Chapter 6: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Ta da! I don't lie when I say I'll have a lot more chapters to post in the next few days. ^_^V Anyway, the same warnings goes with this one as they did with the other chapters. Please, please review (anything will do, even if it's to laugh at my weird personality right now), I need something to take my mind off the boredom!!! Ever since I came to visit my grandparents (they live in an elderly home) I have never heard this many people 1) claim that I'm adorable, 2) ask me if I speak Chinese or not even though I'm speaking it right then to my grandma (of course then they proceed to be amazed that an American girl like me can actually speak the language) and 3) to walk slowly so that I don't hurt myself accidentally. Argh!!! This is driving me nutters!!! One can only take so much of this!!! *takes a deep breath* Heh. . .err. . .maybe you should just read the chapter before I can sound any stranger than I already do. *runs around screaming in circles. . .squares. . . triangles. . .rectangles. . .octagons. . .* I have gotta get out of this apartment!!! Confinement is not good for this little author!!!
Chapter 6: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
"Can you believe that with the morrow comes Christmas Eve?" Rai questioned in a whisper as he stood beside Harry. They were out in the deserted courtyard wrapped in their warm Hogwarts cloaks and trudging through the thick snow or at least on the wizard's part; Rai was able to walk lightly over the icy powder without so much as sinking a foot in. Said elf was also curiously studying the beatific spectacle of his school in the winter time, noting every small detail, while Harry was petting Hedwig.
The emerald-eyed wizard smiled gently as he allowed Hedwig to push away from his arm and circle around Hogwarts before nodding. "It's sort of strange. I've always had to spend my holidays mostly alone since Ron and the others tended to return home but now I'm glad that I actually have some people to spend this time with." Harry shifted as he remembered something. "Did Sirin tell you that he wanted to join us for Christmas?"
Rai raised an eyebrow and shook his head. "No he did not. Did he perhaps give a reason? I had never known him for one to celebrate human holidays."
A suspicious blush rose on Harry's cheeks as he averted his gaze to the snow laden ground. His face heated up even more as he noted the twinkle of recognition in Rai's wintry eyes. "Twas you wasn't it? You had asked him."
Harry mumbled something indistinguishable although Rai's keen ears had caught every word and the elf chuckled in amusement before clapping his friend on the back. "And what would this other motive be Lord Potter?"
Glaring at Rai briefly, Harry sighed when he realized he wouldn't be able to back out of the situation now. "He said that he wanted to tell me something important as well and I figured that this would be the best time."
/Draco couldn't mean. . ./ Mustering a smile, Rai couldn't help but secretly hope that this Christmas did not end up in disaster for two of the people that he most cared for.
* * * * *
"Draco?"
Having gotten used to Rai's sudden entrances, the blonde shut his book calmly and turned with a smile to his brunette friend. "Oh hey Rai. What brings you here all of the sudden?"
"I wanted to speak with you pertaining to a certain matter that concerns one Harry Potter." Rai answered bluntly as he dropped onto the other's bed. "Why are you revealing yourself so early?"
The Slytherin sighed as he came to sit near Rai. As the elf studied Draco's expression, he noted the smile that tugged at his lips. "Well, Rai, I am revealing myself on Christmas because I finally got a confession from him about how he feels about me."
"You you? Or Sirin you?" Rai asked.
"Me me." Draco couldn't suppress the joyous grin any longer. "Somehow we had gotten to talking about me and well I managed to get Harry to admit that he liked me." He laughed as he enveloped Rai in a short but tight hug. "Thanks for everything."
Rai chuckled as his eyes glowed happily for his friend. "Twas nothing of my doing. The both of you deserve happiness above all else and it was only natural that you found each other as time took its course." His featured were serious all of the sudden. "Although, if you heed my words, I would suggest that you take your revealing slowly so as to not frighten or anger him."
