Title: Harry Potter and the Rise of the Dark Legacy
Author: enchanted nightingale
Beta Reader: pussycatadamah
Pairs: Harry/Lucius (eventually), Ron/Hermione, Neville/Ginny, Remus/Tonks
Disclaimer: The characters belong to J.K. Rowling. I merely use them in my plot for fun.
"Parseltongue"
Chapter with Harry
December 22nd:
Harry entered the tree like house with a bit of apprehension. Elbereth, their host had been quiet and reserved. It could be because he had an image to uphold or because he had just met the teen, but he looked composed and stern like Harry remembered Ailill being at first.
The teen had been the centre of attention as they walked the busy streets of Eilinel. He heard the people clearly as the whispered about the Dark Elf. He could feel many eyes on his person and it was getting as annoying as when he was in the wizarding world. Ailill had been right when he had said that Dark Elves were rare and there had not been a sighting for hundreds of years.
"Have a seat," Elbereth offered.
"Thank you. Harry, here, by my side," Ailill said.
The teen nodded and took a seat around the stone table. He could feel the magic from every corner of the room, every object and piece of furniture. It was much thicker than what he had sensed in Hogwarts and even his wand. It was breathtaking and beautiful to feel magic everywhere. Eilinel was truly a magical place and even this soon, Harry could tell that he would love this place.
"Apple tea?" Elbereth offered.
"Please," Ailill replied. "I had none of it for months. Wizards are set on tea and pumpkin juice but seldom have anything else."
The other Wood Elf snorted as if that said his opinion on wizards and Harry realized that it actually did. Humans, wizards were not very liked in the community. He had been warned but it still irked the teen.
Elbereth was quiet as he went about preparing everything for his guests.
Harry swallowed at the looks he was given.
"Knock it off Elbereth," Ailill commented.
Elbereth served the tea and sat, pinning his eyes on Harry. "Can you send him someplace else?" he questioned the red haired Elf. His eyes strayed back to Harry. "He is a Dark Elf."
"Yes, I know," Ailill replied.
"He was the reason you went to the human magical community?" the amber eyed Elf continued.
"I am right here," Harry said under his breath. The other two heard him loud and clear.
His mentor smiled at Elbereth, who in turn sighed. "You are Harry Potter."
The teen nodded.
"How did this happen?" the amber eyed Wood Elf asked.
"It is a long, complicated story," Harry offered.
"I can explain," Ailill said in a pleasant voice. And he did. He said of his contact with Dumbledore, how he was introduced to Harry, the basic outline of their lessons and finally he concluded with a story on Harry's parents. When he finished Elbereth gave Harry a more careful glance.
"He does look like Everard. I never met Orodreth or his mate so I cannot say if there are any similarities with his parents," Elbereth commented.
He sighed and sipped his apple tea. "This is troubling. By now everyone in Eilinel will know about him…" he motioned to Harry. "No offence boy but your arrival will shake everything up. We haven't had a Dark Elf in centuries."
"I know," Harry muttered.
"Look at the bright side," Ailill told Elbereth.
"And that is?"
"You were complaining that nothing exciting happened anymore. Now you have your chance."
"Ailill, you are insufferable," the other Wood Elf shot back.
"I try."
Harry stifled his laughter at the two. They were acting like teens.
Enelya was crouched behind a shrub and tried to get closer to Elbereth's house.
"Pst."
She stood still and turned around at the sound. Behind her, two identical little girls were looking at her with their big, wide green and gold eyes. They wore long, robe like dresses in mint green and pink each.
"What are you doing 'Nelya," they chorused.
Enelya winced at the way they butchered her name and at their appearance. The last thing she needed was for the twins to give her away. "Um, Eärwen, Nápoldë, what are you two doing here?" she asked nervously, her voice hushed.
The twins smiled some more and Enelya gulped. She was willing to bet they wanted something.
"We came to see the Dark Elf," Eärwen replied.
And Nápoldë added, "Everything speaks of him."
"Don't you mean everyone," Enelya corrected.
"Them too," the second twin spoke uncaringly.
Enelya really wanted them away from her.
"You know, Sage Sairalindë was coming this way…" they said as one.
Enelya gulped.
"So, will you take us for ice cream?" the twins asked sweetly.
"Sure, what do I have to lose?" the older Elf shrugged.
Harry was bored. Ailill and Elbereth were now talking about people with names he never heard of and words he was certain were a language only the two Wood Elves could understand. While he recognized the need for them to keep things from the new comer, it was getting tiresome and even his afternoon nap was not enough to stifle his yawn. It seemed that his mentor realized what was wrong with him, exchanged a few words with Elbereth and stood to leave.
"Come Harry. Elbereth, we will talk later. Thank you for the hospitality."
Harry muttered his thanks as well and he was again on the streets facing the wondering crowds of Elves. It was worse than in the wizarding world.
Ailill steered him away from them. "I had sent word early this week and my house was opened and cleaned for us. It is here, just around the corner."
And it was. It was bigger than Elbereth's but the tree was smaller, an oak.
"Come on in," Ailill invited. "Our things are here already. I'll show you to a room and then we can work out your schedule. Are you hungry?"
"Not really," Harry replied.
He looked much more relaxed now that he was not under the scrutiny of so many eyes.
"The shock will wear off in the next couple of days," his mentor offered.
"Hm," the teen nodded.
"Sleep for you then," Ailill ordered sounding to Harry too much like Molly Weasley.
"Are we home yet?"
Harry blinked as Aapep reared his head. He sounded sleepy to Harry. The teen guessed it was because it was winter time.
"Yes. What is wrong?" he questioned.
"Nothing master, it is only warmer here."
"Are you hungry?" Harry hissed the question at his companion.
"Not yet," came the reply.
"I'm going to rest for a bit. Should you need anything tell me later, okay? And behave."
Harry's reply was a sibilant chuckle.
December 23rd:
"Rise and shine!"
