It felt wonderful to walk Hogwarts corridors again. Although evidently war damaged, the castle still had its grandeur. Watching life that breathes through and within the walls of this place, restoring it to its full glory, be it enchanted bricks that attach themselves without the need of mortar, banners and tapestries that glitter and move even more so after the rips are stitched, or its ghost, plant and creature inhabitants move about and make noises as they either repair their own portions or wait for them to be restored by others – are all experiences on their own.
Even the grounds have their own charms, as today in the June air, Elsa, Luna and Ginny were among those assigned to re-hang the Quidditch tapestries recently repaired and stitched (by many including Mrs. Weasley) in the newly repaired Quidditch grounds.
And with her real friends, she feels less awkward for not directly contributing to the end of the war. Actually, Ginny says that to avoid strength in Voldemort's army is a big contribution – especially strength of unikinetic nature.
Once or twice Ginny did try to convince the Order to add Elsa into their regular discussions for contingency planning thanks to potential Death Eater retaliation and leftover Dark Magic. Hopefully more positive results will come soon…as the only barrier is annoying interventions from the hypocritical Ministry.
So for now they spent their times together restoring the castle and having fun and laughter…whenever her friends were around that is, in the couple of weeks each month that they are allotted.
"The war ended around this time…last year…maybe a couple of months back" Luna said, as they opened up a Hufflepuff tapestry for others to hover on brooms and fit it onto the wooden structures.
"How long have the repairs been going on?" Elsa asked, sliding her grasp across the smooth cloth to straightening it on her side.
"About a year now – since the war ended that is. It first started with mass clearing out of the dark items and stuff, and now we are close to the final touches" Ginny explained.
"That's good"
"Because of that the school terms have been postponed. Especially since Hogwarts was tended to after many of the major Wizardgamots and messes Voldemort made on society in general were first dealt with. Not even the Muggles were spared from his twisted work."
They moved a bit on the grass, and held it for the others to take and do the rest. When that was done, and before opening and straightening another tapestry, Ginny began wafting her hand in front of her face. "Is it spring or summer?"
Luna was close to doing the same.
Then they paused, feeling snow sprinkle over them. Just enough for a refreshing feel under the sun. Grinning, they glanced at Elsa, who responded with a wink.
Later they joined the others in the Trophy Room, where trophies, cups and badges that were trashed aside during the brief hold Voldemort had on Hogwarts (as many were names of people he loathed or considered unworthy) were finally taken to be polished and replace in their stands and cases.
Right when they walked in, they technically found the Twins making up for lost time.
"Enough, you lot!" Ron bellowed, after the hundredth time Fred tossed a polishing cloth on his head.
"Ronnie, you've got grits!" both twins chanted.
"I don't! You've put them there!"
Many didn't bother to hide their snickers, including Harry, Hermione and others. Elsa also shook her head. The Weasley boys can get very rough and messy. No wonder Ginny grew up with a tough-streak.
"Why do I have to get this job again?" Ron moaned while trying to get back to the plate he had been polishing for almost an hour now.
"The bright side is you're not coughing up slugs again" Dean Thomas said from the other side of the room.
Gross, Elsa thought, although she'd never seen nor heard the incident.
"And Ferret-boy got his share later"
Elsa pressed her lips together, trying to not laugh. Yeah…she's seen that. She just happened to be nearby at the time…plus it was interesting enough to actually become a popular topic.
She, Ginny and Luna went to join Hermione and others at cleaning some badges. Elsa picked one up and began delicately polishing it.
"I still don't understand why they're still using house elves" Hermione sighed pitifully, after two came in with polish refills – whatever could be found in the storages. "I thought that barbaric practice of enslavement would be banned after the war"
They couldn't help stare at Hermione. Elsa took a glance at the bright smiles on the elves chattering between themselves.
"Many of them fled their masters to this enchanting and warm castle." Luna said, watching them off, "They didn't even wait for official signs of freedom after the war"
"So they should feel dedicated"
Hermione shook her head.
There was brief silence. "Wish Dobby was among them"
Seeing them in grief, Elsa didn't ask who he was. However Ginny got a glimpse of curiosity from her face.
"He was a friend of ours. Really brave."
"How did he die?"
Hermione was close to crying, while Luna tilted her head down.
"Bellatrix killed him"
Surprise and anger came in Elsa's face. Bellatrix already killed many. And now an innocent house elf?
"You'd be surprised to know who took care of that witch for good" Ginny said, to lighten up the mood.
"Who?"
Trying to not giggle, she leaned to whisper in Elsa's ear.
Elsa's eyes widened. O…kay…
They worked there until dusk, and were given a little rest before dinner was served in the Great Hall. But the Weasleys didn't really stick around by then, as they had to leave for a little family dinner they had planned at the Burrow. A little get-together they managed to organize within the hectic schedule the Ministry and Order created for them.
The Ravenclaw Common Room, which Elsa and few others stayed at for the nights, was often empty or hardly filled. This allowed the exchange of letters between Elsa and Anna to perfectly be almost daily. Technically almost every evening Elsa checks for the capsule waiting for her in the Headmistress's office, and by morning she has a response letter ready for her sister, writing in a corner desk in her Dormitory, with the velvety curtains subtly shading the bright moonlight through the large windows.
Here are just some snippets of their letters, throughout the weeks:
Hi Elsa!
Everything is fine here. Actually we just returned from a little trip Kristoff took me and Olaf. He wanted to show us a bit of what he does. Funny how we can still harvest ice cubes out of frozen lakes in the middle of summer. It is very chilly here, now that I think about it.
I got to get out about six cubes (Kristoff did all the cutting – he didn't let me touch his large saw). It was actually very cool (pun intended – laughs)! Olaf just helped with the hauling onto Sven's carrier.
So what fun stuff have you been doing? Do they let you do fun stuff during the repair breaks?...
Hi Anna,
It's great to hear that you guys are having fun together!
Yeah, sometimes they let us do some breaks together. We get to play wizarding games or explore the place – basically the repairs and tasks themselves are very fun on their own. Repairing the enchanted rooms, the magical stuff we use…you know.
It is fun here – when it gets lonely, I try to get busy recapping old memories here. Like I said before, my friends are hardly here…
Hi Elsa!
That's cool! Wizarding games? What kind do you play? Can when you're done we can play some together here? They should let you buy some over. Just wondering, not forcing. It may be so exciting and cool!
Besides, Kristoff has been beating me too many times at Nine Men's Morris. Would like maybe a comeback soon.
It's ok. I'm sure just being in a magical castle like that is fantastic on its own. Just want to make sure you're ok and having some great time…
Hi Anna,
Well, something different happened today. The newly fixed Clock Tower had its interiors disintegrate!
The cause appeared to be two people – unmistakably Blaise Zabini and Seamus Finnegan. They obviously had a row, and, thanks to an explosive alternative of a spell Seamus tried to shoot from his wand, the room went into a more dismal state than it already was.
And they weren't the only victims. Teachers and supervisors arrived and were busy scolding and accounting practically everyone. Not many were hit by the falling gears, but still Professor McGonagall is in more fit than she is already.
Thankfully I wasn't working around there when it happened. To think this was all the result of a big argument over who deserves to be called 'hot-head', for crying out loud…
The next three weeks, Draco was inside the clock tower entrance. Elsa was in the courtyard with her friends, next to the fountain, as they sorted newly molded bricks made from the prepared enchanted cement.
