Author's Note: I do not own Harry Potter or Wicked. I never could, but I do try to do them justice. Thank you to everyone who reviewed, favorited, and/or followed this story so far. Your positive feedback, despite my horrible track record for updates, is very motivating for me to continue. Thank you so much. I hope you like this new chapter.

Chapter 18

Elphaba's vision wavered as her throat constricted painfully. Fiyero, covered in blood, stared at her with wide eyes. "Elphaba!" A voice screamed frantically. She moved her head slowly as if everything were underwater. Draco's eyes widened when he looked into hers. SLAP! Elphaba reeled away from the stinging blow. "Snap out of it, Elphaba!" Draco yelled as he put up a shield at the door. "Get him down!" Elphaba sucked breath into her suffocating lungs.

Tears slipped down her cheeks as she looked at Fiyero, "Elphaba," his quiet, calm voice soothed her trembling body. He gave her a small smile through the blood and bruises, "I love you." The words spoken in her native language made her smile, but it faded away just as quickly.

"Is this a trick?" She asked quietly. The fear that it was indeed a trick made her unbearably sad. Her throat closed completely and stopped any more words from escaping.

"No, my love. Ask me anything, something only I would know." She stared into his sparkling blue eyes. There was no lie there, no deception, but she had to ask. It wasn't just her life on the line.

"Elphaba!" Draco's voice reached a new octave.

"How did we first meet?"

Fiyero let out a raspy laugh, "My driver nearly hit you."

"And, what did you say?"

"Maybe the driver saw green and thought it meant go."

Elphaba laughed and shook her head at the memory, "I thought you were an egotistical idiot."

"No, I'm genuinely self-absorbed."

"That means egotistical, baka."

"I learn something new every day with you." Elphaba rolled her eyes, and Fiyero grinned.

"Can you two talk later?!" Draco shoved Elphaba closer to Fiyero from behind. "GET HIM DOWN!" Elphaba opened the shackles with a thought and caught the bleeding man with magic before he could fall on his head. As he tried to stand, Fiyero stumbled and Elphaba leapt forward. Her arms wrapped around his torso, and his hands rested on her shoulders. Elphaba couldn't breathe. She thought she would never touch him again, and yet, here he was. "Elphaba!" She looked behind her to see Draco struggling to hold his shield. "I can't hold this shield much longer!"

"Draco! Come here!" Elphaba turned and threw up a shield as Draco's shoulders sagged from the relieved pressure. He stumbled over to them and they stood in a triangle for a few moments. "Help each other stay upright." She handed Fiyero over to Draco. Elphaba closed her eyes and prayed that what she did next wouldn't consume her. Elphaba opened her eyes and watched both men's' faces grew pale with fear. Magic, like black fire, blasted the dark wizards and witches back up the stairs. Elphaba looked up at the ceiling with shining eyes. The mansion trembled as goosebumps rose on the skin of all those present. A gaping hole exploded above them and rained down debris. Elphaba took another deep breath and began to chant.

The Grimmerie's dark, seductive power enveloped her entire being as she opened herself to it. Out of the corner of eye she saw Voldemort watching her with a smirk. The air around them moved and whirled around them faster and faster as she chanted. Behind her, Draco gasped as they lifted off the ground, and came to rest on the first floor seconds later. Through the whirling dust, spells flew at them. Elphaba threw her arms wide for a shield and the walls around her shattered. She began to walk to the front door. It was locked. Black magic formed around her hands and raced toward the door. It pushed relentlessly against the wall until the stones began to disintegrate. The wall exploded outward into the courtyard beyond. Elphaba felt her knees buckle slightly but kept going.

"Elphaba!" Draco's voice sounded off. She looked over her shoulder to see nothing but fear. "How are we going to get away? I can't apparate."

"Do you still have that Portkey we used to get here?" The boy nodded, "We'll use that."

Deatheaters swarmed around them as they walked toward the front gate. Elphaba smirked when Voldemort put himself between her and the gate. "Move Voldemort." The man raised his wand and sent a red spell at her. Her shield shuddered, and Elphaba felt her power begin to fade. She needed more power. The Grimmerie's dark magic fighting her soul promised power beyond belief, but Elphaba pushed the temptations away. Draco's magic was already low, she couldn't borrow his. Voldemort's spell continued to batter her shield. "Draco!" She turned and looked at his fearful eyes. "If something bad happens to me, promise me you'll get yourself and Fiyero out of here!"

