With end of the semester finals, Elia decided to shut herself away into her studies. She still hadn't gotten over her fight with Draco, in fact she hardly talked with him since. And in a way, she felt he was content with their silence. It was less stress on him without her urging to know what was happening while he was able to focus on the cabinet and a new plan.
Despite how preoccupied Draco made himself to be since their fight— he was far from okay. He hated their awkward silence, their short conversations, and hardly seeing her. He hadn't bed her since nor took her on a date. She stopped asking for either. He was consumed by the cabinet.
His grades were slipping, it made Elia more worried but she pretended not to care. He even stopped being in Quidditch completely. When Blaise and Theo related this news to her, her heart sank. She wanted to know what was Draco doing that was far more important than his grades, friends, Quidditch… and her.
His appearance was getting worse since that day. His skin was greying to say the least, she swore he dropped a few pounds. He had bags under his eyes, it was like a Dementor was feeding off of him at night. And Elia couldn't do anything about it.
The Hufflepuff also found out what happened the night of the Quidditch match, that Lavender Brown was now Ron's girlfriend which tore Hermione. The two had a sleepover as Hermione cried on Elia's shoulder about the ordeal. Now she was dateless as well.
She sat with Neville and Luna in the quiet library, studying for their finals. She was going to ask Harry later to help her study for Potions since Draco wasn't up for the task. She let go Harry's suspicions that upset her last time, seeing as though it was a normal thing by now. Her friends were noticing her anxious behavior and how down she seemed. One thing they could at least be happy about with her relationship with Draco was that she was the happiest she's ever been since Cedric's passing.
Neville squirmed in his seat between Elia and Luna, all of them reading and taking notes. He was attempting to pluck up the courage to ask Elia what was wrong. That is until Elia paused and worked up the strength to ask him a question first.
"Neville."
"Yes?" He responded, surprised.
"Do you want to go to Slughorn's party with me?"
He stopped everything, eyes wide and Luna looked up from her book. She smiled at them, then Elia saw his expression and chuckled.
"As friends of course."
"R-right!" Neville choked out, blushing that a girl like her would ask him. No girl has ever asked him something like that. Even if Elia was his friend for years, she belonged to Malfoy so it threw him off.
Not wanting to anger the Slytherin Prince, even if the Puff Princess was his good friend— he had to decline. He would've love to go with her, was flattered even. Though, he didn't make the cut with Slughorn and was dropped. That and well… there was a Ravenclaw right next to him that he didn't want to stray away from. He glanced at Luna's smile of encouragement, feeling guilty.
"I'd love to, Elia. Really I would, but…" He trailed off, "I'm sorry. I don't want to go. I-I don't mean with you, I do! Just-"
Elia gave him a sweet smile, "Don't fret, Neville. It's alright, I understand. You don't have to go if you don't want to. Though if you change your mind, I'd still like to go with you."
"Thank you, Elia. I do appreciate it, no pretty girl ever asks me these things." He admitted shyly.
"You're my friend, I thought it'd be nice so of course I'd ask. Shame girls aren't pouncing at your door but you'll find someone." She winked.
However, her asking him did make them wonder why? Why would she ask him if she was with Draco? Luna then spoke up.
"Elia?"
"Hm?"
"Why would you ask Neville?"
Neville frowned, "Thanks, Luna."
"I don't mean it like that." She said, "I mean wouldn't you ask Draco? Or does he not mind?"
"He wouldn't cut my bloody head off, right?" Neville added.
Elia fell silent, not wanting to talk about their fight and overall, their rocky relationship. But they were her friends. Tonks knew, maybe they deserved to know her odd behavior. She then sighed, putting down her quill and book.
"To tell you the truth, things have been… difficult with him lately." She revealed quietly to them so no one would hear, including Madam Pince.
Her friends sat up straighter, listening more closely now that she was being honest with them. They followed her low tone too.
"He's been acting strange. He's been distant from me, but I think it might be more than what happened with his father."
