-Quick Chats-
That night before dinner, Legolas went to speak wit Dumbledore and be briefed on anything hadn't been sent in a letter. Legolas politely knocked on the door.
"Come in"
Legolas walked in a took a seat across from Dumbledore"
"Did you receive all my letters?" Dumbledore asked
"I did"
"Did you speak with your father about support from the Elves? Many alliances have been forgotten since most of the Elves departed. I think as long as we can hold off Ganondorf's reach to Earth, we will have time to deal with Voldemort first"
"My father says we'll support you but he cannot guarantee support from the other kingdoms"
"Good. And you know all about the Order of Phoenix?"
"Yes. I bet Saira has already been told a great deal about it by now" Legolas said amused
"I agree. And how is Saira? This summer has been very difficult on her"
"Indeed it has but good can always be found in some form"
Dumbledore looked up at Legolas who was now staring at his boots.
"Tell me, what good might that be?"
"It was undeniable"
"Ha ha. Well on that topic, I'm happy for you, but it may be all the happy things mentioned here. I must warn you about Dolores Umbridge" he said
"We've met. Vile woman"
"Yes, I know but as such, she is now a Professor here. She knows you are here but she is not happy about it. She is frightened by the Elven superiority still held. And her prejudice beliefs do not help"
"I serve a higher order to which she has no control. Her authority over me is a waste of her breath and I will be glad to remind her"
"Be careful and tell Saira to watch what she does or says. Dolores knows nothing of the treasures and I'd like to keep it that way. Plus, both Harry and her and reaching the boiling point of their anger." Dumbledore said, "Ah, dinner"
Legolas left before Dumbledore and met Saira being helped down the stairs with her friends. He beckoned her over to the side
"How are you feeling?" he asked
"Besides getting a detention on the first day, I'm quel (good)"
"Saira, you mustn't anger her. But anyway, when you feel better, we should start your work out again and I though you might also begin teaching me some healing spells so that you'll have someone to cure you for once"
"Thanks. I feel better already but Madam Pomfrey says I must wait until the end of the week before I try anything. If she had her way I'd stay in there until I'm better but I'd go mad" Saira said, "We should probably get to dinner" she said trying to go past him.
He grabbed her hand, "why in such a rush?"
They stepped closer until Saira stopped hearing a 'hem hem' behind her. She turned around leaning on Legolas as she saw Professor Umbridge.
"What's going on here?" she asked
"I'm just speaking with Legolas"
"You should address him more formally," she said though Saira got the impression she didn't mean it.
"There's never been a need before"
"Saira, please go to dinner. Come see me tonight" Legolas said
Saira scowled slightly at Umbridge before slowly making her way inside and joined her friends.
"Prince Legolas Greenleaf. It's a very rare occasion indeed when royalty pays us a visit"
"Dolores Umbridge. For the record, I'm not here on a visit. I'm here to protect"
"There's nothing to protect her from" she stressed the word 'her' even though Legolas mentioned nothing of Saira.
"I can think of one thing" he said staring at her "And there are plenty more outside as well"
"I'm concerned you are too close to Miss Trinity
"Well, that's your opinion and forgive me if I don't care"
"You'd do well to watch yourself. If I catch you and a student in such a way inappropriate for school, I will have you removed.
Legolas said nothing and walked away.
During dinner, Saira was filled in about everyone's summer but lacking details about the Order. They would tell her all about that after dinner. Harry went to his detention and Saira sympathized for him after her vision but she could tell by everyone else's reactions that they didn't know about the quill that cut his hand. That is except for Dmitri. She was slowly heading toward her own detention when Dmitri stopped her.
"I'd switch quills." He said coming around the corner.
"Why?"
"Have you not seen Harry's hand? There is more being done at that detention than lines. Plus I've noticed any other pain adds to the one you already suffer, so it's best you avoid any extra pain"
"Don't worry. I'm sure I'll be fine"
Dmitri gave Saira a peck on the cheek before she knocked on the door. It opened and she wet in where Umbridge was waiting behind her desk. Saira was told to sit down at the same table she'd seen Harry at. The same black quill and parchment lie there too.
"You're to write lines. 'I must not tell lies'"
"May I ask what lies I told?"