Harry groaned at the red haired Elf that invaded his room.
"I told you to wake up earlier, "Aapep sounded smug.
Harry threw his pillow at his snake but Ailill made it stop mid air. "Now, Harry, play nice."
"Do I have to?" the teen complained.
"You should not even ask," Ailill told him. "We need to train a bit before I leave for the Council today to speak about you."
"What will I do all day?" Harry asked.
"You are free to explore the town. Just don't wander in the administrative part. I have to make the Council welcome you first. For now you are merely a tourist."
Harry nodded absently. "Okay, I understand."
"Good. Get dressed. I'll wait outside."
The teen sighed and nodded.
Harry was hesitant to walk outside. Ailill had made him bring Aapep with him, just in case and sent the teen out of the house while he and Elbereth left to meet the Council. Harry stepped out of the house with a great amount of hesitation.
"Were to now?" he hissed to his reptilian companion.
"Somewhere warm?" Aapep asked.
"Is that all you care about?" Harry asked with exasperation.
"Yes."
Harry shook his head and decided to just walk around. It was odd walking the cobble stoned street but at the same time fitting. He was admiring the unique structure of the houses around him and how everything was so connected to nature. He blinked when one of the windows was opened and the branches moved to make room for it to be possible. Had he blinked he would have missed it. He was so enthralled by taking in his environment that he missed another walking towards him. The two crashed with force and Harry was thrown down, the other landing above him.
They grunted in pain and Harry closed his eyes when his back hit the cold, hard floor.
"Aouch! What the…? Oh, I'm so sorry! I was running again and didn't see you there. You're short you know. And couldn't you pay more attention were you walk, the road is made for everyone you know."
Harry groaned. "You are heavy."
His 'attacker' huffed and the weight on his chest lessened. Then Harry was able to sit just in time to calm down Aapep who had been nearly crushed by what Harry knew now to be a female Elf.
"Danger! Enemy! I will protect you Master!"
Harry sighed and tried to sooth the upset Runespoor. "Calm down Aapep. It was just a girl running into us."
Aapep stopped hissing and all three heads put their tongues out to taste the air. "We knew that," the snaked hissed with as much dignity as possible. "We are going back under your clothes then."
"Right," Harry replied, trying not to sound very sarcastic. He glanced up only to see the young Elf staring at him with a frozen expression. He thought he should start preparing for screaming and yelling, but the girl squealed in joy. Harry winced at the loud sound.
"By Selena, was that a Runespoor? Did you talk to it? It's you from the other day, the Dark Elf, right? I'm Enelya who are you?"
Harry blinked. She had said all that in one breath and still did not appear flustered. "I'm Harry, Harry Potter. And Aapep is a Runespoor."
"Cute!" Enelya smiled. She did not linger on the subject, taking it in a stride. "And sorry I knocked you over. I'm often told I'm clumsy."
"Forget it; its fine," Harry told her. She offered her hand to help him up and he accepted.
"So, new at Eilinel?" the girl asked. "I could show you around, make sure nobody mobs you. And I know a lot of good spots around town."
Harry smiled. He was glad to meet someone friendly and as helpful as her. "I could use some help."
"Great!" Enelya beamed. "This is the residential area, not much going on here. It's more fun in the shopping district and even more fun in the barracks, though the soldiers are so uptight! Come on!"
Harry followed after the bubbly girl.
"So…" she started, "How come you came here?"
"My mentor decided I should visit," Harry told her.
"You got Ailill Frideswide, right?" Enelya put her hands behind her head and skipped around the teen. "Lucky! I heard he's good and very good with Nets and Swordsmanship. I got Sairalindë Lossëhelin." At Harry's blank look she pouted. "He's my mentor. He and Frideswide go way back."
"I wouldn't know," the Dark Elf admitted. "And I'm a beginner as I am still learning Aura reading."
Enelya snorted. "That's kids stuff."
Harry fought hard to keep his temper. He had read the books Ailill gave him. Also his mentor had told him that Elves usually started their education much earlier. It was not normal that Harry had been found so late. It did not matter when his blood and magic made his passing to his heritage, it should not have taken so long to track him down as Elfin communities had a system of sorts for these situations, but the blood adoption by the Potters, the Fidelius, the night of Voldemort's attack and then his days at the Dursley's under the blood protection made it impossible for him to be traced. Ailill was rushing his training due to his situation; it was unavoidable. Still, he did not like to be reminded of it.
"I only learned about my heritage this past summer," Harry told her.
She seemed full of questions after that, but he managed to fend her off by asking a lot of questions about the town. Her attention was diverted easily by other matters.
Council of Elders, Gardens:
Ailill walked through the ancient gardens that surrounded the Council. He had been away for a long time and he missed seeing these grounds. He had grown up here. His mother had been a close advisor of the queen of that time. When they had been driven away because of the war, Queen Elowen had taken him with her in Eilinel, which served as a safe house for the royals and anyone unfit for battle. He had wonderful memories from that time; Elowen was a wonderful mentor, knowledgeable on many fields and a calm presence in his life. He could not recall details anymore, but the feelings he had from that time were always with him.
"Welcome back lost bird."
Ailill blinked. A tall, maroon haired Elf was standing close to him, a familiar face frowning at him under the long strands.
"I am deeply disappointed in you my friend," Sairalinde told him, his arms crossed over his chest.
The red haired Elf gave a half smile.
"Sairalinde."
The other Elf snorted. "You were gone for years, Ailill. Not a word."
"I'm unforgivable, I know."
"Jerk."
Ailill's smile widened and he moved forward, embracing the man.
Sairalinde gave in and embraced the older Elf back.
"You silly fox," Ailill told him.
"Jerk," Sairalinde repeated.
Ailill broke the intimate position after a while. "Come on. I am sure the Council is waiting for me."
"I agree, but afterwards you and I are going to have a long talk, preferably without your little charge around."
"Of course."
