Sunlight greeted Elle as she woke up, she felt oddly calm, and I guess this is what they call the calm before the storm. Elle dressed herself and went to the great hall to have breakfast. She felt people staring at her, followed by whispers. They no longer mattered, she saw Nick and he refused to look at her, confirming what she dreaded, they're coming.
" Elle, you ok?" Hermione asked. " I'm fine, don't worry about it" she replied. " What was Malfoy up to? Did he try to hurt you?" Harry asked genuinely concerned. " Draco was a perfect gentleman" Elle replied emphasizing on Draco's name. Ron snorted and Elle tried to remain optimistic throughout breakfast.
Potions was first today, Elle was glad. The dark dungeon fitted her mood to a tee, as she made her way down, she chose the darkest table and ignored everyone including Draco who kept looking at her, trying to catch her eye.
What is wrong with her? Draco thought to himself, she looked pale and frightened but has remain serene the whole time. Class started as Professor Snape entered and fortunately for Elle, he made them read the textbook and write essays. Time passed really fast and before she knew it, there was only 15 minutes left.
The door opened and Elle all but jumped from her seat, it's time she thought to herself. Draco was eyeing her. The person in the door was Nick!. " Professor, Elle's parents are here to see her." He said
" They will have to wait until my class is over, it will only be 15minutes from now" Professor Snape said. Nick went away without another word.
Elle was shaking and tried her best to stay calm but her hands couldn't stop shaking and she couldn't write or think. She was scared. " Miss De Leon, you're shaking. Is there a problem?" Snape asked.
" Nnno Sir" She stammered. Her memory flash and she feels the pain, the bruise, she can smell the blood and her hand distinctively reached for her wrist. She saw the faint scar and forced back the tears.
When class was dismissed she went to the court yard to where her parents were along with Nick's parents. Her father looked furious, her mother indifferent. She felt like turning back and running the other way.
" Good morning father" Elle said meekly. " Where is she Elle?" Her father all but shouted. " I don't know" She answered. And she felt the first slap to her face, she staggered back a few steps. " Where is she Elle" her father continued. Elle shook her head and held her tongue. Another slap was given and the force of her fathers slapped pushed her on the ground.
" I will ask you again Elle, Where is she?" Elle cried but gave no answer. Before her father could slap her again, Professor Dumbledore appeared. " Mr. De Leon, I cannot allow you to slap Ariel in school" He said with force in his voice.
Elle saw that they had a crowd and she saw Draco looking at her. He looked as angry as her father. As she collected herself, Mrs slapped her and yelled " You insolent child!"
The last slap, hit Elle with a force that her nose was bleeding. " Professor McGonagall please take Miss De Leon to the hospital wing" Professor Dumbledore instructed. Elle felt McGonagall's hand guide her away, she was to weak and tired to argue.
" Twice in two days Miss De Leon? Don't be making this a habit now" Madam Pomfrey said jokingly. Elle could only manage a smile. " Give her something to calm her nerves" Professor McGonagall said.
Slowly, the elixir calmed her nerves and she felt light. Elle wanted to stay in the infirmary and not go out. She didn't want to face her parents, or her fellow classmates and she certainly didn't want to face Draco.
" Miss De Leon, the Headmaster would like to see you now. And the password is liquorice" Madam Pomfrey said.
Elle eased her way down from the bed and made her way to the door, as she exited she saw Draco leaning against the opposite wall. He gave her a smile and Elle couldn't help but smile back. " I'll walk with you" He said.
" Does it still hurt" Draco said as her touched her cheek. Elle was surprised and pulled back. " Sorry, erm. No, Madam Pomfrey gave me something to ease the sting" She replied.
Draco was surprised at himself. And he kept asking himself why was her here? Why was he taking care of her? Why does he care? She's a Griffindor! But he still wanted to know her. He still wanted to figure her out, he wanted to protect her as ridiculous as it sounds.
They reached the big gargoyle and Elle whispered the password. " Elle" Draco said as he took her hand. " Just know that I'm here if you need anyone to talk to" He said and walked off. The whole scenario left Elle feeling confused.
As she walked up the stairs, she felt safe. She saw Professor Dumbledore stroking his phoenix. " This is Fawkes" He said. " Please have a seat Miss De Leon" he continued.
" What happened in the court yard is non of my business but you are a student in Hogwarts and that makes it my concern." He said and Elle felt like she was losing a battle she didn't sign up for.
" It takes bravery to hide someone so dear. That wasn't the first time this happened, and you seemed prepared for your fathers attack" He continued.
" It was arrogance that forced his hand on you and a need for obedience from you. He will do almost anything for you to follow his bidding" Professor Dumbledore said. " What have you done to deserve this?" he asked.
" It wasn't really me, more my cousin Ella. She was born three years before me but on the same day as me and that made us very close. Almost like sisters. She had a love for muggles, and she found a man she wanted to marry but our parents didn't approve of it. One day, she took me London to meet her muggle boyfriend and I liked him. I told my parents and from that day onwards my father would beat me to ensure that I would not follow in her footsteps. They tried to keep us apart but couldn't and that angered them" Elle said remembering the horrible day.
" I woke up one day and my father told me that Ella died, they laid her coffin in the family compound and I was distraught. On that day my mother told me 'that could have been you'. I have lived in fear ever since. I try to rebel, mostly in school. I keep good grades but I would do things just to anger him and every summer would be the same. Beating after beating."
" Is your cousin alive?" Professor Dumbledore asked. Elle looked up and nodded her head. " They faked her death as she eloped with her muggle boyfriend." Elle answered.
" Then keep her safe Miss De Leon. And keep yourself safe, your father was very angry. I'll will write a note excusing you from your classes today" he said.
Elle left feeling bittersweet, happy that she was safe in Hogwarts and she had someone to look forward to but sad that she knew her father was up to something.