𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥? 〚𝚍𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚏𝚘𝚢 〛

Chapter 32

Ten minutes later, we were in front of Hagrid's hut, spying through his windows in case he was there. The hut was empty. Maybe Hagrid was out in the forbidden forest, feeding a pack of man eating spiders. Not that it was any of my business.

"We need a magical object in order to transfer the dark magic from Dumbledore's hand," I explained. "The cursed necklace you brought to Hogwarts at the start of the year will do.  But, to prepare the necklace to such a level of magic, we need saliva. Lots of it."

I ignored his very confused expression. We crept behind the hut, making our way to the edge of the forest, where stood a large dog house.

"Fluffy!" I called out, motioning for Draco to stay behind me.

The large, three headed dog barrelled out of his house, his large tail wagging uncontrollably.

"Hi, Sweeties," I grinned as they took turns licking my entire arms.

I scratched them behind the ears, collecting their drool in large pails I had fetched from the hut. Draco stood behind me, his eyes wide with amazement and perhaps a bit of fear. I smiled and beckoned him to come closer. He made two slow steps forward before Fluffy noticed his presence and growled.

"Hush," I scowled, patting them gently. "He's a friend."

Although wary, the dog stayed silent, as if trying to please me.

"Now, this isn't a hippogriff," I teased the boy. "But he can bite. So be respectful, would you?"

He nodded mutely, keeping his eyes fixed on the creature. Step by step, he approached, reaching out and allowing the three heads to inspect him. The middle head huffed, spraying him with a wet mist. 

His shock made me giggle. "I think they have accepted you."

I affectionately brushed his black fur, the three heads bowing so I could kiss their foreheads goodbye.

"My first peaceful encounter with the unknown," Draco hummed, and I could sense the satisfaction in his tone.

"It won't be your last one," I said.

He laughed. "I certainly hope not."

Walking through the castle, we were a strange sight. Draco Malfoy, his white shirt now stained with mud, his silver hair wet and slimy, accompanied by a muggle girl with her cheeks flushed, both carrying pails of saliva that occasionally sloshed and dribbled onto the ground.

"Toffee Eclairs," we both said.

As soon as we were face to face with the oak door, it opened, revealing our headmaster, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Professor!" I exclaimed, surprised. "We...um, we may have a solution to your predicament."

He nodded, the small smile never leaving his lips. "Of course, of course. Please, come in."

While Draco searched for the cursed necklace and proceeded in preparing it, using the saliva and a few spells, I explained my idea to Dumbledore.

"I was afraid to ask you," he sighed. "I am an old man, Miss Collins, you are still young. It is of no use for you to try and save me."

"Professor, I know what you are searching for," I interrupted him as politely as I could. "And I also know that you will need all your strength to do through this. Hogwarts needs you."

The old wizard observed me carefully. "I was once told that my life would be saved by a muggle. A muggle that had a large part to play in the resistance. I believe.. I believe this is less dangerous than it seems," he sighed. "Perhaps I must change my plans. Very well, Miss Collins, I will allow you to try."