Shopping District:
Harry could not turn his head fast enough to see everything. The colours, the smells, the merchandise; everything was overwhelming to him. He was reminded of his first visit to Diagon Alley. He might not be eleven any more, but this new world he was now a part of was just as exciting if not more. Enelya was happy to answer each and every one of his questions. She seemed to like his excitement and fed it more with her own. She showed him the fruit stands, which held various fruit, some he recognized and others that were clearly of magical or Elfin origin. She seemed to know the shop keepers and everyone they came across, because she greeted most of them rather friendly. Harry had been given some money so he treated her to one of the fruit she seemed to like more and tasted one as well. It was kind like a peach but the taste was sweeter than sugar. Then she dragged him to the clothing shops were she pointed out to him the clothes worn most. He bought a few outfits just to fit in a bit more, as his jeans were eye catching.
"…I enjoyed learning the Bow and Netting most," Enelya told him about her studies as they walked by some shops. The stands had long since finished and more imposing building rose from the ground.
"You mentioned that word before, 'Netting'," Harry told her.
"Ah, yes, you are a wizard too." She scratched her head a bit. "Wizards call it spell creating or something like that. We do not need explicit commands such as spells, to do things. But in cases when we need more power behind our actions, like when we created barriers, shields or during combat, we need to harness more power; Nets do that for us. Wizards have similar ones, only to them they are short rituals." She shrugged. "It was fun doing it. When you finish with Aura reading you will start with Nets. Though, being a wizard and all you will not have much trouble."
Harry nodded. "Thank you. Also I wanted to ask you something else, but I'm not sure how to say it without sounding like…"
"A jerk?" Enelya offered. "A callous pig? A…"
"I get it!" Harry cut her off.
She smiled, but it was full of mischief.
"I was wondering about your age," he told her.
"Ah, that. Well, I'm thirty one in human years."
Harry blinked. She looked younger than him but as usual had decades over him. He should be used to it by now.
"You'll get used to it kid," she told him and that snapped him out of whatever shock he fell into.
"Don't start that with me," he almost whined.
"It's my prerogative," she told him.
"And here I was beginning to like you," Harry said.
Enelya laughed.
Council of Elders:
Ailill felt the powerful aura's that became even more pronounced when he entered the main chamber were the Council members met. It was not the typical room but it was very private with all the spells woven in the wards. The red haired Elf parted the ivy that served as a curtain and stepped inside the room. He was greeted by Elbereth and a female Elf with white hair and red eyes.
"Elbereth, Lady Nessa Arcamenel," he bowed his head at both of them.
"It is very nice having you back Elder Frideswide," Nessa greeted. "Your arrival caused quite a stir."
"Still waters are dying waters," Ailill replied.
Nessa smiled. "Interesting notion, but not all share it Elder."
"I know my Lady," Ailill replied.
"Sairalinde," Elbereth greeted. "How are your students doing?"
"Testing my patience as always," he replied.
"I heard my son is studying under you," Elbereth spoke up.
"He is," the other agreed. "Elder Zoan was having trouble with her elbow again and I temporarily took on her students. Your Nariel is quite talented with a sword."
"Good to hear that. But has he made any progress with his age group? I hate seeing him so distant from everyone and everything," Elbereth commented.
The other shook his head. "He is amicable to Altariel, your daughter," Sairalinde replied. "And Enelya Luinwë riles him up pretty often."
Elbereth grinned. "Thranduil's daughter?"
"The very one," Sairalinde replied. "She takes after her father as far as mischievousness is concerned. You can guess what that does to Nariel's tendency for perfect control over everything."
"I can imagine."
"Enjoying your talk you two?" Ailill approached them.
"Feeling left out?" Elbereth asked.
"Not really," Ailill responded. "The members are taking their seats."
"I better join the spectators," Sairalinde spoke up. "Good luck," he told Ailill.
There was a loud ring and the various groups of people broke away as the twenty members of the Council took their seats in a semi circle. Ailill and Elbereth were several seats apart, both of them were among the scholars of the Council. There were in total five scholars on the Council, seven militants, three seers, and the rest were members of the noble families that ruled the Elvin nation. Among them used to be several Dark Elves but in the last centuries those seats had been empty.
Ailill felt the need to groan. He did not get on with half of the people in this room and he was downright hostile with five of them. And now he had brought back the one thing his political enemies loathed, a Dark Elf. Harry once he was recognized, and Ailill intended to achieve that, would inherit all the empty seats just because he was a Dark Elf. This would anger the old families and a couple of militant experts. He had wished to save the teen some grief but it could not be avoided. He just had to take small steps each time. And if he was lucky, Harry would not need to know about his upcoming responsibilities within the Elfin community before summer.
He caught Elbereth's look and tried to form some courage.
As each member took their seat Ailill was greeted with the same faces he had left behind years ago.
Elbereth was his closest friend among the vipers in this nest and certain to agree with him. After Harry had fallen asleep Ailill had gone back to his friend's house and the two- three with Idril, Elbereth's mate and Council Seer- had discussed their plan of action. Seeing both Elbereth and Idril gave him some hope. That was three votes in his favor, in Harry's favor.
The other two Seers were a female, Eámanë, and a male, Calafalas. The female Elf was half Wood, half Water and took no side, just following her visions. The male was under the protection of House Míriel. He was likely to follow the directions they gave him.
Then were the scholars. Ailill was perhaps one of the neutral ones.
There was Morwen, a male Elf who was older than Ailill and one twelfth Dark Elf. He was also a millennium older than Ailill and the voice of reason. He followed what was supposed to bring peace and did not care for side losses.
Artanis was another male Elf about five centuries old. He was a bookworm and a bit antisocial. He also was sucker for rules and that made Ailill not like him much if at all.
Enelya Tinehtelë was one of the few female scholars in Eilinel and the only one in the Council. She was one of Elbereth's former students and had a good head on her shoulders. She was a petite redhead with vivid moss green eyes and a kind nature.
