Harry Potter and the Conch of Ice

Disclaimer : Chapter 1
Recap :
(1) The students return to Hogwarts; the Golden Trio are entering their 7th Year. Draco is alive and found innocent of any wrong doing. Snape has also been found innocent in the death of Albus Dumbledore. Dumbledore is alive and continues to be Hogwarts’ Headmaster.
(2) Snape has returned to be DADA professor. A small group of students from the School of Gaia, known as Elementals, will be attending Hogwarts for a year as their school was destroyed by Voldemort.
(3) Draco is familiar with Elementals as they were key to his survival and healing. The battle faced by the Elementals as they journeyed to Hogwarts is detailed and the Duals explain their fight with the Shadows.
(4) The Golden Trio discuss who RAB could be and the state of the Horcruxes. Draco contemplates his future. The Head Students discover the guardians in their room. Draco discovers that Hermione is his unknown caregiver.

Chapter 5

“Come on, Tanis! Wake up! You made me get up this early.” Mesphin loudly pounded his fist on his fellow Dual’s door. “The least you can do is return the disfavour.”

Blue eyes opened slowly at the intrusive voice.

“Is it sunrise already?” She moaned.

“Yup. And I’m up…your turn.” He bellowed through the door.

“Okay, okay.” Tanis sat up and began to bind her hair into a loose braid. She smiled, listening to Mesphin stomping down the stairs making sure the other Elementals were awake. He was ensuring that his fist solidly connected with the doors of the other students. His voice carried up all the way to their level in the ‘dusty attic’ as she now called their new home.

While they were opposites, they were a great pair of friends. Flopping down on her bed, Tanis took a moment to reflect on her life. A good friend, wonderful classmates…a destroyed school and Scott…

A tear slipped out. Scott had been killed when their school was destroyed. She had tried to protect him while defending the school, but it was to no avail. Another tear slid down her cheek. Standing beside her, he had been struck down by the Shadows. Scott and three others. Ironically, all from a different Element. If the Shadows had been smart about it, they would focus on one Element, thus creating an imbalance within nature. To leave them even, left the Elementals weakened but still resolute.

Facing the wrath of the Elementals, the Shadows’ primary goal had been to destroy the school at any means necessary. Their attack had little focus on how to accomplish their goal and the Gaians had been finally successful in fighting off the Shadows. Their success had come at a heavy price, however. The school destroyed and students lost weighed heavily on the Dual’s heart, but none more so than the loss of Scott.

“Tanis!” Mesphin bellowed from the base of the stairs. Rolling out of bed, Tanis slipped on her uniform and slowly walked down the stairs. Her mood was solemn.

“Are you ready?” She asked upon reaching the common room. Her fellow students stood up in unison and followed the two Duals out of their tower.

They found Professors Ivyleaf and Staghorn already outside and facing east. Forming a circle, they joined hands and all faced east.

“Today, more than ever, it is important for us to pay our respects to Mother Earth and all that she has blessed us with.” Ivyleaf’s voice rang clear. “We have lost much and sacrificed much, but we are still together and more determined than ever to remain victorious over the darkness which threatens us all.”

Tanis bowed her head. How could she put faith in Mother Earth and remain strong knowing that Scott would no longer be there to smile at her when she tried a new wind spell?

A flicker of movement in the corner of her eye caught the attention of Tanis. Maintaining her position within the Circle of Elementals, Tanis turned her head and noticed Draco leaning against a tree, observing the Gaian students.

((He looks like he’s had no sleep.)) The Dual thought to herself. ((Probably still afraid to dream.))

Mesphin glanced over and nodded at Draco, inviting the young Slytherin to join them. Mesphin, despite his complaints about the early wake-up call, honoured the weekly ritual to thank Mother Earth and always invited Draco to join them. He wasn’t surprised when, as was the norm, the blond man declined. Draco simply leaned against the tree and watched, his face unreadable.

Tanis turned her face eastwards again and allowed the early morning sun’s rays to warm her face. Mesphin could see the dry tracks where tears had been allowed to flow down his friend’s face and his heart ached to break the Circle so that he could console his friend. He knew that Tanis would only allow her deepest emotions to bubble to the surface when she was secure in the embrace of privacy. Unfortunately, the race to be on time to the ritual had not allowed his fellow Dual the opportunity to rid herself of the evidence showing her moment of emotional indulgence.

Several moments later, the Professors ended the weekly ritual of thanks and the Circle was broken. Taking Tanis by her elbow, Mesphin guided her over towards Draco. Malfoy’s eyes narrowed slightly as they approached him, but his stance against the tree remained casual.

“Good morning, Malfoy.” Mesphin greeted the Slytherin and was rewarded with a nod. “I trust you enjoyed your first night back at Hogwarts.”

Tanis removed her elbow from her friend’s grasp and stared at Draco. She sensed something was wrong with the young man. His posture was too casual for her comfort.

