Chapter 4
Harry floated in a void of nothingness. It felt warm and cosy.
From outside, he heard voices. They were melodious—some deep and some high.
At first they had been arguing, but that had long since passed.
Then there was singing. A woman's voice. Soothing and full of care. Lulling him deeper into the nothingness.
She sang and spun tales as she did. They were about brave warriors and heroic deeds. Of the evil and the good in the world and their endless struggle.
He did not recognise the language she used and yet he understood. It confused him so much, he nearly pulled away from the darkness.
Then the next song came. This one about dragons and their silver tongues—how they deceive and how their greed is endless. Yet even they could be defeated in the end.
A bit dark for a lullaby, but who was he to judge? The ones from the wizarding world were certainly worse. If the Tales of Beedle the Bard were any indication at least.
As for what Muggles, he had no idea. He was not even allowed in the same room when Duddykins had his extensive bedtime routine. His mere presence was a mood damper for them.
For him to actually want to have bedtime stories of his own? Banish the thought!
Maybe his parents had sung to him once upon a time. If so, he was too young to remember. Yet he liked to think they did. It made him feel warm and loved.
Another voice joined the first and he relaxed. A high and a deep voice working in perfect harmony to create a beautiful melody. It was a novel experience.
So, he decided he would allow himself to imagine they sang for him. That it was an act of love and care. One just meant for his ears.
If he had a body, he would have smiled. Instead he simply let go of consciousness completely and sank into the warm embrace of darkness. Feeling truly safe and protected for the first time in his memory.
Drifting back to awareness, he heard a vaguely familiar voice.
Frowning, he tried to recall where he heard it before.
Ah, right, Elrond was his name.
An elf.
Who was…singing?
Listening made him relax and warm in a way he could not explain.
It made something in his very being hum and-
Oh!
There was magic woven into the words. Giving each syllable a deeper resonance as it washed over him in soothing waves. Saturating his very essence.
It was both powerful and oh so very gentle as it sank into him. Making him lighter with each breath. As if the words alone could take some of the burden of his shoulders.
A soft sigh left his lips.
Beneath him the bed was incredibly soft and the covers were warm and comfortable. The material felt heavenly against his tender skin; each movement caressing him. Pleasantly heavy too. Grounding him.
Something solid to hold on to hold on to while his soul grew lighter and brighter with each syllable spoken.
A combination that made him feel boneless.
In a good way.
Taking a slow deliberate breath, he enjoyed the sweet fragment in the air. It cleared his lungs. Fresh and calming at once. With a spicy undertone that made him automatically release any leftover tension.
Lazily blinking his eyes open, he took in his surroundings. The moon was illuminated by soft moonlight, shining through a huge window. Additionally the same crystals as he had seen before added their own ethereal glow. Though dimmer now. A soft yellow to its previous bright white.
Probably to allow him to rest more peacefully.
It was magical and made him smile. Happy and homesick all at once.
Yawning, he realised, he had been moved in his sleep. Instead of a huge room filled with dozens of beds, he was in one with only two now.
Cupboards and bookcases were lining the walls. In a corner there was a desk out of some kind of dark wood. It was obviously some artists work of love, detailed and beautiful as it was. A masterpiece meant to be seen and used by people of great importance.
Before it was a wooden chair that was obviously made to fit it perfectly. Created out of the same wood and with the same deliberate care. There was fabric attached to it to sit on and lean against. Looking so soft and comfortable, he was tempted to test it right away.
Just to know how it would feel against his skin.
It was as close to a throne as one could get without actually making one. A chair meant for nobility. Something Harry never thought he would have the pleasure of using.
At the Dursleys he had been lucky if he was allowed to sit on a chair at all. Dudley sometimes found it hilarious to force him to eat on the floor instead. Like a dog.
His uncle had approved and his aunt only worried about him dirtying her pristine kitchen floor. Insisting he ate in the hall more often than not. If he must.
Sighing, he glanced to the right. Noting a small side table next to his bed. Different bottles and a cup were arrayed on it. Even further to the right there was the window leading out to a balcony.
To his left was the second bed, another side table and a few chairs. A little less majestic than the one by the desk, yet looking incredibly comfortable. Currently only one of them was occupied.
Catching his gaze, Elrond smiled. After finishing his song, he spoke. “Good to see you awake.”
Power was still humming in the air. Making Harry feel tingly and content.
“How are you feeling, little one?” The elfs tone was gentle and caring, his eyes warm and compassionate.
Harry attempted to answer, but nothing came out. Frowning, he lifted his left hand towards his throat.
What…?
“Oh, of course.” Elrond nodded before handing him a cup with clear liquid. “Drink this.”
For a moment he hesitated, but then shrugged.
Too late to worry about poisoning now.
Grasping the cup, he found his fingers trembling terribly. Liquid sloshed about, even as he tried to keep it steady.
Instantly there was a bigger hand beneath his own. “Here, let me help.” After waiting for his agreement Elrond's other arm carefully helped him up into a sitting position. Easily supporting his weight even while adjusting the pillows behind him.
Leaning back, he brought the drink to his lips with the support of the elf.
