h2o COMBUSTION
authors: "aiyah" and "Leftywrite"
rating: R (innuendos, some of the delish stuffs, the usual)
disclaimer:
Saving the limerick for the next chapter We sisters hold for JK Rowling a disclaimer Though if you copy OUR stuff, we'll feed you to a raptor As for the first gal who does, we'll maim 'er.
*ahem* gotta love baaaaaaaaaad (think sheep) poetry.
spoilers: up to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire... until further informational tidbits may be gleaned. (this Might include some stuff in Order of the Phoenix... hard to tell, just yet.)
summary: Okai, folks! Time for a mixed creation from aiyah and Leftywrite. The rating's mostly for innuendo. The story features one dark and handsome French guy, a Bulgarian, and two beautiful Hawaiian exchange students @ Hogwarts. Guess what ensues? READ!!
We are aiyah and Leftywrite. And unless you want to be stuck in the Left's creative blender and run over by aiyah's muses (in cleats...with heart- aiming spoons and smug lions with Ultimate Frisbees...), then we suggest that you sincerely stop whatever copying you were even thinking of starting.
Hei, if you weren't, enjoy the fic! ( {this chapter's brought to you from aiyah}
A/N = aiyah;;;LN=Leftywrite
~*Fic starts here*~
~~~~~~~
Intellectual Intros and Assorted Sorting
"Draco Malfoy's silver eyes wandered around lazily."
"No, no," he told himself mentally. "That sounds like they've popped out of my head and were strolling along the table." He reformed his tattered thoughts, penning a new sentence into his journal:
"Draco Malfoy's silver eyes gazed coolly at the scene before him."
Perfect. It was subtly cliché, but aptly met the standards of an aspiring writer. Then he scowled. What was he doing with all this pish-posh fiddle- faddle, anyhow? Malfoys didn't write. Except for his mother. And her insistence that he start writing. His maternal grandmother was suffering from Alzheimer's Disease - couldn't even remember where she'd last seen her youngest daughter. It was a nasty shock, learning that muggle diseases could invade the wizarding world.
Draco's reverie was broken by a loud bump, similar to a large bird smashing into a large window. His wondering "What was THAT?" was then cut short by the Headmaster standing up. "Welcome to Hogwarts," Dumbledore regally said. "A 'Welcome Back' to those returning, and a brisk 'Hello' to those of you here for the first time. I have just a few announcements: first of all, as Mr. Filch has reassured me, the Forbidden Forest is, as always, off limits to those who do not wish to die a most uncomfortable and untimely death.
"Secondly, we have a lovely addition to our staff in the person of Miss Hecate Luna, seated two seats to my left. She will be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. I suggest you do your very best not to anger her; a peeved Luna is quite the dangerous scene.
"Thirdly, Hogwarts has joined an exchange program, designed to promote healthy relations between various schools. We have the pleasure of two students from Europe, namely Vincent Krum from Durmstrang and Cadence Cardiff from Beauxbatons, as well as two students from the United States: Kahalani and Iwailani Lei, from Hawaii's Ho'okalakupuna Academy. They will joining the Sixth Year class, and they shall be sorted temporarily into Houses before the First Years. Would you four please stand up, so we can greet you with our applause?"
Two figures stood. One was stoop-shouldered and hunched over with a craggy nose and jawline, with a dark sort of look. Ron Weasley nudged Harry Potter. "I bet that one's Vincent. Looks just like his big brother, he does." Harry nodded. He knew Ron had held a deep admiration accompanied by an angry edginess around Viktor Krum, the great Bulgarian seeker who had competed with Harry in their Fourth Year. Viktor had competed with Ron, too, in a way. Though no one knew it yet.
Harry's attention turned to the second figure. A very wiry character, the boy had long, dark, wavy hair pulled up in a macho, biker-boy ponytail. He was pale, very pale, as if he had never seen the sun. What really bothered Harry, though, was the boy's nose. It was slightly, okay Maybe handsomely, out of proportion. It was freaking Harry out-after Snape, big noses always did. Though, compared to Snape, This boy had a button.
But where were the other two students? Dumbledore had only mentioned one last name, so they had to be related.
A huge bang sounded as the Great Doors burst open to emit a flurry of feathers, a dark red streak and a silver streak, glimpses of fluorescence, and a whiff of sunblock in coconut trees with a dash of pineapple. In short, the missing students had arrived.
"Professor Dumbledore! Sorry we're late! We're com-" Two voices and the rapid movement to the Professor's table were suddenly cut short with a squawk and a howl as the two girls fell forward in a jumble of broomsticks, tropical birds, and hot pink luggage.
Immediately, the silver streak stood up. With a belabored sigh, she surveyed the scene and shrugged, bending to pick up a .cockatoo? "And so enter the great Kahalani and Iwailani Lei. I'd say you especially had a nice 'trip,' yea?"
The dark red jumped to her feet as well. "Yea, indeed. Well, you did want to make a good entrance, Iwai. At least we went through the right door this time." She began gathering up their .yes, it Was hot pink. suitcases. "Macadamia, are you all right?" she crooned to the brightly colored .toucan?... in a gold cage.
Draco had never seen a bird-of-paradise before - unless one counted those silly pictures in books for three-year-olds. The girls themselves looked like exotic animals - a flavor of the tropics. They both had almond-shaped eyes and dark-ish hair. Somewhat pointy ears. Small - a bit above a meter, but not much. As sisters, they looked somewhat similar, but the differences were far more noticeable. The dark one was 'dark' because of her black halter top, short skirt, and purple mascara. Her hair was black, with ruby- red streaks. Tangerine-colored beads lined her wrists, onyx hoops dangled from her ears, and a garnet hung around her neck on a black cord. Curvy, yet wiry. She moved with an intense energy, almost like a fire. A devil in stiletto black boots?
