"Alright, first let's go to the hair salon."
Led by Daphne, we arrived at a stylish hidden salon slightly away from the bustle of the main street.
From the glass exterior, we could see the interior where warm-toned lights illuminated birch flooring. Young couples and elegant witches were waiting for their turn.
Ron and Professor Lupin, who clearly were not used to places like this, looked visibly intimidated.
"I didn't know Hogsmeade had somewhere like this… wait, huh!?"
Suddenly, Ron widened his eyes. Following his gaze, we saw Percy Weasley with his girlfriend Penelope Clearwater. Both were standing with their jaws dropped, equally shocked to see Ron.
"Percy!? What are you doing here!?"
"Ron!? How did you…?"
For some reason Percy, looking embarrassed, mumbled excuses like "It's not like I was interested" and "I wasn't trying to look cool or anything." Penelope only gave a wry smile.
"Hello, Ronald. I invited Percy."
Penelope casually covered for him, and Percy immediately agreed with a flustered "Y-yes, that's right!"
While Ron stared him down with a suspicious "hmm" expression, I approached Penelope.
"Is this a date today?"
Penelope's shimmering blonde hair was loosely curled. She wore a bordeaux red beret and a sleek mouton duffle coat over a turtleneck sweater, paired with a flared skirt, stockings, and mouton boots: a cute and wintery outfit.
"Well, I wonder… it depends on how things go?"
Her eyes drifted toward Percy, who was wearing a checked shirt under an olive-green sweater with a large "P" on the front, and jeans.
"Um, is it strange?"
"It's not strange exactly…"
Penelope swallowed the words clearly forming in her throat, something like "you obviously just threw that on."
Maybe Percy really just came to Hogsmeade to shop. But she seemed to want him to be a bit more aware of the fact that they were out shopping together as a couple.
Still, it is not exactly easy for a girl to openly express expectations about how things might progress from here.
And none of us could say it either. As we tried to think of how to broach the subject—
"Ugh, I can't take it anymore!"
A feminine, sweet fragrance drifted toward us as Jemima Farley stepped forward from behind, her sleek black semi-long hair shining as she moved.
She wore indigo denim skinny pants, a chic olive mod coat, and a simple white V-neck tunic with the strap of a black camisole peeking out. She radiated stylish, cool confidence with a hint of sexiness.
"I'm going to push things in a slightly naughty direction!"
Farley darted forward, but another hand shot out from behind and grabbed her collar, stopping her. She let out an ungraceful "Gweh!"
"Oh, Annlotte."
The one holding her was Annlotte Carousel, a seventh-year Hufflepuff prefect. She had sleek medium-length green hair pinned on the side with a red clip, shapely curves, and amethyst-colored eyes.
I was not exactly close with her, but thanks to Penelope and Farley introducing us, we were on friendly enough terms to chat.
"Hey, Elaina."
Annlotte greeted me casually. Though she wore her school winter robe, underneath she had on a sleeveless black turtleneck, a white vest, black shorts, stockings, and half-boots—an outfit that emphasized her figure as well.
In terms of body type, she seemed somewhere between Penelope and Farley.
When people ask who the prettiest seventh-year is, Annlotte's name always joins the same short list with Farley and Penelope.
If Penelope is the soft, earnest honor-student beauty, and Farley is the charming, gorgeous, slightly mischievous Madonna, Annlotte is the cool, cute, dependable older-sister type.
"What are you two doing…?"
"We were having a day-off café date together."
"Then we spotted the top-grade student lovers having a date and thought it might be fun to tail them."
In other words, stalking.
As we chatted, Penelope and Percy seemed to realize they had spectators. Percy approached, puzzled.
"You two, what's going on? You've been staring at us."
"Well, that is because—"
Annlotte narrowed her purple eyes sharply.
"Mister Top Student, I should ask you this now. When you put on those clothes, did you hesitate at all?"
"Penny seemed concerned too, but is it really that strange?"
When Percy tilted his head, Annlotte let out a dramatic sigh like she couldn't believe him.