Draco nodded and gave Rai a small kiss on the forehead. "I will. Thank you again. Trust me when I say you are going to get one hell of a Christmas present for this because no matter what you did play at least a small part in this."
Grinning, Rai silently picked up one of Draco's many books before settling back to read while the other returned to his homework, humming a Christmas tune softly. Pausing before he began to read the first line, the elf studied his companion's back for a long, wistful moment as he thought of that time long ago in Dumbledore's office. '. . . a spell great enough to wipe the memory from all the students that have come into contact with me.' His own words echoed in his ears as he sighed and gave his attention to the text in his hands. /I will miss them all very dearly./
* * * * *
"Are you sure you do not mind remaining by yourself for a while?" Rai asked as he tugged a little awkwardly on his deep blue sweater. Even with all the time he had been among the humans, he had yet to come to terms with their thicker and rougher clothes.
Harry sighed and smiled. "I'll be fine Rai. I'm just gonna finish up my book so take your time with whatever you're going to do."
"I guess so. Well then, I suppose I shall return shortly." The wintry-eyed elf turned and left without any sound that showed his departure expect for the slight thump of the portrait closing behind him.
Shaking his head, the Gryffindor grinned. /He worries too much about everyone./ With that one thought, Harry opened his book and settled in front of the blazing hearth to read in comfort.
* * * * *
Rai couldn't help but feel awed as he strolled down the mostly empty corridors. /They really do put a lot of emphasis on this holiday./ Glancing all about him, his silver-blue eyes darted from the many strings of wreaths to the Christmas trees and the enchanted snow falling from the ceilings, taking it all in. He breathed in deeply and immediately delicious smells assaulted his senses; rich cinnamon spice, freshly baked gingerbread, pungent pine, and underneath it all the distinctive smell of the winter woods.
He chuckled softly to himself when he noted that his observations had left him with a craving for cookies and rounded the next corner to find the kitchen. Rai touched the painting as Harry had taught him and stepped into the warmly lit room.
"Rai Maxwell, sir!" Squeaked one of the house elves and immediately, the brunette was surrounded by the smaller creatures. Rai knew that they had grown fond of him since the first they had met him but he still had yet to figure out the reason. "What can we get you?"
Laughing gently, he knelt down. "Could I just have but a few cookies?" Some of the house elves nodded excitedly and raced off to do as Rai asked while the elf stood straight again. His eyes sparkled as he studied the little ones in wonder. /I have never known any creature so willing to please others. I do wonder if they somehow are another evolution of my own people. After all, that would somehow explain the pointed ears. Although they may have a taste of Goblin blood in them./ He grimaced at the thoughts of the horrid creatures. /Perhaps but not that much. These house gnomes are far from what I know Goblins to be./
"Here you are."
Rai glanced down and gratefully took the warm snack. "Thank you. You are Dobby are you not?"
"I am. Has Harry Potter told you about me? How is Harry Potter?" The house elf asked eagerly.
"Aye, Harry did tell me about you and he is faring quite well." The elven lord suddenly had a thought. "Oh and before I forget." Reaching into his pocket, Rai pulled out two pairs of eccentric looking socks. "One pair is from Harry and the other are from myself. Happy Christmas Dobby."
"Oh! Thank you! Dobby does love socks!" Hugging Rai's leg, Dobby rushed off to try on his new presents as Rai chuckled and bid everyone farewell before stepping back out into the hallway. "Quite amusing but friendly." He muttered to himself in elvish as he nibbled on the cookies and again set off down the corridor.
Just as he had finished off the last of his treat, Rai came to a stop before an all too familiar gargoyle. Testing out several passwords, the elf entered without hesitation when the statue suddenly came to life and leapt aside. His features were now serious, his previous smile gone as he climbed the stairs and entered Dumbledore's office. "Good morning Lord Dumbledore."
"Ah, Rai. Good morning! Do come in and share some breakfast with me and I've also got something of a present for you. I figured I may as well give it to you now although I must say that you can't open it until Christmas." Dumbledore grinned happily as he handed Rai a box-shaped gift, wrapped in flashing paper. Rai politely accepted the present and in exchange also delivered his and Harry's gifts.
