Chapter 8 – A Make-Over Gone Wrong

That same afternoon, Angela was laughing at one of the corny jokes Harry was telling. "Oh my, Harry. That was really bad!" She stopped giggling, glanced at her watch and said, "I think we better get back at the Ministry. I assume you still have a report to finish?"

Harry nodded. "And you too, 'milady has a report to start as well."

Angela giggled again. "Well, kind sir," she said as she stood up. Harry stood up as well and forked his arm for her to take. "Lead the way!" And they laughed all the way to the Ministry.

After a painstaking shopping and make-over spree, the two witches apparated home to Hermione's. Hermione was so exhausted, once she got in; she plopped down on the couch and dropped the shopping bags that she was carrying. Ginny plopped down also opposite her.

"You look really good now, 'Mione. Let's just see if Mr. Potter doesn't start drooling at the sight of you," Ginny commented. Right at that moment, Hermione was wearing a beige Capri pants, a yellow sleeveless top with small flower designs and yellow and white striped thong sandals (with a slight heel) to complete the look. She had on very minimal make-up fit for just going out and relaxing.

Hermione blushed at Ginny's comment. For some reason, she liked her new look now than that of her usual appearance of boring clothes and no make-up at all.

Hermione had her hair relaxed, so that it's not that curly anymore but fell down to her waist in waves, framing her face nicely. Ginny taught her a simple spell that would do her make-up to match the clothes she's wearing. They bought a whole new wardrobe to replace Hermione's set of clothes now, that consist of short skirts, tight-fitting jeans, halter tops, sun dresses and several dress robes, gowns and cocktail dresses for formal wear, should the need arise. Those clothes compliment Hermione's figure which she'd been hiding under Ministry robes and big shirts. Hermione's closed shoes and flat thongs were replaced by open-toed sandals, high heels and several sneakers and trainers for sporting wear.

After a short while, Ginny stood up and said, "Get up now, Hermione. We still have a lot to do."

Hermione looked at Ginny dumbstruck. "We've been doing a lot already since this morning, Gin. I'm dead tired. What else do you want to do?"

"Well, I thought that if we want to present the new Hermione Granger to Mr. Potter, we should start tonight."

"Tonight?"

"Yeah, tonight. You'll be making dinner for two tonight and you will dress up for that. Something that would knock his socks off," said Ginny excitedly. "Now, we would confirm for sure about what Harry feels for you."

Hermione opened and closed her mouth as if trying to say something but nothing came out. After a few seconds, she finally found her voice and said, "But what about Ron?"

"Oh, don't worry about that. I'll fix it." And with that, Ginny stormed up the stairs to Ron's room leaving a startled Hermione in her wake.

After about 15 minutes, Ginny came back down with a triumphant grin plastered on her face. Hermione raised her eyebrows at her and asked, "So, care to tell me what that was all about?"

"Let's just say that you won't have to worry about Ron being here tonight."

And with that said, Ron came ambling down the stairs with a backpack. "Hi, 'Mione. I'll not be staying home tonight. I'll be back… er… probably tomorrow or the next day. I'll just go straight to… er… practice. Coach flooed and told me we have one tomorrow."

Hermione still with her eyebrows raised didn't believe entirely what Ron was saying. Ron blushed as Hermione stared at him scrutinizingly. Finally, she said, "All right, Ron. Say hello to Luna for me."

Ron really blushed a deep red now and mumbled something incomprehensible. He finally looked at the two witches and muttered "Bye," walked over to the front door and disapparated.

After they were sure that Ron already left, the two laughed out loud.

"I can't believe that you told Ron to sleep over at Luna's tonight!" said Hermione in between giggles.

"Yeah, he didn't even ask why. He just packed up his things and grinned at me stupidly when I suggested that he might like to spend over his night down at Luna's," Ginny shook her head. "So, now – we have work to do, come on!" And with that, she pulled Hermione from the couch, grabbed their shopping bags and stalked off towards Hermione's bedroom.

Ron stood in front of Luna's door and rang the doorbell. "Just a minute!" He heard someone shout from inside. After a while, the door opened and there stood Luna. "Ronald! What a pleasant surprise! Back so soon, eh? I suppose you want a repeat of last night?" Luna asked slyly as she ushered Ron inside her flat.

Ron blushed a bit and said, "Well, actually my sister and Hermione threw me out of our house and I thought why not stay here for the night?" He grinned at Luna and wriggled his eyebrows suggestively.