"But, what-"

"Promise!"

"Aright! I promise." Draco tightened his hold on Fiyero's arm.

Elphaba smiled at her lover, "I love you." Fiyero's face was somber.

"I love you too." The witch turned and eyed the magic streaming from Voldemort's wand. The amount of power in the aura was dizzying. Elphaba reached out her own magic and brushed the spell. Magic surged through her like lightning. It needed an outlet. Panicking, Elphaba forced it out of her in a circle. All the Deatheaters in a five foot radius were knocked off their feet. The witch stumbled from the departure as black spots appeared in her vision. She took more magic from Voldemort's spell and forced it back at him. The man flew backward and slammed through the intricate gate. "Come!" Elphaba hastened across the entrance and Draco pulled out his father's Portkey.

"Don't let go!" Draco yelled over the continuing barrage of spells. Elphaba translated to Fiyero just before they were ripped off their feet. Elphaba clung to Fiyero with all her strength. The air was punched out of her lungs as Elphaba landed on her back. Fiyero fell on top of her and Draco on top of him. Loud 'pops' signaled the Deatheaters' arrivals in the clearing around them. Elphaba threw up another shield, but it was not nearly as strong. Weak though he was, Fiyero helped her to her feet, and Draco pulled them toward Hogwarts' gates. Elphaba put her hand on the iron gates to open them. Nothing happened. She tried again.

"What's wrong?" Draco asked as he put up a few weak shields to help her.

"It's not working! The gates won't let me in!"

"But you're a teacher! Who would lock you out?"

"I can only think of two and one didn't know I was going out tonight." Elphaba felt dread start to churn in her stomach. He said he wouldn't help. He warned her that Severus wouldn't give up his position to aid her, but he didn't give any hints that he would sabotage her. She pushed magic at the gates angrily. They pushed back with more magic than she could fight. Terrible anger boiled up inside her as she sent another jet of black magic at the gates. They shuddered and buckled, but held.

"Elphaba?" Elphaba looked at Draco sadly.

"I'm so sorry, Draco." The boy swallowed hard, and looked up at the castle as if willing anyone to appear.

"Elphaba?" Fiyero took her hands, "What's going to happen?"

"We may die tonight, or worse." Elphaba couldn't keep her voice from shaking.

"I see. Well then, at least we are together." The man raised his hand and brushed his thumb across her cheekbone gently.

"Elphaba!" She spun around to look at Draco. He was staring up at the castle. Dumbledore ran toward them. He whipped out his wand and sent a spell careening toward the gathered Deatheaters. Half fell to the ground. His second spell sent Elphaba and the others to the ground as well. Elphaba's magic finally gave out as she pushed herself to her knees. Her arms practically buckled from her own weight. It was hard to breathe. She looked up through blurry vision to see Voldemort appear before her. He grinned despite the fact that all his followers were unable to stand with him.

"So, the Wicked Witch isn't invincible after all." He raised his wand to cast a spell. Elphaba felt her heart go cold with despair as the first word left his lips, "Avada" Fiyero appeared like a phantom in front of her. Elphaba's gasped, "Ke-" Voldemort's jaw cracked as Fiyero punched him as hard as he could. The dark wizard lurched sideways as Fiyero lifted her in his shaking arms and followed Draco through the gate. Elphaba rested her head on her lover's tan skin as her world went black.

Screaming. Voices all around her screamed in terror and agony. Elphaba looked around but saw only a tumultuous vortex of black magic surrounding her. The dark aura began to force its way into her soul; suffocating her. She tried to force it away but it seeped into every facet of her mind. Elphaba opened her eyes hoping to gain some leverage over the dark power consuming her. Hazy images danced in front of her. They became clearer and clearer. Harry stood before her with his wand raised. A look of anger and resentment bored into her soul. Fiyero appeared next to him covered in blood. A sword that shined with magic dripped more blood. The prince stared at her with icy eyes and a severe frown. More appeared behind the two men she cared about most, and they all wore expressions of horror.

She flinched when Fiyero stepped up to her. "Why?" He asked. The low voice was full of pain and confusion. "Why?!" He shouted at her then. Elphaba began to shake her head. She didn't know what he was asking.