He just came. She was already there for an hour now. He was helping with plastering the last few holes there (fresh from the accident), and then will go deeper in the tower to help reassemble the clockwork- again. These cement tasks are almost done. But he's already considering switching to some other tasks – hopefully more civilized.
Sometimes, while selecting a brick, she brushed away her braid, using the back of her dusty hands.
He was holding up the bowl of cement, for the student above him to scrape and plaster with. His legs were close to giving away so he didn't go up there.
She didn't laugh every minute, or just laugh – she laughed when she felt like it.
Still with the bowl in his arms, he leaned his shoulder against a wall.
It's not like she just showed up like all is well…she had her own taste of the way the Wizarding World is now. And she's not poignant or over-responsive like many…her life, before and when she was admitted to Hogwarts, has both hardened and softened her…to reasonable degrees.
Still…she sees there are things to laugh about.
"Wake up, Malfoy!"
Draco felt a hard nudge onto his shoulder. If it were harder he would have dropped the bowl. He immediately glared at a fellow Slytherin.
"You keep going about like someone hit by a dementor!" the classmate snarled.
Before he could retort back, he noticed that this was just a slice of a commotion already among this plastering-group. Over petty issues like shoves, time wastage…obviously mostly the Slytherins…
No sooner did he hear whispers and snickering from those in the courtyard.
"Still like Mountain trolls"
"You know it's very funny watching them…"
"…after the trouble they finally got…"
"Serves them right…"
Draco risked a glance, finding Elsa curiously taking a glance. Even if he slipped himself from her sight, it may be too late.
For the convenience of the 'volunteers', especially if they were to sleep over at Hogwarts, they are served meals in the Great Hall. It was really nice for the house elves employed there to continue cooking – they were given breaks but still insisted on both assisting in the most complex repairs and housekeeping.
Dinner served two nights later was one of those slightly more packed, with the presence of actual volunteers (besides those serving community terms). Plus the currently wet and rainy weather permitted them to seek refuge in the vast halls and rooms within the castle.
The chicken, butternut squash soup, bread and other items were very tasty…but not really interesting Draco right now.
Sitting at the Slytherin table, while his own 'classmates' chattered and complained amongst themselves about broken nails, harsh labour, heat, etc…his icy grey eyes were glued to two tables ahead of his own.
A certain someone is sitting nicely…among the lot known in priding their affiliations with Potter…some notable (if not recognizable) Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws…
And they seem to be finding much to talk about. Oh yes…humorous subjects to discuss. Seamus Finnegan, Dean Thomas, Padma Patel, and the like… do not seem to try to hide who they are…discussing.
The Grand Princess didn't laugh, whenever someone shot a comment about the group bickering in the nearby table. Well…her face was kind of obscured by the heads of her companions. Just occasionally…he thinks…she found something a Weasley said amusing. Not really sure what…
Still, he's feeling his mind, rather mindlessly, boil. There were tiny urges for his wand…
Later that same week, the weather changed from rainy and stormy to sunny and nice. So much so that may chose to have a great chunk of work outside to be worked on.
However, Draco only felt a bit of it – tucking himself away into the greenhouse.
Having grown a bit of a talent for Herbology, plus getting good marks for it throughout his terms at Hogwarts, he decided to find just that as an excuse… to be alone.
After an hour of tending to Spiky Bushes Professor Sprout was trying to revive, Draco peeled off his gloves, walked a bit through the greenhouse away from his assigned plots and flopped himself onto a wicket chair, in a little space the Professor made for herself to rest, maybe read or so.
Only a small radio sat on the side-table there. He leaned forward and picked it up, hoping to play something that's…
…nothing like the various news feeds he keeps switching to and from each station.
"….today's Wizardgamot trial convicted a family of three, two parents and a young woman, for taking part in the retrieval of economic and financial resources for the Dark…"
"…the mysterious raiding of several shops in Diagon Alley remains unsolved. However, aurors have been able to narrow down the stolen items as various portkeys…"
"…(interview) 'Maybe, but don't you think they are getting some leniency. I mean, don't get me wrong, but after all their pathetic strutting and high and mighty behavior…'"
Almost with a bang Draco shut the radio off, set it back onto the table and threw his head back into the chair.
"It seems today we are having such pleasant weather, with humidity levels dropped for cool breezes and bright sunshine…"
Startled, Draco turned around and looked up. It was just Elsa, right behind his chair and taking a commentator's voice. However, feeling disturbed, he glared up at her.
"And a very good afternoon to you too, Mister Malfoy" she said, still smirking. Then she began walking away to a nearby nursery table.
He rolled his eyes, and looked around.
"What happened? Your entourage failed to show up? Or did they abandon you?" he sarcastically asked.
She made a face like he just made a childish remark. "I've been getting around here alright by myself for years, so it's not like I need one" She said simply as she bent to fill a watering can with a wall-mounted spout.
That self-assurance of hers made him feel more agitated – especially since she's not making any move whatsoever in leaving.
"Shouldn't you be taking care of your baby sister, rather than keep hopping yourself around this castle?"
"She's married now, so she's fine" she went over to water some flowery plants. They were Singing Lilacs, however they were too young to…well…sing, nor smell fragrant. Their petals are needed in many medical potions, so Professor Sprout has been very busy lately trying to restock these, as well as many, many other potion ingredients for their depleting storages.
"And why leave or ignore such charming little places like this so soon? Time may not repeat itself, you know"
So it's not that she's in a hurry to leave anyway.
So he just sat there, elbow on one chair handle and his hand against his cheek in a way that his pointer finger and thumb braced his face. His irritated grey eyes took note that her braid was now simply hanging at the back.
"Besides, it shouldn't be easy to drive away a princess from a place she found interest in. That just doesn't work around here." She said without looking at him, in the self-assured manner that can be considered to rival Draco's own.
"Since when do you make the rules around here? Or even know how things work around here?'"
"Since when does everything work by rules?" Her eyes now squarely locked with his dangerously glaring ones. Silently challenging his stance. The Almighty Slytherin prince of course should know that.
After setting down the can she made it all the way to the distant side of the table. It was hard to tell who walked in on whom. But still he felt like she's intruding his attempt for peaceful solitude.
She paused to study him, leaning forward and resting her hands on the edge of the table, "You haven't really been yourself lately."
He scoffed. "Like you know people"
"Who said I didn't?"
"You don't" he insisted, part wondering how far she would go.
"Yes I do" she simply stated with self-assurance.
"Your little friends must be supplying you with the necessary information"
She shrugged, "Maybe…" she let go of the table, making her way to a wall with fertilizer leaning against it. "…but frankly, they're not omniscient" she continued, as she went to lift a rather heavy bag, and lug it to the table.
"Neither are you" he stood up, still having a hint of irritation in his voice as he folded his arms and didn't move to help.
"No" Bending down, she looked over her shoulder. "Or it's just that you may be taking yourself as more pain than you really are"
"How so?" he raised an eyebrow.
"An imp is not the same as a kelpie."
He opened his mouth to say something but decided against it. So there was silence for a while. She resumed lugging the bag.
After Elsa got the bag near the table, she opened it to shovel some fertilizer out. But then she sensed that Draco is now standing over her, so she stood up before she got to do that.
"So what exactly did your friends tell you?" he walked up, making her feel as if pinned against the table.
Not that she was scared. Her face just went stiff and stern like ice, as much as it could.
