It was her fourth year that Elia realized she was in quite the mess at Hogwarts. It was at that point in time that her life would take a dark turn as would everyone else's. Her time at Hogwarts had become her most favorite time, she adored her house and as well as the few friends she had made throughout the years. However from the very beginning she had been followed whether she knew it or not. Grey eyes were always locked on her whether the Malfoy boy wished to admit it or not. Draco had always denied his growing feelings for the girl, to the point that he became frustrated and targeted her with his aggression.

In the beginning when he learned of her heritage as it would be easy to find out especially in his family, Draco would call her a mudblood and ridicule her. Elia hated it, his words would upset her as she didn't understand his hate or hate at all towards muggleborns.

The golden trio took her under their wing when Hermione received the same slander from young Draco, the two girls sharing their frustration. Despite Harry, Ron, and Hermione being different houses from Elia, they did their best to converse and be good friends. As they grew older, Draco's hate toward Elia grew but so did his feelings. He hardly ever spoke with Elia but when he did, he was always cold to her for he did not know how to express his feelings. Slytherins were said to be cut throat but Elia refused to believe that, or of any stereotype about the houses. She wished to get to know Draco more and each effort she made to know him, the more Draco would fall for her… And the more he'd grow bitter about his feelings.

Although, Elia wished to eradicate his prejudice and understand him. In her three years at Hogwarts, she mainly avoided Draco's negativity as that's what the trio advised her to do. However in her third year, Elia decided she would put an end to his cold demeanor in the one way she knew couldn't beat her. By fighting negativity with positivity, Elia heavily believed in kindness, love, and happiness into being the key to anything. She refused to let his bitter attitude drive her away so she sought out his friendship at the very least.

Draco found it amusing of her at first but quickly wanted her to stop as it wasn't helping to quench the fire inside of him when she would sit next to him in class, speak with him in the halls, or during supper. It would surprise many of their peers, the kind bubbly Elia Barros eager to be around the cold Draco Malfoy. They were complete opposites, Draco being a high born pure blood wizard all while Elia was muggleborn.

Fortunately yet unfortunately for Draco, Elia began to give him the silent treatment after his ordeal in the previous year after he was injured by Buckbeak. He knew Elia adored animals and all magical creatures, so much so that she could not forgive him for his involvement in getting rid of Buckbeak and Hagrid's suspension. Elia was angered that he deliberately provoked the hippogriff and got Hagrid in trouble. She blew up when Draco tried shaking it off and gain more attention for himself after his injury, specifically gaining more attention from Pansy Parkinson. Elia's face flared in anger when she witnessed Pansy stroking his injured arm all while he boasted about his experience.

Later that day, when Draco spoke a bit to Elia in class, he was astonished to see her not responding. He was used to her warm attitude and conversations that it struck him that she was ignoring him. This angered him to the point that he pulled her aside when she was headed to her dormitories at night.

"What stunt are you pulling, Barros?" He hissed, looking down at her as she was pressed against the wall and he gripped her arm tightly.

He had never seen Elia angry before, and he immediately regretted it.

She pushed him away from her with a strength they both never knew she had. Her face formed in utter anger that it scared Draco. Her tone only made it worse.

"Piss off Malfoy!" She shouted, then she started to chuckle to herself "I could take the derogatory terms and the ridicule for a bit, heck I even started to like you a bit. I thought to myself, 'Draco Malfoy isn't all what they say.' but boy am I dead wrong!"

Draco could hardly say anything.

"That incident in Hagrid's class really takes the cake! I've just had about enough of your banter and your attitude. I begged you to let it go, you know I love animals yet you still did it."

Elia's voice broke, she was going to cry. Her tears felt hot.

"He's going to get executed because of you! Because you couldn't listen and learn respect! Because you always sought to bring out the bad!"

Elia wipes her eye, "I'm done trying to be your friend, Draco Malfoy."

When she began walking away is when Draco realized his wrong for a moment.

"Elia get back here!"

She continued walking.

"Elia!"

That moment still replays in his head sometimes, to this day in their fourth year that Elia still doesn't speak to him despite her knowledge from Harry that Buckbeak is alive. Though, Elia couldn't stay mad forever but she could. She doesn't entirely ignore Draco, but she certainly doesn't act friendly as she has in the past. Draco's stubbornness holds him back from making amends and making it a little more with her.

