Hermione awoke the following morning feeling revitalised, the world seemed brighter and the stress she had been feeling lately seemed inconsequential. She pulled back the curtains surrounding her bed to reveal her empty dorm room; Lavender and Parvati must have already left for breakfast in the Great Hall. Hermione had no intention of going down to breakfast; she had already arranged to meet Tonk's in Hogsmeade; she quickly crawled out of bed and got ready to meet the older woman.
Half an hour later she found herself dressed in a pair of jeans; a snug cream jumper and a pair of black boots; over her right arm she carried a black parker coat as she descended the Grand Staircase, her hair was in a messy bun atop of her head, her wand holding it securely in place.
"Hermione; there you are, you missed breakfast," a familiar voice called to her, looking up Hermione smiled at her friends, Harry and Ron were walking towards her. Harry who had been the one to speak had a look of worry on his face, Ron at his side was eating a slice of buttered toast.
"I slept in," she told them in reply.
"That's not like you, are you feeling alright," her bespectacled friend asked her.
"Quite alright yes," She replied with a smile.
"Mione, can you help me with my Transfiguration essay after we get back from Hogsmeade," Ron asked her hopefully after swallowing his last mouthful of toast.
"Have you started it Ronald, it's due Monday," she responded, a frown on her face.
"Not yet but with your help it will only take an hour," he told her with a smile.
"It only takes you an hour because I spend hours in the library finding the right information Ronald. I then spend hours writing and editing my assignments before you use them to write your own. I'm not doing it anymore, instead of going to Hogsmeade I suggest you go to the library and do your own work. You will never succeed in life if you continue to copy of me," she spoke firmly but her eyes were kind. Ron's face turned puce, whether from embarrassment or anger Hermione wasn't quite sure.
"Now if you will both excuse me, I am meeting Tonks in the village and I don't want to be late," she told her Friends, Hermione lent forward gave them each a quick hug and kiss on the cheek and continued her way down to the village.
"Hermione, how have you been" a pleasant voice asked her as she was pulled into the arms of the purple haired Auror outside of the Three Broomsticks.
"As well as one can, be when the school is run by a dictator," she responded dryly, causing her friend to chuckle.
"Oh, I have missed your sense of humour," Tonks told her with a chuckle as she led her into the pub.
"It's nice to see you Tonks, how have you been," she asked as they both took a seat in a booth at the back of the room.
"Remus has been more agreeable with my advances," the older witch told her with a sly smile.
"Really, that's fantastic Tonks," she squealed in response.
"It truly is now what about you, any luck with your lover boy," The Auror asked her.
"Not yet, ever since the kiss, he's continued to treat me like another Ginny," she told her with a sigh.
"Then he's an idiot, any guy would be lucky to be with you," the older witch told her.
"What can I get you ladies," Madam Rosmerta asked them; the voluptuous woman was smiling down at them.
"Two Butterbeers please Rosie and a breakfast platter," Tonks responded, not even bothering to read the Menu. With a nod Rosmerta left, to get their food.
"Now tell me more about this plan of yours Mione," her friend asked her seriously.
"I took the potion I told you about last night. Today I need you to help me re-establish myself; I already feel more confident, I told Ron to do his own homework, something I've wanted to tell him for years. I want to look as confident as I now feel. I want too not be predictable. Everyone sees me as frumpy, a Brainiac, Harry's friend. I want to be a woman, someone who's funny and pretty and smart. I don't want to fall into the perfect boxes everyone has me in," she told her friend passionately, as Madam Rosmerta set their food and drinks and down on the table.
"So, you want a makeover," Tonks asked her after thanking the bar owner, Hermione nodded.
"I've had the same style of clothes and hairstyle since I started at Hogwarts when I was eleven; I'm now sixteen, I want something different," she responded, piling her plate high with an assortment of food; Madam Rosmerta's breakfast platter had everything from cereals to pancakes, sausages and eggs. The food was delicious.
"So long as you are doing this for yourself and not for Fred," Tonks told her when they finished, wiping her face on a napkin.
"It is for myself, a part of me hopes that Fred will notice too of course but I do want to do this change for myself," she told her friend as they both paid for their breakfast.
"Good, then I am happy to help, we aren't going to get what you need in Hogsmeade though. I'll apparate us to London and have you back in the castle before curfew," her friend told her with a grin. Tonks took her hand and dragged her out of the back door of the Three Broomsticks; to an apparition point in the ally way behind the pub. With a pop the pair were gone.
Tonks hadn't been kidding when she had said that they wouldn't get everything they needed from Hogsmeade. They had been to Gringotts where Tonks had withdrawn a large amount of money; both wizarding and muggle. Hermione had tried to withdraw her own money, but Tonks had smirked at her and informed her the money was Sirius's. Tonks had told her cousin of her day's plans and he had insisted on paying for everything Hermione needed as a thank you for saving his life in her third year. Apparently, the thought that the money of the bigoted house of Black would be used on a Muggleborn which had made Sirius happier than he had been in weeks.
