Lady of the House-Elves
By: WinkyBells
A/N: Hey, hey, hey!!!! Here's the next chapter, you guys! Sorry that it took so long but I've been struggling with writer's block/lack of inspiration. NOT GOOD BED FELLOWS. If I have any credits-to-people I'll put them at the bottom. And I would like to thank all of you that have been reading the story and have given me great reviews. *Gives the nice reviewers big hug and kiss* THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!! You guys have made me feel special! Well, on with the show...
Chapter 6: Insult And Injury
April was doing her homework when Dawn came to get her for dinner. They sat down and started to chatter about their first day.
"So Dawn, since you're not a student, what do you do here?" April asked before stuffing some potatoes into her face.
"Well," she started, "I'm a teacher's aide. While I help them with papers and stuff, I learn about magic."
"Speakin' of magic! Check this action out," the Queen-Miss exclaimed as she pulled out her wand, "Now to find some poor, unsuspecting sap."
Fred and the others heard this and started to point out people they would like to see embarrassed.
"How about Draco Malfoy," Ginny offered timidly. April's eyes swung towards Malfoy as he came walking by with a bookbag in hand. 'Perfect!' she thought.
"OK! It's not much but I'm proud of it," she said, "Diffindo!"
Draco's bag split in two and laughter rang through the Hall as he stalked toward Harry.
"I know you did that Potter. I swear..." he started.
"Hey! At least give credit where it's due," April said calmly as she stood up and walked to Draco.
"And who do you think you are?" he challenged. She smirked at him, stood up straight, and whistled. The high-pitched sound traveled through the castle, echoing after she had stopped.
"I am a Queen."
As soon as she said this, 15 house-elves including Dobby and Winky appeared with a loud 'CRACK!'
"Yes, Queen-Miss Squab?" they squeaked.
"Squab?" Malfoy laughed as he started to walk away, "I wouldn't waste my time on someone named 'Squab'. Even if they're good-looking."
"Would Queen-Miss like us to mob him?" a strong, brown elf with a round nose inquired.
"If it brings you joy, my friends, so be it. Just remember: don't hurt him too much and come see me when you're finished "playing." Bye!" she said cheerfully as they scampered toward Malfoy, picked him up and started to play catch.
The meal continued on pleasantly since the professors found the spectacle oddly humorous and the smiles on the elves faces melted almost everyone's hearts. After awhile, the elves set a near-ill Draco back at his table and went back to April as she asked.
"And what is your name?" April asked the brown one.
"My name is being Teeny, Queen-Miss!"
"Teeny! How cute! Hey, tell the others that I've got some plans for the weekend, so they need to expect me around 10:30 in the morning."
"Yes, Queen-Miss!"
"You can go and just call me Squab."
"Yes, Queen-Miss!" they exclaimed as they disappeared.
"Gotta get 'em to stop calling me that."
About five minutes later the whole group was heading back to the dorms. After a lengthy whispered fight between the Weasley twins and Harry, George and Harry smoothly drew alongside April, one on each side. 'She's so pretty! I wonder if she'd go out with me,' Harry thought as they walked along. 'She likes me. I can tell. April would pick me over Fred anyday,' thought George as he smirked to himself.
When they got to the dorm everyone went to work on their homework. Except for George and Fred, who were determined to try and blow something up that night. At about 10:45 PM everybody started to pack up and go to bed. The next day Ron, Harry, and April had Charms, Herbology, Care of Magical Creatures, and Divination. Their first two classes were fine and April was good at Charms. She even beat Hermione Granger at the skill, but Care of Magical Creatures was the class she was looking forward to most. When they got there, April ran toward the makeshift corral, looked around and saw the most beautiful sight. A wide array of shimmering, metallic horses with huge wings stood baying at the gate, each with a horn of precious metal or stone on their heads.
"Aw right! C'mon over an' the class'll start!" Hagrid shouted. The students gathered as Hagrid began his lesson.
"This 'ere is a Pegacorn. A long time back, some wizards found 'em in the Black Forest. Now, the way to treat 'em is, well, kinda like the Hippogriff..."
