This woman was an actual snake. Draco couldn't believe just how surrounded his badger was by the lot of them yet survived. Even though Elia claimed that her father was very much a Hufflepuff like her had he been a wizard. Elia wanted to deliver food for her grandmother despite Abraham's protests from how dark it was outside. Just judging from their conversation on the muggle telephone that Draco had a hard time grasping, he could tell this woman had a sharp tongue. He was interested now, but careful. Snakes against other snakes could go wrong.
"Dad says I can't go," Elia pouted over the phone to her, "I made meatloaf."
"Give the phone to that giant oaf you call a father." Her grandmother snapped, Draco could hear faintly from the phone. Elia handed it over and Abraham began,
"Now Elena, you know it's late-"
"If my granddaughter wants to see me then she bloody will see me!" Elena remarked, "Everybody knows down here if they even approach my sunflower, I'll beat their heads in with a pan. Now send her my way or I'll go there myself!"
Abraham knew not to argue further, Tanya's maternal grandmother mother was stubborn.
"I'm driving her then."
"You make it so difficult for yourself, Abraham."
They arrived at her home very shortly, Draco even more appalled at the muggle things of their life. First phones, now cars. He heard of the flying cars of his world but his family never dared try them as his father claimed they were too muggle. As they stepped outside, another figure approached.
Elena Selwyn was an old woman yet still bared her straight black hair with few white hairs. Elena's eyes were like the dark emerald almost black gems Tanya had too. She was average in stature, yet walked gracefully towards them, eyeing Draco suspiciously.
"And what is this?" Elena uttered, Draco was taken aback but straightened himself.
"Draco Malfoy, madam." He said, offering his hand.
She swatted it away, "Did I ask you, boy? I'm old but I can still spot a Malfoy when I see one. I was clearly talking to my little girl."
It took every bit of energy Draco had not to talk back to this woman, yet was startled. She knew this family? He glanced at Elia for strength and answers. Elia being a reminder of what made him take everything the day threw at him tolerantly.
"Grandmother!" Elia said, "Please be nice, he's a friend from school."
"Ah Hogwarts, I remember those days. He should be able to handle the words of an old lady then." Elena replied, leaning forward to kiss Elia's cheek then Abraham's.
The woman was like Tanya, a force to be reckoned with. Incredibly witty and sharp, Elena was to most but her family, a woman of cut throat words and a snarky attitude. She took the container of food from her hands, handing Elia some chocolates.
"How've you been?" Abraham asked.
"Wonderful," Elena said sarcastically, "With the arthritis and all. You know, old people things."
"Grandmother, you do not have arthritis." Elia pointed out.
"Will soon," She said, "I'm not as young as I use to be darling. And frankly, if I ever get Alzheimer's just put me out of my misery already."
"Grandmother!"
"Oh right, we have company." Elena says, looking at Draco. If he was honest, he was enjoying the things this woman said. Quite amusing really.
"Draco, is it?"
"Yes."
"Well I do hope you are as smart as you are pretty." She notes, remembering this was the boy Elia and Tanya mentioned to her before. The woman knew of the difficulties they faced for having feelings towards one another in a prejudiced world. Her daughter being one of them that succumbed to such ideals. Elena use to be one of them but loved her granddaughters more.
Elena turned to her granddaughter and held her hand, "Thank you again darling for the meal and stopping by. Are you going to stay the night?"
"Not tonight," Elia shook her head, "We have to get Draco to the train station."
"We do?" Abraham asked, frowning.
"Yes, we do." Elia snapped with a smile to hide her upcoming scowl, "I'll be sure to come by soon. Tanya will be arriving before school starts."
"Bless that she returns with at least a marriage proposal, I've always wanted to travel. Bulgaria would be nice."
Now it was Abraham's turn to shout her name at her comment. Draco found himself snickering with Elia rolling her eyes, Elena laughed. When they arrived at the train station, Elia followed Draco out.
"Where are you going?" Her father asked.
"Have to make sure he makes it. This isn't the magical world after all." She said, "I'll be back before you know it."
Abraham glared at Draco, his fingers flashing from his eyes to Draco. Draco yet again, was unphased. The two walked through the station, Draco spoke up.
"Your grandmother is a witch?"
"Yes, but she's not my grandmother technically. She raised me as her own but she's related to Tanya. She's a Selwyn."
"A Selwyn?" He blurted out, surprised, "As in theSelwyn's? The pureblood family?"
Elia nodded, "The very same, Tanya's mum was Sabriel Selwyn. Though she abandoned my father to regain her title as a pureblood but my grandmother... was not having it. Came to stay in the muggle world to take Tanya as her own."
