*Look to prologue for warnings and disclaimers.

Chapter Three: "Conversations"

Legolas could only gape in surprise as a pair of young Men, identical down to the last freckle on their pale faces, strode rapidly towards the small group that he was a part of. Slightly panicked by the strangers, he quickly moved a little ways away from the four friends, his escape fortunately unnoticed by the afore-mentioned group.

The young Elf watched the interaction between his new-found friends and the newcomers with interest. The new arrivals bore a striking resemblance to Ron - flaming red hair and freckles - and the Elf could only assume that these were his brothers, but as he had never made their acquaintance, he waited patiently to be introduced.

It was interesting to observe; the six were obviously close and their familiarity with each other was evident in their actions and expressions. Yet, all of a sudden, as Legolas watched, Aragorn lifted his head at a pause in the conversation, eyes darting worriedly in every direction before they rested on Legolas. He smiled, inclining his head to the rest of the group in the Elf's direction, while at the same time waving the lovely Elf over to join them.

Legolas smiled, relieved that Aragorn hadn't forgotten about him, yet he approached the six Wizards slowly, wary of the two newcomers after his close encounter with Malfoy.

Finally rejoining the group, the golden Elf, eyes slightly apprehensive, unconsciously shifted closer to Aragorn, who placed a hand in the small of his back protectively before beginning the introductions.

"Legolas." The baritone voice paused, waiting for jade eyes to meet his, before continuing.

"This is Fred and George Weasley, Ron's twin brothers. Fred, George, this is Legolas Greenleaf."

Legolas shot a glance at gentle grey eyes before he looked inquisitively at the twins, who were gazing at him with twin expressions of utter awe. The exquisite being couldn't help rolling his eyes; this he was familiar with. However, it never ceased to puzzle him, and he found he was unable to suppress his rising curiosity.

"What in Middle Earth are you gawking at?" he asked impatiently. Eyes bulging and jaws dropping were his only response, and the angelic creature arched a golden eyebrow expectantly, coaxing a weak reply from one of the twins.

"Pardon me?" the redhead choked out.

The Elf's brow creased in confusion, and he repeated himself slowly, mentally speculating at the quality of hearing of these Humans.

Six pairs of eyes gaped at him, yet quickly enough Aragorn seemed to regain his wits and questioned in disbelief, "Are you not aware of your appeal?"

Perplexity overcame Legolas' features completely, and a cascade of flaxen hair fell about slim shoulders as he shook his head.

"I seem to endure that sort of attention from the many of the people that I meet, though the reason they find me attractive has forever alluded me. I see none of this loveliness you speak of," he declared honestly.

Aragorn put a finger under the Elf's chin, tilting his stunning face up so that their eyes could meet, and whispered quietly, "Really? Well, I'm a very honest person-"

"That's right," cut in Ron, elbowing his way to Legolas' side. "He can get downright brutal with that honesty of his. I mean, you may appreciate it now, but the time will come when you'll be wishing that he'd just lie once in a while."

"Ron!" The redhead jumped guiltily at the anger in the deep voice, before answering in a small voice, "Yessir?" Aragorn just stared at him for a moment before sighing melodramatically, a smile twitching at the corners of thin lips. "Oh off with you lot. You're damn hopeless. We'll catch up. Go on, all of you."

Conspiring smiles on their faces, the group of five made to leave, Fred poking Aragorn in the ribs en route, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively at his friend, then at the Elf. The young Wizard swatted at him, but the twin ducked out of reach, giggling like a schoolgirl. Aragorn shook his head, chuckling softly, before yelling after him, "Hold the bloody train, whatever you do. Don't let it leave."

Fred saluted him, grinning like a clown before dashing off to join George, who had already boarded the train.

Turning back towards Legolas, reason fled and Aragorn stopped dead in his tracks at the priceless vision before him.

The Elf was watching him, head cocked to the side, silken tresses a golden waterfall about his shoulders, jade eyes glittering like gems. The young Man felt his breath catch, as the ethereal being smiled broadly at him, asking slyly, "Well?"

