Serena wandered down the hall, her mind still a mess from the earlier discussion. Telepaths? Not that she was unfamiliar with the idea, but those were just kooks on television who wore bright pinks and spoke with bad Caribbean accents. She continued on her way with no set destination. She was simply unable to settle down. The usage of her and Amara's powers had stirred her up, and now she was restless and jumpy. At the thought of her friend, a smile crossed her face. The older girl had stayed behind, ostensibly to talk to Professor Snape about their next session, but Serena knew what she was really up to. After all, she mused, you don't live with a person for 12 years and not know at least a little of how their mind works.
Glancing up, she realized she was now in a completely unfamiliar part of the school and that she didn't recognize any of the pictures. Apparently, they didn't recognize her either, considering the odd looks she was getting, especially from one, a man with, she decided, a decidedly reptilian air to him. She paused at his picture, and looked up at him curiously.
"Hullo."
The picture, which had just been about to go back to studiously ignoring her, glanced back in surprise. Then, raising one eyebrow in a mildly confused expression, it replied.
"Hello."
Serena shifted her weight, trying to think of what to say next. How are you, seemed rather stupid, since she had no idea what made a picture happy, or if they even really could be happy. Thankfully, the picture relieved her of the tedium of trying to think of something not completely dumb witted to say.
"Who are you?"
" Serena Tsukino. And you are?"
The man in the picture drew himself up, almost affronted that she need ask, before sighing and shaking his head slightly in amusement. He glanced down at her with a bemused stare.
"Acting stuffy and affronted really wore off after the first 500 years or so, so kindly, don't be too amazed if I act like a normal being with you. Few people ever bother to stay around long enough and they might have you committed if you insist that I'm not all that snarky."
Serena had to laugh at this.
"Alright, I won't mention it, but who are you?"
" Salazar Slytherin."
The girl stared at him, blankly, before blinking a few times.
" Slytherin, I get, but the name means nada to me."
Well, she decided, for a picture, he certainly could bluster, and most definitely could turn some interesting shades. Though she wasn't sure that mottled purple was a good color for anyone to be, picture or no. After a few minutes, he got himself under control, and eyed her incredulously.
"My goodness! What are they teaching the students these days? You don't know who Salazar Slytherin, Helga Hufflepuff, Godric Gryffindor, and Rowena Ravenclaw are? The founders of Hogwarts, that's what! Good Gods, girl, what year are you in?"
Serena, who had taken quite a few steps back during this outburst answered quietly, bracing for the next explosion.
"Seventh."
"SEVENTH?! Seventh and you don't even know the basic history of Hogwarts? What house are you in?"
"Sir, she's just started here." A new voice broke in. Serena looked up and decided that angels wore black school robes and used an exorbitant amount of hair gel.
"Draco! Hi!" Her words were cheery, but her tone clearly said 'Save me!'. Salazar looked over at the boy, his whole expression lightening up.
"Ah, Draco! And how are we doing?"
"Just fine, sir. Would you mind if I stole Tsukino...Miss Tsukino...away from you. Her friend and Professor Snape are looking for her."
Salazar nodded and waved his arm dismissively.
"No, not at all. It's been nice seeing you." He watched in interest as Draco silently took Serena by the elbow and began to lead her down the hallway.
"Miss Tsukino." Salazar suddenly called after them. Serena turned.
"Yes?"
" Coincidently, what house are you in?"
Serena fought down both the urge to grin and to plug her ears.
"Gryffindor, sir."
Salazar was silent for a moment, and Serena assumed, speechless. She started to turn away when he spoke again.
"And friends with a Slytherin?"
" With several Slytherins. And Gryffindors. And a Ravenclaw."
Salazar regarded her for a long moment, and Serena began to feel uncomfortable under his scrutiny. Finally he nodded, a look of grim satisfaction crossing his face.
"You and your friend might be just what this school needs. It's about bloody time." And with that, Salazar promptly disappeared from his frame.
Serena slowly turned to Draco and shrugged.
"Well, that was interesting. So, where are Amara and Professor Snape?"
Draco smirked.
"I lied. I haven't seen either of them since breakfast. You just looked like you needed the help. Besides, you and your friend intrigue me, but I haven't been able to pry either of you away, her from Professor Snape, or you from you Gryffindor bodyguards."
