Disclaimer: Anything you recognize is not mine. Don't sue.
Summary: AU Ginny has crossed over and taken Hollywood by storm. Only she's not Ginny Weasley. She's Iris Nouvelle. Draco becomes a cloistered, eccentric director when working on a film but wins awards doing it. Only he's not Draco Malfoy. He's Dylan Norton. When they are thrown together as the dream team that would make movie history in Firetree Studios' next creation, they find that they stand to gain a lot more than millions in their bank books.
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Couture, Clanks and Crossing Over
Chapter 2:
Charge It Here
Frank drove into the Firetree Studios lot without pause or hesitation. They came to a halt, however, when they reached a large warehouse type building. It was massively done in neutral tones and held nothing to display except a small sign with a bold 'STAGE 1' written on it. Aside from that, the door and a slight staircase, it was completely blank. Frank immediately went over to open the doors for the two ladies. Ginny smiled her thanks.
"Ready, Becz?" asked Ginny, tilting her head towards the sizeable structure.
"As I'll ever be." replied Rebecca.
They entered the stage door and found only darkness.
"Can you see anything? 'Cause I can't." said Ginny, knocking into God knows what.
"Eat more carrots. It'll enhance your vision." replied Rebecca. She was somewhere to Ginny's right… Wasn't she?
"You hate carrots." said Ginny, just as a harsh crash pierced the blackness.
"Which is probably why I'm tripping all over my Blahniks. I can't see a damn thing. And did I mention…" said Rebecca. "OUCH."
Then, without warning, the lights came on and it nearly blinded the two girls. Fluorescent lights were the bane of every woman. Right by the switch, a man stood, seemingly probing the area for something. One look and both girls knew they were in the face of a complete debonair. His skin was as dark as his eyes were light. From the distance Ginny was, they seemed like an impossible shade of green and he stood definitely more than 7 feet tall.
Ginny decided it was time to stop checking out someone she figured was an executive of the Studio, and speak up. "Excuse me. Could you help us? We're here for a meeting." said Ginny, elevating her voice a little since it was a tad far away for normal speaking voices. Ginny turned to Rebecca. However, her manager seemed to be staring quite embarrassingly at the striking other occupant of the room.
The man's attention was called. He immediately smiled and walked towards them, saying, "You must be Ms. Nouvelle. I must say, I've heard the rumors but nothing quite matches up to you in the flesh."
And he was a charmer too. Not good.
"My wife is an avid fan of your movies."
Phew. That dampens the urge to jump him for now. Rebecca looked like someone had just told her the sun wouldn't shine tomorrow. Or that Vera Wang had just dropped out of the fashion business.
With an upturn of the lips, Ginny recovered from her stupor and said, "Then I'm avid fan of your wife's. Nice to meet you, Mr..?" she inquired.
"Masterson. Lawrence Masterson. I'm COO of Firetree Studios. Usually, I'm a little busy but I'll be escorting you personally today."
"Well, I'm honored, Mr. Masterson."
"Please. It's Lawrence." said the charming gentleman. Lawrence inclined his head with a slow smile and turned to Rebecca. "That goes for you as well. You are?"
Rebecca cleared her throat suddenly and stuck her hand out. "My name is Rebecca Hastings and I'm Iris' manager. I believe we spoke over the phone, Lawrence."
He nodded. "Ah, yes. The funny woman." remarked Lawrence and Rebecca's rosy cheeks just got rosier. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
Rebecca could only laugh nervously so Ginny swooped in to save her. "I'm so excited to be in talks with you guys. These past two years have been a little crazy for me so I haven't been able to work with your studio earlier than now. Although, I've wanted to."
"I know what you mean. I was only appointed Chief Operational Officer a year ago but I've seen the offers. Well, we might as well make up for lost time now, shouldn't we?" said Lawrence in a most amiable way. He turned to the expanse Stage 1 offered. "I know we were set to meet at the main office but I actually wanted to show you around some of the sets we'd be using for the movie. You've read the script of Veiled?"
Ginny nodded fervently. "I read and loved it. Milo Zimmerman did an excellent job."