"What do you mean?" Neville questioned.
"I don't know," Elia whispered back, "And that's what scares me. What if he no longer wants me?"
"Aw, Elia… don't say that." He said, extending out his hand to hers in comfort. She grimaced at the thought that perhaps Draco was growing bored of her, or was interested elsewhere.
"Perhaps all those fucking aristocratic pure bloods are right— he's grown bored of me."
"Who could grow bored of you?"
"Nothing wrong with boring." Luna said, "But Neville is right, you are far from boring. Although, I do think if you were, Draco wouldn't love you any less. And because you aren't, he loves you even more. It's a connection really, a soulmate."
"Soulmate?" Elia questioned.
"Yes. My father use to tell me once you've found your soulmate, you'd know. However it can be tricky. The love is so profound, more than you ever thought possible— as well as the pain. He says that you will never know true pain until you have them, because being with your soulmate is the most painful experience."
"That… doesn't sound too pleasant. It's scary even." Neville commented, "I thought having a soulmate should be happiness and true love."
"Yes but, you wouldn't want that pain from anyone else except them. Wouldn't you?" Luna added.
"I've already been through enough pain though. I lost Ced, I thought I would never recover. It was the most painful experience. Are you saying…?"
"No, but perhaps Cedric and you came from the same flame. Just as you and Tanya each come from another side of the same coin. Despite the pain you went through, you continue to do so even now with Draco. He takes as much as he'd give, but now it's purely take."
"You're right…" Elia murmured.
"But you've been through pain, you know where to draw the line and move on." Luna said quietly to her, "Just like with Cedric. But with Draco, you fight through it as does he. As much as he takes right now, you stand by him. Because-"
"Because there's no one else I'd rather have that with." Elia said softly, with utter realization and Luna smiled.
"Not that you should be taken advantage of." Neville added cautiously, "Even if what you guys have is like that, you need to draw the line and step away at some point if it gets worse. We wouldn't want Malfoy hurting you worse than Cedric. I thought you'd never be the same since then."
"I couldn't agree more." Luna said.
"So you're saying— stand by him as much as I can? And if I can't take it anymore…"
Luna then says, "You're strong, you've got this. But there is no shame in giving up."
Elia nodded in acceptance, not that she wanted to give up but it wasn't ideal either to be neglected by him. First, she'd do all she could to revitalize their relationship and draw him back. And she'd stand with him always. She'd do all she can to be his forever.
"Well, what else can I do? Obviously I just can't slip him a love potion. That's creepy." Elia joked.
"There's no need because he loves you. We just need something to give him a push towards you." Luna said and Neville then thought of a suggestion.
"M-maybe a plant?"
Elia furrowed her brows, "Give him a plant?"
"No, put one in your room. One that'll attract him. It's no love potion but…" Neville trailed off, but his idea was presented anyways. Elia then thought it over.
"Well there are plants with certain properties, things they can attract."
"A basil plant maybe?" He offered.
"Maybe but it attracts wealth too. I don't need that. I need him." Elia says, "Perhaps jasmine. Isn't it an aphrodisiac?"
"It is. Even orchids will do too."
Luna jumped in, "We could make a wreath to hang, or a crown on your head to wear."
"Yes to the crown." Elia pointed at Luna then pointed to Neville, "No to the orchids. As beautiful as they are, they can be toxic to cats."
Neville frowned upon hearing that, retracting his suggestion and he scratched his head.
"Right, sorry. Merlin, you practically know more than me."
Elia giggled, "No way! I just have to know what's good or bad for animals. I can't lose Toast again."
She then thought of another plant, lighting up.
"There's always roses. Let's go to the green house and see if there's any seeds. Or we can go to the flower shop this weekend."
Neville chuckled, "Make up your mind first then we'll get them."
