"Oh look guys" Olaf sighed up at the sky, "the sky's awake."

The Royal family sat in a clearing in the mountains, where they had the best view of the Northern Lights. Every midsummer they do so – climbing up the mountains behind Arendelle with a large cloth to sit on and food packed by the castle's chefs, to the same spot Elsa and Anna's parents used to take them and do the same, when they were very little and before the accident.

"It's like the higher we climb it only looks like we are getting closer to the lights" Olaf added in wonder. "But the lights are always there for us in the end, and will never leave"

"There's so much out there that we don't even know yet" Anna agreed, looking up at the Northern Lights as well, "Like take that dragon run-in we had years ago. After all these years I didn't even know that we have dragons" Anna said.

"I don't think anyone knew" Olaf stated, sitting up and shifting over to sitting between Anna and Elsa. "I didn't read anything about dragons in the library books. Only the storybooks." In some spare time, Olaf has been reading many books found in the castle library, from storybooks to medicine to baking to Arendelle's known history. Learning new words and facts while doing so.

Sven honked, like to say something.

"Yeah" Kristoff said like to add to what Sven is 'saying', plus remembering his own memories of what the trolls believed and knew was in the land. "I remember hearing stories about the strangest things you can find underground – even creatures that look like short people but with eyes like owls"

Elsa was sitting there with them, listening to their conversations and watching the Northern Lights as well. Mostly deep into thought. Watching the colors move, change and shine across the night sky.

"Elsa?" Anna asked her sister in wonder, "do you think the Northern Lights are actually magic?"

Elsa smiled at that thought, "It could be" she resumed looking up at the sky, Anna joining her. Lots of things in this world are made of magic…

Months later…

First year…second year…third…fourth…

Elsa's fingers brushed through her wardrobe, as she scanned her robes from her years at Hogwarts – ending with the glimmering Ravenclaw graduation robe and pointed-hat.

This is the twenty-sixth time she did this. Twenty-sixth… across the five months after she came back home.

Closing the wooden doors, she eagerly left to find something else to do.

Walking over to the large window of her bedroom, she sat to watch the November snow fall through the night sky.

It's not that things have been boring here. Of course now that her education is officially complete, and she's more than certain and confident about her unikinetic powers, Elsa's life at home is much, much better. With Anna…her kingdom…as she promised to her sister on her first day to Hogwarts…all beginning with the welcome celebration Anna organized for her when she came back…

There's something else! She keeps thinking to herself. There's this strange new feeling that's been dwelling inside her – starting shortly after she got back…roughly a month later to be exact.

A feeling she's never felt before. Not even during her childhood years isolated from the world.

It's been nagging at her. Edging at her. Something different and waiting to be satisfied but whatever she's doing or done so far hasn't even gotten close. Not even the things she's before only dreamed of doing with Anna, Olaf and the others (showing the spells she's learned, exploring the mountains and fjords around their home, etc).

Maybe it's something to do with her recent episodes of contemplation…about life. Besides, Anna's safety is guaranteed now, and becoming queen soon won't really be very different for her from now – except for a new load of responsibilities…

Maybe it's something to do with her getting vexed with the wave of letters and messengers coming in. All carrying proposals from princes and noblemen from allying kingdoms – seeking her hand in marriage. All these people, complete strangers to her, already making offers and 'promises' of comfortable, luxurious and the like lives fit for the future-queen. Like that's all she is to them – but even if they are truly nice… they may not or never understand her…

Anyhow…it's getting late. Elsa peered at the clock. She should've been in bed an hour ago.

She blew out the candle, snuggled into the cozy folds, and closed her eyes…waiting for another day…

Maybe there's another meaning of being Slytherin… just finding your place in the world, not caring what people may say or want… the only problem is some try too hard… they get misdirected while doing so… others no so much…

Somehow he makes me feel… strong… special… beautiful… like I'm 'someone' not 'something'… when half my life I doubted that… and tried to live under societal pressures…

"I know" he said like he could read her mind, "you returned the favor… you didn't have to but you did - You gave me feelings I may not even deserve"

"Why not?"

"Because… you don't even know the things I did"

She gave him a disbelieving smile.

She looked off to the snow-covered distance, as if to make a resolute point, "If there's one thing I know from Slytherin, it's that people are innately good, whether they acknowledge it or not" she turned back to face him.

She wasn't surprised when he made a frowning face of disbelief. "But you haven't met all people" Draco part said it with honesty, part tried to sound hard to convince, and part waiting to see how she'd disprove that.

Her response – a confident, laughing smile.

Next thing he knew, the ground beneath his feet hardened. Looking, Draco found a floor of ice, made up of several giant, interlocked, beautiful snowflakes, encase the grass smoothly. All branched from under her foot.

Mischief narrowed in her face, she yanked him forward with one powerful pull.

Taken by surprise, his tense feet glided on the ice, as he was pulled forward, guided by her hands. Becoming a confused partner in her little play.

Still holding hands, she pulled them both into a spin. Then she let go and made her own solo spin.

Eyes closed…arms out…braid and dress flying…smiling…

Like she has no care for the world… regardless of her own past.

She stopped spinning to face him, "But I know you are"

"You're evidence?"

"Standing right before me" she said, like a queen with a final verdict.

By now he already felt a smile on his face. From sudden, real happiness. She's been doing this often. Regardless of how deep he would be in his misery.

Her face opened in surprise when he grabbed her, but that changed to laughter, when he decided to make them spin, and then lifted her against the sky. Seeing how her face shone as bright as the sun.