“I went to the barn and spent some time with Mist and Winston.” Draco said simply and then pushed himself away from the tree. Standing up on the balls of his feet, he stretched his gaze over the Duals. They could see his pale eyes skimming over the collection of Elementals.

“Which one is Scott?”

Tanis bit her lip, closing her eyes at the pain. She willed the tears back and prayed that her control would remain vigilant. Mesphin glanced at the other Dual and waited for her to answer. When she uttered no words, he assumed responsibility for speaking.

“Scott was killed during the attack on our school. We could not leave Winston alone.”

“Family?” Draco asked, his tone somewhat softer.

“They live in a large city. It would be rather difficult for them to accept a horse in a condominium.”

“He needs a home and someone to care for him.” Tanis spoke up. The two men looked at her. It was now or never. Shortly after Scott’s death, Tanis had had the idea of how to ensure Winston’s future included care and a warm stable and affection. “Draco…would you…?”

Blonde eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“Would you consider accepting Winston as an equine familiar?” Tanis finished her question.

“I’m not an Elemental, Tanis.” Draco pointed out.

“That doesn’t matter.” Mesphin replied, believing that Tanis had a wonderful idea. “You’ve ridden him. He likes you. We can’t keep him. A Wind Elemental is allowed only one equine familiar. The younglings will take their first few years to discern their strengths as this will assist them in selecting their familiar when the time is right. As Winston has already been selected, he could never truly be any other Wind’s equine familiar. It’s like your wands…some one else could possibly use it but the magic would never been as powerful as it would be in the hands of the true owner.”

“If that’s the case, then Winston would never truly be my equine familiar either than, despite my lack of being a Wind Elemental.” Draco mused. “He’d be more like a…pet.”

Tanis frowned.

“Winston is hardly a pet! He’s intelligent and trained to assist in tracking. He would be more of an equine companion to you.” Tanis reasoned, keeping her flaring temper in check.

“How about the two of you have a trial relationship?” Mesphin suggested. “Spend some time together and determine if you like each other.”

“I’m not planning on marrying the horse.” Draco protested.

“I realize that.” Mesphin rolled his amber eyes. “But just as you need to determine whether you wish to accept the responsibilities that come with having an equine in your life, Winston should be given the opportunity to assess whether he wishes to allow you to be a part of his life. He is feeling the loss of Scott just as much as we all are.”

Tanis sniffled. Draco frowned and shot a look at her. Idly, he wondered if Tanis and this Scott person were closer than mere schoolmates. Mesphin caught Draco’s eye and nodded subtly. Draco understood. If he gave Winston a chance, the horse would stay close and Tanis would have some tie still to Scott.

“Let’s give it a shot.” Draco gave his acceptance in a quiet tone. “But I know very little about horses. Someone will have to help me.”

“We are at your disposal.” Mesphin gave a little bow.

“I’m sure you are.” The Slytherin’s voice drawled out.

“Something else on your mind, Draco?” Tanis asked.

“As a matter of fact, Tanis…yes.” Arms crossed across his robed chest, Draco’s pale eyes looked at the two Duals. “You never planned on telling me who she was, did you?”

“We made a promise.” Mepshin replied their explanation.

Tanis frowned, her face paling slightly.

“You said, planned, Draco…past tense.” Her soft voice shook slightly.

“Very good, Tanis. I’ve discovered who my little nurse was and I’ve spent the better part of my night avoiding being any where near her.” Draco’s voice was cold. “So whose idea was it for Hermione Granger to join us this summer?”

Silence.

“She protests knowing that Dumbledore was alive.” Draco continued.

“Hermione didn’t know.” Tanis admitted.

“But you did…everyone in that bloody school knew, except for Granger and me.” The Slytherin accused.

Mesphin nodded.

“Dumbledore needed for you to believe that he was dead. Voldemort, if he found you, could not find out that the Headmaster was still alive. Only we knew. He recommended Hermione and Ivyleaf approached her.”

“And her one condition was that you not tell me who she was.” Draco sighed. “Granger called it an honourable Unbreakable. Why all of the secrecy regarding Dumbledore?”

“We don’t know the details.” Tanis replied. “All we know is that he was searching for something.”

Draco nodded.

“We are sorry, Draco.” Tanis took hold of the blond man’s hands. “We did not wish to deceive you or lie to you, but it was safer for everyone.”

Before Draco could respond, Mesphin asked, “How did you find out? Did Hermione tell you?”

“Hardly. The little bookworm insisted on having a conversation about our underwear.”

The two Duals frowned. Draco felt the urge to laugh at their confusion.

“I fell asleep in our common room and had a nightmare. She came out and…” Draco paused, unsure of how to proceed. He really wasn’t up to discussing all of the details with them.

“We understand.” Tanis smiled gently. “Does anyone else know?”

Draco rolled his eyes.

“Do you think I want people to know that she took care of me? I’m going to have a difficult enough time as it is trying to re-establish this year all that I lost because of my previous actions. Having it publicly known that Hermione Granger was my nursemaid will have exactly the impact I am not looking for.”

