CHAPTER SIX

"Good morning," said Naisiltirtha as Lena entered the kitchen drowsily for breakfast. "Did you sleep well?"

"Kind of," said Lena edgily, remembering the events the night before. She sat down quickly, grabbed a piece of bread from the table and started eating straight away, as an excuse not to speak.

As she chewed her food morosely she noticed that her mother was busy tying on her sandals and brushing her hair.

"Are you going somewhere?"

"Yes. They need me in the village urgently- apparently old Mahtan has had another one of his strokes and needs me immediately."

"That old hypochondriac! Now you will go there and probably found out it is nothing but a violent attack of hiccups," said Lena scornfully. "Why, last time-''

"Do not speak disrespectfully of your elders, Lena," said Naisiltirtha in a warning tone. Lena's mouth slammed shut.

"Now, I don't expect I shall be back before nightfall," continued Naisiltirtha, as Lena went on eating with a sullen expression on her face, "because I also have to visit two homes and lead a circle later on in the Village Centre. I want you to stay here and look after Harry."

"Harry?"

"The Earthboy."

Lena's insides plunged. "Do I have to?"

Naisiltirtha finished tying her sandals and stood up. "Yes, please," she said, getting her summer cloak and her basket down from a shelf.

"Can't I go with you?" asked Lena desperately, "I'm sure we could get someone like Fridel or Maghach to come here instead-''

"Lena! I'd like you to stay here," said her mother, snapping her cloak brooch into place under her chin. "It's a shame I can't be with Harry on his first day here, but duty calls." She hooked the basket around her arm and frowned at her daughter's less than happy expression. "What's the matter? Are you scared of him?" she teased.

"No," said Lena, feeling insulted.

"So? Now, be kind to him, make him feel at home, and give him something to eat when he wakes. You know what to do, Lena, you've done it before, after all."

After she left Lena finished her breakfast quickly, cleared up and swept the room thoroughly before returning to her room, after peeking quickly into Harry's room and finding him still fast asleep.

Feeling very much relieved, she curled up on her bed, opened a book on herbology, and began reading. It was her least favourite subject- she hated all the different names and properties of all the different plants she had to learn- but she knew she it had to be done sometime. Lena, whatever shortcomings she had, was a dutiful student, and used her time well. Besides, she told herself, afterwards she could spend all her afternoon studying spellcraft. Lena loved writing and learning spells and was the best spellcrafter in Alerien after her mother. She had made up her mind a long time ago that she was going to be a spellmistress in the future, though many expected her to become a Healer, like her mother. Naisiltirtha had told Lena that her father used to be spellmaster and suspected that Lena had acquired her love of spells from him.

Lena studied quietly most of the morning. From time to time she would look up from her book and gaze longingly out the window, through which bright sunshine was shining and the sounds of birds chirping could be heard. She was positive that almost every elf in Alerien was out enjoying the weather, and she yearned to do the same. But… she thought sighing, and obediently returned to the magickal properties of basil and its many uses.

In the middle of The Healing Essences Of Feverfew, Lena suddenly looked up and was still; she had sensed someone.

Harry could not remember where he was at first after waking up. Yawning and blinking in the bright sunlight, he sat up straight in his bed. Putting on his glasses, he stood up and stretched, realising that he hadn't slept this well since his last night before his OWLS.

That reminded him… his OWLS! Would his results be arriving at the Dursleys' while he was away? What would they say if they saw an owl pecking at their window with a paper bearing a Hogwarts crest on it in its beak?

He tried not to think about it. It was too early in the morning. Or rather… it was actually quite late, he corrected himself. He groggily left his room to find Naisiltirtha.

However he could not find anyone anywhere- nor in her bedroom, kitchen, or library. He started to feel worried. He hardly knew where he was supposed to be, what he was supposed to be doing, and he knew practically nobody in this strange place. And he was hungry and needed the bathroom… wherever that was, he thought, realising he hadn't seen one since he'd arrived. He ambled around in the kitchen aimlessly.

"Hello?" he called tentatively, "Is anyone there?"

He heard a door opening behind him and spun around to find a small elf come out of her room and cautiously enter the kitchen.

"Do you need anything?" she asked him, looking slightly nervous.

Harry stared a bit. "Uhm… yes," he managed after a bit. "D'you… do you know where Naisiltirtha is?"

"She's not here. She had to go to the village," said the elf. "I'm here to look after you. I'm Lena, by the way," and, vaguely remembering her mother doing something like this, she hesitantly held out her hand.