Draco's gaze turned to the lighter girl. Her hair was also black, but had silvery-white highlights. Her top was white, with a hint of iridescence, and it flowed to a bell-shaped framing around her wrists, which sported turquoise links. Her long skirt was a shimmery blue, but as she moved, Draco could catch hints of long, slender legs through a scandalous slit up to her mid-thigh. Her earrings were silver drops. She moved fluidly, with a smooth yet natural grace. Willowy, yet tiny. A slightly metallic white around her eyes, and a soft, shimmer pink on her smile. She was a perfect angel.
Both girls were exotically and absolutely beautiful.
Iwai shook her head. "Honestly, Khani. No matter how big a pane of glass is, if it doesn't have a doorknob, it's still a window." She suddenly became aware of the curious crowd of eyes. "Oh. Aloha. Er. Hello? How do you do?"
"Silly goose! There he is." Khani pointed to Dumbledore. "Greetings, Headmaster. I'm Kahalani Lei, from the Ho'okalakupuna Academy in Hawaii. This is my sister Iwailani. Thank you for your hospitality in allowing us to visit your esteemed Hogwarts."
Iwai suddenly started giggling. Khani turned to her. "Er. Iwai?"
"It sounded like you're sightseeing among his pig-pimples!!" With a final hiccup, she finally settled down. "Thanks for inviting us, Professor Dumbledore. Sorry for the mess - we'll get it cleaned up in a jiffy." She muttered a charm, waved a white wand over head in a figure eight, and the menagerie of goods sprang into an obedient column behind her.
"Very nice." Dumbledore had maintained his stately composure, but Iwai could swear that his eyes were twinkling. Seemed like a good-hearted, grandfatherly gentleman guy. "If you will sit at the table with the other exchange students, Miss Lei and Miss Lei, we will let the Sorting Hat determine where you both shall reside during this.trip. And now, let us welcome all of our exchange students with our applause."
Khani grinned. The old man had not gotten furious. They hadn't broken any bones. She was overhearing murmurs of delicious-looking students with yummier accents. It was going to be a good day. Iwai was blushing at the cat calls and whistles that accompanied their walk to the seats. As they sat down, Dumbledore started a speech on advanced classes, talking with professors, etc. Iwai listened attentively at first, then yawned. "Hello," she said to the guy across from her. He grunted, then turned to face Dumbledore. Big chap, though a wee bit on the disgruntled side. Looked almost hunchbacked. Resigned, she turned back to the Headmaster's speech.
"That doesn't really apply to us, you know," came a soft, yet rich and .uniquely. accented voice. Iwai turned to her left. Ooooh. hotness alert. Pale, kinda long-ish nose, but dark blue eyes and - aha! Long hair. Though long hair was more of Khani's fetish. But it looked astounding on him. Definitely a plus. At the same time, "What do you mean it doesn't apply to us?"
The guy smirked. "We're new here. Even if we've been placed among the sixth years, obviously we're going to take placement exams before we settle down. Or do you Americans just jump right in whatever fracas happens to be most entertaining?"
Oof. So much for hotness. Iwai was extremely turned off by the proverbial know-it-alls. *sigh* It was too bad - sounded like half English and half French. An interesting twist, but not worth overcoming an ego bigger than his nose.
"Actually," came a cool retort from her right, "We Americans make a habit of introducing ourselves before insulting others through our oral orifices. I'm Khani, and this is Iwai. You are?"
The guy looked startled, then stared openly at Khani. Cadence had noticed the light - no, silver-haired - girl because of her pretty proximity. However, this fiery maiden next to her - ah, yes. She would be most interesting. He gave a rare smile. Ouch - those muscles were severely out of practice. "Cadence Cardiff, mademoiselle. Introductions are a common custom among the students at Beauxbatons, as well. I beg your pardon for my breach of habit." In a swift motion, he snagged each girl's hand and kissed it.
Iwai looked at her twin, eyebrows raised. "Smooth," her eyes said. Then she remarked, "Beauxbatons, eh? Is that French, Cadence?"
The smirk was back. Iwai groaned. "Egad. Some people try to make a Bit of a conversation for politeness's sake, and other people make a Big deal out of clarity. Quit smirking already. Please."
Cadence was surprised once more. These girls very much did Not have the studied grace of the Beauxbatons' students. And his smirk had charmed the daylights out of several of the poodle-perfect Frenchettes there. These two were quite different. Must be the American-ness. "It is indeed French, Mademoiselle Iwai. I apologize for any 'Big deal' my smirk might have caused."
Iwai grinned. "Don't worry about it, hot shot."
Capricious creatures. Cadence suddenly found himself asking, "So. Which one of you is older?"
Almond-shaped eyes mirrored each other's epicantal glances. Khani broke the silence. "I'd have thought it was obvious, but maybe not so much anymore."
"Yes, that." Iwai looked a trifle perplexed.
"We're twins, Cade - can I call you Cade?" Her eyes raked across his long hair. Khani had a devilish smirk. Cadence thought it quite unfair - she really had a flair for that sort of half-smile.
"But of course," he replied, filing his reasons for this inconsistency with his icy façade away for later.
"We were actually born in two different years, though." Iwai said, thoughtfully. "Khani's on December 31st, and I'm on the first of January. Eight minutes can make all the difference sometimes, yea?" She smiled.
"You're elemental twins." A new voice interrupted their conversation. Vincent Krum was staring at them oddly. The almond-shaped-eye-considering- glance hit him full force, simultaneously. "What?"
And then the Headmaster was calling them: "Mr. Cardiff? Mr. Krum? Miss Lei and Miss Lei? Would you all please step over to the Sorting Hat?"
As Professor McGonagall lifted the black triangularly-peaked cloth, the Sorting Hat suddenly sang out:
"Longer than I can remember
Or you remember as well
I was made by four magical people
Rare wizards who could tell
Exactly who should go where
For if you are
Strong and wise, with courage evermore
For you lies the House of Godric Gryffindor
The Clever of mind and handy with Charms
Are true Ravenclaws who know how to disarm
Being True, hard-working, and loyal
A Hufflepuff can combat the evilest gargoyle
Whereas Sly of smile and Wise of heart
These two qualities set Slytherin apart.
