A/N: Late update? I do apologize, I've returned to another hell of a semester at uni. So it's possible updates must be slower... Its odd to post on this day (no post on Sundays!) But I had to get this out. We have reached 201 followers! My god I am so happy and grateful for this, thank you! Please enjoy this chapter and I threw in a tad bit of *SMUT* for all of you and made it long as usual for reaching 201. (Honestly it could've been longer as I had wanted to include something more at the end but hey... next chapter ;) )
Reviews are lovely. I love how everyone enjoys Super Saiyan Elia and her cat lol.
The day had been long and Elia was exhausted but much more relieved now. Toast had been shaken by the whole ordeal so Elia gave him a careful drop of hellebore syrup in the greenhouse to reduce his nerves. He eventually fell asleep in her arms as she took him back. The Professors were astonished by her actions but took her back to Dumbledore, who was in the Hospital Wing with Madam Pomfrey. What they didn't expect to see was Elena right beside them.
"Grandmother?" Elia questioned, the Professors halted and so did Draco. A chill went up their spine and they bowed their heads in respect.
"My dearest," Elena greeted, kissing her cheek, "Are you hurt?"
Elia shook her head.
"And Toast? Is he alright?"
"He was pretty scared so I gave him something in the greenhouse where he was hiding. He's sleeping now."
"Thank goodness. I know you're wondering why I'm here, but your sister informed me straight away about the whole situation. And I'm so proud of you for handling it." Elena said with a smile, then her face went blank as she looked at the professors. They looked at Tanya as if she doomed them in damnation.
"And to you—" Elena began, "How was it possible that a Slytherin student broke into the Hufflepuff common room and managed to destroy and steal from my granddaughter's bedroom?"
"We will get to bottom of this, Lady Elena." Snape said stiffly, "It would have been preventable had the Hufflepuff Prefect been there to defend her dorm, which begs the question— where were you Miss Barros?"
Elia gulped as she didn't want to reveal about the party in his common room. Unless he knew. But Elena took immediate offense.
"How dare you try to shift the blame on her? Is it her fault her room was destroyed and cat taken? No! The Parkinson's daughter is out of control who is your Prefect at that! And she is the one who committed these actions, not Elia. Do not excuse her actions, Severus, because of your favoritism." Elena snapped, Snape remained quiet while earning a glare from Tanya. There was something wrong if these three were so angry at each other. It was evident in his foul mood.
"Well we can't excuse Miss Barros' actions entirely." Dumbledore spoke up, gesturing to Pansy who was now awake but heaving into a bucket of slugs.
"You certainly will." Elena barked back, "Elia has done nothing but good in all her years in this school. Miss Parkinson however, I hear otherwise. I will bring this matter to her parents so they may discipline this little girl. In fact, you allowed this to happen to my granddaughter. Another hate crime. The girl has also stolen our family property. If you won't hold her fully accountable, I'll get Aurors in here that will."
Dumbledore remained quiet, but soon gave her a light smile with a gleam in the crescent glasses he wore. He didn't need more trouble in his school anyway.
"It's true what they say about you, Lady Elena. Perhaps you are right, Elia has been a role model to all and this is only her first offense."
"And this should be the last. My Elia is never provoked like this. If all of you had done your jobs on protecting your students, she wouldn't have to defend herself." Elena reiterated, arching a brow challenging them all to speak out of turn. They didn't dare.
"I would assume so." Dumbledore said, "I have full faith in your granddaughter. Very well, once Miss Parkinson is cured and her parents are called in for her misdemeanor— we will discuss a proper punishment."
"And I will be right there for it." Elena said back with a evil grin, "Now that's that settled, how do we make the girl stop vomiting? That's quite a nasty curse there."
"Treacle fudge should the trick." Madam Pomfrey said, "It's fast and the taste is better."
Elia knew that, she knew Hagrid had some along with the ingredients. Even she knew how to make it, but was she going to give it away that easily? Of course not. Dumbledore sent a staff member to Hogsmeade quickly to buy some from Honeydukes, which was the other source.
