The next day, they all readied themselves for another year at Hogwarts. Elia didn't know if she should be excited or terrified. It'd be her first time as prefect, her first time with a possible boyfriend, and her first time without Tanya and Cedric. She felt weak for having relied on them for so long that she felt like she was thrown into a pool in order to learn how to swim for the first time.

They all had split up so it looked less suspicious especially since Moody was escorting Harry with Tonks. Then a shaggy black dog, Sirius in his animagus form, followed them who Moody snapped at. Tanya was escorting Elia while Hermione was boarding with the Weasley's.

"You'll be okay?" Tanya asked her, eyeing her concerningly.

Elia nodded, "At least I got Toast."

"And Draco?"

Elia scoffed, "I ask myself about him too, I really don't know what's going on or what's bound to happen. I'm still not ready."

"Well if he's smart, he'll wait." Tanya said, handing her luggage, "But patience is not our virtue, be careful or he'll likely strike."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Don't worry he won't strike like seek out other girls, he knows I'll murder him." Tanya laughed, "Plus, you've got him almost wrapped around your finger already. Just be you but also mindful of his feelings. You're naive as hell, El. He'll act on his emotions, after all he is young and a jealous little git."

She hugged her sister tightly, kissing each other on the cheeks, "Let me know anything that happens, even anyone that troubles you. I may have graduated, but I have my ways to get back there and kill someone."

Elia chuckled, "It's quite odd not having you come with me, but I can protect myself. You, Dad, and grandmother have already armed me well enough. Good luck at your job."

"Thanks, I heard some Ministry business might go down there. If possible, I'll see if I can go too. You take care El, promise."

Her sister smiled at her stiffly, "I promise I'll try, okay?"

They embraced one last time before she boarded the train, by herself for the first time. This time, Elia didn't seek out her friends or their company. In fact, she felt the need to be alone because it brought her comfort. Unfortunately for her, she had a responsibility and couldn't place herself in her own comfort zone.

She looked for the prefect compartment where she was to meet with other prefects and to discuss her duties. Before Elia could enter, uncertainty filled her as she reached the door. Was this the right one? Would standing there longer make her look even more ridiculous? Who else would be in there?

Elia realized she was overthinking things as she sensed her heart pounding like mad and her face going hot. She breathed slowly, stopping all her thoughts and reminded herself of her present situation and not the future.

I have to, I have to go in there. It's now or never, and there is no 'tomorrow I can do this'. No, NOW ELIA-

The Hufflepuff threw the compartment door open in a slam before she could even breathe. Everyone inside stared at her in confusion at her sudden outburst, but she no longer focused on how nervous she was. Her focus completely shifted on her Slytherin sitting there too.

"Draco?" She asked, not realizing it had slipped out her mouth. Given that he was not the only one in there, Pansy Parkinson sitting beside him, Elia quickly rebutted.

"Uh, Ron, Hermione?! I didn't know all of you would be in here!" She added, quickly making her way in and setting all her things aside.

Yet Ron and Hermione stared at her in confusion, as they had already told her they were assigned as prefects as well. But they quickly got onto the idea considering Draco was in the room. So they dismissed the notion and greeted her anyways.

"Looks like your cat got fat." Pansy sneered as Elia let Toast out and sit on her lap, holding him so he wouldn't run to Draco who sat in front of them.

"He's only a year old, he's growing." Hermione states in an 'obviously' tone.

"It's just his fur, he's poofy! Don't ruin his self esteem." Elia added.

"I doubt he can understand what we say."

"Of course he does, all animals do. He's a handsome boy." Elia cooed as she planted kisses on his soft head.

"Either way, he's still bigger than before. What kind of diet you muggles put your animals through?"

"Well he does love bread." Elia said, "Also, his father spoils him too much."

It take every bit of strength Draco could muster to hold back his upcoming laugh, his fist pressing against his lips to hide it. But he couldn't hide the gleam in his eyes and the smirk he flashed at the mother of the cat in front of him.