Something like wildfire happened to both youngsters as they shook hands. Lena felt the same way as last night- the tiny bubbles of warmth shot up her arm again, filling her with that same sensation. However, this time she was deliberately not making eye contact. She did not dare to stare into those eyes again.

They realised that they were still holding hands, and let go quickly.

"Would you like some breakfast?" she questioned him, still keeping her head slightly down.

"Um… yes please," he said.

"All right. Sit down while I prepare it for you," she said, moving towards the shelves and getting down some bread and condiments.

Harry took his place at the table, and stole glances at her while she briskly cut and buttered the bread. He looked away quickly as she pushed his food towards him,

"You may begin eating. I've eaten already. I'll just have something to drink," she said, pouring some strange looking liquid into a cup from a jar.

Harry attacked the bread ravenously. It had been ages since he'd eaten- yesterday morning at the Dursleys', in fact. He chewed and swallowed the bread with great appreciation, while Lena quietly sipped from the cup.

After he'd finished, he suddenly realised that she was looking at him in a strange way. She did not, however, look away this time.

"Er… is there something wrong?" he said.

She nodded towards his glasses. "What are they?" she asked curiously.

Harry raised his hands to his eyes and fingered his spectacles slowly. "What, these?"

She nodded, and quickly began sipping again. "May I see them?"

He took them off and gave them to her. "They're to make me see well," he explained, while she examined them curiously. "Er… my eyesight isn't that good, so… where I come from, they make these to correct the problem."

"So how long do you have to wear them?" She turned them upside down and the right way up again, and slowly, placed them on her face. Harry bit his lip to keep from laughing. They didn't suit her at all.

"Oh… I dunno. Maybe another couple of years," he said, trying not to look at her.

To his great relief, Lena took the glasses off, frowning slightly as she did so. "That's an awfully long time," she said, giving them back to him. "Is there no other way?"

"Er, I don't think so," he said. He crossed his legs tightly. "Er, I don't mean to be rude… but do you have a bathroom or something around here?"

"Oh, you use the brook outside for that sort of thing," she said casually. Harry looked at her and was shocked to see she was being serious.

The water outside was freezing, and it was even worse doing his business in it. Harry quickly finished washing up, and, feeling chilled to the bone, returned to the flet again, only to find Lena getting ready to go out.

"I have to go and get some herbs from outside," she said, by way of explanation, picking up a basket with a short, sharp blade in it. "Mother took all of them with her, and I need some. I can't leave you alone, so… I'd like you to come, please."

Harry looked outside. It was warm, bright and sunny. Sounds of birds chirping and people singing and chanting strange songs could be heard in the distance. Staying inside on a day like this would be just stupid, he decided. Besides, here was a good chance to explore his suddenly new surroundings.

"I'll come," he said. "Except… could you just wait until I get something from my room?"

She nodded, and, as soon as he had safely pocketed his wand in his trousers, they both shimmied sown the rope and went on their way.

"We have to go right in the middle of the forest," explained Lena to Harry, pointing down a long, narrow path surrounded by huge trees. "The best herbs are over there."

"Why do you need herbs?" asked Harry curiously.

She stared at him. "To make magick, of course!" she said. "Don't you use any in your world?"

"Not really- just to make potions and stuff," said Harry doubtfully.

"What do you use for spellwork then?" she asked, hoisting her basket over to her other arm.

"Well," said Harry, pulling out his wand, "we use-''

BAM. As soon as he pointed his wand, a shower of bright, silver sparks erupted from its end, burning his hand as they did so. Harry yelped in pain and threw it on the ground immediately.

"Ouch! What just happened there?" he cried, shaking his hand furiously.

"You mustn't use wands over here!" said Lena, fighting to keep the laughter out of her voice. "There's too much magick around us! Here-'' and she bent down and pulled some leaves from a bright green plant growing below them. "Rub these on your hand in a clockwise motion for three times," she said, and handed them to him. "It will prevent blistering. I'll keep this safe somewhere until you go home," she added, and pocketed his wand carefully.

"But how am I going to practise magic without my wand?" Harry wanted to know, as his flexed his fingers. Thanks to the herbs, the soreness had already subsided.

"You don't. You leave all that to us," she answered him soothingly.

Harry felt uneasy. He never felt completely safe without his wand by his side; his past adventures had made him paranoid about it.

