Chapter Eleven

Later that evening Draco asked about the sticking charm Luna had used on the necklace she placed upon the wood elf. After explaining the mechanics of the spell she asked, "Do you think that was overly harsh? I was hoping it might help him learn some empathy but now I wonder if I went a bit too far..."

"Too far?! Not nearly far enough, in my opinion. Why you prevented me from casting an unforgiveable on the little vermin is beyond my comprehension."

"I couldn't do that. I was in no danger at that point. Forgiveness was the only viable option," said Luna.

"But Luna, he hurt you."

"Oh, Draco. I've been mocked and bullied on a regular basis since I was eleven years old. If I started flinging unforgiveables at every person in my life that hurt me I'd be serving a life sentence in Azkaban."

Draco shook his head in wonder. "How do you do that?"

"Do what?"

"Exercise such self control," said Draco.

Draco was surprised to hear an uncharacteristic quiver in Luna's voice when she answered, "Because I didn't once and it ended very badly."

Without thinking about it, Draco reached out and took her hand. "Luna? You okay?"

"Yes. I just...I haven't let myself think about it in a long time."

"Think about what?"

She bit her lip and stared at the ground. "First off, you need to know that I had an incredibly blessed childhood, Draco. I had two parents that made me feel that, no matter what, I was loved and accepted. After Mum died, Daddy and I were somewhat isolated but Molly Weasley made sure to bring Ginny over on a regular basis so I had a friend to play with. I knew that our family was different from the Weasleys but they never made us feel bad about it. It was just how it was and I naively thought the rest of the world would treat us same way. Then I boarded the train to Hogwarts for the first time."

Draco noticed that her voice became more strained at this point.

"I took copies of Daddy's paper to hand out to everyone. I had been taught that was the polite thing to do - sharing with others. However, I was unprepared for the reactions I received. I mean, I knew the Weasleys didn't agree with a lot of Daddy's beliefs but they had always just nodded and smiled." Her chin trembled slightly. "I had never been called the names that I got called that day before. Then some of the older students began practicing hexes on me."

A distant memory of he and his friends mocking a little girl on the train bubbled to the surface and Draco tried desperately to push it back down.

"I eventually found Ginny. She was with her brothers and that caused some of the teasing to die down. No one wanted to openly antagonize the twins, at least, so I figured that was the end of it. I assumed that I would enter the hall, get sorted and then my house would accept me the way that my family and Ginny had." She paused then added, "I was wrong."

"What do you mean?" Draco asked.

"I mean that the majority of Ravenclaw house was not thrilled to have 'Loony Lovegood' forced on them. To make matters worse, Daddy had written an unflattering article about the father of one of the Ravenclaw prefects before the start of term. That made the situation more complicated. Even those who hadn't taken an instant dislike to me kept their distance because they didn't want to cross her. I found out later that the girls assigned to room with me were ones that lost a coin toss."

"I was used to being alone so I could have dealt with simply being ostracized, you know? But then the bullying started. It was subtle at first so no one could get in trouble. Early on it was just little things - my quills would disappear or my ink jars would be filled with ink that vanished after an hour, so by the time I got back from class my notes would have evaporated. Then it escalated. Papers destroyed and property disappearing. My shoes were taken so often that I simply started going barefoot rather than waste time searching for them."

Draco's heart sank as he recalled teasing young Luna for her lack of footwear, assuming at the time that the girl was either too poor to afford shoes or too feeble minded to remember to wear them.

"Even then I could have managed...until the day they took it a step too far."

"How so?" asked Draco.

Luna began to nervously bounce her foot up and down. "One day in first year Potions I gave the wrong answer to a question. I made the mistake of defending my way of thinking and challenging Professor Snape's methodology so in return Ravenclaw was docked house points. This infuriated the prefect that already disliked me. When I returned to my room that evening my trunk had been broken into and all the pictures of my mother had been ripped to shreds and then, just make sure I couldn't mend them, the remnants had been thrown into the fireplace. I was left with only ashes."

