Elementals of Magic: Prophecy of Lies

That night, as he was lying in bed, Harry wondered why he couldn't talk to the snakes. After all, he was a Parselmouth. He remembered trying to talk the snakes. He had been hissing, speaking in Parseltongue; the snakes had hissed back, but they made a golden, melodious sound that was nothing like Parseltongue. Little did Harry know that the snakes weren't true snakes. Because of Draco's blood, they became hybrids, and they couldn't speak Parseltongue.

The Gryffindors' plan for revenge was put into action the next week. And of course, Harry was the chosen person to act out the plan.

On Monday, Harry's stomach was filled with butterflies. It was the day to carry out their revenge. And if it went wrong, well, it wasn't going to be good. Hermione had assured them that the spell would work fine, not that it helped Harry's nerves any. Also, the first contest was going to be held in two weeks. And it didn't help that his first class was with Trelawny, who would probably be predicting his death even more fervently than usual.

It was finally afternoon, time for Double Potions. Being paired with Malfoy was better than Harry had thought, since Malfoy had started doing his share of the work. Probably because he was afraid of Sirius.

"Today, we will be doing an Animagus Identifier Potion. This potion allows you to see the best animal to change into if you want to become an Animagus. Next lesson, we will be brewing the Animagus Potion, which allows you to change into an animal for a limited amount of time. The ingredients and instructions are on the board. You will test your potion fifteen minutes before the end of class."

Harry chopped the milipedes into equal pieces while Draco measured the amount of Dragon Blood needed. Harry accidentally knocked a piece onto the floor.

"Watch it, Potter. But I'm sure you won't mind picking that dirty thing up, seeing as how you absolutely love Mudbloods."

"Ten points from Slytherin, Mr. Malfoy. Now go help Mr. Potter and pick the milipede up for him, will you?"

Draco glared at Kyon hatefully before picking the milipede up the floor and dropping it in the pile. The rest of the ingredients were prepared without any incidents.

Fifteen minutes before class ended, Kyon swept around the class, recording the animals that suited each person. Neville was of all things, a lion. Hermione had a sphinx; Ron was also a lion. Pansy was a cat, which really surprised Ron. Crabbe and Goyle were both bulls. Finally, it was Harry and Draco's turn.

Harry drank some of the potion. He felt a tingling sensation working all throughout his body, then the image of a creature with the head, wings, and claws of an eagle and the body and hind legs of a lion appeared. A griffin.

The image faded, and Harry saw Kyon looking at him curiously.

"A griffin." Harry saw a flash of surprise on Kyon's face for a split second before indifference settled in. Kyon nodded and wrote it down on the piece of parchment he had been holding.

Draco ladled up some potion and drank it all. Same as Harry, a tingling sensation spread throughout his body, then an image of an animal, or really, a creature appeared. The creature seemed like a larger version of a snake, but it had gold scales on its body instead of leathery skin. It had eagle claws at intervals on its body, antlers on its head, and flexible whiskers by its mouth. (A/N: I can't think of words to describe this, but when it moves forward, the end of the whiskers float back, kinda like hair when you're running, i guess.) And Draco instinctively knew that it could fly.

The magnificent creature faded, and Draco found himself back in the dungeons.

"Well, what is it?" Kyon asked impatiently.

"I, I don't know, sir."

"How can you not know, Mr. Malfoy? I'm sure you've studied a variety of creatures in Care of Magical Creatures, did you not?" Ron snickered.

"Yes, Professor, but I swear, I've not seen it, not even in a book."

"Describe it then."

Draco described it Kyon. When he finished, he looked at Kyon inquisitively.

"Are you sure you saw that? I've never heard anything like it. Next lesson, when we make the Animagus Potion, I'll snap a picture."

Draco felt annoyed. Here Kyon was, insulting him on his knowledge of magical creatures when the git didn't even know the creature himself! What a prat!

After dinner, Harry followed Malfoy and his goons to the dungeons, taking care to keep out of sight. He heard them say the password ("serpent") and walked back to Gryffindor Tower, with the purpose of retrieving his Invisibility Cloak.

Harry exited again, this time with the Invisibility Cloak on, and headed for the Slytherin common room. He waited impatiently by the door. Soon, Blaise showed up, and Harry slipped by Blaise.

