Warnings: Sadly not mine. Ah well. One can dream.
AN: Sorry this chapter took so long. I meant to have it up yesterday, but I got caught up watching the Super Bowl… Sadly, my home team did their best, but came up short right at the end. But, on a good note, it is actually possible for the Arizona Cardinals to make the Super Bowl. Who'd a thunk it?
Elian
By Lady Lupine
Chapter Four:
Elian woke early the next morning feeling fully energized, excited, and ready for the day. He would finally get to interact with kids his own age, and while he realized that he would likely get stared at a lot, he decided he didn't really mind. He was very relieved that he no longer felt utterly exhausted.
He glanced briefly at the time, it only 5:30, and decided that he had time for a work out. It had been a few days, and he was missing the exercise. He glanced at Liath, "Feel up for a light jog?" he asked his companion. The dog nodded enthusiastically in agreement. Elian put on some loose clothing and headed outside with his guard.
He had to admit that the clothing that wizards and Muggles wore was much easier to put on and move around in. Elvish clothing was nice, but it tended to be very fancy and formal. It was nice not to have to exercise in his underclothes. Particularly where he could be spotted by other people.
Once outside, he looked around the grounds and decided to just explore his surroundings, and jog for about half an hour, seeing where it took him. He enjoyed the run quite a bit, getting a good view of a rather violent tree, the Quidditch Pitch, and a rather small hut that belonged to Hagrid. He'd gotten a rather vague warning in the reports he'd received about large, often vicious animals being associated with the half-giant.
Finally after he'd had his fill, Elian headed back into the castle, feeling much better. Still having plenty of time, he began to practice various stretching and meditative positions. These were more difficult than simply jogging, as he had to change and adjust positions based on how large he was at the time. He had to adjust his balance every day, as he was usually at least a little bigger, and the twins liked to flop around.
At about six thirty, he heard a knock at the portrait and told Liath to let whoever it was in. He was currently in a rather awkward position, and he didn't want to have to do it again. He'd started by laying flat on his back, then lifted his midsection into the air, so that he was standing on his hands and feet, his body arched.
It was hard to hold this position for very long with the twins, but it felt good, so he would take what he could get. Elian didn't really notice or acknowledge when Remus Lupin came into the room along with Severus Snape. The two stopped abruptly at the sight, jaws dropped. Liath let out several amused sounding huffs that could only be considered laughs.
After a few minutes, Elian relaxed his body back onto the ground the stretched his arms up over his head, his eyes closed. He looked completely relaxed and utterly disinclined to move. Liath nudged him gently, reminding him that he had visitors. Elian opened his eyes and glanced towards the two astonished teachers.
"Good morning, Professors," he said with a smile, then got awkwardly to his feet. He had no problems doing stretches, but for some reason going from the floor to standing was still a challenge. Resting his hand on his stomach, he looked to see what his guests wanted.
"Good morning, Mr. Luminaré," Snape said, shaking his head in bemusement.
"I am quite impressed, Elian," Remus said with a laugh at his colleagues expression. "I don't believe I could manage that, even without being nine months pregnant."
Elian smiled, "I'll admit that it is a bit more difficult with twins, than it was during my first pregnancy. However, it helps keep me in shape, so my body repairs itself after the pregnancy. You should try some of the exercises though. It's good for you body, and mind."
"I guess that makes sense. Still, it looks horribly uncomfortable," Snape said honestly. Remus glanced at the potion's master with a small smile. He didn't know what had happened between Elian and Severus, but the normally acerbic man was being astonishingly polite to him.
"It's not too bad, so long as I am careful and don't move too fast. The only major problem is, as they get bigger, they throw of my center of balance, and I have to keep readjusting. Oh, that reminds me. I wanted to ask if anyone here was proficient in sparring?" Elian asked curiously, as he wiped his face with a towel.
"Sparring? As in, with swords?" Remus asked. Elian nodded in agreement, taking a drink of water.
"No, I don't think so. The art has fallen out of practice with the use of wands. Some of the older pureblood families may still teach it. I can ask around," Snape said. "Professor Black, for instance, may have learned when he was young. Many of the Dark families thought it important to learn. At least, they used too,"
"I am sure he did learn," Remus said thoughtfully. "He'll need a bit of practice before he'll be of much use though. After he moved out of his home and in with the Potter's, he stopped any training he'd been doing at home."
