Disclaimer: See Prologue

Warnings: No Slash Yet!

Author's Note: I am SOOOOO happy you all like my story! I really appreciate the reviews and I NEED you to keep reviewing me. They feed my creativity, so keep it up! I appreciate all the ideas you're giving me through your reviews, and I am considering all of them! Remember, if you have a good idea, let me know. I'm open to anything you suggest!

This chapter, like chapter one and the prologue, is just helping to set up the plot. So they may seem boring you have to read the before you get to the good stuff. I don't expect things to really get moving until chapter 4!

Chapter Two

Unhappy Arrangements and Great Escapes

Many miles away from the Dark Lands stands the forest Greenwood. Unlike the wastelands of the dark, Greenwood is a beautiful and enchanting place where good people and creatures dwell in safety and harmony. The forest is filled with large magical trees, with silver bark and pale golden leaves; the trees were said to have been planted and grown by the veelas' magic hundreds of years ago. Not only were the trees beautiful, but the flowers were as well. Many magical flowers grow there abundantly as well as flowery bushes and trees; in some areas of this forest, especially where the unicorns inhabit, the ground is carpeted with pale yellow and white flowers.

Many creatures reside in this goodly forest. In the northern part of the forest live the beautiful veela, who live in their flowery and decorated family huts. Near the eastern end of the forest there are the wise centaur, who prefer to sleep and live outdoors, where they can see the many stars during the night. Near the southern territory of Greenwood there are the white and slivery unicorns as well as the colorful glowing fairies, sprites, pixies and brownies, all of which live in the mighty trees of the beautiful woods. And, in the western part of the forest there dwells the most beautiful creatures that ever walked the earth-the elves, who stay ever young and ever beautiful.

On the border of the elven territory is the Waterfall of Simmering Enchantment that is formed by the flowing Greenwood River, which sweeps throughout the forest. The waterfall flows into a relatively small body of water, where little silver flowers bloom near its edge. The very water itself shines as though it was filled with glitter.

In the western territory of Greenwood, the forest becomes thicker and a bit darker. There are many white carved elven lamps that shimmer with a pale silvery light.

Past the Greenwood River, it's adjourning waterfall, and the large Greenwood trees lays the palace and small village of the Greenwood elves, who are often called the deep forest elves or the green elves.

None of the other creatures that live in Greenwood know when or why the elves traveled to the forest, but it does not matter. For thousands of years they've lived there and blessed Greenwood with their laughter and songs.

The palace of Greenwood was made from the silver bark of the Greenwood trees. The palace twinkled because of the many elven lamps that were filled with the light of tiny glowing white fairies. Around the palace is a small bridge and a motte, which was filled with the bluest water, as well as tiny golden and silvery fish. The castle is somewhat covered by several enormous silvery trees, with their giant white leaves and large pale golden flowers.

On this day the elves celebrated the coming of autumn by working outside and picking the harvest. In fact, almost every elf in the small kingdom was outside, playing in the leaves and harvesting. All accept those elves that lived in the castle…

Walking soundlessly through the corridors of the palace, the prince and the heir of the green elves walked elegantly along the long, decorated hall. Usually, his overprotective father and mother confined Harry to his room, but since today was harvest day, he could walk freely through the palace without his hooded cloak.

With his forest green suede robes and his small brown elven shoes, Harry walked quickly to the Great Hall to attend a meeting his father summoned him for. Harry figured whatever the meeting is about must be important because his father never summoned him to a meeting outside of the prince's private suit. He was so lost in his own thoughts that he didn't realize someone was trying to follow after him.

"HARRY! Harry, wait for me!" called a soft female voice from behind.

Harry turned around to see Hermione, his chambermaid, best friend, and cousin, calling after him. She ran gracefully towards him, with her pale yellow silk dress and her long soft and curly wheat-colored hair flowing delicately behind her.

"Why didn't you wait for me? You know you're not supposed to walk around without someone accompanying you. It could be dangerous!" she cried looking at him with accusatory honey colored eyes.

"Just once I'd like to walk around my own home alone without someone trailing behind me!" answered Harry with his musical voice. "I don't need someone to hold my hand every time I go somewhere. I can take care of myself!"

Hermione sighed softly and looked at Harry sadly. "I know you don't like being treated like delicate crystal Harry. Anyone in your position would hate being hidden away like you are. But it must be done, for your own protection! Your parents just want to keep you from harm's way. You can understand that can't you?"