The Slytherin common room was as Harry remembered, dim and dark. A few Slytherins were up, mostly sitting by themselves or with a small group, whispering. Then, he saw Malfoy and Pansy sitting by each other. Harry walked over and stationed himself next to Malfoy, hoping to find out about his secret.

"Did you really see that...that thing?"

"Yeah. I have no idea what it is, and I doubt Mother would."

"She had been a Ravenclaw. Maybe she'll figure it out."

"I doubt even that Hagrid knows what that creature is. And he's supposed to be an expert on Magical Creatures."

"You have to admit that the centaur lessons are pretty neat."

"As long as no one else hears."

"So, how will you get out of the contract between us?"

"Don't remind me about that."

"Lucius won't ever forgive you if you don't marry me."

Harry, seeing that the conversation was plain boring, left Malfoy's side and went to stand by the fireplace. It seemed as if the Slytherins just refused to leave the common room. Everytime someone left, two others came in. Finally, ten minutes after midnight, Malfoy and Parkinson left the room.

Harry looked around, just to make sure that two more Slytherins wouldn't come barging in. After making sure that all the Slytherins were in their dorms, he left the common room, saying the spell as the wall closed behind him. A red stream of light shot out of his wand and hit the common room wall, splitting into two more streams of light as the dungeon wall closed completely.

As Draco woke up, he felt warm. Warmer than usual. As he rubbed his hands over his eyes, the Slytherin felt fur. Fur?!

Draco quickly looked at himself and groaned. Fur had grown all over his body. And if he was hearing things right, the other Slytherins had just discovered their problem. This needed to be reported to Kyon.

Draco left the dorm and the common room at amazing speed, reaching the Potions classroom in less than a minute. The blonde knocked on Kyon's office door.

"Yes?" Kyon's head poked out. When he saw Draco, he fought back the impulse to laugh.

"What is it, Mr. Malfoy?"

"May we miss lessons until we recover?"

"No. You will not miss class."

"But..the Gryffindors..."

"No buts, Mr. Malfoy. Tell the House that if anyone misses class, they will have detention for a week." As soon as Kyon closed the door, he burst out laughing. Did he miss the days as a Marauder!

The day did not go well for the Slytherins. They had to endure the laughter of the whole school, and quite a few got into fights. In fact, it took everything Draco had to stop himself from hexing Potter and Weasel with Dark Magic.

As soon as classes ended, Draco made his way down to the Slytherin dorms and took out his book.

Mother, the whole Slytherin House has been hit with a spell. We've all grown fur. Can you find a countercurse or potion?

The next day, it as even worse. The male Slytherins who already had a beard, mustache, or some kind of facial hair grew a mane around their heads. All the Slytherins had grown sharp canines, and as Draco found out at breakfast, he could only eat meat.

The jeering was even worse than the previous day. Draco was beginning to hate Kyon more and more by the moment. No doubt the man had once been a Gryffindor. By the time all the classes ended for the day, plenty of Gryffindors had been sent up to the Hospital Wing. Because the Slytherins were morphing into lions, they had gained the speed and agility of the lion, making them almost unbeatable in a physical fight with a normal human being.

Again, Draco took out his book. There was nothing in it.

Mother, we are morphing into lions. Today, we grew canines and some guys grew manes. I'm sure there's a countercurse somewhere in Father's library.

Draco was in luck. When the Slytherin came back from dinner and checked his book, there was writing in it in blue ink.

I've found the counterpotion. The ingredients are listed below. Go to Remus Lupin and ask him for help. Do not be afraid. Tell him I send my regards.

Draco sighed. Go to Remus Lupin? The werewolf would probably laugh in his face, then slam the door. After all, Draco hadn't exactly been the best student in class. But there was no way he could get some of these potion ingredients from Kyon, especially if the man's prejudiced against Slytherin. Thus, Draco trudged off to Lupin's office, after copying the potion ingredients down.

The Slytherin knocked, and the door was immediately opened.

"Mr. Malfoy? Come in, please."

Draco walked in and took a seat.

"What can I do for you?"

This might not be as hard as I thought.

"I need some potion ingredients."

"Why aren't you talking to Professor Kyon then?"

"Someone adviced me to ask you. Can you help or not?" Draco asked, with a touch of irritation in his voice.