They were alone… not another soul was there… just the two of them… two youths…

Finally they took a break, sitting in the snow together. Draco took her hands warmly and raised them in between them. The two were beaming.

His mouth moved to say something… to ask something…

When grey eyes opened in his dark room he realized that the first word barely made it out of his mouth.

After a minute, he turned over while in bed, still in the warm covers. To quietly watch the November snow fall through the night, outside his own (temporary) bedroom window.

"I'm just going to quickly grab the mail" Elsa said two weeks later, straightening her cloak over her shoulders. For security purposes the Ministry inspects all mail going between her and her friends.

"No rush." Anna said. They'll be leaving for tonight's Troll Winter Ceremony in the late afternoon, as Kristoff said the journey may take a while and they planned to help with some preparations.

"I can't wait to hang the glowing mushroom lamps! Oh and the Troll Soup…" Olaf happily listed the things they'll do tonight.

Elsa and Anna smiled. "Alright, won't be taking too long" Elsa said. Then she gave Anna a quick hug and disappeared through the floo of their Banquet Hall.

Instantly, the view changed to walking people, in the main foyer of the Ministry. Taking the usual route among the bustling crowd (which is even more today as either workers are leaving early due to shortened hours for the holidays or citizens are at the Ministry for last-minute issues or tasks before Holiday break), she made it from the main floo entrances to the registered mail and parcels department. Usually she'd occasionally pause to watch the magic teeming in the place – the flying Instant Parchment Memos, the banners of moving pictures, mostly of Kingsley, etc – but today she was in a rush.

Soon, after a brief elevator trip among people carrying clipboards and strange parcels, and a few minutes of walking down reasonably-lit corridors, Elsa made it to her destination.

"Registered mail pickup"

"Yes…please have a seat"

After registering herself, she sat down to wait in a small lounge for a worker to give her information about the slot holding her mail.

After a few minutes…"Miss Elsa…" a worker called.

Elsa got up from her waiting seat and stood by a busy looking worker.

The worker roughly read the sheet on her clipboard. "Your mail is on the desk there" she briskly directed Elsa to the place, and walked away to some other task.

Elsa went ahead to the location. She found a decently furnished desk mostly holding paper and documents to be registered and sorted before being given to the higher authorities.

Anyways, the mail was there, neatly tied in a small stack on the desk. With her name on the top. Just to confirm she stepped forward and picked the stack up. Untying them, she quickly scanned over the addresses. Same as before…

She began making her way back to the foyer and floo network stations so to return home. Taking a turn down one corridor she looked out the nearby window, seeing below that the foyer is still very crowded especially near the floo stations.

Deciding to give it a few minutes for the rush to die down, she decided to sift through the mail briefly again. Mostly just junk mail.

But one envelope she did pause at. Looking very similar to the ones she's been receiving and replying to over the past months. And she went ahead to open it.

Half an hour later…

"Elsa! Is everything ok? We have to leave soon!" Anna, worried and in her full outdoors clothes, rushed to receive Elsa in the floo.

That quickly jolted Elsa's memory. "Oh…sorry I…"

Anna studied her face. "Did something happen?"

Elsa paused. While she tried to appear neutral, a tiny smile was tugging on her face. Anna read it. Her worry vanishing for excitement.

"Did you see him?" Anna whispered as they walked out of the Banquet Hall to go outside.

Elsa shook her head. "No – a letter"

"And?"

Elsa, descending stairs to the courtyard, was lost in thought. Her eyes smiling for her. While, they boarded Kristoff's sleigh, she tried to ignore the tiny jolts of impatience for tomorrow.

Soon the next day, the two of them stood before the Iron Gate, with hedges almost twice their height bordered on either side. He had picked her up from the Ministry's floo network, as per requirements put onto Arendelle and similar allies.

"It may not exactly be guest-ready…"

As Draco stepped forward to unlock the Gate, Elsa stood by, admiring the scene around her.

Malfoy Manor was just recently returned to the family about a week ago. To viewers like Elsa, compared to before the place now looks more welcoming; the old building being surrounded and covered with falling snow. In addition to the snow-dusted greenery…like it was afresh and bearing little resemblance from the last time she was here.

Still gazing, she carefully took off the hood over her head, and gently caught her fingers in the curves of her braid.

Then she realized that Draco, with a small charming smile, was watching her, part waiting for her to take his arm.

Elsa made an expression, curiously asking him what he is thinking.

Meanwhile, inside the Manor, the place is looking better now than it was originally with many boxes and missing majority of its fixtures. And the family seems to be getting settled back into their home.

And Lucius, who has been more anxious than ever to ensure that his house and kingdom is being restored to its former glory, caught sight of the rare demure look of refreshment and peace on his wife's face. Let alone the fact that she is, on her accord, being more careful than ever in magically preparing tea (which is something she got herself to do only a little over a year ago – thanks to the absence of a house elf and that rat).

"Now what exactly has come over you?" he coolly asked his wife with a small smile.

"Draco's returned" she simply replied.

He studied her face. "Obviously with someone, I presume"

She nodded.

"Well…a young lady?"

She nodded again.

Lucius took a deep breath. I'm glad he's taking our concerns for his marriage seriously. "He has remembered to ensure she'll conform finely in our…" He helped himself to a cup. "…family, did he not?" he said that half-heartedly but seriously.

Still smiling, Narcissa took a careful look at her husband's face. "I'm certain Princess Elsa will make a very fine addition to the family"

Lucius choked on his tea, "What…princess?" He wasn't told to go that far!

After he recovered from a coughing fit, Lucius swept himself quickly to the window that overlooks their back garden, with his wife following close by.