"Aw, NO! I'm not coming near them if they're like those stupid things!" Malfoy yelled. Before Hagrid could reply April piped up with a resounding, "Nancy-boy!"
"Thank ya'! Jus' what I was thinkin'. Anyways, ya' gotta treat 'em with respect. If ya' try to touch 'em they don't like 'ya, then you'll probably get coupla' broken ribs. Anyone wanna try?"
"ME!" shouted April, looking very excited. Harry and Ron watched nervously as April made her toward a silver mare. Once again, April straightened and put on her regal air before approaching the Pegacorn. She stood before the mare and sank to one knee while bowing her head before whispering, "From one matriarch to another, I bring you greetings and my service, if need be."
She knelt before the Pegacorn until the mare lowered her head and touched the tip of her silver horn to April's forehead.
'Your greetings and service are welcome, Young Matriarch. My people call me Argenta. You may rise,' the mare told April through thought. As the Queen-Miss rose she asked, 'May the others enter, Argenta?'
'Only if they are respectful. And what is your name, Young Matriarch?'
'April. Please excuse me while I tell my classmates to enter.' April took her hand off of the mare and said, "Alright y'all! You can come in but be nice, quiet, and there will be no disrespectin'!"
Harry and Ron stepped forward, dragging Neville with them, and entered the corral. April moved toward Neville, took his arm and tried to calm him down.
"Don't be scared, Neville. Here, let me help, okay?" she asked gently.
Neville shook his head 'Yes' and let her lead him toward Argenta.
"Alright Neville, first kneel down. Okay, that's good! Now tell her that you're at her service and wait."
"I, I, I..., I'm at your service," Neville stuttered nervously.
'Please go easy on him, Argenta,' April thought to the horse.
'He seems petrified. Are you sure he is trustworthy?'
'Neville's timid, but he's got a heart of gold.'
Argenta placed her horn on his head and Neville started beaming. April looked around at the students as Neville stood petting Argenta. She watched Draco as he started making a nuisance of himself.
"Hey, Crabbe, I think this horse is as dumb as you are," Malfoy laughed as the metallic blue horse bayed and fumed. It started to shake it's head at Malfoy and shove him.
"HEY!" shouted Draco as the horse reared up to kick him. April ran towards the horse and leaped in front of Draco, allowing the horse to kick her instead. The Pegacorn kicked her twice and placed it's head on her shoulder.
'Your Highness, a thousand apologies! It was not my intention to harm you,' the horse thought as Argenta yelled, 'Safir! You impudent colt! When I tell you to stop, I mean immediately!'
'It's alright,' April thought, 'Nothin' I can't handle.'
"April! Are you alright?" Ron yelled as April was lifted to her feet by an unknown set of arms.
"You're gonna take her inta' Madame Pomfrey, NOW!" Hagrid shouted at Malfoy.
"I'm not carrying a mudblood in!"
"DO IT OR WE SEE THA' HEADMASTER!!!" Hagrid screamed, signaling that Draco was going to do what he was told. Draco put April's arm around his neck and, with surprising strength, picked her up and started toward the castle. They walked in almost total silence, except for the occasional complaint about how unfair it was that he had to carry her. They entered the school and were climbing the stairs when Draco said, "I guess I should say thanks, Mudblood."
"Why? I didn't do it for you."
"What?"
"I figured that if I didn't do that, you'd go runnin' to Daddy and try to get rid of Hagrid. I did it for Hagrid, not you," April sighed while turning her head away from his face.
"That was nice."
If that's pity, you're cruel. If it's sarcasm, that's worse."
"No, that was really nice," Draco whispered.
April just stared at him, thoroughly confused by what he said, as he opened the door to the infirmary and set her on a bed. He called to Madame Pomfrey and before he left, said, "Thanks," and gave her a peck on the cheek. Madame Pomfrey came in and asked what had happened. When April replied, Madame Pomfrey raised an eyebrow at the dumbfounded-looking student.
"I'll get my wand, and you'll be back to class in no time."
April sat there, fingertips lightly touching her cheek, and thought, "I don't know whether to feel disgusted or privileged.' And still trying to sort it out, she was heading back to class in five minutes.
A/N: There it is! Hope you enjoyed this part! Bye!!!