So step up and set me on your head
And listen to have your mind read
Hear your characteristics unbound
And listen to be sorted and found
BY YOUR TRUE HOUSE!"
Professor McGonagall walked over to the Sorting Hat Seat. "The new Sixth Year exchange students first. Alphabetically, as always. Cardiff, Cadence!"
Cadence approached the seat. It was a stool, really. His mother had mentioned nothing of this "sorting" process. Ah well. Best be done with it. He loathed being the object of many eyes. However, it happened often enough that he was getting quite used to it. With the studied poise of the French combined with the gentlemanliness bred into him by an English mother, he sat down smoothly. {Almost like a panther.} Khani thought. {And that hair! An eye-candy yum.} Cade was thinking, {By the gods. What is the matter with these British and their staring?}
"They do this to everyone, student," came a voice in his ear.
Cade was startled, but severely disciplined reflexes prevented him from showing any signs of perturbation. "Oh, really?"
"Yes, quite. Hmm. a boy of such sleek composure, but I know you've got a serpent's sharp tongue. And some wit in that head of yours. Maybe. Somewhere. And treasuring that which is dark and beautiful and all that bit. Ah well. here you go: SLYTHERIN!!!"
Slytherin. The house of the snakes. A white-blond-haired boy gestured to the seat across from him. Cade placed his rear on the seat almost liquidly. Though honestly, the smooth-grace-bit was getting a bit tiresome. The guy's grey eyes regarded him thoughtfully. "Welcome to Slytherin."
Anything else he might have said was duly interrupted by McGonagall's call. "Krum, Vincent!"
The hunched-over-craggily-disgruntled boy stood up and walked over to the Hat. It settled peaceably on Krum's head. A vague muttering was heard, and then the cloth roared, "HUFFLEPUFF!"
Ron was astounded. "Blimey. You'd think all of the Durmstrang sort would be Slytherins. Weird one, that hat."
Hermione turned to face him. "You never know, Ron. Though you were following Viktor happily enough when he was here. In the beginning anyway."
Ron growled. Any reply he would or could have made, however, was cut short by McGonagall calling out, "Lei, Iwailani!"
Ron's interest was refreshingly renewed with another topic. He nudged Harry once again. "Wonder where That one's going to go, eh? They're both so amazingly - "
Hermione shushed him with a vengeance.
Iwai walked fluidly over to the stool, calming her nerves by letting tranquility flow through her veins. Truthfully, she'd expected Khani to go first. The elder twin and all that. Oh well. though she really didn't like hats.
"It's all right, you know," came a wise {or was it 'wizened'?} voice.
Iwai's lips twitched. "Okai, but only if you say so. I'm sure you know best."
She could hear a wide, toothy grin - that is, if hats could grin. And if you could hear a grin. What sort of imagery was that, anyway? "I always do. You definitely have a 'light' quality about you, girl. Not only in the way you dress, but in the choices you make. Light in the midst of dark. Bright courage in the dark. If you let yourself pull through. In fact."
The Sorting Hat burst into song: "Fun, yet simple to sort are you A Gryffindor, both brave and true You flow like rivers, yet you are strong And to courage kept, you do belong You are water, your twin is fire I'll put you where you'll most inspire A link between two houses torn Will appear whence you erode the scorn. GRYFFINDOR!"
Iwai was surprised. Sorting seemed like an eternity, yet no one seemed bored. Must be like Einstein's Theory of Relativity - the one where an hour seems like a minute when you're talking to a pretty boy, and a minute seems like an hour if you're sitting on a hot stove. She shook her head. Was there actually room for science in a magical place like this? McGonagall nodded at her. That had been {Such a weird tune.} Iwai had barely any time to think before abruptly flowing to the red and gold Gryffindor table, amidst many cheers. She started blushing. This was so sweet! A cute staring boy patted a seat next to himself. "Hi," he said congenially. "I'm Harry."
Unfortunately, that's all he had time for. McGonagall called out, "Lei, Kahalani!" Iwai promptly ignored the rest of her surroundings and focused on her twin. The sorting hat fell on Kahalani's dark red-streaked strands with an "oof!"
Khani had watched her sister curiously. {Well, might as well get it over with.} were her thoughts as the Hat was duly emptied. {Save a seat for me, sweetie,} she called mentally. They'd shared so much, it was quite logical that they'd be sharing a room, too. But on the whole, it was quite nice to have someone so close to share so many things. From clothes to jokes. Her thoughts were immediately distracted by a chanting old man. Or was that the Hat?
"Ah, a difficult mix to brew A mix of all, but would this be new? Twins I often send to one But you're different as the moon and sun One is dark, the other light Shine in either - your fire is bright Your twin is water, you are fire You want to fight a place most dire A link between two houses torn Will appear whence you erode the scorn. SLYTHERIN!"
Khani let out a tiny gasp just before the hat announced its decision to everyone. Both pairs of eyes wide with disbelief, Iwai and Khani looked at each other. Different houses?? What?? They had always slept within five feet of each other, and now a whole school would be half-worlds away. A black-robed teacher led Khani over to the Slytherin table.
"It's not all that bad, you know." Khani looked at him, aghast. With a knowing smile, and a swirling of the robes, he retreated.
Meanwhile, Iwai heard a soft "ahem" as someone cleared his throat next to her. Eyes still wide with confusion, Iwailani Lei let her gaze fall on Harry Potter. Optical sea foam darkened with seaweed greens met sympathetic cat-green eyes. "The Hat almost put me in Slytherin, too. You can aspire to be great in either house; they just prize different aspects." He grinned. "Your twin looks like a powerful girl. The Slytherins might need her there."
Iwai puzzled her puzzler. There would be much to discuss later.
"Welcome to Slytherin." A peroxide blond guy motioned Khani to the seat next to the Beauxbatons guy. Not bad placement, overall. it was nice to know someone in the middle of being torn away from the person you knew best. Grrr. how very aggravating.