Aragorn mentally found his footing once more, amazed that he'd lost it again and adding it to the total of countless times already that the Elf had caught him off guard with just a smile or gesture.

Allowing a smile to form on his tanned, chiselled features, Aragorn replied, "Where were we?"

Green eyes danced mischievously as the Elf answered playfully, "Well, I believe you were going to try a line on me. One I wasn't going to believe most probably, I might add."

The young Man burst out laughing at the remark, before placing a hand to his chest, mimicking the actions of a man that had just been stabbed.

"It's a dagger to my heart, Legolas, that you would think that. Do you really believe me to be so shallow?" he exclaimed theatrically.

The blonde just watched him neutrally, arms crossed, though his eyes still shone bright with mirth.

"Perhaps.but perhaps not. You strike me as a very complex creature, Aragorn. I don't know what to make of you."

Aragorn gazed at him curiously for a moment, and after judging him to be sincere, he retorted good-naturedly, "Well, if I may be so bold, I have absolutely no idea what to make of you either." His voice then filled with wonder. "You seem full of contradictions: serious, yet playful; fierce yet calm. You're truly an enigma."

Legolas smiled sweetly at him, murmuring suggestively, "Well, perhaps we'll both have the opportunity to explore each other's personalities."

Aragorn replied knowingly, "I look forward to it."

Both were held captive by the intense eyes of the other and, unknowingly, they drew closer together, large, tanned hands settling on slim hips and slender fingers twining at the base of a bronzed neck. The embrace was complete when Aragorn wrapped muscular arms tightly around a trim waist, ignoring the Elf's yelp of surprise, only lowering his head to whisper into a pointed ear.

" I really am a very honest person. I say only the truth, and I say you are lovely. You're radiant." A shy smile graced the young Elf's face.

"Why thank you, Aragorn." He said, smile turning coy. "But you're really the handsome one." he finished, pinching Aragorn's cheek in a motherly fashion. The young Man grinned, a blush tinting his face rose, but serious eyes remained locked to those of the Elf, something unspoken passing between them.

After a moment, Aragorn broke the gaze, dark brows knitting together in puzzlement. Curious, Legolas inquired gently, "What? What's wrong?" The young Man smirked, speaking impishly.

"You are aware of your appearance, then? You may seem naïve at first impression, but anyone with half a mind can see that you possess a great deal of wit."

The Elf smiled mysteriously, ere answering.

"I certainly like to think so," he said laughingly, "but you wouldn't happen to be feeding my ego, would you?" He chuckled at Aragorn's guilty expression, before continuing.

"Well, appearances can be deceiving, no? And, as I said earlier, I do need to keep a façade up; I've met all sorts of people, and I most certainly am not naïve. However, it only serves to my advantage for others to think so, though I detest even pretending to be ignorant."

Aragorn pulled him close, murmuring compassionately, "I cannot comprehend why you would ever be in a situation like that." The Elf's only response was to snicker, and mumble into Aragorn's shoulder, "Then it would seem that you're the naïve one, what with your proclamations of my brilliant beauty."

That remark caused the young Man to laugh outright, but he shook his head in disagreement, protesting heartily.

"No; no, I can obviously imagine why you would be in such a situation-your beauty is exquisite, and could most probably drive some to madness, yet what of your family? Should they not keep you away from such things?"

Legolas shook his head sadly, sorrow filling jade orbs to such a degree that Aragorn felt he could cry. He left the subject alone, knowing he had struck a painful cord within the Elf's heart, yet knowing it was not his place to inquire further. Or at least, it wasn't as of yet, though he had every intention of learning everything possible about this ethereal being.

Yet, right now all he could do was embrace the Elf tightly, wondering what kind of secrets this angelic creature was hiding.