Who ran in with it, was a surprise. Professor Slughorn jogged in and handed it to them as if he was an errand boy for a noble. And that's exactly what he felt, a noble was there after all and once he knew that Elena Sayre was in the castle— he immediately volunteered to get the fudge. Just to have an excuse to meet her.
Dumbledore grinned, "Ah Professor, thank you-"
"Yes, yes, of course." Slughorn paid no mind to him and turned his entire attention to Elena, "Lady Sayre— it is an absolute honor to be in your presence."
He did a full bow in front of her, grabbing her hand and planted kisses of admiration. Elena awkwardly pulled her hand away but feigned a smile for him in greeting.
"Thank you, Professor…?"
"Slughorn, my Lady." He said, standing up and adjusting himself, "Horace Slughorn, please call me Horace."
"Well thank you Horace for your services, now if you'll excuse me-"
"It is my greatest pleasure to meet a Sayre." He said, turning to Tanya once he spotted her eyes, "And you! You're Tanya Sayre."
"Tanya Barros Sayre." She corrected him, he took her hand and bowed to kiss it.
"Yes, Lady Tanya. It's my pleasure to meet you as well. It's a tragedy I never got to teach you."
"Well, you have my sister who is equally as good." Tanya said, putting an arm around her younger sister.
"Of course, Lady Elena I must say— Elia is a fantastic student. Incredibly gifted she is from what I can tell! With a…"
He glanced at Pansy's current state right behind them, knowing exactly who did it as he was informed.
"A strong talent with powerful magic!" He finished with a grin and Elena chuckled.
"Indeed she does, she is my Elia after all. She does not disappoint."
"I've taken the liberty of inviting her to join my club of gifted students just like her. I'm sure she'll stay until the very end, she has so much potential for a bright future I can assure you."
Elena could see where this was going, smirking in delight as she devised how to solidify Elia's place. She gave Slughorn a sweet smile and linked her arm into his.
"I do not expect any less, thank you Professor. I do hope she stays. Come, let us walk and discuss this further. If you will help us too that is."
He'd jump at any chance to speak with Elena and gain her favor. He immediately agreed and was dragged off by her, chatting away down the halls as they left. The rest of the adults left too along with Draco as Snape wouldn't let him disobey him again. Elia handed Toast to Tanya who would return him to her common room where he belonged. They also went to retrieve the stolen items from Pansy's room and punish her friends for their involvement.
Pansy's swelling had disappeared and she gobbled the treacle fudge whole in an attempt to rid the slugs faster. They went away immediately and she slumped back into the hospital bed. Thus, she was left alone with Elia in the Hospital wing, who squirmed away from the Hufflepuff, afraid she'd hurt her again. Elia applied Dittany on a cloth to Pansy's claw marks on her cheek. Pansy winced as it touched her cuts and smoke simmered from the wounds. They closed and looked almost completely gone.
It wasn't just the Dittany that made her wince but how Elia got so close to her without hitting her. She was surprised at her gentle touch but her brown eyes still held that cold blank stare. She then handed Pansy a potion for the bruises on her body from her falling and something for the pain. She drank it with pure confusion and wariness.
"Why are you helping me? You should've just left and had Madam Pomfrey heal me." Pansy muttered lowly.
"You see, unlike you, when I start something— I end it." Elia spoke clearly, her expression still not changing as she put away the bottles, "I'm also training under Madam Pomfrey for healing. Just because you've wronged me doesn't mean I'll leave it at that. I told you I wasn't done. I've cleaned up my mess. Yet you weren't prepared for your consequences, were you?"
Pansy didn't answer, averting her gaze from the Hufflepuff and fiddled with her blanket sheet. Elia opened a drawer and pulled out striped pajamas that were neatly folded. They were the pajamas the Hospital wing provided for students in there.
"Of course not, but I was. Did you think honestly that I would let this slide because I'm a Hufflepuff?" Elia snorted, then placed the pajamas at Pansy's side, "A plate of food should arrive soon, be sure you eat. You should change out of your clothes. They're covered in slime."
Pansy frowned, "And who's fault is that?"
