Hogwarts was still buried in snow when everyone returned after the Christmas holidays. Making the place even more warm and cozy. Even some of the Christmas decorations and evergreen wreaths stayed for the first rounds of classes.
Elsa felt the warmth, first thing every morning at breakfast. While it's nothing compared to the Christmas celebration at home, she couldn't ask for anything better.
A week after returning from the holidays did she, Luna and Ginny manage to sit together at breakfast, discussing their holidays.
"Of course the most 'unfortunate' don't really seem to believe in holidays" Ginny commented.
"Yeah. It's kind of strange that they spiked in their raids and attacks during the holidays" Elsa flipped a page of the Daily Prophet they were peering over. "even so afterwards."
"Perhaps because of the sales" Luna suggested, "the more items and people outside the better for them"
Even today another raid was featured in the Prophet.
"Still they are in low numbers, and at disadvantages" Ginny said.
Elsa sipped on tea, "They seem to be taking advantage of unpredictability…"
"Do you feel darkness… creeping in every corner…"
The girls almost jumped in their seats. "Bloody Hell, Seamus!" Ginny angrily turned around.
"Come on, Ginny. Abbott's made a more fitting reaction than that" Seamus sounded disappointed.
"That's because she must have burst into tears" Ginny grumbled, fixing herself in her seat.
"No – she beat me on the temple with a book"
Elsa and Luna tried to hide their snickers.
"I guess not hard enough…what is it?"
Seamus began looking around, in an obvious attempt at being secretive. "Harry's decided to fire up Dumbledore's Army" the girls heard him whisper, as he secretly handed Ginny something that looked like a well-made invitation card. "Given the recent events"
Ginny looked at the card. "He went through the trouble of having these printed?"
"The more efforts for a guild the better" Seamus said, before walking away like normal.
The girls peered over the card: Dumbledore's Army – Room of Requirement – 5 pm every Sunday – New members welcome (with small chops that is)! – Remember to bring your wands and minds (don't leave them in your dormitories)!
Ginny shook her head, "Odds are this 'guild' is receiving efforts from external sources" then she joined the others in laughing.
It's amazing how snow takes its time here…
Outside, snow continued to fall and cover Hogwarts from the January sky like winter began only a week ago. Especially doing so during the free periods the students have to visit the grounds or Hogsmede.
Free periods are definitely not things Elsa would miss – especially snowy ones. Exploring the magical world that matches her being a witch. So she decided on a nice leisure walk in the Hogwarts grounds. Like others she was dressed for that (just in a coat and good winter shoes – the shoes this time) at lunch and immediately after went off for the crisp winter air.
Down the corridors to the front exit, though, she crossed paths with a very familiar student going for the same. And so they crossed the threshold and met the outdoors together.
"The Slytherin attitude is not very uncommon at home?" Draco asked when they had just left the castle. On a hunch he figured the holidays turned for the better for her. She confirmed that.
Elsa thought for a bit. "Anna's more on the Gryffindor side"
"Then I withhold comments"
Elsa smirked.
They continued talking and walking together down the snow-covered path, one of those occasional moments they get to do so during the school term. "It was nice to see mother happy… father too" Draco said. With a quiet warm feeling like he really was happy to see that. That's very true… considering the countless times he cringed at their states during the war.
Elsa made a nice small smile for the look on his face and inside feeling found in his voice when he said that. Draco smiled a bit too, now feeling another tiny warm feeling. An unexpected sharing of inside thoughts wasn't awkward… not that Elsa was like other people.
They reached a curve scattered and bordered with stones and boulders, and later went to stand against a large stone for a rest. He watched her bury her hand easily in the snow covering a nearby natural stone ledge.
"Just at times you want to find more than just keeping your authority – and making impressions to outsiders" Elsa mentioned, rather quietly, at a drifting point of the conversation where they talked a bit about their elite positions, like she's matching her thoughts in her words.
Draco nodded in understanding. "Especially when they do nothing but look for faults in you, to make themselves feel special" he said like he's adding another shared, relatable thought.
Elsa nodded a bit, still in thought, "Or define you for yourself – no matter what you do"
So sounds familiar… even though for her it's mostly rare magic. As much as self-absorbed and standing out the great Malfoys are with their positions and privileges in society…
"I suppose we all feel that way. People are just chaotic." He added. Both turned to look at the falling snow, letting a brief silence fall.
For a bit while watching Elsa in their brief silence, he inside admitted that she does a better job… effectively keeping her position as crown-princess without the self-absorbed nonsense and arrogance... but instead with remoteness but fitting elite refine-ness and flair that she is still special. He felt a hidden smirk for that.
Elsa went to thinking for a while. "Kind of like doing a perfect Amplifier Enchantment – not to mention one enough for only three feet"
Draco groaned. That 'charm' she tried to help him with… the one where you speak through the end of the wand to sound louder… he had to be one of the demonstrators. Once in a while they found themselves doing homework together. Only a few times helping in subjects or topics the other found a bit hard in. But mostly, both being some of Hogwarts' best performing students, just doing homework together…
"And working a Tripping Jinx without tripping yourself?"
She turned to him – and there was a mischievous glitter in her sapphire eyes.
"Shouldn't be hard, as long as you don't keep your nose too high"
"How high?"
And… he once again didn't avoid getting snow flung in his face when she lifted her hand out of the snow.
"High enough" she said smoothly. Then she got up and took off, before he finished getting the snow off.
For a few seconds he was a bit confused. But he perfectly knew how to respond. Smiling, he bunched up some snow in his hand and went after Elsa.
Throwing snow was a miss for him. She dodged it with teasing grace. Just as how she's running through the snow. His smile couldn't leave his face.
Then she deliberately turned a corner to a spot more scattered with boulders and fence-like stones. A perfect place to hide and stalk in. She tossed another bunch of snow at him, which he blocked with an arm, before disappearing among the stones. Both tried to not let laughs and giggles give away their positions.
With alertness and mischief in his face, Draco quietly snuck around, scanning the area for any signs of Elsa. The snow was too thick, rugged and shiny, not really revealing footprints, so he couldn't rely on that.
Meanwhile, trying to even breathe quietly past a laughing smile, Elsa hid herself behind one large stone.
Carefully, she moved a bit to peek if he's approaching…
"Ha! Got you!"