"He'll be glad to hear that. Shall we begin our tour?" Everyone agreed so they set off with the excursion around the different sets. There was a dazzling array of pretty much any kind of set you'd need for a drama and they were all in impeccable condition. "This will be in the scene where you run off. You know, to ones of the places your character believes will get you to the end of the 'puzzle.' Well, your character if you decide to grace us with your participation, of course."
"Oh, you can be assured of that." said Ginny as she took in the following location. It looked like a dream. It seemed to be some kind of monastery, but each pew and each carving held a certain character to it that typified its splendor. The stained-glass windows were elaborate masterpieces of their own. Ginny was almost giddy inside. All in all, the movie looked like it was fixed to be nothing short of astounding.
"Iris, what have I told you about off the record?" interrupted Rebecca, cutting in between Lawrence and the redhead.
"There is no such thing."
"Right. So could you not commit yourself to anything before we're in an official meeting room?" said Rebecca, raising her eyebrows at Ginny in disapproval.
"Aww, Lawrence is cool. You won't try to swindle me or anything, right, Lawrence?" said Ginny, putting a hand on his arm. Trying to reach his shoulder would be like trying to climb Everest, even for a 5'11 girl like Ginny.
"You got it, Ms. Nouvelle."
She cringed dramatically. "Iris, please."
Lawrence laughed a deep, raspy one and said, "You got it, Iris."
"I know that but you never know who might not be as cool as Lawrence. So for future reference, keep it within the meeting room and with a pass from me," said Rebecca.
Ginny faced Lawrence with a pitying smile. "She's just like this because she loves me. Forgive her," said Ginny.
Lawrence chuckled along and continued his service as guide. Around twenty minutes later, he remembered, "Oh, yes. Our CEO will be arriving shortly to meet you two so do you mind if we cut this a little short?"
"Not at all. As long as you don't ditch us here. This shower one creeps me out. It looks a little like the one in Psycho," remarked Rebecca. Ginny shoved Rebecca a little in the direction of the bathroom set before pulling her right back. The svelte blonde woman shrieked a short "Iris!" as the other woman chortled uproariously. Thankfully, Lawrence was able to keep his snickers under control. Although, it seemed like he was having a hard time of it.
The towering man led them out the stage door and into a golf cart. Rebecca sat alongside him at the front but Ginny chose to stay at the back and marvel at the wonders of a golf cart, though it wasn't her first time. Soon, they parked in front of a smaller office-looking construction. Since its doors were glass, cubicles, shelves and the sort could be seen inside. "If you'd follow me, there's a boardroom inside where I'm certain Timothy is waiting. Also, I think Iris' agent should be there by now as well."
They did as he asked and not long later, they found themselves in a clear glass room with a stretched wooden table that could seat around ten people. Across the room was the only wall made of stone with a rectangular window fronted by blinds. Beneath the window lay an extended sidetable with a runner lining its middle. At the head of table sat a rather short man. However, as they entered the room, she recognized that his smile would probably win over girls twice his height any day. This man got what he wanted when he wanted. To his left sat Ginny's darling of an agent, Russell Marx. However, she knew that when it came to getting a deal done for his clients, he resembled something more of a shark.
Timothy stood as they fully entered the area. "Hello, everyone!" he said in a singsong voice. "Ms. Nouvelle, it is an honor to finally meet you. I'm Timothy Heaton. Timothy for you and this lady who I'm supposing is your manager. I've been watching you since you first came out in 'The Swallow.' I just knew you were going to be a star."
"Thank you. I'm thrilled to finally be working with you and your studio," she said. Seeing Russell standing as well, Ginny went over and kissed him on the cheek.
"Careful, babe. I've got a wife and kids that may just hunt me down if I leave them for you. So don't tempt me," said Russell from beneath his stylish stubble. Ginny chuckled raucously since she knew there never was and never will be anything like that between her dashing dirty blonde agent and her. He was a faithful man to his wife and that was something hard to find in their world.
As she walked away from Russell, Timothy seemed to just stop and gaze at her. "It really is amazing how beautiful you are," said the lethally charming man. Though she supposed she should've gotten used to compliments by now, this was rather straightforward in its word choice. Ginny blushed lightly, thankfully this was something she had put under control when she started really focusing on acting as a career.
