Hermione leaned in, her gaze shifting between Daphne and Fleur, her voice lowering as if afraid of being overheard. "Let me tell you everything about Skarooth," she began, her tone weighted with the gravity of the information she was about to divulge. "And all that has happened since then, all that ties into the mystery of the symbol of three wands."

Daphne's lips curved into a sardonic smile, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Never thought you'd manage to outwit a detective like me," she remarked with a hint of disbelief. "How did I miss something so crucial?"

A small, triumphant smile played on Hermione's lips. "Looks like you might need an upgrade," she teased lightly, savoring her small victory.

Fleur, her brow furrowed with concern, interrupted. "So, whoever was responsible for locking me and the other girls away…"

Hermione's expression grew serious. "They had more than just a fleeting interest in torturing Beauxbatons students. Their motives are much more sinister, with plans that stretch far beyond mere cruelty."

Daphne's mind raced as she began to piece together the fragments of the puzzle. "But the symbol appeared on her back only a week ago," she said, trying to align the details.

Hermione nodded, adding with deliberate precision, "And your wrist, too?"

Fleur's eyes widened with realization. "Then you must have the third one."

Hermione shook her head, her tone firm and reassuring. "I've already checked myself," she said.

Daphne's lips curled into a mischievous grin. "Everywhere?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with playful curiosity.

Hermione's cheeks flushed slightly, and she shifted uncomfortably. "No, not everywhere," she admitted, a trace of irritation in her voice.

Daphne, not missing a beat, slid closer to Fleur, draping a comforting arm over her shoulder. "Well, we can help you out," she said with a teasing lilt. "There's no shame in showing that Granger assets to us girls."

Fleur's face grew apprehensive, her eyes darting to Daphne. "Ummm… Daphne," she said, her voice wavering.

Hermione shot a warning glance at Daphne. "Get those thoughts out of your mind," she said firmly. "I'll have it checked by someone else—"

Daphne's grin widened as she leaned in with a sly look. "Your boyfriend or girl—"

Hermione cut in sharply, "None of your concern."

Fleur, eager to redirect the conversation, interjected, "Daphne! Don't trouble her."

Daphne smirked, clearly enjoying the moment. "Aw! The sweet Delacour is spreading her charm," she teased.

Hermione turned to Fleur with a more serious expression. "Stop focusing on the distraction," she urged.

Daphne hummed softly, "Miss Granger thinks I'm the distraction," she observed, amused.

Hermione's gaze hardened. "Don't flatter yourself, Scamander," she replied coolly.

Daphne responded with a graceful bow, her expression a blend of mock humility and genuine amusement.

Hermione continued, her patience wearing thin. "And if you're done with your little games, can we please get to the point?"

Daphne raised an eyebrow, still smirking. "You're allowed."

Hermione's voice was steady, though her eyes were intense. "You mentioned earlier that the people you remember just before being kidnapped were wearing eerie masks."

Fleur nodded, her face paling as the memory seemed to replay itself. "Yes," she said, her voice trembling slightly, almost betraying a flicker of horror.

Daphne leaned in, "Can you be more specific?"

Fleur hesitated, but then, with visible effort, she described, "The masks… they were dark and terrifying. They evoked fear, something akin to Dementors."

Daphne's brow furrowed in confusion. "Dementors? That's strange," she murmured, clearly unsettled by the comparison.

Hermione's mind raced with the sudden realization that the disappearance of Boggarts and Dementors might be intricately linked to those mysterious figures with eerie masks. She felt a pressing need to connect the dots, but the how eluded her.

Fleur's voice brought Hermione's focus back. "Yes. Why would someone disguise themselves as—"

Hermione, seizing a new thread of thought, interrupted her. "Okay, you don't remember anything after the masks, but what about before that? Was there anything suspicious?"

Fleur furrowed her brow, trying to piece together fragmented memories. "I don't know where they took me, but before that, I was just getting ready to explore Hogsmeade."

Daphne's interest piqued. "So, did you actually go?"

Fleur nodded. "Yes, I did, thanks to Ginny. She was a wonderful companion. We had a great time together. I was happy to be making a new friend while heading back to school. But I never left Hogwarts."

Daphne's gaze sharpened as she drew a conclusion. "So, a Weasley was the last person you spoke with before being kidnapped. It seems like she warrants closer examination."

Fleur shook her head, resolute. "I don't think Ginny is involved in any way."

Daphne's voice took on a determined edge. "For me, everyone is under a cloak of suspicion until I uncover the truth."

Hermione, her tone defensive but concerned, chimed in. "Ginny is my friend. I know her well. She's a good person. But she was used in the Chamber of Secrets before. Maybe the pattern is repeating itself."

Daphne's expression remained skeptical. "My instincts say this is something else entirely."