Hello! Pink Slytherin, I dedicate this update to you. Cheers! I hope you like it. I had a bout of (not covid) illness. I should be able to update weekly from here on out. As I have said before, the next few chapters will be little snippets of key moments. I have taken many liberties with the timeline of the books. Please bear with me. I don't own this world. Have a beautiful week. Lark
Objects of Beauty Chapter 11
Spring 1948
"What the bloody hell were you thinking!" Hepzibah raged. " I understood your job was to keep those two safe and under wraps. Now the whole of the ruddy wizarding world knows their names." Her many chins wobbled.
"Madam Smith, please calm down." Dumbledore implored her. He smoothed his astonishing purple robes, his hands belying the nervousness that he felt.
"Don't patronize me young man. This is your school. You call the shots. You should have known who they chose to be the Krum boy's object of affection for that challenge.I should have been informed as her guardian. And then Harry and that blasted house elf had to go heroic and not only disrupt the challenge by saving Hermione but causing what the public perceives as a love triangle. The Prophet is having a field day!" Hepzibah's chunky gold bracelets clanked as she waved her hands about. "Explain yourself!"
"I admit that the boy was impulsive. We hadn't counted on that. And the Prophet was already reporting on the budding courtship between Mr. Krum and Miss Smith."
"Courtship my foot! He hasn't formally said a word to me." Hepzibah was deeply offended.
Dumbledore placed a placating hand in the air. "It's a different world, my dear. Now as to their visibility, what's done is done. It's unfortunate timing as The Order of the Phoenix has come to some realizations."
Hepzibah glanced up with fear. "What's happened?"
"Whoever is in charge remains hidden but we are seeing the numbers of supporters rise. We have narrowed it down to five suspects. There have been several muggles murdered by magic and several more muggle women and muggle borns have gone missing." Hepzibah gasped but Dumbledore continued. "As you already know the laws about muggle borns and sentient magical creatures grows ever more restricting. We cannot see who is turning the wheels though I have my suspicions. The last thing is that whoever the dark wizard is, they know that the prophecy exists." Dumbledore finished.
"Why do you think that?" Hepzibah asked in a small voice.
"The department of Mysteries has had several break ins. Recently we stumbled across Peter Pettigrew, he was quite remarkably alive. It came to light that he, not Sirius Black,was responsible in part for the Potter's death. In exchange for his life Pettigrew also revealed that he has been working for this dark wizard whom he only knows as Lord Voldemort. The prophecy has become a bit of an obsession for him." Dumbledore finished and picked up a candy from the dish on his desk.
"That Pettigrew boy is alive? Poor Sirius Black. Has he been released from Azkaban then?"
Dumbledore nodded. "With a full apology no less but I don't think he will ever truly recover. I plan to unite him with Harry, who is his godson, soon."
Hepzibah nodded. "I dare say that boy could use a few more people who care for him." She looked up frightened. "What are we to do if the prophecy is revealed?"
Dumbledore steepled his hands together. "I believe that we should tell them this summer. They will have to learn about who they are and about the Order that swears to protect them."
"I suppose it is time." Hepzibah began to cry. "And I've something to tell you as well. I've been to the healer last week. I've been forgetting things, you see." She looked up to see understanding already on the headmaster's face. "I've got three years left, four, if I'm very lucky. My mind will slowly begin to fade. Nothing can be done."
"I'm so very sorry Madam Smith." Albus said.
"Don't be sorry." Snapped Hepzibah. "Promise me you will take care of my girl when I'm no longer around to do it.
"As long as I'm living I swear on my magic." Dumbledore vowed. His hand twirled the Elder wand that he had won from Grindlewald.
...
Summer 1948
"Boys! Put that peacock down immediately! Wherever did you find it?" Mr. Weasley roared.
Sheepishly Fred Weasley placed the pure white peacock down. "It was wandering around in front of one of the tents is all." The bird regarded them all haughtily and Hermione suddenly had a sneaking suspicion of just which family this bird belonged to. Feeling that it had given them enough of its attention it opened its beak and emitted an ear splitting screech.
The camp covered their ears as one. "Put it back!" Snapped Ron. "That thing is going to make us deaf."