"You compliment me too much, Timothy. So, let's get down to business, shall we?" said Ginny, seeming as cool, calm and collected as the next person.
"Straight to the point. I like it!" declared Timothy with a grin. He offered them their seats and they all sat down. Rebecca introduced herself formally. "Nice to meet you, Ms. Hastings. I'm curious to know what you and Ms. Nouvelle thinks of our preparation for this movie."
"Personally, I think your sets are in immaculate state. I was very pleased to see this as I know that can be the trouble with other studio names, or so I've heard." said Rebecca. She twisted in her seat to face Ginny. "What about you, Iris?"
"I agree. I was very pleasantly surprised when Lawrence showed us around. Has Russell seen them?" said Ginny.
"Yeah, I saw a few. Very professional work. The monastery in particular was incredible. It won me over in a heartbeat," commented Ginny's agent.
Timothy, who had been nodding along the whole time, clapped his hands together lightly and said. "Wonderful! Does this mean we can cast you down as our leading lady?" he asked Ginny.
The redhead turned to the two thirds of her managerial team. They both inclined their heads to give her their go signal. She turned back to top executives of Firetree Studio and gave them her biggest smile. "I'm sold, Tim. I hope this endeavor we undertake together will be a fruitful one."
"I'm very glad to hear that, Ms. Nouvelle," said Timothy in a low voice. "We've said before that 'Veiled' would never reach its potential without you as its leading lady. Milo Zimmerman himself said he pictured you playing it since he started writing it. Am I right, Lawrence?"
Lawrence smirked. "Yes, he did. Quite zealously, if I remember correctly," he said. Lawrence then stood and held out his hand to Iris. "We are very proud to call you part of the Firetree Studios family, Iris."
Ginny took it and was soon shaking hands with everyone else in the room. "This is fine as long as the things we discussed are not withheld, Tim," said Russell, playing his part as super-agent and looking out for Ginny's interests. Since he was usually the one who dealt with the studios about her fees and so on, Russell was always very clear and precise when going about his job.
"Of course, Russell. Everything we discussed," replied Timothy.
Lawrence spoke up as Ginny and Rebecca were preparing to leave. "There are just a few more matters to go over," said the COO, catching their attention. "I am aware that usually after signing a deal the shooting starts still quite a while after. However, for this movie, we would really like it to be released early next year." He shared a look with Timothy before turning back to them, saying, "Would next week be too untimely for you?"
Ginny looked at Rebecca, basically the master and organizer of her life. Rebecca's eyebrows knitted together in thought. "Well, it'll be a little inconvenient but I think it's doable," said she. Rebecca turned to her client and friend. "Your next week is going to be one without sleep, though. Get yourself ready."
"And when has that ever changed?" replied Ginny jovially. "Don't worry about me. I can hack it." she said, holding her fists up, to which they laughed. "So all the props and things are ready?"
"We run a tight ship, Iris. You'll see. We've even got the director signed already," grinned the tall Lawrence. "Oh, and we are very pleased to tell you that we've gained ourselves an award winning director for this new movie. I wonder if you've ever heard of Dylan Norton?"
"Why, yes, I have. What he did with 'When the Time Comes' was pure art. It's one of my favorite movies of all time. I've never met him in person, though," said Ginny dazedly.
"Well, you will very, very soon, I promise you. That man is a genius. Just as yourself at your craft, Ms. Nouvelle," remarked Lawrence whole-heartedly.
"I couldn't put it better myself. That's part of the reason we're so excited for your pairing up. It's sure to be Firetree Studios' tour de force." agreed Timothy.
"Well, I don't know about that but I'll give it my all. And next week won't be a problem so no need to be concerned." Ginny replied.
"Excellent. I really admire your work ethic, Ms. Nouvelle," Timothy cut in. "Also, we'd like to hold a PressCon this weekend for our cast. It'll most likely be in three or four days."
Rebecca had already taken her organizer out at this point. "Saturday would be best for Iris. That's four days from now. Is that alright?" asked the blonde, all business.
"Perfect. Thank you for your time, Ms. Nouvelle," called Timothy.