They caught sight of Draco and Elsa walking and laughing, while Draco had his arm around her. Lucius blanched "Is she the …?" Before he could complete his question his wife was already nodding.

He got preoccupied in recapping whatever he remembered of her presence at the Manor - having just remembered the fact that they briefly had a Norwegian Princess held hostage at their very own residence, among other grievances and their other consequences (including his brief stay at Azkaban) of allying with Voldemort.

Then he tried comprehending how on earth did they… how did his son even… isn't she Muggleborn…? "But…how?"

Narcissa shrugged, finding pleasure in the sight of her son's face. "He's happy, and that is what suffices" she said in a weighty regal matter, even though she slightly shares her husband's concerns.

"I know, I know" He was about to say something but changed it as they faintly heard voices from the Foyer not very far from where they stood, indicating the two are now in the Manor.

"Yes I suppose…" She's mannered and refined… and from a royal lineage at least… but she's muggleborn… only if she will conform with our own heritage… He put an arm around his wife. "But we will confirm her integrity, won't we dear?"

Narcissa's mature face displayed her Slytherin smile. "Of course"

An hour after tea, while his parents were inside resting by themselves, the two were sitting together in the snow-covered garden behind the Manor. It was getting dark. And their small source of light and heat was a candle-lantern Draco lit and put beside them on a marble bench.

"Mother plans the gardening herself" Draco explains, indicating to spots now covered in snow. "Usually it doesn't change, but she often uses imported Provence roses"

Elsa nodded, remembering seeing white and silky yet sharp-petaled roses in the garden with a strong elegant perfume, during her days at the Manor. In good health as well, despite the family no longer having a house-elf. "She maintains them herself?"

"They're not difficult to maintain" he said, which is true considering that magic essentially makes many tasks easier to do, "pests are not really a bother – sometimes the albino peacocks would get into her flowers, though, which she hates"

"I'm sure she would" she agreed, "I wouldn't like it either"

Though she did make a face for the fact that she didn't recall seeing any peacocks. Seeing that, Draco smiled.

"We've been keeping them for generations – shortly before the Dark Lord's return Father had paid a breeder to keep them for a while"

"I see"

"The only downside of it was I had to take Care of Magical Creatures for it" Draco said, somewhat nitpicking, recalling some unfavorable parts of his times at Hogwarts. "and I can assure you it wasn't very enjoyable"

Elsa smiled. At some angles she agrees with him. The way most classes were – it can get too close for comfort with some of the beasts they were learning – plus the unpredictability in classes like cleaning Fire Crab shells and locating Doxy nests.

"Like a Hipogriff nearly ripping your arm off?"

Draco made a neutral face, like part agreeing and part not. "There are worse things in life than being attacked by a Hipogriff" he said. As bad as that was for him (although he did exaggerate the moment, but still the worse could've happened), it now looked petty against three years later, and afterwards.

Considering what both and their families has been through, that statement is true.

While it went darker outside to a full night, the two continued with their talking, letting the conversation move from topic to topic. Like it's not the same if it was anybody else they're talking to.

And like it was accompanying the fallen night, a fresh breeze of winter chill arrived, signaling that more snowfall may come to keep the winter fresh.

"I thought you said the cold never bothered you" Elsa said, after feeling him shift closer to her side. He gave a soft chuckle.

Soon they found themselves snuggling. While Elsa is practically unconquerable by the cold, Draco was holding her close. Close and warm. Like instinctively.

Slowly their foreheads joined… noses touching…

I've always dreamed what it would be like in another's arms – especially when it's snowing.

The next week Elsa went for the mail, there was many more as it's now the beginning of the Christmas weeks. There was one from Ginny and one from Luna…Christmas wishes she was waiting to respond with special cards of painted Arendelle sceneries (crafted by local painters). Another was a holiday wish letter from the Ministry (part of their now "efficient" monitoring of allies or people within range of transportation to and from Britain, for security purposes).

Setting them aside, she went through more mail. The rest were not much…

Her fingers stopped at one envelope. She opened it and drew out the crisp-white paper, one with a family-heritage crest embossed in black, silver and green on the top.

Her eyes ran over each handwritten word, written in shiny black, reading how much the writer enjoyed her visit, and how it perfectly enlightened his otherwise tiresome weeks. The letter was signed off with a signature:

'D. Malfoy'

Smiling, she looked at the letter for a while. They have already been exchanging letters for months now, since after returning from Hogwarts. Writing or commenting about what is currently going… or just writing to each other. It was obvious that, especially during very chaotic times… he couldn't stop thinking of her.

She thought again about that visit. The welcoming hug from Mrs. Malfoy. The tea she still could taste – respectably made. The small pleasant formal chatting. Draco sitting beside her. However there was Mr. Malfoy's set stern face and voice…and questions to Elsa…but still their time in the snow-covered garden was the wonderful moment…

And, she carefully set aside the rest of the mail and her cards, and pulled out a nice piece of cream-colored writing paper. One with the Arendelle Seal lightly embossed in brown in the background, and darker brown on the header. Pulling out her ink pot, she thought for a bit.

After writing a response, she signed off with her signature.

'Elsa of Arendelle'… with a tiny elegant snowflake embedded in the 'a' of her name… as always.

Months flew by. Winter melted into spring once more. And hardly anything happened. The transition over the months felt very long. Nothing really occurred at the Ministry and the Wizarding world – just the same precaution about raids but everything was normal still. Even to the extent that the Ministry is relaxing a bit of its security measures.

