Finally…the moment Hogwarts has been waiting for…
…resuming with normal activities and the reopening of the school term.
"Welcome everyone – student and staff – to another grand year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry" proclaimed Professor McGonagall, the new Head of the School, as she stood behind the golden owl podium on the stage of the Great Hall before the filled rows of tables, one for each House.
"Many of you have chosen to continue gracing this historic school, in spite of opportunities provided elsewhere…."
As McGonagall carried on with her first speech, there was no need to mention anything about a great need to stick together or keeping the guard up or intense danger and threat. The Deatheaters at large are not that much to consider as intense threats. There is a strong enough security anyway.
That contributed to Elsa's warm happy feeling inside. After years…there she is… sitting in her full Ravenclaw uniform at the Ravenclaw table…she couldn't really believe it! The only closest feeling she ever had to this was when she was freshly sorted and officially proclaimed a first year at this magnificent school. But one big difference: fear was associated with her need to restrain her powers – now just a polite request from the Headmistress to limit her powers so to avoid unwanted trouble. Which shouldn't be a problem.
Her mind only half heard what McGonagall was saying (not that she was boring). Just weeks ago she was making a couple of rounds to the Ministry for them to assess her current knowledge level (considering she left before her OWLs). After somewhat hectic consideration, they finally concluded to have her study at different levels. That is…the topics they think she's very good in (also keeping in mind her readings and times with the Dark Forces) will be at NEWTs level…and the rest being at OWLs. To seal their 'nice' side with her they provided her with the books and school supplies she'd need. As long as they insure this time no intruders will come into Arendelle again and attack Anna and the others while Elsa is away, Elsa is fine.
But again, not even the thought of studying for two levels of exams interfered with her absorbing the reality around her. And how happy Anna was for her!
"Let the feast… begin!"
McGonagall flawlessly had the food magically appear onto the tables. A countless variety of offers…just like before. And all the same, Elsa couldn't help to gasp in wonder.
Eating dinner, many around her were chatting away. About the school reopening…about the Deatheaters…so many were ecstatic and happy to return to school. Elsa did her own talking with Luna, sharing their own excitements about studying here.
At dessert, she took her time in finishing her fruit tarts. Besides, halfway through the Prefects rose to lead the first years to their Common Rooms and show them around. Only after a while will the others be able to leave for the night.
And when it was their turn, the familiar bustling sounds of students rising and walking out of the Great Hall came. Like before, they walked through grand corridors and headed up to the Moving Staircases. There the Gryffindors and Ravenclaws parted, with Elsa following the others at taking more flights of stairs to enter the Ravenclaw Tower.
Finally, they emerged onto a stone floor with curtained walls. The shiny velvet cloths were stiff as rock, unless the password is sounded.
"Moonstone"
One pair of curtains parted, revealing a passageway into the Ravenclaw Common Room.
Emerging in while still talking with Luna, Elsa found many already chatting and rejoicing their new year. But she figured she should get an early start in a good night's sleep. Best for readying herself for the upcoming hectic months of studying for two levels.
"Will see you tomorrow, Luna. Night"
"Good night" Luna smiled.
Smiling, Elsa left the others in the Common Room, and headed upstairs to the girls dormitory.
After entering, Elsa dropped herself onto her bed. Cozy and relaxed on the covers and sheets, she gazed around her. The dark-royal-blue bed curtain and canopy…the Victorian-engraved room…the window not very far off that's revealing the partially-cloudy moonlit night sky…her suitcase beside her bed…
I'm back…I'm back! That's all she could think of now. Nothing else. Not even tomorrow.
My dear, Hogwarts is just the beginning. The journey lies ahead, where you test and use what you've learned. Remember, magic is not just something to use. It is something to control.
Words from the past…Elsa recapped the last words she remember Albus Dumbledore had said to her. Deep in thought with her head resting on her arm the next morning, she wholly believed that to be true.
But of course, who wouldn't take an opportunity to study more here?
Almost with a refreshed bound Elsa came out of bed. After washing up, she headed down to the Common Room. Not forgetting her bag with stuff needed for today's first classes (which she determined after a quick read-over of her customized schedule), she passed by some chatting group of girls with a polite smile from far when they turned to see her.
Down at the Great Hall, Elsa sat at the Ravenclaw table to have eggs, buttered-toast and tea. While most of the students crowded on spots relatively close to where Harry Potter was sitting, she was fine in her own place, munching and reading her schedule more in depth.
So the first for today is…NEWTs Defense against the Dark Arts…hopefully the professor is good this time…there's just something about that post…anyways…SO excited! I wonder what more there is I can learn. Oh and there'll be more freedom with my wand than during the community services…
"Nice hair – didn't get to say it before"
Elsa glanced her eyes from her paper, finding the bitter remark from a couple of Slytherin girls deciding to spend their first morning by sitting beside the returning student.
"Finally got a freedom complex? So far doesn't seem to work out for you"
Jaws set, Elsa paid little heed to their snickering. She's almost done over half her breakfast so no need to rush in her food, not that she felt like doing.
Millicent Bulstrot took a cup of tea for herself. "You don't have to try too hard. Hogwarts' group of loons is not hard to join. Even those who think themselves Slytherin are lost in their head"
What exactly do they know? Very little than what they think they do.
"I don't recall trying hard to fit in the limelight, so I think you're referring to the wrong person" Elsa brought her confident, solid tone, the one she uses against nonsense talk. With a hint of sharpness for enemies. And with that, Elsa rose from the table.
The girls began fuming. "You may have won Snake Pits once. But don't get used to it. You won't like it if you find yourself in a real snake pit" Pansy Parkinston grumbled.
Walking away, Elsa had a tiny confident smile. They shouldn't worry…
Well…at least not NEWTs Herbology…and not mold…
Elsa left from today's OWLs Herbology class, which was about mobile plants.
Yes…plants that can move from place to place. And today's example was the variety of Venomous Tentactulas that can use vines connected to their bases to crawl. Luckily, each student was to analyze some contained in their respective greenhouse stalls, as they slithered and crawled around while Professor Sprout would lecture and ask the students some questions. And…whenever they curled their heads to watch unreachable meat she can't help notice their mouths looking like they are… smirking? The class went well…Venomous Tentactulas aren't really one of her favorite enchanted plants.
