Chapter Ten
Draco swiftly summoned his wand and charged through the forest in the direction he had last heard Luna's voice, paying no mind to the branches and briars that tore at his flesh and cloths along the way. He heard her again, closer this time, now speaking loudly in a language he didn't recognize. He broke through the underbrush and into a clearing where he saw Luna - her back towards him, surrounded by what appeared to be a group of young men. One of them was on the ground, scrambling to his feet as the others moved towards her in a menacing fashion.
In an effort to buy time to better assess the situation, Draco fired off a curse which caused a tree next to the group to explode. Luna took advantage of the distraction and ran towards him, catapulting herself into his arms. She placed her mouth close to his ear and quickly whispered, "They are a group of young male wood elves. They overpowered me and took my wand. I managed some wandless defense before I got hit and lost my concentration. They seem to view women as property. If you pretend to be insulted that they harmed your female they should back down and allow us to leave."
Draco gave a sharp nod of understanding. She pulled away and his heart nearly stopped when he saw there was blood flowing from her lip and that the right side of her face was black and blue from where she had obviously been struck hard with a blunt object.
Draco's eyes turned cold and his body began to quake with a barely concealed fury. There was no need for him to fake outrage at this point.
He pushed Luna behind him, pointing his wand at the group which had begun to pull themselves back together. As Draco let another curse fly, one of the elves was just able to throw up a shield which managed to block the full force of the blast but still caused them to fall backwards. One of the bigger boys got to his feet and lunged at Draco, who blasted a curse that caused the youth to fly in the air, slamming into a nearby tree. The boy staggered to his feet, holding his arm as if it were broken.
Just as Draco prepared to strike again a loud commotion nearby caused all parties to freeze. The young elves huddled up and began to speak in rapid, hushed tones. They all looked frightened, with the exception of the ring leader who appeared to be simply annoyed that his fun was being disrupted.
As Draco maintained a defensive stance, Luna quietly advised, "I can't hear much of what they're saying but it seems that someone of high authority is coming. If you possess a title of any kind it would help to use it when first addressing him. Invoke diplomatic privilege. Mention rules of hospitality, breach of etiquette, anything of that nature should work in our favor."
"Will they speak English?"
Luna nodded, "They should. Most magical folk in this part of the world speak the language at some level and elves tend to be better educated than most."
Before she could say more a large group, consisting of mainly adult male wood elves entered the glen. They all possessed a distinctly official air about them but the one in front was obviously the leader. He was slightly taller than the rest, his robes were of a more elaborate style and on his head was a circlet of silver. He walked purposefully towards the two groups, positioned himself between them and spoke briefly to the young men before turning towards Draco and Luna.
Draco stepped forward and challenged the stately figure before him. "Are you in charge here?"
"I am Aldaron, King of the Wood Elves and ruler of this realm," said the elf. "I surmise from your speech that you are English, correct?"
"Correct," snapped Draco. His mind raced, trying to assess the best titles to make use of in this situation. "I am Lord Malfoy. Descendant of the House of Black and duly appointed Emissary of the Minister of Magic, travelling through this realm on a diplomatic mission of the utmost importance."
"My apologies, Lord Malfoy," said the King with a slight nod of his head. "It seems that at the moment we are encountering a slight cultural misunderstanding."
"A misunderstanding? Does the state of this woman look like a misunderstanding to you?" Draco snarled, moving aside slightly so the king could see Luna's condition. "Or is it an accepted practice in your culture for the young to feel entitled to violently molest the consort of a diplomat and high lord without fear of consequence?"
The elf king paled slightly. This was clearly not the situation he had been led to believe it was. He whipped round and spoke harshly to the boys in Elvish. The ringleader responded and, even though he didn't speak the language, Draco immediately recognized the smirk and insolent stance as being very much like himself at that age, causing him to want to hurt the youth even more than he already did.
The King's jaw clenched as he began to translate that the boy claimed that there was confusion due to the language barrier and that since "the lady in question" did not bear anyone's mark they thought that she was simply playing hard to get in their "game."
Draco got the distinct impression that the original language used about Luna was considerably cruder than what the King translated. He gripped his wand and was preparing to hex the young man when Luna spoke out in Elvish - to the surprise of everyone except the boys which had attacked her. She turned towards Draco and said, "I am informing them that I made it quite clear in both English and Elvish that I was not interested in anything they were proposing and that I was most certainly not enjoying whatever 'game' they thought they were playing."
The King addressed her kindly, "My lady, may I ask how you learned to speak Elvish so beautifully?"
Luna bowed her head in respect. "In my childhood, your majesty, I traveled to numerous lands with my father, a collector of tales and languages. He educated me on many things, including your ancient and worthy culture."
The King bowed in response. "Then I am grieved that a culture that you were raised to respect has treated you so profanely. I can assure you that these boys do not serve as representative of our people. They are young and foolish and seem to have fallen under the sway of negative influences."
The King looked pointedly at an older, sallow faced elf lurking on the outskirts of the group who seemed far too pleased with the goings on. "Please accept my deepest apologies as well as my personal guarantee that you will be troubled no further as you travel through my realm."