"Those despicable little..." Draco growled, choking down the bile rising in his throat. "What did Flitwick do to them?"

"Nothing. I didn't tell."

"Why not?!"

"Because they made it clear that if I spoke out they would ensure I was expelled. They told me that I would be turned into a squib and that the resulting disgrace would devastate my father. I know now that wouldn't have been the case but when you are eleven..." Luna shrugged helplessly.

"What did you do?"

"The worst thing I could think of. I took all of that pent up pain and rage and ran to the library - straight into the Restricted Section. I'd watched Hermione Granger sneak in there often enough that I knew the way. I grabbed the first grimoire I saw and dashed off."

"Which one did you take?"

She took a deep breath then in a hushed tone confided, "The Necronomicon."

Draco's jaw almost hit the ground. The Necronomicon contained the darkest of magiks and was feared by the most experienced of wizards. Even the likes of Bellatrix would have thought twice about messing around with such a book. "W-what did you plan to do with that?"

"I didn't have a plan. I didn't even understand the true nature and power of the book. I was just hurt and angry and wanted to make someone else feel as bad as I did."

Draco nodded. He understood that feeling.

"I climbed to the top of the West Tower and there in the middle of the owlery I opened the book to a random page and tried the first spell I came to. Thankfully I didn't do it properly but I got close enough. A burst of dark energy exploded from my wand and struck one of the owls."

By this point Luna was struggling to speak. "The poor little thing fell to the floor writhing in pain. I got sick to my stomach, thinking that I'd killed one of the only creatures that hadn't hurt me."

She burst into tears and Draco pulled her into his arms, holding her until her breathing began to return to normal. He quietly asked, "Was the owl okay?"

Luna sniffed. "Yes, thankfully. Turns out I'd only stunned it but the thought of what I'd almost done terrified me. I swore an oath to myself that I would never lose control like that ever again. The cost was too high. To this day it still hurts my heart to remember the look on that little owl's face."

She choked back another sob and buried her head in his shoulder. "D-do you think badly of me now?"

"Oh, Luna. I couldn't think badly of you if I tried. And believe me - I've tried," Draco reluctantly admitted as he rested his chin on the top of her head and rubbed her back. "But, hey. Here's an idea. Why don't you extend some of the mercy that you share so freely with others to yourself for a change?"

"But I..."

"But nothing. Cut yourself some slack. You were a hurt, angry child. People were cruel to you and you lashed out. Look at all of the good you have done since that time. Not like me. I was a prat and a bully, I hurt people just because..."

Luna sat back and interrupted him. "Because you were a hurt, angry child. People, most notably your own Father, were cruel to you and you lashed out."

Draco shook his head. "It's not the same thing."

"Why not? How can it be true for one of us and not the other?" asked Luna.

"Because..." Draco was struggling to find a way to dispute her words when a sudden noise in the distance caused them both to jump.

"What the hell was that?" asked Draco.

"It's the elves," said Luna. "It sounds like they're...singing."

"I thought they said they would leave us alone. Why are they coming after us now?"

"I don't know." She listened closely. ""I can't quite make out the words but this definitely isn't an attack. I mean, if they wanted to sneak up on us we would never hear them coming."

"Any idea what they might want?"

"No. Sorry. I understand the language and some of the customs but Elvish society is frightfully complicated," Luna said, a look of concern crossing her face.

Draco tensed up. "What? What is it?"

"Well, since we pretended that I was your bonded consort earlier, I fear that we'll have to maintain the ruse now so we make sure that they don't try and harm you for the incident in the glen."

Draco's shoulders dropped in relief. "Is that all? Merlin's beard, you frightened me there for a minute."

"I don't like to lie if I can help it, Draco. I'm not terribly good at it."

"Then lucky for you that we don't have to. By definition a consort is not only a spouse of a person of nobility. The term can also apply to a close friend or an advisor - a role that you absolutely fulfill." He gave her a wink. "Does that ease your conscience?"