Tonks had taken her by the arm and led her through Diagon Alley. Tonks had taken her to; Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, Twilfitt and Tattings and Madam Primpernelle's Beautifying Potions. Hermione had been measured in both clothing shops and Tonks had happily explained to Madam Malkin and a young blonde witch; Lucinda in Twilfitt and Tattings that Hermione required a new wardrobe and cost was not an issue. Hermione had spent two hours in each of the stores, she had been stuffed into everything from satin lingerie to formal silk robes and a new school uniform. Tonks had lounged in both stores; examining every article of clothing Hermione tried on with a critical eye before deciding if they should be added to the substantial pile of clothes that Hermione would be buying. In Madam Primpernelle's store, Tonks had happily walked round adding a bit of everything to a basket. When they had left the store; Hermione had more potions for beautifying than she thought were necessary.
"Muggle London now, we can get some lunch and then we can rest our feet while you get your hair done," Tonks told her after shrinking their bags and leading Hermione out of the Leaky Cauldron. The pair walked down the street and Tonks directed Hermione into the Underground where they boarded a train to Oxford Street, when they arrived Tonks took her to a small café opposite Debenhams and the pair had a small lunch of soup and sandwiches.
"Come along now; Mione, my friend Michael runs a salon up the street," Tonks said leading her into a nearby beauty salon, the Muggle's on the street walked past it as though it wasn't there.
After a short wait, Hermione found herself been led to one of the tall black chairs within the salon by Michael who had enthusiastically hugged Tonks upon seeing her as Tonks introduced him to her. Michael wrapped a towel over her shoulders and smiled at her through the large glass mirror in front of them.
"Now; what would you like me to do today sweet girl," he asked her. Hermione stared at herself in the mirror unsure.
"I'm not sure," she told him.
"She's reinventing herself; new hair, clothes, the whole shebang." Tonks called from where she sat, a magazine in hand, her dragon hind boots resting on the table in front of her.
"Reinventing yourself for who," Michael asked with a knowing smile.
"Myself, but there is a boy I like too, and he sees me more like a sister. I want him to realise that I am a woman," she told him.
"Ah young love, I reinvented myself a lot when I was younger. It is good to try new things my darling, do you have any idea what you want, or can I use you as my canvas," Michael asked, his fingers running through her hair.
"I just want different, something completely new," she told him.
"That is something I can do," he told her happily as he set to work, waving his wand over her hair. Three hours Later Hermione stared into the mirror in shock.
Before Michael had started; Hermione's hair had been light brown, shoulder length with uncontrollable frizzy curls. Michael had done as she had asked and made it completely new. He'd washed her hair, lathering it in potions shampoos and conditioners. He had dried it carefully and shown Hermione the charm he had used so that she would be able to dry her hair without it becoming frizzy. Michael had made her hair longer so that it fell in beautiful curly layers to the centre of her back. He had also made her hair darker; to the point that it was now a rich chocolate; it also had highlights and lowlights throughout; turning her head from side-to-side Hermione could see different shades of red, blonde, and brown among the chocolate. The front of her hair was shorter framing her face perfectly. While Michael had been working on her hair, his assistant, Fiona had pampered Hermione; she'd received a facial, manicure and pedicure. Fiona had waxed Hermione's eyebrows and magically dyed them the same rich brown as her hair. Flora had also charmed Hermione's fingernails and toenails into a perfect French manicure before putting a light coat of makeup on her face. The eyeliner and mascara made her eyes pop while the light coating of lip gloss made her lips look kissable.
"Do you like it," Michael asked her quietly.
"I love it," she responded just as quietly, smiling up at him through the mirror.
"You look amazing, Mione," Tonks told her happily.
"She looks magnificent," Michael told them. When Hermione tried to pay Michael, he waved her away, telling her that any Friend of Tonks didn't need to pay. He also made her promise to send an owl, informing him of everyone's reactions when they saw her new look. Hermione had promised to do just that and to recommend him to anyone who needed a new look. Hermione and Tonks had hugged Michael and Flora goodbye before Tonks had pulled Hermione out onto Oxford Street to buy muggle clothing and beauty supplies. Hermione had been dragged from one end of the street to the other and back again as Tonks forced her to try on everything and anything before buying her almost everything.
When Tonks eventually apparated them back to Hogsmeade; a knitted hat hiding her new hair; Hermione believed she would never have to shop for clothes again. When she had voiced this thought to Tonks, her friend had laughed, shrunk all her bags so they fit in one, linked their arms together and escorted her through the darkening town, up the winding path to the gates of Hogwarts.
When they arrived at the gates, they were greeted by Mr Filch, Professor McGonagall and Professor Umbridge.
"Hem-hem," the dumpy toad-like professor greeted them with her annoying fake cough.