"You false statements not only about The Dark Lord but about this Ganondorf as well. Now write and do not question me"
Saira picked up the quill but did not write. She waited a moment until she knew Umbridge wasn't looking then she pulled a quill out of her sleeve and used magic to make it look the same. The ink even looked red like blood. With ease she wrote pages worth and no mark was upon her hand at the end of her detention.
"Alright Miss Trinity. Come here"
Wincing with pain she got up and walked over to Umbridge's desk.
"Let me see your hand" Saira stretched it out, and relished the look on the professor's face at the lack of injury. "Your hand"
"Elves heal quick," Saira said casually.
She pulled her hand out of Umbridge's grip and left without another word. Saira went to Legolas' room and found him unpacking. Saira sat down and waited for him. She talked while he unpacked.
"I just finished with detention. She has some issues no doubt. Harry, Ron and Hermione also filled me in on their summer. I think I had it a little worse coming to the end"
"Everyone has had a hectic summer. Both of you have been through a lot. I suppose you heard about the dementors"
"I heard it all. Harry seem very - um"
"Very what?"
"Angry. Liz senses he's going through a lot still"
"Wouldn't you be?"
"I've been for years"
"Come"
Saira got up and sat next to him on his bed. He lifted her chin up so she was staring into his deep blue eyes. She began leaning in when they heard footsteps and he got up and continued unpacking. Saira was relived when it was only Dumbledore.
"Sorry, am I interrupting?"
"Not at all Professor. I was just leaving" Saira said since she didn't know he knew about them.
"Just a moment Saira, you might like to hear this"
Saira stopped
"Legolas, I'd like you to be a tutor for the students"
"Excuse me?" he asked as if he hadn't heard him right.
"There are no available teaching positions, but considering your expertise, I though you would be a huge benefit for the students. The 5th year students will be taking their O.W.L.S and they can use all the help they can get. Oh, and it will be a reason for you to stay that Dolores cant object to."
"That's great" Saira said happily.
Saira heard more footsteps and Professor Umbridge waddled in. Saira despised the look on her face as if she'd just caught them doing something they shouldn't be.
"May I intrude?"
"Looks like you already did" Legolas said
"Hmph. Albus what is your business here?"
"I've come to ask Legolas to become a tutor for the students. Well?"
Looking straight at Umbridge, he agreed.
"Alright, but then why is Miss Trinity here?"
"I asked her to come see me if you don't recall" Legolas said
"What for?"
"To schedule my training sessions for this year" Saira broke in.
"Saira, I think it's time for you to retire for the night," Dumbledore said
Saira walked out without hesitation. She headed straight for the common room though she was making slow progress up the stairs. However, waiting at the top was none other than Draco Malfoy. Saira stopped about five steps away and looked up at him. He spoke first.
"Vedui. Nae saian lumme'" -Greetings, it has been too long-
"Vedui, quel undome" -Greetings, good evening-
"I'm still learning. My father says I'm wasting my time but you're all I've been able to think about. I thought you'd like it if I knew the language" he said in English
"It's nice you took the time," Saira said climbing the steps and attempting to go by but Draco blocked her
"Saira, I know we left of bad terms"
"I think that's an understatement. Whether there was history between you and my friends or not, you have a tendency to say incredible insults where none are needed" Saira said coldly. She clenched her teeth because her slight anger for him was hurting her.
"It probably wont change either"
"Then why have you stopped me?"
"I had hopes of redeeming myself to you"
"Why?"
"Because you're the only person that's ever made me feel guilty for the things I have said or done"
"That's very flattering but despite all of that, I know what you would seek and nothing can happen between us"
"Why not?"
"Because my heart already belongs to another"
"Ita? That weird Elf guy?" he asked surprised
"No, a different Elf guy"
"Who?"
"It's probably better if you don't know but I'm sure you'll figure it out"
"Be careful" That was all he said before walking off. Saira stood there for several moments feeling a little bad. Last year she'd really liked Draco. He was the first person to take a real interest in her, and was sweet enough to insist upon being with her. Saira pushed out those thoughts and went to her dorm where many people were doing homework in the common room. Saira had a bit but finished quickly and went to bed.