"What's the what with this 'Welcome' bit, man?" Cade broke in. "Who are you? The alpha-male of the Snake house?"
Peroxide-tresses smirked. "You could say that. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Malfoy. Draco Malfoy. I'd assume that everyone knows who you all are now, Mr. Cardiff and," he paused, "What was it that charming creature called you? Ah yes. 'Khani'?" The now-silver eyes of a white-blond guy gazed at Khani irreverently, almost as if he was eying a piece of chocolate and wanted a taste.
"Okai, bleach-boi," she flippantly retorted. "I'm Kahalani - otherwise known as 'Khani,' but only if I allow you to even whisper that. That's my sister, Iwai - we're the smartest hooligans you'll ever meet, and we work well as a team. That includes academics AND kicking the shiznit out of guys who overstep their boundaries. So keep those roving eyes to yourself, mister. And while you're at it -- get your face a new nose-job and your hair a new rinse."
The tirade was perfectly interrupted by Dumbledore's last words. With pedantic warnings about staying in one's wing and following the prefects' orders, Dumbledore also mentioned the overly erratic tendencies of the staircases to jiggle around this time of year.
"Lovely," Khani muttered. "The staircases have seasonal allergies." Cade's eyes flicked to her. Refreshing, really, especially after a semi-decade of French fluff.
The First Years were then sorted into their own prospective houses.
Harry took that time to introduce Iwai to the other Gryffs. "Iwai -am I saying that right?-this is Ron Weasley - his brothers, Fred and George, are over there. They're twins, too." All three redheads nodded at her. Fred (or was it George?) winked. Ron took her hand. He looked like he was about to kiss it, but then yelped "Ow!!" and promptly let it go. "Err,,, Iwai, that's Hermione. She's the smartest girl in school."
Iwai was puzzled. Quite a recurring theme of the evening. The bushy-haired brunette looked embarrassed, but did extend her own hand. "Hi, Iwai." She smiled.
Fred and George suddenly butted into the conversation. "So what's it like to be Elemental Twins?" they asked in unison. Looking at each other, they laughed, then returned their attention to Iwai. She grinned. A gentle "plop" sounded as a somewhat pudgy boy turned into a canary.
Soon they were all engaged in a playful, all-encompassing conversation. Of course, of course. New girl equals curiosity, especially if the new girl had twin. Everyone had questions about Hawaii, and Iwai was as energetic as a splashing wave. She certainly used her waving hands to illustrate her points. Her sister always described her manner as alternately frivolous and serious, like a bubbling brook and a tidal pool in a river's path. Both of them waxed somewhat poetic at times. The guys all thought she was fun and beautiful. Well, that's what some tiny redhead told her later. Cute thing, really. Tiny didn't quite cut it - Iwai and Khani were only 5'0".
Harry found himself getting closer to her as the dinner stretched on, especially after she'd disclosed a fantastic anecdote about the twins' fifteenth summer, which included a pineapple, a lifeguard, a magenta- colored beach towel, and tofu. Even Hermione was able to overcome her initial wariness, and asked, "What's tofu?" As Iwai animatedly explained about this soy-bean delectable, Harry wondered: Magnetic attraction? Maybe. His hair was dark to her light, but he could sense that they would share the same green-eyed view on many topics. He was curious. very curious. Although. he caught a glimpse of Cho Chang at the Ravenclaw table. She gave him a little smile, and a wave. He started blushing again. What was it with him and Asians?
Cadence and Khani had ignored Draco until his somewhat abject yet objective apology. Even then, Khani had accepted with a regal, yet fiery "Okai, okai. You're forgiven, already!" Thinking, { how very strange }, Draco passed by the Gryffindor table on his way to the loo. Ah... Weasley and Potter. Time to start off the new year. He leaned towards Ron. "Don't think that having a twin in Gryffindor makes a difference with that one, Weasley. She's evil at heart, and has the mouth to prove it." He smirked devilishly. "A very attractive one, at that."
Iwai's mouth turned into a set line. What an arrogant beast. "Of course she's attractive," she said quietly. "But evil at heart? Dearie, you've got to be kidding yourself. I'll bet Khani has higher morals than Dumbledore himself." Then she smiled sweetly. "I'll bet she's got you quaking in her designer boots. Don't forget, boi. You're playing with fire - don't get burned Too quickly."
Draco's attention was immediately caught by this lovely silvery girl. Her streaks highlighted her midnight tresses, her legs peeked through a delectably tasteful slit, and her lips looked extremely kissable. He wondered what it would be like to try. The dark girl was sharp, but made him feel somewhat uncomfortable with her offhandedness. They both were beautiful, but there was something. uncannily familiar about this one.
Iwai gave a short gasp. Her image was in his eyes. She caught her reflection for a split second before it blended in.
"You'd better leave, Ferret," came the calm voice next to her. "Unless you'd like our assistance with that? Gryffindor, at least, treats guests hospitably."
"Ah, getting territorial, Potter? Don't get too temperamental. Or possessive." Draco's eyes now had a speculative gleam. Then he inclined his head with a smirk. "I'm only on my wayward path to the loo." With a sudden bow, he said, "Welcome to Hogwarts, Miss Lei - or rather, 'piggy pimples' at its best." A swirl of the robes, and he was gone.
Ron's mouth dropped open. "If I didn't know any better," he squeezed out, "I would have sworn Malfoy made a joke. Was that what it was?"
Iwai sighed. "No, I'm sure he was only making fun of me. Let's just enjoy dessert, shall we?" Honestly. There was a bully in each school they'd been to. Granted, this was an extremely hot of a bully, but egads - she had met two arrogant beasts and they were both in Slytherin. Was there a pattern here?
A blonde suddenly rose from the table. "Hello, everyone. I'm Katie Bell, and I'll be one of your prefects this term. Please follow me. I'll lead you to your rooms."
