Bad Romance

Chapter 108

Chapter 108: Blasting Rod

The meeting broke, not because there wasn't more that could perhaps be accomplished or figured out, but mostly because everyone was tired. When one was too tired, thoughts became muddled and things were missed, as Gellert pointed out. Before everyone Apparated away to their respective homes, Gellert handed out assignments.

"Bella, you and Mag have stones to study while Blaise and I sort out the potential of the scrying crystals. Rodolphus, I would like you to research Crom Dubh a bit more when it comes to luck and being unlucky where he can be involved. Regulus, I would like you to research druid magic, as it may help us to more quickly figure out the kind of magic used to enchant these items. We all know magical techniques change over time greatly, and this matters in such a case. Kreacher, take a few more of the items to study if any particularly grab your attention. Just bring them back next week. Rabastan...I'd like you to take a few moments before you go home to study this blasting rod." As Grindelwald spoke, he drew the rod from his sleeve and proffered it to Rabastan.

"You were the one to figure out what it does, after all, and that means something. Blaise and I have played with each of these items at least once, but neither of us made the blasting rod discharge. You did, so it makes me believe you have an affinity for such magics. I think, perhaps, you could even produce blasting rods if given the proper time. I'd at least like for you to give it a try."

Rabastan blinked in mild surprise but nodded. He hadn't thought his figuring out the thing really meant anything since it was a complete accident. The fact that neither Grindelwald nor Zabini had managed to make the blasting rod do anything made him feel a bit impressed with himself.

"I could give it a go but no promises," he warned. "Just because I could make it work, doesn't mean I can make another."

However, as he'd love one of his own, he would bloody sure give it a good hard go. In fact, he was already working over the logistics of the thing. Did the material matter, or was this simply what Merlin and Nimue had available at the time? He supposed he could try metal and wood to see which worked better, if he even came up with any ideas of how to construct a blasting rod in the first place. Before that, though, he'd have to put his mind on where to get the materials.

She must have read something on his face, for Mag Snape spoke up. "I can get you some short wooden staffs and some metal wands that haven't already been charged to do anything if that would help? Then you would have some material to practice with."

He smiled gratefully. She was a wand maker, and though a blasting rod wasn't precisely a wand, he supposed it was close enough so he'd take any help a wand maker was willing to give. "Yeah, that would be great. Thanks."

"The sooner you can get them to him, the better," Gellert said, and Mag nodded.

"Tomorrow should be possible," she said. "And, of course, I get to keep one if you end up being able to make them," she told Rabastan.

He grinned. That was Slytherin enterprising for sure, and he could appreciate the fuck out of that. "Of course," he agreed readily.

With his quandary over materials out of the way, Rabastan was able to turn his full attention to studying the rod in his hand. He couldn't help wondering if metal wouldn't conduct better than the oak Merlin and Nimue had used. What if he could make an even stronger blasting rod with even more BLAST to it? If so, that would be bloody brilliant! The quartz orb in the tip did seem like the best stone choice, since it amplified.

"Umm, can you get copper rods," he asked Mag without glancing up from the heavy oak rod in his hand.

"I think so," Mag replied thoughtfully. "I'll need to get started on it tonight, though, just to make sure I can have them to you by tomorrow. I shall write my goblin contact as soon as we're done here."