Elsa made a little gasp, as Draco, who had crept quietly from the other side, grabbed her and had her pinned by the arms against the boulder.
"What now, your Majesty?" his impish grey eyes laughed.
He watched her surprised face. After a few seconds it looked like she found a solution….
…hails… just enough to make him feel it and take a step back. Smiling and giving a laugh in triumph, Elsa made to dash away.
But the snow there was pretty thick, so when he almost caught her again, they both tumbled into the soft white powder.
Laughing, they shifted to sit in the snow, some slightly dusted on them from the fall. And they were laughing for a minute. Laughing and smiling.
"Nice try, your Highness" Draco joked.
When they stopped laughing their smiles stayed. They took a moment to watch each other. Enjoying the feeling from once and a while messing around like that - like being kids again is a precious thing for them. It made them feel warm against the snowfall. Elsa dusted a bit of snow off of Draco's hat and near his face. His smile was soft… wonderful…
A pause. He made to stand up. While doing so, he offered Elsa assistance. Holding her hand to help her stand up as well. It was actually almost like an embrace.
Then they stood there, watching each other. Past the snow that continued to fall gracefully. He still held her hand… warmly. He still had that smile.
"What is it?" Elsa asked curiously, her own small smile still there.
Still smiling, he shook his head, "Nothing" he said quietly.
A little quiet pause. "Can I see you back to the castle?"
"I'd really like that" Elsa accepted his arm. Then they went on returning to the castle. Once more walking together through the snowy air and grounds of Hogwarts.
Back at her dormitory up in the Ravenclaw Tower, Elsa sat on her bed. She had hung aside her outdoor stuff for drying.
She sat there… thinking.
She looked inside herself. At that ice barrier she grew up with around her heart – not of hate… of mistrust, insecurity and protection… keeping the living warmth for only her family… parents, Anna, Olaf… shunning out the world of strangers and potential enemies…
Something about his impishness… charming kind… with warmth… somehow it's been getting through that ice barrier… making her feel capable and special. Others may be more upfront nice… but they don't really make her feel beyond her occasional self-doubts. He makes me feel more than just a unikinetic or princess – perfectly.
Pretty much the same self-essence but less gloat… he hasn't changed dramatically (that would be weird)... but he's really dropped that ridiculous force in his voice…and he is compassionate, loyal and warm inside… credit mostly because of his mother she knew… that's why he since the beginning understood the basics of humanity and decency… it's just that being raised in a world of self-interest and mistrust left him working hard on an act for too long… having Voldemort actually lurk around his own home…maybe that in a way opened his mind more…
Perhaps he's saved it for those who'd really, truly appreciate and understand him… know what he had to live through…
It's good to know there's someone pretty similar to you…not just in the powers-sense or necessarily completely the same… but still with magic living in you to know how it feels in a world full of muggles, and pretty similar in how life and the world is for you… position in society, expectations, wanting to explore within… while making you feel special, accepted and belonged in that world and life…
I've always dreamed what it would be like in another's arms – especially when it's snowing.
Elsa smiled inside - her smile of being flattered.
Meanwhile, down in the dungeons, a figure stood in a doorway. Making a moment's pause near some hanging torches.
The dungeons weren't completely warmed for the winter. It still had some coldness in its stone walls and floor. Heat was offered through lit torches hanging on the walls or from the ceilings.
Yet Draco stood there, in a corridor heading towards the Common Room, feeling more than just warm from being back indoors from the wintery grounds. It was a strange feeling… cozy… somewhat like 'thawed'… it felt like it has been steadily growing… and still is… but he could feel it.
Different past the thick inside icy coldness and bitterness he grew up with… of self-doubt, self-superiority, hate, mistrust, insecurity… feeling that living warmth he hid within only for his family.
Around Elsa he felt secure... understood… and himself. Felt his occasionally restrained free-spirit without rebuke or having been told he's terribly or unnecessarily childish and foolish… and keeping his Malfoy identity (now in a much more reasonable way) without being told he's evil or horrible… with her own sense of zeal, wit, pride, elegance, compassion...
Draco smiled…She is snow…cold …but warm and beautiful…
Once again… for the first time in forever… he felt hopeful.
A few weeks later, flu season swept through Hogwarts. Unfortunately, due to the School still recovering from the war, supplies were still depleting fast. Including the potion ingredients for the Pepper-up Potion.
Hoping to not start another accident, like one that occurred on the first birthday party for Anna that Elsa organized, she tried her best using other remedies to limit her sneezing.
But this is her second day with a cold. And it seems her cold is a little more intense than the average student – possibly because of her unikinetic powers.
So today she's hoping nothing happens during Care of Magical Creatures class. Especially since today Hagrid is teaching everyone Grindlow baiting on an edge of the Black Lake, at a spot where they are known to prowl the waters.
And baiting involves getting the grindlows to tangle their tentacles around the slotted hoops attached to special rods dipped in their waters, while they're trying to get the bait-food off.
"Remember to keep yer bait wrapped completely around the hoop"
Just don't go too much near the edge.
Bypassing a few 'attempts' at offering assistance or help to her (thankfully it's almost no more), she lugged her rod and small bait pail to a more favorable spot. A coast slightly raised from the water's edge, but where the forest meets the coast.
Baiting is going ok so far – especially by nothing happening to upturn the class. As far as catching is concerned… she'd sometimes feel movement near the rods but nothing much really happened. Plus the regular blowing of her nose distracted her.
After an hour Hagrid had everyone shift positions. Elsa ended up going on a more flatter side of the coast. But still pretty shielded by the forest. And…
If anything happens its better near someone you… know better.
"Still having a stuffy day?" Draco's curious question was answered by her wiping her nose again. "I didn't know you'd get one considering your type" so he honestly didn't really expect her to have a cold.
"At least it confirms I'm a witch" she said, folding her hankie away. He nodded.
"Good point" was the reply, before he went back to refilling his bait on the rod.
They continued prepping and baiting their rods. And for another five minutes he's noticing her unusual behavior in dealing with her sniffles. At least not how others would normally do. Overall more 'precautious'. "Not really taking it nicely are you?" he wondered, raising his eyebrows when she took out a bitter lemon candy from her pocket and ate it to ease her throat.
"It's normal" For me at least. He shrugged.