He never thought he'd run into her outside of Hogwarts yet there she stood above him. On the railing above, Elia walked happily with the Weasley family, the Diggory's, Harry, and Hermione. Everyone was completely decorated in the colours of the rival teams yet Elia just held a little flag. She was never a fan of sports, that he knew. But Elia would do her best to support other's interests. Yet she was right there, it felt like such a long period of time since Draco had last seen Elia it made his eyes sore. He was surprised to see her there out of all places.

Elia had been invited to the Quidditch World Cup by her good friend Cedric Diggory who she had known since she first arrived at Hogwarts. He was older than her, but always looked after the sweet girl. Elia practically looked at Cedric as an older brother. Amos Diggory adored Elia, wishing that his son Cedric would sweep the girl off her feet. She had also been invited by the trio so she was happy that they'd all be together at the game. Molly Weasley adored her as well, wanting another daughter after she got to know Elia throughout the years. Even going so far as to knitting her very own sweater for Christmas.

Elia had met up with the whole lot of the Weasley family including Hermione and Harry. Despite Amos sometimes egging on that Elia marry into his family, in fact Cedric didn't have any romantic feelings for the girl as Draco. Cedric has watched Elia grow throughout the years and they were best friends. If she wasn't visiting the Weasley's home during breaks, she was at the Diggory home to see Cedric and his father. He saw Elia as his little sister and as one of the truest members of the Hufflepuff house.

Seeing Elia as his younger sister, he'd notice more the way boys would act around her. Watching their ogling eyes wandering over Elia or some comments he'd hear, it wasn't something he'd like her to experience of the perverse nature of some boys. Not that he'd severely interfere in her love life as it's entirely up to Elia whether she wishes to pursue, but most of the time Elia is so naive to such things that Cedric feels the need to be aware of these things for her.

Elia indeed is beautiful, no one could deny that. Cedric didn't like seeing the way some boys eyed her even if she wasn't looking. But he was looking, and if the rumors were true about Draco, then Elia was in for a lot of trouble.

That trouble began to start when Draco passed with his father below the group walking to the arena.

"Blimey Dad! How far up are we?" Ron asked in astonishment as he reached up the stairs with everyone else trailing behind.

"Well put it this way," A voice said, "If it rains, you'll be the first to know."

Lucius Malfoy was clean cut, walking with his cane and his son who was practically the spitting image of him trailing behind him. Elia felt cold and uncomfortable in the moment as she spotted Draco from the corner of her eye, for it had been a while since she last spoke to him. He chuckled at his father's remark. Elia never expected to see him outside of school.

The two looked at each other for a moment and soaked in what they looked out outside of school. Draco wore a dark suit similar to his father, Elia had never seen Lucius Malfoy before but only heard things about him. One main point that stood out to her was that he was a strong believer in pureblood supremacy and opposed muggleborns as did Draco. She felt a chill as this realization sank into her that this was the man that influenced this boy to think such horrible things, about her and people like her.

She stood by Cedric, the Hufflepuff prefect who practically acted as her brother. In all honesty, Elia and Cedric could pass for it if they wanted to. Draco felt a glare form on his face as he saw Harry beside her as well.

The Malfoy boy felt uneasy as he glanced up at the Hufflepuff girl, secretly hoping that she wouldn't face his father's wrath about her lineage. But he indeed missed the sight of her, even if he didn't want to believe it. Elia wore a long grey blue dress of chiffon with a fluffy skirt that bounced around her ankles when she walked. It had splotches of black as a pattern with five small buttons over top her breasts. Over the dress, she had on a black shawl so she wouldn't get too cold. Her wavy dark hair with the front strands pinned back as usual in her golden clip.

Draco looked away as best as he could and continued to walk with his father, adding "Father and I are in the Minister's box! By personal invitation of Cornelius Fudge himself!"

Elia gasped with a flinch when she witnessed the end of Lucius' cane hit Draco's torso.

"Don't boast, Draco!" He said.

They both looked up at the group, Draco spotting Elia's worried eyes. Lucius caught a glimpse as well.