Any other arguments were curtailed as Draco Malfoy hurried over. He looked around the Weasley camp, his gaze landing on the twins. "Of course." He said, eyes narrowing.
He was dressed over formally for a campground in head to toe black robes. At fifteen he had shot up and was now almost as tall as Ron. He appeared so sour and stiff that Hermione felt a little self conscious in her white summer dress. She remained partially hidden behind Percy. Sighing, Malfoy scooped up the indignant bird. He caught Ron's eye. "Weasel." He sneered and checked to see that Mr. Weasley was speaking to Barty Crouch. "Didn't think I'd see your face at the World Cup." He took in the crowd of redheads. "I say, enjoy this while you can. Your father will need to pull off double shifts for years to come just to afford this. Pathetic."
Ron lunged for him but Harry and Fred snatched him back. Hermione hurried out from behind Percy. "Don't pay attention to him Ron. He truly isn't worth the time." Defiantly she raised her eyes to his. She expected anger but was met with a look of shock and worry instead.
He caught himself quickly. "Smith." He drawled. "And here I was thinking you could not sink any lower."
Bill Weasley has walked up to them and placed a protective hand on her shoulder. "Hello Malfoy, I see you've got your bird back. Apologies for the confusion." Bill's tone was firm and final.
Scowling Malfoy clutched his father's ridiculous bird to his chest and backed away. Casting one more unreadable glance at Hermione, he stalked off.
"Git." Ron spat.
"Such a pleasant chap." George opined. "We really ought to have him round more."
Bill leveled a hard look at the twins. "I happen to know that bird was warded. However did you get past them?"
"Ah, Ah, Ah," said Fred, waggling his finger. "Can't reveal our secrets, big brother."
Bill sighed. "You two could be brilliant curse breakers you know. No wonder mum's going spare over your joke shop idea."
Fred shrugged. "Got to live life to the fullest don't we? I'm not willing to spend my life cozying up to the elite. There's a war brewing and I know what side of it I belong on."
Bill shrugged. "As do I. In all your bird thieving did you manage to get the water?" George presented him with a full bucket and wandered off.
Hermione turned to Ron. "You can't let him get to you. It's what he wants." She patted his hand.
He sighed. "You're right, of course you are. Is to too much to hope that a stray bludger will knock him senseless tomorrow?" Harry snickered.
"That's a lovely thought." Hermione smiled. "Come let's have some lunch and then go and look around with Ginny."
They had spent the summer at Sirius Black's home. It was now the center for The Order of the Phoenix. Hermione had grown very close with the whole of the Weasley clan. She spent her days researching law to combat the Pureblood agenda and secretly assisting Fred and George in their ideas, which, to her way of thinking were far too dangerous.
Harry and now Ron were her closest friends. She was beginning to feel conflicted that she had not chosen Hogwart's as her school though she had learned to love Beauxbatons.
...
"It says that there will be a show put on by the mascots." Hermione told them excitedly. She looked out over the brilliant green of the pitch. The magical world still continued to amaze her. It always would. Harry leaned over to look over the velvet covered program.
"I'll bet they'll have Veela. Wonder if old Fleur knows them." He ribbed Ron in a friendly way who covered his face and groaned.
"Did I tell you she's seeing Bill?"
Hermione kept the smile from creeping over her face. "I'm sorry Ron." She said sympathetically.
"S'alright. It's a little embarrassing is all." He mumbled.
They were interrupted as Fudge, the minister of Magic made his way into the top box. He led the Bulgarian delegates as well as the Malfoy's. She felt the boys tense as the group grew near. When the Bulgarians spied her they stopped and gestured to her speaking rapidly.
Fudge stopped and looked for the source of their interest. "Ah, Miss Smith is it? I hear that Mr. Krum invited you here as his special guest." He bent over her hand. "Delighted to know you." The Bulgarians, clad in the red and black of their team took turns greeting her and were pleased that she could greet them in their own language. Viktor had taught her.
The Malfoys had silently watched this exchange. Nacissa was taking her in with a calculating interest. She'd never been this close to the woman, had in fact, avoided being in close proximity to the family when she could. A series of expressions crept over her face as she did this. First disinterest, then astonishment and finally, confusingly, recognition. Catching Hermione's eye the blonde witch nodded coldly and turned away.
