Mistress of the Dark Arts

Harry knew after yesterday's performance that Serena was more powerful and more skilled than he could ever dream of being. So he was excited and scared to meet Serena's mother, the Ambassador of the Elvon Kingdom. It occurred to Harry that she might not be pleased with him as a suitor for her daughter. He realized that hemight have a reputation for being troublesome, too inquisitive (only when it came to danger and secrets), and a little bit of a rebel rouser. Maybe Dumbledore would intercede for him on his behalf.

He tried to make himself look presentable in the mirror that morning before he went down for breakfast. Harry brushed his teeth for an extra thirty seconds, brushed his hair down neatly over his scar, and made sure he cleaned out his ears. Ron watched Harry with curious eyes as he banged out the major wrinkles in his clothes and shook them for good measure. "If that's what love does to you, I want no part of it."

Harry threw a pillow at Ron and said, "This is the first time I'll see the Ambassador up close. You know she's Serena's mom. It's all making me crazy. What if she doesn't like me? She could easily turn me into a toad or something."

"There are rules against corporal punishment like that." Ron said as he gave himself a second look in the mirror." They finished primping in the mirror and headed downstairs to pick up the girls for breakfast.

Serena patted Harry on the hand all through breakfast. She didn't have to read minds to know that he was nervous about meeting her mother. In all actually all the sixth year Gryffindors looked nervous. She asked Hermione why her fellow classmates looked so pensive and Hermione told her of the terrible history of Dark Arts Professors. Over scrambled eggs and ham Hermione explained how Harry killed their first teacher, erased the memory of the second one, the third was a werewolf and many students' parents complain so he left, the fourth was an imposter that tried to kill Harry, and the last one tortured him everyday in detention.

"My mom's really sweet and protective of her students; you never have to worry about stuff like this. Let's go early and say hi." Serena said and grabbed Harry's hand. Ron and Hermione came later after they finished their breakfast.

Serena quickly walked to her mother's classroom and threw open the door to reveal the jungle décor. Harry could even smell a light mist of wafting from what used to be a chandelier. The desks were replaced with pads of moss and there was a river that ran in front of what used to me a chalkboard.

"Good morning, Love did you enjoy detention?" The Ambassador turned around from the river and smiled. "Yes I know he's a nice young man—he's very kind and courageous. Mister Potter, yes I can read minds, especially unguarded ones like yours." She walked over to her daughter and ushered her to lean over for a kiss. "You're such a silly little thing. Serena you haven't seen me in days and then you pretend you're ashamed to let your mother kiss you in front of your boyfriend." Serena blushed and hugged her mother. "I look familiar to you boy?"

"Yes, I dreamt of you." Harry said nervously.

The Ambassador looked into Harry's eyes and said, "Yes you have dreamt of me but your memories are very blurry even for dreams. I'm sorry you don't remember much about your parents, your mother was a wonderful, intelligent girl."

"What about my father, did you know him too?" Harry said emotionally under the Ambassador's gaze.

"I never liked your father. He was an arrogant brute and I wasn't surprised how his life ended." The Ambassador said before thinking. She saw how her words stunned Harry and quickly recalled, "He was intelligent and talented very much like yourself, but it just took him a lot longer to direct his energies towards a good cause. Some people are like that you know—they just need direction to go along with their talent."

Harry already knew that his father wasn't loved by all when he watched Snape's memories of him but he had no idea of how many people his father annoyed. He turned away from the Ambassador and walked to a comfortable patch of moss on the floor. Serena and her mother stared at each other for a few moments longer and then she suddenly stormed off towards Harry's patch of earth. "Why are you so inconveniently truthful?" Serena grabbed Harry's hand squeezed it less than gently.

"You're still helping me in class, Love."

Happy ran over Snape's memories in his mind of how James Potter embarrassed him by showing everyone his dirty underwear. When Harry was reading Snape's mind he couldn't remember any happy memories. He remembered seeing Snape's mother cowering in a corner as his father yelled at her. What if most of Snape's memories were of pain and suffering and his father just added to his grief. What if that's what brought him over to Lord Voldemort's side. What if my dad pushed him over the edge when he was almost killed by Lupin. Harry sat there until class began drifting further into his own world.