"Enlighten me." He persisted.
"What do you expect to hear?" she asked him in a coldly-edged voice, eyes squared with equally-cold irritation. "Because they didn't say anything specific"
"Really?" he said sarcastically, "Nothing about any terrible characters lurking around? Nothing about being careful with whom to associate yourself with, for your own safety? Or were they daft enough to forget to warn you about this wretched, undercut Malfoy boy…"
"What are you talking about?"
"…who's going down into the pits of eternal disgrace, along with his withering parents, for the crimes they've committed, against Wizarding kind. I'm sure your sister would be very concerned…"
"That's enough, Draco" Elsa replied. Her jaw angrily clenched and her voice as cold wind.
"Please don't do any royal courtesy! I know you think the same as…"
Somehow, the ceiling water sprinklers became activated, before Draco could say anything. Instantly he took a bewildered step back, taking the falling water pitifully.
The anger and frustration that had just got to explode out from within him made him feel the cold water sting. He hoped that Elsa could see the steam coming out of his ears.
But…she looked amused. Her eyes laughed at his pitiful state.
"I didn't know how much Malfoys are allergic to water"
Finding pleasure in the falling water she lifted her hands gently to catch some while looking up, soaking her face with the cool water even more, like it's virtually harmless. "Just be grateful that's not snow, or Professor Sprout would want to know who's responsible for killing her plants"
When she was done wiping the extra sprinkler-water from her eyes she looked back at Draco.
"You know you're not a bad person" her eyes studied him again, like a queen studies a subject brought before her. "It's all just a matter of perception"
She turned her attention to the flowers. How they danced under the falling water. In another few minutes the sprinklers stopped. Looking back up she noticed that he's still standing there, wet and blank.
Elsa made to move out of the room, to get something to dry herself off.
However, he grabbed her wrist, preventing her from doing so. Her eyes glared and face was firm.
A minute ago he felt his anger, bottled up over these past few days atop the frustration from the past couple of years, steaming its way out of him. Inside he franticly attempted to remain angry – but he couldn't. The water was too cold and refreshing for him to do so…
Now he felt defeated – but for the first time he didn't regret it.
She should know, he thought, it's not like she's prematurely babbling… she's been through the same…almost…but she escaped…at least not one of those strutting around like they saved humanity…or like everything is sunshine and rainbows…
"'Elsa'…right?"
"Yes…" her glare softened.
"It's a nice name" he mumbled thoughtfully.
She looked at him funny, but anyways said "Thank you" quietly, like she couldn't really find anything better. "Draco" she added.
A tiny smile tugged on his face. Like perhaps she figured his name apposite too…when he at times perhaps thought it wasn't. She seems to always find the best response, her Royal Highness.
She felt her damp braid brushed to be a cushiony rope over her shoulder. There was silence for a while.
Then she managed to slide her wrist out of his hand.
Taking a subtle glance she walked away. He just watched.
The restoration of Hogwarts was well underway – so much so that the volunteers were even given chances of having fun breaks.
One such break was held in one of the large, cool (temperature-wise, given the Summer) rooms of the Dungeons, where only the students and recent alumni gathered to play classic Wizarding games, sheltered from the summer heat or summer storms.
They competed in Wizard's Chess, Exploding Snap and Gobstones with friends or as rivals across Houses. And with those like the Weasleys present the place was lively and fun (although the twins did complain about not being allowed to add to the fun with their Wheezes products – especially to celebrate Fred's return – while McGonagall prohibited them as they may end up causing, well, slower progress or interference in the 'state of the castle').
Well…Draco didn't really find it fun now – despite him the one usually summoning the fun and attention in various games among the Slytherins before. While people bustled and talked around him, he just stood to the side, sometimes watching.
"Almost got it!" Romilda Vane exclaimed, losing in a game of Exploding Snap (matching cards that explode if you find wrong matches and not find the right ones soon after) to Susan Bones. Some girls, tied together by the friendship bounds of Dumbledore's Army, played among themselves in one corner.
The game before Elsa, being now a champion at Exploding Snap, won against Pavarti Patel.
"Another go?" Luna asked.
They were just reviving the exploded cards when they overheard an announcement, calling for another House to House battle in Gobstones.
With such announcers being both Lee Jordan and Blaise Zabini, the challenge sounded all too tempting.
"All we're waiting for is a Match – between Ravenclaw and Slytherin"
Many people 'oooh'ed as the game was being set.
Elsa felt a mass unanimous look – at her.
"Seriously?" She played only a few games at Gobstone in the past, not really finding interest in it.
"Give it a go" Cho Chang encouraged.
Elsa shrugged, so some of the girls followed her across the cool stone floor while the others continued with their Exploding Snap.
Approaching the Gobstone area – "Snake Pit?"
"Why not – the trademark Gobstone game of the Slytherins" Blaise haughtily said. In this version, the player with the most stones flicked closest to the pit (without letting them fall in it) wins. Opponents can even push the other's stones with their own away or into the pit.
"Nothing like the clever Ravenclaws can't handle" Lee Jordan added.
Ginny gave an encouraging shove on the shoulder, "Show them what that means"
"Like you need to tell me twice" Elsa joked, confident especially by the fact that many of the Slytherins were childishly quarrelling among themselves on who will take out this 'maid' (given her choice of working clothes) from the game.
She had just positioned herself at kneeling before the Gobstone circle, when…
Pansy Parkinson had stepped herself from the crowd to be the opponent.
"Someone's got to do it." Pansy snorted, indicating at Draco, who was a champion at this game. He just finally stood to watch, with arms folded.
"Give her the real Slytherin bite, Parkinson!" one Slytherin called out.
Fred and George went around again collecting guesses of who will win.
While positioning herself proudly, Pansy glanced mean, challenging eyes at her. "Don't expect me to play nice" she said quietly.
Elsa narrowed her eyes, "And don't expect the same from me" she had her tone undermine Pansy's.
Throughout the game, everyone held their grounds from letting the intriguing nature of this match get to them. They couldn't peel their eyes away from the tense atmosphere made by the two players taking turns at flicking their stones.
Although Draco was fascinated how Elsa managed to block out the constant back and forth comments from the onlookers – especially the annoying chants of demanding Pansy to wipe out this 'maid' for good.
Her face stiffened in concentration, focusing her eyes to find the best move to make. Flicking her thumb carefully but confidently, she did make a couple of glances at her opponent, attempting to read her next move, while Pansy seems to be too preoccupied in keeping her mean confidence up…
"Really? That much you can go?" Pansy would shoot similar comments at even admirable tries Elsa made at flicking a stone, which Elsa didn't really feel the need to answer back at them…
…let's be honest, Pansy isn't really a regular player at this game…
In another half an hour, the game ended – with the boos coming from the Slytherins.
Those around Elsa have her many pats and congrats.
"Great Job!"
"You beat that locust out for good!"
She couldn't stop smiling, even shooting a Royal Victorious look at Pansy, who was now having Gob sprayed at her face from the stones – the automatic sign for the loser. She seemed to be taking the negative comments from her Slytherin classmates seriously, along with being lost to Ravenclaw. "I guess you were just too lucky" she snarled at Elsa.
She raised an eyebrow. Then, surprising for everyone, she handed her a handkerchief. "Just out of The Ravenclaw Courtesy" she said with emphasis on clarification to her.
While Pansy snatched it from her and grumbled as she wiped her face, Elsa took a quick glance at Draco.