The two sat together for some time, eating and speaking of the holidays and general matters before the elf finally turned the conversation to a more solemn tone. "If I may interrupt, I had originally come for another matter. Tis not that I am saying I did not enjoy our discussion but I believe that I should tell you this before anything else." The wizard nodded for Rai to continue and the elf did with a sigh. "As I had told you before about the developments between Harry and Draco, I also want to report that there have been some more advancements. I truly think that fate has taken her toll and Christmas shall be the day that decides the solidifying or the further disintegration of their relationship."
"How?" Blue eyes twinkled with concern and curiosity as Dumbledore sat down his cup.
Rai released a breath of tension and started to explain, beginning from when he had first become friends with Draco all the way to how he had given the Slytherin the identity of Sirin so that he would be able to attend the Gryffindor Quidditch tryouts. The Headmaster listened intently as the elf explained the growing relationship between Harry and Sirin and then Draco's admittance that he was going to reveal himself to his crush with Harry's unknowing confession that he had loved him.
"We have no voice in the matter do we?" Dumbledore asked after Rai had fallen silent. Said elf shook his head in response and the aged wizard sighed. "Then I only ask that you tell me what happens."
"I shall." The brunette presented a weak smile as he stood. "Then I must be on my way. I should like to take to the woods soon for some time to think and to return to my home."
Dumbledore nodded absently and showed Rai to the door before settling back into his chair. "Watch over them Rai. I know that you have the heart and the power to." He whispered as he closed his eyes in thought.
* * * * *
Rai bit his lip as he sat alone in his talen staring at his gift to Derek and what was left of the wrapping paper that he had obtained from Harry. /Did I make the right choice in giving him this?/ Glancing down at the two intertwined dark strands of hair in his hands, the elf steeled his uncertainty and nodded. /Elbereth Gilthoniel, my lady, please say that I have given this to the rightful owner./ With trembling hands, Rai wrapped the object carefully and sighed as he placed it in the large pouch of presents along with a note. /Well, that is done./
A stirring beneath his tree alerted Rai and automatically notching his bow, the elf peered down into the dim darkness. "Who are you?"
"Tis only I. Aseale." The Unicorn came into sight then and Rai smiled as he gracefully darted down the tree to greet his friend.
"I have missed you Aseale." Leaning, down Rai hugged the creature's neck tightly before backing off. "How have you been?"
Aseale seemed to smile as she allowed her companion to cast his spell and bring them to his talon before relaxing on the floor and answering. "I am well. You?"
"Never better although I do yearn dearly for my kin." Rai said with a hint of gloom in his voice. "Have you heard any news of them?"
Shaking her mane, Aseale gave a whinny of a sigh. "I have not but I have been keeping out an ear for any words among the forest."
Rai's eyes dimmed in disappointment and was about to speak when he heard the distinct noise of someone climbing up into a branch below his talon. Frowning, he glanced to the unicorn to warn her but her ears had already picked up the sound.
"Who is that?"
"I do not know." His worry deepened as he studied the foliage below him. Suddenly he groaned. "Oh no. Tis one of my schoolmates. Aseale, I cannot enact a spell to hide you before he reaches us."
"Then I shall solve that dilemma." She concentrated on one of her few spells and Rai sighed in relief when her shape shifted and before him sat a human girl. Her mane of silvery hair reached just below her waist as enchanted silver eyes grinned at him from a beautiful face. "Will this suffice?"
"Aye." His eyes sparkled with amusement. "Though I cannot say much for the robes."
Aseale looked down to the flowing silver cloth in confusion but it was too late for her to ask Rai for any suggestions when cobalt eyes peeked over the floor boards.
"Derek? What are you doing here so late?" Rai questioned in confusion, instinctively moving to protect Aseale even though he knew that the wizard was no threat to her.