"Wha-?" Elphaba gasped. Tears pricked her eyes as she stared down as cold steel sunk into her chest. The weapon twisted and she yelped as she clutched Fiyero's hand. Her eyesight began to waver as she fell to her knees. Fiyero's blue eyes glared down at her.

"NO!" Elphaba jumped and clutched her chest. She searched for the people around her but found none. The girl stifled her sobs as she realized it was all a dream. The familiar smell of the Infirmary hit her senses like a wave crashing against her as tears fell down her cheeks. She was thankful for the curtains that were drawn around the bed. No one had witnessed her dreaming. Elphaba took a few shuddering breaths but the images of her dream were branded in her mind's eye. She wouldn't forget them.

"Absolutely not!" Poppy's voice stern voice rose to her right. "She needs her rest as much as you do."

"I can rest with her." The casual voice made Elphaba's stomach drop. Fiyero. He was here. He had picked her up after punching Voldemort. Elphaba swung her feet to the cold stone floor and ripped her curtain aside. Poppy looked around quickly. "My love! You're awake!" Elphaba's eyes left the old woman's to lock with blue eyes that had made her melt ever since they first met. Fiyero grinned at her and began to rise.

"No!" Poppy forced him back with her wand. Elphaba moved to stand. "Not you either!" Elphaba felt an invisible force knock her back onto the bed.

The green girl frowned, "Poppy. Can't you see we are both well enough to-"

"To talk to each other from separate beds." The elderly witch finished the sentence forcefully.

"There is no need to keep them separated, Poppy." Dumbledore spoke from the doorway. The man walked into the Infirmary with a smile. He nodded at Fiyero whose chest was wrapped in gauze. "However, would you mind if I had a moment alone with Elphaba?" Fiyero watched the old man with a frown before nodding mutely. Elphaba watched the two of them warily. Fiyero rarely took things seriously, but when he did, it made her nervous. "It'll just be a moment," Dumbledore assured Poppy. He waved his wand and tea appeared before the nurse and Fiyero. The Headmaster came to stand next to Elphaba. She hadn't moved from her position and began to gather the magic she had left. Elphaba wasn't sure why, but she felt uneasy. The old man pulled the curtain shut and cast a silencing spell. "Can't have eavesdroppers."

"I think I'd rather have witnesses to whatever you're going to say." Elphaba glared up at him.

Dumbledore's smile dropped away instantly. "I don't think you do." His ominous tone made Elphaba's blood chill.

"What do you want?"

"The truth."

"Of?"

"You. Who are you?"

"You know who I am."

"I know your name, but I don't know your history. I don't know where Fiyero is from. I don't know how you came into the magic you have. Tell me."

"If I refuse?"

"I have fought in wars before. I am about to begin a new one. I am not adverse to…force." Elphaba shielded her mind as best she could before looking into his eyes.

"I refuse to give into intimidation."

Dumbledore smiled but it wasn't kind, "Perhaps Fiyero will be more willing." He stood.

Elphaba grabbed the man's wrist, "Don't you dare-" Dumbledore seized her jaw in an iron-like grip and forced her onto her back. Elphaba could not suppress a whimper as her father's face flashed in place of Dumbledore's.

Frexspar's emotionless eyes drilled into hers, but he spoke with Dumbledore's voice, "Don't you dare to push me. While I am uncertain of your intentions, I will treat you like an enemy." Elphaba grasped at the strong fingers clutching her chin as her lungs refused to take in air. She began to panic.

"Let go." Her voice sounded frightened even to her own ears.

"No." Elphaba swallowed past the lump in her throat as the Grimmerie's magic began to flood her system. It's dark power filled her depleted reserves; practically forcing itself into the air. Tears formed in her eyes.

"Dumbledore, let go now."

She watched his eyes flicker with uncertainty before hardening again. "No."

"Don't make me use it." She begged him. Her lungs fluttered as fear began to set deeper into her soul. "Please, I have nothing left; it's too strong." The headmaster's pitiless eyes gazed into hers for a moment longer. He released her. Elphaba scrambled backward to the other side of bed and stood shakily. She tried to regain her equilibrium, but every time her emotions got in the way. Finally, Elphaba collapsed. Dumbledore's quiet footsteps came to her side of the bed and stood before her.

"What's too strong?"