"Still yours." Elia snapped, sitting back down to look Pansy in the eye, "It's sad really but, I don't think you realize just exactly what you've done. You never gave a thought on the impact of your actions. Perhaps I'll tell you. You destroyed the plant my dead best friend gave me. You tore the dress of my dead mother. You stole the Sayre spell book passed down for generations from Slytherin himself. You stole the two gifts my boyfriend gave to me, the pin and Toast."
Pansy gulped, feeling a chill creep up within her as she attempted to peer away but couldn't. She was stuck in place and felt a twinge of guilt.
"You disrespected your own house by stealing from its founder. You disrespected your family by acting so childish. You disrespected me when I've done absolutely nothing. I don't know what I've done to you to be so mean to me. I've been nice to you. I'm even sorry for you— sorry that you don't know love, and it's hurt me to see someone so heartless."
Elia finished, her eyes burning holes into Pansy. She stood to her feet to retrieve a calming potion considering her emotional breakdown the entire day. Her nerves finally settled at once.
The Slytherin's heart sunk, her words having a sort of effect on her. But the girl said nothing and turned away, grabbing the pajamas. Even though Elia wiped the floor with her, she still healed her, gave her clothes, and had food delivered to her. It made her frustrated at how ruthless the Hufflepuff girl could be, yet so kind and happy. It was annoying and terrifying to her.
Elia left right after to give Pansy privacy to change and to return to her common room. Everyone whispered around her, giving her off stares as she walked. They all knew of her outburst and how she went on a hunt for Pansy and Toast. She ignored them for she was too tired to give it thought. She wanted nothing more than the comfort of her bed and Toast curled at her side. Once it was dirt free of course, she sighed as she had more of a mess to clean.
Since the fight, Elia had heard many comments and whispers circling around it. People claimed she probably had a hidden bloodline too given her power. Elia rolled her eyes at that one, since no one could simply grasp a muggle born having power. Some said her grandmother paid off Dumbledore to not punish Elia— another lie.
Some said the girls we fighting for Draco, another lie as that conflicted with their contract. A few comments made her laugh, such as how she probably could make the Quidditch team given that she knocked down Slytherin's chaser single handedly. Others warned not to hurt her cat— or any animal or Elia would assassinate them. All in all, they all agreed not to piss her off.
The Slytherin Quidditch team avoided her, given that they lost their Chaser because of her so now they were without one for the next game. Some of the Hufflepuffs actually congratulated her, as the house was finally getting recognition. However she had more problems to deal with now.
The professors, Dumbledore, Elena, and Tanya managed to retrieve her stolen items in one piece. They even managed to repair all her torn dresses and plants, which she was happy about. They tracked down who was involved and Slytherin lost a considerable amount of points.
Elena slammed down on the Parkinson's immediately, going as far as threatening their status. Given her current power, she would easily have all petitions from sacred families revoked from Pansy's hand, therefore House Parkinson was doomed without a proper marriage. Pansy's parents were crying and begging for her forgiveness. It was until she was satisfied and guaranteed their word that Pansy would behave, mostly staying away from Elia that she let them off with her warning. After all, Tanya still hadn't accepted any petitions either.
The head of House Sayre was close to hiring Aurors to escort Elia at all times, protecting her and watching over her. Elia thought it was too much and turned down her grandmother, even if she was going to offer a considerable wage to Tonks as her personal Auror. Though Tonks already patrolled the school with Tanya and others on occasion, it just so happened the night of the incident that both Tonks and Tanya weren't there. They'd keep a better eye out from then on.
Elia resumed her duties despite the rumors and change, she didn't like it much. Slughorn constantly bothered her about Elena, especially at their first dinner party with all the members of the Slug club. Elia saw many familiar faces, sitting with Neville and Hermione the whole time. Even Blaise was there, but she felt bad Draco wasn't.
They enjoyed their delicious meals and Elia devoured her chocolate ice cream but the mood soured when families were the sudden topic. Slughorn immediately jumped to hers.
"My dear, how is your grandmother? I haven't heard from her since that night!"
Elia gave a tight smile, eyeing her ice cream instead, "Good. She's quite busy at the Ministry after all, but I'll let her know you're asking for her."
"Please do. And your sister— what is her profession exactly?"
"An Auror, sir. She has a emphasis in potion making and weaponry."