And with that, the introductions were over.
authors: "aiyah" and "Leftywrite"
rating: R (innuendos, some of the delish stuffs, the usual)
disclaimer:
Saving the limerick for the next chapter We sisters hold for JK Rowling a disclaimer Though if you copy OUR stuff, we'll feed you to a raptor As for the first gal who does, we'll maim 'er.
*ahem* gotta love baaaaaaaaaad (think sheep) poetry.
spoilers: up to Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire... until further informational tidbits may be gleaned. (this Might include some stuff in Order of the Phoenix... hard to tell, just yet.)
summary: Okai, folks! Time for a mixed creation from aiyah and Leftywrite. The rating's mostly for innuendo. The story features one dark and handsome French guy, a Bulgarian, and two beautiful Hawaiian exchange students @ Hogwarts. Guess what ensues? READ!!
We are aiyah and Leftywrite. And unless you want to be stuck in the Left's creative blender and run over by aiyah's muses (in cleats...with heart- aiming spoons and smug lions with Ultimate Frisbees...), then we suggest that you sincerely stop whatever copying you were even thinking of starting.
Hei, if you weren't, enjoy the fic! ( {this chapter's brought to you from aiyah}
A/N = aiyah;;;LN=Leftywrite
~*Fic starts here*~
~~~~~~~
Intellectual Intros and Assorted Sorting
"Draco Malfoy's silver eyes wandered around lazily."
"No, no," he told himself mentally. "That sounds like they've popped out of my head and were strolling along the table." He reformed his tattered thoughts, penning a new sentence into his journal:
"Draco Malfoy's silver eyes gazed coolly at the scene before him."
Perfect. It was subtly cliché, but aptly met the standards of an aspiring writer. Then he scowled. What was he doing with all this pish-posh fiddle- faddle, anyhow? Malfoys didn't write. Except for his mother. And her insistence that he start writing. His maternal grandmother was suffering from Alzheimer's Disease - couldn't even remember where she'd last seen her youngest daughter. It was a nasty shock, learning that muggle diseases could invade the wizarding world.
Draco's reverie was broken by a loud bump, similar to a large bird smashing into a large window. His wondering "What was THAT?" was then cut short by the Headmaster standing up. "Welcome to Hogwarts," Dumbledore regally said. "A 'Welcome Back' to those returning, and a brisk 'Hello' to those of you here for the first time. I have just a few announcements: first of all, as Mr. Filch has reassured me, the Forbidden Forest is, as always, off limits to those who do not wish to die a most uncomfortable and untimely death.
"Secondly, we have a lovely addition to our staff in the person of Miss Hecate Luna, seated two seats to my left. She will be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. I suggest you do your very best not to anger her; a peeved Luna is quite the dangerous scene.
"Thirdly, Hogwarts has joined an exchange program, designed to promote healthy relations between various schools. We have the pleasure of two students from Europe, namely Vincent Krum from Durmstrang and Cadence Cardiff from Beauxbatons, as well as two students from the United States: Kahalani and Iwailani Lei, from Hawaii's Ho'okalakupuna Academy. They will joining the Sixth Year class, and they shall be sorted temporarily into Houses before the First Years. Would you four please stand up, so we can greet you with our applause?"
Two figures stood. One was stoop-shouldered and hunched over with a craggy nose and jawline, with a dark sort of look. Ron Weasley nudged Harry Potter. "I bet that one's Vincent. Looks just like his big brother, he does." Harry nodded. He knew Ron had held a deep admiration accompanied by an angry edginess around Viktor Krum, the great Bulgarian seeker who had competed with Harry in their Fourth Year. Viktor had competed with Ron, too, in a way. Though no one knew it yet.
Harry's attention turned to the second figure. A very wiry character, the boy had long, dark, wavy hair pulled up in a macho, biker-boy ponytail. He was pale, very pale, as if he had never seen the sun. What really bothered Harry, though, was the boy's nose. It was slightly, okay Maybe handsomely, out of proportion. It was freaking Harry out-after Snape, big noses always did. Though, compared to Snape, This boy had a button.
But where were the other two students? Dumbledore had only mentioned one last name, so they had to be related.
A huge bang sounded as the Great Doors burst open to emit a flurry of feathers, a dark red streak and a silver streak, glimpses of fluorescence, and a whiff of sunblock in coconut trees with a dash of pineapple. In short, the missing students had arrived.
"Professor Dumbledore! Sorry we're late! We're com-" Two voices and the rapid movement to the Professor's table were suddenly cut short with a squawk and a howl as the two girls fell forward in a jumble of broomsticks, tropical birds, and hot pink luggage.
Immediately, the silver streak stood up. With a belabored sigh, she surveyed the scene and shrugged, bending to pick up a .cockatoo? "And so enter the great Kahalani and Iwailani Lei. I'd say you especially had a nice 'trip,' yea?"
The dark red jumped to her feet as well. "Yea, indeed. Well, you did want to make a good entrance, Iwai. At least we went through the right door this time." She began gathering up their .yes, it Was hot pink. suitcases. "Macadamia, are you all right?" she crooned to the brightly colored .toucan?... in a gold cage.
Draco had never seen a bird-of-paradise before - unless one counted those silly pictures in books for three-year-olds. The girls themselves looked like exotic animals - a flavor of the tropics. They both had almond-shaped eyes and dark-ish hair. Somewhat pointy ears. Small - a bit above a meter, but not much. As sisters, they looked somewhat similar, but the differences were far more noticeable. The dark one was 'dark' because of her black halter top, short skirt, and purple mascara. Her hair was black, with ruby- red streaks. Tangerine-colored beads lined her wrists, onyx hoops dangled from her ears, and a garnet hung around her neck on a black cord. Curvy, yet wiry. She moved with an intense energy, almost like a fire. A devil in stiletto black boots?