Days and events passed by in Arendelle – nothing less, nothing more. Same as always. Same as before.

As far as the Malfoy Manor was concerned, the family continued to gradually restore their home and place. The Malfoy Elders in particular, trying their very best to regain their former glory, by reinstating their contacts in their society circle and maintaining compliance with the Ministry's fresh eagle eye on them. Though they are very well aware that the stigma placed over them for their participations in Voldemort's movements would take a very, very long time before leaving them.

Though they did notice that in only half of their work was their son participating in. As affectionate and respectful as he's always been, Draco does not seem to display the same zeal as he did before in their family's heritage and ancient traditions. Particularly, their and their associates' pureblood ideals.

A couple of months ago Draco did finally manage to get a respectable job – a lower-end secretary in the Ministry (without much access to Ministry data for now). Not a very prestigious position, but better than other options or nothing at all. With it at least he could begin re-earning some of the wealth lost from them, and remake his position in society. But as far as other things are concerned, such as reforming contacts with old cronies… it's like they were never there in the first place. Instead, letters continued between him and Elsa.

And of course, regarding his connection with Elsa… his father did in fact make some comments and occasional inquires. To find his son apparently forming a bond with a muggle-born… but at the same time seeing his son in a much better state than during the War… overall with a tension he did make suggestions for reconsideration or perhaps inquired whether other agendas were in play… like a common rumored practice by early ancestors during the Medieval Ages to merely seek wealth and fame… but of course… the indications and responses he gets from Draco… it's not the case. After walking-the-talk himself (the 'talk' of his attempts to fill the many deficiencies he's had, and Potter made for him), there's no room for anything like that he would bear to do. Plus even in his old self he hadn't really shown that strong of an ambition like Lucius, even if he tried.

His wife Narcissa, on the other hand and having her own witnessing of their family ideals being the cause of their torments during the Second Wizarding War, saw a different angle to Draco's feelings for Elsa. A spark of hope for her son to get onto his feet and make a place in life. Lucius saw that as well… but is eager to see if she would conform to their Malfoy heritage… and not make any unwanted images for them in the future.

Besides, nothing has been finalized (yet). So in the mean time, Lucius's main stress has been regarding certain unlabeled notes he's been receiving – of threatening nature. While he's been keeping them from his wife and son to avoid worrying them further, he did take initiatives to pass them on to the Ministry (to avoid any chance of pinning further blames onto the Malfoys) – but nothing so far has stopped the notes from coming.

It was now March of the year 2001. Feeling nothing else to do, Elsa stood alone on the balcony, on the same floor as the Royal Bedrooms. Her hair and flowing blue dress soaked in the sweet, cool rainwater.

She twirled a strand of her hair in her fingers, looking off into the distant Arendelle Plaza. People walked here and there, selling and buying stuff under umbrellas. Children played and chased each other in the rain.

At least standing out here is a good break while Anna is spending time with Kristoff… and after hours of reviewing and discussing over recent requests and comments from Trade-Allies… that thought didn't really help.

Nothing has taken away or at least lessened that weird feeling she's been having. What is it? Yearning? For something? She can't really put a finger on it.

And Elsa had been doing pretty well as keeping that feeling from interfering her day-to-day tasks as crown-princess, soon to be queen. As always, regardless of how impassive Elsa is good at, Anna would feel that something is bugging Elsa. She would try to counter it or narrow it down, but nothing would seem to help… except only somewhat if she is with Draco…

For a moment, she felt a tiny impulse, halting her chain of thought. Like she was not alone. On that impulse, she turned around to the lightly-stained glass walls of the entrance to the balcony.

Then Elsa was uncertain whether her heart skipped beats or her mind was playing on her.

"Hello, Elsa"

She spent a short while trying to process what she is seeing.

"What are you doing here?" she asked, to be answered by a small smug smile from Draco. He was just standing there, leaning a shoulder against the glass for an unknown length of time.

"Based on the weather conditions here I suppose this monarch must be getting inside?" Draco asked her as he walked onto the balcony, not really bothered about the pouring rain.

"I'll go when I feel like it. But I'm fine out here" she said, not feeling like going inside just yet.

"In the rain?"

"Yes"

"Then I'll join you" he made it to her side, hands holding onto the railings.

She let him quietly - didn't want it to make him leave. Nor felt it was right to move away. His presence was a surprise she has to admit, but that weird feeling didn't go away. It never had so far over the months of exchanging letters.

An awkward pause. Nothing but the rain and faint sounds of distant people out in the Plaza.

He curiously watched her face. "How's the crown-princess doing?" he asked, to start the conversation.

"Fine" she replied neutrally, not really sure what else to say.

"Been busy?"

"Pretty much"

They are already aware of what the other has been doing lately, through the letters.

Another small awkward pause. Draco was thinking while Elsa was gazing at the grounds before them.

After a little while (and a discreet deep breath), he brushed some wet strands of hair away from her face. She turned a bit to him.

"If I ask you, would you do it?"

"Do what?"

His hand then rested on her cheek, "Accept my invitation" Draco asked. He studied her face.

"When?" she asked, mind half in contemplation.

"Now" he said, like they may not have a better time than today.

"Isn't that a short notice?"

He smiled. "Life is full of short notices" He studied the sapphire depths. "So will you?" he asked again.

Elsa thought about it.

A soft, steady gaze met her eyes, "Do you trust me?"

"Is that even a question?" was the thought that passed through her mind, but she didn't say it. His hand slipped through hers to take it gently anyway.

"Alright, let's go" he moved, like he could read the satisfactory answer plain in her eyes.

