expelled soon if we don't stop getting detentions," said Peter tremblingly.
But no one paid any attention.
~~~~~***~~~~~
Lacie and Belle were on the train to England. Before they went to Hogwarts, they were going to Belle's dad's house, because her father wanted to meet the both of them.
"So, Is your dad's last name Dupont too?" Lacie wanted to know.
"No. That's my mama's last name. Daddy's name is Gregory Figg."
"Oh. Hey, wait. I think I've heard of him before. Isn't he the one who invented the telepathy spell?"
"Yes, among the other things he's famous for. But he's too much into his work. He doesn't spend enough time with his family. At least, it used to be like that. That's why Mama divorced him."
Belle moved on to another conversation topic. "So, d'ya think I could pass off as an English lady?"
"Yeah, I think so. I know I can. Gosh, I miss Marie."
Belle was just about to agree when...
"Witches and Wizards, and Magical beings of all sorts, we have reached the station. Please collect your baggage and we will come to a halt in two minutes."
Lacie and Belle rushed to get their suitcases and bags. They slung on their knapsacks and picked up their baggage as the train stopped. As soon as the doors opened, they rushed out.
The two looked around for a man who might look like Belle, when someone tapped Belle on the shoulder and said in a pronounced English accent-
"Arabella! Come give your old dad a huge hug!"
"Daddy! Oh Daddy! Hiiiiiiiii!"
Lacie looked at Mr. Figg interestedly, taking in his looks and personality in one shrewd glance. It was-just like her-to be so perceptive.
Gregory had dark russet hair with streaks of silver that looked distinguished. His eyes were an amethyst blue just like his daughter's. He was tall and pleasant. After he had done greeting his daughter, he met Lacie.
"Oh, so this is the red-headed young woman my Princess is always talking about. I'm very pleased to meet you Lacie. The name's Gregory Figg. How do you do?"
Lacie smiled and answered. "I do just fine sir. And I've heard a lot about you too. I am very grateful to you for having me at your house."
"No problem. You're welcome to stay as long as you want. A friend of Princess's always has a room at my house." And he ruffled Belle's hair.
("Daaad!")
Lacie felt a pang of something strange. Could it be possible that Lacie Errata was jealous? Yes, that was it. Lacie felt sad that she didn't have anyone to meet her.
But that was stupid. Mr. Figg was so nice. And she should be nice too for once. So she followed Mr. Figg and Belle to the car-actually limousine-and went in.
It was a one-hour drive from the train-station to the Figg Estate-Crystal Manor. And on the way, they laughed and joked and talked, while listening to music on the radio.
Belle whispered in Lacie's ear,
"I like England just as much as France. The sights are cool, and the houses are cute, and the music is groovy! The only thing not as good is the clothes. They're not as up-to-date as Paris finery is."
"Only because Paris is the fashion capitol of the world! And England has pretty cool clothes," answered Lacie somewhat irritated. After all, this was her homeland. Belle didn't have the right to say anything against it. They hadn't even been here for twenty-four hours.
[Chill ice queen! She's your best friend! She wouldn't insult you on purpose! God!]
"Yeah, I guess you're right," replied Belle as she looked out the window to see more.
~~~~~***~~~~~
"Shit!"
"Shit!"
"Shut it Sirius. I'm not fooling around."
"Shut it Naina. I'm not fooling around."
{POW} "Ow! Naina! Damn it! That hurt!"
"I told you I wasn't fooling!" she smirked at him.
"Both of you shut it! I feel like bloody bull! This ruddy paper Binns gave us is impossible!" shouted Remus.
Naina and Sirius stared at Remus. He usually did not shout at them when they were in one of their many arguments. He just let them have it out. But he was pretty fed up today.
Just then, James walked in through the common room.
"Guess what."
"Huh?"
"Who do you think just got a date with Linda Pfizer?"
"Who?"
"Me!"
"NO way! "Lick your lips" Linda? Wow man! You are there!" shouted Sirius.
Remus grinned and gave him the thumbs up sign, but Naina just stood there. She finally got it together because,
"James Marcus Orion O' Hallery Potter! How could you possibly be happy about going out with that slut? How could you ask her? She-she-I-I cannot believe that you would forsake Lily like this."
James winced.
"Look, I loved Lily, but I know she wouldn't want me to sulk about her. She's sacred. But I have to move on. Did you know I'm considered a member of TMEBIH?"
"Whaaat?"
"The Most Eligible Bachelors In Hogwarts. It's a club for the guys that the girls deem "perfect in every way". Cool!"
"Yeah. Sirius and me are in it. We've always been in it," said Remus grinning.
"Yeah, and guess who got me in it."
"Who?"
"Lauren Scrotal!"
"Whoa! I thought she hated you."
"So did I. Well, I guess I owe her one."
Naina made an annoyed sigh and rolled her eyes. Both movements were exaggerated.
James caught her. "What?" he asked.
"You idiot! You nerd! You loser! You asshole! Don't you understand? Lauren Scrotal knows you owe her one. So that's how she'll get you to go out with her! And you will cause you're an imbecile! God! How can boys and girls be in the same species and yet I've got some sense and he's got play dough in his brain! So how come he's still better in transfiguration than I am? I'll never understand the male gender!"
and she stomped out of the room.
