Life After Hogwarts
Arime Mya Setta
Chapter Eleven: Heart-hurt and Makeovers
"I am never putting on another pair of heels in my life." I groaned as Draco and I walked towards my rooms from Professor McGonagall's classroom. My feet ached and my body was fighting me. I didn't think I could take another step but of course my feet kept moving despite everything telling them to stop. We had just danced for hours straight and Draco and I were covered in sweat. Our lessons were drawing to a close and Spring Break was rapidly approaching.
We had spent the last two weeks dancing, reciting poetry, reviewing etiquette and practicing our fighting techniques all in preparation for our mission. I was surprised the most by the spy lessons given to us by Professor Moody and Professor Snape. It never occurred to me that we would need to learn so much for the mission. We practiced basic dueling skills, common hexes, defense skills, physical combat (thank god for my kick boxing classes!) and more complex charms and spells for escaping, spying and fighting. It was a lot for two weeks. I knew that my dueling skills would need to be brushed up for this mission but I didn't think everything else was necessary. We weren't going into battle nor were we putting ourselves in a dangerous position. Professor Snape of course changed my mind and even scared me a little (that was until I told him to shove it and realized he was trying to scare us). (okay so I didn't really say shove it but my comments weren't exactly nice.)
The dueling skills were important because you never know when a pureblood would get offended and challenge Draco to a duel (of course I wouldn't offend anyone). If that were to happen, I would need to be ready as a second or a partner if he offended more than one person at a time. The dancing and reciting of poetry was for pureblood social events and bored us both to death. Secretly we both enjoyed being able to gracefully dance across a ballroom but we would never admit that aloud. I even had to practice my singing and learn quite a few songs in case someone (or someone's jealous girlfriend) wanted me to perform at a dinner party. It was all so Victorian that I was wondering how far behind the old society was from muggle society.
We practiced physical combat (mostly to satisfy Professor Moody's demands) so we could catch any wizard off guard in a tough situation. We both hoped we would never need to use any of these skills but we learned for the just-in-case. Since our third year, when I punched Draco in the nose I had taken many kickboxing classes during breaks and had actually exercised in the room of requirement during the year. It is sick how perfect I would appear to a normal person (good grades, exercised regularly with a body to show for it thank you very much, leadership positions and college bound) but both you and I know how screwy and far from perfect I really am. Besides my lack of social standing (I am after all and know-it-all to most and practically a ghost among the rest) and my bushy hair (which even after seven years of torture will not smooth out) I am mentally a mess. Hello, I am talking to you after all.
"Well, don't forget we're giving you a make over tomorrow. I am sure that will involve many pairs of girly shoes. You'll get used to it eventually. Or you'll find a spell to make them more comfortable." He laughed at my shocked expression. I hadn't, obviously, thought about a spell to make them comfortable. After returning to our rooms and showering (separately) we met back in time for lunch.
It was now a habit that we walk to meals together holding hands and pretending to be a sickingly lovey dovey couple. Oh how terrible it all is. Ok so being in a fake relationship is better than being in no relationship but it is still pretty terrible… right? Anyways, after dinner the mighty Slytherin she-monster attacked. After ten minutes of listening to her talk about how ugly I am and how stupid Draco is for dating me I finally had enough, smacked her and sat back down to eat my dinner. I could go into great detail about the things she said but I'm not going to. It hurts enough to hear it the first time let alone repeat it out loud again (since I have been repeating it over and over again in my head).
As I was eating I placed a simple shield spell and ignored the yelling and reflected the curses. To say the least I lost house points but not nearly as many as Slytherin. Most of the school was having a heart attack at seeing perfect little head girl Granger smack another student. The only part I regret is that everyone thinks Draco is having a bad influence on me rather than believe I have it in me naturally to be a bitch.
"Hermione! I had no idea how much influence I've had on you. Snape was furious but McGonagall was even madder. In the end you had 100 points taken but Lupin (the DADA Teacher this year) gave you 25 for your shield and 25 more for its strength. Then McGonagall took off 150 points from Slytherin but Snape gave her 50 for a stunning show of duel hexes. I don't I've ever laughed so much in my life! I don't even mind the house points since I got to see McGonagall stare down Snape… And WIN!" Draco doubled over laughing on my couch after lunch. I had completely blocked out everything said after I put up my shield and left the Great Hall after I finished eating with the soundless bubble still around me. I was too mad and too hurt to really care about house points but I put up a wall to my emotions and pretended to laugh with Draco. After a few minutes I was truly snickering at his display of mirth. It is very contagious.
