Chapter Five
"Aurelia?" Hermione said, seeing Madam Malkin's pretty niece rushing towards her.
"Yes, hello again," Aurelia laughed, "I know that my aunt told you that we can't help you, but what she doesn't know is that I've been working on a winter collection in private, you won't believe this but my theme is 'Ice Queens and Masquerade Mistresses',"
Aurelia looked around herself nervously, as if afraid of being overheard. "My aunt is a little afraid of change and well... what with her retirement on the horizon, I was hoping to update the store and include a designer boutique, so I am entering my new collection in the Winter Witch Fashion Show. I haven't told my aunt yet as she would just worry, but the gowns are coming on fabulously and I would be honoured if you would wear one to the ball. I have been invited myself and I know there will be members of the press there, so having you wear one of my gowns would be great publicity for Malkin and Perky's new designer range." She looked at Hermione with hopeful eyes, "So what d'ya say?"
"How could I refuse such a generous offer." Hermione answered with passion.
"Great!" Aurelia shouted, before lowering her voice once more. "Meet me in the back alley behind the shop at 3pm this afternoon for your fitting Professor."
"I'll be there." Hermione promised, "But please call me Hermione."
"Ooooh ha ha." Aurelia giggled, "Okay... Hermione, see you at 3."
Aurelia slunk back into the shop and Hermione, realizing she had a couple of hours to kill, decided to visit Jaques Bouffant's Magical Hair Emporium, in the vain hopes of making an appointment for the following day.
As the shiny golden doors opened magically before her, the smell of hair potions and lustre tonics met her nose and for the second time that day she sneezed.
"Bless you!" A feminine male voice rang out in an over-the-top French accent. "Sacre-blue if it isn't the delightful professor Granger." Jaques called out.
"Hi Jaques." Hermione greeted the rotund hair-dresser warmly, kissing both of his cheeks before he took her hand with a flourish and bowed before her.
"'Ow wonderful it is to see you again, I 'ave been dying to get my hands on that lustrous 'ead of 'air for some time."
"How does 2 'o' clock tomorrow sound?" Hermione asked.
"Fantastique!" Jaques replied, "You must let me try my new palette of colours on your pretty 'ead. I 'ave a range of reds and golds that will make those gorgeous eyes just sparkle."
"I will leave my hair in your capable hands then Jaques." Hermione smiled. "See you tomorrow."
"Always a pleasure." Jaques said bowing deeply as Hermione left the salon.