"Just stay away from me!"

Elia heard a familiar voice shout, Harry's voice actually as she stepped off the train by herself. Far ahead of her she noticed Harry being held back by Ron while Draco and his friends left them. She rolled her eyes, she knew she could not expect anything to change between those two. It was like they were born to be enemies, which she didn't quite like. Yet oddly enough, the two boys adored her.

"What's going on?" She asked when she approached them.

"It's only Malfoy. What'd you expect?" Ron says.

"Hi, guys."

Elia turned and smiled softly at the sight of her friend, Neville. She hugged him, or at least the half of him that wasn't carrying a plant.

"Hey, Neville."

"Hey there, Neville."

"Is that a Mimbulus mimbletonia?" Elia asked, Neville grinned.

"My uncle gave it to me for my birthday."

"How on earth did he get one? They're extremely rare!"

"Ugh Elia, could you two not be nerds right now? We haven't even made it to Hogwarts yet." Ron groaned.

"Besides, you might want to keep that away. I still can't get that smell out of my mouth." Harry shuddered.

Elia arched her brow in confusion, "What're you talking about?"

"Ah…" Neville trailed off, "I may have sent off the plant on purpose."

"You what?!" Elia said in disbelief, "You mean to tell me you purposely prodded it and let out the Stinksap?"

He looked at her, guilty.

"How did you manage to get it all off?"

"Luckily, Ginny was there to clean it up with a spell." Harry said.

"Could've at least stored some in a vial and give it to Hagrid, it's quite useful to treating animals." Elia added, turning to Neville, "Maybe when we get to school grounds, you can help me extract some. Only if you prod the plant carefully."

Soon they approached the carriages, but Harry looked at them in awe. As if he saw something.

"What is it?" He asked.

"What's what?" Hermione asked.

"That, pulling the carriage."

"Nothing's pulling the carriage, Harry. It's pulling itself, like always."

But then Elia noticed someone already sitting in the carriage, a blonde head not like the one she knew so well. Actually, she's seen this girl before, because of Ginny. She was Luna Lovegood.

"You're not going mad." She told Harry, reading the Quibbler upside down, "I can see them too. You're just as sane as I am."

They all sat in the carriage, Hermione introducing her.

"Everyone, this is Loony Love-" She cut herself off, "Luna Lovegood."

Elia didn't really like that nickname people called her, even if she didn't know the girl all too well. Elia must've been more open minded to not accept such ideas that Luna was… well loony.

"Hello, I'm Elia." She introduced herself to Luna, who sat beside her, "Interesting necklace."

Luna held it up, "It's a charm, actually."

Then she leaned forward, "Keeps away the Nargles."

Everyone looked even more uncomfortable as it was, Elia not so much as curiosity got the best of her.

"What's a Nargle? I don't think I've heard of that."

Throughout the whole carriage ride, Luna explained what Nargles were to Elia who was eager to listen. The two then discussing various of other creatures, real or mythical.

When they arrived on school grounds, they were given an extravagant welcoming feast as usual. It was always Elia's favorite, she always wished to pick one of everything and had a hoard of snacks to take back. However this time she found herself not as excited as the feast once made her feel. In fact, she dread it because she'd be alone.

Draco watched as she simply picked at her plate, trying so hard to distract herself with what little she could. He wasn't the only one to notice, Harry along with his friends noticed too and felt just as sorry for her. But in a way, Elia radiated a message to everyone whether she know it or not. Do not disturb her, so that's what everyone did.

"Good evening, children." Dumbledore greeted in his speech to everyone, "Now, we have two changes in staffing this year."

"We're pleased to welcome back, Professor Grubbly-Plank who'll be taking Care of Magical Creatures while Professor Hagrid is on temporary leave."

Elia sat by herself in her table with the Hufflepuffs, an odd sight really. She felt a heavy weight on her, most likely the stares everyone gave her every now and then. She was alone without the two usual figures with her and everyone saw it. They saw how she changed, they looked at her like she came out of St. Mungo's.