Ron and Hermione walked into the classroom almost dead last. They said they were discussing SPEW events for the upcoming year but Ron looked a downcast and dreamy eye at the same time. "Harry it's time for me to help Mom so take notes.

"Everyone, welcome to the new Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, I am the Ambassador of the Elvon Kingdom. You may call me Ambassador or Professor. This is my daughter, Serena she will be assisting me for the first class after this I will choose assistants for your class. Take your books and place them in front of you." And so everyone in the classroom did. Serena levitated the books in the air and the books opened themselves the words floated off the pages in huge spirals and before they knew what was going on the words flew into their mouths. "You currently posses all the knowledge within those books, so what can I teach you now." The Ambassador said low and softly. She raised her hands and all the wands flew into a jar on the table. The students moaned in outrage and shock but the Ambassador ignored them. "Every creature is magical whether they now it or not but you human are the only ones with wands—why is that?"

"They help us focus or magic." Miss Hermione Graniger said.

"Fifty points for Gryffindor for the lovely Miss Graniger's answer. That is so interesting but elves and other creatures don't use wands, so what are we doing differently?" Ambassador hovered over the small river and orchestrated the lightening bugs to spell out one word, "Earth". Whispers began all over the classroom and Hermione raised her arm.

"Do you use the energy of magic of the entire planet to focus your magic?" Hermione said a little puzzled.

Ambassador smiled and hovered closer to the students. "Yes, but not on so grand a scale. When we focus our magic we borrow from everything that is within our power of reach. Only the most powerful of elves have used continents to power spells but it is very dangerous if it's done by someone who isn't skilled. For the rest of the class we will spend time listening and grabbing the power all around us. And when you're good enough you'll even see it around you. Now, go wash out your eyes and ears in the river-trust me it'll help hasten the process."

Before class was over they all saw the energy and power all around them. But no one but Serena and Hermione could capture the energy—they played a game of catch with their energy balls. At the end of the class Ambassador choose Weasley and Longbottom to assist her in her next class. Ambassador held them both after class and talk to them for a few minutes. When they reached the rest of the Griffindors for Herbology they looked very perplexed.

Harry put his arm around Ron in hopes that that would calm his nerves but Ron was deep in thought. "She told Longbottom and me to think of the fiercest of creatures for the next demonstration this afternoon. You my mind was on spiders Harry I'm scared of what she's up to."

"Just do what she tells you and I'm sure you'll be fine." Harry said and motioned with his eyes for Hermione to comfort or at least distract him. She grabbed his arm and started talking to him about SPEW again.

Herbology focused on the healing properties of common weeds and herbs. Hermione explained to Ron about the chemistry of dandelions which could be used as a sleep sedative while Serena made jewelry with the flowers. Harry muddled over Snapes memories in between note taking and Malfoy actually paid attention instead of picking a fight with Harry.

The two hours before the next Defense Against the Dark Arts class went by entirely to fast for Harry. His palms were sweaty and he couldn't focus on anything but the Ambassador. Serena practically dragged Harry to the next class where his professor could read his mind and knew his parents by name. "I don't understand why you're so worried. She really likes you. Mom's never liked any of my boyfriends."

"How many have you had?" Harry asked trying not to sound jealous or too interest.

"Maybe thirteen—every time I changed schools I usually acquired a new beau." Harry sighed and rolled his eyes. He wasn't sure how to feel about what she said. Was he at all special to Serena?

The Ambassador walked over to Serena and Harry. She hugged them both and hovered above the ground to kiss Serena's cheek. "Hello Love, I hope you enjoyed your class. Hello, Harry I sorry if we got off on the wrong foot. Maybe someday we'll discuss your parents in a less favored light—just you and me." Harry wasn't mad at the ambassador he thought that she was too lovely to be angry with. Her skin glowed with a radiance that gave her face even more of a youthful grace and appearance. It was too late for Harry to stop the formation of infatuation but he knew where to draw the line. But when the ambassador held him briefly in her arms, he thought being held by her was the most natural and blissful thing that had ever happened in his life.

The classroom was filled quickly and without much noise from Harry classmates. Ron and Neville walked to the front of the classroom as if were the last steps they would ever take—slowly as if savory every step. They whispered something into the Ambassador's ear and she smiled. "This class is a preparation for what we think will be a war between Lord Voldemort and everyone else, including Muggles. My job is to jumpstart your minds into new and different ways of protecting yourself and throwing others off guard. Your biggest enemy will be your lack of imagination. I will teach you to make mountains dance, cow sing, and make your enemies your best friends."