"Don't worry," said Lena, as though she knew what he was thinking, "Nothing will happen to you here. Nothing ever happens here." Harry thought he detected a hint of bitterness in her voice.

They continued walking until they reached an open glade right in the middle. It was full of strange and different plants Harry had never seen before. They gave off weird and wonderful aromas that tickled his nose and made him feel sleepy.

"Careful," warned Lena, "Don't stand too close to the hyssop, or you'll drop down on the floor and won't move again for the next six hours."

Harry gave the plant an alarmed look and stepped away from it immediately. He watched as Lena fetched a simple broom from behind a tall tree. With a stone, she then carefully drew a wide, neat circle in the soil around a polished rock she had obtained from her basket. She then began to sweep inside it with the broom.

"This is my altar," she explained, as she swept, "Wiccans aren't allowed to take what they wish from nature unless they invoke the Goddess first. I have to bless this circle before I can begin." And, setting aside her broom, she began performing her spell.

"Wind, sweep this circle for me,

By the powers of the Goddess,

So mote it be."

Then she stretched her slender white arms to the sun.

"Fire, light this circle for me,

By the powers of the sun,

So mote it be."

She then dabbled her fingers lightly into a small stream running nearby, and sprinkled it into the circle.

"Water, cleanse this circle for me,

By the powers of the Goddess,

So mote it be."

She then reached down and let handfuls of soft earth run through her fingers.

"Dirt, enrich this circle for me,

By the powers of the earth,

So mote it be."

The spell was complete. Lena turned around and faced Harry, smiling. She no longer felt in awe of him. She already felt lighter, buoyed down by power flowing through her.

Harry was also seeing her in a different light. She seemed more radiant, and glowing, as though a light switch had been turned on inside her. She didn't seem to belong to this earth at all, but to some other blessed realm far, far away. Yet somehow the spell had affected him too. Gone was the uneasiness and nervousness he first had when he had arrived here. Whatever had been bothering him inside had dissipated, as though turned to dust and carried off by the wind.

"That was pretty impressive," he told her, grinning, "I've never seen anything like that before."

Lena's face, if possible, lit up even more. "Do you really think so?" she asked, "Mother has always called this spell primitive and childish- I wrote it when I was six, you see, and it's the only one I use when blessing my own circles."

"Well… I don't really know much about blessing circles and stuff," admitted Harry, "but that looked pretty good."

Lena frowned as she picked up the short, sharp blade she had brought with her. "That's one thing I don't understand about you Earthmen," she said, stepping out of the circle. "How can you possibly create magick without circles? It would be so…" she groped for the right word. "Soulless. And empty…"

Harry didn't know what to say to this one, so he just kept quiet, and watched Lena as she carefully drew a small circle around a plant with the blade and picked some leaves from it carefully.

"We must never take more than what we need from nature," she explained as she carefully put the leaves away in her basket. "The circle I drew around the plant will protect its energy, keeping it fruitful and healthy for weeks to come."

Harry nodded politely and waited as Lena moved from plant to plant- anise, to treat colic and the pains of pregnant women, clover for luck, money and love, thyme, to treat internal disorders, and so on. She kept doing this swiftly, with a practised air, and very soon the little basket was full to bursting.

Afterwards she suggested they go to the village; she wanted Harry to meet some friends of hers. "Well," she admitted, as they left the clearing, "Lóni- my best friend- and her brothers are the only ones our age here. You see," she said, a little sadness creeping into her tone, "we Elves are a dying race- ever since the Third Age ended, more and more have left De-allón, sailing over the Sea in search of a new life. Men now dominate our world; in much older days it used to be quite the opposite."

"What older days? And where do the Elves go, when they sail across the Sea?" Despite himself, Harry was becoming intrigued.

"It's- it's- oh, it's a long story; a very long one," said Lena, laughing a little, "Now when we get back home I'll give you some books to read, if you like- though they're quite dull, most of it history."

In a matter of minutes they had arrived at the village; Lena, although now chatting quite freely with Harry, was determined not to allow herself to become side-tracked again, and concentrated on following the shortest short-cut possible through the forest.

Harry looked around him with interest. It seemed to be a peaceful, quaint little town- little houses and cottages were built together in small groups, yet somehow all clustered together around a small, grassy path that led to a tall, imposing structure that had many doors and windows. From a bird's eye view it was a riot of colour- unlike the golden forest trees, the plants here bore many different types of rich and vibrant flowers and vegetation. The occupants of the village were milling around and going about his or her own business, sometimes stopping to hail a friend or have a chat.