But she only took a few steps before stopping. "I…"

He simply turned around, silver meeting sapphire again. "You've opened the door - don't let it close"

And she felt her fingers intertwine with Draco's, as he went on leading her away from the balcony.

Even if Draco tried to keep his face straight after shaking his head, he couldn't help with a small growing smile.

They arrived at Malfoy Manor, after magically drying themselves from the rain. But instead of going inside, Draco led her, still holding her hand, towards the back of the Manor. But not the garden this time. More towards the land that surrounds the Manor.

"This place has been in our family for generations" Draco said after they entered a patch of field with fresh tall trees. "For a while it was gifted in the 16th century for Auror dueling practices – though our family had it retuned back, when it was found out that they started to practice wrestling with Giants"

"Giants?" Elsa's brows creased like how would that kind of idea even come. Draco almost laughed. "It was most likely for entertainment purposes. But as one of our ancestors feared flying debris and that the fences would not be strong enough, they had to demand a Wizardgemot to reclaim the land back"

Still holding her hand he led her to a small flatter place. Under the shining sun they were taking a walk.

"It's a nice place to think quietly" Draco mentioned. About this piece of land that he often uses for himself to spend some alone time, since he was a kid – with nothing but the open (and trying to apply that to Hogwarts sometimes got him into trouble… especially if beyond curfew). And no one else would be there… until now.

After some time, they sat down on the grass for a rest. Draco's hands took hers into them, holding her slender ones with warm care. Like for a real Ravenclaw Queen, with a Slytherin streak.

Silence for a while. Draco noticed her hands, still intertwined with his in them, were upturned. Like she was watching her palms.

"What?" he asked curiously.

"It's hard to believe that it took me years to be assured of my own hands" she murmured, part laughing at herself like it's unbelievable. "All my life I feared that at any minute someone could get killed just because of my powers. I couldn't trust myself let alone others - Voldemort came later."

Not to mention someone would ever hold them so preciously… like the way he's doing now.

Again she had spoken her mind. To someone other than Anna. And he was smiling – like he completely understands her.

For a long time they were enjoying the solitude, with only each other's company. No one else was in that moment – because that moment was theirs.

"Forgive me if I've been too supercilious to say before, Elsa," he decided to use his high-society conduct, "but you really are beautiful"

He smiled. She smiled back. They joined foreheads, watching each other's smiles. Their noses touching. Draco Malfoy… Elsa of Arendelle… solid, free-spirited, cool as ice, warming-hearts… What more could they have in this world? This manipulative, exploitive world…

Then… in another hour…

It just happened. Neither was really sure how – but it did.

Elsa didn't force it out of Draco…nor did he volunteer. It was an accident.

It was all exposed. Exposed in grey while they were sitting on a couch in his Manor. Exposed under his rolled-up jacket and white shirt sleeves…

"Why didn't you tell me?" her voice was barely audible.

"I thought you already knew. Everyone else does." His stare has shifted from being glued to her face to the Dark Mark scar on his left forearm, and now he couldn't go back. The remains of the mark of an official Deatheater. And all this time she thought he was made only a small scout…

"I did… I didn't know it really went like this. And they just make rumors. They look for scapegoats – for people to give eternal hate… I thought you different. Different than what they thought. I knew you better than they did…"

"You do! You know me better than anyone! Even my own father!" he gave an empty laugh. "I didn't want any of that Dark Force rubbish. Yet I was to inherit for Father's mistakes. Whether I wanted to or not. I had no choice but he made me do things - I had to or he'd kill me! And then he'd kill Mother, and then leave Father to mourn over us until he dies of grief or…"

Now there was remoteness in the eyes, with the flickers of flashbacks.

"…he got what he wanted… payback for Father's constant failures. He was so certain of that when he gave me that bloody Mark – that he'd never regret it. He did it himself… the Dark Lord… just before School… it hurt so terribly… Father was in Azkaban… Mother just stood by… with the others… accepting the fact… they had me pinned down for him to do it… strapped into a chair… I couldn't take my eyes off his face… he was so dreadfully happy that he'd laugh. I was to be a punishment to my Father... and fail like him… either way he'd have his fun… I swore to myself as he burned it on me that night that I'd never really follow him… I thought I could just pass through… but I failed at that …I was too much of a coward to join Potter… to even run away. I just couldn't stand up to him. He saw my cowardice worthy of his pathetic cause. I was too much afraid of him…"

By now his eyes had become glassy. Elsa could feel his pain. He had been torn by forces against his will… haunting forces, that deeply imbed guilt and fear. Her own eyes filled with tears. She gently placed her hand on his shoulder in comfort.

After a minute Draco rose and took a step away.

"Forget it. You shouldn't feel sorry" he crustily said, keeping his face turned away, full of shame. "I should… You're perfect… and I… I don't deserve you." The last was said in a soft murmur as he made to walk away.

For Elsa it was like as if the only thing in the room was his words… 'I don't deserve you'. She stared at him, his leaving making her feel a sharp tug on her heart.

She shook her head in complete disagreement. "But Draco you do deserve me. Of course you do." Elsa's strong, powerful and convinced words met his ear like an unbendable force. She got up and moved to have her hands onto his arms and face, preventing him from leaving and keeping him facing her. Her eyes powerfully convinced as her voice.

So much she was thinking. How she knows him to be not what others think… how he should give himself a chance and that he deserves one… how much she wants to be with him… how she knows he craves for the same…

But… only one sentence was said… honestly, with feeling, with conviction… to sum all that together… and not even herself could stop her from saying it...