Elian nodded thoughtfully, but shrugged. He'd work it out at some point. He just didn't want to lose any of his skills if he could help it. He refused to let the fact that he was expected to be pregnant almost constantly disrupt his lifestyle. It had taken him a long time to become sufficient with a sword.
"So, what brings you both here this morning, Professors?" Elian asked, once again curious.
"A couple things actually," Remus said. "First, you schedule," he handed the elf a piece of parchment. "Madam Pomfrey has claimed your Saturday mornings, if you don't mind. She said you two can trade healing tips."
Elian glanced at the schedule and smiled. It would certainly keep him busy, and give him plenty of exposure to the rest of the students.
"You should know that the House Heads, and your siblings, have been bombarded with questions," Snape said, rolling his eyes. If it is alright with you, the Headmaster would like to arrange for a class to take specifically about elves, and their history. He also wants to offer, for anyone of age, or with parental consent, a class about elvish pregnancies, particularly yours. It might save you hundreds of questions in the long run. If the students know they'll get a chance to hear all about it, they might save the questions till then."
"I have no problems talking about it," Elian said thoughtfully. "It's alright with me. If you like, I can meet with all the parents first, and tell them how things work. They can decided then if it is suitable for their children to learn. Some of the magic involved is very explicit, but it is also different than anything they will ever come across, being unique only to High Elves."
"Hmm, perhaps we should do a trial run with the teachers first. Besides which, I know several are extremely curious, including James and Lily," Remus said. Elian laughed,
"You know, Nicole has already asked me about it. I told her that I wouldn't be sharing until it had been passed by Lily and James first. Though, she seems to a fairly good grasp of how it 'usually' works."
"Good lord, don't say that in front of James!" Remus said with a snort. Even Snape's lips twitched at the thought. Elian smiled at that, knowing that no parent would want their eleven year old to know anything about sex. It would probably make them uncomfortable when they talked to him about it.
"Why don't you get dressed? We'll accompany you down to the Great Hall," Snape said suddenly. Elian nodded in agreement and disappeared into his bedroom. Remus glanced at Severus, his brow wrinkled in concern.
"Did you pick up on that?" he asked soflty.
"Yes. He is rather upset about something," Severus replied. "The emotions are practically leaking off of him. He looked happy enough on the outside."
"I wonder what it is. I first felt it when he mentioned his first pregnancy. I wonder if it has to do with that. Maybe something went wrong?"
"I don't know. We'll just have to watch him. I don't think we should come out and ask. He's already being requested to give us a lot of information, even though he's said it doesn't bother him any."
Elian returned then, fully dressed in his school robes. "Ready?" Remus asked. Elian nodded with a smile. As the group walked to the Great Hall, Snape asked him,
"Where are you planning on sitting for breakfast this morning?"
Elian thought about it for a long moment, his left arm resting on top his stomach. "Well, I have potions with Slytherin and Gryffindor first thing this morning. I don't think it would be wise to sit with either of them first. If I sat with the Gryffindors, the Slytherins would never talk to me. I think I'll chose one of the neutrals. Probably Hufflepuff. From what I have heard, if I sit with the Ravenclaws, I will never actually get to my breakfast."
Remus laughed, "That, young one, is a very smart choice. We were going to suggest Hufflepuff anyways. James already talked to the kids, and they know why you won't be joining them for meals until at least tomorrow. You already have friends in Gryffindor, so it will be easier to join them."
"Good. I will join the Ravenclaws for lunch then, and take on the Slytherins at dinner."
"Why that order?" Snape asked curiously. Elian grinned,
"I've heard a lot about your snakes, Professor. This will give me a chance to watch them. I have two classes with them today."
Remus let out a snort of laughter, "Sounds like you quite a bit Slytherin yourself, Elian." Snape also looked amused at the rather accurate assessment of his snakes and the plan to give Elian a little more of an advantage with them.
The elf grinned at them as they walked into the Great Hall. It was still early enough that it wasn't very crowded, but the people that were there did stare while trying to look like they weren't.
Elian absently walked over to the Hufflepuff table and sat down, picking out some things for breakfast, which mostly included fruits and a bowl of oatmeal. It didn't take long for some of the braver Hufflepuffs, including one, Cedric Diggory, to sit down beside him and start chatting. Elian ignored the other curious stares easily, though was definitely aware of them.