“There is more to life than public image, Malfoy.” Mepshin pointed out.

“Of course there is.” Draco snapped. “But right now, it’s all I have.”

Whirling around, Draco started to trek back towards the castle.

“You have us.” Tanis whispered, watching his dark school robes flutter and wrap around the Slytherin.

HP***hp***HP

The Great Hall was filled with the noises of clattering cutlery and loud voices. Students were discussing their first night in Hogwarts, as well as the arrival of the Elementals. A sign-up sheet was nearly full for the classes that Ivyleaf and Staghorn would be teaching but a few last minute hopefuls added their names to the parchments.

“So how was the first night as Head Boy?” Blaise asked at the Slytherin breakfast table, sliding into a spot beside Draco.

“Fine.” Draco muttered, spearing a bite of scrambled eggs and eyeing it carefully. “I heard that you didn’t return to your own bed last night.”

Blaise smirked but said nothing.

“You’re playing the silence game now? It obviously wasn’t Parkinson or else the entire school would have heard about it by now.” A look of disgust crossed Draco’s face. “It wasn’t a first year, was it? That’s just disgusting on all levels and low even for a Slytherin.”

“My standards are rather higher than a first year.” Zabini arched an eyebrow and looked up. He nudged Draco, causing him to lose the scrambled egg he had worked up the courage to sample.

“What?” He glared at his Italian friend.

“There she is.” Blaise whispered as Carr and Bane entered the room, followed by a few other Elementals.

“Uh huh.”

“Aren’t you going to look up or something?”

“Why?” Draco managed to get some egg into his mouth. “It’s only Tanis.”

“That’s cold, Malfoy. You obviously want her.”

“Your signals are crossed, Zabini.” Draco hissed. “I don’t like Tanis.”

“So, if I went after her…”

Draco slowly lowered his fork and stared at his friend in shock.

“I didn’t think that you…I mean…”

“I know.” Blaise grinned. “I like to keep my options open.”

“She’s too smart to fall for the likes of you.”

“Only one way to find out.”

“Are they still looking over here?” Tanis whispered to Bane, both attuned to the private conversation shared by the Slytherins which was undoubtedly about the Elementals.

He nodded.

“They’re so…so…”

“Slytherin?” Tanis smiled. “He’s playing the part he was born to play. He’s being who he was supposed to be.”

“That’s no excuse.”

“Bane, we’re Elementals. We see the world as needing balance and order. No one Element may rule the others. These wizards and witches are different. It’s about their house and their house may dominate the others. This isn’t our world.”

“It isn’t soley theirs either, Tanis! We share this world…together. What right does he have to treat our friendship as such? You speak of balance…where is the balance in this so-called friendship?” Bane pushed his plate away. “I’ve lost my appetite.”

Tanis watched sadly as her fellow Dual walked away.

“What was that all about?” Asked Emily, the Water who had tried to entertain the scared first years in the Elemental’s common room.

“I have long since given up on trying to understand men.” Tanis quipped.

“Join the club.” Emily agreed. The two women ate their breakfast in companionable silence.

HP***hp***HP

The door whipped open to the classroom, but none of the students turned to look at who entered. They knew without looking who opened doors in such darkly dramatic fashions. They all stared straight ahead waiting for their instructions. Their quills and wands and parchment and books all lay on their desks around them, but no one made a move to grab anything. All they wanted to hear was what they were expected to do and no one wished to lose points on the first day of class.

A flurry of black robes fluttered behind the tall man as he made his way to the front of the room. Upon reaching the desk, he whipped around to face the students looking up at him. This was a N.E.W.T. level class shared between all the Hogwarts Houses, which usually entailed loud arguments and insults. The Elementals would join them when they started their classes on the following day. Dumbledore thought it wise to give the Gaians some time to adjust to their new surroundings and sort themselves out.

Severus Snape was darkly amused to see that no one was doing anything but he did not let his amusement show. That was not how he did things.

“This is a N.E.W.T. level Defense Against the Dark Arts course. While I strongly object to some of the participants who have been accepted into this course, my judgment has been overruled by the Headmaster. I am certain, however, that those people whose skills are less then exemplary will slowly…weed…themselves out over the passage of time.”

Neville Longbottom gulped loudly at the statement which was obviously directed towards him. The herbology innuendo was rather difficult, even for him, to miss.

“Over the course of the next few classes you will learn how to combat the dark magic of the Elements. I do not, naturally, predict that any of the Gaians will be practicing such tricks here at Hogwarts, however, it does follow that you be prepared for anything that you may encounter once your education here is over at the end of the year.”

Hermione Granger’s hand shot up into the air.

“Yes, Miss Granger.” Snape managed to keep the tired sound out of his voice. He really shouldn’t have been surprised that Hermione was asking a question so soon.

“I was wondering, Professor, if you could tell us about the Elementals and the battle that they had before arriving here.”

“No, Miss Granger, I could not tell you about that.”