"Interesting, would she ever be interested in apprenticing under me? Or perhaps a collaboration of sorts? I could help her get a shop started!"
Elia was nearly at her wits end, her smile growing tighter and her friends were noticing. They didn't want her having another outburst, given her fight with Pansy.
"I don't know." Elia spat, still with that smile that made them uncomfortable, "Why don't you ask her?"
She was tired of everyone associating her with the Sayre's and dismissing her. They only cared for her ties. She loved her family no doubt and she was glad they were back, but she didn't like being invisible.
"D-do you want my ice cream?" Neville piped up, trying to calm her and the situation.
It distracted her and she shook her head, alarming them that she refused extra food. Slughorn decided to ask others about their family careers, turning to Hermione next to Elia. She revealed her parents were dentists, which Elia knew already. However, wizards didn't quite know what exactly that was in the Muggle world.
He landed on her yet again, "Now Miss Barros, in the Muggle world— what do your parents do as well?"
He certainly is on a streak, Elia thought. Everyone braced themselves.
"My mother is dead." She stated bluntly, Slughorn's face dropped.
"Oh… I'm terribly sorry my dear, please I don't mean offense-"
"Apology accepted, Professor. My father on the other hand, is a baker."
They all paused, Slughorn then spoke slightly unimpressed, "A baker?"
Elia nodded, "Yes and we bake the best pastries there ever was. And no, it's not dangerous and no it's not wealthy living— but it's comfortable living. I'm content with my Muggle life. Now if you'll excuse me."
She chugged the remainder of her ice cream and slammed down the glass before she stood and walked away. She was tired of their talk and Slughorn's questions, all diverting from her. It was never her solely. Her friends were immediately worried, Slughorn stood.
"W-wait! Please! Miss Barros!"
He knew if he displeased her, then he displeased Elena. He didn't understand just how he upset the Hufflepuff and perhaps didn't mean to. Elia nearly ran into Ginny on her way out, but seeing as they were both upset— they knew not to question it then. Elia left and stomped through the corridors in frustration. She didn't realize where she was going until Draco popped up in front of her, scaring her.
"Merlin! What's gotten into you?" He questioned when she gasped out loud from fright. She sighed in relief, relaxing in his grasp.
"Just left Slughorn's dinner party."
Just as Draco was headed to the Room of Requirement, he was tense as he anticipated going but ran into her. He was running out of time and didn't want to get caught, by her of all people.
"Ah," He said, "Didn't go to well with Sluggy now did it?"
"All he talks about is my grandmother and Tanya. If he wanted to talk about them only, he might as well just to talk to them!"
Draco chuckled, his nerves always settling around her.
"There's a reason he talks to you about them because obviously, they're not talking to him."
Elia grimaced, "I suppose, but it's not my problem. He probably only made me join because of them."
"That's partially true."
"Partially?"
"Oh come on Elia, you're brilliant in Potions and in all subjects. I dare say you're starting to beat me and maybe even Granger if you keep up."
Elia rolled her eyes, walking away with him hand in hand.
"Oh please, don't kiss my arse."
He smirked, eyeing it right in front of him.
"On the contrary," His hand smacked her bum and she jumped, "I'd rather do that."
She went wide eyed as usual when he did stuff like that and smacked his arm. He dodged it and laughed, seeing her shake her head.
"Don't give me that look, or should I deduct points?" He teased.
"You wouldn't. You're not even patrolling tonight."
"I am." He said, he used that as his excuse to leave and head to the Room of Requirement. However, his Hufflepuff always distracted him, "Tonight I patrol while you swapped with Goldstein and Patil remember?"
It hit her and she tried playing it off, "Well if you remember— you'd know prefects can't take points from other prefects. So you can't do anything."
He knew she was challenging him, and it always riled him up especially this way. When she'd say he wouldn't dare do anything to her, he'd prove otherwise. Draco gave her a wicked smirk.
"Oh really?"
"Yes, really." She stated, oblivious.
"Well as Prefect, I can clearly see you're out of bed past your curfew."
Elia laughed, "Oh now you're taking your duties seriously?!"
He pulled her close, "I always have."