"There's no need with these people." says Lucius, eyeing the group. Elia felt uneasy, wondering if Lucius could spot that she was a muggleborn. Harry pulls her and the rest of the group away from the sight of the Malfoys but Lucius' cane slams down on the railing before Harry, making Elia jump.

"Do enjoy yourself, won't you?" Lucius said, "While you can."

He gives a stiff smile at him before removing his cane's end, which Elia noticed had a snake's head, off of Harry's sleeve.

She took Harry's arm into her hands, inspecting it.

"He didn't hurt you, right?" She asked, concerned.

Harry was caught off with Elia's sudden touch, he began to feel nervous. He shook his head.

"N-no! I'm fine."

They all reach their seats and soon everyone was having a blast. Elia never understood people's interest in sports even something as magical as Quiddich. Even in the muggle world, she wasn't a fan of sports. But she mostly enjoyed the way everyone having fun at the game, cheering on their team. Elia was amazed by the display and the fireworks, being muggleborn and despite being a witch this long, she was always blown away with what the wizarding world had to offer. She especially laughed at Ron's praise over the Quidditch seeker, Viktor Krum.

This continued in their tent with the Weasley's.

"He's more than just an athlete!" Ron said, "He's an artist!"

"I think you're in love, Ron." Ginny adds with a smile.

Elia sat in her bunk laughing, then the boys started singing about Ron's 'infatuation' with Viktor Krum.

Suddenly they heard screams and shouts outside.

"What's going on out there?" Elia asked.

"Sounds like the Irish got their pride on."

One of the Weasley twins laughs while they continue to hit Ron with the pillows until Arthur Weasley then stormed in.

"Stop! Stop it!" Arthur shouts, breaking them apart. He looked angry but shaken. The boys quickly saw that he was serious and froze. Elia stood to her feet and walked over.

"It's not the Irish…" He says, turning to Ginny and grabbing her "We've got to get out of here now."

Elia's heart raced as everyone and herself got out of the tent. As they were outside, she saw everyone running all over the place screaming.

"Get back to the portkey everybody and stick together!" Arthur shouted, "Fred, George! Ginny is your responsibility!"

The twins grab a hold of Ginny immediately as their father urges everyone to run.

"Wait! Where's Cedric?! Amos?!" Elia cries out in a panic, looking around frantically. But she receives no response as Arthur pulls out his wand to fight off whatever is attacking. Hermione pulls Elia away, running. She looked around, hoping to spot the two but then she realizes Harry was far behind staring off in shock.

"Harry!" Elia yells out, he looks over at her and runs towards them. They group together but were being pushed everywhere by the panicking crowds. They soon were separated from Harry, Elia screamed for him, for Cedric and Amos. Although the World Cup never did end well as the Death Eaters plundered through the game, destroying everything in sight. Eventually Harry was found on the grounds by the Ministry.

Now a new year at Hogwarts had begun.

It was also the year for the Triwizard Tournament and for names to be put in the Goblet of Fire.

Soon enough Pansy Parkinson nagged at Draco in the train heading to Hogwarts about his relation with Elia. It was bumbling throughout the school, small rumors that Draco secretly had a crush on Elia. Draco's chest tightened but he scoffed out loud. His friends, Crabbe and Goyle chuckled in response.

"Is that what these idiots are saying huh?" Draco said, "Barros? Honestly, people should come up with better."

"But is it true?" Pansy urged with stone cold eyes.

"Out of all people, no!" He shouted, "Besides she's a filthy little mudblood and a Hufflepuff at that. You should know better."

Pansy giggled, relieved.

"Good! Let the Potter boy have at her then."

Confused, Draco asked, "Potter?"

"Of course! Haven't you heard? He's had his eyes set on her since the break."

Draco kept his composure but internally, he felt a rush. Technically, Harry was his competition if rumors were true. And if Draco knew Elia, he would have no doubt that she'd be oblivious to it all and probably would take on Harry over him. He reflected on the way he's treated her while he was sitting in his seat, glancing over at the hall hoping that Elia would be there. Compared to how he's treated her versus Harry's, Draco was beat. Sure enough he was right since the trolley witch was coming by with treats. Elia loved treats and food, she always had some and constantly shared with others. He'd have no doubt she'd be buying some right now as the cart passed.