"I love you"

Draco could only stare at Elsa in disbelief, lost for words. For a moment he felt like the room moved.

"Are… you sure?" his shaky voice allowed him to whisper.

She drew him closer, face convinced and pleased, looking in the eyes – like nothing else would change her mind, "Of course I'm certain. How would I not be?"

He still couldn't comprehend what was happening… like an unexpected but wonderful fact.

Soon, his twitching mouth broke into a smile. A big one. At something he thought wouldn't really be possible.

On impulse, he drew her even closer to hold her, lifting her and swinging her around, causing gentle winds and laughter to fill the room. Still hugging and breathing rapidly, he held her face warmly and kissed her nose.

"I love you too," they now joined foreheads, eyes closed, "Forever and always… only heaven knows how much I want to marry you"

Finally, Draco took a step back, pulling something out of his pocket, "Elsa…"

He got down onto one knee…one hand was holding a small, black velvety case, opened to reveal a diamond ring. With smaller sapphire and emerald gems, one on each side of the diamond. The other hand was held out to Elsa.

"…will you do me the honor…"

She held onto his hand, with both of her own. "I will" She whispered. It was like the last bit of color finally returned to his face.

Elsa helped him up, and soon they were in an embrace once more.

"I can't believe it!" Anna exclaimed when she saw the ring on Elsa's finger.

"Me neither" Elsa admitted. They and Olaf were sitting in the Royal Drawing Room.

Olaf was holding up her hand with his wooden ones to see. "So when's the wedding?"

"I don't know yet" Elsa said.

"He's perfect for you" Olaf added happily.

"Yeah, says the Royal Love Expert" Anna joked.

"Olaf" Elsa tenderly placed a hand on his face.

"I had a feeling something like this is gonna happen between the two of you" Anna admitted.

Elsa just stayed smiling.

Later that evening, she stood in her room, looking out the large glass window. Thinking that if anyone would try to change her mind from marrying Draco, it would be futile. He's different. As different as she knew he was.

A knock came onto her door. The same rhythm that Anna would use to tell her that it's only her.

"Come in, Anna"

Anna came in, "I just wanted to check on you" she smiled, joining her sister next to the window. "Remember the times you hated it when I would make our dolls and ice figurines marry and kiss" Anna mentioned, thoughtfully recapping the memories.

Elsa shook her head a bit, "I didn't find that interesting" she admitted, feeling a small laugh.

A short pause as Elsa went back into deep thought. "You're like you never thought this would happen" Anna said, looking surprised in Elsa's face.

She shook her head. "I honestly didn't" she couldn't help but feel her eyes glassy.

"Oh, Elsa" Anna hugged her sister warmly.

Anna would have maybe been on another sleigh ride with Kristoff, while in the Throne Room Elsa stood with Draco in front of her parents, who were seated on their thrones. Lucius and Narcissa were standing at the side.

When they first entered before the King and Queen, Draco bowed and Elsa curtsied. Still it didn't prevent her mother from having a tight face, let alone her father having a careful and stern one.

The pairs of parents have already talked a bit, so Draco's let him and Elsa do most of the talking.

"Your Majesties, I humbly request to take your daughter's hand in marriage"

Her father focused stern and searching eyes onto Draco, but that didn't falter his words in any way.

"I've been in love with her since I could remember" Arm around her and holding her hand warmly, he continued. "And I'd love nothing more than having the honor of providing for her –and keeping her happy" His tender look in her eyes and the honest feeling in his words made Elsa smile, as she tried to ease down the tingly feeling she felt inside for it. He lifted her hand to press a kiss onto her fingers.

Finally they stole a glance at her parents. Draco's hand holding tight onto hers.

Elsa's father stood up. "She is my daughter, and as a father I would do anything to ensure her happiness and safety" he walked up to them, looking like he wanted to tenderly take Elsa's hands. Her mother stood up and stood close behind her husband.

Silence for a bit.

"And I believe you are worthy of being her husband"

Elsa's heart jumped when her father, now smiling, said that. She felt Draco's head closer hers while she stared at her parents.

Her father came forward to kiss his daughter's forehead. She looked up at him with teary eyes. Then she went to hug her mother, who also was trying to compose herself.

After that, her parents and the Malfoy seniors went to exchange congratulations and words, while the now engaged couple was left to beam in each other's eyes.

Elsa woke up, letting a tear drop onto her pillow. How she wished her parents were here, as clear as they came into her dreams…

But that changed shortly after, as with an arm under her head, she turned to gaze out the window.

Now that the potential for a wedding has been finalized, plans have been made underway for it. And by tradition, Draco's parents, the seniors of the Malfoy family, will be the main organizers of their wedding – the reception and afterwards is planned to be done by Arendelle.

Here and there the future bride and groom are allowed inputs. With Narcissa admiring Elsa's refined yet stunning sense of décor she'd not hesitate to let her suggest – as long as it doesn't undermine the elite Slytherin grandeur of the Malfoys (which it won't anyway – it's just the elite stun and elegance from combinations with even the simplest (icy too) additions).

But… of course… the very first thing on their minds is to have her introduced to and familiar with their 'normal' society atmosphere – the main confirmation if she's 'worthy'… regardless of Draco's opinions.

For that, his parents have been arranging for a big gathering with fellow society members and acquaintances (of Slytherin nature of course) this coming summer – one of their first after returning to normal after Voldemort's defeat. This is especially a 'suggestion' from Mr. Malfoy, who stresses their high expectations for their future daughter-in-law, mainly during such trademark gatherings of theirs, plus he relies on her conduct in exchange for not disclosing to everyone that she's a princess. He however, made no intentions of letting everyone know that she is the future daughter-in-law. At least, not just yet.