Serena blushed slightly.
"They're not my bodyguards. I can take care of myself, thank you very much."
They were walking down the hall by now, and Draco paused and leaned against the wall. He snorted disbelievingly as a mischievous glint came into his eyes. Serena opened her mouth to say something, but he placed a finger over his lips, signaling her to be silent, as he cocked his head. After a moment, a grin spread across his face.
"Then prove it."
Serena frowned at him, confused, until suddenly, she heard a frighteningly cheerful voice from just down the hall. Lockhart. She wanted to run, but Draco's challenge and her own pride held her to the spot. She scowled at him.
"I will, then."
His grin grew wider.
"Serena Tsukino, I challenge you to a wizards duel!" He turned, pretending to notice Lockhart's now visible presence just at that moment, " Ah, Professor. Would you be so kind as to monitor our duel for us?"
Serena watched Draco; almost sure she could see a flicker of disgust cross his face as he waited for Lockhart's answer. She repressed the urge to smile, though she knew she should probably be mad with him. He had deliberately manipulated her into this meeting and she had played right into his hands. How very...Slytherin.
Lockhart, unfortunately, noticed right away who Draco's opponent was.
"Ah! Miss Tsuki!-"
"Tsukino."
"How wonderful to see you! I haven't seemed to be able to talk with you alone. I understand that Severus is only doing his job, but really, it just must be so stifling having to report to him all the time. Perhaps after this duel, we could have a little chat?"
Serena gritted her teeth slightly and hoped she hadn't misread Draco's expression.
"I'm afraid I already have plans with Draco afterwards sir."
Lockharts face fell, but only for a moment.
"I'm afraid you're not being quite clear. If you two are friends, why are you dueling?"
"Because." Draco interrupted.
Lockhart turned to him, confused.
"Because?"
"Yes. Just, because."
Lockhart's brow knitted for a moment and Serena found herself wishing feverishly that he would get worry lines. Finally, his face lightened, and that annoying smile stretched across his face again.
"All right. Take positions."
Both Serena and Draco stepped back several feet, before turning to face each other.
" You both know the rules?"
"Yes." They both chorused.
" Right then. Draw your wands."
Draco pulled out his, but Serena, did nothing. Lockhart glanced at her, questioningly.
"Miss Tsukino. Did you hear me? Draw your wand."
Serena really was gritting her teeth now.
"I. Don't. Have. A. Wand. Sir."
"But..."
"I. Don't. Need. One."
"All right...if you insist...remember your arm movements.... Begin!"
Draco quickly and efficiently threw a curse at Serena. She didn't have time to hear its name, but swiftly found out that its effects included a burning paralysis. But the burning was the key, she realized. Without meaning to, Draco had just fueled her energy. She felt out the effects once more before submerging herself into one of her elements, fire.
Draco watched in amazement as she simply let the attack hit her, and she fell to the ground. There had to be more to it than that, he decided, and he stood back and waited as her body suddenly glowed with fire. She looked up at him for a moment, and he shuddered at her eyes. He could make out actual flames in her pupils. Then, as suddenly as it had started, she was back to normal, and brushing herself off.
"What was that?" he exclaimed.
She glanced up at him and grinned.
"It's a trick I read about somewhere, and I've been dying to try it. The basic idea is to become one with your element. You see, people can be hurt, elements can't. I basically become the element."
Draco nodded, a smile slowly spreading across his face. He quirked one eyebrow.
"Well then, I believe it's your turn."
Serena attempted to smirk back at him, but instead settled for a look of determination. Closing her eyes, she reached within herself to her power source. Fire, she decided, would once again be her weapon of choice. Mentally reaching outward, she came into a sort of astral contact with every bit of fire in the castle, from the grates, to the cauldrons in the dungeons, to the bonfire that Hagrid was apparently burning out by his hut. Her mind briefly brushed with Amara's who returned a questioning thought. Serena sent back a quick image, before turning away from that bond and concentrating on the matter at hand. She gathered the energy to her, a small flame suddenly coming to life within her hands. Opening her eyes, she smiled and tossed it, about three feet to her left, before exerting her powers on it. The small flame, no bigger than Neville's toad, began to grow, till it was nearly knee, then waist high.