Valandil Mablung, a male with red hair, braided down his back, black-green eyes, who was the Lord of Mablung House. Next to him sat Thranduil Calsaf was the male representative and Lord of Calsaf House. He has yellow blond hair and brown-green eyes.
Both were quite strong willed and tended to agree with Nessa Arcamenel, another female Elf on the Council, with white hair and red eyes, approximately 4000 years old if Ailill's memory was correct. She was the Lady of Arcamenel House, who tended to be conservative and in favor of cutting off the community from wizards while maintaining contact with all the other magical species and creatures. She also used to scold Ailill when he tried to skip classes. She was one strict lady and still treated him like a naughty kid. She was one of the few people who could do that.
Erwelm Arcamenel was Nessa's son. He was on the Council representing his mate's family. He was mated to Artanis' sister so he was voting for the Milnal House. He was less conservative than his mother and his brother in law and more interested in expanding his business and living life to the fullest. He used to get into mischief along with Ailill. He had his mother's looks.
Ailill was not surprised when he smiled and even waved at him.
'Later. Drinks,' he mouthed and Ailill smiled back and nodded.
There were more people on the Council, like Finduilas Míriel, of the Elders Council and the Lady of Miriel House, Alassea of the Elders Council and the ruling Lady of House Tarandur who were both represented by their representatives. They were not alone in this. Three more council members had sent their representatives; Eärlindë of Mablung, Osa Míriel, who was in charge of the town's protection and she was Finduilas' older sister. Lastly, there was the representative of Ireth of Tarandur who although a militant was rather peaceful as well as the crowd that surrounded him
Ailill took stock of everyone and made calculations in his head. He would play his hand right and get what he wanted. He would not let his new pupil down.
A soft melody made all noise stop and the presiding Elder for this session, Enelya Tinehtelë the Scholar stood.
"I ask for your reverence and co-operation as this Council shall start its proceedings," she intoned needlessly as no one would dare disrespect tradition so obviously. "First matter on today's agenda concerns Náriël Morwen Tinehtelë, or the one known widely as Harry James Potter and his impeding addition in our city as requested formally by his mentor, Elder Frideswide, per indication of our Memoriam Charta. The podium is yours Elder."
Ailill stood straight. It was his turn to shine through this meeting and hope everything worked out.
He did not have to as it turned out. Six hours later and after everyone spoke and debated, Harry Potter was officially recognized as a proud citizen of Eilinel. It had been easy enough to do this. The Laws themselves, their prized Memoriam Charta, dictated that all Elves no matter the quality of their blood (meaning halfbloods, quarterbloods and any one under four generations of Elf Blood) was considered a true Royal Elf and were allowed to join any Elvin Town they chose. And that Elvin town would have to offer citizenship unless that Elf was responsible for heinous crimes to his or her race. It was practically a piece of cake as Harry had everything it took and none of the restrictions. Elbereth turned out to be a great help as he recited that specific law correct right down to the last word.
What turned out to be tricky and a feat near impossible was the process that it took to recognize Harry's legal claim and hereditary right to actively fill the seats and cast the votes of the Dark Elves that used to be part of the Council. Tinehtelë was an old name and that alone signified that Harry had a right to join the Council, any Council really, of any town he earned citizenship. The scholars were not really much help as there was no prior case to this what with the Dark Elves dropping out of the face of the Earth so suddenly and for such a long time. The Seers looked like they knew something but kept quiet about this. More vocal were the militants. The name of Harry Potter held a lot of clout in the world of wizards, something that was inconsequential in this Council room. What mattered to them was the danger that came with being the Boy-Who-Lived. And they did not want the self proclaimed Dark Lord jeopardizing the safety of the community and their race as a whole. In this last bit Ailill agreed but he did not understand why they were being so difficult and disagreeable.
It was a fact that Royal Elves were strong. In a confrontation with Voldemort and his cohorts an Elvin Army was bound to win as few things could truly oppose a grown and trained Elvin warrior. The wizards would be lucky to actually hurt them, even using the darkest of magic's. But politics were a nasty things and one subject Ailill held a strong distaste about. He saw the looks exchanged between the various elders, the heads of houses and heads of their army. This game was ancient and to be honest held little relevance with Harry's case as it was. What mattered was the house the newly discovered Dark Elf would side with and possibly aid. Ailill knew that many were hoping that members of their houses would end up being a match to Harry. It was a good thing, the Wood Elf decided, that they were unaware of Lucius Malfoy.
In the end, after much debate, a compromise was made. Should Harry reach his third century of age, in the case that Elvin the longevity was one of the traits of his inherited blood, then he would be allowed to cast his vote in the Council, taking on one of his ancestors' seats.
Ailill thought the end result was just. Harry was too young for the responsibility, and with Voldemort at large he had other things to worry about. It concerned Ailill that the centuries ahead were a long time and many intricate plans and alliances could be made to stir Harry's favour, if the glint in some eyes was any clue. He would have to keep an eye on Harry. And perhaps rope Elbereth into giving to teen lessons on Elvin politics.
Meanwhile, Shopping District…
Harry tried to ignore it but the whispers were getting worse. He looked to Enelya and found her glaring a female Elf that was gossiping with one of the vendors.
They had not bothered to keep their voices low, not that it would do any good, so Harry heard them loud and clear. They were afraid of him and at the same time loathed his very presence.
"Ignore them," Enelya told Harry.
"Why do they say those things?" Harry wondered. Some pretty mean words reached his ears, things he had heard when in second year the majority of Hogwarts thought him to be Slytherin's Heir.
"Because they are ignorant bastards," Enelya replied.
Harry knew she was lying and that it was probably something more serious than that. Those two reminded him of the people in Britain that had been afraid of him after all those horrible things Rita Skeeter had written about him. He briefly wondered on the difficulties his mentor might face trying to get him recognized in the eyes of this community. He decided to ignore them anyway and followed Enelya's example.