"I suppose. You don't mind the fact that they probably think you meant the other definition?"

"Oh, Luna. I promise you that would be the most pleasant assumption anyone has made about me in a very long time. If you can live with it then I certainly can," Draco said, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It sounds like they're almost here. You ready?"

Luna nodded. "Ready."

At that moment the music ceased and a small company of elves consisting of two standard bearers, two armed escorts and what appeared to be a senior official dressed in elaborate robes stepped into the light of their campsite.

The eldest of the group approached them and bowed deeply. Staring at the ground he launched into an obviously well prepared speech in Elvish. Luna greeted the official in his own language and Draco noted how the elf's head popped up and how he gazed intently at her before bustling forward. He took Luna's hand and kissed it while stammering something that made her duck her head slightly and blush.

For reasons that he couldn't quite put his finger on this annoyed Draco. He cleared his throat and edged closer to Luna, who retrieved her hand and addressed the elf in charge.

"I beg your pardon, your eminence, but Lord Malfoy is not as practiced in your language as I am. Out of respect for him, may I request we please conduct this conversation in English?"

"Quite! Quite!" The elf bowed deeply towards Draco. "A thousand apologies, Lord Malfoy. My tendency is to conduct court business in High Elvish. I meant no disrespect to you."

Many years of being dragged to formal Ministry events by his parents kicked in as Draco gave a formal bow in return. "No disrespect taken. I apologize for not being more thoroughly educated in your language and culture. Please, before we continue, how shall I address you?"

The official appeared most pleased at Draco's inquiry. "Of course. Of course. Quite right. Introductions first. As I was just beginning to explain to this most excellent lady, my name is Praeco and I am the special envoy of King Aldaron."

"Greetings, Praeco. Luna referred to you as 'your eminence'. Is this your preferred title?"

"No, Lord Malfoy. The good lady was being far too generous in her assessment of my position. Envoy Praeco is more than sufficient for an elf of my station."

"Very well, Envoy Praeco. To what do we owe the honor of your visit with us this evening?"

Luna placed her hand lightly on Draco's arm. "It seems, my lord, that we are being granted a most unusual distinction."

"More than unusual, my lady. Unprecedented! Absolutely unprecedented!" The envoy waved his hands excitedly as he spoke.

Draco tried to contain a bemused smile. "Please, my lady, enlighten me and leave me in suspense no longer."

The envoy jumped in before Luna could respond. "King Aldaron and His wife, Queen Astalda have requested a personal audience with you."

"We are indeed flattered by such an invitation," said Draco. "Please allow us the time to change into attire more befitting of such an request and we will gladly follow you to your..."

The envoy flapped his hands even more furiously and for a moment Draco thought the man might actually achieve flight. "No! I'm sorry but I must not have translated the message correctly. THEY are coming to you! They are less than a half a league behind us and will be here very soon."

Draco's eyes widened in surprise. "This is most..unexpected, Envoy Praeco. Please excuse us for a moment while we make ourselves presentable enough to receive such esteemed visitors."

He took Luna's arm and swiftly guided her into his tent. Once they were alone he whispered, "You're the expert on elves. How do we play this?"

"If you can buy me a little time then I can attempt some transfiguration work in here to make it as suitable as I can to entertain royalty."

"Good. Sounds like a plan. In the meantime, what do I wear? Dress robes weren't on the list of things I opted to pack for this journey."

Luna pulled her wand from her pocket. "Would you like me to try and whip up something appropriate?"

Draco stepped back, eyes closed and arms extended to his sides. "Please. Fire away."

With a deft and decisive flick of her wand, Luna skillfully transfigured Draco's everyday hiking clothes into a smart set of dress robes. He looked in the mirror, admiring the elegant fabric and stylish cut she had produced. "Well done, Luna! This would put even the finest offerings of Twilfitt and Tattings to shame!"