The next class was the first class for NEWTs Care of Magical Creatures. Walking through the cool breeze and grassy hills to the Stone Circle in front of Hagrid's Hut, Elsa found herself a bit early. Only a sprinkle of students was waiting around, over a long time thickening in groups. So she decided to sit against one large stone, resting from the long walk and catching up some reading for class.
Elsa flipped through the book. Chapter 2… page 24…not as interactive as the Monster Book of Monsters…that was an interesting memory…having to stroke the furry spine to calm it enough for you to open. Thankfully it wakes up after you close the book again – and fastened the lock.
Having reached the page, Elsa began skimming over the words. She looked up once to find a few more students coming.
She flipped a page and continued reading. Halfway through at one point on impulse she glanced up, losing focus on her book.
Students were standing or sitting around. While Draco Malfoy was near his fellow Slytherins, standing by the raised-wooden tunnel after having just emerged from it, the others were too much in talk to notice grey and sapphire lock.
After perhaps a minute… "Hey Elsa"
Elsa snapped out of the unannounced stare contest, finding nearby Ravenclaws offering a nicer place to sit with them. "You don't want to come over here?"
"No thanks" she politely declined. She watched them shrug and get back to their own reading and talking.
"You shouldn't lie" her head shot up, to find Draco right in front of her. "it might just be against a Ravenclaw's honor"
"Not exactly" she adjusted her seating in her place, "I like it better here"
"Away from the crowds, I see" Draco recapped, nodding. "But they didn't like you being alone" a smirk pulled on his face. While many chose to go more down the hill, Draco helped himself against the stone. Elsa kept her face neutral.
And with taking no offer, he obviously decided to help himself to her book as well – rather than pulling out his own.
"Don't you have your own book?"
"Such courtesy" Draco tsked, not bothering with her question. "I see a lot of manners being put into place here. They must really be proud of you"
And so she tried to go ahead with her reading.
Reading would have been easer – if it weren't for two things: Draco eating an apple and occasionally leaning in to read. Sometimes she tried shifting aside to brush off, only once she ended up making a small groan - yielding little results. God, the crows are not this troublesome!
"I didn't know they'd put that there"
"What there?"
He pointed on a page with a finger from the same hand holding his apple. "The word 'outright'. Kind of immature language, don't you think?"
"Very" she said, indicating that she's trying to read.
She only got to read three more sentences, when Draco tried to flip the page.
"Hey! Draco…"
"Slow reader. I've already read that page twice" he complained.
Elsa shut the book, and was about to say something but the sight of the students getting up stopped her.
"Alright, everyone. Readin's done. Come'n over!" Hagrid called out from outside his hut.
"I guess that means we better be moving" Draco bent to pick up his bag, and Elsa's before she got to replace her book. "Who knows what fate has in store for us this time"
"You're saying like another catastrophe is evident" Elsa looked at him as she took the bag from his extended hand, wondering about his somewhat amusingly dramatic words.
Draco sighed, "Somehow…this 'Professor' has a death wish for his students" he said, before walking away.
Elsa made a tiny smile at that quip. Then she made to join the students as well…
…and Elsa tried hard to not agree with Draco.
They were to watch Spirit Dogs from a distance, monitored by Hagrid. The Spirit Dogs, if not pouncing at each other or sitting quietly, merely glanced at the students, with their bodies tense. Their mouths sometimes made quiet snarls. Most students obviously tried to not be so scared, while Elsa simply stood, alert.
I still have been reading Creatures Lurking in the Dark, right? Yes – maybe…
At least nothing happened. Besides, catastrophes are not a regular thing in classes with Hagrid anyway. At times things just get too eccentric and up-close (not this time thankfully).
One evening, Elsa sat comfortably on her bed, scribbling notes for next week's NEWTs Charms class. She just might again be among the day's selected few to demonstrate a spell, like she was today. Professor Flitwick was extremely pleased at her performance on the Tinting Charm. That gave her twenty-five points for Ravenclaw!
After some reading, she felt like, for some fun, sketching designs on the edges of her paper. Her quill scratched ink into elegant snowflakes and pretty outlines of icy winds.
"We can't always rely on the Ministry"
"They've proven many times their daftness…"
"So what guarantees the rats won't find their way into the castle again?"
Elsa paused mid in one point of a snowflake. Some other girls, while doing their own homework, had been whispering among themselves. The others were either quietly reading or down in the Common Room.
"Let's not forget there're possibly still inside jobs here…like before…"
"…not as long as Harry is still here…"
"But what about when he leaves?"
"Then by then they'd be caught or out of here…"
Elsa thought for a while at their presumptions. Shrugging off that, she went back with her paper.
Defense Against the Dark Arts is…ok. At least better than a lot of teachers who took this post before. She's just temporarily sent by the Ministry to fill in the post – and thankfully not like Umbridge. Actually, she stresses on taking the subject on a practical level. The only drawback for her is that…it's obvious she's nervous about teaching this subject. Not stuttering like Quirrell – more like wanting to be playful but obviously trying to keep her voice even. She kind of reminds Elsa of Moira.
"Spells do not simply carry out actions in the universe. Rather they can hold deeper meanings of how the world works. How we live" The Professor moved a bit to the side, friendly face watching her students. "Based on this week's readings, can someone give a simple example to illustrate this?"
In the hush there was some whispering. Finally, after some coaxing and consulting by Hermione Granger, Ronald Weasley spoke. "Real sacrifice backfires the Killing Curse"
The professor paused, "Well…a rather advanced example…but an example all the same. Ten points, Mr. Weasley. Any other examples?"
An act of true love can thaw a frozen heart… Elsa smiled inside to herself, knowing that from experience. She let the others try to give examples.
"As you can see, things that may be underestimated or misunderstood can even repel the darkest magic in the world. Unfortunately, only a few choose to understand. Some of the rest decide to take interest instead in the 'intriguing' Dark Magic." She turned to write something on the board.
Quiet snickering came from the same row as Elsa's. Just to her left. Curious, she glanced a bit to see.
It came from a group of students, and they do not seem to be mocking the teacher. Rather, they were commenting her words against another bunch of students, who were obviously set aside by the others' seating choices. Mostly Slytherins.
One student irritably shifted the hand he was leaning his head on, trying to focus more on the professor's board.
"Now…for today's class…" she began her lecture.
The month of October. While it's the month where the first wave of intense homework rolls in after a previous month of classes, it's also the month when the England countryside fully basks in colored leaves and crisp winds.