It all seemed perfectly fit and planned… wedding and then coronation months after… perfect for getting Draco settled into Arendelle's realm too – though they haven't really spoken much about it. And I know he has what it takes to do it too.

A few days before the dinner, Elsa was given a big, heavy box by Narcissa. She opened it in her bedroom, with Anna and Olaf present. Out of it she pulled out, what looked like, a dark green velvet dress. It also came with black high-heeled shoes.

The thing with the dress is that it was – heavy. What kind of 'velvet' is this anyway? She thought to herself.

She found a note carefully pinned to it. It read in clean, stylish writing:

For my future daughter-in-law. This was especially tailored for you to look lovely on our society-dinner.

Love and all the best

Your mother Narcissa

Elsa read the note aloud for Anna to hear.

"Um…ok. She seems to really like you"

Elsa looked down at the heavy dress, which she held up against herself "Yeah, maybe a little too much" she said, obvious that she doesn't really find the dress fitting her standards.

"At least she's not too old-fashioned" Anna added, thinking along the line of Old-English wardrobes "you know, the frills and giant bows"

Yuck, Elsa thought.

"Doesn't look very bad" Olaf walked out from under the dress she held up. They stared at his slightly deformed head, from letting it brush over him.

She looked at Anna, who was now trying to remold Olaf's head. Her in-laws are trolls, and she handled the long grassy robes and giant flower crowns well…maybe this dress won't be very dreadful.

On the day of the gathering, Elsa stood in front of a hallway mirror, once more inspecting her reflection.

She had at home settled with her hair half up in a small bun and the rest over her shoulders. Something different… and fitting for her. She paused, Mrs. Malfoy usually wears that… oh well… today she's doing a full bun… plus I'm not doing the bangs…

She turned a bit to see more of her reflection, moving the skirt a bit to inspect the effect. And…thankfully only the weight of the dress was confined to the big skirt - especially when she was doing her hair. The velvet dropped as low as her ankles, revealing the black heels, as tall as half her hand and thin as a finger, which can make many stumble (but she walks in them fine and gracefully). The skirt wasn't flat – it was little more like the big skirts Anna loves to wear. The sleeves only pad her shoulders.

Still, she kept on fighting the urge to transform it into a lighter, more flamboyant dress. She did, just in case, check if it wasn't charmed to be heavy – who knows?

I wonder why velvet… it catches stains easily… and the weight of this! Plus the high, thin heels… well, she's Bellatrix's sister, one way or another… perhaps this is all just a test… I think she still likes me though - she referred to herself as 'mother'…

Taking another glance into the mirror, Elsa almost took a deep breath. Just darken her hair, and… her mom would be standing where Elsa was. Perhaps dressing for events with her own future in-laws (if she did, or perhaps just when she was younger)…

Anna will always be there, but still, Elsa wished terribly that their Mother would be standing there, on her wedding day… Anna almost cried on hers for the same reason. If only their parents were alive to see the many milestones their two daughters went through.

Then in a split second, she found, through the mirror, someone gently holding her shoulders from behind. She turned to Draco, all set in his own formal suit. "How long have you been here?"

"Long enough. This is my house you know" he reminded with a small smirk.

She smirked, before taking another glance in the mirror, "I look like a doll in this" she said, trying to not sound like she was complaining.

"Real modesty Ravenclaws have" Draco tsked.

She couldn't help with a small sarcastic smile at his little joke. "No silly. I mean, you know"

"We can fix that" she noticed him holding out a white box. She just watched him open it – revealing a pretty green necklace and bracelet-chain set.

After taking it out carefully, he began placing the necklace on her neck for her. Smiling, she moved her hair a bit to help. It was elegantly shaped to make a point in the middle, like the bottom of a heart.

After he was done fastening the necklace, he lifted her right wrist to fasten the bracelet onto it.

"Much better" she said quietly, smiling.

After that, he kissed her hand. "Will you accompany me tonight?" he asked her cockily and charmingly, when he looked up.

Smiling, her eyes narrowed. "On conditions"

He raised an eyebrow. "Such as…"

"You know, keeping the standard Malfoy…"

He moved to bend forward, holding her close. Kissing her. A demonstration of what to not do. Strong but she didn't mind. It felt so perfect. So right.

After a minute his eyes locked with hers into a gaze. For a short while….

Then, she gasped.

Draco lifted her off the ground, and began walking. Luckily her shoes didn't fall off.

"Draco! What are you…?!"

"The dress is getting too heavy for you, darling" the mischievous whisper was followed by a smaller kiss, and then him sitting her down on a well padded bench against the wall.

After a few seconds or so, he disapperated.

It took her a few minutes to realize that, all that time, footsteps can be heard down the hall. But she smiled that thought off as she stretched and flexed her legs.

It just wouldn't do trying to avoid upsetting too many people, she thought to herself, and the right kind only.

For the next hour or so, Elsa spent in meet/greet and politely standing around, ready for more minor introductions or talking with some ladies from Narcissa's society circle.

Her presentation throughout was poised, refined, and politely ready to tackle any chance of prodding or unpleasant comments. Come to think of it…it's not very unfamiliar to her life as crown princess in Arendelle – the sprinkle of small meetings she had with allies and trading partners and how she's learned to interact with them when queen. Impassive and formal interaction while keeping herself tall and strong with even the nosy, annoying and snobbish ones. But won't be that hard for her to deal with (as long as it's not too frequent or pressing on her life – soon to have responsibilities as queen, thankfully, it most likely won't).