By: WinkyBells
A/N: Hey, hey, hey!!!! Here's the next chapter, you guys! Sorry that it took so long but I've been struggling with writer's block/lack of inspiration. NOT GOOD BED FELLOWS. If I have any credits-to-people I'll put them at the bottom. And I would like to thank all of you that have been reading the story and have given me great reviews. *Gives the nice reviewers big hug and kiss* THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!! You guys have made me feel special! Well, on with the show...
Chapter 6: Insult And Injury
April was doing her homework when Dawn came to get her for dinner. They sat down and started to chatter about their first day.
"So Dawn, since you're not a student, what do you do here?" April asked before stuffing some potatoes into her face.
"Well," she started, "I'm a teacher's aide. While I help them with papers and stuff, I learn about magic."
"Speakin' of magic! Check this action out," the Queen-Miss exclaimed as she pulled out her wand, "Now to find some poor, unsuspecting sap."
Fred and the others heard this and started to point out people they would like to see embarrassed.
"How about Draco Malfoy," Ginny offered timidly. April's eyes swung towards Malfoy as he came walking by with a bookbag in hand. 'Perfect!' she thought.
"OK! It's not much but I'm proud of it," she said, "Diffindo!"
Draco's bag split in two and laughter rang through the Hall as he stalked toward Harry.
"I know you did that Potter. I swear..." he started.
"Hey! At least give credit where it's due," April said calmly as she stood up and walked to Draco.
"And who do you think you are?" he challenged. She smirked at him, stood up straight, and whistled. The high-pitched sound traveled through the castle, echoing after she had stopped.
"I am a Queen."
As soon as she said this, 15 house-elves including Dobby and Winky appeared with a loud 'CRACK!'
"Yes, Queen-Miss Squab?" they squeaked.
"Squab?" Malfoy laughed as he started to walk away, "I wouldn't waste my time on someone named 'Squab'. Even if they're good-looking."
"Would Queen-Miss like us to mob him?" a strong, brown elf with a round nose inquired.
"If it brings you joy, my friends, so be it. Just remember: don't hurt him too much and come see me when you're finished "playing." Bye!" she said cheerfully as they scampered toward Malfoy, picked him up and started to play catch.
The meal continued on pleasantly since the professors found the spectacle oddly humorous and the smiles on the elves faces melted almost everyone's hearts. After awhile, the elves set a near-ill Draco back at his table and went back to April as she asked.
"And what is your name?" April asked the brown one.
"My name is being Teeny, Queen-Miss!"
"Teeny! How cute! Hey, tell the others that I've got some plans for the weekend, so they need to expect me around 10:30 in the morning."
"Yes, Queen-Miss!"
"You can go and just call me Squab."
"Yes, Queen-Miss!" they exclaimed as they disappeared.
"Gotta get 'em to stop calling me that."
About five minutes later the whole group was heading back to the dorms. After a lengthy whispered fight between the Weasley twins and Harry, George and Harry smoothly drew alongside April, one on each side. 'She's so pretty! I wonder if she'd go out with me,' Harry thought as they walked along. 'She likes me. I can tell. April would pick me over Fred anyday,' thought George as he smirked to himself.
When they got to the dorm everyone went to work on their homework. Except for George and Fred, who were determined to try and blow something up that night. At about 10:45 PM everybody started to pack up and go to bed. The next day Ron, Harry, and April had Charms, Herbology, Care of Magical Creatures, and Divination. Their first two classes were fine and April was good at Charms. She even beat Hermione Granger at the skill, but Care of Magical Creatures was the class she was looking forward to most. When they got there, April ran toward the makeshift corral, looked around and saw the most beautiful sight. A wide array of shimmering, metallic horses with huge wings stood baying at the gate, each with a horn of precious metal or stone on their heads.
"Aw right! C'mon over an' the class'll start!" Hagrid shouted. The students gathered as Hagrid began his lesson.
"This 'ere is a Pegacorn. A long time back, some wizards found 'em in the Black Forest. Now, the way to treat 'em is, well, kinda like the Hippogriff..."