Friday came and went and everyone had been given a mountain of homework. Saira's injury had come a long way but still not to the point where certain things would pain her deeply. They did have something to look forward to; Ron was trying out for Keeper of the quidditch team. Harry was stuck in detention. Many people showed up but in the end, Ron got it. He wasn't the best but the other two candidates had other priorities. Saira wasn't a fan of quidditch really but she supported the team.
They celebrated in the common room. The Weasley twins, Fred and George, had nicked food from the kitchens for a small party. Saira had come to find out that Dmitri was getting to be good friends with them, which she didn't think was such a good thing. Toward the end of the night, Liz and Saira went up to their room, as they were tired of the commotion.
"How are you holding up?" Liz asked
"Better. I'm healing quick thanks to Madam Pomfrey's potion, but it tastes vile."
"This week sure has been busy"
"You're telling me" Saira said, "It's amazing how missing just a few days puts you so far behind. So, what house did Voron get in?"
"Slytherin. I don't get to see him as much because of it."
"I don't get many chances to see Legolas. Umbridge is constantly watching me. She doesn't like Legolas and I'm thinking there's a bit of history"
"Maybe, maybe not. She's known for hating half-breeds" Liz said
"But Elves aren't half-breeds"
"She considers them to be. Says we're mixed with humans"
"That's foolish"
"Yes, well we can't do much about it."
"Can you sense where Umbridge is?" Saira asked
"It's clear. You can go"
"Thanks"
Saira went to Legolas' room and found him reading a book when she walked in. She threw it down, sat down and kissed him as if she hadn't seen him in years. He didn't pull away when she stopped but pulled her back in and returned longingly.
"No toad-woman is going to stop me," Saira said
"I am pleased to hear that"
The door creaked open a little while later but they didn't hear it.
"Um, Saira?" Liz said trying not to laugh
Saira got up since she was lying on top of Legolas kissing him.
"What?"
"Curfew"
"Namaarie" she kissed him one last time then left with Liz
"You looked like you were enjoying yourself" Liz commented on the way up the stairs
"You noticed?" Saira said smiling sarcastically
Saturday was rather boring because everyone was too busy doing homework. Saira didn't have much since she'd been gone. Dmitri was avoiding doing his at all costs but Aranel forced him
After all the Elves were done, Aranel suggested they go remake the courtyard so they would have a place to hang out. All of them went to where it had been the year before. It looked like a normal courtyard for a moment. They each stood at a corner except Voron since he was the only Elf not there. It began taking form as they all concentrated when Ms. 'Hem Hem' showed up.
"What do you think you are doing?" she asked
"Creating our courtyard" Aranel, "Just as we have been doing, or as me and Liz have been doing for 4 years"
"I don't believe you have permission to alter the school premises"
"Um, I believe we do" Dmitri said mockingly "We have Dumbledore's permission"
"I'm going to need a signed parchment proving that"
'They don't need it" Dumbledore had appeared
"Yes they do" Umbridge argued
"These Elves are from a different world. The Ministry had little authority but they have respected our rules anyway and in return they are able to do this"
"The ministry-"
"-Can do nothing. Move on Dolores. You have heard it from me. They have permission despite the lack of need"
Umbridge walked off angrily and Dumbledore had already disappeared before they could thank him. They finished and all went inside.
However the moment Saira stepped inside she was overcome with sadness. She'd spent many a night curled up in Ita's arms. She could see herself lying on the bench with him. Liz gave her a sympathetic look. Aranel too seemed to having trouble coping.
Everything was much quieter in their courtyard, which Elves loved. They liked things to be simple and serene. Aranel continued doing magic when everyone had sat down.
"Aranel, what are you doing?" Dmitri asked
"I'm putting a spell up so that only humans, well anybody, that have not been invited may enter. Excluding us since we're already here. It's mainly to keep Umbridge out," she said proudly
"Hey, speaking of which, how was your detention with her love?"
"Took your advice and it was quite fine"
An opening appeared in the water and Voron walked in. Aranel winked at Liz. He didn't even get one word out before Liz ran up and kissed him
"So, Liz, does he ever breathe when you're with him?" Dmitri asked
"Maybe you should ask Aranel. It's probably the same situation" Liz snapped
"Touché' Dmitri" Saira said laughing
"Hey!" Aranel said though she was laughing.