Elsa leaned forward on railings, absorbing the view of the grounds dabbed with gold, red and brown. She also took pleasure in having her Ravenclaw cloak ripple against her legs from the same cool, crisp wind that blew in her hair and face. It wasn't that windy, but she could still catch the scent of grass and leaves.
Other than homework, this month had other things to open it. Some were funny little incidents, like Ginny once again complaining at breakfast that the Fat Lady hasn't yet recovered from her hernia, so going to and from the Gryffindor Common Room is beyond difficult. Thankfully the Ravenclaw Common room doesn't use portraits.
The rest included everyone finding much to talk about the ongoing mini-raids and thefts. Security is well underway, but the attempts for Deatheater retribution aren't as bad as when Voldemort was at large. They are still struggling to regroup themselves anyway, at a rather slow pace.
The first three classes were done, so after dropping her books for those classes off at her dormitory, Elsa decided to enjoy her rare free period. And no better place to do so than the tower closest to the Ravenclaw Tower – the Astronomy Tower.
While the Ravenclaw Tower resembled one taken from a castle of royal nature, this one had its own architectural wonders, which Elsa went to admire after turning around and leaning her back against the railings.
She fantasized, for fun, what would life be like, if she weren't a crown princess. What job would she take, after graduation?
Maybe one here…at Hogwarts…working as a Professor. The Charms Professor. Yes…that would be perfect. Professor Flitwick will be close to retiring soon. Perfect…besides my grades and interest, it's a perfect occupation for my unikinetic powers. To share with the students…have fun with them… lighten them up when they may be bored…
Maybe later down the road I could be – even while still Queen. Who knows? Anything's possible these days. Not that I'd be fighting for it…but anything wonderful and fitting.
And after another half hour, she finally made to leave for class. Filled with the freshness of the view here, she felt energetic for Transfigurations. Wished it was Charms…but anyways…
Elsa descended the stairs, and was walking down one corridor, partially filled with others standing or moving for their own classes, when…
"You! Pale-face!"
The familiar nickname she heard from Slytherin girls. Except this time it was said more loudly…and with more aggression.
Elsa tried to ignore that. Until she found a group of two or three thick Slytherins making a blockade in front of her, preventing her from passing by.
"Didn't get enough for your betrayal, did you?"
Elsa turned to the speaker, "Betrayal?"
"Don't act like you don't know what we mean." One Slytherin snorted. It was a group of younger Slytherins – maybe in their fourth to fifth years. "Came to study in the shadows when all was nice and cozy. And then to run when things got tough. Run away while the getting's were good"
Murmuring came in the Slytherin crowd. Others just watched to see what drama will unfold this time. Elsa stood firm and alert, sensing they've come for more than just taunting.
They already were discussing among themselves aloud – like they've finalized their plan. Her fingers made for her wand.
"I guess we should do something about it"
"Let's…Impedimenta!"
Elsa was swift enough to deflect that spell, her bag steady on her shoulder. Don't enforce a duel…just end it…
Another spell was deflected with ease. From the corner of her eyes she found some more, sneaking to attack from behind without her knowing it.
Shooting a quick Protego at the ones in front of her, she turned to deflect and disarm the ones at the back. One Slytherin shot a Stunner, only for Elsa to deflect towards another opponent. She then shot an Expelliarmus but that was deflected.
"Stupefy!"
Then suddenly, from behind she was hit with a Stunner. She bent a bit, before turning in fury towards the snickering Slytherins. Just in time to deflect another spell…
But…without her consent…in another flash of her wand's movement…
…ice shot in a half circle onto the floor…
Both hers and the stalking opponents' eyes widened. Even those behind her froze in their places – perhaps smart enough to not ignite the same thing towards themselves, or just outright shocked at this seemingly unusual magic. Everything came to a standstill.
Oh no…I have to stop now!
She tightened and retracted herself, before she could shoot anymore and someone really could get hurt. But it was too late. There was ice…and they were shouting on the top of their lungs.
"MONSTER!"
"KILLER!"
"GET AWAY!"
Elsa took a step back from their cries. Shifting her head around, she found many faces of bewilderment. Few were amused. It wasn't a big crowd, but it was enough to create uncomfortable feelings.
"Don't think ranting will get you anywhere" she resorted to boldly saying, cold as ice, deflating their little drama.
She turned, feeling she doesn't have anything else to be done here. Finally there was space for her to walk away.
"Coward!"
Elsa glared intense cold eyes at them. But she went to moving away with strong, angry steps.
Seriously? Rather not cause trouble and attract unnecessary detention by falling for insolent provocations.
Walking away, she heard ridiculous self-gloating, but fought the urges to shoot ice in their direction.
At class, however, it was kind of hard to focus on the Transfigurations lecture. And doodling a snowflake design didn't really help either.
Not that they were reliable, but their chants reminded Elsa what she feared herself to potentially be…no matter what she did or tried. Learning the counter curse decreased that sour feeling – but still. After all…why else did Voldemort bother with exploiting her in the first place? And from the Dark Forces did she refine her dueling skills, right?
Finally, after class she made her way first thing to her Dormitory. But along the way she paused in a particular corridor, absorbing its emptiness.
Farther down the corridor was a large window, letting bright sunlight in. Standing in front of that was another flight of stairs, leading to the next floor. An empty bird cage hung near the stairs from the ceiling.
It wasn't the lonely kind of empty. It was more like the comprehending kind.
Elsa slowly slid off the bag from her shoulder. Then she took another glance to see if anyone would be watching.
With a tiny playful smile, she began flexing her hands. Swirls of icy magic began to encircle the corridor.
Elsa watched with fascination as she grew moldings and decorative work against and up the walls. Layers of snowflake-like shapes hung into tiny pretty fixtures from the ceiling. For a final touch, a layer of ice encased the floor, complete with frosty outlines of snowflakes imbedded within.
When done with the 'renovation', she took a step back on the ice to admire her creation, glittering under the sunlight. Amazing…beautiful…
She proudly paced down that segment of the corridor. People can say whatever misinterpretation they want to please themselves. As long as you know who you are…
Elsa sighed. That can be hard to remember sometimes. But if you do your best…then you're unstoppable.
Just then, sounds of footsteps met her ear, pausing her chain of thought.
Before she even turned around she released hasty streams of magic to thaw everything. Then she resumed her way back to her dormitory.
"Ow"
Once again the next evening, Elsa retracted her hand to rub her fingers. Something keeps biting…
Dubiously, she peered into the flask again.