Draco was appalled, a pureblood willingly staying in the muggle world? How absurd. He's never come across a family like Elia's. Elia sensed his questionable attitude, deciding to detail him more on the subject.
"She even moved in with my other grandmother Thalia, from my mother's side, who was a muggle."
"Merlin's beard."
"I know, it was difficult for her. Her whole life she lived with such prejudice but then began to challenge it. All so she could be with Tanya."
"What happened to your other grandmother?"
Elia frowned, "She died when I was around ten years old. For quite a while they lived together and helped my father raise us. My grandmother Elena, was very fond of Thalia. They became best friends, quite the unlikely duo you could say."
Draco felt sympathy as she revealed such things about her personal life, ones he hadn't known about and in a way he felt closer. He gained a higher admiration for her, respect for her family and what they've gone through to be together.
Elena Selwyn, one of the sacred twenty eight, abandoned the wizarding community so she could be in her granddaughter's life. Even if it had to be in the muggle world with a muggle family. Unlike her daughter Sabriel, family triumphed blood purity over anything according to Elena. It was enough to move Draco.
Even as the station filled with people, no one bothered to look their way. Draco relished in it, looking at Elia who looked on ahead to lead him.
"Well here we are." Elia stated, standing before him, "Hope you make it back safely, send me an owl when you've returned. Next time you pull something like this, at least-"
She was cut off by Draco pulling her in, snatching her lips in a deep kiss. He needed this, he needed her. If a pure blood like himself could choose someone over blood titles, for a family, Draco saw that he possibly could do the same. It had to be worth it, her grandmother was proof. She was happy, and so could he if they tried.
Elia jumped at the contact, her cheeks burning up immediately as her body filled with a small warmth. Draco held her head in place so she couldn't escape. He kissed so harshly and passionately, it made Elia's knees weak. She felt she wouldn't be able to support herself, pushing away.
"What're you doing?! Out here with everyone-"
"You and I both know that no one cares and probably didn't even bother to look." Draco said, a devilish smirk on his face as he leaned in again. Elia quickly moved away.
"Elia, please."
"So now you want to start something?" Elia exclaimed, "Is this some joke to you?"
"If it was, then why would I have come here?"
"I don't know why you came here!" She said, "You're crazy if you think this was a good idea. You could've gotten caught, you were always the one to tell me we couldn't get caught."
"Well I'd say it was definitely worth it." Draco remarked, his thumb tracing over his lip. Elia scoffed at his implication, avoiding his gaze. He took her hands into his.
"Elia, I'm tired of hiding from you. Honestly, it's driving me insane not having you."
Her eyes shot up in a bewildered look, was he serious? No he couldn't be...
"Liar." She mutters.
"You're the one lying to yourself if you think we're justfriends."
Draco smirked when Elia's face flushed for a moment, her eyes refusing to look at him.
"Prove it then." Elia mumbles.
He gripped her hands tightly, a look of sheer determination in his steel eyes.
"Watch me." He said, "If I can have you here in the muggle world, then my world better damn well be ready for us."
She refutes, "What will your family think? And with You-Know-Who back-"
"He's not." He reassured but even he know that was a lie, Elia knew it too.
"Don't say that, you know he is." She spat, "After what he did to Ced."
Draco gazed at her lovingly yet apologetically, his hand brushing up against her soft cheek.
"Draco... I don't know if I can." She whispered, defeated, "It's so hard, so damn hard lately. I'm not ready."
He knew how she struggled, Draco could see just how much the return of the Dark Lord had drained all life from her. He knew he wouldn't fix everything, but he'd like to hope he could help bring that life back into her and protect her if need be.
"Think it over." He proposed, squeezing her hand, "Write to me as soon as possible, preferably after my owl. I'm tired of waiting."
With that, Draco planted another mind blowing kiss, well kisses actually for he found himself unable to let go of the Hufflepuff. Elia felt he was breathing back some life into her, a temporary fire that gave warmth inside of her. If it wasn't for the sound of her raging father in the background, they would have been full blown snogging in that station.
"Pumpkin pooh! Where are y-"
Abraham called out in the station, looking around then finally spotted her afar. His face reddened from pure rage.
"GET AWAY FROM MY LITTLE GIRL, YOU BLOODY WANKER!"
The two pulled away instantly, Elia pushing Draco towards the platform quickly before her father could kill the boy. Draco laughed, giving her one last peck before entering. Draco was exhilarated, smiling at the last sight he had of her as Abraham made it behind her, angry that Draco escaped. He went into the train and to his seat, sitting down in contempt.
"What is he, your bloody boyfriend and you didn't even tell me?" Abraham asked, heaving as he looked down at his daughter.