Draco's gaze turned to the lighter girl. Her hair was also black, but had silvery-white highlights. Her top was white, with a hint of iridescence, and it flowed to a bell-shaped framing around her wrists, which sported turquoise links. Her long skirt was a shimmery blue, but as she moved, Draco could catch hints of long, slender legs through a scandalous slit up to her mid-thigh. Her earrings were silver drops. She moved fluidly, with a smooth yet natural grace. Willowy, yet tiny. A slightly metallic white around her eyes, and a soft, shimmer pink on her smile. She was a perfect angel.
Both girls were exotically and absolutely beautiful.
Iwai shook her head. "Honestly, Khani. No matter how big a pane of glass is, if it doesn't have a doorknob, it's still a window." She suddenly became aware of the curious crowd of eyes. "Oh. Aloha. Er. Hello? How do you do?"
"Silly goose! There he is." Khani pointed to Dumbledore. "Greetings, Headmaster. I'm Kahalani Lei, from the Ho'okalakupuna Academy in Hawaii. This is my sister Iwailani. Thank you for your hospitality in allowing us to visit your esteemed Hogwarts."
Iwai suddenly started giggling. Khani turned to her. "Er. Iwai?"
"It sounded like you're sightseeing among his pig-pimples!!" With a final hiccup, she finally settled down. "Thanks for inviting us, Professor Dumbledore. Sorry for the mess - we'll get it cleaned up in a jiffy." She muttered a charm, waved a white wand over head in a figure eight, and the menagerie of goods sprang into an obedient column behind her.
"Very nice." Dumbledore had maintained his stately composure, but Iwai could swear that his eyes were twinkling. Seemed like a good-hearted, grandfatherly gentleman guy. "If you will sit at the table with the other exchange students, Miss Lei and Miss Lei, we will let the Sorting Hat determine where you both shall reside during this.trip. And now, let us welcome all of our exchange students with our applause."
Khani grinned. The old man had not gotten furious. They hadn't broken any bones. She was overhearing murmurs of delicious-looking students with yummier accents. It was going to be a good day. Iwai was blushing at the cat calls and whistles that accompanied their walk to the seats. As they sat down, Dumbledore started a speech on advanced classes, talking with professors, etc. Iwai listened attentively at first, then yawned. "Hello," she said to the guy across from her. He grunted, then turned to face Dumbledore. Big chap, though a wee bit on the disgruntled side. Looked almost hunchbacked. Resigned, she turned back to the Headmaster's speech.
"That doesn't really apply to us, you know," came a soft, yet rich and .uniquely. accented voice. Iwai turned to her left. Ooooh. hotness alert. Pale, kinda long-ish nose, but dark blue eyes and - aha! Long hair. Though long hair was more of Khani's fetish. But it looked astounding on him. Definitely a plus. At the same time, "What do you mean it doesn't apply to us?"
The guy smirked. "We're new here. Even if we've been placed among the sixth years, obviously we're going to take placement exams before we settle down. Or do you Americans just jump right in whatever fracas happens to be most entertaining?"
Oof. So much for hotness. Iwai was extremely turned off by the proverbial know-it-alls. *sigh* It was too bad - sounded like half English and half French. An interesting twist, but not worth overcoming an ego bigger than his nose.
"Actually," came a cool retort from her right, "We Americans make a habit of introducing ourselves before insulting others through our oral orifices. I'm Khani, and this is Iwai. You are?"
The guy looked startled, then stared openly at Khani. Cadence had noticed the light - no, silver-haired - girl because of her pretty proximity. However, this fiery maiden next to her - ah, yes. She would be most interesting. He gave a rare smile. Ouch - those muscles were severely out of practice. "Cadence Cardiff, mademoiselle. Introductions are a common custom among the students at Beauxbatons, as well. I beg your pardon for my breach of habit." In a swift motion, he snagged each girl's hand and kissed it.
Iwai looked at her twin, eyebrows raised. "Smooth," her eyes said. Then she remarked, "Beauxbatons, eh? Is that French, Cadence?"
The smirk was back. Iwai groaned. "Egad. Some people try to make a Bit of a conversation for politeness's sake, and other people make a Big deal out of clarity. Quit smirking already. Please."
Cadence was surprised once more. These girls very much did Not have the studied grace of the Beauxbatons' students. And his smirk had charmed the daylights out of several of the poodle-perfect Frenchettes there. These two were quite different. Must be the American-ness. "It is indeed French, Mademoiselle Iwai. I apologize for any 'Big deal' my smirk might have caused."
Iwai grinned. "Don't worry about it, hot shot."
Capricious creatures. Cadence suddenly found himself asking, "So. Which one of you is older?"
Almond-shaped eyes mirrored each other's epicantal glances. Khani broke the silence. "I'd have thought it was obvious, but maybe not so much anymore."
"Yes, that." Iwai looked a trifle perplexed.
"We're twins, Cade - can I call you Cade?" Her eyes raked across his long hair. Khani had a devilish smirk. Cadence thought it quite unfair - she really had a flair for that sort of half-smile.
"But of course," he replied, filing his reasons for this inconsistency with his icy façade away for later.
"We were actually born in two different years, though." Iwai said, thoughtfully. "Khani's on December 31st, and I'm on the first of January. Eight minutes can make all the difference sometimes, yea?" She smiled.
"You're elemental twins." A new voice interrupted their conversation. Vincent Krum was staring at them oddly. The almond-shaped-eye-considering- glance hit him full force, simultaneously. "What?"
And then the Headmaster was calling them: "Mr. Cardiff? Mr. Krum? Miss Lei and Miss Lei? Would you all please step over to the Sorting Hat?"
As Professor McGonagall lifted the black triangularly-peaked cloth, the Sorting Hat suddenly sang out:
"Longer than I can remember
Or you remember as well
I was made by four magical people
Rare wizards who could tell
Exactly who should go where
For if you are
Strong and wise, with courage evermore
For you lies the House of Godric Gryffindor
The Clever of mind and handy with Charms
Are true Ravenclaws who know how to disarm
Being True, hard-working, and loyal
A Hufflepuff can combat the evilest gargoyle
Whereas Sly of smile and Wise of heart
These two qualities set Slytherin apart.