Beetle eyes aren't supposed to bite…maybe I should just go ahead with juicing the Viha Stalk…
Still, she took another look into the flask, shaking its contents slightly to detect any movement among the blackish beads. She's starting to get concerned…especially since Professor Slughorn himself gave her the ingredients to work with.
Remedial Potions…since she's kind of getting confused with certain ingredients used for NEWTs Potions Slughorn was nice enough to offer her a time in her break to learn to identify and refine some selections…from his vast collection of unknowns…
Wiping her brow she went to grab the pale-colored, wooden stick. Slice it vertically…or horizontally…
She peered over the book, brushing away any hair dangling in her eyes. The heat of the classroom is somewhat a lot. But making temporary flurries could hamper something.
Thinking the lighting was getting dim, she went to slightly turn up the table-top lantern.
"You didn't really have to do that"
A voice broke the silence. She looked up, finding Draco standing right in front of her, on the other side of the table.
"Really, if you wanted to settle scores, this wasn't really the best time. Their moral compasses aren't pointing the right way for quite some time now."
Elsa scoffed. "I figured that"
Draco's face then went to being more serious. "They…didn't say or do anything…did they?"
She paused. "No…they didn't do much" she wasn't really sure what else to say.
After assuring that she didn't look hurt, he became more relieved. "Well…you do look like you just emerged from battle" he joked, referring to her slightly messy hair.
Elsa gave a sigh. Of all the times for him to walk in…at least he's not making fun of her for it.
"Enlighten me about your sources" she tried to change the subject as she resumed getting the stalk, still absorbing his visit.
He raised his eyebrows. "Stories like that aren't hard to miss" she felt her heart sink. "and it's a thing with being Head Boy to deal with such issues. They were behaving unbelievably ridiculous, which doesn't fit the Slytherin Common Room"
She looked at him, thinking.
"What?" he asked curiously.
She subtly shook her head. "Nothing"
Nothing for a bit.
"Alright" Draco said quietly, figuring that's it for now. He moved a bit, like to leave for the door. However he stopped, thinking better. "What are you doing here?" he asked, curiously looking about at her work.
"Remedial Potions"
"Remedial? What did you do?"
She glanced at him. "I didn't 'do' anything. Just doing extra homework – until the professor comes back"
For a moment she took a glance at the 'beetle eyes' flask.
She blinked. Did something move?
"Ok, so what are you making?" Draco asked, standing beside her and part wondering what is she looking at.
She refocused her attention. "Viha stalk juice…already done with powdering the Dittany…" she indicated to a nearby plate, "and trying to puree the beetle eyes"
He looked again at what she's doing, "You're too busy with the stalk to puree anything"
Elsa shook her head, "That's how you do it, I guess: one thing at a time" a tiny smile tugged a little on her face. She went back to her tasks – while he apparently went to curiously looking at her assigned tools and items.
Against the vein...
She began the tedious work of pressing the spokes along the inner of the stalk-half. Juice darker than the stalk itself began dripping into her jar – mostly getting on her hands.
After a few minutes, still juicing she felt an audience.
"Need a hand?"
"No thank you"
"I think your arms are too tense" can't really help with a tiny smirk, he went to gently 'correcting' her arms' positions – just little difference (somewhat leveled down). She gave him a tiny arch of her eyebrow.
"Most appreciated"
Matching her tiny smile, he moved aside once more. She just made two more presses against the stalk-half. Finishing it off in another few minutes, she moved to juice the other half.
"Sure you weren't supposed to use this for juicing that?" he held up something that looked like a citrus juicer, asking like he's suggesting.
She gave him a yeah sure look, "I'm certain" With another tiny smirk he put it down.
Working, she can't help notice that he's still sticking around, feeling and carefully tinkering with the items she had to work with. He even went to feel how much she grounded the Dittany – comment was a nod and raise of eyebrows.
Ok…not like he's going to ignite something…
Plus she admitted inside that she felt better there was someone present in the classroom with her…maybe just a little…
Finishing the last stalk-half, she wiped her hands on a towel. And before she knew it, her eyes were trailing from her towel and hands…to the glass flask again.
"What are you looking at?"
She looked up, finding Draco curiously watching her face…wondering why does she look so concerned…and edgy.
"N…nothing…" Half-minded, she made for the 'beetle-eye' flask once more, to get some in her hand.
"He didn't ask you to process everything, did he?" he sounded like if so, he'd be concerned. Maybe the fumes or something.
"I'd be lucky if…Ow!"
Retracting her hand, she flicked it in pain and frustration, "For heaven's sake…"
Almost immediately she felt Draco right beside her. "What's wrong?"
Her hand was now in his, as he felt and peered over it. His brow creased and eyes cringed at the tiny red marks on the tips of her fingers.
"What are these from?"
Before Elsa could tell him how much she is equally wondering the same, sounds of clicking glass came.
They slowly turned their heads.
When she had flicked her hand, she made the flask roll. Slightly spilling its contents…it paused near the tabletop lantern.
And now…near a heat source…it seemed the 'eyes'…
…came to life?
It was hard to tell who pulled who away from the table. They paused to gape in shock at the things scattering out and away from the flask, across and off the table - rather than staying in hordes. Both began rapidly breathing, their ears ringing with clicking sounds from these unknown pests. This feels more disturbing than vampires.
"The door…" Draco murmured. Elsa's heart sank at the sight of the way out of the classroom on the other side, with the pests in between.
Suddenly, Draco suddenly pulled her to the side. If they stood there, a couple would have reached their feet. They don't really seem interested in the students present…or do they?
"What are they?" finally Elsa's mouth felt it can speak.
"Not sure…did you do…"
"Wait!"
Thrusting her hand forward, she shot a gust that threw ice just beside Draco's head. It drove some on the wall away from Draco…but had them more scattered. And the two no longer standing together when they flinched. But nowhere closer to the door. It's like the things are everywhere!
Elsa ended up sidling herself towards some shelves of more potion ingredients. It is obvious that ice won't work. She couldn't freeze the classroom…or risk trouble by the professors…and difficulty for them to remove the 'things'. Besides, even a second before the ice hits, they scatter even more madly!
Half in thought of 'what to do?' her hand felt on the wooden shelves, and some smooth glass jars. But, hearing louder clicks, she retracted her hand in time. Some had gotten onto the shelves and were making their way to her.
"Reducto!"