The woman saw the movement and slightly smiled, again wondering how she had found such a wonderful friend. "So this is the one that you favor. No wonder, he is very handsome." Aseale couldn't help teasing her friend in elvish.
Rai sent the silvery-haired woman a glare. "Very amusing Aseale. You enjoy this, don't you?"
"Very much so." The unicorn grinned unexpectedly and then laughed. "You should see your expression at this moment.
Scowling, Rai sat down abruptly with a pout as Derek came to join them. Said Slytherin was now looking back and forth between his two companions in confusion, not understanding the conversation that had taken place. "Do I want to know?"
Rai shook his head. "No you do not and she is just being cruel."
Aseale chuckled before extending her hand for Derek to shake. "My name is Aseale. Tis a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise. I'm Derek Asgaroth." Raising one fine eyebrow, the wizard smiled and appeared to mentally push aside his fleeting thought. Instead he turned to Rai. "Sorry for disturbing you but I was wondering if you wanted to go down to Hogsmeade tomorrow. There's supposed to be a Christmas Eve parade around nine and I figured that we could just hang out at The Three Broomsticks until then."
"I thought that students were not allowed to remain off Hogwart's ground that late." Rai answered, a puzzled expression on his handsome features.
Derek nodded. "Normally we aren't but this is a special occasion and Dumbledore has it arranged every year so that there are coaches to bring us back to the school around midnight. So would you like to come?"
"Sure but could we invite a few other people as well, I would hate to leave them alone for the holiday." Rai offered a smile and flashed Aseale a warning glance.
Derek seemed to reject the idea for a moment before relenting. "That would be fine. Could you be ready by about six?"
Rai nodded. "I will meet you in the entrance hall then."
"Great." The black-haired boy gave Rai a bright grin. "Well, I should head back. Are you going to stay here for a while?"
"I am."
"Alright. Good night then and it was a pleasure meeting you Aseale." Derek soon vanished from sight, leaving the two friends alone once again.
"Do not say it Aseale." Rai warned as the woman's image faded back into that of a unicorn.
Aseale gave him an innocent look, receiving a wary one from the elf in return. "I would not say such things."
Snorting indignantly, Rai decided to move to another topic. "So are you accompanying us tomorrow to Hogsmeade?"
"I do not know. You are aware that I was never that comfortable around humans." Silvery eyes showed her slight nervousness at the mention of being within a crowd of them.
The elven-mage shifted a comforting hand into the unicorn's soft mane. "You need not concern yourself tomorrow though. I shall be there and you know that I have always been willing to protect you no matter what. Besides, I promise that it shall be something that we have both never witnessed before and I have a feeling that it will be grand." He had a fleeting image of Hogwart's interior flash through his mind and it made his heart race with anticipation of tomorrow night.
Aseale gazed up into the pleading eyes and resignedly sigh. "I cannot Rai. Tis not that I am doubting whether you would keep me safe or not but I have matters that I must deal with here tomorrow night."
"Alright then Aseale. I hope that the matters are not too grave." Placing a chaste kiss on the creature's muzzle, Rai embraced her again. "I should also hurry back to the castle for some rest if I am to be awake enough for the parade. Come, I shall let you down." Gathering his pack of gifts, the brunette cast the incantation and slowly they drifted back down to the forest floor. "Sleep well and I shall speak with you again soon."
The unicorn gave her agreeing whinny before racing off into the trees, Rai watched her go and only when she was out of sight did he finally begin to make his trek back to Hogwarts.
T.B.C.
See, didn't I tell you that I had a lot of time on my hands? Hehe, anyway, that's gonna change in about a week. I start at Arizona State University then and that of course means homework. *makes gagging sound* Anyway, I already know the whole lecture that it's good for me and everything but hey that doesn't make me like school any better. *scratches head* Why am I going off on this subject. . .err. . .anyway, please review and I'll get onto writing the next chappie.
