Chapter Four- Wand Malfunctions and Manners

The rest of the day passed quickly.  Hermione and Ginny helped Mrs. Weasley with the table.  Even with everyone around the table, it seemed empty.  Without the oh-so-superior comments from Percy, it was a lot quieter.  Percy had moved out during the winter.  He lived in London, near Diagon Alley and the Ministry, where he worked. 

To make up for the person missing, Fred and George seemed to be trying to make as much boisterous conversation as possible.  They entertained the group with jokes, stories, and all together loud noises.  Fred was in the middle of telling a joke about a hag, a hippopotamus, and a tree, when Ginny turned to Hermione.

"Mione, let's go to the Muggle drugstore tonight."

"Why?" Hermione questioned.

"We need to stock up on Muggle beauty products," she paused for a moment and smiled.  "My treat, don't worry."

"Ginny, that is very kind of you, but I don't need for you to buy me things," Hermione told the younger girl, embarrassed.  Oh god… Now Ginny thinks that she has to buy things for me… That I am so poor I can't afford a little Muggle makeup… She's right, of course…  But I can't let her do that…

"Hermione, it can be your birthday present!"

"My birthday is in September."

"Well then it's a Christmas present!"

"You already sent me a Christmas present during the holidays.  Thank you, Ginny, but I really don't want you to buy me anything," Hermione said, starting to get a bit angry.

"Hermione," Ginny spoke in a low, and slightly dangerous, voice, "If you do not come with me to the drugstore and let me buy you some things… I won't help you get ready for the reunion." Ginny had Hermione and she knew it.  She watched Hermione's eyes open wide.  She smiled and continued, "Mum got me some Muggle money from Diagon Alley today.  So we can have some fun!"

Hermione frowned and stuck out her tongue.

*   *   *   *   *

Dinner was finished and the two girls decided to walk to the Muggle town nearby.  It was a fairly short walk and the weather was very pleasant.  They talked about everything.  Hermione told Ginny about a funny incident at work and Ginny told Hermione what Harry had done for their two year anniversary.  Ginny's story involved a Quidditch match, a large amount of Ogden's Old Firewhiskey, and a very drunk Harry. 

Oh god… The last time I saw Harry drunk was at the Burrow after graduation… That was a very funny sight… He kept asking Ron where the movie theatre was and Ron, being equally drunk, kept asking what a "thovie meatre" was… I suppose Ron wouldn't have known if he was sober either… Harry wanted to see a movie… After seven years of homework, detentions, and classes, drunken Harry wanted to see a movie of all things to do… Graduation was so much fun…

Hermione's train of thought ended as the two girls walked into the brightly lit store.  Hermione looked around; she hadn't been in a Muggle drugstore in over two years.  It wasn't any different than she remembered, a couple of people wandering around, seemingly aimlessly. 

Ginny was excited though; it was her first time being in a drugstore.  She looked around, her brown eyes bright with enthusiasm.  Unfortunately, she was not exactly sure how Muggle beauty products worked.  With an unmatchable eagerness, Ginny did the smart thing to do in a situation where she didn't know something; she asked someone who looked like they knew.

Ginny walked right up to the girl at the counter and said, "Hullo.  We want you hair."

The girl looked a little surprised and reached up to brush a few blonde locks out of her face.  She was a pretty girl, but her best feature was her curly, golden hair.  It hung down her back and swung from side to side with an amazing ease.

Hermione looked on with a little apprehension.  Who is this person?  I can not believe that Ginny has the guts to go up and talk to her… Actually, this is Ginny I am referring to… Ginny has always been outgoing… Maybe I can understand… I do like the girl's hair though…

Ginny explained the situation to the girl at the counter.  "My friend here," at this she gestured towards Hermione, "wants hair just like yours.  Could you please show us the products that you use to make your hair lay like that?  I'm Ginny by the way.  This is Hermione."

"Sure, I'll show you; my hair looks just like yours does when I wake up in the morning.  Oh, I'm Annie, Annie Hart," the girl laughed and waited for Hermione and Ginny to say their last names.  They stared at her blankly.  "Alright… Here, this is the hair aisle, number four.  I use products by…"

Hermione tuned Annie out and followed behind their guide.  Ginny was hanging onto every word that came from Annie's mouth, so Hermione wasn't worried about missing anything.  After a few minutes of walking up and down aisle four, Annie turned to Hermione and said, "So, if you just follow the steps I just told you, you should be just fine."  She smiled.  "I hope that you have fun at your reunion."

Hermione looked at Ginny, eyes wide with surprise.  How the hell does this Muggle know about the Hogwarts reunion?  Did Ginny spill?  Oh god… We're going to be found out… Everyone will be discovered… All our work to keep the magic world a secret will be ruined… Oh god… What are we going to do?

Annie saw the look of confusion on Hermione's face and explained, "Ginny told me, while we were walking."