Harry didn't say anything and continued to walk to the Great Hall. He knew she was right, but it still didn't matter. He hated the way his life had turned out.

Hermione seeing sadness show through Harry's fair face decided to change the subject. "Do you know why your father called a meeting today? On the day of harvest no less! He always goes to harvest."

"I'm not sure, but it must be serious. I hope he doesn't have to ride off again. The last time he rode to battle, mother got sick," he said worriedly.

"I don't think that's why he's called us. If it is, the wizard would have told you," Hermione said reasonably.

"I suppose you're right. Dumbledore hasn't mentioned any trouble from the Dark Lord and his Death Eaters in awhile."

"How are your lessons going with Dumbledore anyways? You haven't mentioned anything to me about it for sometime."

Harry grinned lightly at her. If anything had to do with any form of education, Hermione was curious; she was one of the smartest elves in Greenwood. "Dumbledore and father have decided that it is time for me to carry the magical wards of Greenwood. It has taken a lot of practice, but I think I can handle it. At least father is allowing me to do something for the defense of Greenwood, since I'm not allowed to go into battle."

"Well I, for one, am glad you're not permitted to go off and fight in those dreadful battles. I've heard that the Dark Lord's Death Eaters are vampires. Everyone knows what brutal killers vampires are," she said with a tiny shudder. The very thought of the vampiric Death Eaters scared her fiercely. "You've seen the way our people come back from battle- wombed and shaken."

"Well it's better than sitting around here being utterly useless while our friends and family fight for out protection," Harry said bitterly.

"You need not worry about being useless now since the king is allowing you to carry Greenwood's wards. It will be a great responsibility. You'll not only be protecting the elves, but the other creatures that live here," she said as she smiled brightly at her cousin.

Harry felt a surge of pride at the job his father was about to entrust him with. Because he had never been allowed to participate in anything that involved the battle between the light and dark, Harry often felt a bit worthless. He was the prince of the deep forest elves; princes were supposed to fight along with their people and lead them to victory. They weren't supposed to be hidden away by their worried parents. It seemed cowardly.

When Harry finally reached the two doors that lead to the Great Hall, he still felt some trepidation about whatever it is his father summoned him for.

"Harry? Are you all right? You look a bit peaky," asked a concerned Hermione, as she touched his soft arm lightly.

"I was just thinking that maybe father changed his mind about the wards thing. What if he doesn't allow me to put them up?"

Hermione smiled at him in a calming manner. " No other elf can perform the same magic of a wizard Harry; except you. Besides, Dumbledore couldn't possibly control the wards of elven territory as well as you could. He's not even an elf. Your father wouldn't change his mind about something that will protect our people," she said as she opened the two massive doors that lead to the Great Hall.

The Great Hall is where King James often held his meetings and conferences. It is also where the elves ate dinner together. The hall has four long amber colored tables that are covered with a silvery tablecloth and white candles. Each table has long benches where the elves sit. At the front of the hall is a dais where the King and Queen's thrones sit, as well as a smaller table where the monarchs eat their supper. The ceiling in the Great Hall is enchanted to look like the outside sky. At the moment it had the appearance of a multicolored sky due to the sun's setting. Thousands of little silver candles floated in the air as well as a large chandelier.

Harry slowly followed behind Hermione into the hall where he saw several people were already there, sitting at one of the long tables in the center of the room. As Harry stepped further into the room, he soon recognized all those sitting at the table.

Assembled at the head of the table sat James, Harry's father. The prince looked almost identical to his father, if not a bit younger looking. As Harry approached the table, he saw that his father looked a bit nervous, not to mention the fact that he was trying to look everywhere but at Harry.

Next to James, at his left, sat his beautiful mother Lillian whose pale green eyes never left Harry as he walked closer to them. Lily's hair was the color of auburn and it was braided down her back. When Harry made eye contact with her, she smiled almost nervously at him. Next to his mother sat his lovely Aunt Petunia, who was his mother's older sister and Hermione's mother. Hermione and Petunia looked very much like each other except that Petunia's hair was blonde and her almond- shaped eyes were the same color as Lily's- pale green. She too smiled at Harry, just as nervously as his mother.

