Disclaimer: As you all know, HP doesn't belong to me!

Warnings: Slash!

AN: Sorry it's so late! And short! But please R&R!

Chapter 2

"We've been walking for hours! I'm starving and exhausted! When are we going to get to the bleeding so-called Council of Magic!" shouted Ron, irritated. Hermione and Harry just shrugged, mindlessly following the fair-haired boy in front of them. It was true, they had been walking for quite a bit of time and they were slightly hungry.

"We'll stop when we reach the giant Oak. It's not safe to just sit down in the middle of this forest," came a reply from Draco. "You don't want to know what lurks in between the Realms. It's not very nice. When we reach the Oak, we'll rest for a bit and get you some food. A friend of mine is gatekeeper there." Ron just gawped at him, surprised that Draco Malfoy explained, patiently, why they shouldn't stop. Hermione and Harry were a bit surprised but grateful that they would soon rest. After that, they couldn't wait until they reached the Oak.

At the Oak:

"Welcome friends! Ah! Draco, my dear! What a welcome surprise! Come in, come in!" boomed the jolly looking dwarf. Draco smiled, softly, and leaned down to hug the dwarf.

"Phineas Glumperlug! It has been a while, my friend. You look the same as ever! How are Sallia and the kids?" he inquired, warmly. Phineas just beamed.

"Fine, fine! Well, look at you! As beautiful as ever! Ah, the others at the fair will be happy to see you! Especially that wayward cousin of yours! Did you know that she has decided to spout off human sayings to all strangers she meets? A strange one, that elf! Your line has always been strange, mixing in with humans, but she's the strangest yet! And who are these young ones? Friends of yours?" Phineas inquired, looking curiously at Harry, Ron, and Hermione. They were a bit apprehensive, sensing that most humans weren't quite welcome. Harry couldn't help but wonder at how Draco knew the dwarf but was sidetracked by the smile on his face.

"Yes, they are. Do you remember the Old One? He sent me to guide His chosen to the Council of Magic. Troubles afoot in the human realm, Phineas. Big trouble. Ah, but you will find out soon. They are hungry. Please feed them and I'll get to work to pay for their meal. Isn't your oldest girl getting married soon?" Draco replied.

"Yes, yes, she is! This meal for your weary travelers on the house! You've done so much for our family; I would like to do something to repay you!" he said, smiling. Draco grinned back and thought for a second.

"I thank you Phineas. I'll do anything to help my friends. Since you won't take payment, accept it as a gift for your daughter. And tell her congratulations for me," was all he said. The trio watched as he took a cube out of his pocket and set it down on the ground. With a murmured word, the box sprung up to reveal a workshop filled with wondrous creations. As Phineas set the food down on to the table, the trio dug in, and watched Draco work.

Selecting a brick of silver, he began to melt it in a large, plain cauldron. As the silver melted, he quickly prepared two other cauldrons by filling them with an unidentified potion. Working quickly, he formed the melted silver into a necklace and, with a spell, set it hovering in front of him. In a different box, he pulled out several gemstones and began to carve them with a strange little knife, turning them into ornate birds. After finishing the birds, he set it into the glowing silver and carved symbols around the edges. Turning to the prepared cauldrons, he dipped it into the first one and left it there for a few minutes. Draco then lifted it up, polished it, and dipped it into the other cauldron. After pulling it out of the second cauldron, he set it down in a carved wooden box, tied it with a ribbon and handed it to the smiling gatekeeper.

"Here you go my friend. We must hurry if we want to reach my home by night fall, so we will say adieu now," Draco said, embracing the beaming dwarf in farewell. He turned to the awestruck trio and dragged them towards the back door. With a flourish, he opened the door and said," Welcome, Harry, Hermione, and Ron, to Celestia, the realm of magic."

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