"We'll be sending over the contracts to you within the week. Thank you, Iris. I'm sure this partnership will be a great one." added Lawrence.
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Three days later, the legal documents came by messenger. However, along with them, an invitation to a private celebration for the cast and crew of 'Veiled' arrived as well. It was to be held at one of New York's finest restaurants called Masa and was set for that very night. She instantly went to find Rebecca. As Ginny found her in her office, she began, "We might need to clear up my schedule tonight. I have to go to this." She slid the cream invitation across the table and directly under Rebecca's line of sight.
The lithe blonde seized it and inspected only the first few lines before her interest strayed. She dropped it and said, "Someone really hasn't been studying her schedule. I've known about it since Wednesday. It's already on your date book AND your phone."
"Oh," Ginny said. She rubbed her neck in embarrassment. "I suppose I don't get a gold star for good behavior then?"
"Don't count on it."
"I'll go get ready then. I love you, Rebecca. You still love me too, right?" said Ginny, heading for the door.
Rebecca, not even breaking her gaze from whatever papers she was looking over, responded. "You know I do. Now, scoot before I use these account statements to shut you up."
Ginny grinned and dashed through the door. The dinner was at 7, which gave her roughly 4 and 1/2 hours to be primped and beautified by Raquel, her hairdresser, Sahara and her stylist, Maria Hernandez. Ginny called her stylist and was told to meet her in Saks Fifth. Waiting at the entrance was a voluptuous woman whose mix of Spanish and American looks fused together exquisitely. She wasn't as skinny as other women but she was undoubtedly gorgeous. "I've called them already and they've set up our usual room." said Maria.
They took the elevator and as soon as the two panels opened, they were showered with greetings and compliments. This was the routine at Ginny's private showroom for all the latest fashions in the illustrious store. They were shown to the couches set up as there orders were taken, Ginny, ordering some fries and an Iced Tea as Maria asked for an Iced Tea as well. Then, with a click of the fingers from one of the salesladies, one by one, models poured from an adjoining room to showcase dresses, tops, bottoms, shoes, jewelry and all sorts of accessories. Ginny and Maria, both major fashion enthusiasts, always ended up staying much longer and taking much more than they needed to when faced with so many choices.
In the end, they chose a lovely number from Marc Jacobs for the event that evening. It skimmed Ginny's thigh a few inches above the knee and was done in a bold floral print of white and black. The crossover v-neckline was both in front and the back which emphasized her ample bust and elegant back in classy manner. Since there wasn't as much time left to go back to her own apartment, they had Raquel and Sahara come over and work their magic on Ginny. Sahara went first. Ginny was seated on the vanity they had set up as he primarily straightened her hair out. The bleached blonde man decided then to arrange Ginny in a gracefully messy up-do with her vivacious red bangs falling to one side. After, Raquel did what she did best in record time.
By 6:35 PM, Ginny was fully dressed and feeling as glamorous as she could be.
"Ms. Nouvelle, if I may say so, you are the most gorgeous woman I've ever seen and that's the God-honest truth," commented one of the salesladies as she and her peers gathered around to look on at Ginny appreciatively.
"That's partly my handiwork, you know."
"And mine. Although, I think we all agree that it wouldn't have turned out as wonderfully on anyone else. Ginny can make anything look fantastic," said Raquel, admiring the fruit of her labor.
"Well, I've got around twenty minutes to get there so I'll be on my way. Thank you all for everything," she said, noticing a slight sashay in her walk from feeling this great. "Frank's waiting downstairs, right?" she asked on her way out.
Sahara pursed his lips. "I believe he is. And maybe when you come back, we can get him another suit. He's gotten too attached to that thing. Men will never learn, I tell you," replied Sahara, putting a hand to his face in exasperation.
"Will do, my love. I'll see all of you later," she called, waving as she turned and moved once again for the door.
Ginny arrived ten minutes late to dinner so she rushed into the restaurant as soon as Frank opened the door to her limo. She hated being late, always had, always will. When she reached the inside, though, it seemed as if nothing had really started. She saw Lawrence over the crowd (How could anyone miss him anyway?) and made her way towards him. All eyes were on her the moment she stepped into the room but all she noticed was that the whole place was reserved for this get-together. Masa seated only 26 people but abiding by its theme of shibui, everything was done in subtle, simple tones and designs, all coming together beautifully.
