Disclaimer: don't own.
"Perfect!"
"Thank you." Hermione smiled at the young lady whom she vaguely remembered as Vera, who had finished filling out Hermione's casting form, which asked for almost everything that Hermione had no clue of, like hips, waist and breast.
"I will take you to the hair- and make-up department, ok?" the lady said, flouncing off, taking Hermione into another room which was complete with a mirror and two ladies with various colours, brushes and other utensils that Hermione couldn't name.
"Melanie, this is Natalija Karkarova." Hermione smiled at the make-up lady who motioned for her to sit down on the stool.
"So, Chris asked you for this photoshoot? Said that he met you in this shop?" she asked, dusting powder onto Hermione's face.
"Is he the photographer? If so then yes, he did ask me. I was in this shop trying out some clothes." Hermione answered, a bit self-consciously. She hoped that the make-up-artists wouldn't notice.
"Yes, Chris prefers to ask girls he thinks are well for his campaign instead of booking models from the agency." Mary, the hair stylist commented. Hermione just nodded. She didn't know if this was a good thing or a bad thing.
They had both started working on Hermione now and she was glad that she didn't see what they were doing.
"So what are we doing today?" Hermione asked them, trying to keep the excitement out of her voice.
"Have you ever modelled before Natalija?" Melanie asked, now working on Hermione's eyes.
"Yes. I'm from Durmstrang and I used to model a lot for magazines. Nothing big though." On with the lie, Hermione, she scolded herself.
"Ah ok. So here you will be doing some indoor-shoots with various clothing and some outdoor shoots. Chris is usually very creative." Mary grinned. She was straightening Hermione's hair magically right now.
"Sounds interesting. And where will the photos appear?"
"Witch's Weekly – I'm sure, you know the magazine, for the shop's magazine, and maybe for some flyers and posters." Mary shrugged.
"Impressive." Hermione couldn't keep the astonishment out of her voice.
"Finished then." Melanie finished by putting a gloss onto Hermione's lips.
When Hermione finally looked into the mirror, she almost didn't recognize herself. Her blonde long hair was straightened and shiny and fell like a golden sheet down to her waist. Her face was almost not recognizable under all the make-up. But it looked good. No, it looked perfect.
Hermione smiled at the two ladies. "Thank you." The door burst open at exactly that moment and the photographer bounced in, two young, pretty ladies behind him, as well as a young man. Models, obviously.
"Natalija! You look gorgeous." he kissed her hand.
"Thank you." she repeated.
"Now, too all my models, first we will be doing some indoor-shoots and since the weather is nice, we can go outside." the photographer explained.
The models all nodded and Hermione did the same. She was bursting from excitement but also from fear. Would she handle the job? Could she do it?
"Now, you are allowed to get changed into the correct dresses. Miss Ching and Miss Tan will help you with that." and he dismissed them with a hand. Two short, slim ladies from an Asian country, ushered the four of them forwards into the changing rooms.
"It's your first time, isn't it?" the dark-haired male drawled.
"No, she has modelled before, didn't you listen?" the blonde-haired female model answered instead of Hermioe.
"Julia, I can see a newcomer. And she obviously is one of them." the boy sneered.
"That's right. I am new." Hermione said simply. Why should she lie? Maybe they would even help her and give her some tips.
One right and the other one wrong.
"I knew it!" the male said triumphantly. "My name is Marc by the way." he grinned and held out his hand.
Hermione shook it hesitantly. "Nice to meet you, I'm Natalija."
Marc grinned even broader and held out a bottle of firewhiskey. "Trust me. Take some sips and everything will almost go by itself."
After drinking 3 healthy doses of whiskey, Hermione immediately felt better. She shouldn't start this actually… However, she was really shocked when she suddenly saw that the other models were pulling out bottles of alcohol and drinking as well. The blonde girl had taken a bottle of vodka and the other girl was sipping on a strange red liquid.
After Hermione had been pressed into a tight, but beautiful looking lilac summer dress – she remembered it being Lockhart's favourite colour for a reason unknown – the other models and she were ushered into the next room. The photostudio, by the looks of it. A white background and various lights and other items indicated that this would be the photo-studio.
"Julia, could you start please?" the photographer asked the first model who nodded obediently. Hermione had to pay attention. Julia seemed to be a professional the way she posed and looked. Furthermore, she photographer gave specific instructions on how to pose and Hermione was glad. After all, how did she know what kind of face and hat pose to make?