Ta da! I don't lie when I say I'll have a lot more chapters to post in the next few days. ^_^V Anyway, the same warnings goes with this one as they did with the other chapters. Please, please review (anything will do, even if it's to laugh at my weird personality right now), I need something to take my mind off the boredom!!! Ever since I came to visit my grandparents (they live in an elderly home) I have never heard this many people 1) claim that I'm adorable, 2) ask me if I speak Chinese or not even though I'm speaking it right then to my grandma (of course then they proceed to be amazed that an American girl like me can actually speak the language) and 3) to walk slowly so that I don't hurt myself accidentally. Argh!!! This is driving me nutters!!! One can only take so much of this!!! *takes a deep breath* Heh. . .err. . .maybe you should just read the chapter before I can sound any stranger than I already do. *runs around screaming in circles. . .squares. . . triangles. . .rectangles. . .octagons. . .* I have gotta get out of this apartment!!! Confinement is not good for this little author!!!
Chapter 6: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
"Can you believe that with the morrow comes Christmas Eve?" Rai questioned in a whisper as he stood beside Harry. They were out in the deserted courtyard wrapped in their warm Hogwarts cloaks and trudging through the thick snow or at least on the wizard's part; Rai was able to walk lightly over the icy powder without so much as sinking a foot in. Said elf was also curiously studying the beatific spectacle of his school in the winter time, noting every small detail, while Harry was petting Hedwig.
The emerald-eyed wizard smiled gently as he allowed Hedwig to push away from his arm and circle around Hogwarts before nodding. "It's sort of strange. I've always had to spend my holidays mostly alone since Ron and the others tended to return home but now I'm glad that I actually have some people to spend this time with." Harry shifted as he remembered something. "Did Sirin tell you that he wanted to join us for Christmas?"
Rai raised an eyebrow and shook his head. "No he did not. Did he perhaps give a reason? I had never known him for one to celebrate human holidays."
A suspicious blush rose on Harry's cheeks as he averted his gaze to the snow laden ground. His face heated up even more as he noted the twinkle of recognition in Rai's wintry eyes. "Twas you wasn't it? You had asked him."
Harry mumbled something indistinguishable although Rai's keen ears had caught every word and the elf chuckled in amusement before clapping his friend on the back. "And what would this other motive be Lord Potter?"
Glaring at Rai briefly, Harry sighed when he realized he wouldn't be able to back out of the situation now. "He said that he wanted to tell me something important as well and I figured that this would be the best time."
/Draco couldn't mean. . ./ Mustering a smile, Rai couldn't help but secretly hope that this Christmas did not end up in disaster for two of the people that he most cared for.
* * * * *
"Draco?"
Having gotten used to Rai's sudden entrances, the blonde shut his book calmly and turned with a smile to his brunette friend. "Oh hey Rai. What brings you here all of the sudden?"
"I wanted to speak with you pertaining to a certain matter that concerns one Harry Potter." Rai answered bluntly as he dropped onto the other's bed. "Why are you revealing yourself so early?"
The Slytherin sighed as he came to sit near Rai. As the elf studied Draco's expression, he noted the smile that tugged at his lips. "Well, Rai, I am revealing myself on Christmas because I finally got a confession from him about how he feels about me."
"You you? Or Sirin you?" Rai asked.
"Me me." Draco couldn't suppress the joyous grin any longer. "Somehow we had gotten to talking about me and well I managed to get Harry to admit that he liked me." He laughed as he enveloped Rai in a short but tight hug. "Thanks for everything."
Rai chuckled as his eyes glowed happily for his friend. "Twas nothing of my doing. The both of you deserve happiness above all else and it was only natural that you found each other as time took its course." His featured were serious all of the sudden. "Although, if you heed my words, I would suggest that you take your revealing slowly so as to not frighten or anger him."
Draco nodded and gave Rai a small kiss on the forehead. "I will. Thank you again. Trust me when I say you are going to get one hell of a Christmas present for this because no matter what you did play at least a small part in this."