Liz and Voron left but before she did she winked and smiled at Saira. Saira didn't understand until Legolas appeared. However, it was a sight to behold. He was dressed in a wizard cloak like the other teachers making him look odd since Saira had never seen him out of his tunic.
"Leg, my good man, why on earth are you wearing that?" Dmitri asked
"I accepted Dumbledore's offer to become a tutor and do me a favor and never call me that again."
"Before Dmitri dishes out more comments, I'll leave" Saira said getting up, grabbing Legolas' hand and pulling him out with her. The moment the doorway closed, Saira started laughing.
"Quick, get it out of your system"
While Saira laughed she pulled him into a kiss.
"You look great" she said
"Well, I might add you also look smashing in that skirt of yours" he said knowing Saira hated her uniform
"It's not my fault our attire calls for skirts and ties." Though Saira always had her shirt un-tucked and her tie loose.
"What are you doing later?" he asked
"Nothing that I know of"
"Umbridge has several detentions tonight and cant come around to lecture me again so I thought we could have a moment alone"
"Is it just me or are you really looking forward to the Christmas break too?" Saira asked
Legolas nodded and kissed her again. He had to leave to begin his tutoring so Saira decided to take a walk rather than go back in the courtyard. She went outside and saw the Gryffindor quidditch team practicing. She walked by Hagrid's hut, wondering, like everyone else, where he was. However she began hearing a rustling in the bushes near the forest edge.
Even though she wasn't allowed, Saira ventured in. She had left her wand in her dorm so she summoned an Elvish light bead, as when she was younger, to light her way. There was something mobbing. She pushing aside some leaves and what she saw frightened her.
There were creatures there that looked like reptile skeletons in horse form. Their heads looked like dragons and their eyes were pearly white. They had wings Saira though more befitting for a bat.
Saira tripped and fell backward and started crawling away. She got up and ran out with the bead following her. She looked behind her for a moment and then ran into someone falling down again and couldn't move for several moments as pain spread from her wound. She looked up at whom she'd run into.
"Are you alright?" Draco asked holding his hand out
Saira grabbed his hand but like the first time she'd met him, it sparked a vision. Everything went black until a longhaired man appeared. He looked a lot like Draco. He was in an office building. He pulled out his wand and yelled a curse, and then Saira came to. When she saw normal again she wasn't but a few inches away from Draco who was holding her up
"That's the second time that's happened when I've touched your hand," he said
"I wont why" Saira said "Let me go now"
"Sorry" he did and Saira stepped back a little
"So, what are you doing over here?" Saira asked
"Better question, what were you running from?"
"Saw something in the shadows but I'm still jumpy and it turned out to be nothing" Saira lied not wanting Draco to make a comment about Hagrid. "Aren't you a prefect? Shouldn't you be inside?"
"I came looking for you," he said
"Draco, I told you-"
"No, I came to ask for lessons"
"Lessons?" Saira repeated confused
"To speak Elvish"
"I'm not giving lessons. Legolas is a tutor now so why don't you ask him?"
"Saira, please. Cant you at least pretend I'm a decent guy?' he pleaded
Saira thought for a moment, "Fine, I'll let you know tonight when I'm free. At dinner meet me out front"
"Great. Well, Namaarie" he said correctly
"Namaarie"
They went their separate ways but not before Saira took one last glance behind her. Saira then went to the bathroom to check on her bandages. She hated to look but she wanted to see if it was almost healed. She'd almost got the bandage off but quickly put it back.
Saira felt a strange surge of anger flow through her. This 'Evangeline' woman was putting her though hell. She'd nearly killed Saira and took Serenity away. Saira felt tears sting her eyes and she did nothing to stop them. She sat down on the ground and buried her head in her hands. Her anger had now given way to fear. Fear for her friends, Link, Legolas, and fear for her life. She heard someone come in but she kept her head down.
"You needent be afraid when you have Legolas protecting you" the gentle voice of Liz said
Saira looked up at her dark-haired friend. Liz sat down next to Saira and put her arm around her shoulder. Saira smiled yet with more tears coming down.
"I thought you were with Voron" Saira said.