"Remember to take it easy." He said. After a minute he decided to also make another of his quips. "Can't have too many Abbott girls around"
Elsa glanced at Draco "Since when do I easily get nervous?" I only do so when I feel responsible for something very important to me and really can't afford to mess it up – like Anna's first birthday I organized… and my coming coronation...
He shrugged again. "Just a piece of adv…" with a gasp Draco leapt back, almost dropping his rod when a large, snarling grindlow head popped up from the water – as his rod wasn't down enough. Of course that was a miss for him. Then he sternly glanced up at an Elsa giggling at him.
They spent another hour baiting. Then afterwards they were marked points given how many they caught. Obviously those who didn't catch didn't get points. Elsa managed to lure one while Draco two.
Then Hagrid had everyone return their tools and gear to an assigned place for later pickup. It was in a very rugged clearing of the forest near his house. Going there with her stuff and nose, Elsa and Draco went with the others.
"Does it really matter?"
"Being different makes you have thing differently"
"Perhaps"
When they almost reached the spot, Draco helped himself to taking the heavy rod out of her hand. Then he went ahead to replace it in the spot for rods.
"You're not that contagious" he said, with a small impish smirk.
"The cold doesn't bother you?" she put her empty bait pail away. Like he's so sure it doesn't.
"Not one bit, actually" he said, before he left to replace his own stuff into the pile, Elsa made a small smile and shook her head.
Still no Pepper-up Potion that afternoon, so Elsa continued being careful and finishing the rest of the day.
For homework and when not attending classes, she figured the best place is the Common Room… until further notice.
"The tonic should work fine" Luna watched Elsa carefully blow her nose while cupping one ear to limit the pressure.
"It is" Elsa went back her assigned Care of Magical Creatures homework. Luna meanwhile was writing a research assignment on caring for doxies and their young (without getting bitten).
"Dad often boils kale root juice with pixie tears. It helps loosen the pipes." Luna said thoughtfully. "Although he thinks adding little bit of raxburn fur would make the drink more effective"
Elsa took a deep breath to clear her nose. I can't be that bad… hopefully.
In the next evening, the batches of Pepper-up Potion were refilled, thankfully. Elsa was one of the first to take a dose. After recovering from the side effects of the potion, she relaxed and stretched, and made her way out of the Hospital Wing.
She went to join the others at Transfiguration. Hopefully I'm not too late. Twenty minutes late is actually…
Approaching the classroom, Elsa began to hear something like a commotion.
Further steps pinpointed the source to the Transfiguration classroom itself…
…as well as some people carrying, cuddling or chasing snowgies.
Elsa froze in shock. WHAT? But I don't recall sneezing badly.
The door was wide open. She carefully took a peek inside.
Snowgies almost filled the classroom. With cheerful 'innocence' on their faces, they ran under tables, jumped on tables and heads of people (especially the Slytherins), played tag with fascinated or irritated people, cuddled with others, and so forth.
How did this happen? Elsa thought as she stared at the ones cutely blinking up at her.
Sounds of someone sneezing brought more snowgies into the room.
Ohhhhh…
"Mr. Malfoy! What is the meaning of this?" A bewildered McGonagall briskly walked up to Draco, who had a napkin in one hand and was sitting at a table with his head resting in another.
He merely looked up at the snowgie on the table that was staring into his face. Then he turned his head to glance up at Elsa.
She shrugged a bit while trying to not let a laugh slip, as if to say 'I'm not really sure what happened myself'. Classic…the harder you try to avoid something the more it's bound to happen…is unikineic magic really that powerful?
"What the bloody hell is wrong with him?" Ron asked his friends as they sat at their classroom tables.
"Not sure" Harry whispered back, while turned to stare at Draco and trying to not smile or laugh.
"He looks like he just stepped out of a winter fairy wonderland" Ron watched Draco blow his nose again, bringing more snowgies into the room.
They turned to Hermione for an explanation. Equally bewildered, she could only blurt "How am I supposed to know?"
"Now how will we get rid of these… beings?!" McGonagall was taken aback by suddenly realizing that some were cutely right beside her, stacking up to be as tall as her.
"They're really nice" Parvarti Patel was kneeling down, petting and playing with some with her hand. "Why don't we just keep them?"
Many, including McGonagall, stared at her.
"We can always have some for Care of Magical Creatures" Hagrid said with many snowgies cuddling and jumping around him.
"Or Charms!" Flitwick said while having fun being carried around by some others. Yeah…they were initially called for assistance…
"Alright… let's go see if there's more Potion" Trying to not laugh, Elsa led Draco out of the classroom, with her hands gently on his shoulder and arm.
McGonagall watched them leave with skeptic eyes, still about what could have caused all these things to appear.
Maybe we should consider adding a branch for unikinetic magic studies, Professor McGonagall thought to herself.
A few days later, in an empty classroom, with simple movements of her hand, Elsa threw large snowflakes to hang in the air. After doing so, pressing each from a distance they began glowing, each as a color from one of the four Houses. Draco watched the display of her abilities.
Since he's not a unikinetic, he tried some tricks for himself with his wand.
He did pretty good, and at one point tried making a ball or icicle out of his wand.
"Try it like this" Elsa fixed his arms to have his hand under the tip of his wand. "It's all about flowing freely"
"Alright" He focused. Focused hard. And then made a quick glance to her when nothing happened. She tried to not make snickering too obvious.
"Keep trying" He did, and in a minute a piece of hail fell into his hand.
"Not bad" she smirked, taking the hail for herself to see.
Draco smirked, mostly for her 'teaching', in this little tinkering around of magic they came into in their next shared break. Part on implied dares... part out of curiosity... part simply trying out something... can't really tell. "Last time I recall you treated your own powers like they were a caged manticore. What finally came over you?"
"I finally figured out the counter-curse to what I was afraid of doing" she made to try to teach him how to make it snow.
"Which is?" he asked curiously, while positioning his wand.
"I was afraid of freezing someone's heart"
Draco hid his shudder at the thought of that. "What's the counter-curse?"
"It's… uh… warmth" she plainly said, slightly avoiding eye contact.
"What kind?" now getting even more interested, he asked curiously.
"You know… just warmth"
"You stick the victim in a fireplace?"
"No!" she looked at him sternly although she couldn't fully hide her laugh.
"Then how did you save your sister?"