They decided on jasmine plants and omitted basil as Elia felt Toast might be attracted to the smell and destroy the plant. He's played with many of the leaves from her pots before. Neville and Elia went to a flower shop, coming out with a fresh pot of jasmine flowers and seeds. This caused many whispers and comments between students, as it looked suspicious that Neville held a plant of flowers then gave it to Elia. Word reached Slytherin common room too and Draco wasn't happy.
"Oi." Theo called Draco from across the common room as he was leaving for the night to the Room of Requirement. Draco halted and sneered in annoyance.
"What?" He spat.
"Merlin, what's got your wand a twist?" Blaise commented.
"Eh, nevermind then. He's probably heard already, that's why he's all pissy." Their grumbled, "Go on then, you never hang out with us anyway. Except with Crabbe and Goyle."
His two lackeys would stand guard at times while he worked in the Room, however the conversation suddenly piqued Draco's interest.
"What is it then?"
"Ain't that why you're mad? Your girl with Longbottom in Hogsmeade today?"
Draco paused, "What? Those two go frolicking in the gardens while flower picking?"
"Sort of. Longbottom gave her some flowers or something today." Theo explained, "If you ask me, it looked like a date. Everyone thought he was trying woo her since you've been in clouds lately. Guess he grew the bollocks to finally ask her out."
"What do you mean finally?" Draco hissed, he was gritting his teeth in anger. Had he been really disconnected that others were noticing? Therefore sought the opportunity to win over Elia behind his back? He considering hunting Longbottom down at that point.
"Mate, come on. He's had eyes for her since first year!" Blaise said, just to bother him some more, "You slacking off now, Draco? I'll be sure to congratulate Longbottom at Slughorn's party when I see him with your girl."
"Shut the hell up!" Draco shouted, his voice was tense and full of rage that it made his two friends jump back. It was completely silent now and Draco stormed out.
It felt as if the halls were spinning, he couldn't grasp his surroundings or anything really. All he knew in that moment was fear. Draco was losing Elia— and everyone knew it. Yet if he didn't complete his task, he'd lose her anyways. There was no middle ground.
However, instead of going to her right away— like she hoped once she finished her wreath after lots of hard work and focus. Draco went to the Room of Requirement, where Crabbe and Goyle would be waiting for him. He would work on the cabinet, while she put up flowers for him. He would stay in the Room all night while she stayed in hers, lonely and disappointed. He knew deep down, Elia was loyal to him... she had to be.
December arrived and things between Elia and Draco remained the same if not worse. She was still dateless, nor did it matter to her at that point. She'd go have fun at the party as much as she could without Draco. She signed her name on the list of those departing home for the holidays. As for Draco, he was staying behind which shocked Elia and made her even more upset.
He always left home for the holidays, nor told her he was staying. She wanted to spend Christmas with him again, make it better than the last. In fact— it was about to be their one year anniversary. Yet he chose to stay and it tore her apart. He hadn't said anything at all about their anniversary, so she stayed silent. She was sure he forgot, but she kept trying for him anyways.
Elia wore a jasmine crown on her head to her classes after. Everyone gave her weird looks but what was to be expected of the Hufflepuff? She paid them no mind, she hoped it would get Draco's attention.
However, he hadn't kissed her, nor held her hand. He questioned her crown in amusement. Yet he felt the tension was higher now after he signed his name to stay at Hogwarts for the holidays. He constantly was in his own world and Elia's plan wilted just like the flowers on her head from how sad she became throughout the day.
One night before the party, Elia was patrolling the halls and snuck to a corridor to meet with Tonks. She saw the brown haired Auror looking around from a corner, lighting up at the sight of her. They scurried towards each other, Tonks nearly tripping with the box in her hands before Elia held them.
"Slow down! You'll fall!" Elia giggled, grabbing the box.
"Sorry. Best take this off my hands before I actually screw it up with my luck. Lady Sayre would kill me." Tonks said, letting go of the box into Elia's hands, "Well, package delivered from your dear grandmother. Hope you don't mind but, Tanya and I had a peek before it was packaged."