He had a small smirk.
And so, that month's week with the Weasleys ended. So things have went back to basically work under supervision, once more.
However, another week later, coming into the midst of July, began with…
CRASH!
If it weren't for a sudden appearance of a snow slide, Elsa would have broken something as she tumbled forward on the stairs, carrying some items meant to be replaced from one room to another.
"HA! HA! HA!" a familiar cackle echoed the room, followed by a greyish face with a bell-cap peering from behind the stair railing as Elsa angrily got to her feet, items now scattered everywhere, especially on the floor below the stairs.
"Oops, missed!" Peeves pushed an item still standing on a step with a single finger.
"You! I just…" Elsa couldn't find the right words to express her frustration.
"I've been watching you!" he floated himself upside down. "Missy seems very hard-working. Thought it be very nice if I give you more chances to win a Services to School badge" Peeves sneered.
"Why don't you try earning one for a change? You look most certainly like you're in need of one" Elsa's voice went icy.
"Oh, I could" Peeves began cautiously looking at his hands. "But I've got hang-nails. On all my fingers. See?" Still in the air, he extended his hands to show Elsa.
"You didn't think of that when you did this"
"Now, now, pipe down…won't get anywhere with that attitude, Missy" he began floating away, dodging a snowball from her. "Got to see if my help is needed anywhere else" He gave one more cackle, and then disappeared.
Elsa glared after him, then she went to picking up the various books and bottles, that were once neatly stacked in a box, while muttering.
"'Help'? It'll be a miracle if he stays inactive for an hour"
"Why do they even keep beings like this in the School?"
"He should be used as a target practice. In Defense Against the Dark Arts Classes"
"I wonder what he put on his job description to make the professors even think of letting him live here"
To top that off, an irritated Elsa noticed that the floor was covered with items she didn't even have in the first place! OBVIOUSLY the 'gentle and concerned' poltergeist must have thrown in even more items, like he's purely sincere in his attempt at being 'nice'. At least he waited till she was at the very last, unmovable flight of stairs, of the Moving Staircases.
So she figured she shouldn't waste her energy on frustration and only worry about what she originally had – if she could find them that is.
Still, she couldn't help irritably muttering.
"If it's not troll-minded…" Oh, snowflakes!
As she hoped not, she noticed bystanders. Few were picking up items relatively far from her.
"…poor girl…"
"…lost her parents…left to care for her sister…"
"…alone…"
"But then why she's…"
"Suspicious…don't you think?"
Either it's people, students or adults, making annoying attempts throughout the weeks at being nice while making you feel you cannot do anything (i.e. insisting one taking over what you already are doing – thinking that you've terribly gone through enough) like they've finalized with pitying you. Or its snobbish or annoying people more interested in knowing your background (especially if you're potentially affluent, etc).
Then there are those (actually more) who cannot help but wonder why is she among the 'convicted' and not the 'official volunteers' in the first place (even though she technically got the lowest number of months – three – for her sentence). Especially because of her reserved nature they've seen in her years at Hogwarts. Some did try to ask or prod slightly in the previous weeks, but now they mostly resorted to speculations… and rumors.
She went ahead with finding only the items she originally had, among the mess, trying to not let ice grow between her fingers, enough is enough, already! Or it'll take them one more week to…
"Shouldn't this be in the Divinations' Classroom?" One student held something that looked like a cup or stand. And…no one moved to take it back to the most bizarre place of the castle.
"I'll take it" Elsa moved forward to do so, eager to get herself out of this room quickly. Regardless of going to the classroom for a subject absurd for her to not even try out.
Reaching the Divinations classroom, Elsa found the place in literal mess! Trinkets and objects basically cover the tables, furniture, floor, upholstery… everything. It's like the professors were just clearing and sorting things out.
After finding that no professor is present to take the thing from her hands, she carefully entered the reasonably-lit room, and placed the stand on the nearest table with the least amount of stuff on it. Actually, the only things it had were some paper…and this one trinket. It looked like one of those glass balls Professor Trelawney uses – except that it was fixed on a straight, vertical stand. But the strange thing with it is that it had just begun to turn its glass black…
Not bothering with her curiosity, Elsa turned to leave, and was considering that climbing another flight of stairs and walking through the castle for the past few hours is a good reason for a break.
Then… she felt like something seared through her head – and everything went white.
If there were images they were blurred. It was only the voices that were clear.
"We simply don't want any of this!" she heard a young man with a British accent protest. Images of the man thrashed onto the floor, with a young woman by his side in the same position, was all a swirl of colours.
A short, bone-chilling laugh filled the room. That, coupled with a long shape of black, was undeniably Voldemort's.
"Your juvenile chatter amuses me" he laughed. "Especially since you have not yet even begun your lives…and are already ending them" The last was said as a hiss, which got the woman to scream and reach for her husband.
"Please…we beg you…" she protested to Voldemort in her husband's arms, "We'll leave the country…we'll…"
"And spread your legacy of betrayal" Voldemort snorted, shooting another Crucio curse at them, "such disgust against the name of Slytherin"
"If this were simply disregard against Mudbloods then it would be a different story" the man murmured under gasping breaths.
"Well then…let's end the story of the great Greengrass family…shall we?"
She tried to not see the horrible events that followed. Luckily…she was surprised to find that another girl took her hand. It seems they were leaving the scene, not by choice. Also, no one else seemed to have seen them, or could see them for that matter.
So they kept running…walking…running…walking…
Suddenly, the girl in front of her tripped. She tried to help her up, but she felt herself pulled by an invisible force – to continue their journey.
As they went on, she kept turning back to see if the other girl was ok. She's following close behind. But every time she got close she tripped. It's like the girl cannot move ahead of her, or be by her side.
She also noticed that every time she looked back, dark chocolate brown hair wisped.
Then…she felt herself dragging…dragging through snow…rocks…rugged land…mountains... like they arrived here from the greener, flatter countryside.
Now the girl behind her was stumbling. But she couldn't look back anymore. She felt herself sinking into the snow. She kept sinking. Her attempts to kick herself out failed.
They had run to seek refuge. And now she was sinking in the snow. She felt the snow penetrate her…like she was becoming one with the snow.
For a moment her eyes shut tightly. Then…lo and behold…she opened them.
There were her parents. The King and Queen. She could see them clearly, compared to her sight before. Her mother was in bed, cradling her warmly in her arms. Her father stood nearby, stroking her white-blond hair. Both of them smiling down at her.
Then her father lifted the baby crown off a pillow a nurse was holding, and placed it on her head. To announce the arrival of the Crown Princess.
Strangely, she felt all this was fitting for her – similar to what she could've gotten but was destroyed.
But where was the other girl?
Then, the image changed and she felt herself standing up, now in her toddler years. Her hand was hanging over a cradle, to let her baby sister, Anna, grasp onto her finger.
The grasp was like how the girl…
Everything disappeared, as Elsa felt herself getting picked up from the back. Soon, the startled face of Professor Trelawney came before her eyes.
"Oh! My Dear! Are you…?" she extended her hands towards Elsa, only to retract them with a gasp.
"Oh! Little Perplexing must have done something!" she got up and rushed towards the table, with the device Elsa saw earlier turning black, now with its original colour returned.
"Are you alright?" it was the centaur Freinze who was helping Elsa onto her feet.
"I'm…I'm fine…" Elsa stood up, close to placing a hand on her forehead.