"Perfect Julia. Now another one with Natalija." Hermione got up and stood herself next to the blonde model. She felt a bit helpless and all the other faces were staring at her. She prayed to herself that she could do it.
"Natalija, you stand like that – that's right, put one hand in your hip – the same goes for you, Julia – perfect - and the other one you put onto Julia's shoulder. Both of you, DO NOT look into the camera. Natalija, look to the left – no, with your eyes only, look at the painting on the wall, and you Julia look to the right to the table with my bag on it." the photographer instructed.
Hermione, who had drunk a healthy amount of whiskey, was totally at ease, posing with this other girl. The photographer even praised them. "Now, just think of some poses that could be nice – just remember to always keep contact."
Hermione and Julia varied their poses – like obvious professional models and the photographer was happy.
"Now, it's your turn, alone, Natalija."
"Sure." Hermione grinned, totally at ease. "Very well!"
Hermione did some other poses and was soon- too soon released.
"Your turn, Marc."
Marc and Hermione shot each other a glance. "If I didn't know better, I would say that you have modelled before." he couldn't keep the smirk out of his voice.
Hermione smirked as well. "Thank you for the whiskey."
"You're welcome."
THTHTH
Draco and Harry were freezing in their black cloaks. Tom had ordered them to wait for everyone in the forbidden forest. It was a dark and cold secluded space that sent shivers down Draco's spine. When he looked upwards, he couldn't even see the sky. Why Voldemort hat chosen this place, was still an unsolved mystery to the time-travellers.
Ginny and Harry had debated about that earlier – without any plausible results.
"I'm freezing." Draco said beside him. They were both wearing black clothes with hoods so that their faces were only partly visible – also a request from the future you-know-who. "Black told me to be here at 2 o clock. Now it's already 15 minutes past. Do you think it was a joke?" Draco growled.
Harry was about to answer when the bushes rustled and ten or so Slytherins (or at least, Harry assumed) crept up to them silently, making a circle, without eye-contact.
Harry and Draco didn't dare to utter another word or look at each other. Both of them waited, their hearts beating frantically.
They waited in silence for about 2 or 3 minutes when another figure appeared, wearing a black cloak and also a hood. He was the most powerful, Harry and Draco could tell. 'That's Riddle now.' Harry thought shuddering inwardly.
He stood himself into the middle of the circle and began counting the figures. Draco shivered. It didn't help that it was dark and cold in the forest. Next to him, Harry slightly trembled and Draco was relieved that Harry was also nervous.
"Now, as everyone knows, we have two newcomers here. Like I requested." the voice that spoke was NOT the one of Tom Riddle. The one in the circle had maybe the looks of Tom Riddle, but the voice of Lord Voldemort!. With a white long finger he pointed at Draco and Harry who were shaking violently. After all, they had not expected the real Voldemort and the voice he had transfigured into Voldemort's voice didn't add much to their comfort.
"Poliakoff and Krum. You are not fully accepted yet. In order to be, you have to pass a test I hope you do not disappoint me." Tom said in a low dangerous hiss. The other people around shifted uncomfortably.
"Yes. Okay." Harry said bravely. A typical Gryffindor. Draco would have rolled his eyes if the situation hadn't been this dangerous.
To Harry's and Draco's dismay, Tom was in front of them in a heartbeat, pulling off his hood. His still handsome face was now only inches from Harry's.
"Never ever speak out of turn, POLIAKOFF. And if you do, always address me, as MY LORD. Is that clear?" Tom's voice was now so dangerous that Harry and Draco felt their blood chill.
What had they gotten themselves into?
"Yes, I understand." Harry said, uncharacteristically shrinking under Tom's glare.
"What did you say? I think I should teach you some manners." Tom snarled.
With a swift movement of his wand, Voldemort cast a foreign spell and Harry fell down onto the ground, yelling, thrashing and clutching his arm as if it were on fire. His right arm, to be precise."
"Owwwww!" Harry screamed in agony and let his wand fall down onto the ground. It was not crucio but not far from it. The pain was "only" in his right arm, but it hurt so terribly that Harry almost fainted. 'Stop it stop it' he thought in his head.
"Accio wand!" Voldemort said lazily, catching Harry's wand in a smooth movement. Who was still screaming and thrashing on the ground. The others watched with their faces hidden behind their hoods but Draco could tell that everyone had already endured the curse. He sincerely hoped that he wouldn't be next.
'That's what it feels like being a death eater. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him.' Harry was still clutching his arm, tears welling up in his eyes from agony and embarrassment.