"I'm thinking about it."
Elia returned home with her father ranting throughout the short car ride home of how he was going to murder the Slytherin. It took all her strength to not make a pun about the Slytherin in front of her father, given that he slithered in right under his nose. Damn Elia made it anyways in her mind, suppressing her laugh.
Once she made it back to her room, she could hardly make it to her bed after the rush of the day had finally hit her. With her back to the door, a wave of emotions slammed her in a way Elia hadn't felt in a while now. She breathed out, thrilled by the events that had unfolded.
It was completely unexpected what the day turned out to be. It had been so long since she felt such a range of feelings, in quite a while since Cedric's passing. Elia was weakened by what happened, she didn't know if she'd ever come back from it. It was as if her entire world collapsed the moment his dead body hit the ground that day.
Elia rested on her bed for the night, laying there contemplating her actions as well as Draco's. Was he really willing to let it all go to have her? She couldn't believe it herself, Draco had let her down before. The Hufflepuff wouldn't be surprised if he let her down once more, but was afraid of it happening anyways. Besides, who could ever be interested in her?
About two hours passed when she heard a tapping at her window while she was getting ready for bed. She had just finished eating some dinner her father left her since she hardly ate that day anyways. Toast stood up from his curled position on her bed, his head turning as they both eyed the window. The sound making her jump suddenly, Elia looked over and saw an owl tapping its beak on the window. She opened the window and it dropped in a letter.
Elia eyed it strangely, not expecting a letter at this hour by Draco. She rolled her eyes at how quick he was, she laid down in her bed after closing the window and giving the owl a treat. The owl stayed by her side, obviously ordered by Draco and stood perched on her drawer. Toast crawled over to Elia, getting himself comfortable by her side as her hand reached over to pet him. At the same time with her free hand, she opened and read the letter before her.
After today, I do hope you do consider what is on the table. I want you Elia, and I know you feel the same. Today taught me more than what I could learn at that stupid school. I expect you to write back or I'll go back there again. Or better yet, make you mine in front of everyone when the school year starts. The choice is yours.
D.M.
She was appalled, yet amused. Elia decided it was best to write back to him, it's the least she can do considering the lengths he took to find her. It was only fair.
Are you threatening me? If so, I kinda like it. Draco, you know how I feel but with the way things are, I need time. We mustn't rush, I hope you understand. If I were to be yours, I wish to be perfect inside and out for you, away from my state of my mind as of late. It's not safe for you right now, I don't want to imagine what your family would think of us or what they'd do. You and I know both know you'd be casted out for even having such feelings for me, for the things we do. I'm surprised they haven't caught you and your letters. You're sneaky, I'll give you that.
P.S. You have yet to prove it to me, my snake.
Yours eternally,
Elia
She bit her lip in contemplation, glancing at her cat who laid his head on her torso as she pet him.
"I should send it right? Though, it's not fair to everyone else that wrote to me huh?" She asked him, as if he'd reply. Toast only looked at her with the same doe eyed expression, she always spoke to him.
Elia then nodded and swung up from her bed, "You're right. I should reply to everyone at least, now that I'm in the writing mood."
She handed the letter to the owl, who flew out the window instantly to deliver it. Elia sat down again with more parchment and envelopes, addressing a few letters to her friends. She received many from Hermione, more worried than the last. A few from Harry who also expressed concern for her, apologizing after the next. Two from Neville, one talking about his latest discovery of a plant and asking to meet with her. The other coming in far later, asking if she's okay. She also received a few from both of the twins and Ron, and one from Molly. All of them asked her if she was okay.
Elia was far from okay that summer, she so wished she could see them but absolutely feared it for how she had behaved towards them. It was unfair for them, how withdrawn she's been and was afraid to confront them. She lost her strength, though little by little as she gave a few replies to all her senders, Elia gained some short hope that night.
The next morning she walked up to the roof of their flat where they had a small owlery with only one owl that was given to them by Elena. It was usually open because Elia hated the idea of their owl confided to a small space and the owl was well trained and knew his way around. She gave him the letters to send and he flew away. Elia cleaned up the owlery quickly and left some food for when the owl would return.
As the day progressed, Elia received three letters, from Hermione, Tanya, and Draco. They sure wrote quickly, she thought, going to her room to read them to herself. Tanya demanded more details on Draco's visit and Hermione was relieved at finally hearing from the Hufflepuff. She invited Elia to a meeting before they returned to school at 12 Grimmauld Place, explaining the details and their need for help.