No one dared to speak to her as she hardly spoke or gave off her friendly aura. The Hufflepuffs in her table avoided Elia like the plague, as she was a reminder of the events before the summer. Never until that moment did she ever feel as isolated as there.

The girl felt like she was going to cry, her face felt warm, the sore lump in her throat ached, and she felt like she was short of breath. Their alienation made her feel worse, more so now that Hagrid was gone which frustrated her. Not that Professor Grubbly-Plank was a bad instructor but she preferred Hagrid.

"We also wish to welcome our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Dolores Umbridge."

Dumbledore gestured to the only woman in bright pink that stood behind him at the Professors' table in the Great Hall. She resembled a pink toad, she was covered in pink clothing and she had a devious smile. Something about her made Elia uneasy.

"And I'm sure you'll all join me in wishing the professor good luck. Now, as usual, our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind you-"

The pink woman cleared her throat, interrupting him but her smile never faltering. The sight made Elia uneasy, this woman was odd. Too cheerful, it was almost cynical.

Umbridge stood to her feet and walked towards the front of the Great Hall by Dumbledore.

"Thank you, headmaster, for those kind words of welcome. And how lovely to see all your bright happy faces smiling up at me. I'm sure we're all going to be very good friends."

From how quiet the Great Hall was, it was clear to hear the twins say,

"That's likely."

Umbridge then shot them a look of warning, yet her smile never failing.

"The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance." Umbridge says.

"Although each headmaster has brought something new to this historic school," She stated, turning to Dumbledore who smiled back her meekly, "Progress for the sake of progress must be discouraged."

"Let us preserve what must be preserved, perfect what can be perfected, and prune practices that ought to be prohibited."

She finished her crude statement with a small giggle, resembling that of a mouse was unnerving.

Dumbledore began to clap out of courtesy, everyone following suit but it seemed forced.

"Thank you, Professor Umbridge." Dumbledore says, the room feeling quite awkward. Elia was confused yet felt annoyed, first the Ministry denies the return of the man that killed Cedric, then this.

The Ministry was now interfering at Hogwarts.

It was Elia's duty as prefect, to at least lead the first Hufflepuff students around the school and to the common room for a tour. She worked up the strength and put on a mask, meeting with the other prefect to gather the first years. Elia smiled wide at the little ones as they followed her down the corridor, showing them around. Once the male prefect introduced himself, Ernie Macmillan which Elia knew, she did the same as well.

"Everyone, my name is Elia." She smiled, "I am your Hufflepuff prefect as well. I'd like to congratulate you all on being placed into Hufflepuff, the greatest house here."

"You got that right." Ernie added, "You'll see just how bloody brilliant we are."

Elia says, "And don't be alarmed by our incredible school, nothing to be afraid of. There are loads of resources and magical things to discover here at Hogwarts. One resource being us, after all I am your prefect too."

They were all amazed by the wonders of the school, absorbing the sight before them that they didn't know where to begin their question. The children merely listened to Elia, whos nature was warm and welcoming. Complete opposite of the Slytherin prefects that strolled beside them down to the dungeons, practically tormenting the poor first years.

"First years already walking all over you, Barros?" Pansy called with a grin.

Elia chuckled, "Not yet, they're all angels. Hopefully none of you give me trouble."

A few students giggled, Pansy unamused by the reaction her statement received.

"Watch yourselves." Draco warned the first years with such a menacing glare, it had them hiding in their hoods.

He didn't directly threaten them nor exactly why, but they all got the hint when his eyes flashed at Elia. They knew just who not to bother as well as ogle. Elia scoffed, rolling her eyes at his threat to the children.

"Don't worry about him, he's a big softie." Elia revealed softly with a wink at the first years, "If he gives any of you trouble, send me his way."

Pansy rolled her eyes, as if that Hufflepuff could take on someone like him. However Draco was amused, very amused at just how Elia could keep him in line. He winked at her, willing to play along.