"Oh, look, there's Lóni," exclaimed Lena, and quickly moved off to greet her friend, leaving Harry to trail along in her wake.

"Is that the one who wanted to grow hay on her head?"

"Ssh, be quiet; it's not exactly like that, you've misunderstood me," said Lena, choking back a giggle.

A tall, tanned elf with long black hair was running down the path towards them.

"Oh, Lena, you'll never guess what-'' she began breathlessly, but stopped short as she caught sight of Harry.

"Harry, this is Lóni, my best friend. She lives in the Flets with us, but her mother works with mine in the village, and so she has a small house here also. Lóni, this is Harry, an Earthboy who will be staying with us until the end of summer." For some reason, Lena felt very cold introducing Harry in this way. She quickly shook off the feeling and watched as both human and elf cordially shook hands.

"So how do you like it here so far, Harry?" asked Lóni with a smile.

"It's… different," said Harry, looking around him again. "But nice," he added, hurriedly though truthfully, "very nice."

Lóni raised her eyebrows. "That isn't something we hear often from the likes of you," she commented. "Most of them are normally too scared to leave their flet, they stay huddling indoors usually.''

"I don't see anything to be very scared of here," said Harry, puzzled.

"That's what I used to keep telling them. Anyway," she said briskly, "do you mind if I talk to Lena quickly? I won't be long, I promise."

Harry shrugged. "I don't mind," though he did a little bit.

"Thanks ever so much. Lena," she said, in a lower, confidential voice, as they walked along the path, Harry following behind, "The Mountains yesterday were amazing. Why couldn't you come?"

Lena sighed and recounted the wrath of her mother. Lóni groaned in sympathy.

"Sometimes, being the daughter of the High Priestess really does seem to much," she agreed, "after you were all excited to go and everything! It's really just too bad."

Lena grinned. "But I bet Fridel didn't mind. Did you both enjoy your romantic evening out?"

Lóni turned pink. "Don't be ridiculous," she said, and, lowering her voice even more, she told her friend about her adventure. Harry, still trailing behind them, caught words like "dwarfs" and "caves" and "gold- lots of it!" while continuing to observe his surroundings.

"… and now he's asked me to go again with him this evening, and I think I will," she finished, blushing furiously.

"And so you should! Good for you," said Lena delightedly, feeling happy for her friend. Then, sobering, "Well, what does your mother think of it?"

"Oh, she was ever so reasonable about it- surprisingly. She seemed to be thinking along the same lines as you were yesterday, Lena- good-looking, decent character, well off, and so forth. Didn't seem to mind his age a bit. And you should have seen her face when she saw my necklace!"

They continued talking until Lóni paused and regretfully parted from them, saying that she was needed at home. She waved to Harry and Lena and soon disappeared from view.

"Come to my house later on, both of you, Mother's cooking something nice. We're spending the day in the village," she said before she left.

"I'm sorry I left you alone," said Lena apologetically, as Harry came to walk beside her once more, "It's just that Lóni could talk a hind leg off a donkey when she gets going; it's best to hear her out than shut her out."

" It's all right. Tell me," said Harry; pointing to the tall building that loomed at the end of the path, "what is that?"

"Oh, that's the Village Centre," said Lena, "It's a sort of meeting place for the whole of Alerien. My mother works there sometimes- leads circles, teaches, that sort of thing."

As they walked on they met many acquaintances of Lena's. Just as she had said, most of them were much older: as old as elves could get, anyway. They were all fair to look at; whatever their age it was always their eyes that gave them away. They all followed the same build, Harry noted- all of them were slender, tall, and with long hair, either brown, black, red or blonde. Yet none of them attracted him as Lena had from the moment he met her; and this puzzled him greatly, for there were prettier and more beautiful elves in the village. To him, Lena had something that no other elf had; a kind of strength and luminance shone through her all the time, marking her out from all the others. And all the time there was this nagging feeling inside him, as though he had known or was supposed to have known her all his life.

As the afternoon went on Harry had met mostly everyone living in the small village. They all seemed to be very interested in him, though some looked askance at Lena for being in the company of an Earthboy. Lena rebelliously ignored them.

It was now around six o' clock, and the sun was beginning to dim. Both Harry and Lena were feeling tired out and hungry, being on their feet since that morning, and so Lena suggested that they go along with Lóni's invitation.

"Her mum's a real good cook. I hope you're hungry," she said, smilingly.