"Aw, NO! I'm not coming near them if they're like those stupid things!" Malfoy yelled. Before Hagrid could reply April piped up with a resounding, "Nancy-boy!"
"Thank ya'! Jus' what I was thinkin'. Anyways, ya' gotta treat 'em with respect. If ya' try to touch 'em they don't like 'ya, then you'll probably get coupla' broken ribs. Anyone wanna try?"
"ME!" shouted April, looking very excited. Harry and Ron watched nervously as April made her toward a silver mare. Once again, April straightened and put on her regal air before approaching the Pegacorn. She stood before the mare and sank to one knee while bowing her head before whispering, "From one matriarch to another, I bring you greetings and my service, if need be."
She knelt before the Pegacorn until the mare lowered her head and touched the tip of her silver horn to April's forehead.
'Your greetings and service are welcome, Young Matriarch. My people call me Argenta. You may rise,' the mare told April through thought. As the Queen-Miss rose she asked, 'May the others enter, Argenta?'
'Only if they are respectful. And what is your name, Young Matriarch?'
'April. Please excuse me while I tell my classmates to enter.' April took her hand off of the mare and said, "Alright y'all! You can come in but be nice, quiet, and there will be no disrespectin'!"
Harry and Ron stepped forward, dragging Neville with them, and entered the corral. April moved toward Neville, took his arm and tried to calm him down.
"Don't be scared, Neville. Here, let me help, okay?" she asked gently.
Neville shook his head 'Yes' and let her lead him toward Argenta.
"Alright Neville, first kneel down. Okay, that's good! Now tell her that you're at her service and wait."
"I, I, I..., I'm at your service," Neville stuttered nervously.
'Please go easy on him, Argenta,' April thought to the horse.
'He seems petrified. Are you sure he is trustworthy?'
'Neville's timid, but he's got a heart of gold.'
Argenta placed her horn on his head and Neville started beaming. April looked around at the students as Neville stood petting Argenta. She watched Draco as he started making a nuisance of himself.
"Hey, Crabbe, I think this horse is as dumb as you are," Malfoy laughed as the metallic blue horse bayed and fumed. It started to shake it's head at Malfoy and shove him.
"HEY!" shouted Draco as the horse reared up to kick him. April ran towards the horse and leaped in front of Draco, allowing the horse to kick her instead. The Pegacorn kicked her twice and placed it's head on her shoulder.
'Your Highness, a thousand apologies! It was not my intention to harm you,' the horse thought as Argenta yelled, 'Safir! You impudent colt! When I tell you to stop, I mean immediately!'
'It's alright,' April thought, 'Nothin' I can't handle.'
"April! Are you alright?" Ron yelled as April was lifted to her feet by an unknown set of arms.
"You're gonna take her inta' Madame Pomfrey, NOW!" Hagrid shouted at Malfoy.
"I'm not carrying a mudblood in!"
"DO IT OR WE SEE THA' HEADMASTER!!!" Hagrid screamed, signaling that Draco was going to do what he was told. Draco put April's arm around his neck and, with surprising strength, picked her up and started toward the castle. They walked in almost total silence, except for the occasional complaint about how unfair it was that he had to carry her. They entered the school and were climbing the stairs when Draco said, "I guess I should say thanks, Mudblood."
"Why? I didn't do it for you."
"What?"
"I figured that if I didn't do that, you'd go runnin' to Daddy and try to get rid of Hagrid. I did it for Hagrid, not you," April sighed while turning her head away from his face.
"That was nice."
If that's pity, you're cruel. If it's sarcasm, that's worse."
"No, that was really nice," Draco whispered.
April just stared at him, thoroughly confused by what he said, as he opened the door to the infirmary and set her on a bed. He called to Madame Pomfrey and before he left, said, "Thanks," and gave her a peck on the cheek. Madame Pomfrey came in and asked what had happened. When April replied, Madame Pomfrey raised an eyebrow at the dumbfounded-looking student.
"I'll get my wand, and you'll be back to class in no time."
April sat there, fingertips lightly touching her cheek, and thought, "I don't know whether to feel disgusted or privileged.' And still trying to sort it out, she was heading back to class in five minutes.
A/N: There it is! Hope you enjoyed this part! Bye!!!