"Let's head back to the house," Harry told Enelya.
"Sure," she readily agreed.
Together they walked back to the residential district and Harry could now relax a bit more. He felt his snake's warmth through his shirt and wondered how Aapep had remained asleep with all the noise.
"Is the noise over yet?"
Harry realized he spoke all too soon as Aapep twisted and turned until he came out from under Harry's garments.
"I was having a nice sleep! There was a nice plump mouse and … Did you really have to wake me? I really want to bite you. Unless you can get me a nice, fat mouse to eat..."
"Someone woke up cranky," Harry chuckled as Aapep slithered out of his shirt.
Enelya watched entranced at the snake. "Is that a Runespoor? It is! And you can understand him? You are so lucky!" she told Harry.
The snake spotted the girl and then settled around his master's neck. Aapep then preened. "Of course he is!"
Harry shook his head. "He can be a bit much."
"Still, a Parselmouth… The possibilities alone…" she looked dreamy.
"The trouble you could get into," Harry teased her.
"Exactly!" Enelya told him. "You are learning fast."
Harry remembered about the Sphinx at Hagrid's class. "I spoke to a Sphinx once."
"Really? My mentor told me he was friends with one, but there has not been a Sphinx in Eilinel in three centuries, not even to visit."
Intrigued, the once wizard considered this. "Can we talk to other creatures?" Harry asked her. Ailill had avoided answering that, just giving him a small smile.
Enelya shrugged. "I have an affinity with birds, owls and sparrows in particular. I do not speak to them per se but I 'feel' them. If I were to give an order and you gave one as well, they would obey me. My mentor has his way with felines, be it cats or tigers. I think your mentor has a few animals under his command as well. I know about a falcon, but that could be just a rumour."
"Can I have my mouse now?" the Runespoor asked impatiently.
"Don't be rude," Harry admonished Aapep. "Sorry, but he keeps insisting."
"It's okay; we are kind of late," Enelya told him. "I'll leave you to feed him."
"Thanks," Harry told her.
Enelya stood then and stretched a bit. "So goodnight then. I'll come by tomorrow." She skipped off.
"Goodnight," Harry told her and got inside Ailill's house.
She then used nature to travel away.
"Now to feed you," Harry hissed at Aapep as he walked to his room.
"About time," Aapep hissed back.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Do you want it alive or dead?"
"I want to play a bit."
Harry shuddered. "Okay."
He fetched a mouse just for his annoying serpentine friend and released it in the room.
"Here little mouse…"
Harry shook his head and decided not to look at Aapep as he hunted. Instead he lay back on his bed and tried to relax. That day had been full of new things and he had been overwhelmed by what he had seen. Eilinel was a magical town, so peaceful and colourful, but not as loud as Diagon Alley. He could get used to it. Maybe he would come visit again, after everything was done with Voldemort and his Death Eaters.
'Lucius would like that too.'
He felt a pang in his chest. He turned and buried his face in his pillow. He did not need this right now. Not when he was enjoying himself and met new people.
"Come to Aapep little mouse."
Harry choked back a laugh that wanted to become a sob. He had not realized how much he missed his mate so far. How he wished to feel his presence, smell his scent, kiss those lips of his again and damn the boundaries Ailill had set for him. Harry squeezed his pillow tighter.
"Master? I smell salt water."
"Eat your dinner Aapep."
"Okay Master."
December 24th:
Ailill was surprised when he found Harry already at the table. The teen was dressed in the clothes he had prepared for him and munching on some fruit. He also looked tired, like he had not slept properly all night. Aapep was at the window, basking in the sun and Harry was watching him but his eyes were unfocused.
"Good morning Harry. You are up early today."
The teen blinked and adjusted his eyes. He noticed Ailill and offered a smile. "I know."
Ailill smiled. The boy sounded rested but also sad. That meant he had no nightmares but something else had happened. He took his seat next to his student and tried some bread.
"I heard you went to town yesterday," the red haired Elf stated.
Harry nodded. "I bumped into this girl yesterday, Enelya…"
"Ah, I believe I have heard of her. She is studying under a friend of mine," Ailill cut in. "I would have never guessed you would meet her."
Harry shrugged. "Well, she saw me when we arrived too. She even liked Aapep. I guess she is nice, not many others were." The teen sighed and pushed his plate away.
"Something happened?" Ailill questioned alarmed.
"There were a couple of people at the market," Harry admitted. "They said some things…Why would the Elves glare at me?"
His mentor frowned. "I was not aware they did that. Did anyone do or say anything unbecoming?"
Harry shook his head. "Not really. Why are you asking? Did something happen at the Council?"
Ailill opened his mouth to lie but thought better of it. He knew how hot headed Harry could be. It was of no use if he alienated the teen. And he hated lying to people he respected. "I cannot tell you yet, it is still soon. I'd rather not be forced to lie to you. But you can be assured that we achieved quite a bit. You are in fact a proud citizen of Eilinel now. Congratulations."
Harry smiled. "You mean that? Then it's great!" He knew that citizenship was a big thing in Elvin community and society, it was like an extended family. Then he considered about the things his mentor was keeping form him. The teen wanted to argue but held his tongue and thought for a bit. So far Harry had let his curiosity dictate his actions. Adults he trusted lied to him constantly or planned his future without him. His mentor had asked a chance to tell him but not immediately. Ailill was telling him he would rather not lie to the teen and that was a lot to Harry. So he decided to wait a bit. Perhaps Enelya would be a good distraction.
"Okay," Harry told him.
"Thank you. Are you sure you are fine? You look a bit sad today."
Harry swallowed. "I miss Lucius."
Ailill sighed. "I expected that but not so soon. I'm sorry, but there is nothing I can do to help you."
"I know," Harry shrugged as if to brush this matter off. "I'll be fine, I think."
"Is that an egg I smell?" Aapep lifted his three heads.
"Yes. But aren't you full with that mouse?" Harry hissed back.
"I would like an egg."