Elian responded pleasantly, answering their question and asking some of his own, particularly about the course schedule. The Hufflepuffs shared information about all the teachers, and their quirks, as well as the easiest way to get to places, and which staircases he should avoid. Elian was still amazed with the moving staircases. He thought it would make it rather difficult to get anywhere on time, even if you knew the castle well. He was definitely going to have to learn more than one way to get to each class.
When it was time to go to potions, Elian followed the Gryffindor and Slytherin third years down to the dungeon, observing their behavior along the way. They seemed to be avoiding getting too close to each other, and sending dirty looks and insults across the hall. Elian rolled his eyes at the behavior. He understood that this group was particularly volatile. Many of the students had parents fighting in the war, and many of them were on the opposite side.
Elian was surprised that the children of Death Eaters, regardless of what House they were in, were allowed to attend the school. It seemed like it was asking for trouble. He was also surprised that Death Eaters were willing to send their children to a school in control of the opposition. To Elian, this seemed like a rather large tactical error. It would take much to use the children as hostages.
As they walked, Elian noticed that he was getting quite a few covert glances from the Slytherins, which amused him slightly. The Gryffindors didn't seem as curious, but then they'd probably got a lot more information from Michael and Riyan the night before than the Slytherins had gotten from Snape.
When they reached the potion's class room, Professor Snape announced that there would be assigned seating this year, and it would change with each potion they brewed. The students groaned when he started to put them with members of the opposite house. There was an odd number of students, so Elian had the feeling that he would be rotated between pairs, making a group of three, as to not outnumber any house in a single group. Today Elian found that he was pared up with Draco Malfoy, a Slytherin, and Riyan Black.
Elian sighed slightly when he saw the looks the two were giving each other. It was quite obvious that there was a major feud between the two. Elian glanced sideways at the teacher, who briefly gave him an apologetic look.
Once all the students were seated, Professor Snape briefly talked about what they would be covering this term, then started talking about the days potion, one used for healing minor broken bones. Elian frowned slightly. When the professor was done explaining and set everyone to work, Elian raised his hand. Severus walked over curiously, and Draco and Riyan were forced to stop their bickering and work.
"Yes, Mr. Luminaré?" he asked.
"Professor, I don't think it is wise that I help with this potion, or any of the ones used specifically for repairing bones," he said, staying well away from the ingredients.
"And why is that?" Severus asked with a slight frown. He didn't think it likely that Elian was simply being lazy.
"Do you have a completed potion that you aren't too attached too?" Elian asked with a slight smile. Curious, Severus retrieved the requested item and set it on an empty table. Elian raised an eyebrow,
"You might want to step back a bit," he suggested. The teacher, and students, did as requested, watching in fascination. Elian briefly rubbed his hands together over the potion. He then took a hurried step back. Snape was astonished when the potion began letting off quite a lot of thick smoke, that clung to the table and headed towards the floor.
Elian laughed at the expression on the potion master's face, then vanished the smoke and the potion with a discreet wave of his hand that no one seemed to notice. "And that was only using a tiny bit of skin. For some reason, these potion's don't react well to elvish magic. We didn't let our master experiment with it to find out why. Thought he might blow up the entire continent."
"Can you at least prepare the ingredients?" Snape asked. Elian smiled apologetically, but shook his head.
"No, not really. It still makes it do weird things. Even if I wear gloves it effects the entire thing. Like I said, something about my magic disrupts it."
"Very well, Mr. Luminaré, I certainly don't want my class room to explode. Perhaps you can join me, and we'll discuss possible reasons for this rather unusual phenomenon."
Elian smiled, and chatted with the professor during the class, asking questions about different aspects of potions making. He also observed the teachers interactions with his class. Snape was very strict with his students, and a little biased towards the Slytherins, he noted.
"Professor," Elian said, towards the end of the class. So far, nothing had been blown up or melted, though a young Gryffindor named Neville Longbottom seemed to be having some issues with his brew. Snape looked at him curiously. "If you are interested, I will give you some hair and blood to experiment with."