Grinning, Rai silently picked up one of Draco's many books before settling back to read while the other returned to his homework, humming a Christmas tune softly. Pausing before he began to read the first line, the elf studied his companion's back for a long, wistful moment as he thought of that time long ago in Dumbledore's office. '. . . a spell great enough to wipe the memory from all the students that have come into contact with me.' His own words echoed in his ears as he sighed and gave his attention to the text in his hands. /I will miss them all very dearly./
* * * * *
"Are you sure you do not mind remaining by yourself for a while?" Rai asked as he tugged a little awkwardly on his deep blue sweater. Even with all the time he had been among the humans, he had yet to come to terms with their thicker and rougher clothes.
Harry sighed and smiled. "I'll be fine Rai. I'm just gonna finish up my book so take your time with whatever you're going to do."
"I guess so. Well then, I suppose I shall return shortly." The wintry-eyed elf turned and left without any sound that showed his departure expect for the slight thump of the portrait closing behind him.
Shaking his head, the Gryffindor grinned. /He worries too much about everyone./ With that one thought, Harry opened his book and settled in front of the blazing hearth to read in comfort.
* * * * *
Rai couldn't help but feel awed as he strolled down the mostly empty corridors. /They really do put a lot of emphasis on this holiday./ Glancing all about him, his silver-blue eyes darted from the many strings of wreaths to the Christmas trees and the enchanted snow falling from the ceilings, taking it all in. He breathed in deeply and immediately delicious smells assaulted his senses; rich cinnamon spice, freshly baked gingerbread, pungent pine, and underneath it all the distinctive smell of the winter woods.
He chuckled softly to himself when he noted that his observations had left him with a craving for cookies and rounded the next corner to find the kitchen. Rai touched the painting as Harry had taught him and stepped into the warmly lit room.
"Rai Maxwell, sir!" Squeaked one of the house elves and immediately, the brunette was surrounded by the smaller creatures. Rai knew that they had grown fond of him since the first they had met him but he still had yet to figure out the reason. "What can we get you?"
Laughing gently, he knelt down. "Could I just have but a few cookies?" Some of the house elves nodded excitedly and raced off to do as Rai asked while the elf stood straight again. His eyes sparkled as he studied the little ones in wonder. /I have never known any creature so willing to please others. I do wonder if they somehow are another evolution of my own people. After all, that would somehow explain the pointed ears. Although they may have a taste of Goblin blood in them./ He grimaced at the thoughts of the horrid creatures. /Perhaps but not that much. These house gnomes are far from what I know Goblins to be./
"Here you are."
Rai glanced down and gratefully took the warm snack. "Thank you. You are Dobby are you not?"
"I am. Has Harry Potter told you about me? How is Harry Potter?" The house elf asked eagerly.
"Aye, Harry did tell me about you and he is faring quite well." The elven lord suddenly had a thought. "Oh and before I forget." Reaching into his pocket, Rai pulled out two pairs of eccentric looking socks. "One pair is from Harry and the other are from myself. Happy Christmas Dobby."
"Oh! Thank you! Dobby does love socks!" Hugging Rai's leg, Dobby rushed off to try on his new presents as Rai chuckled and bid everyone farewell before stepping back out into the hallway. "Quite amusing but friendly." He muttered to himself in elvish as he nibbled on the cookies and again set off down the corridor.
Just as he had finished off the last of his treat, Rai came to a stop before an all too familiar gargoyle. Testing out several passwords, the elf entered without hesitation when the statue suddenly came to life and leapt aside. His features were now serious, his previous smile gone as he climbed the stairs and entered Dumbledore's office. "Good morning Lord Dumbledore."
"Ah, Rai. Good morning! Do come in and share some breakfast with me and I've also got something of a present for you. I figured I may as well give it to you now although I must say that you can't open it until Christmas." Dumbledore grinned happily as he handed Rai a box-shaped gift, wrapped in flashing paper. Rai politely accepted the present and in exchange also delivered his and Harry's gifts.