"How's it look?" Elia asked eagerly.
"It's not my style personally, but if you're going for looking like a banana— I think you'll be fine."
Elia smacked her arm playfully and Tonks snickered like mad. She rolled her eyes and departed from the Auror, hugging the box with her party dress inside. She made her way through the halls, trying to get down a few floors until she heard footsteps around a corner.
The Prefect paused, arching a brow at the noise of the empty hall thinking a student might've gotten lost after curfew. She walked towards it but halted to peek her head out just a bit to see who it is. She nearly jumped when she saw Draco at the end of the hall.
He stood before the Room of Requirement, loosening his tie before he entered the large door that appeared before him. It all looked so suspicious to Elia and in fact, her heart dropped. She thought the worst, seeing as it was the Room that they go to for nights of passionate yet he never took her there anymore.
And there he was, sneaking off to the Room, even lying to her as she recalled he said he'd be studying that night. Elia began to realize he was doing something in there behind her back, perhaps even meeting someone there. The Room was private and catered to everyone's needs. He no longer needed her it seemed.
Elia took off, tears threatening to spill as she shook from the thought that Draco had a secret. It wasn't her anymore, but something else entirely. Maybe even someone else. Yet, she never had the courage to tell him. She was beyond hurt to even begin fixing what was already broken.
It was the day of Slughorn's party and Elia somewhat dreaded it. She hardly spoke with Draco since her discovery that night and she was sure he didn't even notice. During one lesson in Transfiguration, Ron had embarrassed Hermione in front of everyone and it broke Hermione's heart, running out crying. Elia ran out after her, not caring for anybody else but her friend.
Draco felt irritated that she ran out before he could ask her on a small date, one they sorely needed. He forgot it was the day of Slughorn's party and honestly didn't care, he didn't want her at the party anyway. Draco loathed the tense silence they were in, feeling as though their relationship was dying. He finally made some time for her that evening and worked up the nerve to speak to her only for his girlfriend to leave immediately.
He left in a foul mood after class, additionally he was given detention for missing more assignments. The Slytherin was definitely having a bad day, however he found a jasmine flower on the desk they shared. It fell from her head, trailing behind her when they collapsed. He pocketed it before leaving, hoping to get a moment with her soon to pick up their relationship that he was ruining. He hoped it wasn't too late and decided to find her later.
Elia found her friend sobbing in the girl's bathroom, being held by Luna who thought Hermione's cries were actually Myrtle's. She rushed to Hermione, hugging her as well. Luna grabbed some tissues to give to her and Elia managed to get her to speak.
"'Mione," Elia said, "Don't ever let someone like Ron get you down, ever. He doesn't know what he's missing out on, or maybe he does and he knows he's screwed up."
"Ron does say some mean things, it's odd." Luna added, "Do you want to go now?"
Hermione sniffled, nodding and wiping her face with the tissue. Elia had her arm around her in comfort, carefully taking her outside with Luna. They found Harry standing outside the bathroom with Hermione's books, one of his eyebrows still yellow from their transfiguration lesson. Elia quietly snorted at the look.
"Oh, hello Harry! Did you know one of your eyebrows is bright yellow?" Luna pointed out, making Elia snicker.
"Hi Luna." He greeted then handed Hermione her books, "Hermione, you left your stuff…"
"Oh yes." She said, her eyes still puffy and drooped lowly while she wiped more tears, "Thank you Harry. Well I'd better get going…"
She went off crying more, making Elia's heart sink. She eyed her blonde friend beside her, both the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff shared the same concern. She nodded and Luna went off to follow Hermione. Elia stayed back with Harry, leaning beside him and sighing.
"She's really upset." Elia told him, "I can't believe Ron."
"Yeah… they've had a row."
"As I was told. Still— it's wrong. He shouldn't be making her this upset, it's already bad enough on her that he's with Lavender. He was suppose to be Hermione's date to the party but I guess that's far from happening now." Elia said.