Lucius was also studying Hermione. When his wife turned her attentions elsewhere his gaze dropped down the length of her body in frank perusal. She felt nauseated. Men looked at her now as Hepzibah had warned they would. This did not bother her so much as the fact that the openness with which he did this was a sign of disrespect for the lower class he believed her to be. Finished with Hermione he turned to Arthur Weasley and began making snide comments about the size of his family.
Cheeks reddened with anger, Hermione glared at Draco whose eyes were also upon her. Trapped as they were until Lucius decided to move on they looked deeply into on another's eyes, not exchanging a word. She had never had to be in close proximity to him for so long before. His eyes were quite astonishing, silver like his mother's, and fringed with thick lashes that were slightly darker than his nearly white hair. "You've freckles." Draco said almost wonderingly.
Hermione jerked back in confusion and tensed, expecting a verbal attack as was his habit. When none came she looked up confused only to find that the Malfoy's had moved on to find their seats. The box was curved out a half circle. She could see them chatting with Fudge when they were finally seated. Turning her head away she vowed to enjoy the game and not spend a moment more on the unpleasant lot of them.
...
The Veela had just finished with their spectacular display and the leprechauns had taken to the field. Lucius nudged his son and indicated the Weasley crowd. "Pathetic." He hissed.
Draco saw Hermione's face, alight with laughter as gold showered down on them. Her soft curls caught the light and her even white teeth shown as she turned her face up to the small dancing men above them. Ron was giving her a look of open adoration, his heart on his sleeve for all to see. He smirked. "As if the Weasel would ever have a chance. He reaches far too high."
Lucius looked at his son curiously for a moment. "As low as they have sunk the Weasley's are still of good Pureblood stock. It is she who would be so fortunate. Remember that." He admonished. "She's no right to sit among us, looking so comfortable."
Draco colored. "Of course, I only meant...because Krum has taken such an interest..."
"The Bulgarian should burn with shame at his vulgar affections. So public, it's one thing to play these things behind closed doors." Lucius gave Draco a wink then shrugged. "He'll see the error of his ways soon enough. Remember the plan for tonight. We shall make sure to make a special example of the Smith chit."
Draco looked over to the still laughing girl and nodded. "Of course."
...
"Where are we going?" Hermione panted as ran to keep up with the boys.
"To the woods. I saw some this way." Harry veered right.
"Oof." Hermione tripped on a tea kettle lying on the path. Ron doubled back to help her up. Laughter to their left had them whipping their heads around.
Draco Malfoy was doubled up. "In the dirt where she belongs." He wheezed. The laughter was almost hysterical.
Harry drew his wand. "Shove it Malfoy!"
Catching his breath he leaned against a nearby tree. He regarded the drawn wands impassively. Screams and bangs could be heard off in the distance.
"Where are your precious parents?" Harry demanded. "Hiding under those stupid masks?"
"So what if they are?" Draco shrugged. He indicated Hermione with his chin. "I'd keep well away if I were you. They're planning to do some clean up tonight."
"C'mon." Ron said grabbing Hermione's arm and backing away. The three turned and began to run again.
"I mean it!" Draco called. "Keep that bushy head down if you know what's good for you."
Ron flashed a two fingered salute at him
And they vanished into the darkness. Draco watched the spot they had disappeared for a long time. His body still hurt from the punishment that his father had inflicted on him earlier for his transgression of placing the mudblood over a Pureblood. He knew from experience that he would ache for days.
The sky erupted into a flash of green light and Lord Voldemort's Mark flowed brightly in the night sky. The second Wizarding war had officially begun.
...
Two will be born of the same maternal line as the Dark Lord rises. He is great in power but the two born from different fathers and mixed of blood have the power to vanquish him. Two will lead the world through the darkness. Two will destroy his power. The Dark Lord will mark the first as his enemy. The second will take his heart. Two will see the Dark Lord turned to ash.
The goggle eyed form of Professor Trelawney sunk back into the stone pensieve. Harry and Hermione looked at one another horrified.
"There is much to explain." Dumbledore told the shocked teens. And then he began the odious task of preparing children for war.