Elementals of Magic: Prophecy of Lies

Chapter 9

Gryffindor's Quest

The next day, the four champions were full of nerves and excitement as they arrived at breakfast. Terry and Susan had dark circles under their eyes, as if they haven't slept in days. Draco had his trademark smirk on his face and was talking very calmly to Pansy. Harry felt a bit nervous, as this time, he didn't know about the contest, but he was sure that everything will be okay. Unless Voldemort found a way to enter the grounds.

All the Gryffindors, as they sat down for breakfast, made their way to Harry to wish him luck. Hermione and Ron were talking cheerfully about how well Harry will do, which did not have the intended effect of making Harry feel confident.

Pansy was simpering over Draco, asking him about how he felt to if his wand was functioning right, which was really annoying the blonde. It was sickening how the girl could not get over her love for him. So what if they spent one night together? He had broken it off the next day, and even though the two remained friends, Pansy was still way overly-concerned, protective, and possessive of Draco, which was something he did not like at all.

The Parkinsons have always been neutral, in their own way. Every generation, at least two Parkinsons are born. One is always given to a family on the Light side, and one is always betrothed to a family on the Dark side, thereby insuring the Parkinsons' survival. It was actually funny, in a way, that Pansy's older brother, Peter Parkinson, had married a Moore, which meant that Draco was already related to Pansy by marriage.

However, there was no way he was going to marry Pansy. After all, he was not going to marry someone who treated him like he was a porcelain doll, because he certainly wasn't. Not that he was going to marry for love. Love was nothing except an inconvenience. At least, that's what Lucius taught him. Draco wasn't sure anymore, though, not after he heard about Alexandra Zabini. It seemed that maybe his father did marry for love. A Malfoy going against all the rules of a Malfoy. And Draco thought he was the only one. How ironic.

Pansy now was grabbing onto his arm and shooting evil looks at Potter, Boot, and Bones. Draco shook her off and proceeded to finish eating breakfast, which was hard to do, considering that he was stuck looking at Crabbe and Goyle watching each other like love-sick puppies. It was bad enough that he had already had enough sleepless nights, what with those two shagging each other senseless, but he did not have to tolerate it here. Not when he's the boss.

Draco looked at Pansy. She understood, as always. After all, they had been doing this since they were like what? Four? Pansy "accidentally" flicked a bit of porridge onto Crabbe's face. Crabbe looked at her in irritation, but as he saw the look on her face, he understood and promptly started eating breakfast, leaving a stupefied Goyle looking at the two. That is, until he saw Draco, which is when he also caught on and started stuffing himself.

***

"Mr. Malfoy, the champions are now leaving to prepare for the first contest. You will walk around the Forbidden Forest until you come to a field. There will be a tent there, where you will receive instructions." Kyon stood above Draco, scowling slightly.

Draco nodded, extracted himself from Pansy again, and walked out of the Great Hall, distancing himself from the other three champions. Boot had a very determined look on his face, while Bones was observing him, Potter, and Boot, under the pretense of scenery-watching. Potter looked like he had a very bad case of nerves. Even though he had changed, Draco still thought of them as a pathetic bunch.

When the four champions arrived at the field, they found a forest green tent erected by the trees, blending in nicely with the background. Anyone who wasn't looking for it would not have seen the tent at all. Harry, Susan, Terry, and Draco entered the tent.

Lupin was in the tent. He smiled at the four champions as they entered. Potter was the only one who smiled back. Boot quirked his lips, Bones's expression remained the same, though Draco could see something akin to adoration in her eyes. Draco gave a slight nod, barely perceptible. He could not afford to lose his reputation, not if he wanted to survive the rest of the year.

"I hope all of you are ready to face the first contest. The first contest is called Gryffindor's Quest. Godric Gryffindor valued bravery, and that's what Gryffindor's Quest tests. All four of you will compete at the same time, with only your wand to help you. Your task is to retrieve the scroll with your house colors on it. Good luck!"

The four champions heard the rest of the school walking past their tent, no doubt on their way to the field right beside the trees, where Gryffindor's Quest would take place. Soon, they heard a magically magnified voice.

"Will the four champions please enter!"

Harry, Draco, Terry, and Susan exited the tent and walked towards the field. Seats had been erected onto the field, and there was not a single space left in the stands. At the other edge of the field, there was a judges' stand, with Dumbledore sitting in the center, Kyon and McGonagall to the left, Flitwick and Sprout to the right. Morgan was also sitting there, on the very left, by McGonagall.

"Welcome to the first contest of the Founders' Pride, Gryffindor's Quest! We have the lovely Morgan Le Fey here, who will explain the rules."

"Gryffindor's Quest will test the courage of our champions. They will enter into the mirror we have provided," Morgan pointed to a mirror standing in front of the judges' stand, which Harry recognized with a shock as the Mirror of Erised, "go through the door with their house colors on it, and find the scroll with their house colors on it. DO NOT read the scroll. Each champion will be judged on the speed and the condition he/she arrives back in. The people you meet may help you. Good luck to each of you. Now, will the champions please step into the mirror."