"I'm glad you approve. That is high praise indeed, coming from someone with your taste in fashion," Luna smiled. "Now get out there and stall long enough for me to get this place sorted, okay?"

Draco popped back outside to rejoin the waiting elves. "My apologies for the wait, Envoy Praeco. I hope that you feel this is suitable apparel for greeting the royal family?"

"Most suitable indeed, Lord Malfoy! The tailoring and material are exquisite." The envoy scanned the garments with an appreciative eye. An intricate silver fastener on Draco's cloak, fashioned in the shape of a dragon caught, the elf's attention. "That clasp is of particularly fine workmanship! Is it a family heirloom?"

For the first time Draco noticed the piece that Luna had conjured and he had to think on his feet. "No...it was a gift...from Luna. It signifies my name." Seeing the elf's confusion Draco clarified, "My given name is Draco which in our language translates as 'dragon'."

This information seemed to create something of a stir amongst the company but before Draco could determine the reason a great fanfare sounded nearby. The assembled elves dropped to their knees and bowed their heads as the King and Queen enter the clearing accompanied by a retinue of attendants and guards. The group made its way towards Draco, who knelt and bowed his head before addressing the King.

"Your majesty. Please allow me to begin by offering my sincerest apologies for my lack of deference and regard for royal protocol during our initial meeting. I hope you can find it in your heart to pardon the offense. I meant no disrespect to you or your kingdom."

"Rise, Lord Malfoy," said the King. "I assure you no apologies are necessary. If the situation had been reversed and it were my lady that had been injured, I can assure you that I would have been far less civil than you were." The King gestured towards the stunning, dark haired woman beside him. "May I present my wife, the Queen, Lady Astalda."

Draco bowed again to the tall, slender figure standing next to the King. "Your majesty. You both honor us with your presence." He heard a rustling behind him and noticed that all eyes were now looking over his shoulder. He started to turn while saying, "And please allow me to introduce..."

He stopped short as he caught sight of the vision gliding towards them. Luna was now wearing a stunning midnight blue robe which hung open to reveal a form fitting, full length shift of shimmering soft grey fabric underneath. Her hair, usually worn in a ponytail or messy bun, now hung in soft, loose curls which cascaded to the middle of her back, held off her face by a delicate silver headband. Draco couldn't help but notice how the blue bell flames burning behind her shimmered through her pale hair, giving the appearance that she was enveloped in a halo of light.

"Luna?" Draco gave his head a quick shake and reminded himself to breath. "I mean the Lady..." He quickly tried to come up with an appropriate title.

Luna spared him the effort by stepping in front of him and dropping into a deep curtsey before the royal couple. "Please, your majesties, I prefer just Luna if it is all the same to you. We are humbled that you have graced us with your company. "

The queen reached out and lifted Luna's chin with her delicate hand. "The pleasure is ours, Lady Luna. I have heard much about you although I must say - my husband, the King, definitely forgot to list your beauty among the many accolades he bestowed upon you."

"In my defense, Astalda, the young lady looked...different when I made her acquaintance earlier today." Draco could tell the man was as smitten as everyone else. "May I say that you have recovered from your wounds with astonishing speed, my lady."

Luna moved next to Draco and rested her hand on his arm. "Lord Malfoy is a very powerful wizard whose vast skills include being quite proficient at healing charms."

"It would seem so," said the King. Before he could continue, Praeco scurried forward and whispered something in the King's ear. The King nodded briefly then turned his attention back to Draco and Luna.

"We see that you wear a dragon emblem and Praeco tells me that you, Lord Malfoy, are actually named for the animal. Is this correct?"

"Yes, your majesty. My given name, Draco, does indeed translate as 'dragon' in our language."

"Would you say that you have a special relationship with the creatures?" asked the Queen.

"Actually Luna is the one that has a unique rapport with them," said Draco. "Amongst her many remarkable talents is the ability to communicate with a great number of beasts - including dragons."

The royal couple shared a look that Draco was unable to interpret then the King asked, "Would you happen to know anything about a dragon that was recently freed from a poacher's snare not many leagues from here?"

