Hybrid Destiny

Chapter 4

Harry was just leaving the tower the next morning when he ran into Draco. Harry staggered back and looked up to see what he had hit and to look up some more. Harry’s growth spurt had only put him at 5’9 whereas the person in front of him was at least 6’1 maybe more. When he saw Draco Malfoy’s face he took another step back in surprise.

“Malfoy! What are you doing here?” asked Harry.

“I could ask the same of you but that would be pointless because Dumbledore already told us another student was spending the summer here. So this is where Gryffindor tower is. All I knew was that it was on this floor,” remarked Draco.

“Okay who are you and what do you want?” asked Harry as he cautiously edged away from Draco.

Draco burst into laughter. This only made Harry even more nervous. This was definitely a side of Malfoy he had never seen and he really didn’t know quite what to make of it. Draco finally stopped laughing only to notice that Harry was now standing several feet away with his hand near his wand. He then noticed the new changes to Harry’s appearance.

“Potter, what exactly happened to you?” asked Draco.

“Nothing, why?” replied Harry.

“So the pointy ears, no glasses, and the weird coloured hair constitute as nothing these days?” Draco asked sarcastically.

“Oh those changes. I came into my inheritance. Apparently my dad was a royal elf,” said Harry casually.

“A royal elf? How did he manage to hide that from everyone? I always thought the Potters were purebloods,” he asked.

“Well magically speaking, they were purebloods according to Dumbledore. They just weren’t pureblood wizards. Of course, royal elves are the only magical creature in the Potter lineage. Dumbledore also said they managed to keep it hidden by using an unbreakable glamour, though I don’t know any glamours that are unbreakable. Do you?” he replied.

“No. Is this inheritance why you here for the summer?” asked Draco.

“Yes. No offense Malfoy but you are kind of freaking me out. Do you realize we have had an entire conversation without the insults and fighting? Please tell me what’s going on why you are here,” Harry requested.

“We are allied with the light,” Draco simply said.

“What?! When did this happen? What happened?” asked Harry frantically.

“Voldemort killed my mother. He apparently wanted me as his boy toy to boot. Needless to say my father put his foot down and dragged me here,” said Draco.

“Voldemort wanted to … with you? Ewwww. I am sorry about your mother though,” said Harry.

“Ewwww is definitely the right word. So my father and I are staying at the school for the moment. We may be going to Order headquarters but my father may just decide to stay here. Actually, I hope we get to stay here. I really do not feel like dealing with all those people. And the reason we managed to have a civil conversation is because there are no more Slytherians around and I don’t have to pretend to support the Dark Lord. Just enjoy the reprieve,” said Draco.

“I take it this is only a summer reprieve?” asked Harry.

“I don’t know. We’ll see. Have you found out anything about royal elves?” asked Draco.

“Only that they are the most powerful race of elves and manipulate nature. I haven’t really been able to find much about elves at all as a matter of fact. I only found out yesterday. I found two books on elves and both books only had about two paragraphs in each book. And they have such vague descriptions. How is anyone supposed to learn anything when they hedge around the way they do. I mean, they mention that elves have mates but they give no clues about how the elf is supposed to know they have found their mate. It would be so much easier if I were veela, then I could sniff out my mate. But no, I have to be difficult,” whined Harry.

“What else is new? Name one time you have done things the easy way. Are you going to the library now?” he asked.

“Yeah. I really have to find more in depth information on elves. I need to know what to expect. I mean what happens if this makes my magic go all wonky. It would be just my luck that Voldemorte would attack at that precise moment. Do you want to go to the library with me? I would really appreciate the help. I don’t even mind that you’re Malfoy. Right now, any help is fine,” said Harry.

“Gee thanks. Great to know I rank so high in your mind. I’m just nice because I’m here,” Draco teased.

“Okay, you’re freaking me out again. Though since we are being so civil, what do you say about putting past rivalries behind us. We may not can start out as friends but maybe we’ll work up to that,” said Harry.

“All I can promise is to try. Not all of the attitude was an act. I really didn’t like you back then,” said Draco.

“Yeah, yeah. Same here. Now that we’ve gotten that out of our system, let’s go to the library,” said Harry.

They got to the library and Draco managed to uncover two more books devoted strictly to the elfin races. Harry thought about asking him to find some books on the fae race but he didn’t really trust Draco with that much right now. They scoured the books and discovered that you could distinguish power levels among elves by specific markings. The length of hair may have a fae trait but the coloured streaks were power markers. The number of streaks also indicated power levels. Red streaks meant an affinity with predatory beasts while the silver streaks meant an aptitude towards healing. Considering the amount of red and silver streaks he coursing through his hair, Harry should be able to tame the fiercest beast and heal spectacularly. By the time they had discovered these interesting tidbits, it was quite late and they were both yawning every few minutes.

“No more. I am so tired. Are we down yet?” Harry whined pitifully.

“It was your research but I agree with you. It is definitely time to go. Are you coming back tomorrow?” asked Draco.

“No. I think I am going to test my capabilities. I think Hagrid is still here so I may ask him to help me with the ‘predatory beast’ part. I am certainly not going to try that on my own,” said Harry.

“Alright. Good night,” he said while yawning.

“Yeah, good night,” Harry replied.