The two sat together for some time, eating and speaking of the holidays and general matters before the elf finally turned the conversation to a more solemn tone. "If I may interrupt, I had originally come for another matter. Tis not that I am saying I did not enjoy our discussion but I believe that I should tell you this before anything else." The wizard nodded for Rai to continue and the elf did with a sigh. "As I had told you before about the developments between Harry and Draco, I also want to report that there have been some more advancements. I truly think that fate has taken her toll and Christmas shall be the day that decides the solidifying or the further disintegration of their relationship."
"How?" Blue eyes twinkled with concern and curiosity as Dumbledore sat down his cup.
Rai released a breath of tension and started to explain, beginning from when he had first become friends with Draco all the way to how he had given the Slytherin the identity of Sirin so that he would be able to attend the Gryffindor Quidditch tryouts. The Headmaster listened intently as the elf explained the growing relationship between Harry and Sirin and then Draco's admittance that he was going to reveal himself to his crush with Harry's unknowing confession that he had loved him.
"We have no voice in the matter do we?" Dumbledore asked after Rai had fallen silent. Said elf shook his head in response and the aged wizard sighed. "Then I only ask that you tell me what happens."
"I shall." The brunette presented a weak smile as he stood. "Then I must be on my way. I should like to take to the woods soon for some time to think and to return to my home."
Dumbledore nodded absently and showed Rai to the door before settling back into his chair. "Watch over them Rai. I know that you have the heart and the power to." He whispered as he closed his eyes in thought.
* * * * *
Rai bit his lip as he sat alone in his talen staring at his gift to Derek and what was left of the wrapping paper that he had obtained from Harry. /Did I make the right choice in giving him this?/ Glancing down at the two intertwined dark strands of hair in his hands, the elf steeled his uncertainty and nodded. /Elbereth Gilthoniel, my lady, please say that I have given this to the rightful owner./ With trembling hands, Rai wrapped the object carefully and sighed as he placed it in the large pouch of presents along with a note. /Well, that is done./
A stirring beneath his tree alerted Rai and automatically notching his bow, the elf peered down into the dim darkness. "Who are you?"
"Tis only I. Aseale." The Unicorn came into sight then and Rai smiled as he gracefully darted down the tree to greet his friend.
"I have missed you Aseale." Leaning, down Rai hugged the creature's neck tightly before backing off. "How have you been?"
Aseale seemed to smile as she allowed her companion to cast his spell and bring them to his talon before relaxing on the floor and answering. "I am well. You?"
"Never better although I do yearn dearly for my kin." Rai said with a hint of gloom in his voice. "Have you heard any news of them?"
Shaking her mane, Aseale gave a whinny of a sigh. "I have not but I have been keeping out an ear for any words among the forest."
Rai's eyes dimmed in disappointment and was about to speak when he heard the distinct noise of someone climbing up into a branch below his talon. Frowning, he glanced to the unicorn to warn her but her ears had already picked up the sound.
"Who is that?"
"I do not know." His worry deepened as he studied the foliage below him. Suddenly he groaned. "Oh no. Tis one of my schoolmates. Aseale, I cannot enact a spell to hide you before he reaches us."
"Then I shall solve that dilemma." She concentrated on one of her few spells and Rai sighed in relief when her shape shifted and before him sat a human girl. Her mane of silvery hair reached just below her waist as enchanted silver eyes grinned at him from a beautiful face. "Will this suffice?"
"Aye." His eyes sparkled with amusement. "Though I cannot say much for the robes."
Aseale looked down to the flowing silver cloth in confusion but it was too late for her to ask Rai for any suggestions when cobalt eyes peeked over the floor boards.
"Derek? What are you doing here so late?" Rai questioned in confusion, instinctively moving to protect Aseale even though he knew that the wizard was no threat to her.