Draco couldn't bear it. He hated Potter with all his guts, but he couldn't stand it, watching Potter being tortured by the future Dark Lord.
Harry felt his arm getting better slowly. "This is just a taster of what I'm capable of, if you don't obey." Tom said in a low voice, looking at Harry menacingly. Harry saw that his face was twisted, white and his eyes were already glinting ruby red.
"Yes, my lord." Harry said through gritted teeth, getting up slowly.
"You learn fast, Poliakoff." Tom said coldly and threw the wand at him which landed on the ground in front of Harry. Trust Voldemort to throw it so that Harry had to bend to pick it up again. And humiliate himself further.
"Do you agree, Krum?" Tom asked the most dubious follower.
"Yes, I do, my lord." Draco answered without hesitating, clearly wanting to impress Tom. Too eager for his liking. Tom shook his head. He would have to watch Krum more clearly. After all, he knew he was hiding something and was determined to find out. With a last sneer at Draco, Tom went to the middle of the circle again to announce the next steps. Draco gave Harry a short glance out of the corner of his eyes. He was still standing there, grimacing in pain and holding his right arm. Draco pitied him. Probably for the first time of his life.
"Very well. Now I will tell you about the test you have to make. Should you succeed, are you welcome in that group. Should you fail, we'll erase your memory and you will not be part of our secret society anymore." Tom said, again using Voldemort's voice.
The other members of the groups looked at each other uncomfortably. Tom's test methods never were the easiest. Draco and Harry assumed so as well as they looked at each other with wide scared eyes, prepared for the worst.
THTHTH
Two hours later, they had finished the indoor-shoot. Hermione was happy. She could finally drink some water – when Marc approached her again. 'What does he want now?' Hermione thought exasperated but she smiled nevertheless.
"Ah. Marc." she said refilling her water bottle, not bothering to keep her voice even.
"Would you care for some more?" he asked her holding out the firewhiskey, grinning. Hermione was repulsed.
"No thank you. I think I know how to pose now. I am now more or less used to the feeling what it's like to be on stage." Hermione smiled politely. She was of the opinion that she had mastered the shoot very well so far.
"I am not sure why exactly you refuse. We models always drink before and during a shoot." Marc said, shrugged, and downed another healthy dose of the drink.
"No thank you. I'm quite confident in what I'm doing now." Hermione was aghast. How could they drink so often? That wasn't like that in the model business in the future – or was it?
Before she could marvel on that thought, the hair and make-up ladies attacked her again.
"Time to redo your make-up." Melanie chirped, attacking her with a powder brush.
Sighing inwardly, Hermione let herself fall onto the chair in front of the mirror. What a strenuous day. Exciting though and definitely something new, but very wearing. She vaguely wondered what Harry and Draco were doing and if they were fine. She hoped that Tom wouldn't be too hard on their first meeting.
How very mistaken she was.
The hair stylist was now curling Hermione's hair magically. Soft shiny curls now fell voluminously down her back to her hips. 'I have to remember that spell.' Hermione thought impressed, but before this terrific thought occurred, another voice chimed in.
"Beautiful." Marc commented, sitting down on the other stool who having his make-up redone by Melanie now.
Hermione blushed scarlet. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." Marc grinned and took another sip of his beloved drink.
Hermione could only shake her head.
A little while later, they were outside for the outdoor-shoots. They would be taking photographs on the lawn in front of them. The meadow was healthily green and some wildflowers were blossoming here and there. A peaceful scene! Far away from certain Slytherins, death eaters, school marks, fights, duels… and the most handsome and intriguing figure Hermione had ever known.
A perfect scene for a photo shoot. Apparently the photographer thought so as well.
All of the models (the male one included) were wearing completely white outfits now which contrasted perfectly with the green meadow.
"Natalija, you're first." Hermione readjusted her white hat and dress and walked to the meadow in front of the team, which was not too easy, given that she was wearing white high heels and the grass was too soft.
Hermione smiled and positioned herself on the meadow with the photographer giving her instructions. Hermione marvelled at how good she had become. She had started from ZERO to almost being professional. At least the photographer was delighted and praised her endlessly.
"Very well, Natalija, now look at something far away, your head a bit more to the right – PERFECT!" the photographer clicked away and Hermione changed positions every so often. Merlin, she must have been a natural.
"Nowwww, Marc as well. This is supposed to be a romantic scene." the photographer smirked.
Hermione suppressed a cough as the handsome Marc strutted towards her, white trousers and white open "blouse".
