Life After Hogwarts
Arime Mya Setta
Chapter Twelve: Pureblood Grace and Temper
A/N: This chapter has some details about clothing that were difficult since I truly have no idea what J.K Rowling meant when she said "robes" for clothing. My concept of robes means a large flowing over coat like robe with a gown underneath or a button up shirt, vest and fitted slacks for men. For Dress robes I visualize a tight upper robe with a corseted dress underneath where the top of the robe and the bottom of the corset would meet to open to a flowing skirt. Get it maybe? I am thinking very medieval. I suppose women could when pants but for pureblood society I am having Hermione wear only dresses. I also think witches would be able to wear pants or skirts and shirts but not in pureblood society. Silly details make a story great… I hope hehe.
Draco Malfoy seemed at a loss of words when all he could manage was, "Wow, Hermione. Very, erm, pureblood."
Professor Snape, on the other hand, stood and motioned for me to do the same. He then proceeded to walk around me, grunting and clucking his tongue. If he weren't so damn intimidating I would have laughed at his unusual sounds. Professor McGonagall and Mrs. Weasley stood in the doorway with a look of shiny pride. It was touching to see them so teary over me. I could feel the 'my little girl is all grown up' radiating from them.
I smiled at Draco and just shrugged my shoulders. Assuming being 'very pureblood' is a good thing I didn't bother to comment on his choice of compliment. Professor Snape placed his hands firmly on my shoulders and pushed them back to correct my posture.
"Purebloods do not shrug. They stand, sit, sleep and live with their shoulders straight and back. They always have the most proper posture." I straightened immediately and tried to stand still as he circled yet again. Draco was also practicing his pureblood stance over by the fireplace. He was lazily reclining in an oversized chair and yet looked every once prim and proper. I almost envied his natural ability to look snobby, wealthy and elite. Of course that is a very large almost.
"You should have added more color to her hair. I am surprised you managed to get it straight enough but now it needs to be lightened and highlighted to look like the other pureblood girls. Be unique though and use lowlights as well to distinguish her. Malfoys are known for their money, power and fine taste in women. She will need to be very stylish at all times."
Draco lost composure for a second and almost choked on his drink. He was sipping on firewhiskey, as is custom for rich males, and not so elegantly sloshed some down the front of his vest. It would seem that I am not the only person surprised at Professor Snape's evaluation of my hair and the Malfoy tastes.
"Ugh, Professor, you just hit on my mother indirectly. Please, never do that again." I tried to laugh as elegantly as I could while slightly covering my mouth but of course I failed miserably. To think of Professor Snape and Narcissa Malfoy was too much for me.
"Good attempt Miss Granger but not quite. Pureblood women giggle lightly even when highly amused and don't cover their mouths. They are proud of this feature and use makeup to enhance the lips. Make sure to use an anti-stick spell to avoid gloss or lipstick on your teeth. On that note, do not eat anything green or odiferous. Draco, you must make sure Miss Granger does not embarrass herself when she eats or drinks. You have to help her keep her makeup perfect."
Mrs. Weasley stepped through with a magazine and said a quick charm while waving her wand over my head. Once complete Professor Snape stepped back and shook his head in disagreement so she tried again. After her second attempt Professor McGonagall came over to try. With only a few more tries they finally came to an agreement and let me have a look. My hair was still dead straight but now had dark red lowlights, golden honey highlights and my under color was a warm milk chocolate color. My hair had been a dull almost grayish brown mousy color but was now a rich and vibrant mixture of shades. I smiled and tried running my hands through it to add a little volume and see how it faired when tussled. It held its beauty even when not perfect and I warmed to it.
"Perfect. I must say Miss Granger has far succeeded my expectations yet again. I think this is enough, ladies. I need to attend to a potion before dinner. Good day." Professor Snape nodded his head politely and left the room. My face was red from the compliment and Draco was visible shocked. He smiled at me and simply said, "Well, I am glad to see Snape has some sense in him. You do look wonderful."
Professor McGonagall and Mrs. Weasley nodded in agreement and hugged me tightly before exiting as well. Draco extended his arm and we linked elbows before heading to the 7th year dorms to get changed for dinner and check our luggage. We were leaving early the next morning on the Hogwarts express then spending some time shopping in Diagon Alley before going to a portkey dock to magic our way to Farvington University.