"There, there. I know it sometimes offers a traumatizing experience" Trelawney switched her attention back to Elsa, "but most of it all is purely symbolical, so…"
"Are you sure you're alright?" Freinze cut in, looking worriedly at Elsa's face.
"Yes…I'm…" but she felt herself backing out of the room, and rushing down the stairs.
"Did we say something?" Trelawney wondered.
Freinze shook his head. "We have to stop the reoccurrence of students going about like that"
Soon, during a break the next day, Elsa is found sitting in the grounds, on the hill that overlooks the Forbidden Forest and Hagrid's hut, with the crisp grass beneath her. Surrounded by the things she missed for years - the fresh green grass that grew up to your ankles, the silver/brown stones, the forests, the smell of the fresh air, the bright blue sky with puffy while clouds... but all that seem to be catching little of her attention now.
Not even letting her legs hang over the hill was helping. She felt the need the draw her knees closer. To hug them.
Thinking she's spent now too much time here, Elsa decided to return to the castle.
Getting up awkwardly, she headed back. There are people working out here. But still, she's not doing anything, and that may irritate some supervisors.
She entered the newly repaired raised-wooden tunnel, and only walked eight or nine steps into it when she stopped. Not even the smell of wood got her mind. Now in deeper thought, she shifted her gaze to the view beyond the tunnel windows.
That view of distant greenery almost immediately shifted her glance at her long braid, hanging over her shoulder. She began fingering it thoughtfully, pushing her fingers through and against each white-blonde strand. Trying to determine under the sunlight if…
"You're considering cutting that?"
A bit startled she turned. She didn't even catch footsteps. Then she tried to not let a laugh escape at the sight of the figure now taking a spot beside her, rather carefully. "No…why do you ask?"
Draco shrugged, "Just wondering"
Elsa shook her head. "You're not really taking care of your own. What happened? Wrestling with Bowtruckles?"
"Let's just say…this is our new image" Draco was smeared and covered in dirt. Apparently he was on his way back into the castle from some outdoors tasks nearby.
"Thought that landscaping would be a better option?" Elsa asked, as she dampened her hankie with some melted snow.
"I guess they save the real work for criminals" Draco said with a small empty laugh. He contemplated before taking the soft, white hankie. Initially he didn't really care for his state – that much for now that is - but decided out of courtesy he should use it.
Elsa watched him wipe his forehead with the cool, damp hankie. He wouldn't say something like that for himself– even the tone was unusual. For a bit their eyes met. Then he resumed his tasks.
He paused before he got to his cheeks. "Hate crowds?" he asked, seeing her face still tight in thought.
"No…but it feels good to get some alone time, once in a while" she said thoughtfully.
"Same here" he agreed, nodding. It was quiet for a bit. Afterwards he carefully returned the hankie. For a bit he noticed that she hardly took notice how much it became soiled.
"I didn't disturb that for you, did I?" he asked.
The response was a reproachful look. "Why do you ask?"
He opened his mouth to say something, but refigured his words. "I didn't ask if I may join you" just in case…
That got her to make a tiny smile, like it melted what was bothering her a bit away. "Be my guest" she offered.
Draco let in a hidden breath of relief.
She folded the hankie away. For a while it was awkwardly silent.
"That reminds me" Elsa said, after some thinking. "That school's not called 'Baxton' – it's 'Beauxbaton'"
"Oh, ten points from Slytherin for mispronouncing a French name" Draco replied, with a bit of his usual returned to his voice.
"It can be very insulting sometimes" she said with seriousness. However, walking away she couldn't help have a small laughing smile on her face.
Draco watched her leave, shaking his head and smiling a small smile. And she thinks she doesn't qualify to go there…more like they don't qualify…
The next week and quarter…
"They're not that bad…as bad as what you've handled so far…"
Elsa stood before her now assigned task. Just in the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest, under the canopy of the massive trees. Others were there, but given their tasks they kind of have to be separate – by rather far distances.
"…they're helpless…they can't fight, not like you…"
And…while summoning the firm blocks of self-assurance and determination she tried her best to not even look at her subjects.
Why couldn't I get fire crabs?
"Just another hour…and…"
"Are you alright?"
Elsa whirled around. "Oh… hello Draco" she said, feeling awkward now from the arrival of a certain audience...
Draco put a small smile on his curious face. "Hello" then he peered around her. "Having a little chat with someone?"
"No…" she turned to the yellow Giant Snails squirming and oozing in the makeshift coral behind her. "Just was…talking" Not your best, Elsa.
Draco blankly looked at her. "Talking to the snails?" he asked.
"Well…Hagrid said it helps a lot" she turned back to Draco, feeling her confidence returning, "to keep them preoccupied from releasing too much acid. A trick he came up with the last time they had trouble moving them."
She focused on his face. And was surprised at his raise of eyebrows and nod – like he bought it. Still it felt weird.
"So I recall. How efficient is it?"
She looked down at the snails, trying to not let them unnerve her. "Good, so far" Seriously, Elsa? "What are you doing here?" Elsa changed the subject.
Draco shrugged, "Just walking."
"Through the Dark Forest?"
"Been doing it often."
She nodded, thinking to herself.
"Detention?" Draco asked, walking in some more and curious about why is her Highness working in the Dark Forest with Giant Snails of all things. This isn't really a normal task to be given for a volunteer or convicted to work on. Plus her of all people.
"Consequences, actually" Elsa frowned.
He raised his eyebrows again.
"I guess Professor Grubbly-Plank didn't really appreciate it when I tried moving raucous Scarlet Salamanders with ice fences" she groaned, I honestly thought she'd leave for good after Hagrid returned. Perhaps thought of trying to be nice for Hogwarts… (groan).
Draco couldn't help but give a snicker. "I don't see why not. That could've just been her last stock you were killing"
"Just stop it, and help me get this over with" Elsa muttered, turning back to her assignment, as some sort of rebuttal at the Slytherin composedly standing by. He raised his eyebrows.
For a moment her eyes betrayed her to see one Snail twitch. She begged her stomach to not jump again.
"So what do you have to do now?" he asked, as she approached the food bag which she had already opened but…well…didn't touch after that for about a half-hour.
"I have to…um…" she tried again to no let the oozy bodies get to her mind, "…feed them. And watch them until Hagrid has their habitats in the castle fixed"
"Should be fun" Draco said. Elsa now shot a stern glance. It's practically disgusting, especially the way they look when digesting.
Another twitch had her fight obvious cringes on her face. Her stomach is trying hard to get to her now. Very Hard.
"You alright?"
Elsa jolted back to her senses "Fine! I'm fine." Knowing she doesn't sound convincing, she asked him, "Look, are you going to help or not?"
"Ready when you are, I guess." Draco said like it's that simple, now standing beside her. Elsa turned her attention to the bag, trying to actually get back to work, not to mention get it over with as soon as she could.
Task number one was finding, actually, re-finding, the food shovel in the bag.
"What do you want me to do?" Draco asked, after a few minutes past with him just standing by while Elsa rummaged through the bag by herself, driven on half-minded energy.
She paused, Elsa what is with you today? As much as she didn't want to sound that way…"Help me find this…whatever it is…" Why is my mind going blank now?
He raised an eyebrow at her, "Shovel?"
She groaned at herself, "Yes"
So he went with her in sifting through the bag.
Right when she thought she found it, she retracted herself and let out a tiny scream. Clapping her hand onto the back of her neck, she could have sworn she felt…
Snickers directed wide eyes to the side.