They simply stood in each other's arms for a moment, until Aragorn felt an insistent hand pushing against his chest. Taking a step backwards, he looked down at the Elf questioningly. All Legolas did was point at the large clock, which now read ten after eleven. The young Man's eyes widened and he swore loudly, about to race towards the train, but a firm grip on his hand stopped him.

Turning around to face his companion, Aragorn suddenly found soft lips pressed to his own. Shocked, he remained unresponsive for a few seconds before groaning and returning the kiss with equal pressure, devouring the sweet mouth with his own.

The young Man's passion mounted at the moans spilling from Legolas' lips, spurring him into further action. He traced the seam of lips with his tongue, demanding entrance to the moist cavern beyond, and he grunted with pleasure when the Elf parted his lips obediently, allowing him to delve into honeyed depths. Arms encircled Legolas' shapely waist and, crushing the lithe body to his own, Aragorn wrapped his tongue around that of the Elf, eliciting a pleading whimper. The young Man could feel his self- control dissipating; he couldn't bring himself to cease ravishing the lovely Elf's mouth, particularly since his partner, acting on base instinct, was massaging his scalp, and stroking his tongue teasingly with his own.

Finally finding the strength to draw away from the panting Elf, Aragorn, looking upon the flushed face and asked breathily, "Why did you kiss me?"

Legolas grinned in response, retorting, "Did you not enjoy it?"

The young Man blushed, an answering smirk on his handsome face, and was about to voice a stinging retort, but the golden Elf cut him off.

"I know not why, but I feel inexplicably drawn to you. I have never had such an intimate encounter with someone I've just met, but I feel comfortable with you, safe even. I look forward to getting to know you, but I must warn you now; we won't just be kissing anytime, anywhere. That kiss was a one-time occurrence." He winked playfully. "Well, for now at least."

Aragorn felt joy bubbling up within him; he seized the Elf by the waist and spun him around in the air, laughing with delight at Legolas' shout of surprise.

After being set down on the ground once again, Legolas felt a tug at his heart at the look of rapture on Aragorn's face, while gazing at him. He shook his head ruefully at his own uncharacteristic actions and emotions.

"I can't believe we're doing this in such a public place.I can't believe I kissed you in such a place!" he admonished.

Aragorn sniggered, and assured him cheekily, "I didn't mind, really."

The young Elf batted him on the shoulder, eyes sparkling.

"Oh, hush you. We have to go, or they'll leave without us. Come on."

Aragorn caught his arm, his face suddenly solemn. The Elf felt a sense of foreboding as the young Wizard before him cupped his elbow comfortingly, and sucked in a deep breath.

"Wait a minute." he said. "I have to tell you something first. It was really the foremost reason I wanted to speak with you; to warn you. Malfoy goes to Hogwarts.that's how we know him, and Crabbe and Goyle, and-"

"That's their names, then? Crabbe and Goyle?" Legolas murmured pensively.

"Yeah.they'll all be on the train, most probably looking for you," the Man finished quietly.

Legolas paled visibly at that, but composed himself quickly and then all Aragorn noticed was the blazing fire in his eyes, fire that promised revenge.

"Don't fear for me, Aragorn." He stated confidently. "I can take care of myself.I know it may not seem so in your eyes, but you must understand.we were in a public place; I couldn't very well use magic or defend myself properly-it would've attracted far too much attention. But Malfoy will know my wrath, I promise you that."

Aragorn nodded absentmindedly, mesmerised by the passionate being before him.

"I'll be right there if you need anything," the young Man promised.

Jade orbs glanced towards him, conveying their owner's gratitude through the look, as he said, "Let's go, then. I have a fight to win."

The dark-haired Wizard grinned, but his eyes were deadly as he thought of the despicable creature bearing the name Malfoy.

Only minutes later they were boarding the Hogwarts Express and it seemed as though Lady Luck was smiling upon them, for they found immediately the very people they sought for vengeance.

"Hello Malfoy." said Legolas impassively, ire shining in green eyes. "Long time no see. Now, I believe we have a score to settle."