"What are the ingredients?"

Draco handed the list over. Lupin scanned it and nodded.

"Come by after lunch. It should be ready then."

Draco stood up and walked to the door.

"Thank you. Mother sends her regards." With that, the Malfoy was gone, leaving Lupin alone in the office.

I'll need Flora's help again. But otherwise, I can coax the ingredients from Siri.

The next day, the Slytherins grew tails. All throughout the day, the tails kept getting stepped on, accidentally and non-accidentally, which sent even more people up to the Hospital Wing, none of them Slytherins. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were beginning to regret cursing them, if it meant that the Slytherins would be able to win physical fights against them.

After lunch, Draco went to Lupin's office.

This had better be ready, or I swear, I will curse someone with one of the Unforgivables. I'm sure Weasel wouldn't mind a little pain.

Draco prepared to knock on Lupin's office door, but before his knuckles touched the door, the door opened. The Slytherin stepped in and saw a huge kettle of clear liquid sitting in a corner of the room. He ladled some up and drank it. Instantly, the tail and fur disappeared.

"Thank you. I'll tell the rest of my House about this."

That evening, the Slytherins had returned to normal, though that couldn't be said for the people in the Hospital Wing. Weasel seemed a bit down, but Draco wasn't surprised. After all, he was probably responsible for the Slytherins' dilemma.

After dinner, Draco went straight to his dorm and took out his book. His mother had come through, as usual.

Thank you, Mummy.

As he put the book back in his trunk, his fingers closed against something cold and smooth. Draco took it out. It was a blue crystal narcissus, with a tiny, pale, golden, crystal dragon curled up on top of it. His mother had given this to him before he came back to Hogwarts to show that she will always be there for him. Yes, his mother was the best.

Someone was talking to the golden creature Draco saw.

"Can you help me?" The figure asked.

"I will."

"Thank you."

From the voice, Draco could tell it was a woman. She climbed onto the creature's back, and the creature took off, flying away into the clouds. He wondered if the creature was her pet.

The creature flew at an amazing speed. Soon, it started descending and landed next to a cave. The woman climbed off.

"Thank you. Please give my regards to the First."

"I will. Call me anytime, sister. We're always glad to help." With that, the creature flew away.

The woman stood looking after the creature until it was out of sight, then started walking down a path. Soon, Hogsmeade loomed into sight.

The woman climbed down the stile and into Hogsmeade. She made her way to the Three Broomsticks and entered. Her eyes scanned the pub, then made her way towards a teenage girl sitting in the corner.

She slid across from the girl. The teenage girl glanced up. Draco gasped. It was his mother, but a much younger version.

"Who are you?"

For the first time, Draco could see the woman's eyes. The blonde gasped again. It was impossible. Her eyes were Malfoy Grey, the color that only a Malfoy could have for eye color. But his father and grandfather had both been only children. And his great-grandfather's sister had died before she could produce a child. How did the woman get Malfoy Grey eyes?

Narcissa seemed to be thinking the same thing.

"Are you related to Lucius?"

"A bit. But I'm also related to you. A very distant cousin, you might say."

"But wouldn't that mean I'm related to Lucius?"

"Don't worry about it. The last time a Malfoy married a Moore was in the 1200's. The two of you are far apart enough to get married now. Even though I must ask, is this true love?"

"Of course it is. Lucius loves me more than he loves power. But he's already bound to Alexandra Zabini. They are supposed to wed after they finish Hogwarts next year. He says that he'll only have sex with her to create a heir, and I can be his mistress. But my Moore family pride won't allow me to be a mistress. And Lucius will probably be disowned if he does something to Alexandra. So will I, if I marry him. After all, Malfoys are known to be on the other side, and Moores have always been on the side of light."

"Malfoys have veela blood in them, Narcissa. You do too. It might be the veela blood that's attracting the two of you together."

"You have veela blood too, don't you?"

"Yes, but that's not the point. The veela blood might be the reason you two are 'in love.'"

"I know that Lucius loves me, and I know I love him back. I had borrowed one of my friends's Luboball, and I saw Lucius in it. I know it's true love."

"But your family won't approve. Would you rather give up your family and friends or give up the man you 'love'?"