Suddenly, Harry perched up and looked at Elia, her statement reminded him of something he wanted to do. Many girls have been wanting to go with him to the party, he even heard about one that wanted to slip him a love potion. Hermione had suggested he bring someone that would steer the girls away. He couldn't think of anyone else he'd want to go with more, aside from Ginny. He contemplated on the idea, but it was now or never.
She then added, "I wonder who she'll be taking now, she won't tell me-"
"How would you like to come to Slughorn's party with me tonight?" Harry blurted out all of a sudden.
Elia paused, eyes wide and turned to face him.
"What? Really?"
"Yeah…" He trailed off, "We're supposed to bring guests so I thought you might like... I mean— I mean as friends, you know! But if you don't want to-"
"Sure!" Elia answered with a bright smile, leaving him relieved.
Since Draco wouldn't go with her due to their situation lately, and Neville turning her down— she forgot about asking Harry. She immediately was excited and happy he asked her. Of course, it wasn't romantically driven, her heart belonged with Draco. However, she didn't want to go alone either even if it was last minute.
"Guess that's why you transfigured your brow yellow, huh?" She winked, "Should I do mine in red?"
Harry's lips pulled up into a grin, chuckling and shook his head.
"No, sorry if it's out of the blue. I know it's late and didn't know if you were going with anyone. Neville told us you had asked him, that Malfoy wasn't going with you…"
Elia frowned slightly as they walked the halls together slowly. She nodded sadly.
"Yes, but don't worry. I don't mind going with you. I'm glad I get to go with you." Elia grinned.
That same day, word got around even faster than when Neville and her got the flowers. In fact, everyone knew quickly because Peeves had overheard their conversation and blared out the news to everyone. That Harry Potter was taking Elia Barros as his date to Slughorn's party.
Everyone was quick to question it, especially since she was courting Draco. Ron bombarded Harry with his own questions as to why her?
"Seriously, mate. Are you asking to die? Malfoy is the most jealous git there is about her, even her family guards her! Ain't you violating her contract?"
Harry shook his head, fixing his clothes that night as he got ready.
"She said yes and that's that. We're just going as friends."
"You ain't in love with her and trying to steal her, right?"
"No!" Harry replied, "I'm not trying to steal her. Besides, she had no one to go with and neither did I. She asked Neville, remember?"
"Why not Malfoy? He's her fiancé."
"Boyfriend, they're not marrying yet." Neville added from across the room while tending to his toad.
"And hopefully, they never will be." Harry muttered, adjusting his tie. Ron pointed at him, accusingly.
"See! That right there! You are trying to steal her!"
"No, I'm not!"
Neville sat silently with Trevor as they argued more, not revealing how troublesome Elia has been with Draco. It would just add more to the drama and he didn't want to reveal something so private from his dear friend.
Draco however, was past the point of rage. His feelings were indescribable at the moment as he stormed through the halls to find her. First Longbottom, now Potter. He felt like she was playing games with him and his feelings since he turned her down. At that point, he wished he never refused her request just so all the boys could back off. It bothered him that they were all after her now, but more so that she even agreed to being Potter's date.
In the Hufflepuff dorms, Elia was in her room getting ready for the party. A stack of Christmas presents were in the corner to which she was going to hand out in the morning to her friends before she left home. Her makeup was done and she took the most time on her hair, which she already had a full head of thick long waves. It was time consuming but she managed to pin her curls in a barrel fashion on her head, the remaining length swept to her left side.
She heard footsteps approaching her room as she was putting on her small white heels, thinking it was one of her roommates. Elia didn't expect to see Draco barge in, alarming her. She looked up from her feet and her eyes went wide.
"Draco? What're you doing here?" Her voice fell weak as she saw his demeanor, feeling how he radiated pure anger. She felt nervous yet a twinge of anger was rising in her too.