The groups split as Elia showed the first year girls to their dormitories in the common room. She taught them how to enter, warning that they do the rhythm correctly or else they'd be sprayed with vinegar for failing to enter. Elia simply babbled on about the dorms, the words so clearly uttered by her, it was smooth and spoken with ease. One wouldn't have been able to tell how rotten she felt inside.

"As your prefect, I have the responsibility to keep an eye on all of you." Elia said, "I'd like to trust you all to keep the mischief at a minimum and ace all your classes. Rules are rules, no exceptions. So please follow them or you'll face harsher consequences than I can inflict."

"But please know that whatever help you need, I'll be more than happy to assist! Whether it's with academics, questions, requests, or more personal, you have Ernie and I here for all of you."

Elia gave one last smile, the girls thanking her and already enjoying their prefect. They were so nervous at having an authority figure, unsure of how she'd be but to their delight, Elia was incredibly kind.

Once Elia left them to unwind and get ready for their first day of classes, she mentally prepared herself too. She slumped onto the empty bed of her room, currently empty as her roommates were heading to class. Elia groaned loudly while placing her head in her hands. She was absolutely exhausted already, running out energy to even go to class.

But the prefect breathed slowly, charging herself up with what little false pretense of strength she had to get up from bed. Toast looked up from his curled position in awe as Elia threw her school bag over her shoulder.

"Gotta go, baby." She told him, "Guard the fortress and keep those students in check. Be my little Mrs. Norris today."

When Elia arrived in the full class, her spirits somewhat lifted when she took sight at the empty seat beside Draco in the back of the class. She quickly occupied it, settling out her quill and ink.

"Finally, you arrive. He said.

"Aw, were you waiting on me? Was this seat for me?"

He rolled his eyes, "Please, Crabbe and Goyle took those seats up ahead. I'm just glad you made it before Pansy did."

"Well you seemed to have been happy beside her this morning." Elia stated, "You two are quite the prefect duo."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Draco asked, "You jealous?"

Elia gave him a look, "You're ridiculous if you think I am. I don't even know her, besides what's with you 'proving it' to me all about then? I don't need a reason to be jealous."

Draco couldn't refute that, so he simply smirked at her.

"All I'm saying is that you two could ease up on those first years now that you're prefects. Don't abuse that title."

"Not my fault they're all little shits." He commented, "They'll know not to cross out of line."

"There are other effective ways to get them to behave." Elia said in an obvious tone, "You're already scaring them senseless."

Then Draco gave her a look filled with mischief and overall, a sense of challenge.

"Yeah? What're you going to do about it?"

The way he said it was enough to make Elia stiffen, a blush creeping up at his insinuation. Draco was amused but their moment was short lived as the class then heard the charmed note that flew around the room that distracted them, be lit on fire. Its ashes flew down on the Patil twins' desk, they all stared at the person who casted the fire.

"Good morning, children." Umbridge's voice spoke, waving her wand at the chalkboard, "Ordinary Wizarding Level examinations. O-W-Ls. More commonly known as OWLs."

The board behind her scribbled this message as she spoke, Elia frozen in her seat.

"Study hard and you will be rewarded." Umbridge said, "Fail to do so, and the consequences may be severe."

Books were placed in front of all of them in their desks, looking at them confused. Elia eyed her textbook in disdain, resembling that of an outdated children's book.

"Your previous instruction in this subject has been disturbingly uneven. But you'll be pleased to know, from now on, you will be following a carefully structured, Ministry approved course of defensive magic."

Hermione raised her hand and Umbridge called on her, "Yes?"

"There's nothing in here about using defensive spells?" Hermione pointed out.

"Using spells?" Umbridge questioned, "Well, I can't imagine why you would need to use spells in my classroom!"

"We're not gonna use magic?" Ron asked.

"You'll be learning about defensive spells in a secure, risk-free way."

"What use is that? If we're attacked, it won't be risk-free." Harry said.

"Students will raise their hands when they speak in my class!" She warned sternly, her back turned away from Harry.

