Disclaimer: Not my stuff, never was my stuff, please don't sue me. All characters belong to JKR or the rightful authors who let me play with them.


Note: Sorry this chapter took so long. I've been very busy with school and such. Hopefully you will enjoy this chapter. At the rate I'm going, it looks like this story is going to be ultra long. Thank you to everyone that reviewed and a special thanks to Kim for helping me get through all this. Everyone say thank you to Kim, because without her the story would have terrible punctuation and lots of misspelled words. Thanks Kim. All right, now onto the chapter and, when you're done, please review!
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Chapter 3 ~ A Nephew, Twins and an Elf





The moonlight sat softly against the edge of the Forbidden Forest while the wind played with the branches of each tree. It was quiet outside the walls of Hogwarts; everything was completely quiet. Hagrid walked merrily back to his hut carrying a few logs of wood that would be used to build a pen for his new pet, a Demiguise. He was particularly excited about this creature, because it resembled an ape and could make itself invisible. Whistling merrily, he didn't notice the pair of eyes that watched him enter his house. Once he entered, the figure bolted towards the school; the moonlight never once identifying the shadow. How things had come to this, she wasn't sure, but she knew exactly who could help her: The same man who had helped her once before. Surveying the grounds, she continued to run, hoping that nothing had identified her. Explaining how she got here would be difficult but it was nothing she wasn't used to. A light flickered past one of the front windows and she waited until it had dimmed from sight. Skulking towards the castle like an animal on the prowl, she inched closer to the school. Carefully, she made her way up to the front door and then, as though she had never emerged from the forest, she disappeared.


***********


Severus Snape closed the door to his chambers and turned around with a smile. It had been years since he had since Rex and he was glad to see him return. Snape moved across the room and motioned for Rex to sit and, as he did, Snape sat in a plush chair by the fire. For awhile they sat there in silence (after all, it had been years since they had seen each other and neither knew particularly what to say). Snape cleared his throat and adjusted himself in his seat.

"Have you been careful out in the field?" he asked, eyeing Rex suspiciously.

"Well, things have been getting harder. I mean, after all, chasing after Dark Lords is not an easy task…" Snape raised his eyebrows as Rex finished, "But I'm fine, perfectly fine."

"Have you encountered any Death Eaters?"

"Oh, plenty, but most of them either plead they were under curses or just ended up fighting till their deaths…Nothing out of the ordinary." Rex sighed and rubbed his temple. "Why are you playing twenty questions with me? You know I am perfectly capable of handling these jobs. I've been doing them since I was barely an adult."

"As hard as it may seem, I do worry about you, " admitted Snape. He pushed his black greasy hair away from his face.

"I noticed Aletta has returned. Can you trust her?…Can Dumbledore?" Rex narrowed his eyes and waited for the answer.

"Dumbledore is the one who contacted her, but, as far as I know, she is not involved with the dark anymore. That doesn't mean you shouldn't keep an eye on her," Snape grumbled.

"She still makes you uncomfortable, doesn't she?" Rex laughed. "After all these years, you still can't forget, can you? I bet you still hold a grudge on that Potter kid as well." He laughed some more. "You have issues…"

"I have none of the sort. I choose to keep my suspicion alert. I don't trust many; you should know that."

"Ah, yes, it's in the Snape blood…What was it you told me once…Suspicion is the key to power?…Ha, you're a funny one, Severus."

"I would rather you keep your jokes outside my presence," Snape sneered gazing into the fire.

"All right! I understand. Now, if you're done lecturing me about my safety, I would like to go to sleep." Rex rose from his chair and stretched. "It's been nice talking to you, Severus."

"Likewise, Rex, but promise me you will keep alert and inform me of anything suspicious."

Rex opened the door and looked over his shoulder. "I promise. Anything funny and you will be the first to know. Goodnight, Uncle." Rex closed the door.

Severus slumped back in his chair. It was bad enough he had to deal with Potter and his moronic friends, but now he had to deal with his wise-ass nephew as well.