"I'm not about to let you cry and have no shoulder to do it on"
"Thanks"
"Everything will work out. You will see"
"I sure hope so"
That night before dinner, Legolas went to speak wit Dumbledore and be briefed on anything hadn't been sent in a letter. Legolas politely knocked on the door.
"Come in"
Legolas walked in a took a seat across from Dumbledore"
"Did you receive all my letters?" Dumbledore asked
"I did"
"Did you speak with your father about support from the Elves? Many alliances have been forgotten since most of the Elves departed. I think as long as we can hold off Ganondorf's reach to Earth, we will have time to deal with Voldemort first"
"My father says we'll support you but he cannot guarantee support from the other kingdoms"
"Good. And you know all about the Order of Phoenix?"
"Yes. I bet Saira has already been told a great deal about it by now" Legolas said amused
"I agree. And how is Saira? This summer has been very difficult on her"
"Indeed it has but good can always be found in some form"
Dumbledore looked up at Legolas who was now staring at his boots.
"Tell me, what good might that be?"
"It was undeniable"
"Ha ha. Well on that topic, I'm happy for you, but it may be all the happy things mentioned here. I must warn you about Dolores Umbridge" he said
"We've met. Vile woman"
"Yes, I know but as such, she is now a Professor here. She knows you are here but she is not happy about it. She is frightened by the Elven superiority still held. And her prejudice beliefs do not help"
"I serve a higher order to which she has no control. Her authority over me is a waste of her breath and I will be glad to remind her"
"Be careful and tell Saira to watch what she does or says. Dolores knows nothing of the treasures and I'd like to keep it that way. Plus, both Harry and her and reaching the boiling point of their anger." Dumbledore said, "Ah, dinner"
Legolas left before Dumbledore and met Saira being helped down the stairs with her friends. He beckoned her over to the side
"How are you feeling?" he asked
"Besides getting a detention on the first day, I'm quel (good)"
"Saira, you mustn't anger her. But anyway, when you feel better, we should start your work out again and I though you might also begin teaching me some healing spells so that you'll have someone to cure you for once"
"Thanks. I feel better already but Madam Pomfrey says I must wait until the end of the week before I try anything. If she had her way I'd stay in there until I'm better but I'd go mad" Saira said, "We should probably get to dinner" she said trying to go past him.
He grabbed her hand, "why in such a rush?"
They stepped closer until Saira stopped hearing a 'hem hem' behind her. She turned around leaning on Legolas as she saw Professor Umbridge.
"What's going on here?" she asked
"I'm just speaking with Legolas"
"You should address him more formally," she said though Saira got the impression she didn't mean it.
"There's never been a need before"
"Saira, please go to dinner. Come see me tonight" Legolas said
Saira scowled slightly at Umbridge before slowly making her way inside and joined her friends.
"Prince Legolas Greenleaf. It's a very rare occasion indeed when royalty pays us a visit"
"Dolores Umbridge. For the record, I'm not here on a visit. I'm here to protect"
"There's nothing to protect her from" she stressed the word 'her' even though Legolas mentioned nothing of Saira.
"I can think of one thing" he said staring at her "And there are plenty more outside as well"
"I'm concerned you are too close to Miss Trinity
"Well, that's your opinion and forgive me if I don't care"
"You'd do well to watch yourself. If I catch you and a student in such a way inappropriate for school, I will have you removed.
Legolas said nothing and walked away.
During dinner, Saira was filled in about everyone's summer but lacking details about the Order. They would tell her all about that after dinner. Harry went to his detention and Saira sympathized for him after her vision but she could tell by everyone else's reactions that they didn't know about the quill that cut his hand. That is except for Dmitri. She was slowly heading toward her own detention when Dmitri stopped her.
"I'd switch quills." He said coming around the corner.
"Why?"
"Have you not seen Harry's hand? There is more being done at that detention than lines. Plus I've noticed any other pain adds to the one you already suffer, so it's best you avoid any extra pain"
"Don't worry. I'm sure I'll be fine"
Dmitri gave Saira a peck on the cheek before she knocked on the door. It opened and she wet in where Umbridge was waiting behind her desk. Saira was told to sit down at the same table she'd seen Harry at. The same black quill and parchment lie there too.
"You're to write lines. 'I must not tell lies'"
"May I ask what lies I told?"
