            Hermione rolled down one of her stockings and shoved up the hem of her skirt. The rune only had to be tiny when the ritual was performed between wizard and animal. Still, she wanted to pick a spot few were sure to see. Pinching her wand between her fingers, Hermione gritted her teeth, checked the rune again, then used a modified Diffindo on her skin. Instantly, her flesh opened up, blood beginning to seep from the cut. She worked quickly, biting her lip to keep down the pain until the symbol was carved into her thigh. A single line, curved left on one end, and to the right on the other. As tears welled in her eyes, Hermione cast a Scourgify, followed by a healing stasis charm. The rune would remain open, though the blood would cease to flow from the wound. Best not to return to work with my stocking all bloody, she thought bitterly.