And that in some ways her demeanor impressed some of the ladies present.

"From which family do you come from?" one posh-looking lady inquired.

"Arendelle" Elsa replied plainly and unflinchingly. White lie will work. Not really a lie or too revealing.

"Arendelle?" she thought for a moment, searching through her memory bank. "Never heard of such ancestry…does it host the Slytherin pride?"

"Actually, my ancestors haven't studied at Hogwarts. I'm the first" That's true. She didn't bother, however, to mention that she wasn't sorted into Slytherin.

The lady nodded. "I see…must be regarded enough to be present here" she commented before moving on.

Another lady had asked to also meet Elsa's mother, only to be told that she had passed away. Elsa was a bit surprised to find her convey some small empathy.

"If I may" another lady with a wide-brimmed expensive hat beside where Elsa stood said, "you have very radiant and young eyes"

Elsa politely smiled. "Thank you"

After a half hour of distant pleasantries she moved to the side to find someplace quiet to sit down. The shoes aren't a bother. The dress is getting a bit heavy.

"Do we know you?"

Elsa heard eerily familiar voices. He turned, finding them belonging to a group of girls her age.

Oh… the 'ladies' of the Slytherin alumni… of course… and they looked like they've been spending their time in snobbish gossip and rude remarks at others (especially those present, like their clothes etc) like that's their only fun today.

She could see what makes them less desirable to even talk to. No matter how nice they are dressed, their faces obviously show snobbishness and bitterness. Like they are overdoing their Slytherinish presentation.

"You…you…you're the…" one was shocked and about to exclaim for everyone else to know that someone they completely did not expect to show up is here, only to be silenced by another.

Some looked like their eyes would fall out, when their sharp eyes saw the ring on Elsa's slender hand. "Whoever you're with must be really off his rocker now"

Elsa just sat there, in a regal manner, her eyes direct and sternly attentive while watching them. Hinting a warning light in her eyes. And it seemed like they took the warning.

"Guess you're not a total loss", one said, figuring this isn't something they don't really find interest or worth in (considering they don't really know who the 'he' is). "If you're rich" deduced from Elsa's conduct.

"Not one picked up from the streets"

"Have fun when you can" they snickered as they moved away, to find something else to gossip or taunt about.

Elsa glared after them as they walked away. But deciding to not pay too much attention to their comments, she went ahead to find a place to sit.

Finally, she was able to find a spot for herself, to sit down and rest after all that standing. It was in one of the Manor's small sitting areas, but not within a room this time. It was one that had couched seats in a corner of a large corridor. Still nearby the large room where the ladies were.

As long as I don't have to meet Bellatrix-like individuals on a weekly basis. Thankfully most likely it is the case, considering that when they were first told by the Malfoy Elders, Draco, who himself didn't really seem interested about the gathering, had mentioned to her that it shouldn't really be more frequent than a yearly basis…

Elsa paused. Once again, something distant pricked her senses.

Keeping quiet, she tried to hear for a sound other than that of distant people talking.

However, listening and seeing after five minutes yielded nothing. So Elsa decided to go back to her resting, giving it another five minutes before she made her way back to the room with the 'ladies'. Before Mrs. Malfoy would wonder over her leave of absence.

Halfway making her way back, she crossed paths with another who is taking a break from the crowds. Upon seeing her he smiled.

"Getting some air?" Draco asked, welcoming her presence.

Smiling, Elsa walked up to him. "Fresh air away from the stuffiness" still smiling, she quipped as she shook her head, walking beside him.

"Said stuffiness not very impudent?" he said, indicating that he'd want to know if she encountered unwanted behavior or comments.

Elsa shook her head, figuring whatever the girls said was not significant.

Reaching near where the others are after a few minutes, they heard something like hissing air.

"What's that?"

Approaching even closer, they found the others gathering to a spot where the sounds are coming from. Finding something filling the air in the large corridor. Something like smoke.

As the bewildered and concerned onlookers watched, the sickly green smoke soon took form…

…into that of Lord Voldemort…

As the partygoers watched and stared in horror, the smoky form began issuing a deeply threatening and bone-chilling speech about betrayal and consequences. Just like as if the Dark Lord was alive and really standing there.

In a second Draco's face changed. Elsa gently turned his face away from the scene.

"Who could be doing this?" she said after a while, determining that something clearly is not right and perhaps another intrusion is occurring.

Draco's quick mind, after recovering, concluded that most likely it's the rogue ex-death eaters. But how did they enter, or plant whatever is making the smoke?

Keeping a hand on Elsa's arm, he made to think of a plan to keep away from danger. "We should try to…"

But before they could even prevent it, the rooms began rapidly filling with the green smoke. And despite the fact that both were combat-alert, they were taken by complete surprise.

The horrid fumes began filling their noses, and they hastily covered their eyes and faces. Past their coughs they could hear nothing but distant shrieks and chaos.

Trying to keep together, they made their way to try to find a door or window to the outdoors. Hopefully they can get the fumes out or get help.

But feeling as if something pushed her, Elsa tripped. Falling down, she quickly tried to get up, and felt Draco sensing she fell and trying to help and keep close by, but having difficulty to do so.

And just when she put one hand on the ground to lift herself up quickly (the other hand still covering her face), and just before he managed to hold onto her, Elsa felt a pain as if something shot itself onto her.

And before she could pull it off, she felt a bit dizzy – more like the dizziness of transportation via a portkey.

~TO BE CONTINUED…~