"I hugged her" Oh… thanks a lot.
Draco nodded. "I see…"
Something tells me I'm never going to hear the end of this.
Back to the snowing. It took a few minutes longer than he hoped. But in the end, the room began to snow gracefully. Like it was falling from the ceiling.
Mesmerized by the scene, he felt his free hand extend out to cup under the snow. Like he was making sure it was real. Soon he sensed she was doing the same. Gazing at the falling snow… hands moving carefully to feel it… fascinated… smiling…
And before they knew it, he overdid the snowing, covering half the floor of the classroom.
"Can we do something else now?" asked a Draco with snow covering his crème blonde hair and shoulders. Elsa giggled while he dusted it all off. And she's having a lot of fun with his performance. Not bad though…
"We did take up nearly an hour" she looked up at a nearby clock. "So I guess we should". Draco shook his head.
And they (or rather, Elsa) decided to now practice basic wand-less spells.
Draco raised his eyebrows at a pile of neatly-formed snowballs Elsa made.
"You'll thank me later" Elsa said, smirking.
He should. Summoning one into his hand changed from no results to occasionally one flying into his face. Elsa couldn't help but laugh.
"Come on!" Elsa did one summoning with ease.
"Aren't you at some sort of advantage?" Draco asked, having another attempt that caused a snowball to land on his feet. So Elsa summoned a book on a table to her hand, flexing her hand afterwards from the impact.
"Practice is always the key" she went to replace the book, "and it…"
She dropped the book, feeling a force tug onto her hand.
It was too fast to fight it, so she found her hand…
…pulled into Draco's.
Even Draco was caught a bit by surprise.
But after some short contemplation… there was this charming, naughty look from his face.
Then her hand was gently pulled. Feet crunching through the snow, she felt an arm wrapping her into a hug-like hold. A warm one. She continued watching his face, returning it with a shy smile from hers.
Next thing she knew… in an unhesitant manner, he lifted her hand up, the one he was holding, while bending his head down a bit – so to press a kiss onto her fingers.
"Is this how it was done?" he whispered after that.
The shy smile turned into a pretty smirk.
Then they heard sobbing.
They turned, finding Moaning Myrtle, fresh tears glistening on her face, floating just overhead.
"That's…the most romantic thing I've ever seen… after years…" She wiped her sleeve on her face.
Draco groaned, glaring at the ghost.
"Oh… my apologies! It's not like I have other things to do!" Insulted, she began floating away, through the wall back into her bathroom (which was nearby in the same corridor as the classroom).
Elsa shook her head. "Sometimes we forget how alive this place is"
A minute or two past, with their eyes peacefully closed and standing in that warm embrace.
He was in a forest. Not the Forbidden Forest or any other he remembers being in. It had more fresh vegetation. But the ground – wasn't much leveled well. It's as if most of it was uphill.
Wand out, he scanned the parameter for the reason he couldn't go any farther. Trapped – it felt like.
Hissing sounds met his ear. Only then he realized that a scaly rope of flesh was coiled around in the branches, forming a circle prison a foot above his head.
Furious, Nagini made several lunges at his throat, making him dodge and not even notice that she's making her way to tighten her coils around the boy.
Draco shot multiple curses at the snake. This time, they appeared to be taking an effect on it.
Despite bleeding in various areas, Nagini curled her head to gaze laughing eyes at him. She flicked her tongue. "You had potential in the eyes of the Dark Lord…but not as much as she did. Surprised – actually not – that for your own incapability you look up to her. A Mudblood of all creatures." She made her way to get closer to him, while still in the trees.
Draco felt his own heartbeat quicken in an uncomfortable way.
Nagini was close… for him to smell the blood and death in her breath. She flicked her tongue out again.
"You may ignore the fact that she's a mudblood… but she's a princess… remember? Do you think she'll keep it up, even after, dear child, she finds the real you? The 'you' the Dark Lord harvested?"
His body already felt tense with panic. Now…his mind began swirling.
'Did they tell her that I helped bring in whoever was unfortunate enough to be found with muggle associations for that accursed snake to devour? Did they tell her that I'd stalk on students, ready to report to the Carrows of any slight resemblance of disrespect to the Dark Forces? Or did they tell her that I bought, out of my own allowance, cursed objects and poisons for killing the Great Albus Dumbledore, only to fail for someone else to carry out the deed?...'
Only a split second later he noticed both her coils only an inch from his body…and her gaping jaws nearly around his head…
Draco, having trouble breathing, woke up. No one else in his Dormitory was awake to see him scramble to a sitting position. The only faces he could see, while peering around, were the snakes on the Slytherin banners and tapestries, engulfed in the moonlight.
A couple of days later…
After Draco turned off the tap, he took one more look into the mirror. Into his reflection. Trying to once more make out what does he see… beyond the pitiable form staring back at him.
Forcing himself away after what felt like an hour, he went to pick up his dress-coat. In his hand, he felt the jacket's collar. Virtually meaningless… at least in some ways help him in his attempts to not give in to the notion now that his family is lower than the dust under people's feet. A notion that's considered an expected phenomenon when the public hails the world's heroes to great heights – like today's Inseparable Golden Trio.
Not that his Slytherin classmates empathize or are friends to him.
After putting the dress-coat back on, he left the bathroom, and emerged into the corridor lit with sunlight through the windows. Like walking into an undetermined destination.
People talked, walked or stood around as always, finding other stuff more important to do. Few were in the corridors here today. But whoever bothered to look narrowed their eyes and twisted their mouths in disgust. Not like how they'd do in the height of his glory as a wayward or self-absorbed bully.
Weak… criminal… low-graded… traitor… cry-baby…
Sometimes he'd feel like kicking at something – at times wishing to smash something too. Often it goes to the extent of feeling a weight in his chest. His self-hate, guilt and fury choking him – in those moments his guilt and shame seems to overtake everything else. Forcing him to sit down, throw his head in his hands. His throat croaking with tears.
Sadly confused is he angry with himself or how thing went the way they did – and are now. He doesn't blame his heritage or family traditions… he still loves his family… just why did his father associate himself with Voldemort of all people? They would be much better off without that, right? Their name, family and all wouldn't be tainted as they are now.
And it would take someone naïve enough to think everything will go right easily for them someday – that their crimes will be forgotten.