She turned her overly pink self towards them, speaking, "It is the view of the Ministry that a theoretical knowledge will be sufficient to get you through your examinations which, after all, is what school is all about."

"And how's theory supposed to prepare us for what's out there?" Harry challenged.

"There is nothing out there, dear. Who do you imagine wants to attack children like yourself?"

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe Lord Voldemort." He bluntly stated, causing a reaction out of their professor and the now quiet classroom. Her eyes darkened and her uplift attitude fell apart.

"Now, let me make this quite plain." She uttered, "You have been told that a certain dark wizard is at large once again… This is a lie."

"How could you say that?! My best friend died because of him!" Elia cried, practically standing from her seat and everyone jumped at her outburst.

"You're a Professor! You should know-"

"Sit down young lady!" Umbridge said, "You're believing lies."

"Elia." Draco muttered through his closed mouth, gripping her hand underneath the desk to pull her down.

Elia was surprised by the notion, obeying him as it was for the best for now. Draco could see the more outbursts she had, the more defensive she got about Cedric, the more trouble she'd get in. And right then and there with Dolores Umbridge, the woman was aching to further execute her authority. He wouldn't let Elia be her target, even though Elia made it hard now by drawing attention to herself that way.

"It's not a lie. I saw him. I fought him." Harry refuted.

"Detention, Mr. Potter!"

But her words had no effect on Harry, who went off on a tangent, speaking for both him and Elia's sake.

"Cedric Diggory dropped dead of his own accord?!"

"Cedric Diggory's death was a tragic accident." She ruled.

Elia gripped Draco's hand harder, closing her eyes to resist the urge to hex this woman in the ways Tanya taught her.

"It was murder, Voldemort killed him!" Harry shouted.

His bravery and sense for justice is something Elia always admired about him, but damn did it always get him in trouble.

"Enough!" Umbridge yelled, "Enough… See me later, Mr. Potter. My office."

The class ended soon and Elia stormed out in a frenzy, Draco catching up to her despite the odd glances he received.

"Slow down, will you?"

"She's vile." Elia muttered to him, "How could she say that about him? To us? It's obvious the Ministry is hiding what happened and conspiring against Harry."

"Let them have at him then." He spat, earning a glare from her, "Better than them after you."

"Why would they be?"

"Your loud mouth will get you in trouble." Draco said, "Look I get that people saying those things about You-Know-Who and Cedric bother you but be careful."

Elia wanted to argue but his words sunk in and she listened.

"The more you argue about it, the more they'll make it harder for you. Luckily she got Potter in trouble instead of you."

"As if that's any better."

"To me, it is." Draco replied, Elia appreciating his concern, taking his words into consideration.

"What do you have next?"

"Divination." She replied, he smiled.

"Well I guess you'll be my partner, after all you are better at it than I so lead the way."

Dinner was about to start but Elia felt the need to contact her sister immediately about her day's events, specifically due to her worry about Umbridge and Harry. She quickly went into her room and began to scribble a quick letter to Tanya.

Hey T,

I hope it's not a bother but there's been a bit of a situation here. Don't be alarmed and come barging in to kill someone but I need a favor. Can you look into someone at the Ministry? Her name is Dolores Umbridge, and just to clarify, she's absolutely nutters. She got appointed here to be the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, I'd honestly rather have Lupin or Moody again. Anyways, she's blabbering on about how Cedric died on ACCIDENT and has given Harry detention for arguing against that. Can you believe it? You can thank Draco for holding me back or else you'd have a reason to return to Hogwarts.

Now don't reign your terror on her, keep this a secret. The Ministry is obviously hiding everything about You-Know-Who. Luckily I trust you with my life and you work there with Tonks and Moody. Let them know too what's going on here. I'll keep you updated.

Love,

El

She folded it into an envelope, slipping into her robe pocket but Toast looked at her with a once hopeful expression that fell when she put away the letter.

"No, no. I know what you're thinking, and no you're not going." She said to him, "Last time I trusted you to take my letter to the owlery, you were gone for hours and brought me a dead bird!"