The light-red stream of magic shot towards that advancing group. In the process of blasting them away and off the shelf, it had neighboring glass jars crack, explode and spray their contents. No shards hit Elsa's face luckily. She turned away in time…but still had some flakes and liquids splatter onto her.
"What was that for?" she stared squarely at the bewildered Draco from the other side of the classroom.
"I was trying to…" he flinched again at another bunch coming inches towards him.
Think…think…no time to whine...think…
Wiping her face a bit, Elsa reached for her wand. Only to pause to glance down at an approaching crowd.
"Imobilus!"
The black beads seemed to have stopped moving. Finally. Draco let out a deep breath, putting down his wand.
"That should be it…Elsa?"
Elsa just stood there. Quietly staring down.
"Elsa? Elsa?"
Anxiously, he rushed over, not caring about crushing some immobilized pests, and peered at her face. "You hurt? You ok?"
She's definitely been hit with the spell. Thanks to one or two having succeeded in climbing onto her shoe. He creased his brow. Great…am I pulling a Longbottom?
"It hit you too, didn't it? Ok wait…let's just…let's just get out of here" grunting, he resorted to pulling her out of the classroom, making sure none of the absurd things were on her foot anymore. Heavier than I thought…
One moment he paused to open the door, releasing one hand from holding her. Thankfully he caught her again before she fell from his hold.
Pausing for breath after exiting the classroom, he was considering whether he should remove the spell now. Elsa – mind still working - was hoping for the same.
Just then, footsteps came. Professor Slughorn, carrying some parchment, walked in. Only to freeze in his place when he saw the sight before him.
"Oh!" shocked, he stared, processing what just happened. "Oh…Merlin's Beard…"
"It wasn't me, professor! Well…I did. And made the mess…but it was something she was working with."
"Mess?"
"One moment…" he looked down at the frozen Elsa. "I reckon I should…" he fished out his wand from his robes, which he had put away earlier, and pointed it at her, "Finite"
Instantly, she was released from her immobility, and slumped in his arms.
At that moment, clicking sounds echoed behind the door.
Bewildered, Slughorn stepped forward and took a peek inside. Meanwhile, Draco glanced at Elsa, now slowly straightening herself.
"Oh dear…I must have mistaken dormant Drought Mites for beetle eyes…well, ten points each for overseeing that. Will have the help clean this mess up. Now off you go. Will be seeing you two next class" and with that, he closed the door.
"You alright?"
Elsa stood up, still needing to support herself by holding onto his arms. It felt too awkward to just thank him.
"I…Draco…"
He raised his eyebrows and stared attentively, waiting for her to say something.
"Did…hey, did he just give us ten points?" she asked, creasing her eyebrows in confusion and now back onto her own feet.
A pause. Then they began laughing.
"Ten points for what?"
"For first-hand encounter of his collection before himself"
"Wait…Reducto? Who does Reducto on hideous bugs? You weren't thinking 'What would Finnegan do?' were you?" she said, close to ending her laughing.
"Didn't really occur to me, actually"
They calmed down after a minute, "You're lucky I'm still in one piece"
"Yeah…sorry about that. Wasn't really my best…I…" he paused. Then he carefully pushed a tiny grit off her nose. "I think you still look fine"
Nothing for a bit. Did he just…apologize?
"You may need to see Pomfrey…"
"I'm ok" she brushed some grits off her face. "Not bad…just need to wash up"
Draco gave a searching glance. "The bites…"
"Syrup should be enough. I don't think they're infectious" If they were I'd be on the floor long ago.
Draco thought for a bit. "Alright… girl's lavatory is this way"
The walk wasn't very long, but it was filled with nice chattering.
"I should've thought better than to continue pureeing them. Who knows what they could've done to us?"
"But it's quite easy to tell eyes apart from sleeping bugs"
She glanced at him. "Not if they were curled up as beads. They looked so alike"
"Next time remember to not take any offers from this professor"
"You mean 'your new Head of House'?"
"With deepest regrets"
"How does he expect to stay in that room now?"
"Perhaps he carries a Mite-flute or something"
Finally they reached the lavatory. Elsa went for the door, but paused. After a second, she made a quiet giggle.
"What is it?" he asked, part wondering and part smiling at her little giggle.
"Nothing…just wondering what they'd be thinking to find a Ravenclaw in this state borrowing their lavatory"
Draco couldn't help give a small laugh. "Well…they shouldn't mind"
"They shouldn't. I don't plan on cracking their engraved ceramic sinks"
Nothing for a bit. But the atmosphere felt nice…given in the dungeons.
"You have classes after?"
"Just Muggle Studies (OWLs)… then nothing after dinner"
Draco nodded.
Just then, sounds of a distant commotion came. Knowing as Head Boy, he had to go check. But he delayed, contemplating. Elsa just watched him, unsure she should ask if something is bothering him.
"See you in class tomorrow" he said before leaving. Elsa just watched him leave. She stood for another minute there, thinking, before finally entering the lavatory.
Next week…
It's like teaching Mountain Trolls how to ride brooms…
Draco, in his full Seeker uniform, had been standing for almost twenty minutes in the Hospital Wing. One of the younger and newer players trying out for Chaser position had crashed head first against a hoop. On his own accord.
Taking him to the Hospital Wing was understandable…but why is it necessary for him to stand for almost an hour there? There are already other Slytherin players to condole or taunt the patient…
"Where are you going?" said one who cared enough to notice Draco finally deciding to leave.
"Getting some air. If that's alright with you"
So Draco left the Hospital Wing, deciding to change to his school uniform and get ready for lunch. Practice was…ok today…but still sloppy by the new recruits…
He did overhear the remaining players whisper among themselves, perhaps deliberately loud enough for him to hear.
"Don't bother. He's obviously lost it."
"The mighty Malfoys slumped years ago. Get used to it"
What were they thinking? Quidditch Captain…Head Boy…why can't there be someone else competent enough to take these posts?
Quidditch used to be something he'd so look forward to. Then again…it was also one of those things put upon him by his father to make some worth out of him (and to think he bragged about what his father said about not really being Slytherin unless you become part of the Quidditch team to everyone in his second year)… then to make a humiliating display of himself in his first game (when his father took time from work to watch him do so).