“Can’t or won’t?” Harry asked, without raising his hand.

“I suggest that if you wish for the all the gory details you speak with the Elementals yourself. I refuse to waste our class time by recanting a bedtime story for you.” Snape uttered coolly. Merlin, but how ever could he have missed teaching while locked away in Azkaban?

“Perhaps you’ll tell us about your own stay in Azkaban then?” Blaise Zabini piped up. “It might be gory, but I’d hardly equate it to a bedtime story.”

Ah yes, this was why Severus Snape enjoyed teaching. The challenge, even if from his own house.

“If you are so curious about Azkaban, Mr. Zabini, I could arrange a field trip for you to visit those hallowed halls and for anyone else who is interested. Mr. Malfoy? Perhaps you would wish to pay a visit to your father?”

All eyes turned to Draco. Hermione fought back the urge to protect him as she had all summer. As long as they were at Hogwarts and in public, Draco had to stand alone.

“I am fairly certain, Professor, that I am the last person my father would appreciate seeing at this moment in time.” Draco replied after a moment.

“Then as we have pushed aside the need for bedtime stories and field trips, perhaps it would in everyone’s best interest to actually study and learn something this year. Especially if they wish to pass their N.E.W.T.’s.” Snape said in a bored tone.

He waited a moment before asking, “Does anyone here know how to battle an Elemental?”

No hands were raised.

Severus concealed his shock. Not even the resident bookworm of Hogwarts was raising her hand. Granted, battling Elementals had not been on anyone’s reading list…not even his. Only last night had he revised his lesson plan for the first few weeks. Of course, just because it wasn’t on a reading list hadn’t stopped Granger from knowing trivial information in the past.

“Shame.” His voice dripped in false pity. “Ten points from Gryffindor for Miss Granger’s lack of response.”

“I can’t be expected to know everything.” Snape bit back a grin at Hermione’s petulant mutterings.

“Can anyone tell me why Elementals hold promises in such high regard?”

Again silence.

Draco’s gaze slid over to Hermione. Despite his time with them over the summer, he really hadn’t learned all about the ‘inner workings’ of the Gaians. The Slytherin expected Hermione to have done the opposite however and he was rather puzzled that she wasn’t answering Snape’s questions. Realization quickly dawned, however. If she answered the questions on material that was well outside of the scope of their Hogwarts education, people might start to guess where she had spent her summer. And if they decided that she had spent her time helping him…hoho!...wouldn’t that be a thorn in the Gryffindor lion paw! He, at least, had the option of pleading ignorance…blind and unfamiliar with his surroundings. No one would blame him for accepting the care given to him.

Snape sighed loudly.

“Let’s try something a bit easier then, shall we? Can anyone name the four Elements?”

Several hands shot up into the air, including Hermione’s.

“Miss Parkinson.”

“Earth. Wind. Water. Fire.”

“And why are there no Tri-Elementals?” Snape pressed. He was surprised to see the Gryffindor hands shoot up into the air when he had expected again, that no one would know the answer.

“Mister Longbottom? I look forward to your entertaining response.”

Neville slowly lowered his arm and took a deep breath before commencing his answer.

“As every Element has its opposite, such as Water is to Fire, if a Tri-Elemental were born, there would be a pair of opposites that would cancel out leaving the individual to be in control of or controlled by just the one remaining Element.”

Everyone stared at Neville in shock. That must have been his longest answer ever provided in his time at the school. Hermione’s shock was doubled in that Neville had actually remembered a fact that wasn’t related to Herbology. Even Snape showed his surprise by blinking…once…twice…thrice.

“Would anyone care to hazard a guess on how an Element can be potentially fought against successfully?” Snape asked, regaining his voice quickly. N.E.W.T.s were not to be taken lightly and more often than naught the exams tested not only the students’ abilities to recall their education but to also apply their knowledge to new and unknown situations.

“Anyone?” Snape slowly asked in a low tone. He noted that only the Gryffindor bookworm was raising her hand and slowly at that. Snape wondered at this. Hermione Granger was not only usually quite annoyingly prompt with answers to questions raised by the professors, but she was also typically confident…and rightfully so as she was also usually quite annoying correct. To see such trepidation on the little know-it-all’s part took the DADA professor aback.

“Miss Granger?” Snape prompted.

“Well, based on Neville’s response regarding Tri-Elementals and how opposite elements cancel each other out, I would say that to successfully battle an Elemental, a witch or wizard would need to counter with a charm or hex that results in the opposite element being applied.” Hermione’s voice was soft, as if unsure how to phrase her response. Draco smirked, knowing how much Hermione wanted to babble out all she knew about Elementals but was unable to do so.

Snape nodded at Hermione’s response. He would not, however, actually say that she was correct.

“The counter spell is called an Opposite.” He informed the class. “And what is the problem with such an application of magic in a battle…Mister Malfoy?”

“It’s reactive and there may not be enough time to counter the Elemental’s spell.” Draco replied instantly.

“Ten points to Slytherin.” Snape intoned.