The four champions approached the mirror, Terry with calculation, Susan with apprehension, Harry with confusion, and Draco with calmness and determination. Draco stepped into the mirror first, followed by Harry, Terry, and Susan.

Four images glimmered in the air. The mirror had been charmed so that the crowd could see each champion's progress. Morgan could see each champion's deepest desires when they entered. And she did not like what she saw. Morgan never thought that her Mirror would be used for purposes such as these. She had been trapped for more than a millennium in that cursed emerald. All because she refused Aurthur. And Merlin helped her sick half-brother.

The Mirror of Erised had been created as a diversion for her to escape. Morgan was famous in her time for being one of the most powerful witches, and men sought after her, some for power, some for fame, some for money, some for looks, some for a conquest to brag about, but never one for just her. Thus, she had created the Mirror, as she knew men would waste away in front of it. And good riddance, too. But now, the Mirror was being treated without the proper respect. None of those fools knew its true powers. How ignorant of them.

Morgan knew, though, that she needed to modify two images in particular. It would not do well for neither of them if the rest found out. And they were needed. While traveling around the world, she had stayed at someone's house. And in the Library, she had found a book, dealing with dragons, or so she thought. The book was written in Chinese, and Morgan recognized the pictogram for dragon. However, after placing a Translating Spell on the book, she found out otherwise. It was a book of Firewind Dragon Prophecies. There, she had found a prophecy that even she didn't understand. The word Elemental was mentioned several times, and a man named Voldemort.

After she had been set free by Harry and his friends and updated on the situation here, she realized the significance of that particular prophecy. Dumbledore had told her a bit of confidential information, and that was when she realized the role Harry played.

Morgan didn't know the truth about the Malfoy until he stepped into the Mirror. He may have a Power Magic spell on him, but the Mirror was charmed with the most powerful Medieval Magic spells, which was able to break a Power Magic spell. And it was shocking to find out his role in the prophecy. But that meant that he wasn't who he seemed. Maybe she was wrong after all.

***

The champions entered to find themselves standing in front of four doors, each with a different house color on it. Each champion entered their respective door.

Draco went through the door to find himself standing at the field again, except this time, no one was there. This must be part of the test. The Slytherin walked back into Hogwarts. As soon as he entered the doors, Pansy greeted him.

"Harry's been so worried! Do you know what he's been going through?"

"Pansy! Are you okay? What's this about Potter?"

"Potter? Draco, are you sure you don't have some kind of fever or something?"

"There you are, Draco. Where have you been? I was so worried about you."

Potter was coming down the stairs toward him. Didn't those two find the situation weird? And when had he and Potter been on a first name basis, much less Pansy and Potter?

Draco was shocked when Potter stopped in front of him and kissed him. The blonde quickly shoved the Gryffindor away. What did he think he was playing at?

"Who do you think you are, Potter, Aphrodite? Or have you finally realized that Weasel is the lowliest of the low?"

"What is it with you, Draco? You know that Harry loves you. I mean, the two of you have been together ever since last year, when Harry defeated You-Know-Who and Lucius was jailed in Azkaban. I still don't understand how Narcissa can go visit him every week, but that's beside the point here. Draco, you are being a bigger prat than you have ever been! And to Harry, of all people!" Pansy huffed.

"Aren't you brilliant, Pansy. For a while there, I thought that you had been infected with Weasel's stupidity."

Pansy's eyes welled up with tears as she ran down to the dungeons.

"Draco, you know how touchy she gets when you mention George. They were barely together for half a year before he died in the final battle."

That was when Draco remembered Morgan's words.

"The people you meet may help you."

If this Potter was somehow involved with himself, then he could get Potter to do all the dirty work for him.

"Harry, I'm looking for something. Do you think you could help me?"

"Sure, Draco. What is it?"

"I need to find a scroll with the Slytherin house colors on it. Do you have any remote idea where it might be?"

Harry thought for a moment, then nodded.

"Last year, when 'Mione was in the Library, she accidentally came upon a secret panel. Inside were four scrolls, with each of the house colors. We opened them, but there was nothing inside. Why would you need them?"

"I'll tell you one day, I promise."

Harry led the way to the Library. The two boys walked until they reached a shelf right by the Restricted Section. Harry tapped on the side of the second highest shelf. Instantly, a panel on the side opened, revealing four scrolls, each in a different house color. Draco grabbed the silver-colored scroll.

"Thanks, Harry."

"Now, will you tell me what's going on?"

"I promise, you'll know soon. I need to get somewhere, I'll see you later."

Not waiting for an answer, Draco escaped Harry and walked quickly out of Hogwarts. He then proceeded back to the field, where the Mirror stood. Draco walked right into it; when he exited, he found himself back at Hogwarts.

"Draco Malfoy, at five minutes, is the first champion to return! Judges, please give your scores."

Sprout pointed her wand up; a yellow stream of light shot out of her wand and formed a ten. Flitwick was next, also giving Draco a ten. Dumbledore, a ten. McGonagall, also a ten. This was too good to be true, but Draco had returned first after all, and he was in the same condition as he had been when he went in. Then, it was Kyon's turn. He seemed to ponder for a while, then pointed his wand up. A green stream of light shot out and formed a five.