"Draco. Pull yourself together. We have to go spend the rest of the day with Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall and Mrs. Weasley so I suggest you manage to keep your laughter to a minimum." I giggled at my horrible attempt to be strict and bossy when I was such a mess. I was completely torn between tears and laughter and Draco had finally noticed.
"Hermy, are you ok?" I laughed out loud at the ridiculous nickname but then burst into tears. I wish it were a term of endearment rather than a pathetic attempt at cheering me. I didn't necessarily want Draco to be more than my partner but I did ache for someone to be more than just a friend or study buddy. Draco, unsure of how to handle a crying girl, stood there in shock until he waved his wand for some tea and biscuits over and sat next to me. I gave him a teary smile and sipped on the chamomile tea. I was still upset and almost crying but I felt better knowing that Draco wanted to comfort me. I wished Harry or Ron had the sense to follow me to my dorms after breakfast but those two have always been a bit on the dense side.
"Why are you crying? I can't handle teary-eyed girls. I can handle lust-filled, energetic, happy, angry and even girls with the painters in but I can't handle tears." I laughed at his list and just shrugged.
"Oh, you must have the painters in." (I had no idea where Draco had learned the term 'the painters are in' but I laughed at his euphemism for a woman's monthly).
"No, I'm upset. Today was a bit much on my toughened skin. I can handle most comments and threats but she nailed too many buttons on the head. Sorry, I hate when girls get all emotional and drown themselves in tears." I sipped on my tea and instantly felt better. I could taste a bit of pepper up and calming potion mixed with the chamomile. It was an odd combination that energized my heart but calmed my soul. Wow, that is pretty cheesy. It made me feel better. There, that's better.
"It's, erm, ok to get all girly on me. I am, erm, supposed to be your boyfriend right? (Insert nervous chuckle from both of us) Yeah, anyways Hermione you shouldn't listen to her. Being intelligent is your best aspect."
"Thanks Draco but for once I'd like to be pretty too. Ugh I don't know why I'm telling you this." I covered my face with my hands and waited for the inevitable 'you can't have it all' comment but was surprised with what actually came out of Draco's mouth.
"Hermy, You're not flamboyant or dazzling or sexy. I can't lie but you are beautiful. Don't let some slapper tell you otherwise. She might have guys going after her but that's because she is looser thank Pansy Parkinson and only slightly prettier. You are already beautiful in a Hermione Granger kind of way. (He was definitely having some difficulty making me feel better without being sappy and romantic. It reminded me that he did not see me like that, thank Merlin, but it was working to make me feel better) Hermy, (ugh that ridiculous nickname again) I told you once, without flinching too, that you are classy and elegant. That's worth more than anything that skank could dream up."
"Thanks Draco. I know you mean the best and it really helps. I also know how hard it is to make a girl feel better." I gave him a grateful smile.
"Well, we should get going. McGonagall and Snape are angry enough as it is. I doubt Mrs. Weasley will be able to handle them alone."
"Draco, you haven't spent much time with Mrs. Weasley, have you?" He shrugged and extended a hand. I pulled myself up and grabbed a biscuit then walked out of my rooms. Just before we turned the first corner Draco turned and looked at me with his wand pointed.
"Wait, Frescacara. Better." I touched my face as I felt magic wash over my face and neck. I didn't have a chance to ask Draco what he did specifically but I assumed he freshened my face. I'm sure I was blotchy and red from crying. As we made our way to the room of requirement Draco remember there would be students mulling around before the first class and so he grabbed my hand. It pained me slightly to have these romantic actions with absolutely no romance attached to them.
"Hermione! You've grown so much since I last saw you. Why didn't you visit the Burrow during winter break like Harry? We missed you terribly." Mrs. Weasley pulled me into her arms and smothered the breath out of me. Draco laughed at my clearly uncomfortable face. As much as I love Mrs. Weasley I am not one for overwhelming displays of affection. I hugged back lightly and was immediately let go. Mrs. Weasley then did the unthinkable. She grabbed Draco into a bone-breaking hug. I smiled at Draco's embarrassed face. It was refreshing to see someone showing him some love.
"Miss Granger, I noticed you did not hear a word that was said this morning in regards to your behavior. I think it is time to discuss that now." Professor Snape, having draped himself in a chair by the window, was boiling with anger. I suppose my complete lack of interest in what he had to say increased his normal levels of detestability.