Walking through the grand corridors, Draco paid little heed to anything around him. He just carried on walking to the dungeons. Lost in thought…trying to get away from his mind…all his life he'd been such an arrogant, self-absorbed troll! When that's all he was. He wished…if he could…things would have been more like the more tiny moments in his life…the inside excitement as a little child when he received his first letter to Hogwarts…getting sorted in his first year…his first Quidditch practice…curiously looking at interesting enchanted items…real happiness…real awe…
Hearing crowds around him, he jolted back to the present. They were forming crowds to listen in on something.
Not having the ability to walk out, he decided to listen in with them.
Meanwhile, deeper in the crowd, Elsa watched as a visiting Ministry official talked with the Headmistress. Originally she was on her way to the Great Hall from class.
Where she stood she could only catch snippets.
"I can assure you all passages to Hogwarts have been secured…"
"The Ministry is only…"
"…up to date with recent events. Nothing has occurred within our proximity…"
"Indeed, but let's not forget…"
"This is most absurd! Surly we've thought better…before even allowing them in…"
"Madam, I'm only…"
"…cannot be from Kinglsey!..."
"The general public…parents…"
Elsa strained to listen more. This sort of talk is kind of common here. Not that it has hampered the atmosphere of Hogwarts…plus stories and rumors of what happened during the war…what the Deatheaters did…what those supporting them did…
Soon the two left the sight of the students, perhaps feeling they should discuss more privately. While the crowds thinned, Elsa thought to herself.
Is there really some concern or are they worrying too much now?
Pleasant thick rainfall filled the sky over Hogwarts, and few decided to enjoy it, outside. Including Elsa.
Doing homework in the covered walkway bordering a courtyard, Elsa watched the rain droplets fall to the stone ground. Creating circular ripples on the wet floor and relaxing rain sounds. The tangy, wet grass scent hung in the air.
She smiled. Going back to writing, Elsa thought about how the place is like for her. The classes… the magic…her friends…the occasional taunts and pranks…Hogwarts didn't really change much.
"Ah, my Lady. I beg your pardon if I've interrupted" Elsa looked up. Craning around, she later found the Gryffindor Head Ghost, Nearly-Headless Nick, floating nearby, down from the ceiling.
He made a friendly little older-gentleman's bow, "It's such an honor to have this lovely lady back to the school"
Elsa politely made a tiny smile and nodded her head in formal reply. "Thank you"
"A school that has not so very changed. Though I do sense some vibrations of insecurity – but always the same magnificence" He held his head high in pride, keeping it steady. "Just taking a leisure stroll – lifting the spirits after an exhausting week preparing for my Death Anniversary" he formally clarified the reason for his presence.
Elsa paused, "Oh…" she said simply. Do you sympathize at this moment?
Nearly-Headless Nick gave a sigh, "A hallmark in my time, indeed. I'd be most honored to have you invited…but I see you must be put under a rather large load of work for the moment" he politely nodded his head at her books, careful to not let it hang again.
Elsa nodded, staying with a polite silence.
For a moment he gazed off into the rain, wishfully murmuring to himself. "Water from the sky…doesn't feel much now for me…but still has the charm of freedom…"
Like in a trance, Nearly-Headless Nick floated himself from the canopy of the walkway. Lifting his face to the sky he seemed to have made a smile…watching the vastness of the wet sky. Not a care for hanging his head over again he spun himself, making quiet laughter. And soon, he was gone.
Elsa, by herself, was watching the rain. The cool, falling rain. Placing images of her and Anna dancing and spinning in the rain. Braids flying… skirts wide… arms out…Anna then held Kristoff's hands…Olaf joined in the middle…Sven pranced…
Halloween evening, and Elsa barely made it to dinner. OWLs History of Magic was kind of…well…prolonged, by Peeves's attempts at lecturing what first-hand memories he had in the time ghosts were first introduced to Hogwarts. And he had several 'moments' to pause and try to recall some memories. Not sure why…not sure how…but Professor Binns had allowed him in.
Even before dinner was set, there was candy and treat bowls everywhere! Plus students were mostly walking around or seating temporarily across House tables rather than at their own.
Elsa caught sight of one bowl of assorted chocolates. Instantly, without considering it's on the Hufflepuff table, it was on the nearest and she made for it, taking her time while pulling out the chocolate bars. Selecting the ones closest to her taste. Milk chocolate…one with mint bits…just a couple…to put in her bag. Just to satisfy her cravings for a week.
Taking a fourth to eat now, she found a hand with a green-bordered sleeve now deciding to take one.
"Hope I didn't barge in"
"Not exactly" she noted the way he was looking at how much chocolate she took. Draco smirked at her keeping an impartial face for that, hinting that he just intruded on her.
"Don't tell me you're now considering switching to Hufflepuff" he unwrapped a piece and put it in his mouth.
Oh seriously, please? "That would make more Hogwarts rules broken than they are already, right?"
"This place doesn't really have a strict enough system anyway" Draco commented on his school, as they both sidled down the walkway past other people.
"True. That's why there are Slytherins" she casually added, hiding a smirk while watching his face through a glance. He narrowed his eyes.
It was just five minutes. Five minutes as they exchanged some more words. Then they reached a point to part to their tables. Short five minutes.
Elsa sat beside Luna, finding Ginny briefly sitting there before going to her own table when dinner is served.
"McGonagall's been tense lately" Luna thoughtfully said. "And the Order is remaining active" they paused to let Elsa join in.
"How were the Quidditch practices?" Elsa asked.
"Still happening. Not stalled with the fret going on – Ron even remembered his helmet" Ginny replied.
Elsa moved her eyes ahead to the Slytherin table. For a short moment. To receive Draco's little glance her way.
Practically…Defense Against the Dark Arts has gotten easier. Theoretically…more difficult.
Trying to write an essay out on curses that affect internal organs, how they do so and what are the counter curses if any (and they do not include unikinetic magic), Elsa decided to research and write quietly in the Library.
She spent almost an hour browsing through books and pacing the Library, trying to find good books to reference from. And it proved to be harder than ever. Either the sections she needed to check were taken or the rest were not what she's looking for. Plus that kind of essay topic is rather specific.
Study groups sat on many desks, quietly doing more chatting than studying or doing assignments not what she's trying to do now. Perhaps if nothing in another ten minutes she'll try to work on another assignment. But this one is due in a week, and she's already been putting it off for a while.
Careful to not disturb anybody, Elsa decided to scan the tables for any books. Could be that someone worked on the essay or browsed through already but didn't bother to replace the books. Who knows?