"Sure." She snorted, pulling away, "Besides, I was with Slughorn and the club, it doesn't count."
"Don't care." He said, grabbing her tightly, "I'll give you detention for that."
She knew where he was going with it, peering up at him with a slight fire in her eyes.
"You won't do anything."
Draco pinned her to the corridor wall, his body pressed against hers. Vanishing cabinet was out of his mind at that moment. He needed her.
"You sure about that?"
She nodded, biting her lip.
"Guess you'll have to see for yourself."
Draco took hold of her lips into his own, practically taking her breath away. She moaned into his mouth from the intensity, her knees weakened. Their intimacy had been lacking lately and she was frustrated from the dinner. She gladly took him as her distraction. He left go of her hands to take hold of her waist to which her hands began to trail over him. From his hair, face, neck, and chest— she nearly undressed him until he pulled away for air.
"Calm down there, I'm the one giving the orders here." He teased and Elia giggled before he began to trail down the side of her neck, sending shivers down her body. She squirmed beneath him and gripped his robes.
"Then let's go to the Room of Requirement." She breathed.
Draco froze, that couldn't happen at all. What was he thinking? Getting them riled up when he had a duty to fulfill in that said room. If they went, then the Room would be inaccessible to the cabinet that he needed to repair. But when was the last time they had laid together? He was battling with his head and the other head.
"No." He said suddenly, startling Elia who gave him a confused look.
"Why not?"
Draco had to think of something fast.
"I'm a Prefect."
Was that the best he could think of and he wanted slap himself. Elia quirked a brow as it didn't even get past her.
"I have duties to uphold— like giving you detention." He made up, "I rather be quick about it tonight if you really want to get out of it."
Elia scoffed, it seemed to have worked but Draco felt odd. He didn't like lying to her, it left a bad taste in his mouth.
"You really are a dick, you know that?"
He feigned amusement at the moment to get her away, smirking.
"You like mine anyways."
Elia gave him a sheepish look before pulling him to a nearby door in the corridor. It was a broom closet of sorts and she threw him in, shutting the door and locked it. He then hardened at the sight of her getting down on her knees before him, pulling her brown waves aside. Her hands reached for his belt and began to unbuckle it.
"Well, if we're going to be quick about it—" She said while she took out his hard length, holding it in her small hands and slowly pumping, "Might as well do this."
Her tongue came out to lick his tip and Draco groaned, he loved how lewd she looked below him. Her brown eyes met his as she slowly lapped at his cock. She hoped that if she blew him then perhaps he'd want more, Draco always wanted more. Just what did he get himself into?
Draco couldn't take more of her licks, grabbing his cock and shoving it in her hot mouth. Elia engulfed his length, slowly bobbing up and down receiving praise from her love. Her hand twisted and pumped his member in unison with her mouth, he was speechless. He nearly lost it when she hummed and shoved the rest of his length to the back of her mouth, hitting her throat. The feeling engulfed him tighter and Draco threw his head back.
"Fuck, Elia." He moaned out in one breath, gripping her hair and using it to pull her up and down from his cock. He fucked her mouth faster, feeling her moans vibrate down his member.
She applied more suction and swirled her tongue, her hands sliding up his torso to feel him. She began to unbutton his shirt, wanting to feel his lean body and muscles, but when she tried sliding it down, Draco suddenly seized her hands.
He knew what she wanted and that was him in less clothes. He was never one to shy away from being nude with her but this time he was. If she slid off his whole shirt, his mark would show. He had been careful in not revealing it and still hadn't worked up the courage to tell her. In fact, he didn't want to tell her at all. Her lips then slid off his slick cock in a pop.
"What's wrong?" She asked, turning her head in confusion with her lips swollen.
Draco didn't want to answer her and wanted her to keep sucking him off, but he knew she wouldn't budge until he answered. She knew something was up for a while, this only alarmed her.
"Nothing." He hissed, gripping her hair again.
Draco was always one to rip their clothes off without hesitation, this time he wasn't. Was he insecure? Was he hiding something? Elia decided not to question it then, instead she pulled his shirt down his upper arms. Not going past the elbow is where he limited it at then she slipped him back into her mouth.