"I'll do anything for Lucius. If I have to give up my family and friends, I will. They should be understanding if they're true family and friends."

"Haven't you heard that Malfoys can't love? They only marry purebloods, and it's for power, status, and money."

"But you do know that all Malfoys are brought up this way. I can tell that before Lucius was brought up to be a Malfoy, he had been very caring and full of love. The Malfoy upbringing pushed it deep down inside him. But it's there. I can feel it, especially when he's with me."

"If you truly believe that he loves you, well, I'll support you whichever way you choose. After all, if it is true love, then you two deserve to be together." The woman gave a short, bitter laugh.

"Something happened to you, didn't it?"

"None of your business," the woman snapped. Narcissa was visibly taken aback. In a much softer tone, she said, "I'd rather not talk about it, not now, anyways. Maybe someday, you'll know."

"What's your name, may I ask?"

"Victoria. Call me Vic if you want. The real reason I came is this--"

Draco woke up. The dream was tantalizingly real. No doubt something from the past. Why had his mother or his father never told him that he was part Veela? Draco rolled over and fell asleep again, to wake up in the morning with the dream still fresh on his mind. However, it fell to the back of his mind as he started to get ready for another day of school.

Harry had woken up at the exact same time. However, he could not understand the woman's talk with the creature, and as soon as he awoke, he had forgotten the dream. All it left was a vague impression.

It was Monday, the day for the Animagus Potion. The Slytherins trudged into the classroom, some throwing dirty looks at the Gryffindors, others at Kyon. After all, their Head of House had favored Gryffindor over them!

"As you all know, today we will be brewing the Animagus Potion. The ingredients and instructions are on the board. You will be tested fifteen minutes before class ends." Draco noticed a camera on Kyon's desk. Probably to take a picture of him once he drinks the potion.

The potion was prepared in silence, as always. He and Potter seemed to have come to a silent understanding. Everything will be fine if neither of them talks. It seemed that way to Draco, since Kyon seemed to take points away from Slytherin everytime he opened his mouth.

Fifteen minutes before the end of class, Kyon swept around, watching the results as students began taking their potions. Everyone's potion had worked perfectly except for Crabbe and Goyle's, which turned their bodies into bulls but not their heads, making them resemble the Minotaur. Harry and Draco's potion also worked perfectly, leaving a griffin and a magnificent creature in the two's place.

Kyon quickly took his camera and snapped a photo of the creature. The picture was immediately produced. After class, when all the students had left looking their regular selves (the potion was set for fifteen minutes), Kyon took the picture to Dumbledore's office.

He told the gargoyle the password ("Sugar Quill"). The gargoyle leapt aside. Kyon walked through the gap in the walls and stepped onto a spiral stone staircase, which moved upwards. When he reached the oak door, Kyon knocked with the brass door knocker.

"Come in."

"Dumbledore, here's what I was telling you about." Sirius handed Dumbledore the photo.

"Most interesting. I will see if I can find anything on it. See me on Wednesday."

Another one of the creatures flew down toward the woman. They were in a desert. This creature seemed old, wise, as if it had been here since the beginning of time.

The woman kneeled down.

"You can stand up, daughter."

"Thank you, mother."

"Are you here for an oath?"

"Yes, I am. Even though the prophecy says so, I won't take any chances. This is the best way to ensure that if I die, the prophecy will still happen."

"Maybe the prophecy meant for you to think like this. Very well, if you're sure then."

"Yes, I am. Besides, this is not just my test. It's her test, too."

"What a shame her brother loved power more than her. If he didn't, he would have gotten what he wanted."

Then, in a language Draco didn't understand, though it sounded like some Asian language, the woman started chanting. She took out a dagger. It had a bright, sharp, steel blade, much like the minature version of a sword. She put it to her right cheek, beside her eyebrow and slashed dowards, all the way down to her chin. Blood flowed down her cheek, and as Draco watched, the creature began lapping up the blood.

Finally, the blood stopped flowing. The cut glowed gold for a moment, the same color as the creature's scales, before it turned a nasty red.

"The oath has been done. Good luck to you, daughter."

"Thank you, but it won't help. Things will happen as the prophecy says. I can't change it, so luck won't do me any good."

The creature nodded, then flew away into the clouds.