Next to his aunt sat his uncle Sirius, who was his father's younger brother. Sirius was as handsome and charming as James, but a bit sillier. He too looked at Harry as if he were nervous, causing Harry to feel very uneasy.

By Sirius sat Cedric, a very handsome and loyal attendent of his father, who had the command of James' elven archery unit. Cedric's gray eyes twinkled brightly as his cheeks reddened slightly as he saw Harry, giving the young prince a happy grin.

Harry was starting to feel a little more at ease due of Cedric's happy demeanor until he looked at the wizard that state across from Cedric. Dumbledore, who was wearing his typical bright robes and pointy hat, did not look very happy. His usual blue eyes lacked their jovialness and shine.

Feeling a bit sick his stomach, due to his nerves, Harry sat at his father's right, while Hermione next to Harry and across from her mother.

That was when James finally looked at his only child. " Good afternoon son. How has your day been?" asked the nervous king, stalling.

"As any other day I suppose, father," Harry answered looking at James curiously. "Is something wrong? You never call a meeting unless something is the matter."

"No, no nothing serious has happened. But there is something very important we must discuss," fidgeted James.

The King never fidgeted. Harry now knew this talk was going to be a serious one.

"Is this about the warding tomorrow?" Harry asked nervously, glancing at Dumbledore.

The wizard smiled slightly, as he looked at his pupil. "No Harry. The warding will go on as planned tomorrow."

Harry turned to his father again, waiting for an explanation.

"Harry, I'm giving you a great responsibility by allowing you to ward and protect our kingdom because it must be done. The Dark Lord and the Death Eaters are getting restless again. It is only a matter of time before they try to breach our borders as they did once, long ago…."

"You haven't been called to war again are you?" asked a worried Harry, as he looked between his uncle and father.

"James and I have not been called to war, yet. But I fear that it will happen soon, " Sirius answered honestly.

"Harry," James began softly while placing his hand over his son's, "you are still a child but you have many responsibilities. I still feel that you may be to young to handle warding off the entire forest, but, as I've said, it must be done. You will have a great burden to carry while you protect this kingdom and the territory of the veelas and centaurs." James sighed and looked directly in his son's eyes, speaking again, but this time much more softly. "As the prince and heir of this kingdom, you'll find that you will have to make a lot of sacrifices that will benefit all the elves."

The knot in Harry's stomach twisted painfully. Whatever his father was trying to say was not going to make him happy. Harry instinctively grabbed hold to Hermione hand from under the table, looking for support. He felt Hermione squeeze his hand lightly.

"Father, what are you saying?" he asked in a steady voice.

"I have lived for more than 650 years son, and for most of those years, I had to fight. The Nameless Being has blessed me countless times in battle. Not one scratch have I ever gotten. But one day, my luck will run out. I'll dodge a sword too slowly or an enemy's arrow will pierce through my elven mail. It is almost always the fate of a warrior."

"Father, don't say that! You're the best fighter we've got!"

James continued his speech, as if Harry hadn't said anything. "When I'm gone, you'll have rule over the green elves. You must protect the people, yourself, and your mother," he said while looking at Lily, whose eyes were shining with unshed tears. "You're only 18, which is very young age for an elf. But since I've entrusted you with the wards, I think you're mature enough to handle other things."

Lillian cut into James' speech and smiled reassuringly at her son, "What your father is trying to say is, it might be time for you to settle down and get married."

Harry just sat there in shock. Married ! He wasn't expecting that. Even Hermione, who seemed to be prepared for everything, sat up starter at the mention of marriage.

"I…I don't think I'm ready for that just yet mother," he stammered.

James looked at his son guardedly. "Harry, son, it has already been decided by the elders and myself that you should, shall, get married by the end of this year."

"THE END OF THE YEAR! You expect me to fall in love within a year!" cried a very upset Harry.

"Well dearest one, the council has already chosen a spouse for you," answered his mother, in what she hoped was a soothing voice.

"Who have they decided on?" the dazed prince asked.

From across where Harry was sitting, Cedric cleared his throat politely as he looked at Harry.

"Cedric," Harry said flatly, answering his own question.

It figured that they'd choose Cedric. He was one of the best elven warriors, as well as brave. He was reasonably intelligent and very honorable, charming as well. Not to mention the fact that he was exceptionally attractive. Most of the elven women of Greenwood were enamored of him, or so Hermione had told him. He was about 5'11, a good height, and he had a gracefully lithe build. He eyes were a lovely gray, with flicks of brown near the center. His face was handsome, and his dark brown hair sat elegantly at his shoulder.