The whole time she wasn't in the moment as she was before, filled with passion and desire. Now she was filled with concern and found their mood had soured, only continuing so she could satisfy him and leave. No longer wanting to go farther as her thoughts filled on what could be wrong with him as of late.
Soon, Draco's moans increased along with his pace, tightening his grip on her hair before shoving himself farther into her mouth. He stilled, Elia feeling his cock pulse around her lips and over her tongue. She felt his cock pump his seed into the back of her mouth in a few squirts, before she pulled off and gulped it down.
Since that night, things had been more quieter between them. Draco knew he had to be more careful around her, now having to utilize the magical makeup Tanya sent him to cover his mark if need be. He knew their intimate night had taken a turn when he offered to please her and she refused. He didn't push it but found it questionable. As innocent his Hufflepuff was— she was an animal in bed and constantly wanted him everyday. Her libido was off the charts, matching his so it was odd that she turned him down. He let it go.
Then it turned to the lack of intimacy again, however it was longer. Weeks passed and still nothing since that night. There was just no time anymore and things seemed rough between them. Draco even stopped going to Quidditch practices despite a game coming up. His obsession now was the cabinet, and Elia had no idea.
She was busy with her studies, Prefect duties, visiting Madam Pomfrey for her training, the frog choir, and going to Hagrid everyday to interact with a new creature. Then Slughorn tried earning her favor again which Elia accepted but not wholeheartedly, only for him to bugger off. He stopped asking about Tanya and Elena, but hinted at times in their conversations.
Draco and Elia hadn't even gone a date! Elia tried suggesting they go have lunch at least one weekend but Draco dismissed her— again and again. So she stopped. His work began to slack off too and he even missed his patrols at night, she'd cover for him each time. She had to find out what was wrong with him, he'd never tell her. She'd ask his friends and they never said anything. Her friends never bothered. There was one person she could think of.
Elia made her way late at night during the end of her patrol to Snape's office. She knew he was in there due to the dim light emitting from the inside, probably grading papers. She lingered outside for a minute, mustering up the courage to enter and blurt out her concern. She couldn't believe she was seeking out his guidance, then again Snape was the only adult there that was close to Draco and his family.
She gulped and without even breathing, the Hufflepuff stepped towards the entrance. The door was open oddly and she peered in, waiting for him to look up. She cleared her throat and finally piped up.
"Um, Professor?" Her little voice said, Snape looked up with that same expression as always, "May I come in for a moment?"
He turned back to his papers, "Why do you bother me, Miss Barros? I hope you are not causing any more trouble but seeking me out this hour…"
She bit her lip nervously, feeling bad for interrupting him and his time.
"Forgive me, Professor." She spoke so weakly that he almost didn't hear her, "May I sit please?"
Snape paused for a moment then let out a sigh.
"Very well."
She quickly strided into the room and sat across from him in his round table. The room was dim with some candle, the shelves behind him ever grew with many ingredients and items in jars. She recalled some of the ones Tanya helped him gather, which begged another question.
"Since you approached me and not your head of House, obviously it must pertain to me. Do not waste my time." He warned, "Now what do you seek, Miss Barros?"
Elia sat still, her eyes averting from him and to the table instead. She didn't know what to say exactly, other than she knew she had to go to him.
"Professor…" She began, "It's about Draco."
That got his attention slightly as his quill stilled. He quirked a brow.
"Oh?"
"He's been acting… strange."
"How so?"
Snape began to wonder if she knew, secretly entering her mind just to make sure so that he may fabricate a lie. He had to cover for the boy and protect him, even if it meant lying to Elia too. She couldn't get in the way and she already was. He saw nothing suspicious in her thoughts, seeing that it was rather pertaining to their relationship.
"I don't know, that's why I've come to you." Elia said, "He won't talk to me, but I know there's something wrong. Aside from his father being… you know. We haven't been on a date in a while, he turns me down. We hardly see each other aside from our classes."
"Miss Barros, I am your instructor, not a counselor. Take your quarrels of love elsewhere."
Snape nearly rolled his eyes that Elia was seeking love advice from him, but stayed when he heard her thoughts revert to how Draco would no longer undress around her, specifically hiding his sleeves. He knew why.