***********


The Great Hall was crowded as Harry dragged himself to an empty spot at the Gryffindor table. He had stayed in the room with Hermione, Ron and Strider almost the entire night and he felt like he hadn't slept in days. Hermione didn't speak much after she had told them what happened. It was almost a chore for her to tell the whole story, but Strider was helpful filling in the gaps. Dropping onto the seat, Harry rested his head down on his arms and closed his eyes.

"Rough night, Potter?" Malfoy smirked at him. "Ladies keeping you up all hours?"

"Not now, Malfoy. I'm too tired to-" Harry was cut off by a squeal from the back of the room.

"Draco, have you come to eat with me today?" Willow batted her eyelashes. "You're such a great buddy!" she smiled and sat down. Some of the other Gryffindors stifled their laughs.

"I'm not hungry anymore." Draco turned to walk away but couldn't help but notice Ginny Weasley sitting at the far end of the table. It was funny to see her far away from Potter. She had the reputation of being his walking, talking shadow. Yet, there she was, sitting with that boring friend of hers, and she looked beautiful. He was surprised he didn't notice her last night at the sorting but things had been hectic. He mentally smacked himself.

"Malfoy's do not have pleasant thoughts about Weasels." But the more he looked at her, the more he realized how attractive she had become. Ginny's red hair was not the same flaming red of her git brothers, her eyes were a deep chocolate brown and her complexion was flawless. Then there was her body. She had developed some curves over the summer and it was surely suiting her well. Biting his lip, Draco walked to the end of the table and stopped in front of Ginny and Wren.

"Morning, Virginia," he tried to smile and sound sincere, but, being Draco Malfoy, it sounded sarcastic.

She looked up from her plate of eggs asking, "Do you hear something, Wren? It sounds like dead air. Must be someone unimportant." Ginny resumed eating her eggs and Draco turned in embarrassment. He had just made an utter fool of himself. The Slytherin code was right: Never get involved with someone from another house. But, then, why couldn't he stop staring at her?

Ginny turned to Wren who was crying in hysterics. A small smile formed on her lips and she too began too giggle.

"That was great, Gin! Did you see his face? He actually looked like he cared." Wren snorted back some more laughter. "Oh, wow, that was great!"

"It's odd though; Malfoy never calls me Virginia." She glanced over her shoulder at Malfoy, who was talking to Alina and Camielle.

"You don't think he was serious, do you? I mean, this is Draco Malfoy. THE Draco Malfoy! The same Draco who has harassed you for the past four years." Wren bent in a bit closer whispering, "But you do have to admit, he is rather good to gawk at."

Ginny smiled and continued with her breakfast. The year had barely begun and already she was dreading every minute of seeing Draco Malfoy.



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"What do you have first, Edeline?" Valeriana asked, reaching for a piece of toast. Students had just received their schedules and, being first years, the girls were very nervous.

"Potions with a Professor Snape." Edeline looked up as Elizabeth choked on a piece of her sausage.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry for you, Eddy! That's a terrible class to start with. Snape is a monster." She shook her head.

"I have Potions first too," Leora sighed, tucking her schedule inside one of her books. "It doesn't look like it's going to be fun, but at least we have it with the Ravenclaws. They're nice."

"I have Charms first. Does anyone else have that?" Avalin began.

"I do! We can walk together," Valeriana smiled and gulped down some juice.

"Great! It makes me feel better knowing I won't have to walk alone," Avalin replied.

There was a loud squeal and the students turned to see one of the new Gryffindor girls run over to Draco Malfoy, whom had positioned himself at the table. The girl said a few words and the entire Gryffindor table burst into laughter. Many of the other tables looked around with curiosity.

" What happened?" Rose asked Elizabeth, who was now laughing as well.

"Oh, it was great!" Shayla chimed in. "Willow came running up to the table excited that Draco was going to eat with the Gryffindors." She snorted back some laughter and continued, "He was so taken aback that he just mumbled something and walked away. Can you believe it? Malfoy didn't answer back with a smartass remark." Shayla dropped her head onto the table and continued to laugh.