Draco woke up. So did Harry. Again, Harry forgot the dream instantly, especially since he could't understand any of the woman's conversation with the creature, but the same couldn't be said for Draco.

What was her name again? Victoria. Was she one of the creatures but disguised herself as a human? But if that was the case, why would she be related to Father and Mother? Again, the dream was pushed back into his mind as the day started.

A much younger version of the woman was at the Library in Hogwarts. As Draco watched, someone took the seat across from her. A very handsome boy, with black hair and green eyes.

"Hello, Tom."

"Hello, Vicky."

"Do you want to stay over at my house during the summer? I'm sure you don't want to go back to the orphanage. My parents won't mind. After all, you're such a handsome boy."

"Thanks. I'm tired of the orphanage. I stayed there for eleven years, before I knew about who I really was and Hogwarts."

"It's ironic, isn't it? At the start of the year, we hated each other. After that one research project for Potions together, everything changed. A Gryffindor falling in love with a Slytherin. Who would have thought?"

"Yes, who would have? Come on, otherwise we'll miss the carriages to Hogsmeade."

The two held hands as they walked out of the Library.

The train stopped at King's Cross Station in London. The two took their bags and started walking towards the barrier, waiting in the long line. Finally, it was time for them to cross. The two walked across together. Malfoy Grey eyes scanned the train station before resting on two people.

She led the way while he followed. The two adults swept her up in a hug.

"We've missed you, Victoria. Who's this that you've brought with you?"

"My friend here stays at the orphanage, and I was wondering if he could stay with us this summer."

"Of course! What an adorable boy! What's your name?"

"Tom, Tom Riddle."

Another dream. Another dream from which Draco and Harry awoke. Harry, again, forgot the dream, but Draco lay in his bed, contemplating it. So that was why she laughed at true love. There is no way that she could still be with Tom Riddle/Voldemort. After all, Voldemort is a heartless bastard. With the start of the day looming ahead though, Draco again pushed the dream into the back of his mind.

"Dumbledore, have you found anything?"

"No. Why don't you give this back to Mr. Malfoy? I'm sure he has resources that can help him find out."

Kyon reluctantly took back the photo. He walked straight to the Slytherin common room, giving the password. He was in luck. Draco was sitting on one of the couches in the common room.

"The creature has not been identified. I had been told to give this to you because you have resources." The tone was short and clipped. He had hated Lucius, and now, to be dealing with his son as his Head of House. Dumbledore really should have made Remy Head of Slytherin House. After all, he did have that relationship with Snape.

Draco took the photo and looked at it. All of a sudden, the three dreams rushed back into his mind. That woman with the Malfoy Grey eyes, somehow, she's related to those creatures. And Mother was related to her. Maybe Mother knew about these creatures. The identity of these creatures should be solved soon. All thanks to a few dreams.

Draco, walking by Blaise on his way to the dorm, couldn't help stopping and asking him about his father's once-fiancée.

"Blaise, do you have an Aunt Alexandra?"

Blaise's eyes narrowed.

"I was wondering when you would start taunting me about it. After all, your father ditched my aunt to marry your mother. Look what good it did him. Aunt Alexandra had everything, power, status, wealth. Your mother was nothing but a trashy whore. And to think, your father had the bad taste to pick a Moore over a Zabini, an enemy over a comrade. Lucius will get what he deserves, as soon as he falls out of favor with the Dark Lord. And so will your mother, and you, who wasn't supposed to exist in the first place."

Draco shoved Blaise aginst the wall.

"Say that about my family again, and you'll regret it!" he spat.

"What are you going to do now, Moore? Going to use the same curse Lucius used on my aunt and send me to St. Mungo's, too? Pathetic, aren't you? I'm waiting, Moore." Blaise taunted.

Draco kneed Blaise hard in the crotch; Blaise doubled over in pain. As Draco walked away, he pointed his wand at Blaise.

"Crucio!" Blaise's screams filled the common room as Draco shut the door to the Seventh Years' dorms.

Narcissa scanned the silver words on the page. How did he find out? He wasn't supposed to know, not yet. She wasn't ready to tell him about the whole sordid affair. She couldn't stand the thought of him hating her or leaving her.

What am I supposed to tell that son of mine?

Narcissa had absolutely no clue as she gazed down again at his words.