"Let me guess. You grabbed the first thing sitting on top of your closet and said 'eh, this'll do,' right?"
"Wait, did you just use Legilimency on me!?"
"Please tell me that was a joke…"
Annlotte buried her head in her hands, and Farley shook her head with exaggerated disappointment.
"The jeans and shirt are fine, but that sweater, where is it from?"
"T-that is confidential…"
Percy mumbled, and for some reason Ron also turned red.
"Listen. Maybe you came here just to shop and eat. But when you are with your girlfriend, you should be prepared for whatever might happen."
"Prepared for what?"
"Well, you drink just enough, then one of you says 'let's find a place to rest,' and suddenly you are alone together."
Penelope blushed. Annlotte gave a sly smile. Farley whispered mysteriously.
"And while you're exploring her room, you might find pink toys, and before you know it the two lovers are skin-to–"
"I completely understand! I was wrong! Please stop right there!"
Percy shouted, face bright red, completely drowning out Farley's voice.
"Alright… I'll buy new clothes."
"That's more like Penelope's boyfriend."
Overwhelmed by the two seniors, Percy surrendered. Penelope said "Good, good," but also pumped a tiny triumphant fist.
My guess, though, is that she probably always wanted to say something about his outfits but didn't want to seem like a demanding girlfriend, so she held it in.
＊＊
So, with all that said.
"Here, Professor Lupin, please have a seat."
Parvati guided Professor Lupin, who clearly looked out of place, into a chair. Together with Annlotte and Farley, who had joined in as curious onlookers, we compared the magazines available in the shop and discussed hairstyles.
"How about an up-bang style?"
"A ponytail might actually suit him."
"Isn't that too aggressive? A light all-back two-block would be safer."
"Or maybe a soft side part."
"That might actually work!"
While Ron and Professor Lupin wore expressions like they were listening to some sort of mysterious incantation, we ultimately decided on a classic businessman's soft side part.
Incidentally, many witches and wizards have hair that can return to normal overnight even if shaved completely, like Harry's. Because of that, magical salons like this do not just offer haircuts. They can also use magic to grow hair longer or adjust it freely.
"My hair looks like that from the back…"
Beside me, Hermione stared through a hand mirror at her reflection in the standing mirror and looked mildly shocked.
"Oh my, Granger, have you seriously never looked at yourself in a mirror before? That's practically the end for you as a girl."
Seizing the opportunity, Pansy sneered. Hermione immediately bristled like she was ready to fight, but when she looked again at Pansy, who had successfully transformed from a pug-faced girl into a proper beauty, she ground her teeth in frustration.
"If you're curious too, Hermione, why not try just a hairstyle change? It's a good opportunity."
It is never too late to try something new. Besides, we are still teenagers. No matter how badly things go, this is still an age where mistakes can be fixed.
"But I don't know what would suit me…"
As she hesitated, I handed Hermione a hairstyle catalog and flipped through it with her.
"Did anything catch your eye at first glance?"
After comparing a few pictures with a thoughtful "hmm," Hermione pointed to a photo of a witch with sharp features and airy blonde waves. Given that her facial structure was already good, it would probably suit her just fine.
"Alright, let's go with this. Just show the staff this photo and say 'something like this,' and they'll do it for you."
Hermione still looked unsure, but as Parvati and Lavender encouraged her with things like "You've got this!" and "It'll definitely be cute!" she seemed to gather her resolve. Finally, she headed toward the stylist, saying, "I'll try it!"
And as for the Slytherins.
"Draco, I really think a mushroom cut would suit you!"
"C-calm down, Pansy… alright, alright, I get it!"
Unable to fend off Pansy's high-energy insistence, Draco Malfoy said goodbye to his heavily waxed all-back hairstyle and underwent a makeover into a mushroom cut.
While Pansy and the others excitedly discussed the finer details, Draco let out a big sigh and our eyes met.
"Do you think it'll suit me…?"