By now the entire great hall was rolling in laughter and Draco, whom had stopped in front of Ginny Weasley, stormed over to his table where a lame group of Slytherin girls smothered him with their concerns. "Oh, Dracee, are you all right?" Pansy stuck her nose right in Draco's face and, with all his strength, he pushed her aside.

"Not now, Parkinson," he groaned and turned to the girl on his right. He wasn't sure if she was new nor did he actually care. All he wanted to get out of Hogwarts and the quicker the better.

"I don't like her much either," the girl next to him began, not taking her eyes off her banana. "She thinks that everything should revolve around her. Well, honestly, if she ticks me off one more time, my fist will be revolving into her face!"

"What's your name?" Draco asked, intrigued by the girl's attitude. "Are you one of the transfers?"

"Cassidy O'Neil. Yes, I am. I'm from New York."

"Oh, in the States." He looked her over. Thin, wavy hair that hung lanky on her back. Eyes that almost seemed to be changing color with each passing second and a rather skinny build. "So, why did you transfer?"

"My parents," she had still not looked at him, and it was beginning to become annoying to him, "they needed to move suddenly. Something important was going on in England. Pretty lame if I say so." Cassidy tossed the peel onto the table. "But what can I tell you? They breathe, drink, eat and sleep dark arts. I watch and laugh." Finally turning her head, she held out her hand.

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Malfoy." She shook his hand firmly. "My parents knew your parents, so they spoke about you a lot." She looked over his shoulder and glanced at Pansy, who was talking excitedly to Alina. "What do you say we hex her? It would be a good laugh," she giggled.

"First, I meet that Willow girl from America, she's insane, and now you. Gods, why are Americans so strange?"

"We're lucky. I guess." Smiling devilishly, she grabbed her bag. "Hope to see you in one of my classes. It was rather nice speaking to you." She stood from the table and bent down close to Draco's ear, "And, if you want me to hex her, just let me know." Winking, she turned and left the Great Hall, leaving Draco at the table still shaking his head.



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Dana hurried through the halls towards the Quidditch pitch. It was one thing to be late for class, but she had flying with George Weasley today, and being late for that was like forgetting to breathe. Pushing past some first years, she darted outside and smacked into Maika and Hailey.

"Hey, you guys, sorry to be rude but I'm late for flying." Dana grabbed her bag, which had fallen to the floor just as Maika grabbed her shoulder.

"Well, if you wait a second, we will join you. We don't have a class right now so we will come watch you down on the pitch," Maika suggested, nodding towards Hailey, who was next to her.

"Well, come on then. I bet George doesn't even think I'm coming anymore!" Dana yelled over her shoulder as she headed down onto the field.

Hailey stiffened at this remark, which made Maika smile. "Hey, they're not together yet! You still have time to make your move," she whispered.

"Yes, if I want to get my face beaten in by Dana," Hailey replied, rolling her eyes.

"If you two are coming, I suggest picking up the pace!" Dana had stopped and was standing with her hands on her hips. The two girls jogged down to where she was and they continued across the grounds quickly. "What were you two whispering about?" Dana raised her right eyebrow at the two.

"Oh, nothing important. Just wondering who else will be in our Divination class," Maika stated quickly. She liked Dana, and always had, but she didn't want to see Hailey get on the wrong side of her. Hailey gave her a thankful smile and soon they were walking out onto the pitch.

Madam Hooch was scolding Anton and Ryne, whom had been playing chicken on their brooms. The point of the game was to fly as fast as you could towards the other person, and then one of two outcomes would apply: Either you crashed, or one would pull away, leaving the other as the victor. By the way the two looked, neither had won, but the crash had been intense. Hailey and Maika took their seats in the stands and watched Dana run onto the field. Madam Hooch deducted 30 points from Ravenclaw: Twenty for the game of chicken and ten for Dana's lateness.