Draco looked on at what she was doing in curiosity. They certainly didn't cover this in History. He briefly considered casting another curse at her, but dismissed the thought, seeing as how she had simply absorbed the first one. He realized that this was one duel that wouldn't be won by normal curse and counter curse. What would his father have to say, if he could see this girl? She was a mudblood; he knew, having done his research quite thoroughly, though without getting caught, unlike that other Gryffindor. Yet she was wielding obvious power. The thought briefly crossed his mind of whether or not "Advera Kedavra" would work on her, considering how she simply seemed to absorb his earlier attack. Could she do that with a killing curse? He was insistently aware of the letter in his pocket. It had just come that morning, from his father, with an order to befriend the two new students. Draco wasn't anybody's fool, and knew quite well what his father was up to.
Draco noted that the fire, which had been contained to one area, had suddenly flared out, and now completely surrounded Serena and himself, effectively cutting them off from Lockhart. He looked at her, and wondered if she was tired or concentrating. She suddenly opened her eyes and glanced at him, a small smile playing across her face. She pulled one hand behind her back, and when she pulled it out a moment later, a small orb was resting in it. It was clear and not quite solid. With a startling quickness, the ball grew, from the size of a baseball, to nearly half the size of the girl. But rather than throwing it at him, like he had expected, she threw it past him, at the fire. He opened his mouth to make a comment on her aim, when he suddenly realized that he could no longer see her. Belatedly, he realized that she had thrown water on the fire, creating steam and smoke, and blocking her from his view. He lifted his wand to cast a clearing spell, but before he could get the words out, he was knocked backwards by what felt like a large bucket of ice-cold water being dumped on his head.
Eventually, a laugh cut through his conscious, and he looked up to find Serena nearly doubled over, tears forming in her eyes from laughing so hard. Looking past her, he could see a rather confused and slightly damp Lockhart staring at the both of them, before murmuring something about writing this down, and rushing off. Looking back at Serena, he found she was now standing next to him, a hand outstretched to help him up. He looked at it for a moment, before taking it and standing. She grinned up at him.
"Nice duel, no da?"
"Eh....yeah."
"Shall we go get you dried off?"
" Um....sure."
"Well, let's go."
"Serena?"
"Hm?"
"What the hell does 'no da' mean?"
Glancing up, she realized she was now in a completely unfamiliar part of the school and that she didn't recognize any of the pictures. Apparently, they didn't recognize her either, considering the odd looks she was getting, especially from one, a man with, she decided, a decidedly reptilian air to him. She paused at his picture, and looked up at him curiously.
"Hullo."
The picture, which had just been about to go back to studiously ignoring her, glanced back in surprise. Then, raising one eyebrow in a mildly confused expression, it replied.
"Hello."
Serena shifted her weight, trying to think of what to say next. How are you, seemed rather stupid, since she had no idea what made a picture happy, or if they even really could be happy. Thankfully, the picture relieved her of the tedium of trying to think of something not completely dumb witted to say.
"Who are you?"
" Serena Tsukino. And you are?"
The man in the picture drew himself up, almost affronted that she need ask, before sighing and shaking his head slightly in amusement. He glanced down at her with a bemused stare.
"Acting stuffy and affronted really wore off after the first 500 years or so, so kindly, don't be too amazed if I act like a normal being with you. Few people ever bother to stay around long enough and they might have you committed if you insist that I'm not all that snarky."
Serena had to laugh at this.
"Alright, I won't mention it, but who are you?"
" Salazar Slytherin."
The girl stared at him, blankly, before blinking a few times.
" Slytherin, I get, but the name means nada to me."
Well, she decided, for a picture, he certainly could bluster, and most definitely could turn some interesting shades. Though she wasn't sure that mottled purple was a good color for anyone to be, picture or no. After a few minutes, he got himself under control, and eyed her incredulously.
"My goodness! What are they teaching the students these days? You don't know who Salazar Slytherin, Helga Hufflepuff, Godric Gryffindor, and Rowena Ravenclaw are? The founders of Hogwarts, that's what! Good Gods, girl, what year are you in?"
