Ch.10: Brands and Bouncing Bread Baskets
The mid-November air had changed, quite suddenly, from crisp and cool to a snapping cold that threatened snow.
Hermione curled on the couch, wrapped tightly in a quilt, reading The History of Magic: Part 3. The four friends had been searching for any clues towards what the unidentified Horcrux could be, and Hermione was slowly working her way through the Head's "library" in hopes of finding a clue. She was in the middle of a particularly riveting chapter on the development of Wizarding Brands, and quite unaware of the fact that Draco's pen had stopped in its journey across his parchment.
Draco stared at her from the corner of his eye, admiring the effects of Operation Otter.
Hermione's hair, manageable under the influence of Ismene's locks, was braided loosely and fell forward over her right shoulder. In the past weeks, she had begun to experiment with different hairstyles, but as far as Draco and Ginny could tell, she only did this because it kept her hair from falling in her eyes as she read.
Hermione had unknowingly incorporated the Pandora line of beauty products into her daily regimen.
She washed her face morning and night with Phaedra's Sun: Skin Brilliance, believing it to be a hand-me-down from Ginny, who had tossed her a worn-looking tube marked "face wash" at breakfast one morning, claiming that it was too harsh on her complexion, but that it might work better on Hermione's more resilient skin.
Combined with the Smoothing Soothing Crème, which Hermione had unquestioningly accepted as a gift from Dobby (as the note attached read), Hermione's peaches and cream complexion was left glowing.
Draco had left a large pump of the Murtlap Essence Body Lotion on the bathroom counter, which he noticed Hermione had begun to use.
The only thing that Ginny and Draco could not suss was how to get Hermione to wear a bit of makeup without their entire scheme becoming obvious.
Not, Draco thought, that Hermione needed any makeup.
In spite (or perhaps because) of her lack of awareness that her outside appearance had become very beautiful, she seemed to radiate light to those around her.
More than the slow evolution of an awkward girl into an elegant young witch, Operation Otter had played an important role in Draco's own life.
His growing friendships with Ginny, Harry, Ron, and Hermione had cemented him as trustworthy among the Gryffindor set. He was most grateful to Ginny for this development.
Ron had sat next to him one day, saying that he overheard Ginny gossiping with the Gryffindor girls about how changed he was. Ron had smiled at him, warning him good-naturedly not to "get too cozy" with his sister. When he saw the horrified look on Draco face, her had laughed and clapped him on the shoulder, assuring him that he knew Draco's "priorities lay elsewhere."
This statement had confused Draco, and so he had put it from his mind.
A hand waving in front of his face startled him back into reality. Hermione giggled at his glassy expression, and he promptly stuck his tongue out at her.
She then seemed to remember why it was that she had interrupted him, and he expression changed from one of playful amusement to great urgency.
"Draco, we need to find Harry and Ron. I've just discovered something extremely important!"
"Right," Draco said in a brisk tone, standing. "I'll find Harry, you track down Ron, and we'll meet back here."
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The four had gathered in their customary seats on the floor in front of the fire.
Harry was the first to speak.
"So, Draco said that you had found something important Hermione. Is it…?" He trailed off hopefully.
Hermione tossed Harry the copy of The History of Magic: Part Three that she had been clutching to her chest.
"Page 452, third paragraph" She said breathlessly.
Harry turned the pages of the think volume, squinted slightly to make out the small print, and read to himself. His eyes widened and he looked up at Hermione, letting out a low whistle.
"Well, what the bloody hell does it say already!" Ron yelled impatiently.
Hermione grabbed the book from Harry and read aloud in a determined voice.
"Developed By Godric Gryffindor and Rowena Ravenclaw, Wizarding Brands are a permanent charm placed on the skin. The shape of the brand is burned first onto the flesh of the one who wishes to communicate with another wizard or wizards, and then onto the flesh of those with him he wishes to communicate. In pressing on the brand's mark three times in quick succession, the wizard is able to notify all others branded after him. The magic involved in creating such a brand is so advanced that few wizards would be capable of creating one…
Draco's eyes widened, mirroring Harry's.