"You are the most gluttonous snake I have ever met," Harry hissed at Aapep.
Ailill watched the exchange with amusement.
"What are you going to do today?"
"Nothing really," Harry replied. "Enelya might come but then again she has her lessons."
"Then we can practice," Ailill decided. "We will start with meditation and light swordsmanship."
Harry nodded.
"Are you okay Harry?" Ailill asked.
"Why?"
"You look a bit off today. Did you sleep well?"
"I'm fine. And I slept fine," Harry replied.
Ailill was left staring at him. He then turned to Aapep. "I really wish I could talk to you," he muttered as he started to feel worry for the teen.
Enelya visited some time after and found a morose Harry studying his latest bruises from his one on one with Ailill.
"Good morning!"
"You seem excited," Harry commented.
"Oh, I am."
"Why?"
"You will soon find out."
Harry sighed and let her keep the secret. It was no use trying to get her to talk. He was tired emotionally and physically. Still he followed after Enelya around and tried to look interested even though he was still disturbed from his thoughts from the night before. The sound of metal on metal and small scale explosions reached him.
"It's nothing dangerous I hope?" Harry asked with dread.
"Don't be a wimp," she admonished.
"I am just feeling my self preservation kicking in and that's rare for me," Harry quipped.
"Here we are," Enelya announced. "Welcome to the training grounds."
It was more like a military camp Harry had seen in a movie with King Arthur as the main character. Meaning there were many people there, some fighting with swords, others using bows. Plenty were exercising magic and there were many spectators.
There was a particularly large crowd gathered around a set of duellists. Enelya noticed and grimaced. "Ah, those two are at it again."
Harry was left staring at them. Two male Elves were fighting with swords. The one closest to them was blond with white streaks that made his hair look like sparkling metal. He also had odd eyes, his left was blue and his right was amber. His face was set in stone and he briefly recalled Draco Malfoy when Harry looked at the teen.
"That one is Nariel Anwarünya, Elbereth's son," Enelya supplied. "You've met one of his fathers already. The other is Seer in the Council, Idril of the Sea, he's half Water Elf Half Wood. That makes Nariel a quarter Water Elf. It's no big deal usually but you see this other guy?"
Harry's eyes travelled to Nariel's opponent. He was a Wood Elf, with red hair much like Ailill's and green, almost yellow eyes. His skin was a soft, bronze color.
"That one is Lessien Gallun, Councilwoman's Osa Míriel son," Enelya went on explaining to Harry. "He wants to enter the military forces. He is conceited and a bully."
"There are people rooting for him," Harry observed.
"Well, they're idiots," Enelya commented. "They boost his ego, not that he needs it. Wait here."
Harry listened to her. The last thing he needed was getting in trouble because of his ignorance. He had had enough of this when he entered the wizard world, he did not want a repeat of it in Eilinel.
As usual though, what Harry wanted and what happened were two different things.
Enelya returned soon after that to guide them to a spot near the sparring pair so they could watch from a better place but be a bit away from the duelling Elves. To Harry it was a work of art the way the pair sparred. While he had gotten marginally better he was nowhere near the level those two Elves were. Harry knew that even Enelya, who looked so slim and diminutive could easily wipe the floor with him. He hoped that in time he would reach their level, or even better, reach the level his mentor was at.
"They're good," he told Enelya.
"Too flashy," she replied. "But you are correct," she grudgingly added.
Harry continued watching. The two. After a while it was obvious that the one with the blond hair and the mismatched eyes, Nariel if he recalled Enelya's introduction, was the best of the two. His stamina was better and his technique more polished than his opponent's who only used brute strength and lacked the blonde's quick feet.
"Nariel is going to win," he told his friend.
Enelya nodded though Harry did not see her do so. "That idiot is better," she muttered. Then something caught her eyes. "Oh-oh."
"What?"
"Something not good," the female Elf muttered.
Lessien, the guy Nariel was fighting seemed to slow down a bit. Harry thought he was thinking of a strategy and that Enelya was overreacting when he caught the subtle movement of the bronze skinned Elf. Had Harry not been a wizard and not versed in Aura reading he would have missed Lessien's spell casting. But he did not.
"He's using Elf magic," Harry stated.
Next to him Enelya was hissing. "That cheating son of a troll!"
"Cheating?" the raven haired teen asked.
"This is a sword only duel," Enelya explained. "It is to show progress and help the instructors decide who should progress on to the next level. And that hyena is cheating."
"Why isn't the instructor doing anything?" Harry wondered.
"I don't see him," Enelya craned her neck and looked around.
It happened so fast. One moment Nariel was attacking Lessien, the next a gust of wind acted like a mini tornado in it's magical intensity and power, rising up against the Elf. Harry's senses tuned into his Aura reading and the colours burst into a swirl of muddied reds and bright yellows and in the middle of it all, a dark black where Lessiel stood. "Muddied red for dark curses, bring lemon- yellow for intent to cause pain and black for anger and black energy that pulled all anger and frustration from Lessien and poured it into the spell he used to summon the elements he held an affinity to. Vines burst from the earth as if pulled by the winds, twirling and spreading across the field, trying to trip a now angry Nariel. Harry wondered why he did not use his own elemental abilities to counter the attack against him or why the other Elves chose not to interfere. As it was the tables were turned now and Lessien was getting the upper hand over Nariel, circling the other Elf until the vines, big as tree trunks almost crushed Nariel, who kept dodging and slashing at them with his blade. And then one of the vines hit him across the stomach while another was coming from behind.
Harry just reacted. He thrust his right hand forward and jerked it back, his magic wrapping around Nariel and pulling the Elf away before the vines could crush him. The part Water Elf, part Wood Elf slammed into Harry and the two tumbled to the ground, Harry cushioning Nariel's fall. They both grunted at the force of the impact. Lessien whirled around and eyed them both with shock, the flair of his elemental powers still in the air around him, the vines settling at his feet.