Marc joined a slightly shivering Hermione, grinning profusely. Now it was time to do the romance-scene.
Hermione and marc only half listened to the photographer's instructions. It all came naturally and Hermione was surprised by her ease.
"Now the kiss." the photographer drooled.
Hermione tried to keep her head. 'Don't freak, Hermione.' she kept repeating to herself.
Marc had now both of his hands on Hermione's hips and Hermione had one hand on his shoulder.
"Now look at each other as if you were in love." the photographer instructed and Hermione tried to use her best acting skills. She looked at Marc seductively who looked back at her with a similar expression. 'He is not a model for nothing.' Hermione thought as he gazed into his dark brown eyes.
The photographer clicked away and then had a new idea. "Now a kiss."
The other models opened their mouth but couldn't say anything as Marc had already pressed his lips onto Hermione's. Hermione closed her eyes – which she thought was the best thing she could do in that situation. After all, it had to look authentic.
"Very well." the photographer cried out in delight. "Now I would like to try something in between. The both of you, put your faces closer, exactly like that, and now Marc you look at her lips, as if you were about to kiss her and you Natalija look at his lips as if you were about to kiss him. Perfect, and open your mouths a bit, just a tiny little bit." the photographer chuckled in delight and clicked away.
Several minutes later, all four of them were on the meadow doing different positions and Hermione was glad that the embarrassing scene with marc was over. She wondered which scene would be next.
She didn't have to wonder for long.
The crew took another portkey to a waterfall. It was cold and Hermione had already started freezing as she stepped into a greenish-blue-silver blouse and the matching skirt and high-heels.
"You must be used to it – your weather is similar in Russia!" the brown haired female model whose name Hermione had forgotten sneered.
Hermione shot her a glare. "Well yes, that's why I am still healthy tomorrow and you will be in bed, suffering." she smiled her sweetest smile at her.
The other girl looked furious and Marc laughed loudly. She wasn't a Russian!
THTHTH
Tom walked around the circle, speaking in a high clear voice. "The aim of our group is to finish noble Salazar's work. We want to rid the world of Mudbloods, who are not worthy to live or walk on this planet. Furthermore, we are trying to achieve immortality. And we want Power. We want to be a group that is feared above all in the wizarding world."
Draco and Harry didn't dare look at each other. They watched Tom feeling scared stiff but also – to their disgust – fascinated by how much power he held.
"If you are part of the group, you have to take a vow that you will never betray me, never turn your back. I hate nothing more than being fooled or disloyalty. Should I find that out, you will be punished. I think, everyone in our group has already felt like what it's like to be punished. That was nothing today, Poliakoff. That happens when I'm in a good mood or merciful and this does not happen very often." Tom laughed a high cruel laugh.
The others laughed as well. Though Harry and Draco noticed that it was something they were forced to. And Tom's next statement proved them right.
"There is another rule. When I'm angry, you should be angry. When I am torturing somebody who is not part of our group, torture somebody else. When I laugh, YOU have to laugh as well. Is that clear?" he looked at Draco and Harry with a twisted face.
"Yes, my lord." Draco and Harry answered at the same time.
"Very well." Tom said and walked over to Abraxas.
"Malfoy, you go have to do the test with Krum."
"Yes, my lord." Abraxas pushed his hood away and walked over to his grandson, his face empty. Tom looked at the two for a second and was sure, there was something between them that he couldn't explain. Well, not yet anyway. Krum was looking at him with a sort of a puppy-dog face.
"And you Black, partner with Poliakoff." Orion Black who looked remarkably like Sirius minus the long hair walked swiftly towards Harry, not the trace of a smile on his hard face.
Harry's and Draco's mind were whirling. What were they about to do?
Tom resumed pacing in the circle, but still speaking in that high cold voice. "I want my followers to endure pain, to know what it's like being tortured, but still stand, fight for the principals our group stands for, scare the others and never ever feel sorry for every crime you commit. You are better than anyone else. You are part of the DEATH EATERS. Killing is not a crime. Sometimes it's inevitable. How to get information? By using legilimency and torture. And never ever disobey me. The consequences will be severe." Tom said menacingly, looking Draco straight in the eye, who swallowed.
"And I do not tolerate any weaknesses. Is that clear?"
"Yes my lord." Harry and Draco answered dully.
"Now, you will do your tests. Rookwood! Tell them the instructions." a slim boy with a handsome face took the paper Tom was holding out to him and unscrolled it.