At that point Draco understood that he needed to apologize and bring Elia back into his life. He didn't want to admit but he did miss her, the odd conversations she'd have with him, her many laughs, and her kind nature. He also didn't want to lose to Harry Potter. But one thing's for certain, his father would not like this.

Feeling around his pockets, he felt the many coins his parents gave him before leaving. He stood to his feet without so much as saying a word to anybody, even when Pansy whined as to where he was going.

Elia sat in her seat across from Cedric's with her bag out as she prepared herself for the trolley cart. Cedric laughed at her.

"Honestly you get excited for the smallest things."

Elia gave him a look, "It's not my fault! Sometimes you have to look forward to the little things in life, Cedric."

"Well slow down, the cart isn't even here yet. I bet many people right now are holding her up."

Elia sighed in frustration, then she noticed her own treats in her bag and had an idea.

"Cedric have you ever had these?" She held up a a bag and tossed it at him. He caught it and eyed it in confusion.

"What is this?"

"It's candy!"

"I've never seen this before."

"Well… it's muggle candy. A common treat in my family, go on give it a try!"

Cedric pulled the bag open and popped out a candy, "What does it do?"

She arched an eyebrow, "Ced it's muggle candy, it doesn't do anything."

"Well that's no fun."

Soon enough the cart pulled by and Elia jumped out of her seat in glee.

"Ah Elia my sweet girl!" The old woman said, "What would you like today?"

"Just my usual treat for today along with an apple and red currant tart, sherbet lemons, a lollipop, and a toffee eclair."

She turned around towards Cedric, "Ced anything for you? Butterscotch or..?"

He smiled, "No I'm good, thanks Elia."

"Alright deary, that'll be one galleon and six sickles."

Elia realized she didn't have her coins on her, "Oh!"

She chuckled and turned to her bag to take out her coin pouch. Before she could even reach into the pouch, she heard a familiar voice.

"I got it and throw in some sour apples."

Elia's face fell flat as she saw Draco across from her, paying for her treats. Cedric stood behind Elia instantly.

"Draco." Elia said formally.

He handed her treats, "Needn't worry really."

"I could've paid, but thank you."

"Don't mention it." Draco eyed Cedric, "And what're you doing Diggory? You her brother or something?"

"You could say that." said Cedric, which got Draco's blood boiling a bit. He didn't know what he meant by that.

"Ced, I got this." Elia murmurs, putting her hand on his arm to which he sat down. "Why don't you go along with your friends? I'll see you when we arrive."

She knew Draco was up to something so she stepped out into the hallways with him.

"What do you want, Draco?" She asked, looking away from him at the floor as they walked down the hall.

"Just thought we should talk."

"Well I don't feel the need to."

Draco frowned, "I bought you bloody treats!"

Elia turned around to him with a cold stern face, stopping him in his tracks erruptly, "I told you I could've paid! I'm not your damn beck and call that can be bought!"

He knew he shouldn't have said that, so he composed himself and continued to follow her.

"You honestly think buying me treats can forgive you for last year's incident." She says before sliding open a door leading to her favorite trio, big smile forming on her face.

"Hello!" She chimed.

The three greeted her enthusiastically, Ron especially excited to see treats in her hands.

"I wanted to stop by and see how Harry's doing, I also got you a few things."

They eyed who was behind her.

"What's he doing here?" Harry asked, annoyed.

"Don't remind me Potter, I have better places to be."

Elia rolled her eyes, "Don't mind him, we'll be out of your hair soon. How are you doing, Harry?"

Harry nodded his head with a small smile at her, "I'm doing okay."

"Good." She says, handing them their treats "I got everyone sherbet lemons to share and one tart specifically for Harry!"

Draco felt a pang of jealousy from Elia's words and treats.

"Well ain't he lucky!" Ron says.

Harry's smile widens, "Thank you Elia, really."

Draco could notice Harry's cheeks starting to redden, so it was true, he thought. However, it was not. Harry might had a slight attraction to Elia, a little crush but his eyes were set on a certain Ravenclaw more.

"You're too kind." Hermione said with a soft smile, holding the sherbet lemons.