"The…Gri…Grimmerie." She stuttered out the name, and waited for Dumbledore to respond. Seconds passed and nothing happened. Elphaba mustered the courage to glance at his face, but she looked away immediately. His eyes were narrowed in suspicion.

"You've read spells from the Grimmerie?" The man's voice was venomous.

"I…I…used…it."

"How much?" Elphaba shook her head and pressed her lips together. "Elphaba Thropp, how much? Just one? A few?"

"All of it!" She glared up at him, "I studied it like a textbook. I was the only one who could read it, so I did."

"The Grimmerie is dangerous. It's dark powers have been sought for throughout history by the vilest of beings. What would you want with the Grimmerie?" Elphaba's heart skipped a beat at his accusatory tone.

"I'm not evil." She said this quietly as if talking to herself as well as Dumbledore.

"If you aren't evil, what possessed you to read it?"

"Curiosity."

"I think you had better start at the beginning…. Where were you born?"

"Far from here."

"If you give me another vague answer, I will slap you." Elphaba gazed at his face and knew he wasn't lying.

"I was born in Rush Margins, a rural area of Munchkinland in the land of Oz…." She began. "And, there was Harry, staring down at me." Elphaba smiled at the memory of the boy who had decided to help a stranger. She had long since gotten back on the bed and allowed Dumbledore to sit on the edge. Elphaba went silent and frowned. Her eyes stared straight ahead, refusing to look at the old man beside her.

"That's quite a story." His voice finally floated to her ears. "Almost unbelievable, but I don't believe you are lying. That was far too detailed to be made up."

"You told me not to be vague," she snapped her eyes to him. He was smiling benignly.

"That's true." He sipped the tea he had conjured for himself long ago. "Tea?"

"No, thank you. Can I go?"

"No."

"What else could you possibly want?!" She allowed her irritation to show.

"Why would you choose to teach children with such a horrible disposition?"

"Is that really what you want to know?"

"No, my dear. I was trying to lighten the mood."

"You're failing."

"You refuse to see any humor in this."

"There is no humor!"

"But there is…. How was young Harry able to take care of you?"

Elphaba sat back and pursed her lips. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched Dumbledore's smile grow. "None of your business."

"I suppose not. But, I can guess. Mr. Potter is not well versed in Potions or healing spells, so I can only guess that Severus had a hand in helping. However, I can't imagine our Potions professor spent much time in Diagon Alley this summer. Therefore, he must have told Harry what to do."

"Where is Draco?" Elphaba changed the subject.

"Safe."

"Where?"

"In your chambers."

"Why did you lock us out?"

"I couldn't be sure that Draco was on our side. I couldn't risk his re-entry with the Deatheaters."

"And, what about me?"

"I told you I would not rescue you." Elphaba looked away from him with a frown. "I vowed to protect this school and its students-"

"Draco is one of your students!" Elphaba yelled.

"He is the son of a Deatheater." Dumbledore gave her a stern look. "Deatheaters are not to be trusted."

"He has defected."

"So you said. But, I could not be sure."

"And?"

"When I saw that he was fighting alongside you instead of against you, I decided to intervene." Elphaba stared at him incredulously.

"You would have let me die?"

"I didn't know you, Elphaba. Besides, I don't believe Tom would have killed you. He is too interested in your power."

"He was about to kill me when Fiyero struck him."

"Yes, well…I had intervened at that point. For all Tom knows, you are my ally."

"I am not your ally, old man." Elphaba seethed. His superior nature made her bristle.

"No, I wouldn't expect you to trust me that quickly. But, you are Harry's ally and friend. Your friendship with him will keep you out of trouble."

"Trouble?"

"According to your story, you have issues with authority. I fully believe that Umbridge will try to get you fired many more times this year. I expect your attachment to Harry's well being to keep you under control."

"You aren't going to fire me?"

Dumbledore smiled, "What reason do I have to fire you? You went to a party and returned successfully. Also, you brought your lover back with you; such a nice…Christmas present. I do expect you to keep everything PG."

"PG?"

"You and Fiyero will do nothing to…distract the students." Elphaba blushed at the man's implications. "Tell Fiyero that, won't you?"

"I'll try, but the idiot excels at distraction." Elphaba crossed her arms when Dumbledore chuckled and walked away. When the curtains parted, Dumbledore jumped. Fiyero's blue eyes were inches from the headmaster's own. "Fiyero, let him pass."