"Your face…priceless!" Draco, failing to not laugh, had to make pauses in his laughing to speak. "You… should've seen it!"
"God - you scared me!" Draco had, with his free hand, mimicked something crawling on her neck.
"Alright, alright, Frostbite. Go get your shovel" he tried to stifle back to snickers.
Glaring, she returned to the bag.
Right when she filled the shovel, she felt fingers in her hair. Brushing her braid from one shoulder to the other, to be exact.
She slowly tilted an angry face towards his.
"Something might get caught into it" Draco's eyes narrowed as he said that coolly. He tried biting his cheek to limit his snickers, as much as he could. Or at least keep them tiny.
She jerked her braid from his reach.
"Well you were getting concerned about me not behaving normal"
Just like old times.
"You know what…you can help by standing over there." She pointed to a nearby tree.
"And what?"
"Staying there"
Draco shrugged. Then he made it to the tree, crossed his arms and leaned his shoulder against it.
After making sure he's just done that, Elsa hesitantly went back to her shovel.
Get a grip, Elsa.
Trying to not watch, she began carefully trying to sift the food onto the floor of the corral rather than onto the snails. See Elsa? They're not terrible. They're nicely staying in their corral…not a single chance they could…
At that time, she felt steam escaping from herself, feeling leaves sprinkle onto her.
Shoulders stiff, Elsa tried to put down the shovel before an outburst. Only to fail at that when much more leaves from the trees above fell onto her.
"Draco!" she turned around in frustration, right when he was putting his wand arm down. "What is your…this…this isn't the time for nuisance! If you were just looking for that find it elsewhere! Where your childish antics won't be such…what?"
"Such a charm when you're infuriated"
Elsa sighed irritably. "I'm not 'infuriated'"
"Right, you're just frightened" he looked down at the ice that formed a round disk under her.
She looked too, that's just awkward.
"In other words," she cut in, trying to not even consider throwing a snowball in his face, "I'm trying to finish something that I don't have to spend the rest of the day doing" then she turned her attention back to her task, brushing leaves out of her hair.
Half her mind expected Draco to say something about being time efficient…
"Elsa – they're just snails"
Elsa slowly glanced at Draco. He said that with a bit of…concern…even his face showed it. Did not see that coming…
Then she took a glance at the slimy creatures. It's like huge, gaping mouths just appeared on them, saying 'yeah, we're just snails'
She felt her stomach churn – again.
"You're not going green, are you?" Draco asked.
A roll of eyes was the response, plus a "Do I look green?"
He studied her face.
"It should be easy to determine…maybe a little" he concluded.
"So can you…"
"You should take a break." Draco said, rather firmly, taking the shovel out of her hand and placing it back in the bag.
Elsa stepped to the side. Forcing herself to stop staring at him, she thought to herself. Maybe I do need a break.
She helped herself to a nearby tree, carefully sitting against it. An idea came to her mind, and she pulled out a half-eaten chocolate bar out of her pocket.
This should help against nausea.
After breaking a piece, before she put it in her mouth she noticed him approach the same tree.
After almost a minute, he crouched right beside her.
"Surprising luxury, for a princess" he commented, taking a piece for himself after asking for permission by hardly glancing at Elsa.
That's the weirdest thing he's said so far…today that is.
"Come to think of it" he moved the chocolate in his mouth, "You behave so refined, I must say, but you don't know the basics of the elite life like dancing and repaying favors. That is very worrying" he said in mock concern
Not really bothering with that comment, Elsa was too preoccupied with her chocolate.
"How do you expect to run a kingdom – let alone marry a prince?" he made himself more comfortable against the tree.
She paused, mid chewing. That's the last subject to talk with him of all people with! She tried not bothering to answer, and focusing on her chocolate.
Draco shook his head, "I don't see how it makes sense to curtsy well in one minute and step on toes the rest half hour"
A groan was accompanied with a look of irritation from Elsa.
"Not that a multitude of princes have asked for…" Draco asked curiously, only to get cut off by a glare from her in return.
Before she could reply (even though chocolate is in her mouth), he's already making another comment – like he's really into this…'casual discussion'.
"Or you'll serve them on ice for dinner? Or do you prefer working alone?"
Elsa simply rose. Before she could walk away, Draco rose and made it in front of her, blocking her way.
A mischievous gleam was in his eyes, like he's just uncovered, rather intentionally, and gotten carried away with, a juicy topic.
Before he could prod further…
They heard crumbling beneath them…soon…
…the floor gave away beneath their feet…tumbling them into darkness…
After a half-second of falling, Elsa felt course pebbles under her hand and knees. Thankfully not her face.
Getting up to her feet, the next thing that hit her was…an awful stench! A sick combination of humidity, maybe a growth…whatever it is, it's nothing like she's smelled, even from Potions or Herbology! And if the Giant Snails weren't enough, this will most certainly make her…
"Oof!"
She felt herself almost collide against someone.
"Elsa – are you alright?"
Draco's worried voice met her ear. Close to falling, she bent forward, so he quickly grabbed her by her arms. Thanks to the smell merging with her earlier minor nausea, now her legs did feel like giving away. Her mind felt turbulent with assurance and embarrassment.
The fall left him feeling a bit confused along with Elsa. Plus the only response he got was sensing (the light was very dim from the hole they fell through) her try to cover her nose, only to get appalled by something and wipe her hands briskly against her skirt.
So he took to determining where they are. On a hunch he figured…a sealed secret passageway…the one he, Snape and the Deatheaters escaped through in the night…years ago… after killing…Dumbledore…
Draco shook his head, trying to escape from flashbacks.
"We should get out of here" he said close to her ear. Elsa has been trying to straighten herself onto her own feet, but he could tell that letting go could risk her falling over.
Thankfully they were almost right under the hole, although a foot or two under it.
"Can you grab?" Draco asked, after racking his brains. Now the stench was getting to him as well. His mind was going blank, making him forget his wand…perhaps just one of those times he's actually hit with a situation.
Thinking he felt a nod, he braced himself. But only a second before he even tried to make her reach the hole did Elsa finally spoke, after bypassing the light-headedness that prevented her from asking what he meant in the first place.
"What are you doing?" she asked dubiously.
Good question…"I was just thinking 'What would Potter do?'"
Elsa for certain shook her head, "Draco" she said quietly. Yeah I too thought that would be the most ridiculous thing to do…
Soon, he felt something grow beside his foot. Looking, he found a stout block of ice, with a coarse surface, grow and glitter under the hole.
Elsa made to step onto it. Only after she fully mounted on it he went to stand by, ready if she falls. She did look like staggering…
"Oh!"
In a split second, she was pulled up, disappearing from his sight!
Draco rushed to stand right under the hole. But before he could call out her name, he felt his extended arms grabbed and pulled. With such force that he thought they'll tear off.
"What're you two doin' down there?" A bewildered Hagrid, in full gear, put Draco back onto his feet, right beside an Elsa half leaning on a tree but trying to keep straight.
Rubbing his arms and glancing at Elsa, Draco was about to say something, but Hagrid's next reaction cut him off.
"Blimey! Is that Ashman's Mold?" Hagrid stared in shock at some sickly green remnants on their clothes. Finding confirmation in the smell, he began wafting his nose.