Next to Harry and Nariel, Enelya was eyeing the other Elf in disbelief and she stood before her new friend protectively.
"YOU!" she bellowed. "You could have hurt any of us waiting here. I know for a fact that your control over elements is barely passable. There are little Elflings just a short distance away; anything could have gone horribly wrong!"
Lessien observed her coolly. His whole demeanour screamed he cared not one bit about her concerns.
Meanwhile Harry shook the larger boy aside and stood to his own two feet. The force had left him winded and quite sore. He considered it a bit and then offered his hand to the other youth.
The Elf with the mismatched eyes studied the appendage before he finally took it and he two was on his feet, making Harry sigh as he realized that this guy was taller than him. They both approached Enelya. But before anything could start the instructor, the one that was supposed to have been overseeing the spar, descended upon them, her face a mask of fury. The spectators and the sparing pair, even Enelya, were wincing.
"Lessien Gallun!" she yelled, her voice making even Harry's ears ring. This time the guilty Elf cowed. "You dare! You attacked a fellow kinsman and jeopardized the exercise, belittling the very purpose of this! In my office young man. Now! As for you young man," she glanced at Harry and the hard eyes softened. "Good reflexes and excellent timing. You!" she pointed at Lessien. "Come!"
Harry watched Lessien's face pale as he trudged after the instructor, but not before shooting Nariel a hateful glare.
Enelya was now smirking. "Good riddance, that brat. Now, Harry, are you okay?"
The green eyed teen shrugged. "I've had worse during Quidditch. I'm fine really."
"Good, last thing I need is a headache for making a blunter or putting you in need of a Healer," Enelya stated.
Just then Nariel cleared his throat, making Harry and the female Elf turn to face him.
"I want to formally express how grateful I am for your interference," Nariel stated.
The tone of voice and the guy's posture strongly reminded Harry of a certain Malfoy peer.
"It's nothing really. Well not nothing, but the right thing to do," the Dark Elf replied.
Nariel eyed him thoughtfully. "Is my gratefulness accepted?"
Harry blinked and Enelya rolled her eyes. "He does not know of our customs, Nariel but I assure you that it is," she cut in.
The Dark Elf nodded emphatically at her words.
"Very well," Nariel drew himself up. "In that case I want to make a request."
Harry's look was inquiring.
Enelya on the other hand was rather suspicious.
"What is it?" Harry's curiosity piqued.
December 25th
:Harry blinked. "It's really Christmas today? That was fast."
"Yes," Ailill told him.
"The human holiday?" Enelya asked from her perch on the window cill.
They were in Ailill's house. Harry had invited the female Elf for breakfast. Ailill had not been surprised those two had hit it off so quickly, but he was alarmed at the possibilities this could have. Albus had briefly mentioned the Marauders and the Weasley Twins. It was more than enough influence to make Harry a lot of trouble. He was going to keep an eye on them, he decided. He so far liked the young Dark Elf as he was, a bit shy, a bit rebellious, a little mischievous and generally quite respectful, while Enelya was a spitfire.
"Ready to go?" Enelya asked as she hopped onto her feet.
Harry nodded to her. His mentor saw he looked reluctant.
"Going somewhere? I thought you have explored every nook of the market," Ailill told them.
"We are visiting the training grounds," Harry told him.
"Is that wise?" Ailill asked both of them.
"Well… Nariel invited him," Enelya replied. "He can't just not go."
"Nariel Anwarünya?"
It was all the reason Enelya needed and soon she was on a roll. "Yes. He and Lessien Gallun were sparring and Lessien was being his usual self, meaning a royal jerk. Did you know he used his elemental powers during Level Promoting spars? Totally not good. He hit the ground too hard with his vines and it made another Elf slip. Then he was almost crushed when the vines descended. Harry summoned him close and saved him from many nasty bruises. Even Elder Sairalinde was angry with Lessien. He commended that Harry was very responsible and then Nariel just walked up and asked Harry to spar with him," Enelya explained happily. She turned to her friend. "You are going to get creamed."
Harry groaned. "I don't need you to tell me."
The older Elf was troubled. Harry was starting to attract attention. Nariel was a Councilman's son.
'Elbereth is going to love this,' he thought smugly and was content to see the young ones go."
o
If anyone thought it was unusual that the three were an unusual group they did not say say, but they stared, a lot.
Harry was feeling every blow Nariel had landed on him. He had met with the other Elf in that same training ground. There were not many people around occupying the place. The raven haired Elf had warned Nariel that he had been learning how to use a sword a few months now and he was no where near his level but the stoic Elf had nodded and taken out his blade.
The Gryffindor reckoned that the guy had taken it easy on him in the end but whatever pride he might have had was squashed. Enelya was a bit, a tiny bit helpful, but the way she patted his head afterwards made him feel like a wayward puppy. In the end Nariel had said he just needed time as he had the skill and technique but not the appropriate experience. Harry was still feeling down by this and decided to treat himself to something sweet. Somehow Nariel ended up tagging along with them and the three had a very enjoyable day in town.
December 26th:
Harry stretched carefully after the workout. Nariel had trashed him and he was all black and blue. Enelya had enjoyed the match a bit too much really. For all the fighting and banter with the other male Elf she was very supportive of him when it came to beating Harry up. Somehow, Harry still did not understand how, at the end of the last, wonderful day, Nariel found it his duty to help him improve his skills with the sword. Afterwards Harry mentioned this to his mentor and Ailill found it a wonderful idea.
"Can you stand?" Enelya asked gleefully.
Harry glared her. "You sadists!"
Nariel snorted. "Blame your own lack of skill."
"Lay off," Enelya told him. "Harry is just a baby."
The once wizard threw his used towel at her, enjoying how she screamed and leapt away. It made even Nariel chuckle.
Today the field was much more occupied and Enelya's mentor was there as well. She had training today and as Ailill had a few errands to run Harry tagged along with the bouncy female Elf.