The elven council couldn't pick a better candidate as his husband.

There was only one problem with Cedric- Harry did not love him. He would not marry anyone he didn't love.

"NO!" Harry answered fiercely. "No, I will not have an arranged marriage. I will choose whom I will spend my life with.

"Be reasonable son! There is no one better to help you rule this kingdom if I should die! He will take good care of you and your mother if something should happen to me!"

"NO!" Harry repeated stubbornly. "I will not!"

"Am I really such a terribly bad choice as a husband Harry that you would decline my hand so obstinately?" asked Cedric sadly.

Harry cringed to himself. He didn't mean to hurt Cedric's feelings, but he couldn't in good conscience marry someone he didn't love. Harry looked at Cedric with remorseful eyes. "I mean no insult to you Cedric, but this is all so sudden to me. You and I have been friends since I was little. The way we've always interacted, and the way you've always looked after me makes me feel that we are more like brothers than… uh, anything else," Harry said with a light blush. "My marrying you would be like me marrying my own relation."

"You might have seen me as only a friend Harry, but I don't feel that way about you," Cedric said with a slightly dreamy smile, as he looked at Harry in adoration. It was no different then the way everyone looked at Harry.

"Wha…oh!" Harry blushed prettily, looking anywhere but at Cedric. "I'm sorry to say that your feelings are not returned," he said full of regret "I cannot go through with this arrangement."

"Harry," James cut in, "you must do it for the good of the people. Don't you care for the elves and the other inhabitants of Greenwood?"

Harry stood abruptly from his spot, startling everyone on the room. He looked at his father angrily. " I wouldn't know anything about the people of Greenwood father. Or have you forgotten that I've been locked away in my room for the past 8 years! I haven't had contact with anyone except for the people in this room! And now you expect me to throw my life away and do what a council tells me to do! I will not marry anyone unless it is someone I choose!"

James looked at his son sternly; sadly both father and son had a bad temper. "I have always tried to be lineate with you son because life has not been kind to you. But everything I do is for your own good, including this. You will do as your father and king commands! By the end of this year you will marry or you will face the consequences!"

Harry eyes widened at his father's threat; James had never spoken to Harry so harshly before, not even when Harry was being his most stubborn. It was like seeing his father for the first time.

"How could you!" Harry whispered sadly, looking directly at his father, before leaving the Great Hall in a hurry.

Many miles away from the realm of Greenwood, in a very cramped, dank and smelly cell was the former Prince Draco of the Vampires.

He had only been there for a few days, but due to his sadness and the pitch-blackness of the cell, he figured he had been there for more than two weeks.

He had not been given any food (blood or raw meat, as that is what vampires usually find nourishing) and he was starting to get weak.

Though, nothing made Draco weaker then the spell the Dark Lord so graciously bestowed upon him.

The pressure in his chest grew dramatically during his time in the cell, making it harder for him to breath. He practically had to gasp for air every time he inhaled. His legs and arms felt like lead. Not to mention the fact that his head was throbbing. But the worst yet was the pain he felt. It hurt. It wasn't a particular area; it just hurt incredibly. He could feel it; he knew something wasn't as it was before. It was like something was missing from inside of him, something wasn't right. His heart ached. It felt like someone had taken apart of himself that he didn't remember ever having.

If he could, Draco would end his life. He wasn't sure how much longer he could stand this empty feeling especially if the feeling continued.

Just when the feeling got so intense that he felt light-headed, his cell door opened abruptly and a flood of light shown through the darkness. He had to put his arm over his silver eyes to stop the brightness from blinding him.

"Who's there," Draco rasped worriedly. He just hoped it wasn't Pansy. The Nameless Being only knows what she would do to him. He shuddered.

"Can you stand up child?" asked a deep male voice in concern.

"Yeah, I think I can stand," he answered slowly, "Severus?"

"Yes it's me Draco, but you've got to keep quiet or someone will hear use. I had to steal the dungeon key from Pansy to get in here," he said as he looked around cautiously, making sure no one was around.