Since Voldemort's return, they brought together the Order of the Phoenix, a group against Voldemort and his Death Eaters. This was to be located at Sirius' old home, Elia knew of Sirius through Harry and the whole scandal of Sirius Black escaping Azkaban two years prior. But she knew his innocence and the truth from Harry. Elia instantly agreed, wanting to be involved in every way to take down the Dark Lord.
She decided to keep it a secret from Draco. It was already dangerous enough to be together, she knew he'd disapprove of her in more danger by plotting against Voldemort. Elia read his letter and gave a half smile.
Just you wait, stupid girl, you'll see just how far I'll go to have you as mine. Yesterday was only the start. Speaking of that, I'd like to arrange another meeting with you soon. Say Tuesday at noon? You did say I should let you know ahead of time. I'll give you however long you want. On that note, don't keep me waiting too long or I won't be able to help myself. It's quite difficult when you're already perfect enough as it is.
P.S. I do like that 'Yours eternally', keep it up.
D.M.
Draco missed his day with her already. When he arrived home, his parents didn't do much but bat their eyes and greet him that night. He went by unnoticed from what he really did, aching to do it again for the thrill. He was happy the next day to have received a response from her, attaching to the letter a toffee eclair he bought.
He already had an idea of what he'd do to show he's serious. It was definitely going to be a sight, but he'd have to be careful for now until she's ready. Draco will happily convince her and shower her in his affections. He wanted everyone to know about them so they'd back off from Elia, she was oblivious as it is but he wasn't. The Slytherin was very observant as opposed to her.
The toffee with the letter had made her chuckle. She chewed on it while writing back to him. Elia stopped mid way when she heard her house phone ring throughout the flat. Her father wouldn't get it as he was downstairs in the shop so she quickly made her way to answer.
"Hello?"
"Hey El." Tanya's familiar voice called.
"T!" Elia says, "How are you calling? I thought Viktor was confused about our technology."
"He is but I had him take me to the nearest muggle area around here so I can get my hands on a phone that'll work. Still trying to work out the kinks while I'm here on our devices, hopefully one day our world can utilize them."
"Yeah the problem is though is ensuring that they don't develop a mind of their own, remember what happened with Harry and Ron with Mr. Weasley's car. Although I wouldn't doubt your skill."
"Well hopefully the Ministry can acknowledge my ideas. Speaking of which, I'm calling to let you know I'm actually heading back possibly a week earlier than expected. I got accepted for auror training at the Ministry and they want me to go for an interview and a seminar."
"Helga Hufflepuff, T that's amazing!" Elia cried happily, "Can I tell Dad and grandmother? When do you start?"
"I want to surprise them when I get back early. And I start training just about the time you go back to school. They just want me to go early with other applicants to discuss basics and assign us to our auror. I'm hoping for Moody."
Elia rolled her eyes, "Merlin, Tanya. You're lucky my intuition was against Barty Crouch Jr as Moody and not the real Moody himself. Just don't give him hell."
"Oh don't worry, I will." Tanya said, Elia could tell she was probably smirking from her tone, "Although speaking of school, I hope you're considering on replying to Dumbledore. Him and Mcgonagall owled me asking about you, they're waiting for your reply and honestly would prefer you over anyone else."
Elia frowned, "I... I don't know. It's hard, knowing that he isn't prefect anymore. Even if the position is for female prefect and he would've been Head Boy by now, it's just hard knowing that fact. You know?"
"I understand." Tanya replied, "But the position is open and you have to take it. No one is better for it, you are the living embodiment of that House and everyone knows it. I smelled the butterscotch off of you the day you were born."
Elia giggled, "Well maybe I should be Head Girl instead."
"But that's way later."
"Exactly. T, come on you know I have no leading or authoritive backbone in me. Those first years will walk all over me!"
"That's why I taught you some good ol hexes and jinxes so you can teach those shits a lesson if they don't listen to you." Tanya reminded her.
"You know we're not supposed to do that to anybody at school."
"What, really? I never knew that." Tanya joked, making Elia laugh again, "But seriously, take the position. I know you can do it."
Elia pondered on the idea, she wanted it but was afraid due to her lack of authority. She was too kind and lenient, but Tanya reminded her that could be her strength. Messing with or hurting Elia was like kicking a puppy.
The sisters filled each other in for a few more minutes. Tanya telling her some of her adventures in the other country with her Bulgarian bon bon while Elia told her of their encounter with their grandmother and more about her Slytherin. The conversation ended afterwards, and Elia headed back to her room again. She glanced at some parchment and her pen on the desk while Toast played with a mouse toy with a feather tail on Tanya's bed.
Elia decided to write back to Dumbledore finally, awaiting her word on becoming prefect. She then agreed.