The woman saw the movement and slightly smiled, again wondering how she had found such a wonderful friend. "So this is the one that you favor. No wonder, he is very handsome." Aseale couldn't help teasing her friend in elvish.
Rai sent the silvery-haired woman a glare. "Very amusing Aseale. You enjoy this, don't you?"
"Very much so." The unicorn grinned unexpectedly and then laughed. "You should see your expression at this moment.
Scowling, Rai sat down abruptly with a pout as Derek came to join them. Said Slytherin was now looking back and forth between his two companions in confusion, not understanding the conversation that had taken place. "Do I want to know?"
Rai shook his head. "No you do not and she is just being cruel."
Aseale chuckled before extending her hand for Derek to shake. "My name is Aseale. Tis a pleasure to meet you."
"Likewise. I'm Derek Asgaroth." Raising one fine eyebrow, the wizard smiled and appeared to mentally push aside his fleeting thought. Instead he turned to Rai. "Sorry for disturbing you but I was wondering if you wanted to go down to Hogsmeade tomorrow. There's supposed to be a Christmas Eve parade around nine and I figured that we could just hang out at The Three Broomsticks until then."
"I thought that students were not allowed to remain off Hogwart's ground that late." Rai answered, a puzzled expression on his handsome features.
Derek nodded. "Normally we aren't but this is a special occasion and Dumbledore has it arranged every year so that there are coaches to bring us back to the school around midnight. So would you like to come?"
"Sure but could we invite a few other people as well, I would hate to leave them alone for the holiday." Rai offered a smile and flashed Aseale a warning glance.
Derek seemed to reject the idea for a moment before relenting. "That would be fine. Could you be ready by about six?"
Rai nodded. "I will meet you in the entrance hall then."
"Great." The black-haired boy gave Rai a bright grin. "Well, I should head back. Are you going to stay here for a while?"
"I am."
"Alright. Good night then and it was a pleasure meeting you Aseale." Derek soon vanished from sight, leaving the two friends alone once again.
"Do not say it Aseale." Rai warned as the woman's image faded back into that of a unicorn.
Aseale gave him an innocent look, receiving a wary one from the elf in return. "I would not say such things."
Snorting indignantly, Rai decided to move to another topic. "So are you accompanying us tomorrow to Hogsmeade?"
"I do not know. You are aware that I was never that comfortable around humans." Silvery eyes showed her slight nervousness at the mention of being within a crowd of them.
The elven-mage shifted a comforting hand into the unicorn's soft mane. "You need not concern yourself tomorrow though. I shall be there and you know that I have always been willing to protect you no matter what. Besides, I promise that it shall be something that we have both never witnessed before and I have a feeling that it will be grand." He had a fleeting image of Hogwart's interior flash through his mind and it made his heart race with anticipation of tomorrow night.
Aseale gazed up into the pleading eyes and resignedly sigh. "I cannot Rai. Tis not that I am doubting whether you would keep me safe or not but I have matters that I must deal with here tomorrow night."
"Alright then Aseale. I hope that the matters are not too grave." Placing a chaste kiss on the creature's muzzle, Rai embraced her again. "I should also hurry back to the castle for some rest if I am to be awake enough for the parade. Come, I shall let you down." Gathering his pack of gifts, the brunette cast the incantation and slowly they drifted back down to the forest floor. "Sleep well and I shall speak with you again soon."
The unicorn gave her agreeing whinny before racing off into the trees, Rai watched her go and only when she was out of sight did he finally begin to make his trek back to Hogwarts.
T.B.C.
See, didn't I tell you that I had a lot of time on my hands? Hehe, anyway, that's gonna change in about a week. I start at Arizona State University then and that of course means homework. *makes gagging sound* Anyway, I already know the whole lecture that it's good for me and everything but hey that doesn't make me like school any better. *scratches head* Why am I going off on this subject. . .err. . .anyway, please review and I'll get onto writing the next chappie.