"Right.  I remember.  Sorry, just a little… tired…" Hermione finished lamely, embarrassed that she had over reacted.  "So, uh, Ginny, do we have everything?"

"No, I want to pick up some Mug-I mean some makeup for us," Ginny glanced at Annie, worried that she had noticed the mess up.

"Do you two need help with that also?  I love makeup.  I'd love to help you out," Annie offered.  "I know some tricks that you could use, Hermione, to make your eyes stand out.  You have amazing chocolate-colored eyes.  Here, I'll show you."  Annie led Ginny and Hermione into the next aisle, jabbering the whole way.

*   *   *   *   *

Hermione and Ginny left the drugstore loaded down with bags.  Annie had shown them all the products she used and Ginny had insisted on buying every single one of them.  In every color.  Obviously the Weasleys were making more money now than they used to; although the Muggle products were cheap, the cost started to pile up after Ginny had realized that a product came in not one, not two, but about twelve different shades. 

It was harder going back to the Burrow than it had been coming from.  Then again, each bag weighs about fifty pounds and we each have five bags!  No wonder why this is hard… I guess I should walk more… This is ridiculous… I hate this…

"Well, that was a successful shopping trip.  I haven't bought this much stuff in ages.  It should last us for a while though.  I think my favorite is that burgundy colored mascara.  It looks great on you, Mione, it really does.  It makes your eyes look chocolate colored.  I really like Annie, too.  I think I'll have to go visit her a couple times a month.  You know, just to catch up on the latest Muggle style.  She knew more about fashion than anyone I have ever met.  That is saying a lot, considering that I work in a clothing shop.  You should see how much money some people spend in my store.  They come in wanting a set of robes and leave with three sets, five hats, and three pairs of shoes," Ginny paused for a while, catching her breath.  She smirked and said, "Hermione, do you know how Lucius Malfoy died?"

"I read in the Daily Prophet… Something about a wand malfunction…" Hermione answered, confused.

Ginny scoffed, "Well, you do know what that means, don't you?"

"Um, his wand didn't work correctly."

"Mione, people die of wand malfunctions only when they try to charm themselves."

"So?" Hermione asked, baffled.

"Do you know when he died?"

"Last year, right after Harry killed Voldemort.  You know that."

"No, I meant like what part of the day did he die?" Ginny was grinning at Hermione very evilly.

"Um, during the night I think… Why?"

"Mione, can you think of any reason for someone to charm themselves during the night?"  Ginny wiggled her eyebrows up and down as she spoke.

"No… Wait… Oh my god!  You cannot be serious!" Hermione was finally understanding what Ginny was trying to tell her, "You don't really think he died-"

"Doing IT? Yes, I do."

"Oh god.  That is horrifically disgusting, Ginny.  Thank you so much for telling me," Hermione groaned, trying to not imagine the actions Lucius Malfoy went through before he died.

"No problem."

*   *   *   *   *

Before Hermione knew it, morning had come and the Burrow was very busy.  Everyone was running around the house trying to get everything ready.  Fred was walking around the second story, robes on backwards, looking for his wand.  George was in his bedroom trying to close the top of his trunk, which was stuffed full of Weasley's Wizard Weezes.  Ron and Ginny were each in their own bathroom, presumably fixing their hair.  Percy, who came back to the Burrow in order to go to the reunion with the whole group, was walking around the kitchen, trying to help his mum, but really getting in Mrs. Weasley's way.  Mrs. Weasley, in turn, was trying to shoo Percy out of the kitchen, so she could continue with her work.  Harry was no where to be found, probably looking for socks or other items.  Hermione was the only calm one.  She was sitting on a chair in the kitchen, reading a book about the history of the International Confederation of Wizards. 

Can't get away from work if I tried… Maybe I should go help Ginny with her packing… I couldn't even try to help her with her hair anyway… I saw her put those Muggle beauty products in my bag when she thought I wasn't looking… All Weasleys are the same… You can't turn your back on one of them for a minute without being bombarded with surprises…

Hermione's thoughts were interrupted by a loud, even by the Weasley standards, bang.  She looked around quickly and got up quickly from her chair.  She was just about to go upstairs to see what had caused the explosion when a shell-shocked Fred walked down the steps.  He came over to Hermione and sat down.

"Fred, are you alright?" Hermione asked in a quiet voice, not wanting to scare Fred into doing something rash or stupid.

"Well, I found my wand," he said, gazing blankly at the wall, his eyes unfocused.  "It was under Hermes's cage.  I don't think Percy's going to be-"

"FRED!"

This scream by Percy seemed to jolt Fred from his trance.  He flashed a trademark Weasley grin at Hermione and ran up the stairs, undoubtedly going to be congratulated by George for infuriating Percy. 