Harry nodded, only half-listening. As his weariness grew so did his preoccupations and thoughts, and all his worries about Voldemort and The Order and his life back in his own world came rushing back. The effect of Lena's spell that morning had already worn off and guilt and depression began to sink in once more. He felt really guilty about being here, while those of the Order and probably, now that the truth was out, the whole wizarding world were risking their lives, preparing for war, while all along, he, the real cause of it, was lazing about here…

"We're here," came Lena's voice, interrupting his thoughts. He looked up glumly and in front of him was a small, dilapidated yet charming cottage, with a huge and flowery garden surrounding it. As Lena knocked on the door, shouts and yells and pattering of feet could be heard from inside the house.

"Goddess, did the whole family come up from the flets?" said Lena in amazement. She looked round at Harry and saw his cheerless face.

"Are you all right?" she asked him anxiously.

"Yes, yes I'm all right," he said reassuringly, but not convincingly. Lena began to feel guilty. I shouldn't have brought him here; he is only an Earthboy. Look how tired he is, and how gloomy. He needs healing.

The door swung open, startling her, and jerking her out of an uncomfortable eye-lock with Harry. A little elf was standing in the doorway.

"Éllohth!" he said cheerfully. "Lóni äidsth ouyén erëwth òmïngcth."

"Éllohth, Mim. Tïen síen dgoöth òten esëeñ öyúen. Tbüen epléästh, ewën êhavth aen tguësth, osen ëben êpolítth dánen ëusen ëthen ncómmöth hspéecth," she said in a commanding tone.

Mim looked round and saw Harry, who was shifting slightly uncomfortably throughout this whole conversation of which he had understood nothing.

"Oh!" said Mim, his big dark eyes widening. Then, slowly and falteringly, he put the question, "Earthboy?"

"Er… yes," said Harry.

Mim ushered them both in with a smile (as well as a 4 year old could usher) and soon they were both seated at a long table with all of Lóni's family- five boys and one girl- Sgáth, Mim, Elladan, Lithe, Ringló and Lóni. Their mother, Nimbrethil, was a cheerful, sonsy person with curly blonde hair and a personality to match her appearance. It was easy to see where Lóni, Mim and Elladan got their dark looks from; their tall, dusky father, Serech, who had an equally darkish complexion; yet Sgáth, Elladan and Lithe had inherited the deep, dreamy look in his eyes, but their mother's fairness was theirs. Though all of them may have looked different in appearance they were undoubtedly a close-knit family; in fact Harry, looking at them all talking and laughing happily together as they ate, was reminded very strongly of the Weasleys.

The meal was very good; the warm soup strengthening after almost a whole day's walking, the roast pork satisfying and fulfilling, and the fruit at the end refreshing and sweet. Harry, despite himself, enjoyed it immensely, and didn't even mind that throughout the whole dinner he was peppered with questions from all the children.

"Hey, mister, where's your wand?"

"Is it true that from your world, you can actually see nine planets?"

"Is it true that in your world, not everyone is allowed to practise magick?"

"Is it true that in your world, they had a war where 52 million people were actually killed?"

"Is it true that in your world, you cannot perform magick without a wand?"

"Is it true that in your world, people can fly brooms?"

"Why do you have such a funny scar on your head?"

"Is it true that in your world, people sometimes stick bits of metal through their skin?"

"Children, children! Let Harry eat in peace," said Nimbrethil.

"Oh, it doesn't matter, Mrs Gelion," assured Harry, who in fact was actually having fun answering the questions, even the one about the scar. Then he added politely, "The food was really good. Thanks very much again for having me."

"And me," added Lena virtuously, not wanting to be outdone.

"And me," piped up little Mim, and everyone laughed.

After another half hour of talking and good cheer Lena rose up from the table regretfully.

"Well, I'm afraid we must be going. Mother will soon be home and we must get there before dark," she said, wiping her mouth carefully with a cloth as Harry stood up as well. She thanked Nimbrethil once again. "Have fun at the mountains tonight, Lóni. Send Fridel my best," she added with a wicked sparkle in her hazel eyes as her friend went red all over.

"Goodbye, dearest. You're welcome to come again soon- you too, Harry," said Serech.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Gelion," said Harry, smiling, and followed Lena out of the house into the cool, evening air.

"That was nice, wasn't it?" said Lena to Harry, as they walked slowly back to the forest. It was a very nice evening to be out in; the sky was dim but cloudless, with stars sparkling in it like studded sequins, and there was a gentle breeze blowing, making the branches in the trees sway lightly and drop golden flowers onto the soft green grass.