So step up and set me on your head
And listen to have your mind read
Hear your characteristics unbound
And listen to be sorted and found
BY YOUR TRUE HOUSE!"
Professor McGonagall walked over to the Sorting Hat Seat. "The new Sixth Year exchange students first. Alphabetically, as always. Cardiff, Cadence!"
Cadence approached the seat. It was a stool, really. His mother had mentioned nothing of this "sorting" process. Ah well. Best be done with it. He loathed being the object of many eyes. However, it happened often enough that he was getting quite used to it. With the studied poise of the French combined with the gentlemanliness bred into him by an English mother, he sat down smoothly. {Almost like a panther.} Khani thought. {And that hair! An eye-candy yum.} Cade was thinking, {By the gods. What is the matter with these British and their staring?}
"They do this to everyone, student," came a voice in his ear.
Cade was startled, but severely disciplined reflexes prevented him from showing any signs of perturbation. "Oh, really?"
"Yes, quite. Hmm. a boy of such sleek composure, but I know you've got a serpent's sharp tongue. And some wit in that head of yours. Maybe. Somewhere. And treasuring that which is dark and beautiful and all that bit. Ah well. here you go: SLYTHERIN!!!"
Slytherin. The house of the snakes. A white-blond-haired boy gestured to the seat across from him. Cade placed his rear on the seat almost liquidly. Though honestly, the smooth-grace-bit was getting a bit tiresome. The guy's grey eyes regarded him thoughtfully. "Welcome to Slytherin."
Anything else he might have said was duly interrupted by McGonagall's call. "Krum, Vincent!"
The hunched-over-craggily-disgruntled boy stood up and walked over to the Hat. It settled peaceably on Krum's head. A vague muttering was heard, and then the cloth roared, "HUFFLEPUFF!"
Ron was astounded. "Blimey. You'd think all of the Durmstrang sort would be Slytherins. Weird one, that hat."
Hermione turned to face him. "You never know, Ron. Though you were following Viktor happily enough when he was here. In the beginning anyway."
Ron growled. Any reply he would or could have made, however, was cut short by McGonagall calling out, "Lei, Iwailani!"
Ron's interest was refreshingly renewed with another topic. He nudged Harry once again. "Wonder where That one's going to go, eh? They're both so amazingly - "
Hermione shushed him with a vengeance.
Iwai walked fluidly over to the stool, calming her nerves by letting tranquility flow through her veins. Truthfully, she'd expected Khani to go first. The elder twin and all that. Oh well. though she really didn't like hats.
"It's all right, you know," came a wise {or was it 'wizened'?} voice.
Iwai's lips twitched. "Okai, but only if you say so. I'm sure you know best."
She could hear a wide, toothy grin - that is, if hats could grin. And if you could hear a grin. What sort of imagery was that, anyway? "I always do. You definitely have a 'light' quality about you, girl. Not only in the way you dress, but in the choices you make. Light in the midst of dark. Bright courage in the dark. If you let yourself pull through. In fact."
The Sorting Hat burst into song: "Fun, yet simple to sort are you A Gryffindor, both brave and true You flow like rivers, yet you are strong And to courage kept, you do belong You are water, your twin is fire I'll put you where you'll most inspire A link between two houses torn Will appear whence you erode the scorn. GRYFFINDOR!"
Iwai was surprised. Sorting seemed like an eternity, yet no one seemed bored. Must be like Einstein's Theory of Relativity - the one where an hour seems like a minute when you're talking to a pretty boy, and a minute seems like an hour if you're sitting on a hot stove. She shook her head. Was there actually room for science in a magical place like this? McGonagall nodded at her. That had been {Such a weird tune.} Iwai had barely any time to think before abruptly flowing to the red and gold Gryffindor table, amidst many cheers. She started blushing. This was so sweet! A cute staring boy patted a seat next to himself. "Hi," he said congenially. "I'm Harry."
Unfortunately, that's all he had time for. McGonagall called out, "Lei, Kahalani!" Iwai promptly ignored the rest of her surroundings and focused on her twin. The sorting hat fell on Kahalani's dark red-streaked strands with an "oof!"
Khani had watched her sister curiously. {Well, might as well get it over with.} were her thoughts as the Hat was duly emptied. {Save a seat for me, sweetie,} she called mentally. They'd shared so much, it was quite logical that they'd be sharing a room, too. But on the whole, it was quite nice to have someone so close to share so many things. From clothes to jokes. Her thoughts were immediately distracted by a chanting old man. Or was that the Hat?
"Ah, a difficult mix to brew A mix of all, but would this be new? Twins I often send to one But you're different as the moon and sun One is dark, the other light Shine in either - your fire is bright Your twin is water, you are fire You want to fight a place most dire A link between two houses torn Will appear whence you erode the scorn. SLYTHERIN!"
Khani let out a tiny gasp just before the hat announced its decision to everyone. Both pairs of eyes wide with disbelief, Iwai and Khani looked at each other. Different houses?? What?? They had always slept within five feet of each other, and now a whole school would be half-worlds away. A black-robed teacher led Khani over to the Slytherin table.
"It's not all that bad, you know." Khani looked at him, aghast. With a knowing smile, and a swirling of the robes, he retreated.
Meanwhile, Iwai heard a soft "ahem" as someone cleared his throat next to her. Eyes still wide with confusion, Iwailani Lei let her gaze fall on Harry Potter. Optical sea foam darkened with seaweed greens met sympathetic cat-green eyes. "The Hat almost put me in Slytherin, too. You can aspire to be great in either house; they just prize different aspects." He grinned. "Your twin looks like a powerful girl. The Slytherins might need her there."
Iwai puzzled her puzzler. There would be much to discuss later.
"Welcome to Slytherin." A peroxide blond guy motioned Khani to the seat next to the Beauxbatons guy. Not bad placement, overall. it was nice to know someone in the middle of being torn away from the person you knew best. Grrr. how very aggravating.