“I hate when he does that.” Ron whispered to Harry.

“Ten points from Gryffindor.” Snape said sharply, without looking at the offending Weasley.

Blaise raised his hand at this point, a curious notion popping into his head as he listened to Hermione’s and Draco’s responses.

“Mister Zabini?” Snape looked at the formerly declared Head Boy.

“Sir, if we are unable to conjure an Opposite to an Elemental, until we know exactly which Opposite to use, how can we defeat them in a battle? The Elementals have an obvious first strike advantage over us.” Zabini frowned at this. He was, after all, a Slytherin and used to having the advantage in every fight…be it an honest advantage or not.

“Precisely, Mister Zabini. How indeed?” Snape’s dark eyes surveyed the room. “Mister MacMillan. Your house has been terribly quiet in this discussion. Is it beyond your abilities to keep up?”

“No, sir.” Ernie glared at Snape, taking offense at the professor’s insult.

“Then perhaps you would like to answer Mister Zabini’s question?” Snape mocked.

Ernie tilted his head for a moment, thinking quickly.

“Numbers, sir. If we had more witches and wizards the odds are on our side in a battle, sir.” The Hufflepuff managed to stumble out.

“And if you are facing a Water Elemental who could wash all of you from the face of the planet with a surge of water, how do your numbers help?” Snape sighed at Ernie’s puzzled expression. “Ten points from Hufflepuff for such an idiotic notion without thinking it through. Having greater numbers does not guarantee success in a battle.”

Hermione raised her hand again. This time with a bit more confidence.

“Yes, Miss Granger?”

“Professor…Headmaster Dumbledore said that the Elementals were weaker in charms than us. Is it possible for one witch or wizard to utter an Opposite that produces the desire effect while also saying a charm such as Immobulus to render the Elemental incapable of additional magic?”

Once again, Hermione Granger had just demonstrated why she was considered the smartest witch of her time. She had not only paid attention during Dumbledore’s speech, despite her shock at his being alive, but she had also managed, in Snape’s opinion, to conjure up a creative solution without the use of a book or pre-reading.

“No one in this room is capable of producing such spells in quick succession.” Snape admitted.

“Except for you.” Blaise grinned.

“Of course.” Snape replied blandly.

“Of couse.” Ron mimicked quietly.

“Twenty points from Gryffindor.” Snape remarked. “Mister Weasley, as you are apparently in such an eager mood to participate, I look forward to seeing your futile attempts at Opposites tomorrow when the students from the School of Gaia will be joining us.”

Ron paled.

Terry Boot raised his hand from the back. A frown was rather apparent on his face.

“Yes, Mister Boot?” Snape rubbed his forehead. Suddenly the idea of returning to the solitude of his former Potions lab in the dungeons was holding much appeal to his dark heart.

“How would we counter a Dual, Professor? They can have a first strike advantage with two elements at once. If we are not capable to counter with an Opposite and Immobulus in quick succession, how ever are we to manage two Opposites and Immobulus?”

“An interesting question, Mister Boot.” Snape smiled evilly. “This is where your numbers are necessary. Are you paying attention, Mister MacMillan?”

The Hufflepuff glared and nodded at him.

“One of you would counter with an Opposite, two of you if you are facing a Dual. One other is necessary for Immobulus, thus rendering the Elemental harmless.”

“So if we expected to battle an Elemental, we should always travel in groups of three or more?” Harry asked.

Snape nodded.

“I was right then!” Ernie remarked loudly.

“Numbers alone will not win you the battle, Mister MacMillan, as your incomplete answer demonstrated. No, you were not right…there is no partial victory in battle, just as there are no part marks in this class.” Severus fought the urge to roll his eyes.

“What if we don’t use an Opposite?” Zabini asked. “Just Immobulus?”

“Then you will be left to experience whatever the Elemental has just hurtled at you. Do not let their little table tricks at last night’s supper fool you.” Snape’s voice dropped. The students all leaned forward to hear his hushed tones. “In battle, Elementals are fierce warriors. They can call up the Earth to swallow you whole, cutting you off from the very air you breathe. With a mere flick of their wrists, the Winds can toss you to the furthest corners of the planet so that you are never seen by your loved ones again. They can drop you into the middle of the sea where you will become the plaything and ultimately a snack for aqueous creatures you have only dreamed about. They can set you ablaze with Fire, making you feel as if you are in the belly of Hades itself.”

Snape looked around the room at the pale faces of the students. Excellent. They were all well aware now that their magic alone would not be sufficient to win all battles in the world. If the Dark Lord had managed to convince any Elementals to join his side, the students of Hogwarts would face some tough challenges ahead.

With a movement belying the physical weakness he still felt from his time is Azkaban, Snape’s body uncoiled abruptly from where he was leaning on the desk at the front of the room.

“Mister Potter, turn that piece of parchment in front of you into fire.” Snape commanded.

Without batting an eye, Harry picked up his wand and uttered “Incendio.” Immediately, the woven fibres burst into flame.

