Chapter Nine
As Hermione sat in the decadent salon waiting for her vibrant new hair colour to take, Gabrielle Delacour walked in through the magical doors.
"Gabrielle." Jaques greeted her with open arms, "Just in time!" Then he turned to Hermione, "I asked Gabrielle to come, I thought you would appreciate her expertise in cosmetics."
Hermione sat wide-eyed, "That is so thoughtful Jaques." Hermione said with thanks. "Gabrielle, it is lovely to see you again."
"And I am glad to see you!, Uncle Jaques told me you were going to a ball and he asked me to come and try out my new line of magical beauty products on you. I have some Veela magique infused in ze make up and ze results are startling." Gabrielle looked proud as she shook her beautiful silvery blonde hair. "I 'ave just ze thing to accentuate your new 'air colour."
"Let's do it!" Hermione said, laughing.
Hermione spent the next few hours being pampered and preened in Jaques and Gabrielle's competent care. She was given a light afternoon tea comprising of wonderful French cuisine and champagne, and by the time the two experts had finished it was five'o'clock.
Hermione looked in the self-illuminating mirror one last time and admired her hair and make-up. Her hair was stunning, sweeping curls fell around her shoulders on one side and beautiful shining curls were swept up in a shimmering pile at the back of her head, diamonte gems shining like stars were woven into the luxurious red locks and a fine glittering shimmer made each hair shine like glass. Gabrielle had literally worked magic on her face, her eyes shone like beacons in the night below sensual smokey ayeshadow, and her skin looked as clear and smooth as exquisite alabaster. Her lips were a delicate shade of rose red and Hermione felt like a million dollars.
Gabrielle and Jaques stood back admiring their work, "Ze 'air and make up have been charmed to stay in place for twelve hours." Jaques said. "After zat you will be able to wash it away with a simple reverse tonic if you so wish."
"I might like to keep it forever." Hermione laughed.
"I wouldn't blame you 'ermione," Gabrielle said, "You will definitely be ze bell of ze ball."
Hermione paid the talented pair and gave them both a generous tip. "Thank you both so much." Hermione said, kissing one then the other on each cheek.
"Ave a wonderful time." Jaques said as Hermone exited the salon, feeling like a new woman.
Hermione noticed some admiring glances from the shoppers in Diagon Alley as she made her way once more to the back entrance of Madam Malkins.
Aurelia was again waiting as she approached the gateway.
"Wow!" Aurelia gasped. "You look fantastic! I barely recognised you."
"...Err... Thanks... I think!" Hermione laughed "You look amazing too! Aurelia was already dressed in a stunning turquoise and silver gown. The colour perfectly complimented her fair hair and sea-blue eyes, "Your dress is gorgeous, hermione said as the two women made their way down the dingy steps to Aurelia's subterranean studio.
"I got your gown finished". Aurelia said, "I hope you like it. Aurelia, held a curtain in the wall back and Hermione stepped through.
"Oh my...!"