"Discuss what I just told you, Professor." Dumbledore said with a smile as Fiyero watched him walk away.

"Discuss what?" Elphaba looked at the man she thought she'd never see again. He still looked wary, but it was quickly fading as he stared at her.

"Something about not distracting the students with our relationsh-" Elphaba gasped as Fiyero captured her lips with his own. He pulled away a second later with a smirk.

"Sorry, what were you saying?" His smirk widened into a grin when Elphaba rolled her eyes.

"Never mind. We'll discuss it later." Elphaba returned the smile he was giving her as he leaned in for a much longer and gentler kiss. An awkward cough interrupted their moment. "Will the disruptions never end?!" Elphaba pushed Fiyero away angrily.

"Well, I would send you back to your chambers seeing as you both appear well enough to engage in such activities." Pomfrey raised an eyebrow with a smirk as Elphaba blushed furiously. "But, Mr. Malfoy is currently occupying your chambers. I didn't think you would want him anywhere nearby when you two…"

"I get the picture. Thank you!" Elphaba held up a hand to stop the nurse's speech. "Poppy, how long has it been since I passed out?"

"Only an hour, my dear. You should still be unconscious."

"Fae is notorious for extraordinary feats." Fiyero leaned in close and wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders. The action was both comforting and alien to her. "Like flying." He grinned his trademark smile at her. She returned a much more subdued version in humility.

"I'm completely aware of Elphaba's talents." Poppy waved her wand over the two of them. Fiyero watched movements carefully. "You both are well enough to leave, but I'm afraid neither of you have anywhere private to go. You may stay here, of course. And, I will put up a privacy ward."

"Poppy!" Elphaba was mortified.

"Hush, Elphaba. I know what you both will be doing. However, I bet you two coppers that you'll fall asleep in fifteen minutes."

"I'll take that bet." Fiyero jumped up and shook the woman's hand energetically. "She'll fall asleep in twenty minutes." Elphaba watched the exchange in offense, but could not remain angry for long. At least they seemed to become fast friends.

"Before you leave us…. Poppy," Elphaba's somber tone made the nurse frown, "How's Draco?"

"He's fine physically. I do wonder about his mental wellbeing…. He did just lose his family."

Elphaba stood slowly. Fiyero took her hand to steady her. "I'm sorry, Yero."

"I understand, Fae. You must look after your friend. Come, we'll stay the night in your room after all."

"He'll probably be asleep." Poppy warned as they made their way to the door.

"Perhaps, but he won't wake up alone." Elphaba waved goodbye and led Fiyero through the castle. "This is Hogwarts." She filled the silence. "Did Poppy or Dumbledore fill you in about this place?"

"Not really," Fiyero had not removed his hand from hers. "Just that it was a safe place." He let go of her hand and wrapped his arm around her waist. Elphaba's stomach flipped as he smiled down at her as they walked. "How long has it been, my love?"

"Long?"

"How long has it been since the fire?"

Elphaba frowned up at him. "About six months."

"Really?! Interesting…"

"What?"

"It's only been hours for me."

"That's…impossible."

"Is it, Fae?" She blushed at his raised eyebrow and berated her naivety. Of course it was completely possible. They came to her office and Janice let them in sleepily. Obviously, Draco's return had set the woman's mind at ease enough to sleep. Inside, they found Draco sleeping on the couch. His brow was furrowed as he frowned. Elphaba kneeled down beside him and brushed her thumb over the wrinkles that had appeared between him eyes. They softened immediately. She levitated him into her bedroom and covered him with the thick blankets. Once the door was pulled shut, Elphaba turned to see Fiyero standing in front of the fire. He turned and smiled at her. "Come here, my love." Elphaba swallowed the lump of emotion that had suddenly appeared and threatened to impede her ability to speak. She went to him and sighed as his arm warms encased her against the cold. Fiyero walked them to the couch and lowered her onto his lap. "Sleep, Fae. I'll watch over you."

"I don't want to." She gazed into his warm blue eyes. The dream she had before flashed in her mind, but she pushed the sense of foreboding away.

"Why?"

"I'm afraid you'll disappear." Elphaba refused to look away.

"I will never leave you, ever." He kissed her and pushed her head onto his shoulder. "Sleep."