"You false statements not only about The Dark Lord but about this Ganondorf as well. Now write and do not question me"
Saira picked up the quill but did not write. She waited a moment until she knew Umbridge wasn't looking then she pulled a quill out of her sleeve and used magic to make it look the same. The ink even looked red like blood. With ease she wrote pages worth and no mark was upon her hand at the end of her detention.
"Alright Miss Trinity. Come here"
Wincing with pain she got up and walked over to Umbridge's desk.
"Let me see your hand" Saira stretched it out, and relished the look on the professor's face at the lack of injury. "Your hand"
"Elves heal quick," Saira said casually.
She pulled her hand out of Umbridge's grip and left without another word. Saira went to Legolas' room and found him unpacking. Saira sat down and waited for him. She talked while he unpacked.
"I just finished with detention. She has some issues no doubt. Harry, Ron and Hermione also filled me in on their summer. I think I had it a little worse coming to the end"
"Everyone has had a hectic summer. Both of you have been through a lot. I suppose you heard about the dementors"
"I heard it all. Harry seem very - um"
"Very what?"
"Angry. Liz senses he's going through a lot still"
"Wouldn't you be?"
"I've been for years"
"Come"
Saira got up and sat next to him on his bed. He lifted her chin up so she was staring into his deep blue eyes. She began leaning in when they heard footsteps and he got up and continued unpacking. Saira was relived when it was only Dumbledore.
"Sorry, am I interrupting?"
"Not at all Professor. I was just leaving" Saira said since she didn't know he knew about them.
"Just a moment Saira, you might like to hear this"
Saira stopped
"Legolas, I'd like you to be a tutor for the students"
"Excuse me?" he asked as if he hadn't heard him right.
"There are no available teaching positions, but considering your expertise, I though you would be a huge benefit for the students. The 5th year students will be taking their O.W.L.S and they can use all the help they can get. Oh, and it will be a reason for you to stay that Dolores cant object to."
"That's great" Saira said happily.
Saira heard more footsteps and Professor Umbridge waddled in. Saira despised the look on her face as if she'd just caught them doing something they shouldn't be.
"May I intrude?"
"Looks like you already did" Legolas said
"Hmph. Albus what is your business here?"
"I've come to ask Legolas to become a tutor for the students. Well?"
Looking straight at Umbridge, he agreed.
"Alright, but then why is Miss Trinity here?"
"I asked her to come see me if you don't recall" Legolas said
"What for?"
"To schedule my training sessions for this year" Saira broke in.
"Saira, I think it's time for you to retire for the night," Dumbledore said
Saira walked out without hesitation. She headed straight for the common room though she was making slow progress up the stairs. However, waiting at the top was none other than Draco Malfoy. Saira stopped about five steps away and looked up at him. He spoke first.
"Vedui. Nae saian lumme'" -Greetings, it has been too long-
"Vedui, quel undome" -Greetings, good evening-
"I'm still learning. My father says I'm wasting my time but you're all I've been able to think about. I thought you'd like it if I knew the language" he said in English
"It's nice you took the time," Saira said climbing the steps and attempting to go by but Draco blocked her
"Saira, I know we left of bad terms"
"I think that's an understatement. Whether there was history between you and my friends or not, you have a tendency to say incredible insults where none are needed" Saira said coldly. She clenched her teeth because her slight anger for him was hurting her.
"It probably wont change either"
"Then why have you stopped me?"
"I had hopes of redeeming myself to you"
"Why?"
"Because you're the only person that's ever made me feel guilty for the things I have said or done"
"That's very flattering but despite all of that, I know what you would seek and nothing can happen between us"
"Why not?"
"Because my heart already belongs to another"
"Ita? That weird Elf guy?" he asked surprised
"No, a different Elf guy"
"Who?"
"It's probably better if you don't know but I'm sure you'll figure it out"
"Be careful" That was all he said before walking off. Saira stood there for several moments feeling a little bad. Last year she'd really liked Draco. He was the first person to take a real interest in her, and was sweet enough to insist upon being with her. Saira pushed out those thoughts and went to her dorm where many people were doing homework in the common room. Saira had a bit but finished quickly and went to bed.