Draco' s shoulders tensed slightly as he tried to determine which direction the conversation was heading. "Why do you ask?"

"We have heard this same dragon was also responsible for the death of the poachers which had ensnared it."

"We released that dragon because it was hurt and in pain. Some time later we were captured by a group of poachers. They were preparing to kill us when Ell...the dragon in question saw Luna in peril and rescued us. Unfortunately none of the poachers survived," Draco said, slipping his arm protectively around Luna's waist. "If we have broken any laws it was purely unintentional and I alone accept the full weight of any repercussions."

"Draco, no. I'd be just as responsible as you are, " objected Luna.

The King held up a hand. "Please. If there are amends to be made in this situation they should come from us. It would seem that we have much to atone for when it comes to you." He then asked in a low voice, "Is there somewhere we could speak in private, Lord Malfoy?"

Draco gestured towards his tent and followed the royal couple inside, sparing a moment to marvel at Luna's handiwork as he entered.

In the short time she'd been given Luna had managed to utterly transform the space. Lush tapestries lined the walls while fairy lights and candles floated about, bathing everything in a warm and inviting glow. In the middle of the room sat a round table laden with fresh fruit and a bottle of sweet wine. Around the table sat four elegantly carved wooden chairs - two significantly larger and obviously meant for royalty and two fashioned in a less ornate style for Draco and Luna.

As he pulled out Luna's chair for her, Draco whispered, "Show off" in her ear before giving a wink and settling in the spot next to her.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries regarding the furnishings and the quality of the food and drink the King got down to business.

"Sadly, you have arrived in our land during troubled times." The King shook his head. "The recent rise in poaching, particularly of dragons, has caused a great mistrust of outsiders within my kingdom. In an attempt to gain power, there are some who seek to use those sentiments in order to convince the elves to revert to older, less enlightened ways. They would have us go backwards so a few could dominate the many. Unfortunately, even members of my own family have succumbed to these ramblings."

"Like your son," said Luna.

Both the King and Queen bowed their heads yet it still took a moment for the full implication of what Luna was saying to dawn on Draco.

"Wait. The boy who assaulted you today - was their son?" asked Draco slowly.

"I was grief stricken to hear of the prince's actions," said the Queen. "Please believe me when I say that this was most definitely not how our son was raised to behave."

The King nodded. "I did not realize that you had determined his identity. I see now why you were willing to extend such leniency."

Draco bristled at this perceived slight to Luna's character. He leaned forward, tightly gripping the arms of his chair. "Your majesty, I can assure you that Luna would have acted in precisely the same manner regardless of the boy's bloodline. I can personally attest that this woman possesses a staggering capacity to grant mercy and forgiveness - no matter how unworthy the recipient."

"I meant no disrespect to the lady, Lord Malfoy," assured the King. "Regardless of her motives, it is actually because of you that we may very well be able to suppress this conflict before it grows any stronger."

"I don't understand," said Luna.

The Queen spoke up, "You see, one of the main contentions of the Trasthael - the trouble makers - has been how little the outside world thought of the forest folk. They argue that we need to isolate ourselves because no one else cares what happens here. Then word reached us of two outsiders that not only rescued an ensnared dragon but actually helped rid us of a most vicious band of poachers, placing their own lives at stake in the process. Then today's...incident occurred and you granted such mercy towards your attackers. This showed our people that there are still those in the outside world with kind hearts that care about those who live in the forest."

The King nodded in agreement. "Whether you realize it or not, your actions have done much to propel us in the right direction. Which causes us even greater sorrow over the fact that it seems that we inadvertently brought about today's situation. If we had simply asked the bowtruckles to contact you directly instead of instructing them to only observe you from a distance then perhaps all of this unpleasantness might have been avoided."

"So that's why they wouldn't speak to me," said Luna. "I was afraid I had offended them in some way, even though we had taken special care not to harm any trees. I even offered them some wood lice but they still tried to hide from me."