Lawrence saw her approaching and said, "Ah, the lovely lady we've all been waiting for is here. You look exquisite." he said so that the whole room could hear.
"I'm so sorry if I've kept you waiting," she said to him and the rest of the crowd once reaching Lawrence's side.
"No, it's fine. We all pretty much just arrived ourselves," replied the woman to Lawrence's right. She was very beautiful, with strawberry blonde hair and a pair of unique blue eyes that pierced straight to the heart. She donned an equally arresting red Narciso Rodriguez cocktail dress. It fit her like a second skin. "My name is Clarissa Collins. I'll be playing Hannah."
Ginny offered her hand in salutation. "Really? Well, it's nice to meet you. I'm looking forward to working with you." greeted Ginny. Clarissa took Ginny's hand without delay and shook it. A little too firmly, if you ask her, but maybe it wasn't intentional.
"Also, Iris, I'd like to introduce you to your love interest in 'Veiled,'" said Lawrence, gesturing to the man now hovering to Ginny's right.
"My name ees Lorenzo Bonito ahnd eet ees a pleashar to be in la presance of sumwan ahs bonita ahs you, Señorita." said the arrestingly sexy man. He stood more than 6 feet tall with no problems, and had the most amazing hazel eyes she'd ever seen. He did his hair in a stylishly gelled faux hawk and judging by the fit of his Comme des Garcons suit, his body was more than toned. ()
She couldn't help droop her eyelids a little and give him a slow, lascivious smile, no matter how ridiculous and fake he sounded. "Thank you. It's a pleasure to meet you as well." said Ginny softly.
"I'm sorry. Sometimes I start talking like that when I'm nervous." said the tan-skinned hunk of eye candy in a straight American accent. It was a little weird but that small mole right by his mind-blowing lips were a little too distracting at that moment for Ginny to care.
Ginny smiled at him and opened her mouth to say something. However, she was cut off when Lawrence interjected, "Oh, there you are. Iris, I'm delighted to introduce Mr. Dylan Norton. Dylan, this is Iris Nouvelle, your leading lady and the fine woman you'll be working with for 8 months."
Ginny didn't pull her eyes away from Lorenzo for a second. However, when she did, she wished that instant that she had kept them where they were previously. It couldn't be. Could it?
Could the man standing across from her possibly be the same man that had saved her from her fall in Nobu? The same man that had more or less claimed she was an airhead? The same man that she swore she'd never see again?
Yes, it could be, apparently because as soon as Ginny had let a low, spiteful "You," escape from her lips, he gave her absolute reason to confirm his identity.
"Me." said Dylan Norton, grinning like a maniac. "Found your sense of direction yet?
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By the way, if someone didn't get some of the things Lorenzo said, (yes, think Nacho Libre) here are some translations:
"My name ees Lorenzo Bonito ahnd eet ees a pleashar to be in la presence of someone ahs beautiful ahs you, Señorita." -- "My name is Lorenzo Bonito and it is a pleasure to be in la presence of someone as bonita (beautiful) as you."
My love goes out to:
Katrina – Thank you so much. Your comment really made my day. Those were two things that I was really looking to put in my story and I'm so happy someone noticed. Plus, I sticking to what's real (or at least, real in JK's world) is one of the most important aspects of writing. I look forward to your next review:P
Alexandria J. Malfoy – Loving it? I'm loving you!
Flipinpenname – Really, really great? Wow, never thought someone would say that about this. I'll email you about the beta job! Thanks:D
nilber – In the words of Timothy, "Straight to the point. I like it!" You're awesome. Thanks a bunch:D
Thank you for reading another chapter of whatever I wrote. It might just be mindless babble but it took a while to type it so I appreciate your time. :P
I'm still looking for someone from New York who I can refer to since my story is mainly set in Manhattan. So if anyone could help out, please contact me at the address specified in my profile. You'll be my best friend, if you do!
Anyway, thanks again! Read and review!
3starsandboulevards