Friday came and went and everyone had been given a mountain of homework. Saira's injury had come a long way but still not to the point where certain things would pain her deeply. They did have something to look forward to; Ron was trying out for Keeper of the quidditch team. Harry was stuck in detention. Many people showed up but in the end, Ron got it. He wasn't the best but the other two candidates had other priorities. Saira wasn't a fan of quidditch really but she supported the team.
They celebrated in the common room. The Weasley twins, Fred and George, had nicked food from the kitchens for a small party. Saira had come to find out that Dmitri was getting to be good friends with them, which she didn't think was such a good thing. Toward the end of the night, Liz and Saira went up to their room, as they were tired of the commotion.
"How are you holding up?" Liz asked
"Better. I'm healing quick thanks to Madam Pomfrey's potion, but it tastes vile."
"This week sure has been busy"
"You're telling me" Saira said, "It's amazing how missing just a few days puts you so far behind. So, what house did Voron get in?"
"Slytherin. I don't get to see him as much because of it."
"I don't get many chances to see Legolas. Umbridge is constantly watching me. She doesn't like Legolas and I'm thinking there's a bit of history"
"Maybe, maybe not. She's known for hating half-breeds" Liz said
"But Elves aren't half-breeds"
"She considers them to be. Says we're mixed with humans"
"That's foolish"
"Yes, well we can't do much about it."
"Can you sense where Umbridge is?" Saira asked
"It's clear. You can go"
"Thanks"
Saira went to Legolas' room and found him reading a book when she walked in. She threw it down, sat down and kissed him as if she hadn't seen him in years. He didn't pull away when she stopped but pulled her back in and returned longingly.
"No toad-woman is going to stop me," Saira said
"I am pleased to hear that"
The door creaked open a little while later but they didn't hear it.
"Um, Saira?" Liz said trying not to laugh
Saira got up since she was lying on top of Legolas kissing him.
"What?"
"Curfew"
"Namaarie" she kissed him one last time then left with Liz
"You looked like you were enjoying yourself" Liz commented on the way up the stairs
"You noticed?" Saira said smiling sarcastically
Saturday was rather boring because everyone was too busy doing homework. Saira didn't have much since she'd been gone. Dmitri was avoiding doing his at all costs but Aranel forced him
After all the Elves were done, Aranel suggested they go remake the courtyard so they would have a place to hang out. All of them went to where it had been the year before. It looked like a normal courtyard for a moment. They each stood at a corner except Voron since he was the only Elf not there. It began taking form as they all concentrated when Ms. 'Hem Hem' showed up.
"What do you think you are doing?" she asked
"Creating our courtyard" Aranel, "Just as we have been doing, or as me and Liz have been doing for 4 years"
"I don't believe you have permission to alter the school premises"
"Um, I believe we do" Dmitri said mockingly "We have Dumbledore's permission"
"I'm going to need a signed parchment proving that"
'They don't need it" Dumbledore had appeared
"Yes they do" Umbridge argued
"These Elves are from a different world. The Ministry had little authority but they have respected our rules anyway and in return they are able to do this"
"The ministry-"
"-Can do nothing. Move on Dolores. You have heard it from me. They have permission despite the lack of need"
Umbridge walked off angrily and Dumbledore had already disappeared before they could thank him. They finished and all went inside.
However the moment Saira stepped inside she was overcome with sadness. She'd spent many a night curled up in Ita's arms. She could see herself lying on the bench with him. Liz gave her a sympathetic look. Aranel too seemed to having trouble coping.
Everything was much quieter in their courtyard, which Elves loved. They liked things to be simple and serene. Aranel continued doing magic when everyone had sat down.
"Aranel, what are you doing?" Dmitri asked
"I'm putting a spell up so that only humans, well anybody, that have not been invited may enter. Excluding us since we're already here. It's mainly to keep Umbridge out," she said proudly
"Hey, speaking of which, how was your detention with her love?"
"Took your advice and it was quite fine"
An opening appeared in the water and Voron walked in. Aranel winked at Liz. He didn't even get one word out before Liz ran up and kissed him
"So, Liz, does he ever breathe when you're with him?" Dmitri asked
"Maybe you should ask Aranel. It's probably the same situation" Liz snapped
"Touché' Dmitri" Saira said laughing
"Hey!" Aranel said though she was laughing.