Classes are not until another three hours, as today's a Saturday. So Draco carried on walking through the grand corridors of the castle. Lost in thought.
His mother often told him that there is no criminal without a future. But what bloody future? It would be pathetic to blame his mother for everything… life hasn't been so easy for her anyway… and she just wants him to not let his past destroy him. It's just how? Everything seems so bleak… for one surviving his public days of guilt, masks, and insulations…with more of all that…
Just for a minute he lifted his eyes from the floor, to scan the vast corridor. Something he found himself regularly doing since getting trapped into the Dark Folds. But also looking for a friendly face… if there is one even for him…
Meeting a corner where the corridor joins another, he paused.
A window spilled in sunlight into the corridor. Beside it, Elsa sat on the stone bench, her books and bag stuffed under the bench.
Draco turned a bit and walked a few steps to the side. Keeping it not very obvious he was quietly and curiously watching Elsa. He didn't want to disturb her – she was writing on a piece of parchment, rather very thoughtfully.
Once or twice while doing so, her fair face was hinting quiet laughter or smiling. Perhaps she is writing a letter to her sister.
The quill feather that gently shook in her hand as she wrote was light-grey, sprinkled with black flakes of color. But her white-blonde hair illuminated from the sunlight. Soft and glowy. Her hair isn't exactly 'white', he figured. It's more like shiny white was sprayed to cover a much darker shade of brown - maybe.
He thought for a while. There had been moments he'd pause… years ago… feeling and looking at the bird feathers… especially white ones… even those left on his cloak… it wasn't during very good times… many of the birds didn't survive the testing of the Vanishing Cabinet… but still…
She carried on writing, completely unaware of an audience this time. Once in a while pausing her writing to think what else to say to the best friend she's ever known in her life. She's lucky to have someone like that.
Elsa has an identity. A heritage. A position of nobility that makes you especially noticeable among the people. Responsibilities you have to live with. Not always to your pleasure. She can find goodness when dealing with all that. Being herself. But not oblivious of the dark times…
She gets doubtful – fearful even. She has haunts of her past which still today she gets reminded of. But still determined to not falter herself when she does feel that way – haven been hardened and softened by her past…like ice. Working with her fears and limitations while maintaining her grace and dignity, giving opponents little chances to call her 'weak'. And not immaturely headstrong or fiery like a Gryffindor. Just the occasional doubts and fears…
When she had the chance she ran for her sister and her kingdom – not to join the now heroic band that struts around. That makes him feel less sour…he doesn't feel like he's talking to a superior… he feels he can talk to her…
Perhaps surprising him how she makes him feel for the first time in his life he's conversing with an 'equal'. He knew from the beginning she's very different. That she shouldn't be leveled up the same with other people.
While her past helped her feel more confident… his past made him feel small. She somehow can see light at the end of a dark tunnel clearer…
But while others make him feel smaller, she doesn't. How she has the capacity to remove his masks… even his Occlemency barriers…without making him feel foolish or awkward… he's not really sure himself. She's knowing and accepting him, over the past months, despite perhaps what she's heard people say. Perhaps that he's not even what he thinks himself to be. Then again… she doesn't know everything that really happened…
Elsa continued writing, preoccupied on her quill and parchment, letting Draco now slip half his mind elsewhere.
A memory…
A square block sat before him. It hadn't said nor did anything to him, but he was looking at it with insult and mockery.
'They can't be thinking first years are this daft' he thought to himself. But he proceeded. Didn't want to take too long at this, or risk others thinking he's inefficient in his first classes…
"Depulso"
A bright golden stream shot from his wand, hitting the block to a respectable distance.
"Excellent, Mr. Malfoy" Professor Flitwick said, standing on a pile of books on his desk. "But remember…focus is the key"
'Oh, please' joining his fellow Slytherins, he wished for something more worth his time.
Others took turns at today's practice at Charms class – the Pushing Spell. Like it's not hard to push…still, many made fools of themselves…at least something to lighten his boredom.
"Depulso"
At one point…a block was pushed. The spell was barely audible, but when it stopped sliding across the wooden floor…it reached a few inches even beyond Granger's 'boastful' distance.
"Oh well done, Miss Elsa! Well done!"
He couldn't help to see who this spotlight-snatcher-for-the-class is…
She tried not letting her smile grow too much on her chubby face. Her eyes flicked to the ground. Not awkwardly like most would do…she's just trying to shrug off the idea that's she's being recognized.
"See? You all did excellent. But she's once again shown that it takes feelings and focus to really master Charms" She's definitely securing a place on Flitwick's list of favorites. Still Draco at that time had shot an arrogant look of displeasure from his eyes.
But that was an interesting thought though…
Another memory…
A rectangular prism sat on the table. Lockhart…the clumsy fool…while making a pose during his self-gloating 'lectures' (something about finding long-lost treasure that was 'heavily' guarded?), tripped some sort of pin…that released a hoard of Nifflers from their cage.
Nifflers? What sort of damage they do to be put under 'defense against the dark arts'? Making grabs for shiny objects?
Anyway, the classroom was thrown into turmoil…again. Many made ridiculous expressions while keeping away from the fuzzy little creatures…others were too much touched by their cuteness…or trying to prove their valor by casting missed shots from their wands…
His own foot felt a bit after kicking a few away from himself. He was just wondering how sissy the others were…
Just one sudden glance…brief…she was standing…holding two in her arms…stroking the frightened bodies. Compared to the others doing similarly…her face was set… passive… protective… thoughtful…
"Ah…yes…ten points each to anyone bringing these little monsters back to their cage" he had shifted his glance back at the one who calls himself a 'professor'. At least he didn't run away again this time… "ten points per student…per Niffler…thank you"
Only Lockhart was the humor at that time…
Another memory…
The round face of Crabbe…among the lot with him, sitting against stones and benches while chattering about Part One of the Triwizard Tournament…
"Did you see the look on Potter's face when the Horntail showed up?"
"And how he made a break for it on his broom!"
Snickering, Draco had stretched and crossed his legs, "He should think twice next time before showing himself off that flimsy model of a broom he has"
Glancing about, he received satisfactory results of snickering.
When others took their turns to shoot comments…his eyes caught sight of something.
A bit far off, a younger Beauxbaton girl had inadvertently asked a passerby for help with some homework – thinking she was one of their own. Do you really think the visiting students were given a year's vacation from homework at Hogwarts?