Draco glared at the King. "Apologies and guarantees are all well and good but it doesn't settle the fact that this woman has been assaulted. I need to know that there will be a reckoning for this insult."
Luna whispered, "Let it go, Draco. Please. Let's just leave."
"I can understand your anger, Lord Malfoy," said the King. "I give you my word that these boys will face justice - for not only the attack on this lady but also for bringing shame upon each of their families."
At that point there was a disturbance in the crowd. The sallow faced elf was now standing beside the boy that had been slammed against the tree and another elf that Draco assumed was the boy's father. The trio were speaking excitedly in Elvish and the King was obviously arguing against whatever position they were claiming.
Draco was suspicious of the trio - something about them reminded him far too much of his father and the other Death Eaters when they were trying to stir up mischief. He glanced at Luna who translated, "The injured boy's father is apparently trying to invoke some ancient bylaw. Something about how your attack on his son could only be justified if we were a 'bonded pair'. The King is saying those rules are part of the Old Ways which have not been observed for centuries and wouldn't apply to outsiders regardless. The father is arguing that he has the right to seek retribution against you and if the King won't defend the ways of the elves then perhaps they should find someone who will."
Draco could tell by the look on Luna's face that the situation had the potential to turn against them very quickly. He whispered, "We are both wearing rings. Could we transfigure them to match and claim those as a sign that we are bonded?"
"No," Luna said. "But I think I know something that will." She gave him a pleading expression. "Play along and...please...Don't be too angry, okay?"
Before he could respond Luna called out, "Your Majesty, if I may? Had I been given the opportunity, I would have gladly shown these boys proof that I am, indeed, bound to someone." As she spoke she pulled up the sleeve of her shirt, with only Draco noticing that she was casting a wandless spell as she did so. His stomach turned and it took everything he had to keep his face neutral as he realized what she was doing.
Emblazoned on Luna's right forearm was now a Dark Mark identical to his own. It was even faded in the exact manner of the one he bore, although he couldn't fathom how she got the details so precise since he could only think of a couple of times when she might have briefly caught sight of it during their journey.
The King looked at Draco and asked, "And you possess a similar mark, Lord Malfoy?"
Not trusting his voice, Draco simply nodded as he rolled up his sleeve in confirmation.
"Then not only are you free from blame in regards to this boy's injuries, you yourself have every right to exact your own retribution upon any or all of the perpetrators. At least," the King said with a hard stare at the instigating elf, "that is according to the Old Ways."
Draco's eyes narrowed and he motioned for the ringleader to step forward which caused a stir amongst the elves. The King held up his hand and silence immediately fell over the crowd. Draco gripped his wand but before he could strike, Luna placed her hand on his arm and lowered it. She whispered something to him. He hesitated then nodded before turning to the King and saying, "The lady would have the boy kneel."
The King translated and the elf stared defiantly before being shoved forward by one of the King's guard. He stepped in front of Draco with a glare and began to drop to his knee when Draco stopped him.
"Not to me. Her." The young elf looked confused. Draco gestured to Luna. "You will kneel before her."
The elf let out an angry outburst which, judging by the reaction of the crowd, Draco took to be a litany of words that weren't normally used in polite company. The king himself smacked the boy on the back of his legs, forcing him to his knees.
The monarch snarled, "You will kneel and you will apologize publicly to this good lady for the grave insult and injury you have done to her. Then, perhaps, this noble Lord may allow you to live."
With a sneer the elf began to speak in a forced, halfhearted manner. Draco could tell from the King's expression that the young man was saying something rude about Luna which sent his blood boiling. He raised his wand once more but Luna stepped between them.
"No, Draco. Please. Allow me." She turned to the kneeling elf, placed her hand gently on his head and proclaimed something in Elvish which caused those assembled to murmur in amazement. Sensing Draco's confusion she switched to English. "I said that I absolve this elf of any and all wrong doing in connection to me. He has my full and complete pardon."
Draco began to strenuously object but Luna continued, fixing her gaze instead upon the elf king. "All I ask in return, mighty King, is that you let it be known throughout your realm that this one walks free due to the mercy of a woman."
Hearing those words the young elf began protesting vehemently, but before he could do anything more, Luna produced a butter beer cork necklace from her pocket and slipped it over his neck. Draco noticed her softly murmur an incantation before announcing, "This talisman shall serve as a symbol of this forgiveness. It will remain around his neck as a reminder of the compassion he has been shown in the hopes he will reflect it to others in the future."
Draco had to work at concealing a smirk as he watched the young elf unsuccessfully try and rip the necklace off. Luna had somehow modified a sticking charm so that while the item would move freely about the elf's neck it could not be removed from it. The elf eventually gave up, hanging his head and slinking back into the crowd.
The King appeared quite pleased by this turn of events. He turned to Draco and asked, "Lord Malfoy? Is the situation settled to your satisfaction?"
Draco wanted to answer honestly and say that what he really wanted was to Avada the whole lot of them but one look at Luna's face told him that would be unwise. Instead he scowled and said, "The boys took the lady's wand. Give back what is rightfully hers and allow us to leave in peace. Then we shall consider the situation to be resolved."