I changed into a set of slightly tighter, but really just form fitting, robes, a button up white with golden stitching blouse and shockingly red pencil skirt. I smiled at the overall effect of the makeover and the robes. My school uniforms had been transfigured to fit me correctly (in other words not so loosely) and my plain Mary Janes had been swapped out for slightly more elegant pointed toe heels. All of my robes for school were changed to be a slimmer cut that flowed better. Besides my school-wear the Order paid for an entire wardrobe's worth of colorful, well-cut and stylish robes and under gowns. I had actually done the transfigurations myself, with advice from Professor McGonagall, to help complete the makeover. I wouldn't need my school uniforms for the mission but I had every intention of maintaining my new look once we returned from Spring Break. The robes for the mission would be a wonderful bonus for after graduation.
When we finally reached the Great Hall mouths dropped, eyes bulged (and I wouldn't be surprised if a few other things did too) and silence swept over the room. Seeing the head girl looking pretty was something these little ones couldn't handle. I smiled and took my seat. Harry and Ron instantly plotted themselves in front of me (since Draco was already situated next to me) and began the questioning.
"'Mione, wow. You look so, erm, different." Ron managed to babble out with out stuttering. His cheeks matched his hair and Draco quickly formed into a defensive stance. It would seem that even in a make-believe situation such as this Draco had a jealously streak. Harry composed himself better and said, "Hermione, you look wonderful. Why did you wait so long to become girly?" Ginny of course elbowed him and rapidly stepped in before I could misinterpret what he had said.
"Harry means, of course, that you look wonderful with these new changes but you have always looked gorgeous." Harry nodded in confirmation and gave me an apologetic smile. I just laughed and began to pile food onto my plate. Ron, Harry and Ginny looked relieved that I didn't get fired up but I figured I had shown enough emotion to last me a lifetime during the past day. Being angry or sad or even happy is exhausting.
"Bloody hell Draco. Are those specially tailored robes by Monsieur Robakins?" (A/N: This is truly the name that popped into my head and has no connection between robes and roba-kins lol) Ron's mouth opened so wide I could see bits and pieces of his dinner in his molars.
"Yes, Ron. I recently bought new robes for our trip. We leave tomorrow morning, remember?" Draco smirked and pulled at his collar in an amazing display of rich arrogance. Ron gave him a dirty look while Harry just laughed.
"Draco, while we all know you are capable of being an arrogant jerk, it really isn't quite effective now that we really know you. Go ahead and drop the act again." I almost choked on my slice of bread as Harry checked Draco's ego. Even more surprisingly Draco just smiled and went back to his normal better-than-thou-but-joking posture.
"So, Hermione, while you do look smashing, what is with the new look?" Ron asked trying to change the conversation back to the original purpose.
"It is time for a new look. I'll be surrounding myself with university students for the next two weeks and more importantly my possible future professors. I want to leave a good impression on both. Of course while I have Draco I don't need anyone else but if he should fail me miserably it would be nice to have already impressed the male population at Farvington." I winked at Ginny and we both burst into a fit of giggles.
The best aspect of the entire evening was the look on that bloody hooker of a Slytherin's face. Draco swears I should have been sorted into Slytherin for my vengeful attitude and cleverness but of course he doesn't realize my lack of subtly towards her makes me very, very Gryffindor.
The next morning I forced myself out of bed at an ungodly hour to begin the process of getting ready. Forty-five minutes later I was finally in a presentable condition and then spent an hour packing the last of my things. At about a quarter before 8 I floated my trunks down to the entrance hall and waited patiently for Draco and Professor Snape. Boys, even though they have less to do in the morning, always amaze me. They simply do not understand the concept of time or they simply enjoy disregarding it.
Once Draco finally appeared, he was dressed elegantly and looked as pureblood as possible. My stomach churned and I wondered if my choice of traveling clothes was appropriate. I was wearing a set of tight corseted robes with a beautiful green gown underneath and some elegant but comfortable heels. My hair was curly and in a loose bun (so that any traveling would simply add to the pretty but messy look rather than make me look disheveled) and I was carrying a small tote. My luggage was set to the side to be shrunk and transported separately. I didn't have much since we hadn't picked up all of my new robes or things yet. The trip to Diagon Alley was so that Draco and I could grab the last of the necessary things and practice being silly (aka pureblood).
I doubted whether this was a good idea since all in all the people at Diagon Alley were likely to recognize me as Hermione Granger, a muggle-born but brilliant witch, and not Draco's fiancé. Of course when I said this out loud I was quickly corrected.