"You are familiar with the ways of bowtruckles, my lady?" asked the King. "Was this another lesson from the father who taught you Elvish?"

"It was actually my mother who taught me about bowtruckle, your majesty. Unfortunately, she passed away and made the journey to the Undying Lands before I had the opportunity to see one in person. It was my late husband who ultimately introduced me to the delightful creatures. His family were great students of the natural world and his grandfather had a particular fondness for the bowtruckle. I believe he traveled quite extensively in this part of the world many years ago. Perhaps you met him?"

The king's eyes lit up. "I do recall a delightful little Englishman who was quite fond of wearing scarves. Um... Salamander?"

Luna smiled. "Very close, your majesty. His name was Scamander. Newt Scamander."

"Yes, yes! Of course! A lovely fellow. You were wed to his grandson?"

"Yes, sire. His name was Rolf."

"And now he also resides in The Undying Lands?"

"He does, sire. As a matter of fact, he made the journey exactly one year ago today."

This news saddened Draco and made him feel even worse about the sharp words he had spoken to her earlier. He reached for Luna's hand and fought an unexpected urge wrap his arms around her.

"My deepest condolences, my lady" said the King. "Is that when you came under the care of Lord Malfoy?"

"I believe you misunderstand our relationship, your Majesty. Strictly speaking, I am not under Lord Malfoy's care." Draco had to mask his surprise when she intertwined their fingers and squeezed. "We care for each other."

Draco smiled at her and tried to ignore the slight quiver in his stomach when she smiled back.

"A most important distinction as well as an ideal situation," said the Queen.

"Indeed," The King said. "Well, then. Enough of the past. Please, tell us what brings you to our kingdom and if there is any way we can assist in your diplomatic mission."

"Our world has also faced troubles, your majesty," said Luna. "Much like in your realm, a man obsessed with power and the old ways tried to take control and force his will upon others. Because of this, three years ago a terrible war was fought which cost the lives of both of our fathers. Our people were just beginning to truly heal from that conflict when an outbreak of a rare and deadly form of dragon pox surfaced. It was sporadic at first but it has now increased to the point of plague."

"All attempts to develop a treatment have thus far proven unsuccessful," added Draco. "Luna and I have been tasked with finding an ancient scroll once owned by a man named Pertento. It reportedly contains a cure for the disease which threatens our people. Any assistance you can give us would certainly be most appreciated."

"I wish there was something we could do to help. I vaguely recall a legend describing a scroll like the one you mention but if I remember correctly it lies well outside of our lands," said the King. "I am afraid the best I can do is assure you of safe passage while you are inside my kingdom."

"I recall my father saying how seriously boundaries are considered in your world, your majesty," said Luna. "Your offer is generous and we are most grateful that you are willing to grant protection to outsiders."

"After all you have endured, my lady, it is the least we can do," said the Queen. "And while I cannot help with your search directly, perhaps I can add something to my husband's pledge."

She reached into a small velvet bag which hung from her waist and pulled out two small brooches fashioned from silver and twisted into an intricate circular pattern. "Keep these with you. They bear the mark of my family. They will serve as proof to any bowtruckles you encounter that you come in peace and that they should assist you in any way possible."

"Your majesties are most kind," said Draco. "We are humbled by your benevolence."

"We could say the same about you and your good lady, Lord Malfoy," said the King.

The group talked a bit longer then shared a toast before the royal couple stood to leave. As they stepped out of the tent the Queen inquired about the blue bell flames and Luna proceeded to demonstrate how she conjured the magical lights, to the amazement and delight of all present.

As they watched from a distance, the King said to Draco, "Beautiful, talented, compassionate and wise? Tell me, Lord Malfoy, are there more like her where you come from?"

Draco squared his shoulders and looked the King directly in the eye. "There are none like her anywhere, Your Majesty."

With a knowing bow the King replied simply, "Indeed," before the elves took their leave.