James looked at the retreating figure like a statue. Sirius had his mouth opened WIDE and even Remus had his eyes popping.
That's when Peter came in. he looked at his three friends! And he said,
" What are you doing?"
James ignored him. He asked, "D'ya reckon she's right?"
All three friends stared at each other. Then-
"Naaaaaahhhhhhh!" and they put it aside for the day and all four played Exploding Snap.
~~~~~***~~~~~
Crystal Manor was absolutely beautiful. When the car drove in, the gold gates opened and there was a grassy front yard with a huge fountain right in the middle, bubbling clear sparkling water. Behind it, there stood a stone mansion.
It was Victorian-style. The Chauffer dropped Lacie, Belle, and Mr. Figg by the front step and then drove around to the back. Mr. Figg rang the bell and it sounded like crystals chiming. A tall stately person clothed in a black suit, opened the door.
"Good day sir. We are very glad to see you home. This way ladies."
"Girls, this is my butler, Tredswell. Tredswell, this is my daughter Arabella and this is her friend Lacie Errata."
"Good day Ms. Arabella and Ms. Lacie." And they went in.
The hall they went through had stonewalls and velvet carpet. Its walls had many portraits, all leading their own portrait lives, some running over to chat with others, some asleep, and some just shouting across to one another.
One of them had a distinguished lady dressed in an evening dress with pearls and diamonds practically dripping about her.
"Good evening Mister Figg. And who are these fine young ladies?"
Lacie smiled. She loved moving portraits. Portraits had such vivid personalities. Just like her. Mr. Figg introduced them and they moved on.
Another one said,
"Oh, hello Mr. Figg. I can't stop and chat now though, I must be going. Mrs. Canings has invited me to three-I mean tea-three portraits down."
And the little man hurried on.
Belle giggled.
They entered the central room. It was carpeted in velvet also. Its walls were marble and there was a chandelier hanging on top. There were many seats and benches and sofas. Mr. Figg told them to sit and rest. Then he called a maid. The maid came with their belongings and took them up to their rooms.
"Please call me Esther miss'," she said in a Yorkshire accent, " Now Ms. Arabella, this is your room over here. And Ms. Lacie, this is your room right beside hers. And now I must go. Enjoy."
They went into their respective rooms. Belle looked at hers and said,
"Ooh La, la! C'est magnifique!" The room was plush carpeted in red.
There was a king-sized bed with a veil over it. The walls were covered with cherry and white draperies. There were paintings and portraits of the Figgs from centuries back. There was a huge human-sized mirror bordered with ivory. There were shelves of books and a huge window to the side with a plush window seat.
Belle jumped onto her bed. Just then, Lacie came in.
"Oh, your room is gorgeous!"
"I know. What about yours?"
"Come and see." They went to the room next. It was also plush carpeted.
The bed was a queen-sized waterbed and the dresser was cherry-wood. Belle looked around.
"Oh!" she gasped. The walls were filled with trees and plants and animals. On the ceiling, you could see leaves look as if they were hanging down and the blue sky and white clouds. The carpet was grassy green and even felt like grass.
"It's beautiful!"
"I know. It can change scenery too. It keeps changing from time to time. Oh I must thank your dad for such kind hospitality."
"Nonsense! You're going to be part of the family Lacie. Daddy was glad to do it." And they went exploring around the house.
~~~~~***~~~~~
The marauders were sitting in the Great Hall and eating breakfast. This time it was Naina and Remus who were bickering.
Peter was joining in sometimes for either side.
Sirius was talking to Tara Mc Kinney and flirting with her and James was kissing Cara Hotly. And her name fit her very well, because she was considered by every Hogwarts boy to be very hot.
James somehow wasn't very much into the kiss. He was thinking about what Naina said and was wondering if he really should be kissing another girl.
[But James,] his subconscious said to himself.
[You were already broken up with her. And she really wouldn't want you to be lonely and bored. And it's not like you have anything going on with Cara.]
And then he got into the kissing.
What James didn't realize was, that since Lily had gone from his life, he sort of treated other girls like paper. You use one up and then throw it away. It was sort of like someone else on drugs. James was on girls.
Professor Dumbledore shouted. "May I please have all your attention? I have an announcement to make. And yes, it does affect all of you." The children stopped talking and there was a murmur of interest.
"Thank you. Yes, I have an announcement. I would like to tell you that we are receiving two transfer students from Beauxbatons tomorrow. They travelled yesterday by train to London and will arrive here tomorrow. They are top students in their school. And I hope you will make them feel very welcome.
Thank you that is all." And the whole day, the kids buzzed about what the new students would be like.
~~~~~***~~~~~
Lacie and Belle had gone shopping that day. Muggle style. And, wow, was that an experience!
The chauffer had dropped them off at Blue Water Shopping Mall and their only chaperone was a young 19-year-old French-maid. They went in. The mall was huge! There were stores everywhere and people everywhere.
Belle dragged Lacie.
"Come on Lace! Let's go to that store! The clothes are almost falling out!"