Said student looked at the girl with a surprised face…at the use of French to talk to her. The girl, realizing that the student standing before her is a Ravenclaw…giggled in embarrassment. No sooner did they begin nicely talking to each other. Not really something you see her do often.
When the others found where Draco was looking, they made to pay them…or her to be exact…a visit.
"What's to find there?" he rebuked the others, thinking it's not right now worth their time.
Flint snickered, "Wait till they fly off with her" the others joined him.
Draco did too…but he figured she's too firm for their frilly prance-like nature…
All these years… Potter… self-glory… Potter fans… self-glory… only once in a while she popped up… here and there… very small moments over the years… very small… Come to think of it… he got her name wrong once…
"You must know – that you can't always get away with that sort of behavior"
He just couldn't really tolerate being buried under snow like that…so a few days later he and his thugs came up from behind her at the Great Hall. She was doing homework while sipping on minty-hot-chocolate.
"Then for your own good I suggest you 'behave' yourself" was her easy response. Albeit with a streak of elite mockery.
He closed the book she was reading. She shot back a hard look.
"Those with your types of competence have more need to watch themselves around here – Elaine"
Crabbe and Goyle made sounds like a soft little girl had her feelings hurt.
He was close to smirking at her for that…but the expression on her face stopped him. She looked in a concerned, amused way…like he's making a complete fool of himself.
"You really can't help but make trolls of yourselves" She smoothly countered as she got up to leave. But she still had her eyes shoot with the upper hand. "And for your kind information…it's 'Elsa'" She said right before passing by him.
That was pretty funny… come to think of it…
How things have changed…
Just then, he noticed that a first year Hufflepuff walked over to her bench, and quietly sat down on the corner of it. Not very far off was a group of other first years, whispering and watching carefully. It was obvious she was sent on a dare.
The Hufflepuff sat there quietly, waiting until Elsa senses company and turns to see – which she did after a minute. While face-front neutral, her eyes were alert and watching to make out the student's visit. Especially since the student looked nervous but trying to sound direct and firm.
Draco couldn't really catch every word they exchanged, but he figured it was something about her unikinetic powers. At one point when Elsa spoke she raised her eyebrow and made a small smile at the younger student. The student then giggled a bit like at her own silliness. The group carried on watching.
Her solution to brush off this attempt at confirming the existence of her powers was leveling the capability easy among all witches and wizards – showing the first year the Glacius Charm and how to do it – just lightly. After a few moments of awe and trying for herself (just a few small patches of ice on the stone corridor floor), the student thanked Elsa and bounded off the bench.
Elsa watched her take off with her fellow students, smiling at their messing about as children. Then she went back to her writing.
Actually… her Royal Highness perfectly holds the self-merit and commanding Slytherin edge when keeping people at bay and/or in their places – whether she acknowledges it or not – even much better than any Slytherin classmate or alumni he's seen so far. Even unafraid to come out back at or question him. In an admirable way he has to admit.
She does that without forgetting those few she holds very dear… or at least empathizes…
"It's all about flowing freely" she said…cool, strong and free like ice and snow. Undiscouraged by how hard your past has been on you and by what pathetic thoughts or words people may have.
Finally, Elsa figured she was done. Neatly putting her stuff away, she rose and left in the opposite direction. Watching her disappear around a corner, Draco noticed that all this time… a faint smile was tugging on him. Something now becoming more frequent these last months.
But it only took a few seconds for that to deflate. As Draco finds it sometimes hard to determine if he deserves that… because he's often reminded that he's a real criminal…
A couple of days later, reviewing and preparing for the second round of midterms began. And Defense Against the Dark Arts classes went to studying, for a couple of weeks, different but advanced items related to the subject.
And during an exercise/practice session of the class, letting students interact and tinker with today's object for themselves, Draco found that reading his textbook (it was an item he's all too familiar with by now) was going nowhere, as his eyes kept twitching to a row ahead and to his left.
Elsa was trying to work with a Dark Detector. Frustration was slowly building in her face as she spent the last half hour turning the thing over and scanning it for the switches she's looking for.
The first couple of times he put it off, thinking soon she'll figure it out. Then afterwards, he went to taking glances. Then watching, completely abandoning his book, and feeling itches on his fingers each time she missed the switch she's looking for.
And other students were either too busy with their own stuff, or some Slytherins snickered to themselves, at her and others struggling even more than she is. Not that she's making a scene like some others. And the professor and the most learned like Saint Potter and Granger were more preoccupied with the lost cases.
Finally, mid in the session, he rose from his desk and walked over to hers.
"It's just below where the light is" he said quietly, about the 'ON' switch.
Elsa looked up when Draco came. "Oh, ok" she replied. And she ended up going back to what she was originally doing – square one. Draco sighed.
"Wait" he put a hand on hers and the Dark Detector, to politely make her stop. "It's like this…" one hand carefully under hers holding it up, Draco found himself instructing her and guiding her fingers to where to press what and when. And answering questions she made once or twice. Pretty much helped her better understand.
When she looked up from the Dark Detector at his face, something else struck her. His face went from neutral to upset thinking. He looked a bit pale… tired… like distressed or really bothered over the past few days.
Over the months since term started she did notice that he'd occasionally look bothered or upset. But this time it was somewhat more, and she felt she should ask him.
"Are you ok?"
He jolted to the present, finding Elsa watching his face "Fine. Just some assignments…" he mumbled.
He still seemed bothered. Elsa watched his face, but knew it wouldn't be right to prod him or coax him to tell. He'd only get irritated. Plus she's not the type to do that anyway.
Silence for a while. "Actually, can you help with a couple of Charm's assignments?" He said after a few minutes, before she got to decide what say.
"Like the one due this Monday?"
"Yeah"
It was a more advanced topic… and to be submitted as a thesis. "Sure."
"This Saturday? Grounds at three?"
"Alright" Then she went into thinking. It looked like she too wanted to ask something.
A few seconds later she finally spoke. "I could also use some catching up on Pre-NEWTS for the finals. Same time and place?"
A small smile came on his face. Like after a long while. Fair bartering. Not bad, actually, for her Highness. "Alright"
Gryffindor winning against Slytherin has become a norm now, so practices for the next few weeks focused more on taking Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw 'off their brooms' – roughly quoting Draco's teammates.