Standing to the sidelines, Sairalinde shook his head as he observed the three of them. They were louder than the teams he was used to overseeing, the teens that is. They were acting like children, Enelya the most, and she goaded the other two along. Nariel was still stiff and reserved but he had loosened up around Harry, a feat considering he knew the Dark Elf for a day, but Harry seemed to have that trait that made people gather around him. Other Elves were present there, and among them Lessie, who was not as arrogant, at least not around the Dark Elf, had seen the match between them, and a bit more careful around Harry. Sairalinde knew the youth was on probation and he would retake the Level Promoting tests two years later as punishment.
Things were changing in Eilinel, the Elf realized. And the appearance of a Dark Elf was something significant. After all, Sairalinde mused, Dark Elves were renowned for their mystery and the odd happenings around them as well as being around for the most life changing events in the history of their race.
December 27th:
It was night and the weather was warm considering it was December.
Harry had been dragged along to this celebratory evening by Nariel of all people. The antisocial Elf had deemed him 'good enough company to survive those idiots' and pulled him along with a bemused Ailill smiling at him. Enelya was already there when they reached their destination. It was a nook in the forest, near a spring.
"During summer the water is forming a lake," Nariel offered when he noticed Harry eyeing the thinly crusted ice that he could see. "It's not too big. We have bigger lakes in the area."
"It's pretty cosy," Harry commented. Idyllic even though he would leave that smuttier exclamations to Enelya, he was getting teased enough by his new friends as it was.
There was a blue fire lit up in the middle of a large group, about twenty or more teenaged Elves. Some faces Harry recognized from the training grounds. Others were strangers. Names were exchanged, greetings given and Harry joined the merry crowd and the bubbly conversations all around him. Many were curious about him, the rumours concerning Dark Elves were sometimes outrageous as Harry had found out and the teen had set out to try to change that misconception when he could. Most of the younger Elves were more open to him and Harry enjoyed himself around them.
"Still, to actually visit the outside world," one of the young men sighed. "You are the first wizard of a fashion we have met."
"Really?" Harry was rather surprised. But then he recalled how surprised Hermione had been that an Elf had come to Hogwarts to instruct him. "Well, Elves are a rarity to wizards and witches as well."
"So, you go to school, no?" one of the female Elves asked. She was beautiful (Harry could admit to himself that she was more beautiful than Enelya and that was saying something).
"Hogwarts," Harry confirmed.
The name of his beloved school was really unflattering and the Dark Elf thought this at times as well. His companions were more vocal about this, grimacing at the name and making funny comments, nothing too derisive or mean, all in good faith. Harry found himself describing their curriculum.
"Must be nice though, the castle," Enelya mused. "I hope I can visit some day. Say, are there any secret passages? Catacombs? Dungeons?"
Harry gave her a secretive smile.
"Harryyyy!" she whined.
"You're a sly one," a red-brown haired Elf told him.
"Oh, so I've been told," Harry told him.
"I also heard that humans and wizards have more than one bed partners and no destined mates," one of the younger looking Elves, who was as cute as Gabrielle Delacour and probably a decade older than Harry himself, asked.
"Hm, yes, normal wizards, meaning those with no creature blood, are just like that," Harry told her.
"How about you?" Nariel asked him. "Your mentor must have told you about this trait of ours. Does your partner know of this?"
"I never had a boyfriend or a girlfriend," Harry admitted to his new friend. "Well, I went on a date with a girl once but that was a disaster." He shuddered at the memory of Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop and that date. At the same time a much more pleasant date with a certain blond haired aristocrat surfaced and an almost stupid smile appeared on his face.
"I know that smile," Enelya said triumphantly. "That dopey look!"
The girl started giggling and she was not the only one. The boys were mumbling or rolling their eyes.
"Who is it?" Enelya asked slyly. "And does he know you are an Elf?"
"A bit hard to miss," Nariel snarked.
"Nariel," Harry sighed. "I wear a glamour at school. No one but my friends know about me being an Elf. Well, my enemy does too, but never mind that bastard."
"So no," Enelya concluded.
"I did not say that," Harry smirked at her. "He loves my hair as it is now."
"Stop teasing me," Enelya pouted.
"But it's so much fun!" the Dark Elf returned.
"Is he handsome?" another female Elf wondered.
Harry's eyes lit up. "He is so amazing!" he gushed.
"I can sense a rant starting," one of the male teens teased Harry. "You sound like my sister when she found her match."
Nariel seemed contemplative at the suggestion. He wondered if that was the case with Harry. He decided to ask plainly. "You already found your mate?" Nariel sounded surprised, as was every other teenage Elf in the vicinity. Some of the girls giggled as Harry blushed and nodded at Nariel.
"That is so cute!"
"So romantic!"
Merenwen, a female Elf about eighty two years old and the appearance of a seventeen year old girl's, short blonde hair, that was a quarter Wood Elf and three quarters Water Elf pinned her grey eyes on her friends. "That is not even funny!" She turned to Harry full of concern. "You mean you tracked him down?"
Harry shook his head negatively. "Not really. I was only an Elf for what two months? I knew him from before but our relationship then was not the best," Harry offered. He knew he was mostly lying but it could not be helped.
Merenwen nodded sagely. "I see. Was there an age gap?"
Harry blinked. "Are you a Seer?"
The others giggled.
Merenwen smiled. "Sometimes."
"Yes. He even has a son my age," Harry offered.
"Age is nothing really especially with the way we age," Enelya reminded Harry.
"So, he's older and did not like you at first," Merenwen summed it up.
"Pretty much," Harry replied, keeping to himself that Lucius Malfoy probably even hated him a few years ago.
"I feel for you," the female Elf told him.
"You'll be in for a hard courtship," Enelya smiled at Harry.
The teen shrugged. "That's half the fun. And I think my mentor is counting on that."
More giggles came and soon the conversation moved to other things.
End of chapter
A/N: I have a beta now and the entire story has been edited.