"If it doesn't, then at least it'll make for a funny punchline."
"I'm worried precisely because I don't want to be the punchline!"
"Oh, come on."
First times are always nerve-wracking, but if you just accept it, everyone around you gets used to it quickly. Personally, whether Draco got a perm or shaved his head, I would only think, "Guess he changed his mind," and move on.
Things like this tend to work out better when you do them lightly and on impulse with friends. Even if something goes wrong, you can just laugh it off as "everyone else got carried away." And honestly, people care far less than you think. With that kind of reasoning, I talked the overly self-conscious Draco into going along with it.
"Besides, right now you can use the excuse that you went along with the 'first year in Hogsmeade vibe.' And if everyone's changing things up together, you won't stand out."
"If I'm the only one who messes up, won't I stand out even more…?"
"Even if you're going to fail, isn't it better to experiment now rather than later, after you've found a girl you really like?"
With that, I finally convinced the reluctant Draco to sit down. Pansy and Daphne immediately began giving the stylist detailed instructions, and Draco ended up looking exactly like a child being dragged along by overzealous guardians.
A little over an hour later, the results were all there. Professor Lupin looked neat with his soft side part. Percy sported a refreshing two-block cut. Malfoy's mushroom cut had been lightly shaped into a stylish look. Hermione had transformed from a messy chestnut mane into airy blonde waves that dramatically enhanced her beauty.
The four of them stepped out of the salon muttering things like "Doesn't this look a bit strange?" but when the girls responded with "Not at all!" and "It looks great!" they all seemed secretly pleased.
＊＊
"Alright, next up is suits."
The place Farley guided us to was a high-end tailor facing the main street.
It had a calm, refined atmosphere reminiscent of Savile Row, the famed heart of British gentlemen's fashion in London. Inside, stylish suits lined the shop, exuding history and tradition.
"Welcome, Miss Farley. Which gentleman will we be assisting today?"
"Long time no see, Gary. This is Professor Remus Lupin. He works at Hogwarts."
Farley, clearly a regular here, introduced Professor Lupin to the gray-haired, middle-aged clerk, and measurements began right away.
"Formal wear, or business?"
"Business. But since he's a teacher, something slightly casual."
While Professor Lupin stood there looking uneasy as his measurements were taken, Farley answered smoothly.
"And the style?"
"British style, of course."
Incidentally, suits can generally be categorized into three styles: British, Italian, and American.
British-style suits feature padded shoulders and slightly angular lines, with the waist tailored closely to the body. They use firmer fabrics and give off a dignified, classic finish full of traditional dandyism.
Italian-style suits, by contrast, have no shoulder padding and a softly tapered waist. Made with lighter fabrics, they present a natural, rounded, and elegant silhouette.
Finally, American-style suits do not cinch at the waist, making them accommodating to various body types. Emphasizing comfort and ease of movement, combined with diverse colors and patterns, they give off a more casual impression.
"Buttons?"
"Double-breasted, please."
"And the color?"
"Gray with a shadow stripe."
"Understood."
Giving crisp instructions to the clerk, Farley and Annlotte took turns holding up solid navy and striped ties against Professor Lupin.
In the end, they accepted Professor Lupin's preference of "nothing too flashy" and settled on a safe combination of a plain navy tie and a white dress shirt. Still, that felt a little too safe, so they added a pair of Wellington-style fashion glasses for flair.
"Ooooh!"
When Professor Lupin emerged from the fitting room a short while later, the students collectively let out voices of admiration.
Since it was custom-made, it avoided the surprisingly common mistake of wrinkles caused by poor sizing, resulting in a clean, well-fitted look that truly came together.
This is one of the advantages of wizarding tailors. Even custom orders can be completed quickly, with fittings included.
"So… how is it?"
Professor Lupin looked slightly embarrassed, while the female students grew excited and cheered.
"Whoa, this is dangerous! The vibe is totally handsome!"
"Daphne, that's not really a compliment. But yeah, it works."
"Professor Lupin looks cool!"