"I know but you're his godfather. If any adult in here should know him better— it's you. His friends won't tell me anything either. He won't show me his sleeves either. It's like... he's hiding something."
"What makes you think he's hiding something due to this?"
Elia paused, "Intuition?"
Snape sighed in annoyance, "Have you ever considered that not everything must be revealed to each other in a relationship?"
"Are you saying he has secrets?"
"No, but there's privacy." He snapped.
"Well there's nothing wrong with being honest with each other." She answered back, "We are to be married. We must always be honest with each other."
"Yes, you Hufflepuffs with your blatant honesty. How has that helped you so far?"
Elia was silent on the matter at hand, so he continued.
"Leave the boy to himself to sort his issues. He will seek your comfort when need be, but for now the best you can do is stay out of his way." He said harshly, but Elia knew he meant well in his own way, "Whatever problems he has, he must figure out on his own. You may be his partner and his wife one day— but these are not your problems. You can not coddle him forever."
Snape had to steer her in the opposite direction, out of Draco's way into completing his duties for the Dark Lord. Elena and Tanya would never forgive him if he didn't get Elia out too. He wanted to groan at all the pressure he had on his shoulders. First he had to protect Draco, now prevent Elia from interfering, and then the issue with Tanya…
The more Elia meddled and worried, the more Draco was distracted. And the boy was taking forever trying to do it all himself because of her. To his surprise, Elia nodded in understanding. She knew she had to take his word into consideration and perhaps Draco needed space.
She would try to stop pestering him to tell her what was wrong, but hope he'd come to her one day to explain himself. She just wanted to help him and make him happy. The best she could do is support him in his time of need.
"Thank you, Professor. I will take that into account."
"Should anything happen to him that alarms you, do come to me immediately."
Elia nodded, "Of course."
She still sat there, tapping her fingers on her lap anxiously. She still had something else and Snape just wanted her out. He put down the quill in frustration and looked at her.
"What is it now, Miss Barros?"
"Sir, I know something is wrong with you and Tanya."
He froze, not saying anything her and resumed to his papers, ignoring her.
"I know it might be weird… getting advice from a 16 year old-"
"I am not asking for advice nor do I want it." Snape spat, "I will not speak on the matter, it is a matter of privacy. Now leave."
"But Professor— she's my sister. Who better to know her than me? Well, honestly no one knows her too well, not even me. I'm close but… the point is! It wouldn't hurt to listen at least, you don't have to say anything!" She rambled.
He certainly could let her drone on as she pleased, blocking her out yet his curiosity was peaked. So he listened… somewhat. He had yet to patch things up with Tanya but Merlin, the girl could hold a grudge.
"I know you love her." Elia stated, "And in her own way— she loves you. But with everything that's going on right now, don't take it to heart. She means well… in her own way again."
Elia chuckled shortly at her own statement, nervous but she continued.
"Whatever is going on, it'll sort itself out. Just be patient with her and her love. She's never had any ounce of normalcy in her life, despite how normal our Muggle life is. She's Slytherin's descendant after all. She's had snakes follow her, unfortunate events happen like a domino effect everywhere she goes… I don't think she does relationships, for now." Elia said, "But she did with you. She's learning, she's sorting things before she can enter that life. The only love she's ever known is family. And if she lets you in even the slightest then Professor, you are family."
Snape paused from his writing, full heartedly listening to the Hufflepuff. She knew Tanya best, the Slytherin was a mystery to all and even him. Elia stood, satisfied with her given wisdom and thanked him for his time before bidding him goodnight. She walked out his office and turned a corner into another corridor to head back to her common room, her patrolling hours for sure having finished now.
However, Elia stopped immediately when she heard another pair of footsteps. She stood in place, back against the wall and seized all sounds. Had she been caught this late? Was another Professor or maybe Filch trailing after her? They had been keeping an eye on her since her fight.
She whispered an invisibility spell, casting a shield over herself in case and silenced her shoes. She waited but heard the footsteps enter Snape's office after her. Elia was relieved and saw the chance to leave, but then faintly heard Draco's voice coming from inside.
