A/N: I am so very sorry for the delay. My second year at college has gotten very hectic, and I've just spent the past month helping to plan a surprise birthday party for one of my best friends, so I haven't been to visit this site in ages—although this chapter was written months ago. Enjoy, and you have permission to throw things at me :D

Chapter 13

Remus grinned at the huge pile of Galleons in his money bag.

When Mr. Ross had handed him the velvet pouch inquiring, "Is fifty Galleons going to be enough for your advance, Mr. Lupin?" Remus had nearly keeled over. He had never in his life seen so much gold presented to him. And the thought that this money was all his filled him with a giddy feeling.

As he always did when he got his hands on some money, Remus sent off half to his mother, including a letter detailing where it had come from. He felt sure she wouldn't disapprove—she had always told him to go where he wanted in life.

He stopped off at Gringotts to deposit the rest of the gold in his account, and headed back to the house.

"I'm home!" he yelled as soon as he entered.

The place was utterly silent.

He found a note Lily had left on the kitchen table, saying she had gone to shop for some supplies in preparation for the start of the school year. And he remembered that the salon was up and running, so Sirius was now out as well.

He sank down on the couch, feeling a little disappointed. It was one of the rare times he got good news, and he didn't have anyone to tell it to.

xxxxx

It was one of Lily's last free days before she would be returning to Hogwarts. She'd spent most of it shopping for things she'd need for her tenure as professor, and this was the last stop before heading back.

A bell tinkled as she pushed open the doors of Whittle's Quill Shop. She browsed through the displays before picking out a pretty blue-gray one and getting in line.

"You're a Hogwarts student, aren't you, dear?" asked a middle-aged witch in shocking glittery pink robes in front of her.

"Actually, I'm the new Charms professor," Lily replied.

The woman's thickly-painted face brightened. "Oh, this is wonderful! You'll get to meet my daughter! She's starting at Hogwarts this year, and she's remarkably brilliant and talented—all her tutors have told me so! I hope you lot can teach her something though—there's nothing she can't do! I'm sure you'll adore, she's just like a little princess!"

Lily smiled painfully and tried to look interested.

When it was finally her turn at the counter, the clerk wrapped up her purchase—the added a couple of bottles of Self-Replenishing Ink and five new quills.

"Excuse me, I didn't—"

"There's no charge, don't worry," the clerk assured her. "Trust me, miss—you're going to need it. Whatever that lady in front of you told you—think the opposite."

Lily swallowed hard as what she was getting herself into hit her. Her stomach began to churn.

"Watch out," the clerk finished. "Next!"

xxxxx

Sirius picked under his fingernails.

Mr. Murray looked up gloomily from the scissors he was polishing. "So what do we do now, Mr. Black?"

The salon looked great. The renovation had turned the rundown little place into a bright, very modernized version. But one thing hadn't changed.

The place was still empty.

"Doesn't anyone get their hair cut?" Sirius grumbled.

" I knew I shouldn't have let you turn this place 'modern'," muttered his boss. "They don't even recognize it anymore, probably."

"Relax, sir—you won't regret this design," Sirius replied. "Just be patient. They'll come rushing in any minute now."

Another twenty of those passed.

"Any minute now," Sirius repeated lamely.

"Let's face it—no one's coming in today." Mr. Murray reached for his cloak. "Let's just close up and go home."

"We're not giving up." Sirius stood up. "You stay here."

Desperate times called for desperate measures. He marched out onto the streets and pasted his most charming smile on his face. Just as he hoped, a lot of female heads started turning.

It was a bit cheap, but what the heck.

He stopped a young witch in pale yellow robes and asked for her name.

"P-Patricia," she stuttered, her face turning bright red.

"Patricia, you have an absolutely beautiful face—and I would love to help you accentuate that even more." He gestured to the salon. "Would you like to avail of our services?"

"I-I…" She went an even deeper red. "Alright."

"Excellent." He started to walk her towards the door of the salon.

"Do my hair!" came a yell.

"I've got an important function to attend tonight—do mine!"

Sirius grinned. His plan was working perfectly.

"Easy, ladies!" he laughed. "There's enough time for everyone. If you'll come with me…"

Mr. Murray's eyebrows rose sharply and his jaw dropped when his young employee reentered the salon with a gaggle of girls—both young and old.

"You are cheap," he muttered.

"As long as it brings in business," Sirius replied under his breath.

It was a scene Mr. Murray had always dreamt of as he swept from customer to customer, Sirius throwing him scissors and combs and helping to apply products. By closing time, they practically had to push the last customer out the door.

"You are cheap," repeated a tired but exhilarated Mr. Murray.

"Relax, sir. See how they all liked what you did with them? And word is going to spread, and you'll never have to think of going out of business again. It may have been my charm and good looks that got them here, but it's your styling that will make them come back," Sirius reassured his boss.

Mr. Murray attempted to scowl, but he found that he could not manage much of one. Instead he turned to Sirius and threw a broom at him.

"Well, start earning your keep! I'm not paying you to sit around, you know!"

XXX

A/N: I know this chapter's a bit short--sorry. I'll make up for it in later chapters. :)

To my reviewers:

LupinLover99- Yes, it was definitely the yellow pajamas :lol: And I think you'll like the next chapter as well...

Arista Ramabra- I'm glad I made your day:)

flower123- I know, isn't it cute:lol: He's kind of based on my best friend's dad.

Nikki- :P

Prongs76- Thanks:) And how I wish I had no school...I'm dying here.

Next up is very intense, action-and possibly-comedy-filled chapter...what happens once a month?