"There are definitely women who like this kind of thing!"
"Professor, can we take a picture?"
With Draco and the others still wearing sour expressions, we had the clerk, Gary, take a group commemorative photo of everyone.
"Alright, everyone, let's keep shopping like this!"
"Go, go!"
"Since we're at it, let's coordinate outfits for the boys too!"
"Yay!"
"Wait, it's still going…?"
Ron muttered, clearly fed up, when Draco, wearing the expression of someone who had reached enlightenment, spoke up.
"Listen, Weasley. Once it gets to this point, the girls can't be stopped. The only thing we can do is endure. If you look annoyed, you lose."
"Malfoy… you've really been through a lot, haven't you…"
Somehow, male camaraderie had quietly blossomed.
＊＊
By the time we returned just before dinner, Professor Lupin had completely transformed into a stylish, handsome older gentleman, while Percy, Ron, and Draco looked utterly drained.
"Um… uh…"
Harry, who had been waiting in the Great Hall, stared at them wide-eyed, hesitating as if wondering whether they were strangers who just happened to look familiar.
"Ron and Percy… and Malfoy, right?"
"""Please don't comment."""
Standing there were three boys who had fully become the girls' dress-up dolls.
Ron wore a black padded jacket, a wine-red cable-knit sweater, brown stretch denim, and black-and-white canvas sneakers. A warm-toned casual outfit that felt very Gryffindor.
Percy had on a navy Chester coat, a white V-neck sweater, dark gray tapered pants, and brown derby shoes. Likely chosen by Penelope, it was a refined, elegant look with a Ravenclaw feel.
Draco wore a navy jacket, a gray knit pullover, black stretch skinny jeans, and casual boots. Though cool-toned and very Slytherin-like, it came together in a relatively fresh way.
A moment later, Hermione appeared, and Harry's eyes went wide again.
"Uh, Hermione… did you dye your hair?"
"What do you think? Does it look strange…?"
"No, I think it suits you. Yeah."
"Thank goodness!"
Since she was at it, Hermione had also bought a down jacket, a red cardigan, a stole, a checked flared skirt, and dark brown loafers. In her hands was a bulging bag stuffed with the sweater she had been wearing earlier and more.
"Sounds like a lot happened…"
Harry said that while glancing down at the sweater he was wearing. Apparently it was from the same brand as Percy's, except Harry's was an ultramarine sweater with a large capital "H" emblazoned boldly in the center.
"...…."
Well, this is awkward.
Honestly, it screams "innerwear," and frankly it feels questionable as something to wear in public. Really, where do Percy and Harry even get these from?
Harry exchanged eye contact with Ron in what seemed to be a silent "Sorry about that" and "Hey, it's way better than the Dursleys," kind of exchange.
"Harry, next year I'll tell Mum to try changing the design."
"No, it's fine, really."
"But still… looking at it again… hmm."
Comparing Percy's newly bought sweater and Hermione's cardigan to the knit he had purchased on my tab, Ron stared thoughtfully.
"So, Elaina, what do you think?"
"Well…"
Setting aside the finer details of Harry's mysterious sweater, the sheer presence of that massive "H" in the center was overwhelming.
"I think the overall design isn't bad. If the initial were smaller and placed on the left chest instead of the center, it could feel like a stylish accent."
I took the sweater from Harry and examined it closely. Since I had the chance, I put it on to check the fit, then looked in the mirror.
"Oh?"
There stood a perfect, beautiful girl wearing an oversized ultramarine sweater loosely, with soft dangling sleeves and a gentle, cozy charm.
"Elaina is so cute!"
"It's kind of dorky, but that just makes it sneaky-cute!"
"Elaina really looks good in anything!"
"There are definitely tons of guys who love this kind of look!"
Is that so? It must be. Yes, that has to be true.
Incidentally, after this, Professor Lupin became such a suit-worthy British gentleman that even the Slytherins no longer had anything to complain about.
That would be Astoria's fine play.
(End of chapter)
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