“When would you use that spell?” Snape asked him.

“Battling Water.” Harry replied automatically.

“Miss Patil.” Snape called without looking.

“Yes?” Two voices answered.

“Either of you, what possible water charm would you use to combat fire?”

“Aquamenti?” They questioned.

“You don’t sound so certain.”

“Aquamenti.” They nodded, their twin voices more confident.

Snape dipped his head, indicating that their response was adequate.

“Suffient, however you may require more than a mere sprinkle from your wand to battle a wall of fire barreling down upon you. I trust you are not too attached to your hair and will not mind that it will burn away in such a situation.”

The Patil girls blinked and their hands quickly reached up to ensure that their hair was still on their heads.

“Mister MacMillan, if you had pebbles raining down upon you what would you do?”

“Avifors?”

“Ah, yes…so that instead of pebbles, you will face death by birds. Being stoned to death or having your eyes pecked out…lovely choice of demise you now face.”

Ernie’s face flushed pink.

“Miss Bones? Would you care to save your housemate?”

“As Wind is required to fight Earth…Ventus.”

Snape nodded.

“And lastly…Mister Malfoy. You are about to blown away into the far corners of the earth…counter!”

“Terra Eructo will cause the ground to rise and block the wind.” Draco said in a bored tone.

“Were you paying attention, Mister Weasley?” Snape asked, turning to the red-headed young man.

Ron swallowed visibly before responding.

“Yes…yes, sir.”

“Good as you will undoubtedly require at least one of those tomorrow. You may wish to practice those spells and others tonight unless you wish to experience an Elemental’s power first hand.”

Hermione’s hand shot up.

“Yes, Miss Granger?” Merlin but would this class ever end?

“Will we be practicing our defenses against the Elementals in here?” Hermione looked around the room. While larger than many other lecture halls, it did seem rather inadequate for what was sounding to be like a promising class.

“No, we will be meeting outside in the central gardens.”

Hermione nodded. That made sense. The wind had a tendency to swirl around down there and with the plants and small ponds all surrounded by lit lanterns, the Elementals had what they needed to demonstrate their skills.

Ron appeared to realize this, as well, judging at how tightly he was gripping his wand. Hermione allowed the teensiest of grins to appear on her face. One of the advantages of being Head Girl, she acknowledged, was that Ron wouldn’t be able to barge in on her and ask her to help him with that homework. Now all she had to do was avoid him for the rest of the day. Easier said than done, she supposed, unless she skived off of class. Not only was she unlikely to do such a thing, but the idea of doing that on the first day of classes was beyond her comprehension.

Snape took a few more minutes to lecture on the Elementals before dismissing the group for their next class. He took some perverse pleasure out of noticing how quickly the students, even his own Slytherins, packed up their belongings to race away from him. As the last student darted out of the room, Severus laced his fingers together and stretched his arms. Rolling his shoulders back, he stopped in mid-stretch at a knocking on his door.

The head of Alionora Ivyleaf popped around the frame and looked at him.

“How did it go?” She asked, stepping into the room. “If you don’t mind me asking.”

“My first day back, you mean?” Severus frowned.

“No…discussing us…Elementals. I overhead some of the students talking about your first lecture as they passed me into the corridor.” The woman replied.

Snape leaned back on the edge of his desk and took stock of the former Headmistress standing before him. She looked as if she had just recently completed her own education, far too young to be a Headmistress. He knew, though, that in the magical word, beauty and age were not mutually exclusive to each other. Take McGonagall…old and yet a classic beauty in his jaded eyes. Not that he would ever admit as much to the Transfiguration professor. Ivyleaf, favoured heavy skirts, despite the warm, late summer air that surround the school and loose fitting cotton blouses. Snape idly wondered what she was hiding beneath that disguise of cloth. Her hair, auburn was the best shade he could think of to describe it, was pulled back into a loose braid; a style donned by many of the female Elementals with long hair. Her destroyed cloak had been replaced by robes of a rich chocolate brown. While he had never asked, Severus realized that Ivyleaf was an Elemental who favoured Earth. It was obvious right down to her skin that Severus, if chose to sample, was certain to taste of peaches and cream.

“We were discussing the Opposites.” Snape said finally, disturbed at where his mind was going. Obviously, his time in Azkaban was beginning to take a toll on him.

Ivyleaf nodded.

“A wise precaution. I assume that you will test your top students against my own students?”

Snape chuckled softly. To Ivyleaf, it sounded like two pebbles rubbing up against each other…rough and uncomfortable. She realized that the DADA professor probably had had little reason to laugh during his stay in Azkaban. For a brief moment, her heart went out to him. That feeling died with remembrance that he was once a Death Eater.

“I picked the student most deserving of a valuable lesson.” Came Snape’s rather cryptic response as he gathered up his notes and left the classroom.

HP***hp***HP

“And how are you holding up, Mister Malfoy?” Dumbledore stopped by Draco, who was sitting on a window ledge overlooking the inner gardens of Hogwarts.