"You two better make it to Madam Pomfrey! That thing's serious stuff…you take over…" Hagrid quickly passed the duty of the snails to an exasperated fellow Ministry supervisor. Then with a gloved hand each on the shoulder of Elsa and Draco, he led them away. "t'was a good thing I had these on"
Draco kept taking glances at Elsa. He couldn't ask her if she's alright, as Hagrid (maybe to keep them conscious) went on about Ashman's Mold's triggers and side effects, based on experiences his animal friends had, or what he knows since some of them eat that stuff.
Only that evening Draco was discharged from the Hospital Wing. They wanted to keep Elsa on hold – as Madam Pomfrey insisted on ensuring she wasn't affected at all (especially given her earlier nausea).
She certainly, maybe, didn't look very sick. That evening some color had returned to her fair face.
"Imagine if the Snails had fallen in that passage with us. It be more like we'd never hear the end of it afterwards rather than the trouble of getting them out"
Draco wasn't really in a rush to leave. He just sat on a bed, watching Elsa talk while sitting on a nearby one.
"Should make sense that mold grew within over a year. But in that quantity? It was like stepping right into a…" maybe she thought of something related to Slytherins, so she refigured to "…what the dungeons would look like if converted to replace the greenhouses"
"Maybe if you hadn't been so irritable for a discussion, we wouldn't have endured that reopening ceremony in the first place" his comment received an icy glance.
"You called that a 'discussion'" she muttered, going back to her contemplation of how to tie her slightly-damp hair (after cleaning it). "Then I hate to see what you call 'convincing'"
She settled with a rough braid. Halfway through braiding, though, she looked up.
Draco had a small smirk…and his head slightly cocked to the side.
"What?" she asked curiously.
"You know you'd make a very shifty Slytherin" he mumbled.
"Maybe, but the Sorting Hat did put me in Ravenclaw"
"Snow can slither too"
"That depends on how you see it" she began rubbing her head, forgetting her half done braid. "Now I don't recall if I've also hit my head somewhere, during all that chaos,"
Draco shifted over and began carefully rubbing her head. "I don't feel anything"
Then his eyes met hers, "I'm glad you're alright, Elsa" he said quietly.
Elsa tried to fight a blush.
"I'm thinking to not opt for higher level Care of Magical Creatures – or Herbology" shifting her eyes to the side, she scoffed at herself, "that is if they ever allow me back"
Draco watched her face, no, it's actually certain they will…he's more doubtful if they will let him continue his studies…even if, what's the point? We're loathed by half the world now…I don't think even Diagon Alley would hire a contemptible criminal…
Elsa noticed the change in his face. But before she could even ask him, she felt his hand gently shift from her head to her cheek.
"You'll be fine." Draco said reassuringly. She could see a small smile tug on his face. "I'll come by hopefully tomorrow…to see how you're doing"
He said that like a promise. Elsa could feel some warm blush escape in her face. "Ok" she quietly said, past a shy, bemused smile.
Seeing that, he took his time leaving. Even when she fusses her words aren't full of thorns… unlike from many others… the cold feel from ice is sufficient… and forgiving…
She watched him leave. Impishness to… well… right things at the right time… at least…
Maybe there were tings of flattery in the winds of shyness swirling inside her.
July ended. August is the last month for Elsa to be serving community services. She and many other students, who were convicted by the Wizardgamot, still recovering from the war and/or are assigned further tasks of making further sweeping investigations of the country for any remaining traces of Dark Forces, still have much to do.
These last weeks' worth of community service was for her to assist in the operations of a promising but fresh business, owned by one of those affected by the war. Thankfully said business chosen for her was Fleur Weasley's Decalor Boutique. It opened a month after the war ended, with various dress designs for various occasions (weddings, balls, etc) already hand-drawn by Fleur long time ago.
Not only was this enjoyable for Elsa but also the fact that the business owner was really nice and passionate for her work.
However she cannot help but occasionally feel that some dresses needed more to a lot of additions or touches to really look good (i.e. missing elements or accessories, wider skirts than so, change of materials, etc). But, knowing the phenomenon of business, she forced herself to limit her involvement in the dress designs (or it may lead to another pressure that she should stay there as an employee although she has to run a kingdom in few years time). So she confined herself to sewing – and occasional fixes with the Boutique Charm she mastered at Hogwarts (she can't really help it). Few of the girls there use the charm – it is rather hard since the user must be confident and dreamy for the charm to fully be successful in creating a dream dress.
For a new business it has really attracted a huge customer base. By the time Elsa joined in, there'd be up to 50 customers walking into the Boutique, half for ordering or finding a dress and half for trying out or picking up an order.
Still, it was lonely all the same. And pretty routine-like. That is when she's not at the Burrow, where she's staying as per the Ministry. The only thing to counter that was Elsa continuing to write letters to Anna.
After work one day, while sitting in an ice cream shop enjoying a fudgy brownie ice cream, she sat down to write the following:
Dear Anna,
I'm very glad to receive your letter. Since I'm no longer working at Hogwarts, things have become kind of boring – and lonely. But at least this month is all I need to do. Can't wait to return home.
But at the Burrow it's getting pretty funny. As Ginny put it, the gnome army dwelling in their garden has decided to make their return strikes ('army' is right – not even the Ministry workers sent to repair their home could drive them out!) Plus Hermione's getting more tense in her attempts at preparing everyone for NEWTS (the sessions with Ron are especially funny to hear). That is when they're not with the others at the Ministry or the Order (it would overall be mostly Mrs. Weasley at home). I'm not sure if I'll be able to return to Hogwarts…it's ok if I don't.
I'm glad you, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven are all good. I'm afraid none of my friends work where I am now. They're busy elsewhere. So it's just me and the dress stands (laughs). That is until I'm done. Sure feels like a long way till then.
We just had a few dresses to be completed today for later pickup and fitting – many of which are ball-dresses and party-wear. I hear there's a Halloween ball coming. I'd only go if you were there – only then it be fun. If we did, what would we wear (it's a Masquerade Ball)? The rest would be taking orders for more dresses.
The only exciting thing for now is the trips through Diagon Alley – remember you sometimes came along when we went to get some school stuff for me? Those were the good old days.
Love you,
Your sister Elsa
After writing, she tucked the letter in the capsule she brought in her bag, and then went on with her ice cream.
"Would you like anything?" a sweet cackle paused Elsa.
She looked up at the miniature witch on a broom. A toy-like device flying around the shop with a cauldron on the broom, holding sprinkles and other toppings a customer may desire more of – in exchange for a knut.
"No thanks" Elsa politely declined. The witch cackled again and flew away to find someone else to offer. She felt the day's allowance in the pocket of the coat she wore over her worker's uniform. It's just enough to pay for long-distance floo courier service.
After finishing her ice cream, she made her way out of the shop, to a nearby convenience store that also hosted a postal service – including floo based.
No matter how many times she's been to Diagon Alley she finds herself gazing around in a fascinated way. While walking through Arendelle's town feels warm and homey, walking here feels so magical and mesmerizing.
She often paused to see the simple or sparkling wizardry robes and clothes standing through the shop windows.
Screeches from owls and other animals come from the many pet stores here, but she finds time to see and pet the many smooth or fuzzy owls kept just outside the shops.
Elsa also loves the adorable sight of children pressing their noses against the windows of the broom shop, or travel in multitudes to make the Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes shop much more prosperous than its competitor Zonko's.