A five?! Draco could hear boos from the crowd. He could just imagine the man giving Potter a ten. Yes, now he was convinced that his Head of House was a Gryffindor.

His score wasn't that bad, though. A forty-five out of fifty.

***

Harry entered the door and found himself back at the field. However, this field had no stands erected on it. No doubt this was an imaginary world where his deepest desires were reality.

Harry made his way to Hogwarts, where he bumped into a familiar Slytherin.

"Harry, what are you doing out there? I thought we were going to spend the day together."

"I'd rather be locked in a room with Snape for two days than spend one day with you, Malfoy!"

Malfoy looked hurt. Was that even possible?

"What's wrong with you, Harry? Everything else seems to be okay. Your parents and your Godfather are here, Voldemort's been gone since Fifth Year, what's bothering you?"

"You, Malfoy. There is no we."

"And that would explain why Weasley has heard you moan my name out while you're sleeping," Malfoy replied.

This was not his ideal world. His ideal world did not include Malfoy as his lover, right? His parents were alive, Sirius was free, Voldemort was dead, what more could he want? The Mirror was not functioning. However, deep down inside, Harry knew the truth, not that he was ever going to admit it.

The Gryffindor remembered Morgan's words.

"The people you meet may help you." Maybe Malfoy knew about the scrolls.

"Draco?"

"What do you want, Potter?"

"I'm sorry about earlier. I was thinking about other things. I really need to find a scroll with the Gryffindor house colors on it. Do you have any clue where that might be?"

Draco shook his head. He looked different, with his hair not gelled. The blonde looked a lot cuter than usual, and he was pretty hot by usual standards.

"I'm sure Hermione knows, though. She's at the Library. Why don't we go see her?"

Harry grudgingly shuffled after Draco. This must be his nightmare world.

***

"'Mione, do you know where a scroll with Gryffindor colors on it would be?"

Hermione looked at Harry with exasperation.

"Don't you remember the secret panel we found in the Library last year?"

Harry thought back. He remembered Hermione telling them about the panel. They had gone to look at the scrolls, but they were blank.

While he was remembering, his body had moved after Hermione. When Harry came back to the present, the panel was already open, and in her hand, Hermione held the gold scroll. However, she was frowning.

"This is strange. The silver scroll is gone."

Oh no. Malfoy had already gotten his scroll. Harry quickly snatched the scroll out of Hermione's hands, and as he ran out of the Library, earning himself a disapproving look from Madam Pince, Harry threw a thanks at Hermione and Draco.

***

When Harry reappeared in the real world, he saw Malfoy standing to the side. He was right, Malfoy did win after all.

"Harry Potter, at ten minutes, is the second champion to return! Judges, please give your scores."

Sprout shot a nine into the air. Flitwick was next; he gave Harry an eight. Dumbledore also gave Harry a nine. McGongall, like Flitwick, gave Harry an eight also. Finally, it was Sirius's turn. Sirius unhesitatingly shot a ten into the air. A fourty-four out of fifty.

Harry could hear the crowds cheering for him. Malfoy shot an angry glance at him. He wondered what score Malfoy received.

***

Terry arrived back at the field after twenty-five minutes, with a bronze scroll in his hand. The Ravenclaw received a fourty from the judges. Finally, after fourty-five minutes in the Mirror of Erised, Susan came out, also, with a black scroll tucked carefully under her arm. The judges gave the Hufflepuff a thirty-seven.

Dumbledore stood up.

"Congratulations for completing the first contest, champions! In your hands are the clues to the next contest, which will happen on December 21. Beware though, champions, the scroll can only be read once before it disintegrates into dust. Good luck to all of you!"

The Slytherins came rushing down. Draco was carried back to the Slytherin dorms, where a major party was underway. So what if Slytherin had only surpassed Gryffindor by one point? They had won. They knew that Draco wasn't going to fail them.

Harry walked with the Gryffindors back to Gryffindor Tower, where another party was starting. Along the way, Ron and Hermione told them what they had seen. Apparently, they couldn't hear anything; Harry was surprised when they told him what they had seen but was glad they didn't see what really happened. The Mirror had to be malfunctioning.

***

Pansy stood by Draco, talking excitedly.

"That was so smart of you to force Potter into showing you where the scroll was!"

"What?!"

"Remember? You forced Potter to lead you to the scroll's hiding place?"

Draco nodded. Maybe that Morgan Le Fey wasn't as bad as he thought. He was glad that they couldn't hear or see the real thing. That would have been too diasterdly. Him and Potter, a couple? Preposterous.

Draco took a swig of butterbeer. Blaise noticed this and smirked. The real fun was about to begin.

In ten minutes, Draco heard Pansy let out a small gasp.

"What is it, Pansy?" Pansy just stared at him. Draco realized that his voice sounded much more high-pitched than usual.

He quickly looked into the mirror that stood in a corner of the common room. Bloody hell.

"Nice, isn't it, Malfoy?"

"I should have known, Zabini," Draco said through clenched teeth.