“Just fine.” Draco replied without sparing a glance at the Headmaster. Dumbledore was hardly surprised at this. Many of the students had one of two reactions to seeing their Headmaster alive and well. Some just stared in silence, their mouths open in shock. Others refused to make eye contact, furious as the deception to which they had been an unwilling participant within. Of course, Draco Malfoy had been deceived more than many of the other students and professors within Hogwarts.

“I wished to speak with you about…the events from the past few months.” Dumbledore adjusted his robes and sat on the opposite wall of the window ledge, forcing the Slytherin to make room for him. “Let us assume that all apologies have been said and accepted.”

Draco shrugged as if to say ‘Whatever you want, old man. I could care less.’

“How are your wounds? Have you recovered?” Dumbledore’s blue eyes probed deep into Draco.

“They will need more time to heal, but they are bearable.” Mumbled the young man.

“Have you spoken with Madame Pomfrey? She may be able to provide you a draught or elixir that will speed up the process. Now that you are back at Hogwarts, you may use magic to heal your wounds.”

“I’m rather partial to the non-magical way now. I don’t think that my treatment should change partway through.”

Dumbledore nodded, accepting Draco’s response.

“Very well, but should the pain become too much, I wish that you would see her.” The Headmaster turned his gaze out onto the gardens. “Are you having any dreams that you would like to discuss, Mister Malfoy?”

Draco looked sharply at Dumbledore.

“Yes, I fully expected you to have nightmares.” Dumbledore said softly. “I would, as well, if I had been in your shoes. I had hoped that Miss Granger would be able to help you fight off your nocturnal demons.”

“As if that little….” Draco paused at Dumbledore’s raised eyebrows. “Gryffindor could help me. And even if she could, she wouldn’t want to.”

“Why ever not?” Dumbledore asked patiently.

“She is friends with Potter.”

“I fail to understand.”

“Potter and I are enemies. She wouldn’t help me because of Potter.”

“I believe that Miss Granger is quite capable of making a decision on her own without considering that status of your relationship with Mister Potter.” Dumbledore advised.

((If only you knew how capable.)) Draco mused.

*** flashback ***

“You do realize that I’ve become rather used to you helping me and when I’m able to see again I might need to bring you with me when I leave.” Draco said haughtily. He felt the hands buttoning up his crisp shirt still on the buttons. “I’m kidding. I am quite capable of dressing myself.”

The hands resumed securing the buttons on his shirt.

“You know what I’ve done, right?” Draco asked. He felt his hand being taken up to the side of her face. His fingers laced through wavy riots of hair and he felt her nod her affirmation to his question. “For you to help me then, you must have a very forgiving heart…a very beautiful heart.”

Her hand dropped from his and Draco lowered his hand from her face.

“Was it wrong of me to try to do what the Dark Lord asked? I’m hardly the first to try and please his father by doing what he has been groomed to do. So which is worse? Joining the ranks of the Dark Lord or failing to do what is requested of me?”

She ran a hand gently down his arm.

“I guess it doesn’t really matter now, though, does it? Dumbledore is dead and even if it wasn’t by my hands I played a role. I suppose I shall be seeing my father soon enough in Azkaban.”

He frowned as she flicked her fingertips on his forehead annoyingly.

“Okay, okay…I shouldn’t sound so defeatist.” Draco heard her humm and pulled her into a hug. “You are amazing, do you know that? When I get my sight back, you and I are going out to celebrate.”

She tensed in his arms, but Draco ignored it, focusing on getting his sight back and trying to stay positive.

*** end flashback ***

“Excuse me, Headmaster, but I need to go.” Draco jumped from the window ledge and quickly walked away. Dumbledore remained seated and watched the young Slytherin disappear. A mysterious smile appeared on his smile, partially hidden by his great beard.

“Well, that certainly did not go as I expected.” The old wizard remarked to no one in particular.

HP***hp***HP

“I don’t stand a chance tomorrow, do I?” Ron moaned softly in the library.

Harry looked sympathetically towards his red-headed friend and shook his head. An expression of compassion crossed his face.

“There’s bound to be book around here on Opposites. You could practice a few simple spells tonight.” Harry replied, swiveling his head to look at all the shelves of books. “Hermione could probably help you find a book and maybe even practice.”

“Where is Hermione anyway?” Ron asked. “Isn’t she always in the library on break periods?”

“She’s probably in her room. I hear that the Head Students have a small library in their private common room.” Neville looked up from the book on advanced herbology he was perusing.

“Why would she go there? She always helps us with our homework.” Ron complained.

Neville just shrugged and went back to his book.

Harry did his best not to glare at his fellow Gryffindor. He liked Neville…truly did…but he just couldn’t allow the idea of Neville and Ginny to sit well with him. He heard a growling within himself and quickly realized that it wasn’t his stomach.

“I need to grab something from my room.” Harry shoved himself away from the table covered in books and rolls of parchment. He saw Ron starting to move to follow. “No. It’s okay. I’ll see you in Potions next.”