"Are you okay professor; I think I have some cough-drop in my purse, the one's Professor McGonagall gave you last week seemed to help you a lot," Hermione spoke, her voice full of fake concern as she rummaged in her handbag for a pack of Strepsils she kept there.
"I do not require any cough drops Miss Granger," Umbridge glared at her.
"Oh, are you sure, they are honey flavoured," Hermione told the professor, holding the packet in her hand.
"Yes, I am sure," the professor told her, her glare intensifying.
"Okay," Hermione put the packet back into her bag and turned back to her Friend.
"Tonks, thank you for today, I really did need a girl's day," she told the older witch, giving her a hug goodbye.
"So, did I Mione, it was lovely to see you, we will have to do it again soon," her friend told her joyfully. With a final hug and a nod at Professor McGonagall Tonks turned on the spot and disappeared, Hermione then stepped through the gates which Mr Filch closed behind her.
"Miss Granger, it is my belief that you were not in Hogsmeade today," the dumpy professor spoke, her voice sickly sweet.
"That would be correct professor, I was in London with my friend," she responded calmly.
"Which is against the rules," the professor spoke her smile vindictive.
"I didn't break any rules, the permission form my parents submitted for Hogsmeade visits explicitly gave me permission to leave the village with my friend Nymphadora Tonks. I am sure you are aware that many student's leave the village with family members and older friends; Draco Malfoy was saying just yesterday that he would be returning home to Malfoy Manor today. Per this rule, I followed the rules and informed my head of house that I would be going to London with Tonks. I have re-entered school grounds fifteen minutes before curfew as well so if you will excuse me professor I would like to head up to the castle for dinner," she told the Professor Umbridge resolutely.
"I find it difficult to believe that you a fifth year Mud-Muggleborn student are friends with a Auror who graduated this school, long before you started here, perhaps you were meeting her to pass along Harry Potter's plans to overthrow the Ministry," The professor whispered angrily at her.
"Are you truly delusional; Harry is 15 years old, the only thing he's currently planning is how to ask the girl he fancies on date to Hogsmeade. Auror Tonks is best Friends with Charlie Weasley; I am best friends with Ron Weasley; over the summer we both spent lots of time with the Weasley family and became good friends in the process," Hermione responded heatedly as she marched towards the school.
"Mr Filch, search the girl," Professor Umbridge screeched.
"That is not necessary Delores, you have no grounds on which to search Miss Granger, this nonsense has gone on long enough" Professor McGonagall spoke, stepping between Hermione and the other two adults.
"I have nothing to hide professor; I spent the day in London buying new clothes and personal products. If Professor Umbridge wants Mr Filch to search me he will find nothing illegal on me. Of course, we might both be embarrassed as he will be searching through the underwear of a sixteen-year-old girl, I also have sanitary products among my shopping. I will of course have to inform my parents as well as my magical guardian Mrs Weasley that Mr Filch has touched inappropriate items of an underage witch," Hermione spoke her voice full of sarcasm. Mr Filch became pale and backed away from her, his eyes wide, Professor Umbrage on the other hand was bright red as she glared at her. Hermione's head of house Professor McGonagall had an amused smirk on her usually stern face.
"Have you met Molly Weasley, Delores, she is not a witch you want to trifle with, Hermione you run ahead dinner will be starting soon," Professor McGonagall spoke confidently, Hermione nodded and hurried away from the trio of adults; the two witches behind her continued their argument, their voices traveling on the wind as Hermione slipped through the large oak doors into the Entrance Hall of the school.
"Hermione; I've been looking all over for you; my date with Terry was a disaster," Ginny Weasley spoke, linking their arms together so she could drag Hermione into the Great Hall for dinner and tell her all about her horrible date. Hermione smiled at her redheaded friend and listened to her as she told her all about the date with Terry Boot; a Ravenclaw in Hermione's year.
"It was so boring, all he did was talk about homework, I think I would have had more fun watching paint dry," her younger friend told her in between mouthfuls of food.
"Where did he take you," Hermione asked amused.
"Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop, do I seriously look like a girl who wants to go to a teashop that is as pink and frilly as Umbridge's office. It was horrible Mione," Ginny told her with a defeated sigh.
"When I told you to go on dates with people so you'd feel more comfortable with Harry I meant people you have stuff in common with; Terry is the complete opposite of you and no you do not look like a girl who goes on dates to Puddifoot's, a butterbeer in the Three Broomsticks would have been a better date for you," she replied knowingly.
"Exactly, that would have been a perfect date, I should have gone with you and Tonks to London instead. Your makeup is so pretty. You must have had so much fun, I can't wait to see everything you bought, and your hair" Ginny spoke excitedly and looked pointedly at Hermione's hat that still concealed her hair from view.
"It was lots of fun but tiring; Tonks loves shopping and dragged me all over London. All I want to do is go to bed when I get back to the tower," she told her friend masking a yawn behind her hand.