"I have been informed of the general gist of the conversation held this morning. Do us all a favor and let it go. You, even as terrible as you are, cannot ignore Miss What's-her-face's actions. The hexes she was throwing would have caused much, much more damage than my simple slip of hand. Verbal abuse is just as bad as physical and magical abuse is even worst." I was not in the mood to let the great bat get to me. I need to hurry with this make over to prove myself once and for all. I am not a walking bookworm nor am I a plain Jane. It was time to show Hogwarts what I could be… or at least what they can make me into. They had their work cut out for them though…
"Thank you Miss Granger. You have managed to eloquently put what I have been trying to say since lunch." Professor McGonagall shot Professor Snape a deadly glare and took a sip of her tea. She had positioned herself in a chair on the exact opposite end of the room from the great git. Clearly there was some bad blood between them.
"Yes, well now that is over with let's begin with the makeover. First things first, we need to start with your table manners, dance skills, musical capabilities and a overall test of your knowledge on pureblood heritage. I know you have been doing this for days but I need a final review of your skills before you can begin the mission." Draco and I simultaneously groaned and began with the intense review of our skills. I swear I've talked about these same bloody spells for three or four chapters now. I am sure you can understand, then, how intense this final exam was. My head was spinning by the time we were finished.
The next part was interesting though. Professor McGonagall and Mrs. Weasley pulled me into a room away from the boys to begin the physical changes. These things are never as easy as they should be. We started with the top and made our way to my feet. First was my unsightly hair. After almost an hour of trying spell after spell after spell we finally managed to pull it straight and smooth. Thankfully they promised that after all of their work I should be able to flick my wand and say suapello to get it smooth after showers or if it was a particularly humid day. If I wanted it wave or in clean curls I could use the spell curletopello.
After tackling my hair, we washed and massaged and scrubbed and covered my face with cream and mask after cream and mask. This smoothed my skin and got rid of all of my post-pubescent pimples and blemishes. It was refreshing to see a clear face staring back at me in the mirror.
The next step was the hardest of them all. Makeup. Ugh more like face paint. It was terrible. I hate the idea of makeup simply because I am lazy and because I have absolutely no talent with it. They showed me how to apply a billion different things by hand (mostly because spells are not reliable for this kind of thing) and then removed it all so I could try. To say the least I had to try at least a hundred times before I got it even close to right. Then I decided I didn't want to be painted at all and forced them to hand over the girly magazines to me. I searched for ten minutes until I found a more neutral look that flattered my face without making me feel like a clown. While I am sure this is not fascinating I feel the need to explain all of this regardless of how boring it might be.
This makeover was a huge step for me. I have never been completely insecure in my looks but I have never felt quite right either. Most of my problem was that I hated actually doing things for myself. I hate washing my face a billion times a day or trying to convince my hair to behave. Now that I've sat down with some talented witches (as opposed to my friends back in the dorms) I realized how easy maintaining beauty could be, provided that I was willing to do at least a little. It is refreshing for the soul to get a haircut or try to makeup simply because it reaffirms one's self image. I've always felt pretty but seeing myself look pretty and feeling pretty are two different things.
After makeup (including learning how to doll up for special occasions) we worked on my nails and toes then went through a hundred different products for skin care. Once it was all said and done I had a handful of soaps, lotions and creams to help keep my skin smooth, tight and bronzed. Even with all of this work I was beginning to realize keeping up with this wouldn't be as hard as I had always believed. Most things could be done only a few times a week or could even be skipped (especially makeup or nail polish) if I really didn't feel like dealing with it. I had always assumed I would be exposed to all these new spells and charms to make me pretty but in reality everything they showed me was muggle. I just needed to force myself to listen and truly learn what they taught.
Ugh it sucks to go 18 years before learning that beauty doesn't have to be difficult.
When I emerged from the bathroom fully made over I felt like a new woman but could still tell it was Hermione Granger under those well-cut robes. Since it is still clearly me, it did wonders for my self-esteem. Draco and Professor Snape both looked up at me with shocked faces. I smiled and did a little turn before graciously sitting crossed legged on the couch in front of them.
A/N: I am a strong believer in self-beauty and self worth. It doesn't take much to feel better about yourself and it doesn't take much to feel pretty. Just a little lip gloss, a facial mask at home and a good hair cut will do wonders for any woman's ego.
Let me know what you think about this chapter. It's longer than the last but a little more wordy too. Authors love reviews!
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