Ron and Neville screamed. Their bodies contorted into outlandish arms and limps until the screaming stop and their bodies dropped to the floor. When Ron got up he had six legs and the head of a snake. Ron sapped at a few students before realizing what he was doing. His screams came out like hisses and only Harry understood that Ron was scaring himself with his new body. Poor Neville turned into a black puddle on the floor. Ron accidentally stepped on him and the stretched up and enveloped Ron. Then the puddle grew and started swallowing students in its shadow. Professor Ambassador allowed the struggle and fight continue for another couple of minutes. The students with the most foresight ran for the corner of the classroom where the vines were growing out of the closet. From the back of the classroom Harry saw his Professor giggling as student ran in terror. Harry also saw Professor Snape at the door. He'd cracked the door and had been watching who knows how long. Professor Snape paid no heed to the students running in terror or the monstrosities that Professor Ambassador had created. He watched the Ambassador laugh at the students. Snape looked at her as she were a beautiful rainbow after a storm, or even a rare and colorful canary. Professor Ambassador noticed Professor Snape and immediately transformed the students back to their human forms.

"I guess that was enough to excite your imaginations." Ambassador said smiling. Ron and Neville fell to the ground clearly exhausted. They each crawled to a separate patch of moss and laid there face down. From out of a leather bag, came papers flying through the air. "These are your syllabuses treasure them honor them they are a guide. You will not have papers and tests in this class because you know everything that was in the books. But you will be tested on performance of new skills on a weekly basis. Please practice at least five hours outside of class. It will be to your benefit. The rest of this class will be divided up into seeing the magic all around you, capturing that energy, and using it in a spell. Later, in the next few months we will learn to perform magic without incantation, which will involve visualizing the outcome you want. Now, grab a partner and practice together and I will watch you so I may critique."

Professor Ambassador walked to the door and started chatting with Professor Snape. Harry didn't know how to read lips but he was sure that Serena new how (he wasn't sure why he knew this). He looked over to catch Serena's attention but she was already watching them. Serena looked sad and confused to Harry didn't ask her what was said at that moment.

Harry focused on seeing magic and suddenly the room was filled with light. Everything was consumed in a glittery substance. He watched his hands glow red hot and swirls of glitter rushed towards him. Harry looked around for someone to talk to saw the same thing happening around the classroom. He couldn't tell anybody from anyone else but he knew they were there because he could see large amounts of glitter in the form of moving bodies. A bell rang and Harry immediately lost his concentration and his true vision came back to him. His head was spinning and he felt a little nauseated. Serena picked him up off the moss and held his hand until he regained his balance.

Serena was quiet on the way to the dining hall. Harry glanced up at her whenever he could make himself but she didn't say a word till they sat down at the table. "A bird and fish can fall in love but where will they live. That's what she told him. What kind of crap is that? She's clearly interest. Why won't she stop hiding her heart?" Serena said.

"Serena, you and your mother are elves and the Professor is human do you honestly believe she would give up her position for him or vice versa." Hermione said with sad eyes. She touched Serena on the arm and patted her head. Harry just sat there feeling helpless. He knew Hermione would know what to do with an emotional girl.

"My grandfather left the wizarding world for the elf world. He fell in love with my grandmother while he was protecting a jungle from manufacturers. He had those men lost for days in the jungles of the Congo that they could develop anything at all. They fell in love, got married and had mom. Mom's been alone every since my father been gone."

"What happened to your father?" Harry managed to say.

"I could never get it out of her. Whenever I brought it up she would start to cry and disappear for a day or two. I always thought he died young." Serena said poking her roasted chicken.

Hermione stopped patting Serena's head and sat down beside her. "Maybe your mother doesn't want to be in a relationship right now. Or maybe she doesn't think it would work out between the two of them." Ron looked up at Hermione when she said that. His lip quivered for a moment as if he wanted to say something but he stopped himself. Ron looked at Serena and gave her a sad knowing look.