At one point, she cocked her head. The books look interesting, two or three piled up on one vacant table, more on the corner side of the library, where there were few neighboring tables or students. Perhaps her hypothesis was right after all. Not really thinking, she stepped forward and began sifting through some. What intended to be a light read went to about ten minutes.
These maybe are the ones I need.
Eventually, she sat down at the table, indexing pages and pulling out her parchment to jot down notes. The next thing she knew, she sat comfortably near a corner of the table.
Her quill now was freely writing reference after reference – just listing and will sort out later. Perhaps this essay may be done in a few days.
She just roughly drafted the third line of her second paragraph when on impulse she looked to the side. Her heart skipped a beat.
Draco was sitting right beside her. Head leaning on one closed hand while nicely watching her loan the books he had pulled out for the same essay he was working on. Okay…Awkward…
"It'll be fair to ask if you have some spare parchment"
She was surprised at his request. "Used up for listing issues dealt with?"
He narrowed his eyes. "Perhaps lost among the chaotic load of tasks. You should know that."
Elsa gave a skeptic 'really?' look, just to go along. "Let me check"
She leaned over to the side to rummage through her bag. "Hope you've kept your quill, because I don't have a spare"
He smirked. After some seconds, she drew out a fresh sheet and handed it to him.
After he took it, she made to write another few words on her paper, feeling she should just to that before she forgets. But after a few seconds she noticed he was watching her do so.
She raised her eyebrows. "Aren't you playing your post a little too much now?"
"Can't really help with the fact that there are many needing a close watch"
"I can assure you no hailstorm will flatten this historic school" Elsa quipped back, getting back to her jotting down a bit.
"Maybe" he watched her write, "but the halls are not spared from your decorative vibes. Most unfortunately"
Elsa paused. Oh…did I leave some behind? Perfect…
He let her do a few more writing before he spoke again. "Haven't really seen your friends let you accompany them in assemblies you should be gracing" he said in a noting tone.
She paused her writing, "It's by choice" she knew he meant Slughorn's student parties.
"Same here" he took out some writing stuff from his bag. "But isn't it more mandatory for a princess?" so he's just getting into another 'interesting' conversation.
She made a tiny smile. Not really annoying this time, "Not that princesses are highly regarded here. Besides," she wrote a few more while speaking. "It's not really something important on my schedule" Standing around with the gossip, the spying, the conduct… it's more like a waste of time.
Enjoying her company, Draco made an agreeing smirk. "That's true. Having respectable backgrounds demand you to choose your activities wisely"
She glanced at him, to give a 'oh look who's talking' look. He tucked a bit of hair that fell to the side of her face behind her ear when she turned back to her paper. She paused to make a shy glance for that.
"With her suppressed social timetable, the Ravenclaw Princess should use her time elsewhere."
"Where exactly?"
He fixed a book in front of them for the two to easily read. She gave him a skeptic look.
"Don't you have homework to finish?" he inquired.
Elsa made a small smirk, not bothering to say anything about his 'offer'. Then they went to writing. Quietly writing. Peacefully writing. Thoughtful writing…
...then the unmistakable voice of Madam Pince sounded after ten minutes, after sounds of a commotion not very far away.
"It's just a dungbomb" he said simply when she looked up, receiving a concerned glance at him for that.
"Did you sneak one in here?" she asked with 'concern'. He gave a quiet laugh. "You'd know if I did" he replied honestly, receiving a grin before they went back to their essays.
December rolled in. Soon it will be Christmas.
Sitting at a desk in her Common Room, Elsa was literally crowded with books and paper. Juggling OWLs and NEWTs can be very demanding.
She anxiously glanced out the window. Snow hardly masked the dusk glow that just began to appear in the sky. She groaned.
She had planned to make a stop at Hogsmede – an hour ago – to find something to get for Anna's Christmas present. But homework kind of undermined her estimates. Now she might be late. Most of the stores will close soon.
Elsa felt her head pounding from the studying – maybe she should go now.
Wrapping up her papers and books, she neatly stuffed them in her Dormitory. Then she slipped on a coat, not even bothering with her shoes, hat or anything else.
The Ravenclaw Common Room wasn't even halfway full, so hardly anyone noticed.
Elsa briskly made her way down the stairs, through the corridors, and out the main door to the grounds.
Only when walking through the hilly, bumpy, thick snow covered stone steps she felt her poor choice of shoes. But she didn't really bother with that – she has to get to a good store soon!
Hogsmede was crowded. Apparently everyone thought this was the best time for Christmas shopping. Anxious and jolly people passed by, with their eyes glued to their destinations. Others strolled arm-in-arm with dear ones. People looking like goblins were already readying their voices for the Christmas Chorus.
Jingling whatever allowance in Wizard currency she had, she began browsing through many gift shops.
All of a sudden, it seems they raised the prices! Is this a way to get back to normal after the war?
It wouldn't have been a problem for Elsa – if it weren't for the relatively small allowance the Ministry allowed her to have. Christmas shopping used to be so quick and easy. In a few minutes she'd pick the best gifts for her parents and sister before she hopped on the train back from school. Now it seems everything is expensive.
After an hour of fruitless search, Elsa sat down for a rest, on a snow covered bench. Finally she began feeling the snow now through her socks and between her toes (thanks to her slip-on flats), and her aching legs from the now rugged walkways.
She caught sight of Honeyduke's. Instantly she remembered her sugar-cravings since the start of her intense homework – last month. She could just taste the creamy chocolates…
But, thanks to the allowance she put that off. What's more important is getting something for her little sister. If Anna knew what Elsa was doing she would have told her to forget it – but Elsa didn't want that. Besides, the tea at breakfast sort of helps, and she's still getting good marks…
Elsa sighed. She got up and resumed her walk. If nothing comes up in another half hour then she'd resort to a small box of candies for Anna. She did that a couple of times before. But even the decent gift sets cost so…
Her chain of thoughts had her forget to notice the snowy bump in her way. Thanks to her shoes she nearly tripped.
But she felt herself caught before she landed face-first on the pavement. Looking up she found silver eyes.
"Well, well. Her Royal Highness already forgot the weather condition here? You know a thing or two about winter, right?"
Elsa straightened herself onto her own feet.
"They did put themselves through the trouble of getting you into NEWTs Transfiguration" Draco said, looking down at her shoes. He himself was dressed warmly against the winter snow and air.
"They're fine." Elsa plainly said.
Draco just watched her straighten her coat. "Little Elsa feeling mute today?"
"I'm not 'little'" Elsa muttered rather bluntly.