"The Dark Mark." He breathed, even now remembering the slight hiss of pain his father made when the Mark, branded to his wrist began to burn.
Hermione nodded.
"The Brand must be the Horcrux, Harry. If you read on, it says that Ravenclaw and Gryffindor only ever made one Brand, and that it was destroyed when they died. However, the magic used to create such a complex object would surely count as a relic of both Founders." She said.
"I need to talk to Dumbledore." Harry said, his voice slightly strained.
"I'll go with you." Draco stated, standing.
The two boys walked out of the portrait hole, leaving Ron and Hermione to their thoughts.
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"Ah. Ms. Granger has certainly been astute in this matter. I do wonder how I overlooked it." Dumbledore said, fingers pressed together as if in prayer. He peered over his glasses at the students seated across from him and rose.
"It seems then, that our tasks have narrowed to two. First, we must locate the locket, or ascertain that it had been disposed of. Then, we must travel to Voldemort's stronghold. For I am certain that he will keep both the Brand and Nagini close by."
Harry and Draco exchanged grim looks.
Dumbledore, noticing this exchange, chuckled.
"I assure you that you needed worry about coming face to face with Voldemort for several months yet. I do, however, advise that you begin to prepare yourselves for this encounter. Therefore, you will both be taking lessons with me every Monday evening, rather than as sporadically as these rendezvous have been."
The boys exchanged looks again, although this time their expressions were much more cheerful.
"For now, I do suggest that you take time to enjoy your final year here at Hogwarts. The term is coming to a close, and I do believe that Ms, Granger and Mr.Weasley are joining you both in your stay over break. I do hope you will use the time together wisely, and create as much mischief as possible."
Smiling warmly, Dumbledore escorted the two boys to the door.
He sat down again, and sighed sadly. Fawkes tilted his head to look at the wise old man.
"I can only hope that young Misters Potter and Malfoy are able to fulfill these final tasks. I am getting to old to do these things anymore." He said to no one in particular.
He looked down at his shriveled had, and a single tear fell on the charred flesh.
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Having been told to make the most of their time together, the four decided to postpone their research and preparations and properly enjoy the holidays.
Draco, blatantly ignoring House protocol, now sat with the Gryffindors during meals, avoiding the glares of his "housemates."
While the glares and taunt were menacing, Draco did not feel particularly threatened by them. Draco was happy. He had friends who cared for him, and a purpose.
A loud snort of laughter from Ron lifted Draco from his thoughts. Ron's face was bright red, contrasting terribly with his orange hair. Harry was calmly examining his toast. Toast that was…wait a moment, Draco thought. That toast is dancing!
Joining Ron's laughter, Draco leaned in to examine the slices of bread that were currently line dancing around Harry's plate.
"Finite Incantatem" Hermione said prissily. "Honestly Harry, I would think you'd spend your time on more useful magic."
"Well Hermione, I happen to think this is a very useful bit of magic. I'll never be bored at a dry dinner party, that's for sure."
Even Hermione had to laugh, imagining a grown Harry charming the breadbasket to tango during a business luncheon.
A/N: I meant to put this up last night, but my internet was down. Oh well. I'll probably get another chapter up later today as well.
KtotheT, DracoHermioneFan1295, Mysterygalwolf: Thank you guys soooo much for your reviews! It really means a lot to me, and I'm glad you guys like the story.
Draco Lover: He really is. But then, aren't all boys? Don't worry though, I have a feeling he might figure things out pretty soon.
Also, I've realized the chapter numbers are off in the actual documents. I'll probably get around to fixing that at some point. Or i can just pretend that I'm not an idiot at numbers, and that the mess up was intentional. Or something. Until later, then! Don't forget to review!
Elizabeth