Liz and Voron left but before she did she winked and smiled at Saira. Saira didn't understand until Legolas appeared. However, it was a sight to behold. He was dressed in a wizard cloak like the other teachers making him look odd since Saira had never seen him out of his tunic.
"Leg, my good man, why on earth are you wearing that?" Dmitri asked
"I accepted Dumbledore's offer to become a tutor and do me a favor and never call me that again."
"Before Dmitri dishes out more comments, I'll leave" Saira said getting up, grabbing Legolas' hand and pulling him out with her. The moment the doorway closed, Saira started laughing.
"Quick, get it out of your system"
While Saira laughed she pulled him into a kiss.
"You look great" she said
"Well, I might add you also look smashing in that skirt of yours" he said knowing Saira hated her uniform
"It's not my fault our attire calls for skirts and ties." Though Saira always had her shirt un-tucked and her tie loose.
"What are you doing later?" he asked
"Nothing that I know of"
"Umbridge has several detentions tonight and cant come around to lecture me again so I thought we could have a moment alone"
"Is it just me or are you really looking forward to the Christmas break too?" Saira asked
Legolas nodded and kissed her again. He had to leave to begin his tutoring so Saira decided to take a walk rather than go back in the courtyard. She went outside and saw the Gryffindor quidditch team practicing. She walked by Hagrid's hut, wondering, like everyone else, where he was. However she began hearing a rustling in the bushes near the forest edge.
Even though she wasn't allowed, Saira ventured in. She had left her wand in her dorm so she summoned an Elvish light bead, as when she was younger, to light her way. There was something mobbing. She pushing aside some leaves and what she saw frightened her.
There were creatures there that looked like reptile skeletons in horse form. Their heads looked like dragons and their eyes were pearly white. They had wings Saira though more befitting for a bat.
Saira tripped and fell backward and started crawling away. She got up and ran out with the bead following her. She looked behind her for a moment and then ran into someone falling down again and couldn't move for several moments as pain spread from her wound. She looked up at whom she'd run into.
"Are you alright?" Draco asked holding his hand out
Saira grabbed his hand but like the first time she'd met him, it sparked a vision. Everything went black until a longhaired man appeared. He looked a lot like Draco. He was in an office building. He pulled out his wand and yelled a curse, and then Saira came to. When she saw normal again she wasn't but a few inches away from Draco who was holding her up
"That's the second time that's happened when I've touched your hand," he said
"I wont why" Saira said "Let me go now"
"Sorry" he did and Saira stepped back a little
"So, what are you doing over here?" Saira asked
"Better question, what were you running from?"
"Saw something in the shadows but I'm still jumpy and it turned out to be nothing" Saira lied not wanting Draco to make a comment about Hagrid. "Aren't you a prefect? Shouldn't you be inside?"
"I came looking for you," he said
"Draco, I told you-"
"No, I came to ask for lessons"
"Lessons?" Saira repeated confused
"To speak Elvish"
"I'm not giving lessons. Legolas is a tutor now so why don't you ask him?"
"Saira, please. Cant you at least pretend I'm a decent guy?' he pleaded
Saira thought for a moment, "Fine, I'll let you know tonight when I'm free. At dinner meet me out front"
"Great. Well, Namaarie" he said correctly
"Namaarie"
They went their separate ways but not before Saira took one last glance behind her. Saira then went to the bathroom to check on her bandages. She hated to look but she wanted to see if it was almost healed. She'd almost got the bandage off but quickly put it back.
Saira felt a strange surge of anger flow through her. This 'Evangeline' woman was putting her though hell. She'd nearly killed Saira and took Serenity away. Saira felt tears sting her eyes and she did nothing to stop them. She sat down on the ground and buried her head in her hands. Her anger had now given way to fear. Fear for her friends, Link, Legolas, and fear for her life. She heard someone come in but she kept her head down.
"You needent be afraid when you have Legolas protecting you" the gentle voice of Liz said
Saira looked up at her dark-haired friend. Liz sat down next to Saira and put her arm around her shoulder. Saira smiled yet with more tears coming down.
"I thought you were with Voron" Saira said.
"I'm not about to let you cry and have no shoulder to do it on"
"Thanks"
"Everything will work out. You will see"
"I sure hope so"