Ron scowled at Harry’s back.

“What’s up with everyone this year?” He asked out loud. Neville shrugged.

HP***hp***HP

Ginny Weasley ran down the corridor, knowing that if she didn’t hurry and grab her books she would be late for Herbology. With one hand clutching her bookbag over her shoulder, the youngest Weasley sibling used her other hand to grab her robes and hitch them up past her knees. Her athletic legs propelled her quickly down the stone corridors of Hogwarts and her long red hair flowed along behind her.

((Almost there.)) She panted to herself.

Harry strolled along the corridor which led to the Gryffindor common room. He had time before their next class and just needed to get away from people. Especially Neville. And, yes, Ron’s whining tone was grating on him today. Besides, he needed time to formulate how to approach Dumbledore and hear the story about the Headmaster’s non-death experience and the details of what he was searching for. With so much to think about outside of school, that Harry was rather uncertain how well he would do in his final year at Hogwarts.

“Ooph!” Harry cried out, falling backwards on to the cold floor.

“Argh!” Came the distinctly female voice lying on top of him.

Harry rolled his head to the side in the hopes that it would alleviate the painful bump forming on the back where his head had connected with the stone floor. Slowly, he opened his green eyes and found himself peering through a curtain of red.

“Ginny?” He asked weakly.

“Harry!” Ginny gasped. “Oh, I am so so sorry!”

“It’s okay.” Harry whispered. “What happened?”

“I was running and I guess we collided.” Ginny said embarrassed.

Carefully, Harry rolled his head so that he was looking up at Ginny.

“Well, this is certainly an enjoyable way to collide.” He managed to get out.

“Harry!” Ginny laughed and gently started to push herself off of him. She frowned.

“What’s wrong?” Harry asked.

“We’re kind of tangled.” Ginny replied. Harry arched his neck so that he could peer between them. He was greeted with a sight of tangled robes, legs and…

Harry groaned.

“Harry?” Ginny asked, concern in her voice.

“Your shirt Ginny.” His voice rasped out.

Ginny looked down to see some undone buttons.

“Merlin.” The red-head flushed.

“Neville’s a lucky guy.” Harry said, trying to ease Ginny’s discomfort.

“Pardon?” Ginny stared down at Harry.

“Neville.” Harry repeated. “I hope you’re happy.”

Ginny stared down at Harry and blinked and, much to Harry’s surprised, she started to laugh. He put his hands on her waist to keep her from moving too much while she laughed.

((Ooooh…wrong thing to do with the hands.)) Harry mused, willing his fingers not to hold her too tight. He could feel her warmth through her blouse.

“Care to tell me what’s so funny?” Harry asked.

“Me and Neville!” Ginny panted between bursts of giggles. “You think that Neville and I are…too funny!”

Harry frowned.

“He’s helping me in Herbology, Harry!” Ginny managed to breathe out. “I’ve been having some problems with it and Neville’s been tutoring me.”

“Then you’re not…”

“No.” Ginny reaffirmed and leaned down on Harry, hugging him. Unthinking, Harry responded by wrapping his own around Ginny’s waist.

“I’ve missed you.” She whispered against his neck.

“Ginny…” Harry started cautiously.

((I can’t do this anymore.)) The young man thought.

“I miss you, too.” Harry said, his eyes closed. “I want…”

“Isn’t this cozy?” A voice intruded upon the two Gryffindors. They turned their heads and saw a young man slowly walking up to them, a smirk playing across his face.

Draco knelt down beside them.

“Really, I know that you two have some unresolved feelings between yourselves, but do you honestly believe that the corridors are the best place to do this?”

“Sod off, Malfoy.” Harry spat out.

“And here I was being polite.” Draco drawled out. “Twenty points from Gryffindor for inappropriate conduct in the corridors. I suggest you two scamper off somewhere more private so that I’m not subjected to more of this and forced to take away more points…although, that last part is really beginning to appeal to me right now.”

“Don’t be such a prat, Malfoy.” Ginny’s eyes narrowed.

“Save your taunts for the Quidditch pitch, Weaselette, for that’s the only place where you’ll have something to contribute.” Draco stood up, straightening his robes. “Now get away.”

Harry and Ginny watched as Draco proceeded to make his way down the corridor.

“He’s got a point.” Harry said finally.

Ginny glared down at Harry.

“What? I contribute more to our team than tossing out insults!” She fumed.

“No.” Harry chuckled. “I meant his idea about scampering off somewhere more private.”

“Oh.” Ginny hugged Harry. “Later? I have Herbology right now and I’m late enough as it is. I left some things back in my room.”

“Sounds good.” Harry tried to sit up and untangle his robes from Ginny’s. He helped her collect some items that had fallen out of her book bag and watched her run back to the Gryffindor Tower. Smiling, Harry started to make his way back to the library. A few of some younger year Hufflepuffs looked strangely as he whistled a happy tune while passing them.