Luna chuckled and gestured for Ron to follow him up to her bedroom. Upon reaching her room, Ron grabbed Luna by the waist and started to kiss her. Luna kissed him back with as much passion and fervor. They started walking towards the bed and upon reaching it, stumbled down with Ron on top of Luna. He left her lips and started planting soft kisses on her neck down to her collarbone while trying to get her shirt over her head. However, Luna has other things on her mind at that moment.

"Ronald," she whispered, trying to get Ron's attention. Ron didn't hear her and continued on with his ministrations.

"Ronald," this time a little louder. When Ron still didn't hear Luna, she cleared her throat and spoke clearly, "Ronald!"

Ron lifted his head and looked at Luna. He was flushed and his hair was already disheveled. "What?" he asked a little bit annoyed because Luna just stopped him when he was already enjoying himself.

"I just remembered, the last time I visited you at your house, Harry and Hermione were acting a little strange."

Ron grunted and slid off Luna to the side of the bed. "Why do we need to talk about my best friends' lives at this time, Luna?" asked Ron exasperatedly.

"It all clicks into place," Luna continued as if she didn't hear Ron speak. "There was tension between Hermione and Harry that night. And then they didn't start talking to each other for a week and Ginny told me that they're getting a make-over for Hermione today. And then they kicked you out tonight, meaning that Hermione would have the house as well as Harry all to herself tonight." Luna stared off to space dreamily and sighed. "I wish Hermione all the luck tonight…"

"Yeah, well… I've known it for some time now that there's something going on between those two. Now, where were we?" Ron tilted Luna's face to his and brought it forward for a kiss.

Should I invite her over or not? Should I invite her over or not? Harry was battling in his mind as he was fixing his things and getting ready to go home. What would Ron say? Oh, he's probably going to be thrilled. What about Hermione? Wait, why do I even have to think of her? She made it clear that there's nothing between us so why should it bother me if I invite Angela over? Yeah, that settles it; I'll invite her over for coffee.

Harry finished packing his things and with a wave of his hand, made them all shrink so it would fit in his pocket. He then heard someone clapping just behind him. Turning around, he saw Angela smiling at him.

"That was really good magic, Harry. But what else would you expect from The-Wizard-Who-Save-The-World? I wish I could do that though. Wandless Magic," said Angela, smilingly.

Harry smiled back, though thinking for a moment of the same conversation that went on between him and Hermione. Stop thinking about her for a minute and concentrate on this beautiful lady in front of you!

"Uhm, Angela?" Angela blinked and looked at him expectantly. "Would you – Do you – er – Would you like to come over to my place for coffee?"

Angela grinned. "Oh, of course, Mr. Potter. That would be my pleasure."

Harry beamed at her and grinned as well. "Right. Let's go."

Ginny left a very nervous Hermione in her wake. She kept on pacing and pacing in the living room. Once, she sat down to try and calm her nerves but no sooner had she done this that she stood up again and paced. The house had a dim light only, to give it a "mood." Candles and flowers adorned the whole house. It was a pretty sight. But Hermione is still fidgeting. Any moment now and Harry would be apparating home. And then what? What should I do?

Hermione stopped for a moment and look at the full-body mirror that was hanging in their living room. She was pleased at what she saw, though a bit self-conscious. After all, she never dressed up like this before. I wonder what Harry would think when he sees me.

Her hair was up in a half-ponytail tied by a pale pink ribbon as it cascades loosely down her back. She was wearinga pink sun dress that was backless and tied at her neck. She had on white chandelier earrings. On her face was a little bit of soft pink blush and pink lip gloss that brought out the fullness of her lips. She had on her feet white sandals with a slight heel. A delicate anklet that matches her earrings adorned her ankle.

By the kitchen, she could smell the wonderful dinner that she and Ginny made for this night. I hope Harry likes it. I rarely cook fish steaks.

She then heard a distinct pop outside their front door and knew at once that Harry was home. Well, this is it Hermione. Time to knock his shoes off. But what she didn't expect was another sound of a woman laughing. She stopped her tracks on her way to the front door.

At the exact moment, Harry opened the door and was laughing as well. Upon entering, Hermione saw a very pretty blonde woman in Auror robes as well, behind Harry. Harry turned around still grinning and finally saw Hermione. He stopped dead and his jaw dropped at the sight that greeted him.

"Hermione?"

(A/N – So, what do you think? Would really love it if I hear from you!)