He looked at her apologetically, lowering his head. Hermione had told her it was a message from cats when they brought things like that to their owners. That they bring what they hunt to their owners, as a gift of gratitude and well to make sure they don't starve. And Elia was not going to eat a bird for Toast, only trusting him with Hermione's cat as he was the more wiser half.

"I'm sorry baby, but I trust you going on with Crookshanks. So sit tight. I left you food but if you behave when I'm back, I'll bring you a treat."

Elia left the room and headed to the Great Hall, but was stopped when she saw a few terrified Hufflepuffs running towards her.

"Miss Elia!" One called, looking as if he was going to cry.

"Woah slow down guys, what's going on?" Elia asked, concerned written all over her face.

"We were leaving class when we ran into Malfoy…" One boy explained and Elia knew exactly where this was going.

"Oh no." She muttered.

Turns out, the boys were leaving class when they accidentally ran into a scene they allegedly weren't supposed to see. Which was Draco yelling at one of the students for who knows what, when Elia's Hufflepuff boys saw and Draco punished them too.

"Merlin… he didn't hex you or anything? I can take you to Madame Pomfrey's."

"No." One of them answered, "But Adam here took quite the tumble, Malfoy levitated him as a punishment and gave us all detention."

"He's bloody mad if he thinks he can do that to my students!" Elia stated, "Or to anybody."

"Can you please talk to him?" The boy pleaded.

Another added, "Yeah! He seems to listen to you and you're probably the only one he won't hex."

Elia looked at them, bemused, "I'll try, but it won't guarantee anything. You guys don't have detention, okay? That I'm certain of, I won't let it happen."

They thanked her and she advised that they return to common room for Adam to rest after his fall and that they bring their lunch from the kitchens.

"Just tickle the pear and tell any of the elves that I sent you." She suggested and they ran off.

When she entered the Great Hall, she quickly scanned the room in search of a particular Slytherin. But the blonde was surrounded by his friends, probably laughing about his earlier fiasco. He didn't take notice of her glare and she sat alone once again, eating little bits of her food and waiting until Draco was separated from his lot. That is, until she was suddenly surrounded by three familiar faces.

"Aren't you all at the wrong table?"

"When has that ever stopped anybody before?" Ginny asked, arching her brow and Elia chuckled.

"We noticed you've been awfully alone." Luna noted, "Quite unusual for you."

"Thought we outta give you some company." Neville added.

"That's kind of you, but you guys don't have to if you don't want to." Elia says.

"Elia, you hardly wrote to us all summer." Neville said.

"Exactly, the more you keep isolating yourself- it's not good for you." said Ginny while she held Elia's hand for a moment.

"Besides, I think you could use some of our company to cheer you up." Ginny added, "After all, we're only the best of the best."

"Best of misfits, that is." Neville mumbled back.

Elia then took note of Luna's bare feet, "Isn't it too cold to walk around with no shoes?"

"Bit." Luna answered, "But I seemed to have lost them, I suspect Nargles are behind it."

"Or it could be some bloody kids messing with you again." Ginny said annoyed, "They'll get a piece of my mind when I find them."

"Well my grandmother use to tell me tales about creatures we called Duendes." Elia told, "Elf like creatures you could say. They'd cause all sorts of mischief in homes, stealing things like keys or shoes. But they could be useful, you could leave your clean clothes laid outside for them and later you'd find them folded."

"Really?" Neville asked, all three interested in the tale, "Are they real?"

"That must be what took my shoes!" Luna exclaimed, "How do you get them back?"

"It's said if you leave them treats like baking them cookies, say what you want back, and leave them out for the night, they'll return you whatever it is that's lost."

"Let's go bake some cookies, Elia!" She said, "I'd like to see these Duendes, or maybe they could be conspiring with the Nargles."

"That's what I was thinking!"

Ginny rolled her eyes, "I'm going with what I was going for initially. Have fun baking cookies."