"I bet she runs over to George now," Maika guessed, and, as though Dana was reading her mind, she ran over to George and gave him a quick hug. He smiled back at her but looked a bit uncomfortable. Lee Jordan laughed at this and then took off on his broom.

"Hi, George! " Maika yelled, pulling his attention away from Dana. He looked over, waved, and then, pushing Dana aside, he mounted his broom and began to fly over.

"What are you doing?" Hailey hissed.

"Introducing you to your love," Maika drawled in a sarcastic tone.

George landed next to them and plopped on the bench. "Ah, Dana's starting already. Reckon I should give her a chance this year, after all, it is our last?" he sighed, wiping some sweat off his face.

"I wouldn't rush into anything, George," Maika patted his shoulder and then turned to Hailey. "George, have you met Hailey yet? She's a 7th year Ravenclaw."

"No, but it's nice to meet you," he held out his hand and Hailey shook it. She felt her face blush a bit when he let go. "Shy, are you? Well, we will have to change that, won't we Maika?" George laughed and then stood. "I better get back to class; I don't want Madam Hooch to get on my case!" Throwing his leg over the side of his broom, he pushed off and flew back over to Lee, who had already begun asking him questions.

"I thought I was going to begin hyperventilating!" Hailey laughed, clutching her chest with her hand.

"Nah, George is too nice to be nervous around." Maika stood and grabbed Hailey by the arm. "Come on! If we're going to get to Divination on time, we best be off." The two waved goodbye to Dana and George and then headed back towards the school.

The corridors were already filling with students as the two jogged up the stairs towards Divination. There was a shout towards the far end of the hall, and the two girls saw Ryo and Harry break apart from one of their famous duels. After bowing to each other like usual, Ryo turned to face Hailey and Maika.

"Ladies, please tell me that you are heading to Divination."

"Have you been fighting with Harry again?" Maika began.

"You didn't answer me," he smiled and turned to Hailey. " Well, are you?"

"Yes, we are. In fact, why don't you join us?" Hailey answered, ushering the two towards the staircase.

Entering the classroom, Hailey took a seat next to Maika and Ryo sat in front of them. The class filled up quickly. Hailey turned in her seat to see in she recognized anyone. Almost immediately, she gasped and grabbed Maika's arm, who yelped in pain.

"Ow! Hailey, what's that all about?" rubbing her shoulder gently, Maika looked at Hailey's eyes, which were transfixed on the door. Fred Weasley walked in with a giant grin on his face. Maika giggle to herself; she had completely forgotten to tell Hailey that George had a twin. "Hello, Fred!" Maika waved to him and he strode over. Turning around to Hailey, Maika almost died by the look of confusion set on Hailey's face.

"Hello, Mai! Have a nice summer?" Fred asked, pulling up a chair.
"It was fine, thanks. Hey, Fred, have you met Hailey? She's a 7th year Ravenclaw."

"Nice to meet you, Hailey," Fred smiled, stretching his hand out.

"Yes, nice to meet me…" Hailey rubbed her forehead.

"Is she all right, Mai? She seems a bit out of it." Fred placed his hand on her forehead and shrugged. "No fever…so it's not the wizard flu…"

"Oh no, Fred, she's fine. She didn't know you and George were twins, so when I called you Fred, she got confused basically because she has this thing fo- Ow!" Maika rubbed her shin. Hailey smiled knowing that she had just kicked Maika quite hard.

"Girls are nutters sometimes…" Shaking his head, Fred turned around and began speaking to Ryo.

"Why didn't you tell me he had a twin?" Hailey cried in a whisper.

"Honestly, it didn't cross my mind," Maika giggled and soon the both were rolling in hysterics.



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Professor Dumbledore sat smugly at his desk, watching the clouds roll gently over the hills in the distance. There was a small gentile knock at the door and Dumbledore, who seemed to be expecting it, smiled.

"Come in…" he called in a clam, soothing tone.