He paused as he looked her over, almost forgetting about why he'd came and why he was angry. Elia looked so beautiful in front of him. Her hair looked more curled and swept nicely on her shoulder, with a face of makeup for the event. Then her dress— yellow. It then made his blood boil.
The dress was strapless and the top hugged her breasts, adorned in small white flowers made of lace. The design trailing down to her hips where the skirt rounded out, the bottom of it curved around the front of her ankles. Draco wanted to tear it off so Potter wouldn't see her in it. He felt it was for his eyes only.
"Yellow?" He questioned sourly.
She arched a brow, fixing her necklace.
"Yes? What about it? Why are you here?"
"Don't question me when you haven't answered me." Draco snapped.
Elia frowned at him, "What is your problem? Yes, I'm wearing yellow because I always do! What's wrong with that?"
"You wear that around me. Now, you're wearing it for Potter." He said, jealousy coating his words and Elia knew it right away, "Drop everything tonight, even him. Stay with me-"
"Oh, stop it Draco!" She argued back, "Don't start with me. Nor should you even try to talk me out of it. If you wanted a date with me, you would've gone with me! I told you not to get mad when I go without you! That was your choice."
He stepped forward, the two standing and facing each other fueled by the anger in their argument. She crossed her arms, giving him a look and Draco snapped again.
"Without me— not with somebody else!"
"We're just going as friends! You'd honestly think I'd cheat on you?!"
"You already are if you go with him!"
Elia's jaw dropped, the silence of her room just made his words sink in. The fact that he even said them, the look of pure hurt on her face was evident and he instantly regretted it. Her eyes watered slightly and pushed him away from her.
"I should be asking you that, liar." She muttered in Spanish, beyond hurt and angry that her native tongue came out. He understood and became confused.
"What?! What the hell are you spewing out now? You're the liar!" He said back in French, only angering her more. She snapped around and pointed at him.
"I saw you! Going to the Room of Requirement!"
He froze, afraid that she knew now. Yet, he felt she didn't due to what she was accusing him of. She had the wrong idea.
"That is our spot! That's where I gave myself to you and now you won't even take me! Hell you won't even look at me! Who are you meeting there every night?" She said, then shook her head, "You know what? Don't answer that, I'll just get more lies. I'm tired, Draco. I'm tired of being alone, I'm tired of you lying to me and getting jealous and angry with me when I haven't done anything. I've been loyal and devoted to you! But you've shown me otherwise."
She went to her closet and opened it to reveal a wrapped box, separate from her pile. She shoved it in his arms, plucking the envelope taped on top. Elia didn't say a word and walked away.
"Where are you going?" Draco asked, his tone sounding more harsher than he intended but he felt guilty. He felt worse seeing her this way and how he was pushing her away.
"To the party, of course. Without you." She spat, grabbing her small handbag with her wand inside, then switched to Spanish again, "You're my soul and my life. I've given you both, but now you take and you lie… I don't even know who you are anymore."
Elia stepped forward, her watery eyes pleading to him and her hands shaking.
"Please… tell me the truth. Don't let it end like this."
Draco didn't know what she was talking about and was appalled that she'd even say these things. Yet, he still couldn't tell her. The shame his secret brought him was frightening, afraid she'd reject him after his betrayal. He looked back at her, seeing how the girl was begging. But he had to protect her.
"I can't." He said lowly, almost sounding guilty with himself. However, his blank stare covered for it.
Elia went stiff, her look hardened so suddenly as if something inside of her broke. Her eyes darkened, she gave up. The Hufflepuff ripped the envelope in her hand, throwing it on the floor in front of him.
"Merry Christmas."
She mumbled something else under her breath once she left, something Draco couldn't make out. Maybe it was in Spanish or English, he couldn't tell. He picked up the ripped up envelope, noticing a card was inside. He took it out and tried to piece it together, reading what he could from her torn hand writing. That's when he realized what she said at that last moment, feeling far worse than ever before. The card showed it clear as day.
Happy Anniversary.