Serena, who had taken quite a few steps back during this outburst answered quietly, bracing for the next explosion.
"Seventh."
"SEVENTH?! Seventh and you don't even know the basic history of Hogwarts? What house are you in?"
"Sir, she's just started here." A new voice broke in. Serena looked up and decided that angels wore black school robes and used an exorbitant amount of hair gel.
"Draco! Hi!" Her words were cheery, but her tone clearly said 'Save me!'. Salazar looked over at the boy, his whole expression lightening up.
"Ah, Draco! And how are we doing?"
"Just fine, sir. Would you mind if I stole Tsukino...Miss Tsukino...away from you. Her friend and Professor Snape are looking for her."
Salazar nodded and waved his arm dismissively.
"No, not at all. It's been nice seeing you." He watched in interest as Draco silently took Serena by the elbow and began to lead her down the hallway.
"Miss Tsukino." Salazar suddenly called after them. Serena turned.
"Yes?"
" Coincidently, what house are you in?"
Serena fought down both the urge to grin and to plug her ears.
"Gryffindor, sir."
Salazar was silent for a moment, and Serena assumed, speechless. She started to turn away when he spoke again.
"And friends with a Slytherin?"
" With several Slytherins. And Gryffindors. And a Ravenclaw."
Salazar regarded her for a long moment, and Serena began to feel uncomfortable under his scrutiny. Finally he nodded, a look of grim satisfaction crossing his face.
"You and your friend might be just what this school needs. It's about bloody time." And with that, Salazar promptly disappeared from his frame.
Serena slowly turned to Draco and shrugged.
"Well, that was interesting. So, where are Amara and Professor Snape?"
Draco smirked.
"I lied. I haven't seen either of them since breakfast. You just looked like you needed the help. Besides, you and your friend intrigue me, but I haven't been able to pry either of you away, her from Professor Snape, or you from you Gryffindor bodyguards."
Serena blushed slightly.
"They're not my bodyguards. I can take care of myself, thank you very much."
They were walking down the hall by now, and Draco paused and leaned against the wall. He snorted disbelievingly as a mischievous glint came into his eyes. Serena opened her mouth to say something, but he placed a finger over his lips, signaling her to be silent, as he cocked his head. After a moment, a grin spread across his face.
"Then prove it."
Serena frowned at him, confused, until suddenly, she heard a frighteningly cheerful voice from just down the hall. Lockhart. She wanted to run, but Draco's challenge and her own pride held her to the spot. She scowled at him.
"I will, then."
His grin grew wider.
"Serena Tsukino, I challenge you to a wizards duel!" He turned, pretending to notice Lockhart's now visible presence just at that moment, " Ah, Professor. Would you be so kind as to monitor our duel for us?"
Serena watched Draco; almost sure she could see a flicker of disgust cross his face as he waited for Lockhart's answer. She repressed the urge to smile, though she knew she should probably be mad with him. He had deliberately manipulated her into this meeting and she had played right into his hands. How very...Slytherin.
Lockhart, unfortunately, noticed right away who Draco's opponent was.
"Ah! Miss Tsuki!-"
"Tsukino."
"How wonderful to see you! I haven't seemed to be able to talk with you alone. I understand that Severus is only doing his job, but really, it just must be so stifling having to report to him all the time. Perhaps after this duel, we could have a little chat?"
Serena gritted her teeth slightly and hoped she hadn't misread Draco's expression.
"I'm afraid I already have plans with Draco afterwards sir."
Lockharts face fell, but only for a moment.
"I'm afraid you're not being quite clear. If you two are friends, why are you dueling?"
"Because." Draco interrupted.
Lockhart turned to him, confused.
"Because?"
"Yes. Just, because."
Lockhart's brow knitted for a moment and Serena found herself wishing feverishly that he would get worry lines. Finally, his face lightened, and that annoying smile stretched across his face again.
"All right. Take positions."
Both Serena and Draco stepped back several feet, before turning to face each other.
" You both know the rules?"
"Yes." They both chorused.
" Right then. Draw your wands."
Draco pulled out his, but Serena, did nothing. Lockhart glanced at her, questioningly.
"Miss Tsukino. Did you hear me? Draw your wand."