The door creaked open slowly and a slender arm came around. The fingernails were long and beautiful. Soon they were followed by a timid face, which peeked around the edge with curiosity. A long mass of dark brown hair fell across the delicate face and, curling her lips up at the corners, she smiled.

"Are you Professor Dumbledore?" she asked, her voice a bit shaky.

"Yes, and you are?" He stroked his beard with his old fingers.

"Aiwendil Elvenstar. May I come in, sir?" she asked, still peering around the edge of the door.

"Yes, my dear! Please do and close the door behind you." His eyes twinkled as the tall, frail girl entered the room.

She wore a long, dark green dress that was lined with black velvet. The sleeves hung belled and long, and the neckline was low and square. Her hair was pulled back in a clip which revealed slightly pointed ears. Her eyes were a deep green and in them he could see a vast amount of knowledge and torment. Moving across the room, she sat down in the chair across from him and folded her hands on her lap. Dumbledore opened the top drawer of his desk and pulled out a dish filled with small yellow candies.

"Lemon drop?" he asked her, popping one into his mouth.

"No thank you, sir," she answered, her eyes transfixed on the windows.

"I must say your entrance here last night was cunning. I couldn't believe that you were able to apparate through the wards that are sent around the castle."

"You saw me?" she asked, her voice and eyes full of surprise. "But I was so careful…I didn't think anyone saw me…"

"My old eyes see more than most people think they do. Now then," he rose from his chair and walked towards the window, "I will not ask how you found me; I will leave that for my vast imagination to wonder about, but what I do need to know is where you came from and exactly what your doing here."

There was an awkward silence and Aiwendil sighed. Closing her eyes for a moment, a small tear fell from her face. "It's not that I'm bad, sir. Please understand that. It's just that I can't control my urges anymore." She let a few more tears fall from her face. "I've been living now for almost 2000 years, and, being an elf, discovering magic was a blessing. But I took my knowledge too far and now the dark arts consume me. It beckons me to taste the power. It whispers in my ears at night and, the harder I try to avoid it, the more I become intrigued by it. Now…" she lifted her face to the light and looked into the gentle face of Dumbledore, "the Dark Lord, whom you call Voldemort, learned of my power. He's trying to bring me to the dark side. This is why I came here; to learn the way of light, to be safe, and to avoid the pressure of turning dark." Closing her eyes, she sighed.

"Oh, my dear. Well, I can tell you that you have made a good start by coming here. You certainly know how to choose the safest place. Now, as far as residing here, I see no problem in doing so, but you will need to obtain a wand to use," she pulled a wand from her pocket as he continued, "school robes," with a flick of her arm, a set of school robes appeared in her lap, "books, a cauldron, and eh never mind…I'm sure you can obtain them." Dumbledore chuckled a bit and then turned to the tattered sorting hat that sat on the stool. "Now, all you need to do is place this on your head and see where you are sorted." He picked the hat off the stool and placed it on her head.

She waited in silence. The sorting hat remained quiet and motionless, and then, suddenly, she heard a loud voice ring in her ears, "Your head is full of darkness…but your heart pushes towards bravery…Gryffindor would help you achieve that, but there's something more I see…hmm…I must say the choice will ultimately be yours…but for now, your cunning capabilities place you in Slytherin!" the voice of the hat rang out loud and clear. Dumbledore smiled.

"You will join the Slytherin house at dinner this evening. For now, I invite you to stay here and relax."

"Professor, one more thing, it's going to be hard enough to explain to everyone why I'm late and why I look different. Is there any way I could change my name for the school year?" Aiwendil asked.

"I think it would be perfect if we called you Mel, the elvish name for love. I think it would work wonderfully." Looking over his glasses, Dumbledore smiled at her and left the room.

Sinking back into the chair, Aiwendil combed her fingers through her hair. She had done it. She had made it to Hogwarts. Now all she had to do was gain the trust of all the teachers before she could learn everything she needed to know.