"What's the what with this 'Welcome' bit, man?" Cade broke in. "Who are you? The alpha-male of the Snake house?"
Peroxide-tresses smirked. "You could say that. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Malfoy. Draco Malfoy. I'd assume that everyone knows who you all are now, Mr. Cardiff and," he paused, "What was it that charming creature called you? Ah yes. 'Khani'?" The now-silver eyes of a white-blond guy gazed at Khani irreverently, almost as if he was eying a piece of chocolate and wanted a taste.
"Okai, bleach-boi," she flippantly retorted. "I'm Kahalani - otherwise known as 'Khani,' but only if I allow you to even whisper that. That's my sister, Iwai - we're the smartest hooligans you'll ever meet, and we work well as a team. That includes academics AND kicking the shiznit out of guys who overstep their boundaries. So keep those roving eyes to yourself, mister. And while you're at it -- get your face a new nose-job and your hair a new rinse."
The tirade was perfectly interrupted by Dumbledore's last words. With pedantic warnings about staying in one's wing and following the prefects' orders, Dumbledore also mentioned the overly erratic tendencies of the staircases to jiggle around this time of year.
"Lovely," Khani muttered. "The staircases have seasonal allergies." Cade's eyes flicked to her. Refreshing, really, especially after a semi-decade of French fluff.
The First Years were then sorted into their own prospective houses.
Harry took that time to introduce Iwai to the other Gryffs. "Iwai -am I saying that right?-this is Ron Weasley - his brothers, Fred and George, are over there. They're twins, too." All three redheads nodded at her. Fred (or was it George?) winked. Ron took her hand. He looked like he was about to kiss it, but then yelped "Ow!!" and promptly let it go. "Err,,, Iwai, that's Hermione. She's the smartest girl in school."
Iwai was puzzled. Quite a recurring theme of the evening. The bushy-haired brunette looked embarrassed, but did extend her own hand. "Hi, Iwai." She smiled.
Fred and George suddenly butted into the conversation. "So what's it like to be Elemental Twins?" they asked in unison. Looking at each other, they laughed, then returned their attention to Iwai. She grinned. A gentle "plop" sounded as a somewhat pudgy boy turned into a canary.
Soon they were all engaged in a playful, all-encompassing conversation. Of course, of course. New girl equals curiosity, especially if the new girl had twin. Everyone had questions about Hawaii, and Iwai was as energetic as a splashing wave. She certainly used her waving hands to illustrate her points. Her sister always described her manner as alternately frivolous and serious, like a bubbling brook and a tidal pool in a river's path. Both of them waxed somewhat poetic at times. The guys all thought she was fun and beautiful. Well, that's what some tiny redhead told her later. Cute thing, really. Tiny didn't quite cut it - Iwai and Khani were only 5'0".
Harry found himself getting closer to her as the dinner stretched on, especially after she'd disclosed a fantastic anecdote about the twins' fifteenth summer, which included a pineapple, a lifeguard, a magenta- colored beach towel, and tofu. Even Hermione was able to overcome her initial wariness, and asked, "What's tofu?" As Iwai animatedly explained about this soy-bean delectable, Harry wondered: Magnetic attraction? Maybe. His hair was dark to her light, but he could sense that they would share the same green-eyed view on many topics. He was curious. very curious. Although. he caught a glimpse of Cho Chang at the Ravenclaw table. She gave him a little smile, and a wave. He started blushing again. What was it with him and Asians?
Cadence and Khani had ignored Draco until his somewhat abject yet objective apology. Even then, Khani had accepted with a regal, yet fiery "Okai, okai. You're forgiven, already!" Thinking, { how very strange }, Draco passed by the Gryffindor table on his way to the loo. Ah... Weasley and Potter. Time to start off the new year. He leaned towards Ron. "Don't think that having a twin in Gryffindor makes a difference with that one, Weasley. She's evil at heart, and has the mouth to prove it." He smirked devilishly. "A very attractive one, at that."
Iwai's mouth turned into a set line. What an arrogant beast. "Of course she's attractive," she said quietly. "But evil at heart? Dearie, you've got to be kidding yourself. I'll bet Khani has higher morals than Dumbledore himself." Then she smiled sweetly. "I'll bet she's got you quaking in her designer boots. Don't forget, boi. You're playing with fire - don't get burned Too quickly."
Draco's attention was immediately caught by this lovely silvery girl. Her streaks highlighted her midnight tresses, her legs peeked through a delectably tasteful slit, and her lips looked extremely kissable. He wondered what it would be like to try. The dark girl was sharp, but made him feel somewhat uncomfortable with her offhandedness. They both were beautiful, but there was something. uncannily familiar about this one.
Iwai gave a short gasp. Her image was in his eyes. She caught her reflection for a split second before it blended in.
"You'd better leave, Ferret," came the calm voice next to her. "Unless you'd like our assistance with that? Gryffindor, at least, treats guests hospitably."
"Ah, getting territorial, Potter? Don't get too temperamental. Or possessive." Draco's eyes now had a speculative gleam. Then he inclined his head with a smirk. "I'm only on my wayward path to the loo." With a sudden bow, he said, "Welcome to Hogwarts, Miss Lei - or rather, 'piggy pimples' at its best." A swirl of the robes, and he was gone.
Ron's mouth dropped open. "If I didn't know any better," he squeezed out, "I would have sworn Malfoy made a joke. Was that what it was?"
Iwai sighed. "No, I'm sure he was only making fun of me. Let's just enjoy dessert, shall we?" Honestly. There was a bully in each school they'd been to. Granted, this was an extremely hot of a bully, but egads - she had met two arrogant beasts and they were both in Slytherin. Was there a pattern here?
A blonde suddenly rose from the table. "Hello, everyone. I'm Katie Bell, and I'll be one of your prefects this term. Please follow me. I'll lead you to your rooms."
And with that, the introductions were over.