There were so many clothes to choose from. But each time Belle and Lacie decided on something, the French-maid, Carlotta, looked at it distastefully.
Finally she dragged them to a little fitting store in between two huge shops. In fact, it was so little, that it seemed that everyone there walked past it, as if they did not realize it was there. Lacie knew why once she went in.
Inside, it seemed bigger than all the other stores. Hundreds of men and women were walking around trying to fit people and helping people and putting things in places.
They all wore gold cloaks that flashed, as if magically, their names. And at their side, a long stick-like thing pointed out of their pockets.
The store was called:
Bewitching Attire: Muggles and Magic Mix Together!
At once, a man, about 30, with long, silver dreadlocks, and flashing brown eyes, dressed in a hideous orange silk office shirt with purple and gold buttons, and vivacious grey slacks, with the gold cloak on top, came to help.
"Good evening darlings! And welcome to Bewitching Attire! Oh my god! Look at these gorgeous ladies! Just itching to be properly clothed! Teresa! Teresa! Do come at once! And bring Sharon with you. Oh, and you!", he pointed to Carlotta,
" you must be properly clothed too. Teresa, bring Melanie also! Come at once Sweeties! OH what lovely hair and what gorgeous eyes!"
Lacie and Belle stared. Teresa, Sharon, and Melanie came over to them. They were young girls of about 20.
Teresa was wearing a white tank top with sparkling blue pedal pushers. Her short, curly hair was the same colour as her light-brown eyes.
Sharon's blonde hair and lime eyes matched her yellow chemise, bordered with lime-colour lace and yellow and lime chequered Swoosh Shorts.
Melanie wore a cream mini-dress and a beige sash that went well with her orange-dyed curls and deep golden blue eyes. And all three wore the gold cloaks.
Teresa took Belle, Sharon took Carlotta, and Melanie took Lacie.
"Who is that guy?" asked Lacie.
Melanie giggled. "Oh, him. He's part owner of this store. His name is Ramón Flassichhe. I think he's a little, you know!" and she made a loco sign. Lacie and Melanie giggled.
"So, have you ever been here before?"
"No, this is my first time to London."
"Oh, well you'll really like it. Are you going to go to school at Hogwarts?"
"Yeah! You know about it?"
"Sure! Went there myself. I used to work in a beauty-parlour at Hogsmeade, but I wanted to try somewhere else."
"What's Hogsmeade?"
"Oh, it's a little village near Hogwarts. There's all these fabulous shops there. You'll love it! Oh, honey, where did you get your hair? It's just gorgeous! Did you pay for it, or were you one of the luckies who got it the old-fashioned way?"
"Mine's pure hereditary."
"Oh, I envy you! Now, I'm going to give you the works! Even makeup and nails and body works. Besides clothes, that is."
"That's great! What do we do first?"
"First, I'm gonna' take your measurements." She did.
"Wow! You're real thin! Now, this is your size department, but if you want, we can make your clothes anyway."
"No, I'll take a look here."
"Okay. Your size is a 12. That's very good."
"It is? I would have thought that rather large."
"Our sizes aren't like regular department store sizes." "Now, see anything you like?"
"Ooh, yeah! How about that lavender turtleneck?"
"No, no! That won't be right! I think you should go with the black turtleneck. You'd look gorgeous in black!"
"Really? Okay. And how about that velvet jumper?"
"The green one? Oh yes! That's you."
"And the red mini-skirt? And what about the silver pinafore?" said Lacie, enjoying herself. Just like her.
"Yes! Yes! Yes!"
"Ooh, I like that midnight blue blouse..."
When they were done with clothes, they went on to makeup.
~~~~~~~~
Belle got into the chair. "So, Teresa, what are you going to do now?"
"I'll give your nails a manicure. I'll give your face some massaging balm and other types of cream. I'll make your body beautiful. I'll make your hair look like an angel's, and when that's all done, I'll makeup your face."
"Ooh!"
Teresa got started. Belle's face was purple with goop, her eyes had cold cucumber slices, her nails were in an escalation liquid, her legs and arms had wax. Her hair was wrapped up in crepe. Teresa worked and exerted herself to the fullest.
The silvery-blonde hair was getting spiralled and crimpy, her leg and arm hairs were falling off. Her nails were out of the liquid and getting shaped and polished. The cream was washed off and the eyebrows were getting threaded, the upper lip getting waxed, and the face was getting smoothed. The eyes felt fresh. The eyelashes were getting brushed.
Soon, the hair was done. It was beautiful and in glistening coils. Her limbs were hairless. The nails were a pretty violet and sparkled and the shape was professional. The face was hairless too and Belle, without any makeup at all, still looked breath taking.
Then Teresa proceeded to put on the makeup. Light layer of liquid foundation. Then a bit of powdered foundation. Rose blush. Clear mascara. No eyeliner. Belle didn't like it. Just powdery pearly eye shadow. And clear shimmering lip polish.
Belle loved it.
~~~~~***~~~~~
mystikalolo
A/N: Psst! I got a secret! Closer! Closer! Okay, here's my little secret, something I want you to do. Review. Please. :)