Severus was his father's second in command, and his mother's first cousin. Though they were closely related, Severus looked nothing like his mother. His hair was black, greasy and a bit limp, and his nose was rather long. His skin was extremely pale and his face was very narrow.

While Severus wasn't the conventional idea of handsomeness, he had an air of charm and suaveness, similar to Narcissa.

"Severus what are you doing here? If they find you here they'll kill you!"

Next to where Draco sat on the grimy cell floor, Severus dumper something heavy, with a thud.

Draco looked down to see what it was. He gasped; it was himself. Or rather someone that looked exactly like himself but dead.

He looked at his cousin incredulously. "What…?"

"Polyjuice Potion. He was an elven prisoner who occupied the cell next to yours. I heard from Zabini, the elf was ill. After he was discovered dead, I took his body and forced polyjuice potion done his throat."

"That's all well and good Severus, but what in the hell is polyjuice potion!" drawled Draco somewhat irritated. Draco hated it when Severus talked Potion jargon. Snape was the potions master to the Dark Lord, and he sometime spoke freely about potions and herbs no one knew anything about.

"Polyjuice potion allows the drinker to physically transform into any person they choose, as long as the potion has the hair of the one who the consumer wants to transform into," Snape said impatiently, waving his hand in an annoyed manner at Draco's question. "When the Dark Lord and the Death Eaters find the body, they'll think it's you. This'll give you time to escape without anyone trying to find you," Severus said urgently, once again looking behind his back to make sure no one was there.

"Escape?" Draco asked hopefully.

"Yes escape," said Snape, as he helped the weak Draco said on his feet.

After several attempts to stand up on his own, Draco finally stood without help, though he was a bit hunchbacked due his the spell and the tortures he had to endure. His legs felt a bit wobbly and the pressure in his heart increased, making his head swim slightly.

"How can I escape? Death Eaters are always walking around these dungeons. Not to mention the guards and Watchers who keep an eye on those who leave in and out of the chamber!"

"Not to worry child. The Dark Lord is holding a meeting at this very moment. All the Death Eaters are there. But you must hurry. You have no one than one hour to get a safe enough distance away from this place."

"What about you, won't the Dark Lord realize you aren't at the meeting? You could be caught helping me," Draco asked looking at Severus with worry. Severus was the only father figure Draco had growing up, and he didn't want him to suffer because of him.

Severus gaze softened when he looked at his young cousin. "Don't worry about me Draco. Voldemort thinks I'm brewing a potion for him, so I have an excused absence."

"What of my mother? I don't want to leave here with her worrying about me or thinking I'm dead!"

Severus sighed impatiently. "Your mother will be fine Draco! I will tell her what happened when it's safe but you must hurry. Walk swiftly through the northern corridor of the dungeons, anywhere else might be occupied by Death Eaters. Move within the shadows, so that you won't be seen. Travel quickly until you reach the borders of the Dark Lands. Once you're out of these wastelands, travel eastern. Try to find cover in a forest. But don't travel near the western woods of Greenwood. If the elves find you there, you'll be shown less mercy than the Dark Lord has shown you. Travel to the man village of Hogsmeade if you must, but stay away from Greenwood," Severus said rapidly. "Here, take this. You might need it." He gave Draco a long sword.

Draco took the sword willingly. And took the advice to heart. If King James of Greenwood found Draco wandering around his woods, the elven archers would shoot Draco without thought. Everyone knew that the elves were the best archers. They moved so gracefully and quietly; it was impossible to hear them, even when they were close to you. Draco didn't fancy having an elven arrow sticking through his back.

"Remember Draco, be careful," Severus said again, looking pointedly at the prince's dark mark that was tattooed on his left arm. "And stay in the shadows!" he repeated.

Draco nodded firmly at Severus. "I won't forget your helping me cousin. I am forever in your debt."

He quickly walked out of his cell and away from Severus, not looking back. Hoping that he would get out of here safely.

"Be safe child," whispered Severus, watching Draco walk away. "Be safe."

Well, that was chapter two. I hoped you all liked it. Remember to review and tell me what you think! I know things seem to be moving slowly now, but it won't always be this way. So, don't stop reading.

I have exams until Wednesday of next week, so I might not be able to update until Wednesday. But, if enough of you update, I might update on Sunday or Saturday.

Next chapter: We find out about Harry's life (you'll find out why he's been hidden away!), and we get more insight into Dumbledore.