"We'll get them!"
"Probably they'll even polish the Cup for us"
While the others bragged among themselves for their improvements and excitement, Draco just sat quietly with them as they rested in the outer grounds of Hogwarts after coming back from the Quidditch field, feeling rather tired but still feeling pretty good about the coming games. Perhaps they'll win more than one game after all.
Just for a moment, his attention switched from the games to watching a distant figure.
The midterm preps have made things very busy. It's been only those once-in-a-week sessions they work on things they need help on. They have another today. And during the rest of the weeks he finds himself, deep down, having moments of subtle impatience.
Elsa stood there, on the grassy hill, overlooking the distant Forbidden Forest. Alone. She was squishing something between her hands. Something that looked like a snowball.
Then, something struck his mind.
She seems bothered. Upset. Trying to not get something to her head but it's really bothering her.
A fellow Quidditch player nudged him, asking aren't they returning to the castle now.
"You go ahead." He indicated to the others, "I'm going to check something"
They didn't really bother themselves with him, so they went off back to the castle, still talking among themselves about their practice and plans. Leaving Draco behind.
After they left, slowly and carefully, Draco approached Elsa, making it to her side. Cocking his head a bit to see her face. She felt an audience but only turned a bit to see – unbothered that it was him.
"What's wrong?"
She shook her head. After a minute she felt him still there, waiting patiently.
She's been trying to get it over herself… but now felt the urge, on her own, to tell… like she needed relief from the burden of holding it in for too long of a while.
"Anna has Scarlet Fever" she mumbled, almost inaudible. She still looked at snowball in her hands.
She recently learned that from Anna's recent letter. Hardly anything was written on it – due to Anna's condition. It was Kristoff who make a quick note to accompany that letter – telling an issue she's been putting off telling as she didn't want to worry Elsa while at school.
It's a rare sickness to have at Arendelle. Rare but severe – only a couple of doctors know how to treat it there.
"She's been having it for two weeks now… and she's…" Elsa mumbled a bit unconsciously, but stopped, like she felt she couldn't say more.
He saw her hands were wringing a bit. The worry in her face for her sister's well-being showed it's really something overwhelming for her.
She felt a warm hand on her shoulder opposite to him. Gentle and warm.
"She'll be fine. She's in good hands" he said in a soft, reassuring voice.
Elsa took a deep breath, taking those words in.
Nothing for a bit. But very slowly, she felt herself slipping into a hug. Taking comfort she rarely had whenever she felt upset… and in need of company.
Draco was taken a bit by surprise. But it didn't take him long to wrap his arms around Elsa. The comfort and warmth even he hardly ever felt.
After a short while they parted slightly, and their eyes finally met, peering in the depths. Draco's gloved hand carefully brushed some hair away from her face. He felt a pinch within when he saw her eyes were glassy. It was pain he came to really understand when horror, hurt and death lurked in his own home for a period of time. His hand rested warmly on her cheek, thumb carefully stroked under her eye.
"She'll be ok"
Elsa felt a tiny smile from his comfort. He didn't sound selfish. He never did. He really felt her pain… he really meant it.
A quiet pause. After a while, "You're going back to the castle?"
Elsa thought a bit. "In a while" she quietly said. Wanting to stay more in the fresh air.
Draco didn't leave. He stayed. Sitting beside Elsa on the grass.
"Let's do today's work some other time"
She only gave a glance at his face, finding that unexpected. She nodded. "Ok" she agreed. And she didn't mind him wrapping an arm to let her rest her head against his shoulder. Just for an hour. Looking off into the approaching dusk.
Midterms… the second round of midterms is approaching fast…
And the grounds and library have become too much packed and noisy for self-study and review. So Elsa chose the tea shop in Hosgmede when she's doing that.
Warm from the chilly March air, Elsa sipped on strong tea, wrote notes and read her books while sitting at a table in the corner. The lighting was warm brown, and the air was filled with the rich smells of different teas and coffees. There were others in the shop too.
At times she felt her mind elsewhere.
Anna is slowly getting better, Thank God. She's never had Scarlet Fever before, and doctors are doing fine for her.
Right now she's doing the conceptual stuff. The practical stuff and spell-making are for when she's studying with Draco…
She paused, feeling her quill stem. Thinking about Draco. He's different… she felt a tiny, thoughtful smile…
But why does he seem so upset and bothered? Is…
Elsa paused. What's that sound? Staying still and quiet, she strained her ears to listen. And she's not the only one. Many of the others in the shop paused to listen as well. A waitress even went near a window and opened it to look out.
Is that a commotion? Elsa watched the faces of those checking to confirm.
Looks of worry and panic came after a few minutes.
"Everyone! Evacuate! And remain on guard!"
Trying to not panic too much, everyone rose to their feet and tried to grab their stuff and quickly get out.
An attack?
Elsa stuffed her bag, rose, and followed the others.
They made it outside in an ordered fashion, safely…
…until a searing, scorched curse hit the parlor frame. Everyone began screaming and scattering.
Elsa briskly moved, instantly making Hogwarts her target to go to. Careful to not bump or get lost in the rising stampede.
But once or twice, explosive or fiery spells bombed the scrambling crowds. Some were hit and hopefully just sustained injuries.
Elsa tried to not get hit by any or anybody frantically pushing by. But the crowd was slowly, slowly getting more panicky.
She just made it to the heart of Hogsemede, when the situation worsened. Flashes of black began flying and zipping over the crowds. The screams went louder. And by now some buildings and shops were vandalized.
In the chaos, she scuffled herself beside a damaged shop. Almost tripping on the broken threshold. She stood there, hoping to just wait until a clearing is made…
… but a strong curse blasted beside her. And it forced her into the building. Getting up, she heard footprints stepping on rubble. She could only briskly move behind some rubble. Her eyes quickly found the conjurer. A thick-looking… cloaked… masked person…
And it was pretty clear that he's made his decision on who to attack. Given his masked head was turned in her direction.
Elsa stayed in her spot. Trying to not move…keeping her breathing quiet too. Keeping an unafraid face, she watched her pursuer to see any signs of him deciding to leave. Maybe he'll go away…
The black mask made it hard to tell what is he thinking.