"Yes, it was," agreed Harry. Then, noting the melancholy note in her tone of voice, asked her kindly,

"Are you all right?"

Lena shook herself out of a reverie. "Oh, yes," she said, laughing a little, "It's just that- you know, wouldn't it be nice to sit down every evening to a family like that? It would be so pleasant and sociable to have all those people to talk to. You see, my- my father died before I was born. They say that he dabbled in some dark magick and caused a terrible accident. But I've never believed that… somehow I cannot see my mother ending up with someone like that, no matter how many times she insists on the reason for his death. Anyway," she said, drawing her breath, "that's why it's just me and my mother at home. I'm a kind of a lonely soul there," she said a little sadly. "Do you have any brothers or sisters at home, Harry?"

"Actually, no," said Harry, a little wistfully, "My parents die- were killed," he corrected himself, his throat tightening, "when I was just one year old."

"Oh, how horrible. I'm so sorry," said Lena, feeling extremely remorseful and angry with herself for her insatiable curiosity.

They walked on a bit, in a kind of awkward silence. Then Harry said presently, in a change of tone,

"What do you call this stuff?" he asked, touching a fold of her dress that had blown over her knee.

"False impression," said Lena, glad of the change of subject.

"Very good name for it- it's quite pretty, new thing, is it?"

"It's as old as the hills!- you've seen it on dozens of elves today, and you probably never even found out it was pretty till now," she said, laughing again. She picked up a leaf off the ground, murmured a few words to it, and all of a sudden Harry felt the slight indigestion in his stomach disappear. He looked at her quizzically.

"Where do you learn this sort of thing?"

"What sort of thing?" she replied, letting the leaf fall gently to the floor.

"You know- the- the spells, the herbs… blessings and circles…"

"Oh, Wicca. Well… it's a kind of practice that you pick up as you grow," she said vaguely. "It centres our lives here- we don't really learn it- it's part of us, now you see. You know, to be just able to go along and say spells easily as I did now- well, once you get into it, once you get to know the Goddess- it becomes part of you. Oh, it's hard to explain."

"No, I understand," said Harry, thoughtfully. Then, expressing a wish that had been growing inside him now for some time, he said, slowly, "D'you- do you think you can teach me- it?"

Lena stopped walking for a bit in amazement, than began walking again. Half-dazedly, she asked him,

"Are you serious?"

"Never more so than now."

"Well- I- I- don't know," she said uncomfortably. "I mean- as I said before- you can't really learn Wicca- you have to really really get into it and really want to…"

"Oh, I do- I do," burst forth Harry, eagerly.

"But isn't Wicca considered to be- dark- in your world?" she said, giving him a curious look.

Harry appeared to be lost in thought for a few moments there, as they continued walking slowly onwards. Then he suddenly looked up and gave her a long, cool stare.

"I don't really care," he said defiantly.

Lena looked into those green eyes, and found that she couldn't refuse him.

"Well- all right- I suppose," she said hastily, breaking the eye contact to stop the weird feeling going on inside her stomach. "But- I think it's better you don't tell anyone- we'll both get into humongous trouble. I didn't say yes," she said, a little defiant herself, for she didn't want to accept defeat that easily, "but it can't really do any harm to look into it." Harry said nothing, but Lena could sense his triumphant feelings, and did not know whether to be annoyed or just ridiculously happy.

"And," said Harry suddenly, "where did you learn that other sort of thing?"

"As 'that other sort of thing' is rather a vague expression, would you kindly explain?" returned Lena, back to her old impish self.

"Well- the general air, the self possession, the style, the- the false impression, you know," laughed Harry, breaking down a bit, and helping himself out of the dilemma with this new phrase.

Lena was gratified but didn't show it, and merely replied, "Well, I'm not fabulously rich, but I study as well as I play, and as for this," with a little gesture towards her dress, "why, the material is picked from the fields, and I am used to making the most of my poor little things."

She rather regretted her last sentence- it was not wholly in good taste, but Harry liked her all the better for it, and admired and respected her brave patience. He had no great liking for rich people- the way he felt about Draco Malfoy was a cast iron case. Poor people had been much nicer to him in the past- this time Ron Weasley was the case in point.

But from that moment on, Harry and Lena were friends. They couldn't explain it, not even to themselves, but some mysterious force seemed to be at work that day… entwining both their spirits in a way that would be more important than anyone could ever imagine.