The places that she gives most of her times are the ones she remembers going to for getting her school stuff for the upcoming year – potion ingredients, books, equipment for projects, etc – with her parents and Anna. The Ministry kept insisting on staying with buying the supplies on their behalf – that is until her fourth year when they got busier with other stuff (Triwizard Tournament, political games etc) – but she and her parents kept the shopping as another family experience (for her 4th and 5th years that is), away from the burdens of running a kingdom. They did it all without being obvious that they're a royal family. Sometimes she finds herself wandering through such shops, if they are open after she's done her work for the day.
Now she reached the convenience store. The entrance was crowded with customers – the normal time around which more customers are free from their other tasks to buy some stuff before they go home.
Just before stepping in, she paused and turned.
Not far off did she catch sight of someone…staring at her. Other people did pass by in the lane where she's in. But this, most likely a man but he has an obscuring but normal looking hat and cloak on to subtly hide his identity, person was the only one…watching her.
Few seconds after she turned around he left like all was normal.
Her eyes trailed skeptically after him, and then she resumed entering the office.
However, a few minutes later she left it. It was currently too much filled with customers. I'll just wait till the crowd dies down.
Considering it may take even more than an hour before the crowd dies down, the only place Elsa resorted to go to was the nearby bookstore.
Books…books…books…
Although hoping for less reoccurrence of burying her nose into books, Elsa resorted to browsing through a decent book on dress designs.
Finding a comfortable seat next to the window, Elsa sat down to read, while alert for the decline of the crowd at the convenience store.
She was just admiring one design when…
"So it's 'seamstress' from 'princess'? Or is it 'princess of seamstresses'?"
Elsa's brain squeaked and her eyes widened while focusing on the page before her.
Holy Snowflakes!
Immediately she regained herself. "Either way I'm fine with it." She couldn't help with a raise of her eyebrow, as she turned to find Draco right behind her, one hand onto the head of her chair as he helped himself to peering over what she is doing. This time, he had slipped on a black coat jacket on his white shirt. Plus a black formal cap, meant for rough wear of elite people.
"I'll say" he looked at the book she was reading. "Seem to be enjoying yourself lately. Perhaps if you were fired by the Royal Council you'd probably work there"
"Such things don't happen in Arendelle" she gave him a rebuking look.
"Yeah, because they have no choice" he said sympathetically.
She sternly glared at him.
"Snooping lately? I'm sure you've been greatly enjoying that"
"Actually - the thing with being a Malfoy is that you have ways of getting information – when and how you want it" Draco helped himself to a chair next to hers.
"Very fun, isn't it?" Elsa commented.
"In reality, things have been dreadfully dull lately" he fixed his chair a bit. "And when I asked you how much you hated crowds you should've said 'immensely'"
"With all the shoving and pushing in large crowds, I'd rather avoid them"
"Obviously," Draco shifted the book towards himself, "In the event you finally settle with your wardrobe preferences you wouldn't want anything to get ruined."
Before Elsa, eyes narrowed, had a response for the imp obviously faking to casually read the book she didn't mind being pushed away from her, the sight of a small child suddenly sitting down in a chair in front of Elsa had her turn her attention. "What's wrong?"
"I wanted to find a storybook, but this place is so big!" he flopped his hands onto the arms of the chair in frustration. "Can't find a single good one"
She watched his face. "That's alright… he can help you" she pointed to Draco. "He's excellent at finding books"
"Oh thank you! Thank you!" the child immediately got up and pulled Draco away, already telling about his preferences for a storybook. He glared back at Elsa.
Her eyes twinkled with mischief. "Sorry"
Only after half an hour was Draco release from his assignment. Finding a 100-page-book-or-more-on-knights-or-evil-wizards-or-scary-stuff-or-all-of-that is rather tedious.
However, finding the crowd died down a bit, he also found that Elsa wasn't exactly in sight.
So he resorted to returning back to the convenience store, where he and his mother were shopping for some stuff not provided by their supervisors to their detainment suite in the suburbs of Diagon alley. His mother had run into an old acquaintance from her society circle...
When he entered the convenience store he paused. The sight before him gave him a rare warm wave of contentment.
In one seating area sat his mother. She was talking – actually enjoying her chatting – with Elsa.
They seemed to be getting along fine. Actually getting along. No awkwardness. No hesitancy. No fake masks.
Finally after about twenty minutes did Elsa look up at a nearby clock.
"I'm sorry, I think I have to be going now…Mrs. Weasley may be worried"
Getting up with Elsa, Mrs. Malfoy nodded politely. "It's been nice meeting you, dear" she said.
And with that they politely parted. Going through the rather small crowd, Elsa thought about Mrs. Malfoy. Actually about the Malfoy Family in general. Face front they're cold and self-absorbed…I'm guessing it's more on the confused side…each in their own ways…at least they're not evil to the core…maybe Mr. Malfoy…but definitely not the others…
After some time she finally reached the exit. Now, with closing time close, it was rather empty here. Just a sprinkle of people bustling about.
Just barely reaching for the door, she felt someone approach beside her.
Turning, she then thought of saying the first thing that came to her mind, but what was said prevented her.
"Any word back from any nobil…?" a smug voice inquired.
"Have a nice evening, Draco" Elsa continued for the door. Only for him to extend an arm to block her from doing so. "An excellent display of tolerance you made" he commented.
Like with serious concern he studied her face. "You won't turn me in for harassment would you?"
"I'd rather stick you under ten feet of snow" she replied, thanks to his eagerness on a rather unwanted subject.
"Let's not fantasize on the matter" he said in a serious aristocratic manner, placing a hand on her shoulder. For a bit she noticed how blistered his hands have become, most likely from his assigned repair tasks for this month.
"Never thought of Wiginweld Potion?" Elsa asked, careful to not let her annoyance escape from her voice completely.
"Never really bothered with that" Draco said, a tad sheepishly, looking down at his free hand.
"Scars aren't really a new way of popularity" she said, peering over his hand.
That comment made Draco can't really help with a snicker, which in turn made Elsa cannot really help with a tiny smirk. "I'll take your concerns, doctor"
Nothing for a bit. Then he chivalrously offered to open the door for her. Watching, Elsa found a familiar, small cockily charming smile.
She subtly felt warm blood flowing through her cheeks. Her eyes barely met his.
"Don't think that will get you off the hook" Elsa said in a smooth voice.
Draco gave a small chuckle, "I know it won't. It's just good to find things to nudge about - one in a while"
Passing by, Elsa couldn't help but rival his smirk.
Meanwhile, in the Ministry's Department of Magical Education and Knowledge…
"Have all forms been sent out?" one supervisor asked. She received a nod in return, from a worker sitting in the front most among the many rows of desks, seated colleagues and paper.
"It will be very helpful to know who intends on continuing their education and who doesn't"
A few minutes of silence later, another worker walked into the hall.
"Yes Miss Clearwater?" the supervisor asked.
"A request – from the Minister himself" the blonde-brown haired lady said, as she handed over a memo.
The supervisor read over the document. She creased here eyebrows and glanced at Clearwater.
"From the Minister himself?"
"Yes – after long consideration"
They looked back at the paper. It read a special request for a meeting to consider the educational position…
…of Elsa of Arendelle.
It included asking the potentially returning student (also considering her de-enrolment status compared to the others) over to the Ministry.
"Alright" she shrugged, and then made to book a slot in her calendar, anytime in the last week of August and before September 1st.
~TO BE CONTINUED…~