Hermione gave up on reading and went up to Ginny's room.  She put her book in her bag and walked back down into the kitchen.  Mrs. Weasley was doing her work, now that Percy was off yelling at Fred.  Hermione asked Mrs. Weasley if she could help, but she too was shooed out of the kitchen.  On her way back up the stairs, she passed a harassed-looking Harry.  Well, I guess everyone is in a really good mood today… Not…

"Hell, Hermione.  You were right!  Ron has spent the last twenty minutes in the bathroom fixing his-"

"'Oh-so-casual-I-forgot-to-get-a-hair-cut' hair?" Hermione finished with a wry smile.

"Yeah.  He's bonkers, I swear," Harry said, rolling his eyes at the actions of his best mate.

The two friends continued on their opposite ways, Hermione going up the stairs, Harry going down the stairs, obviously trying to get some breakfast.  Hermione walked back into Ginny's room and watched the red-haired girl run around frantically.

"Need any help, Gin?" Hermione asked amusedly.

"No.  I just need to gather this lot up and put it in my trunk," Ginny replied, gesturing to the enormously large pile of clothing, makeup, and other odd paraphernalia that was sitting on her bed.  Hermione bit back a laugh.  She grabbed her own bag and hauled it out into the hallway. 

She was about to carry it down the stairs when a flash of red hair picked it up for her and started down the stairs.

"Thanks, Ron.  I could have managed it though," Hermione said to her muscular best friend.  He was already halfway down the stairs when he turned around to answer her.

"You're a girl."

"I think we have already been through this.  Good of you to notice again, Ron."

"Girls aren't supposed to carry heavy stuff."
"Ron, that is so chauvinistic and-"

"No, it's not.  Manners matter."

Hermione stared at the back of Ron's head as he continued down the stairs.  He seemed determined to finish his good deed.  And really… Who am I to stop him if it means less work for me… It was hard enough carrying those bags back from the drugstore last night… I could get used to service like this…

*   *   *   *   *

Everyone stood around the fire.  Hermione, Harry, Percy, Fred, George, Ron, and Ginny were about ready to go to the Malfoy Manor.  They were to travel by floo-powder because it was easier than Apparating and the destination was controlled.  This translated to less chance of a Muggle spotting.  Fred had graciously offered to take Hermione's bag with him. Hopefully he's not going to play any tricks… I don't think I could stand anymore surprises this vacation…

Hermione was the first in line to get into the fireplace.  She took her floo powder and threw it in the fire.  The flames turned green and she stepped into the warm fire.  It felt pleasant, not at all like she had thought it would feel her first time traveling by floo powder. 

Just as she said the words, "Malfoy manor" she heard another voice, Harry's voice, say "Oh hell, I forgot my-"

The voice was cut off as Hermione began her quick travel to the reunion.  For a few moments, the dizzying whirl threatened Hermione with nausea, but she was quickly over it.  She was very sure to keep her elbows tucked in; once, she had overheard Lavender had told Pavarti a story about ending up at a Bachelor Party in America.  The men at the party had thought that she was the dancer coming and it had taken them ten minutes of explaining to let Lavender go.  She had said that the men kept trying to pull her back and when she had gotten home, she found money tucked into the back of her skirt.   After hearing that story, Hermione was always careful with her elbows. 

When she felt herself slowing down, she threw out her arms to hold her balance. 

She looked around the room she had landed in.  It was brightly lit by a beautiful glass chandelier.  There were elegant looking sofas in maroon, black, and emerald green.  Well, those don't look very comfortable to sit in… They would probably poke you in the back if you tried… There were other items in the room, but it was empty of any people.  I don't think I should wait for the others… Who knows what Harry forgot… Could be his broom or his owl… Or his brain for that matter… I'll just go on and meet them there… The only thing Hermione could do was go to the other side of the room and knock on the closed door.  She walked over and breathed deeply.  With pure determination, she raised her fist, poised to enter the party. 

*   *   *   *   *

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Author's note:

Alright, so did you guys like the part about how Mr. Malfoy died?  I thought it was hilarious and it was fun to write.  Do you like the story about Lavender in the Bachelor Party?  I was thinking about the TV show The Bachelor when I wrote it, so there you go :) Inspiration comes from the oddest places.

So, I was right, Hermione was at the reunion by the end of this chapter.  She just hasn't entered yet, but she is there.  Draco will probably ask Hermione for help, or at least explain the situation, by the end of the next chapter.  So those of you that want Draco in the story, just wait until the next chapter.  BTW, I'm sorry to leave you guys with a cliff hanger.  I love ya'll, know that.  And yes, I will be finishing this story, you can hold me to that.

Alright, I know that you guys hate to hear this, but please review.  I can't make my story better when I don't know what you guys like… And who wants to read a story that doesn't have stuff that you like in it?  Did that make sense?  If it didn't, I'm sorry.  If it did, cool :)  So yes, please review, you guys mean the world to me and you inspire me to write some more.

Also, I need a beta-reader, so if someone wants to, please tell me so in the review!  Thanks!

-MOLLY