Mother, I need some answers. First of all, do you think you could get in contact with Victoria? Also, what did Father curse Alexandra Zabini with?

Damnit. This was not going to be easy. Especially with all the lies over the years. And it was all her cousin's fault.

It was the week of the first contest. Before dinner on Monday, Dumbledore gave out an announcement.

"The first contest of the Founders' Pride will happen this Saturday. On Sunday, October 26, there will be an All-Hollow's Eve Masquerade! The champions MUST attend. The Masquerade starts at seven and will end at Midnight."

Harry groaned. A Masquerade? Now he'll have to buy a costume and everything.

Draco felt the exact same way. A Masquerade? He had been to enough Death Eater parties and balls to last a lifetime. And he had no idea what to dress up as.

On Friday, as Harry walked towards the Library in hopes of looking up curses for the first contest, he bumped into someone.

"Harry?"

Harry looked up.

"Morgan? What are you doing here?"

It was Morgan Le Fey, dressed in splendid crimson robes and an elegant silver cloak. Her black hair contrasted sharply with the silver cloak, and brown eyes flecked with amber looked down at him.

"Dumbledore called me here for a favor. So, how have you been, Harry?"

"Nervous."

"Not unexpected, given that tomorrow's the first contest of the Founders' Pride. Good luck, I hope you win."

"Thanks, Morgan."

Just then, Draco showed up, clearly thinking along the same lines as Harry. He stopped when he saw Harry and Morgan.

Draco glared at Harry before stepping up to Morgan.

"Hello, Miss. I haven't seen you here before. Would you like a tour of the castle?" Draco asked charmingly.

Morgan looked at Draco with disgust on her face.

"Are you a Malfoy?"

Draco nodded.

"I thought so. After all, only Malfoys have that ugly shade of grey for their eyes. And, of course, the veela hair. I only wish I had cursed Albert Malfoy before he had children. Malfoys are still sliming up the world, and to think I could have stopped it. Let's go, Harry. Malfoys are unworthy of my presence."

Draco stood, shocked, as Morgan and Harry walked away. How dare she call him slime? No wonder she had the bad taste of liking Potter. The Slytherin stormed away, intent on finding someone to vent his anger on.

Harry looked at Morgan, shocked.

"I never knew you had a vendetta against Malfoy. What did that Albert do?"

"Same as all the others, chasing after me. He was unstoppable! And married, too, to a Peony Parkinson, if I remember correctly."

Harry wondered if all the Parkinsons had flowers for their names. At least, the female ones.

"I had no choice but to turn him into a frog. Really, a shame Malfoys exist. The family was always a disgrace."

And Malfoy had the dignity to call him a disgrace with such a colorful history? Harry shook his head.

"So, what are you doing now, Morgan?"

"I've opened a dress robes shop in Diagon Alley and in Hogsmeade. Why don't you recommend people to my shop for the All-Hollow's Eve Masquerade?"

"Nothing escapes you, Morgan."

"Of course not. After all, I am famous."

"Guess what, Morgan's back."

"Morgan? The one we rescued?" Hermione asked.

Harry glanced around to see if anybody had overheard. No one seemed to have.

"Keep your voice down. And yes, the same Morgan."

"What's she doing here?" asked Ron.

"She said that Dumbledore called her here for a favor. Exactly what, she didn't tell me. Have you decided what to dress up as for the Masquerade? Morgan wants me to recommend people to go to her shop."

Hermione and Ron both nodded.

"What about you, Harry?"

"I have an idea, but I'm not sure yet. I'm glad we don't have to get partners for this one. I can't go with Parvati again, after Fourth Year. Lavender has that Ravenclaw boyfriend. And you're my friend, 'Mione, so I can't really go with you. I'm out of choices if we do have to get a dance partner." Harry had another reason for not going with Hermione. Ron had been in love with her ever since the Yule Ball in Fourth Year, and Harry wasn't going to betray his best friend.

"Don't worry, I'm sure plenty of girls will be lining up to ask you," Hermione said brightly.

"Don't remind me about that. I think I'll go back to the Library. After all, I didn't even get to go in the first time."

The common room was full of speculation about the first contest the next day. Blaise smiled sinisterly to himself. Yes, what he had requested from his father had just arrived in the morning. Malfoy was going to pay.