"Oh! Here," She hands the lollipop to Hermione, "When we arrive, could you give that to Neville? I doubt I'll be able to see him right away when we get back."

"I'm sure he'll appreciate it. Thank you Elia." Hermione said, taking it.

"Oh it was nothing guys, besides," Elia leans forward in a whisper "Draco bought them."

She grins and walks out with Draco behind her.

"Did you really just tell them that?"

"I did."

He groaned, "Really not worth my coins."

"Oh calm down, we still have these." She says and holds up her chocolate frog, toffee eclair, and the sour apples.

She turns to him, handing him the sour apples "Now you said you wanted to talk, you have five minutes."

"Five?!"

"Yes, a minute for each treat you bought."

"I bought six."

"The sour apples were yours, not mine."

He rolled his eyes, opening the door to one of the empty compartments on the train. Elia steps in and he closes the door behind him. They sit across from each other, it's quiet as Draco doesn't know where to start. He couldn't even believe he was doing this. Elia was in her own world, opening her toffee eclair and taking a bite. Draco enjoyed her expressions of bliss that food gives her.

"Mmm," Elia says, "The taste of coffee is always so refreshing."

She chews on her toffee, hand over her mouth as she asks "Well, go on. Clock is ticking."

Draco clears his throat, letting out the air he had trapped in his chest that he didn't even realize he had. He has his hands folded in front of him.

"I'm sorry." He said, lowly.

Elia looked surprise, "Did I just hear that right?"

He sat still, looking at her with pleading eyes for a moment. He really didn't want to say it again. Elia giggled softly, getting up to sit next to him.

"Took you long enough." She said, "You see Draco, everyone has this perspective about you. I never wanted to believe it, I actually enjoyed our little friendship… if you can call it that."

Draco felt relieved.

"In all honesty, I will say I have missed you. But I hope I can help change your attitude towards others. I hear things… about your family. Is it true?"

He gave her a blank stare, she gave him a worried one.

"Yes."

She nodded, "I understand that that's what you've been taught. And I truly hope that's not what genuinely believe, I know deep in your heart that can't be."

He scoffs, putting in a sour apple in his mouth. "What makes you say that?"

"Well you brought me here."

Draco felt like he was caught in a web, Elia seemed to know him a bit more than others cared to.

"Why else would you have apologized? Obviously you want to be my friend again."

Oh but he definitely wanted more.

"It's okay, Draco. I won't tell anyone about this. I know how much you like to keep up your reputation."

He smirked slightly, turning his candy bag towards her. She smiled and happily grabbed one.

"I'm sorry about your father. I never met him before but seeing how he treats you at the World Cup… Just promise me, you'll at least try. Try to be more open minded and less negative towards others, and me."

Elia put her hand over his knuckle on his knee, he practically jumped at the small gesture. Her warm hand against his cold one was enough to jolt sparks inside of him. He glanced away slightly to hide his growing red face.

"I know our statuses are completely different. Hufflepuff. Slytherin. Pureblood. Muggleborn. It doesn't matter to me, neither should to you. I'll prove it to you if I have to! And to others! Draco just promise me that you won't be ashamed of me. I had it with Buckbeak, I want that behind us. Prove to me that this is worth it as I will prove to you."

Her words were so pure to him. He's never met such a pure and caring soul like her, he couldn't believe a person existed such as herself. Draco's prejudice would fade. Everything his father built upon him about muggleborns would fall. In that moment he wanted to kiss her, but he refused to. Draco still fought with his own feelings, denying them like mad. As they contradicted everything he's been taught but most of all to protect his sweet Elia. His family would be brutal to her, the world would be. He is a Malfoy, a notorious high born pureblood family of wizards all while Elia was a muggleborn from a place he's never heard of. She wasn't rich, no one really knew much about her family, not even Cedric. Completely different worlds, different houses, Draco couldn't risk it.

But a little measly friendship with her couldn't hurt, he thought. He couldn't promise her anything so he kept quiet. Elia stood, defeated. He more than anything wanted her to sit back down and continue their conversation.

"Time's up. If you need anything else, I'll be with Cedric."

Hearing his name out of her mouth made him feel uneasy.

Elia smiled, "See you at school."