Serena roasted chicken and potatoes quickly and walked away from the table without saying a word. Harry was going to follow her when Ron got up and waved him down. "I'll talk to her—we'll be a few minutes and then I'll meet you for practice." Harry nodded and sat down to finish his meal.

"I imagine that Ron told you about what happened this summer?" Hermione said shyly.

Harry wanted to avoid this conversation because he didn't want to be in the middle of anything that might turn ugly fast. He nodded and turned back to his chicken soup.

"He understands rejection and I'm guessing he can comfort her better than I can right now. Do you think that I hurt him? I'm not ready to be in a romantic relationship but I don't want our friendship to he ruined because of this."

Harry's spoon froze in mid air. He considered himself an idiot about relationship stuff. He faced rejection only once and that was because of Cho. So much was going on around that time but it didn't really hurt him that the relationship failed. "He loves you and is willing to be just friends if only to be near you." The spoon gracelessly clanged against Harry's teeth and found its way to his tongue.

Hermione looked towards the double doors that led out to the main hallway. "I would comfort him now if I wasn't the offending party."

"He knows that you aren't trying to hurt him. Ron wouldn't have that stupid lost puppy look on his face if he thought that way about you." Harry now looked at the double doors and wondered at what was being said.

Serena was leaning on a wall adjacent to the dining hall and Ron stood before her pouring out his heart in bucketfuls. "I love that girl but she's not in love with me. I'll wait forever and a day for her to feel the same way I feel about her but if that day never comes I will not die from loving her. It's always scary to be in love with someone—you're taking chances all the time. But I know that's not what's bothering you. She's lonely and you want her to be happy. Your mother may not feel strong enough to take chances. She might not want to destroy her feelings for your father with a new love in her life. Give your mother peace and space about the situation. The situation might pan out in your favor and her favor, if not that's a decision she'll have to live with and you abide by—without complaints."

A tear rolled down Serena's cheek and hit the floor without a sound. "Be strong in other words." Serena said and hugged Ron. "I have to go to detention and not act awkward but we'll talk later." Ron nodded and walked back to the dining hall.

Serena walked to Professor Snape's office but before she reached it she saw her mother talking to Professor Dumbledore. "Dumbledore you did not tell me he would here. I knew he was alive but that only complicates my time here."

"Is that such a bad thing, Ambassador?" he said with a smile.

The Ambassador placed her hands on her hips and glared upward at Dumbledore. "You know I don't need distraction in my classroom. I can always feel him but you know that already don't you. I'm here to prepare you and your children for war. Elves are not aloud to meddle in human affairs directly."

"If I could I would like to see that law on paper please." Dumbledore said and started to play with his beard. "You only have one chance to be young."

"And only one chance to be a fool—old or young it doesn't matter." She replied. The Ambassador rolled her eyes at Professor Dumbledore and turned her back to him. "I will not be distracted from my task."

Professor Dumbledore placed his hand on her shoulder and drew her closer to him. "At one time you lived in darkness but heart seemed to stay there. Banish the darkness that encases your heart and live for yourself and just everyone else."

"That's ironic Professor where's Merrybell?" The Ambassador said coolly.

"She left me for the DeathEater's a long time ago." He said in a vulnerable voice.

"And where's your new love?"

"There's no one now but I wouldn't close myself off from the option."

"You and I are different that way professor." With that the Ambassador turned into a pink mist and oozed along the floor past the corridor that Serena was listening.

Serena rushed past Professor Dumbledore straight to Snape's office and slammed to heavy door behind her. "She lied to you she could have reversed my potion if she wanted. My mother thinks you're very handsome and she's afraid you'll distract or break her spirit." Professor Snape's face lit up for a moment but then he shook is head as if to shake off the idea.

"You're meddlesome, child. Get to your work." The Professor grabbed the heaviest book off the shelf and told her to start where she finished off. He paced around the room and stood behind her chair until she started clearing her throat.

"You'll never reach her on this plane of existence." Serena said in a matter of fact tone but continued writing. "I could teach you how to enter another person's dreams and there you can court her when her guard's down. Listen to me and you'll have her as a bride before the school year is out."

"What will you get out of this?" Snape said afraid of the answer.

Serena turned around and looked into his eyes. "I father would be nice." Her eyes glazed up but that wasn't what surprised him. Serena smoothly got up from her seat and put her arms around her professor.