"Alright, now that you're all grown up, will you go someplace more fitting to your fragility?"
A glare came from her eyes. "Going to where I need to go to" she vaguely said, moving to walk.
"Really?" he made to walk beside her. "Everyone knows candy can be found over there" he pointed at Honeyduke's, like he would to a little girl.
She sighed, "I'm browsing the stores"
"Interesting way to pass the time" he nodded.
Elsa just gave him a look like he was a tailing imp.
"Your friends are not here?" he curiously looked around.
"They're at class"
"All of them?"
"I've only got two friends"
"For one of your caliber?"
"I don't go around and befriend just anybody"
"They don't seem to be worried that you're all alone, do they?"
"They don't need to worry."
Draco sighed. "Perhaps I should accompany you, before you break something" he solemnly took her arm. She felt it's not right to shrug him off now.
However she was close to pulling her arm away, when she found him leading her away from the bustling streets.
"They're not in a rush to close anyway" Draco coolly said.
They simply sat down on a large, snow covered log, fairly in the outskirts of Hogsmede, in front of the tall trees of the Forbidden Forest. The snow continued to fall radiantly in the dusk glow.
"So, what are your plans for the holidays?"
She looked at him. "It's kind of up in the air" she shrugged. "I guess it seems the Ministry wants me to stay here." She shifted her eyes to look at the snow-covered ground in front of her. To keep her 'safe'…to monitor her… for whatever reason.
"Not feeling like you get the place all to yourself?" Draco watched her face.
"Feels like ten years ago, all over again" she quietly said. Then Elsa made to change the subject, "What about you?" she turned to him.
"With my parents" Draco said half-heartedly, staring at the same ground, "having Christmas again in the lovely accommodations we're provided"
She read the embarrassment on his face. "At least you're with your family' she said empathetically, "Whatever opportunity you have" the last was said quieter. It stings especially when your sister had expressed in a recent letter how much she's looking forward to celebrating Christmas together…like every year.
Maybe Draco heard her, as after a little short while for a few seconds their eyes met when he made a subtle glance. Then he spoke again. "Once finalized, what would you be doing?"
Elsa scoffed, "Anything but trouble, I hope"
"Really? What kind?"
"Any kind…"
He leaned and gently placed a kiss on her cheek, warm as the warmth there. "Trouble may just be second nature to you" he said quietly, smiling and nose close to hers.
She just gazed at Draco.
Nothing for a few seconds. Then he was gone. She wasn't sure if he disapperated.
Later she realized something right beside her, on the log.
She looked down – finding wrapped chocolate bars. Milk chocolate…one with mint bits…all her favorites…
A surprised smile grew on her face. And it went bigger when she looked up, finding a small gift shop she hadn't tried yet.
Day one…
The Great Hall was almost empty. Only a tiny sprinkle of students stayed at Hogwarts for the holidays. The previous day the train left with the students to take them home to their families. Elsa stirred porridge at her table. Lost in thought, she figured most of her time…after mailing her present to Anna through the floo… should be…early homework and reading…maybe strolling the place…alone…
"Miss Elsa…"
She snapped out of her trance, and turned to find the voice's owner standing to her left.
It was a cozily-dressed house elf, looking up its huge eyes at her.
"The Headmistress wishes to see you immediately"
She rose from her seat to follow him, completely forgetting her breakfast.
In another hour, she was brushing soot from her Ravenclaw cloak. Standing in the fireplace of her castle's Banquet Hall. No one came for her.
Stepping out, Elsa felt the piece of paper McGonagall handed to her, in a rather blank and vague manner. It simply read:
Dear sir/madam,
I need Elsa home.
Princess Anna
"Hello?"
She began looking around. The halls were empty. What's happening here? She walked down the hall a bit, hand close to her wand in case of an ambush.
She stopped in her tracks. Faintly, she could hear music.
Heart racing, she took quicker steps down the hall to trace the sounds. It was something that sounded like a chorus.
She paused at one point, where the sounds were louder. Then she approached a nearby window.
It now began striking her familiar. Something from the past. Some beautiful sounds of people singing.
When she was younger. A child. A baby.
She opened the window, and peered out. Right there the tempo increased.
There stood rows and rows of people. The servants, some citizens. In the snow-covered courtyard.
Front most line was indeed a chorus. Dressed in long burgundy robes. They were ladies and men, singing a vocal and song not one from the Church.
And in front of them…Anna, Kristoff, Sven and Olaf were beaming up at her. Anna waved.
Finally, a thought came to her head.
It was the entrancing Norwegian song they used to sing on her birthday. The one about snow, beauty, protection and the fjords.
Her parents had it first sung when she was born. When she was first shown to the Arendelle kingdom.
Elsa hasn't heard that song since after her 5th birthday.
Now she felt it. The chorus singing…her as a baby…wrapped in a soft, blue blanket…in her mother's warm arms…gazing baby sapphire eyes around…at her parents…her father stroking her soft white-blonde hair…perhaps only slightly wondering what sort of child she is…or will be…her eyes felt glassy.
She caught up with them in a few minutes. The crowd broke into applause when she went through the courtyard door. Elsa was half in disbelief but managed to almost rush in receiving Anna in her arms.
"How did you do it?" Elsa asked after a tight hug.
"It took quite a lot of convincing", Anna sifted through sheets of parchment stuffed in her coat pocket. "I mean…seriously, it took loads of paperwork…for only a few weeks"
"Anna"
The sisters locked into another embrace, huddling. After a minute they let go, and Elsa remembered something.
"I just need to grab my suitcase." Elsa's smile grew. "Then let the holidays begin!" she announced a royal proclamation, for the crowd and citizens to cheer.
Meanwhile, in a far corner of the British snow-engulfed countryside, stood a tall building. Supposedly a castle but not really used as one…
"A pity we cannot make use of the top floors" a bulky man moaned, seemingly bored for a long, long time.
"You've already moped that" another man snapped.
"Every move of ours is calculated. We aren't sure if the floors above aren't teeming with Dark Magic. We have to wait"
"That's what we've been doing – waiting!"
Sensing a brawl that could start among the many cloaked men not enjoying each other's company for a moment, their leader cleared his throat. They reluctantly silenced to listen what he has to say.
"In the limited opportunities we have" he turned his leprechaun-like face to gaze conceitedly at the many boxes of items they've 'acquired' for their agendas, "we utilize our resources wisely"
~TO BE CONTINUED…~