Luna's wand was promptly returned and after another stream of profuse apologies, they were on their way. They walked in an uneasy silence for quite some time before Luna spoke again.
"I'm terribly sorry Draco. I didn't mean to end up in that predicament. I just..."
"Just didn't bloody think, did you?!" Draco barked, wheeling around on her. "Went wandering off after some creature, without stopping to consider that something might be out there wanting to hurt you? Why the hell should that occur to you? Only tussled with a dragon and got attacked by poachers or have you also forgotten almost dying a couple of times recently?"
The force of Draco's outburst caused Luna take a step back.
"And then you pull this nonsense?!" He grabbed her arm and shoved up her sleeve, revealing the mark still emblazoned there.
"I had to do something or they would have hurt you. They wouldn't accept..."
"Get rid of the damn thing. Now!" He pushed her away as if she were infected with the pox.
Luna met his gaze for the first time since they'd left the glen and the sight of her bruised face and bloody lip made him cringe. With a wave of her hand she undid the glamour and the mark disappeared. "There. Happy now?" she asked softly.
Her vacant expression and flat tone caused a stab in Draco's chest. He lowered his voice and gestured towards a tree stump beside her. "No. Sit down." She continued to stand until he added, "Please?"
She hesitated then lowered herself onto the stump and stared into the distance as Draco knelt in front of her. When he went to move the hair from her face she flinched at movement so near to her injuries. He fought to mask the tremor in his hand as he tucked the blond tresses behind her ears. He gently inspected the cuts and bruises before producing his wand.
"May I?" he asked.
Her lip quivered slightly as she closed her eyes and nodded. Draco quickly and efficiently cast a series of healing charms then conjured a small hand mirror so she could inspect his work.
"Acceptable?"
Luna briefly regarded her reflection. "Yes." She dropped the mirror into her pocket. "Thank you."
They sat without speaking until Luna said, "Once again, I am very sorry to have placed you in that situation, Draco. I realize that by putting myself in danger I not only jeopardized the mission but also your agreement with the Ministry. I promise, I will make every effort to ensure you don't have to put yourself out for me in that fashion in the future."
Draco didn't quite know what to make of her words or the expression on her face. Uncertain about how to reply he said, "And I apologize for speaking so harshly, Luna, but this is the second time recently that I've seen you covered in blood and - damn it all - it scared me both times, okay? I mean the injuries were bad enough but when I saw that mark on your arm..."
He struggled to control his tone. "You need to understand. That damn thing symbolizes everything that I hate about my past and to see it on someone like you..."
"Like me?"
"You know. Someone good."
"I'm not as good as you imagine, Draco."
Draco sat back on his heels and whispered, "Luna Scamander Previously Lovegood, you may be the only purely good person I've ever met."
"No one is purely anything, Draco," Luna sighed. "Daddy used to say that within every one of us there are two wolves constantly at battle with one another. One wolf represents the bad things in us and one wolf represents the good. Ultimately only one thing determines which wolf is victorious at the end of each day."
"And that is?"
"Which one we feed the most," said Luna.
"How do you do that?" asked Draco.
"Do what?"
"Feed the wolves."
Luna placed her hand on his shoulder. "Fear and anger feed one wolf. Love and compassion feed the other."
Draco looked away to avoid her gaze. "What if one wolf is already dead?"
"The wolves never die, Draco. One may be starved and neglected but it's always there, ready to come back if given enough attention." She turned his face towards her. "I suppose what I'm trying to say is that it's never too late to become the person you want to be."
Draco shook his head. "I wouldn't even know how to start."
"You start by making different choices. You start by deciding to do what is right instead of what is easy." She gave him a sad look. "You start by determining what you are really angry about before shouting at someone that truly cares about you." Her hand dropped to her side as she rose and set off in the direction of their camp.
It suddenly occurred to Draco that the look she had just given him was the same expression of sorrow and pity she had given her attacker and Draco didn't like how that made him feel. He didn't like it one bit. For some reason the notion that he had hurt her like the elf had bothered him more than he cared to admit. He cursed under his breath, jumped up and ran after her. He sprinted past and dropped to his knees, blocking the path in front of her.
Luna studied him carefully before asking, "What are you doing, Draco?"
Draco bowed his head. "I am hoping that the kind of witch who could grant mercy to a insolent, impudent wood elf might also find it in her heart to forgive a hopeless, temperamental wizard who is still learning to express himself in a socially acceptable manner."
His eyes remained downcast until he felt her step forward and rest her hand on the side of his face. "Oh, Draco." She lifted his chin. "Stand up."
As he rose to his feet, Luna looked him up and down and said simply, "You're a mess." She pulled her wand out from behind her ear and cast a mending charm to repair his torn clothes. She then gestured towards a small cut over his left eyebrow. "And you're bleeding." Another wave of her wand healed the injury. She retrieved the small mirror from her pocket and held it up to his face. "Better?"
"Much. Thank you," said Draco.
Luna looped her arm through his and began guiding them back to camp. As the tents came into view, she bumped him with her hip and asked, "So, Lord Malfoy, what are you making me for dinner?"
Draco gave an exaggerated bow. "Whatever the lady would like."