Serena really was gritting her teeth now.
"I. Don't. Have. A. Wand. Sir."
"But..."
"I. Don't. Need. One."
"All right...if you insist...remember your arm movements.... Begin!"
Draco quickly and efficiently threw a curse at Serena. She didn't have time to hear its name, but swiftly found out that its effects included a burning paralysis. But the burning was the key, she realized. Without meaning to, Draco had just fueled her energy. She felt out the effects once more before submerging herself into one of her elements, fire.
Draco watched in amazement as she simply let the attack hit her, and she fell to the ground. There had to be more to it than that, he decided, and he stood back and waited as her body suddenly glowed with fire. She looked up at him for a moment, and he shuddered at her eyes. He could make out actual flames in her pupils. Then, as suddenly as it had started, she was back to normal, and brushing herself off.
"What was that?" he exclaimed.
She glanced up at him and grinned.
"It's a trick I read about somewhere, and I've been dying to try it. The basic idea is to become one with your element. You see, people can be hurt, elements can't. I basically become the element."
Draco nodded, a smile slowly spreading across his face. He quirked one eyebrow.
"Well then, I believe it's your turn."
Serena attempted to smirk back at him, but instead settled for a look of determination. Closing her eyes, she reached within herself to her power source. Fire, she decided, would once again be her weapon of choice. Mentally reaching outward, she came into a sort of astral contact with every bit of fire in the castle, from the grates, to the cauldrons in the dungeons, to the bonfire that Hagrid was apparently burning out by his hut. Her mind briefly brushed with Amara's who returned a questioning thought. Serena sent back a quick image, before turning away from that bond and concentrating on the matter at hand. She gathered the energy to her, a small flame suddenly coming to life within her hands. Opening her eyes, she smiled and tossed it, about three feet to her left, before exerting her powers on it. The small flame, no bigger than Neville's toad, began to grow, till it was nearly knee, then waist high.
Draco looked on at what she was doing in curiosity. They certainly didn't cover this in History. He briefly considered casting another curse at her, but dismissed the thought, seeing as how she had simply absorbed the first one. He realized that this was one duel that wouldn't be won by normal curse and counter curse. What would his father have to say, if he could see this girl? She was a mudblood; he knew, having done his research quite thoroughly, though without getting caught, unlike that other Gryffindor. Yet she was wielding obvious power. The thought briefly crossed his mind of whether or not "Advera Kedavra" would work on her, considering how she simply seemed to absorb his earlier attack. Could she do that with a killing curse? He was insistently aware of the letter in his pocket. It had just come that morning, from his father, with an order to befriend the two new students. Draco wasn't anybody's fool, and knew quite well what his father was up to.
Draco noted that the fire, which had been contained to one area, had suddenly flared out, and now completely surrounded Serena and himself, effectively cutting them off from Lockhart. He looked at her, and wondered if she was tired or concentrating. She suddenly opened her eyes and glanced at him, a small smile playing across her face. She pulled one hand behind her back, and when she pulled it out a moment later, a small orb was resting in it. It was clear and not quite solid. With a startling quickness, the ball grew, from the size of a baseball, to nearly half the size of the girl. But rather than throwing it at him, like he had expected, she threw it past him, at the fire. He opened his mouth to make a comment on her aim, when he suddenly realized that he could no longer see her. Belatedly, he realized that she had thrown water on the fire, creating steam and smoke, and blocking her from his view. He lifted his wand to cast a clearing spell, but before he could get the words out, he was knocked backwards by what felt like a large bucket of ice-cold water being dumped on his head.
Eventually, a laugh cut through his conscious, and he looked up to find Serena nearly doubled over, tears forming in her eyes from laughing so hard. Looking past her, he could see a rather confused and slightly damp Lockhart staring at the both of them, before murmuring something about writing this down, and rushing off. Looking back at Serena, he found she was now standing next to him, a hand outstretched to help him up. He looked at it for a moment, before taking it and standing. She grinned up at him.
"Nice duel, no da?"
"Eh....yeah."
"Shall we go get you dried off?"
" Um....sure."
"Well, let's go."
"Serena?"
"Hm?"
"What the hell does 'no da' mean?"