"Of course I am interested," Snape said, looking relatively exited at the prospect. Elian laughed,
"I'll get it for you tonight. It will be nice if you can figure out the reason behind that reaction. We have to heal bones the hard way. You can have what you like, actually. I am sure you will come up with some interesting potions. I would also suggest you look into how our blood effects your Wolfsbane potion. Elves, of any kind, are immune to Lycanthropy."
Snape's eyes got wide at that. He knew that many animals were immune to the disease, but he'd never met a species close to humanoid that had the same immunity. Perhaps he would be able to come up with a complete cure, or at least a preventative. If nothing else, he should be able to make it so that current werewolf's could not pass on the disease, whether or not they bit someone.
Snape smiled lost in thought, clearly pleased. Elian left the classroom with a chuckle, and headed towards Charms, which would be Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. Elian found this class to be enjoyable, though he was convinced that wizards did magic the hard way. Professor Flitwick was surprised when Elian could easily do the spells without a wand, but with it, he had difficulties.
Elian tried to explain to the small teacher that he had learned to visualize his magic in a different way, and was not in particular need of a device to direct the magic. However, he could see that the wand could make it easier and more accurate to aim, particularly in a duel. Elian put in considerable effort learning to get his magic to go through the wand first.
The rest of the day passed relatively peacefully. Elian answered questions as they came, an generally enjoyed being among kids his own age. He attended his Arithmancy class, and Herbology, the last of which he found both easy, and interesting. The wizarding world had very different magical plants. Perhaps he could arrange a way to exchange some plants, particularly the ones used for healing.
That night during dinner, Elian joined the Slytherin's. He found himself between a young man named Blaise Zambini, and Draco Malfoy. The Slytherins welcomed him cautiously and without any noticeable enthusiasm.
The Slytherins weren't being very receptive, and most seemed to be trying to ignore him. Elian made no sign that it bothered him in the least. Despite what he'd heard about this particular group, they were still just kids and rather unlikely to do anything in front of so many witnesses.
Of course, the day seemed to have gone too well, and fate intervened to take care of that. After all, it wouldn't do to allow things to run smoothly.
A loud screech caught the attention of everyone in the hall, and they all looked up, watching as an enormous black falcon winged into the Great Hall. Elian saw the Potion's Master gasp in alarm when he saw the bird, speaking rapidly to the Headmaster. The bird swooped down, dropping a black letter in the middle of the Great Hall and disappeared in a flash. Before anyone could move, the letter burst into flames, and sent out a pulse of white magic throughout the room before the remains disappeared entirely.
Everyone in the room, including the teachers, looked around to see what in the world had happened. At first, everyone seemed frozen, and there was no noticeable difference. Elian, however, did notice something. His body started to tremble, and he felt sweat drip down his face. His heart was racing, and he felt dizzy
"Luminaré?" Draco Malfoy asked suddenly, alarmed by the expression. Elian didn't acknowledge the boy as he slumped forward and fell onto the table. That was when the teachers saw him, and Remus Lupin was the first at his side, followed quickly by Severus Snape, whose face was clenched in an odd expression that may have been pain.
Remus gently tilted the boy back, and felt for a pulse. He was relieved that there was one, but alarmed at how fast it was going. Liath was snarling at everyone else, keeping them from coming too close.
"Lupin, can you carry him? We've got to get him to the Hospital Wing. I don't know what that magic was, but it was Voldemort's bird, so I doubt it was pleasant."
There were many alarmed gasps at the statement, and frantic whispers spread through the Great Hall like flames. Remus nodded, and gently lifted the unconscious elf, running towards the Hospital Wing, Snape and Liath right behind him.
They barely noticed Dumbledore's commands to get the students calmed down, and checked to make sure no one else was injured.
Michael exchanged an alarmed look with his siblings. What on earth had that been? Why had it only effected Elian? Suddenly, the third year felt a bizarre feeling, like a tingle in the back of his mind. Michael froze, and saw his hands start to tremble.
"You okay, mate?" Ron Weasley, another Gryffindor asked him. Michael looked up to reply, but only could let out a gasp as he too suddenly lost consciousness.
AN: Okay, I have a poll up for people whom Elian should get romantically involved with as I have had several inquiries. Go ahead and vote, up to three each, and I'll let you know the results in a few chapters.
Thank you for all the reviews! I truly appreciate it :D
~Lady Lupine