Chapter 74: Brewing Betrayal
With her plan firmly in mind she turned over in her bed and quickly drifted off to sleep where she dreamed of her Harry holding her in his arms. The dream turned into a nightmare when he morphed into Millicent Bulstrode right in the middle of a kiss. She awoke from her dream coated in sweat and her heart beating rapidly. She was too terrified to return to sleep in case the nightmare returned.
The next morning, Ginny set out immediately to get what she needed. First she paid a trip to Hagrid's hut where she easily convinced him that she needed a pass to the restricted section of the library to prepare for his end of the year test.
She remembered the book that Hermione had mentioned she had found the Polyjuice Potion in and started there. As she perused 'Moste Potente Potions' in the back of the library, she came across several potions she could use.
The Elixir of Devotion, Draft of Desires, the Elixir of Envy and Jealousy, and Draught of Disgust. The latter one piqued Ginny's curiosity since it makes a person disgusted with another. "That will work to separate those two," She thought. "I don't know what she did to my Harry, but I will show him I'm his heart's desire, no matter what it takes."
She quickly jotted down the complex instructions of each of the potions, double-checking each of the steps to make sure it was written correctly and then put the book away. She did not want anyone to know she had even looked at the book. She then studied the required ingredients and a feeling of despair sunk in. "I can't get these ingredients, not here at Hogwarts," She was most of the way back to her dorm lost in trying to find another solution when a plan came to mind of how to get the ingredients she needed.
"I might not be able to get them, but I do have a large family. As long as I don't ask for all the ingredients from one person..." With her heart lifted once more, she dashed back to her dorm and started writing notes.
Mum,
I am working on an end of the year project in potions and I lost the Fluxweed that was given out. I'd prefer to not tell Professor Snape since it might affect my final grade. Could you send me some?
Fred/George
I am working on an end of the year project in potions and I screwed up the stewing step of my lacewings. I am desperate. Snape will fail me if I don't get this done correctly. Can you see if the apothocary in Diagon Alley has some already stewed and send them to me?
Percy,
I am working on an end of the year project for extra credit just like you used to do. Guess you made an impression on me. Unfortunately I think I might have undertaken a project more complicated than I thought. The potion I am trying to make needs Powdered Graphorn and I didn't realize it until it was too late. If I don't add it within two days, the potion is going to be ruined. Can you send me some?
Bill,
How's my favorite big brother. I need your help. I am helping a friend complete an end of the year potion and she realized she didn't have any Alihotsy leaves. Is there any way you can send some?
After completing the notes, she quickly ran to the Owlry and sent each of them off to the various people. As she watched the owls disappear into the distance she turned and smiled as she thought of her plan again.
...
After breakfast the next morning when Harry and Hermione were doing some last minute studying with Neville for the Defense OWL, Winky popped in beside them.
"Master..Missus," She said when she saw no one else was around.
"You can call us Harry and Hermione," Hermione said.
Winky didn't acknowledge the statement but continued. "Yous wanted to know if Misses Weazy did anything with potions?"
That statement made Harry and Hermione quickly pay a greater attention to the elf. "What did she do?" Harry asked.
"Winky only saw her reading potions book," Winky admitted. "Does Master and Misses want to know about that?" Winky asked nervously.
"Her schoolbook?" Hermione asked to clarify.
"No misses, Miss Weazy was in the other part of the library where students aren't normally allowed to go."
"The Restricted Section?" Hermione asked but immediately knew that was what Winky was talking about. "What book was she reading?"
"It was this book," Winky replied and with a snap of her fingers 'Moste Potente Potions' appeared in her hands.
Hermione's eyes flew open wide. She instantly recognized the book from their second year, but something far more important had just happened.
"You...you can take books from the restricted section? How...I mean...it..." Words failed her as she stared at the book.
"Misses asked what book," Winky replied. "Winky only doing what she was told."
Neville explained. "Hermione, you asked her what book. Now that you are her Mistress, she will obey you. There is very little that can stop a house elf's magic in response to their master or mistresses request."
Hermione was still staring at the book as a whole new world opened to her. The actual implications of what just happened were still being processed in her mind. The restricted section of the library was now completely open to her without a need to get permission, but it was also against the authority structure she believed in.
Harry could feel the conflict and decided to break her out of her thoughts. "Just remember that we need every resource we can get and we just found another. We don't have to go to a professor every time we need a book in the restricted section. But right now we have a bigger problem," He nodded at the book, "we know the level of potions that book contains and if Ginny was looking at it, I'm very concerned."
"True," Hermione turned to Winky. "Did you see what she was looking at in the book?"
"No Missus," Winky replied sadly. "Winky did not do a good job."
"Winky, you did wonderfully," Hermione said softly. "Besides Harry and I are protected from love or jealousy potions. Just keep an eye on her and if she starts to brew anything while we are still at school, let us know where she is brewing it."
"Winky can do that," Winky replied. "Winky will do a better job this time," As soon as she finished saying that she apparated away.
Hermione looked at Harry but before she could speak he said. "It will take some getting used to having elves. We have to figure out how to talk to them."
"But now she thinks she didn't do a good job when she..."
"Time Hermione, it will take time," Harry replied. "Praise her first the next time."
....
Join my P*atreon to enjoy 60+ advanced chapters.
Link: p*atreon.com/ScarletRosee (Remove the *)
Free members can get 2+ advanced chapters FOR FREE.