His foot made an advance…
In a flash, she swiped her hand across, to made an ice wall and stop him from trying to attack. The time for him to try to break it she took to quickly make it out of her hiding place and across the wooden planks and splinters.
This must be a restaurant so there's got to be another exit.
She moved in the direction one would most likely be. But the place was badly damaged and bore little resemblance of what it looked like. And her pursuer knew that. As he shot another spell to deliberately rain soot and thick dust in the air. Elsa coughed, trying to keep it from entering her nose and eyes while remaining alert.
"Have to come back for a rematch. You've already forgotten?" a deep voice sneered.
Elsa paused. Instantly, she recognized the voice…The bulky man from the Riddle House who tried to kill her and Anna!
That means…or confirms…the rogue Deatheaters are here! Raiding Hogsmede! They've managed to come near Hogwarts!
She didn't bother with trying to determine how. For what's important right now is to not get caught or killed.
"Stay back" she glared at him, her voice spoke with icy force. Elsa readied herself to fight.
"Why? Feeling bored for quite some time now" he let out an evil laugh. "Avara kadavra!"
Even if he remembered she could deflect that, which right now she went to redirecting it to burn down a large chunk of wall, he obviously had been craving for action.
Moving backwards and among the debris, Elsa continued to fend him off. At one point she shot icicles – one of which didn't get deflected and made a deep scrape on his arm. Groaning in pain, his look now became more murderous.
After a few more minutes of battle, Elsa was halfway at reaching near that freshly-made hole. Her opponent just continued casting spells…
A strong explosion came, scattering dust and debris more into the air. Both coughing, they looked to find the cause.
In a split second, Elsa also made a dash through the hole, nearly missing another curse casted at her. But he was definitely on her heels.
She turned to grow a sharp slab of ice at him, slowing him in his pursuit. Reaching one point she almost made it outside.
Elsa almost made a gasp, feeling someone grab her arm and pull her with force.
She released her breath. But that was short, as she had to rapidly breathe while running with Draco towards a safer place. Even from a duel of his own. Right near the exit he had to cast a spell at his opponent. Whether missed or not it was enough for them to escape.
Outside they went near where everyone gathered for safety. He still held her arm. Catching her breath, Elsa noticed that Draco didn't look like he wasn't originally in Hogsemede. He was more like he was on Head Boy duty back at the castle.
They turned to find their pursuers, the bulky man and another, now emerge from the building. However, rather than advance towards them, they paused in their tracks. Like they were processing or recognizing something. Or someone. They shot a look of surprise, then looked at each other, and then looked back at Draco… also a bit wondering who's he standing with. Obviously not someone favorable to them…
Then…it was like they received a signal. In a second, they disaperated in black smoke. So did all the others apparently, as Hogsemede was encircled with black smoke, before they completely left in a rather coordinated way to leave past the shield somehow.
Everyone stayed in their spot. Whispers and worries could be heard around.
In no time the Aurors were there, to inspect any traces left by the Deatheaters. They interviewed students and shopkeepers, entered buildings and went through rubbles. He still was holding her firmly by the wrist. Not letting her leave his side.
He looked at Elsa, looking like he was crossed between relieved, worried and 'why you happened to be there at that time?' But his eyes were more relieved that she's ok.
Before either could say anything, the authorities came nearby to them. Now some few Aurors were rounding up everyone from Hogwarts to return back to the castle.
The two stayed together, holding each other's hand as they were escorted back to Hogwarts. All around them people were excitedly talking about the raid. And wondering what could have allowed them in.
Immediately, upon entering Hogwarts they were escorted, along will all the other students who were present during the raid, towards the Headmistress. Given the number of students present at Hogsemede, they were led to her Transfiguration classroom.
When they entered they found McGonagall and Harry Potter arguing and talking with Ministry Officials. Mostly about Hogwarts' security and how the enemy could possibly manage to get in.
But later they went to roll-counting, and briskly checking everyone for injuries or stolen/missing items.
"Well… it's good to see you all unharmed" Professor McGonagall's voice was relieved but worried. She took a deep breath before issuing her order. "I suggest you all return to your dormitories immediately – until further notice. Classes won't be for another hour."
Slowly, in groups everyone dispersed. Those who did suffer injuries were made to go to the Hospital Wing immediately.
Leaving, she felt Draco was moving away from her side. Turning, Elsa found him making to stay behind in the classroom with the Headmistress and others.
"You go" Draco said quietly, indicating everything will be ok.
Elsa watched him go to maybe talk with them. But she couldn't watch, as the Ravenclaw Prefect ushered her to keep up.
The raid was definitely a big topic for the coming days. Almost everywhere Elsa went – be it the Library, the Great Hall, her Common Room or in the classrooms right before the professor comes to begin the class, people all around were whispering or talking about it. And of course, speculations and rumors floated around, like they had reliable evidence to do so.
Even though it was a somewhat small raid, the fact that it was right close to Hogwarts, right in Hogsemede, was enough to cause worry. But it's not really enough to cancel the term.
But on the other hand, it's a very good excuse for Slytherin students to fire up their taunts and pranks. Mostly scaring others about possibly more attacks coming… or trying to make things more difficult for other students. Especially for trying to arose even more suspicions.
Tired from walking, Elsa almost plopped onto a bench in the grounds. Her arm was aching from her bag. But what was really edging her was that she just narrowly escaped detention from Professor Sprout. The plant Elsa was pruning somehow turned into crisp ice, obviously killing it. Thankfully, the fellow Slytherin OWLs student culprit was an amateur prankster and shortly after class his snickering with friends shot up the Professor's ears.
Obviously some just don't have anything better to do…
Elsa just sat there, not even bothering with reading for next class. Groan.
"Just ignore those kind of people"
Elsa turned, finding fellow Ravenclaw girls nearby. They smiled. Elsa just politely smiled back. Obviously it's another story going around.
"I wouldn't be surprised if one of them was responsible for the raid" Padma Patel sarcastically commented, like they're now going back to their original discussion.
Another girl gave a laugh, "They're not that clever…"
"But isn't it obvious who's behind all this?" One girl said.
"Who?"
"Malfoy. Who else?"
"Of course!"
Psst! Thanks to all the readers! There's a poll made about the story's cover (just wanted your opinion here) on my profile. Waiting for input/ideas or if you like it already!
~TO BE CONTINUED…~