"Hermione, you look like you to me and the other professors but once we leave Hogwarts there is a disillusionment charm placed on you through my engagement ring so that people will see you and think you are someone else even though you clearly appear to look like you." After my mind stopped spinning from the repetitive yous, I understood what he meant. I still needed to dress, act and look like a pureblood Hermione Granger but everyone else would see me as this other identity (Dumbledore's long lost cousin engaged to Draco Malfoy). It would annoy to no ends the people I know personally because they would see this other girl in their eyes but think in their mind that they recognize me from somewhere else. As a part of the spell they would never be able to put two and two together to realize Hermione Granger and this mystery women were one in the same.
"Here is your ring, Miss Granger, and yours, Mr. Malfoy. Miss Granger you new name is Harmony Rogers. You are Headmaster Dumbledore's brother's first wife's sister's daughter. So you are the niece to Albus's brother through a legitimate marriage. It has been so long since his brother's first wife died that most people cannot remember even her name let alone anything about her family. Her family died shortly after she did with the exception of a handful of her sisters who have since passed. If someone asks, you are the daughter of her youngest sister, Isabella, who was born when she, the wife of Albus's brother, was 40 years old and died when you were a baby. If they want to delve any deeper you must deflect them or make something up. Do not get yourself in a complicated web of lies. The best tactic is to pretend it is emotionally distressing to discuss your family. Draco and you will need to confirm the total story in regard to your relationship, engagement and family background. DO NOT FORGET! Include all details especially the romantic ones. It is very likely that you will be asked about how he proposed and the first date." Professor Snape lectured for the rest of the trip from Hogwarts to Diagon Ally and didn't finish until we reminded him he need to return for his next class.
Draco and I had already created our relationship and were well versed about our engagement and my family history. We hoped they would simply ignore me and not ask too many questions but I didn't hold my breath. My acting skills will be tested but I am confidant. I also hoped to be able to swallow my Gryffindor friendliness and be a quiet and guarded individual. It would be easier to be shy or distant rather than friendly and frequently questioned.
Diagon Alley was bustling with people enjoying the beautiful spring weather. We glided in and out of crowds frequently being stopped by family friends. Each time Draco would introduce me as his fiancé and the group would begin to eye me up and down while congratulating us. It was uncomfortable at best but very useful practice. We had agreed that once this mission was said and done he would claim that we broke the engagement since he found out I was not truly a pureblood.
"Let's go pick up your robes and then we can get a few other things before lunch." I smiled and just enjoyed being out and about. We walked into the robe shop and waited for ten minutes before Draco snapped.
"Ma'am what in Merlin's name is taking so long? I am not accustomed to waiting just to pick up an order. Is it not ready?" She trembled slightly, clearly a new hire, as she attempted to spit out a response. I nudged Draco but he just gave her a famous Malfoy glare before turning to me.
"Dear, do remember how terrible the service is here next time you order robes. I cannot believe we've been here for so long. Malfoys do not wait." He punctuated the last sentence with another glare and pretended to fawn over me some more. I quickly remembered I was acting and tried my best to play along.
"Dear, patience is not your best characteristic. The wait will be worth it once you see me in these delectable robes I ordered. I only purchase from the finest and that may even include waiting ten minutes." I smiled charmingly at him and began to look around the shop. Within a second Monsieur Robakins walked out to greet us.
"Mr. Malfoy, Madame, I am terribly sorry about the wait. I have the order ready to be wrapped once you have reviewed it. Please come this way." We walked into the back room and saw robe after robe and gown after gown draped over a large table for viewing. I went to each piece and haughtily looked over the seaming and fabric before nodding my head.
"They are as ordered. Beautiful work as well. They'll do." I fluttered my hand as if to signal for him to wrap them himself. Of course he went to gather the girl to do this menial work before pouring each of us a cup of tea. We sipped lightly while we watched her slowly magic each outfit into wrapping paper and a bag. Eventually I was fed up with waiting and stood up.
"Dear, I am famished and I have many other things to purchase today." I waved my wand impatiently and watched as all of the clothing quickly wrapped on its own. Draco just chuckled and said, "My fiancé is not one for watching and waiting." He nodded his head and Monsieur Robakins bowed and then we exited.
"Harmony, love, I do believe your acting skills are up to par even if your patience is not."
A/N: Thank you to all of my steady reviewers and my new ones. You guys make this worth it. I'm glad so many of you agreed with my lesson through the makeover. I wish all of you (male and female alike) self beauty. I hope you enjoyed this chapter!