As embarrassing as it was, he needed the assistance. He was also absolutely unwilling to pop the bubble of comfort that was currently surrounding him for any reason. Spilling the liquid all over himself certainly would do that.
So, this was better.
Besides, it was certainly not the first time he had been in a situation like this. Alone in his first two years in Hogwarts there had been multiple stays at the hospital wing, where he had been in a similar situation.
And that did not even count the countless times he would have needed help at the Dursleys, but did not receive it. Or all the incidents in his later years in Hogwarts.
No, he was just glad someone was there to help for once. Without constantly nagging him like Hermione would, awkwardly fumbling around like Ron or accidentally hospitalising himself as Neville had once managed.
Seriously, the boy, now a man, was a dear friend, but he had been very clumsy before he found his confidence. The only person Harry knew who might have been a more frequent visitor of the hospital wing than himself.
A bittersweet smile found itself on his lips. He missed his friends. As troublesome as they could be.
After the first sip, he gasped softly in surprise. It tasted like a combination of dragon fruit and fresh herbs. Momentarily overwhelming his taste buds with all the nuances.
Huh.
Licking his lips, he glanced at it. It wasl a perfectly clear liquid. Looking for all the world like water, but tasting like the best smoothie of his life. Sweet, refreshing and warming him from the inside out.
Interesting.
“Now that I know you are one of us, I adjusted your treatment accordingly.” Elrond answered his unspoken question. “I personally also appreciate the taste.”
Harry certainly could relate. This was delicious!
Then he frowned.
One of them…?
Shaking his head, he took another sup, humming in contentment as he did.
He was still way too much in his happy space to have any chance of figuring things out. He also had the feeling he was missing quite a few pieces of relevant information.
Also, his vision kept blurring, which made focusing hard. It was so distracting.
Unconsciously he lifted his right hand towards his head. Before it could reach its destination though, Elrond gently grasped it. Cradling it between his own and rubbing soothing circles on the skin. Carefully avoiding touching his injuries.
“Please refrain from using your right hand for the moment. It needs time to recover and any strain may prolong that.” Elrond smiled at him reassuringly. “If you do so, it will heal before you know it.”
Despite the situation, he could not help but return the smile.
It was such a sweet gesture for the elf to reassure him like this. Even if unnecessary.
Harry had worse and a little arrow wound was nothing in comparison to what he had endured.
Still, he appreciated the sentiment. So, he obediently laid his hand back on his lap. The elf had a point anyway.
Speaking of points…
Putting his cup aside, he traced the shape of his ears. They were leaf shaped now. With a distinctly pointy tip.
Hm.
These people appeared to be convinced he was one of their kind now.
Had he turned into an elf somehow?
Was that why he was so small?
But why were they so tall then?
“How are you feeling?” Elrond prompted once more.
As the elfs keen eyes focused on him intently, Harry laid his head against the wall.
Ah, right, the man-eh, elf, was a healer.
Or had experience in the medical field anyhow.
“I am…” Harry paused, searching for the right word. “...confused.”
It was true. In more ways than one.
After a moment in which the elf appeared perfectly content to wait, he added, “All this…” He gestured around himself, implicating everything that had happened. “...is a bit much.”
Understatement. This was on a completely new level of crazy.
And his Potter Luck had made his view on what was unusual already quite unique.
Still, being transformed into another species was a bit much. Even for him. Not to mention he was tiny now. The part of being shot at with mediaeval weaponry was quite tame in comparison.
That had been attacked by a seemingly random person was not even noteworthy.
Being assaulted by mad individuals was just a fact of his life.
A sad, but common occurrence.
Harry sighed mentally.
Sometimes he wondered if reincarnation was real and he had done something horrible in his previous life.
It would explain so much.
Or maybe a Potter had made someone powerful very furious down the line and got them all cursed?
Harry's hand dropped back to his lap as he took a deep breath. Letting the aromatic scent in the air soothe him slightly.
Elrond nodded in understanding. Gaze filled with concern as he absently adjusted the covers.
Unintentionally his lips twitched as he wondered what the elf thought he understood. He doubted he was even close to the truth.
Before he could ask though, Elrond spoke up. Eyes serious and searching as he looked at him. “What is the last thing you remember?”
Why would he ask…?
Oh. The concussion. Right.
Well, hearing voices while floating in nothingness probably did not count, so…
“Being in the Halls of Healing.” His voice was still horribly rough and he was wordlessly handed back the cup. A stern look was all that was needed to get him drinking.
Arguing with healers when they were like this was never a good idea. Complying was so much easier.
And he would know. He had done so over and over and over again.
Poor Madam Pomfrey. His younger self surely had tested her patience a lot.
Once more a bigger hand was touching his own and he just barely managed to suppress the flinch. It was instinctive for him, even if he knew the elf was only ensuring he did not spill anything.
Having been a ward of the Dursleys left its mark.
“Do you also recall what led you to be there?” It was obvious there were multiple reasons he was asked this. Yet the elf appeared perfectly willing to back off if necessary.
Harry sighed. “Yes.” Hand automatically lifting up to his throat once more. This time to touch his bruised skin.
Once more, his injured hand was stopped swiftly. Cradled in Elrond's own. Immediately the soothing circles started anew.
Despite this being a stranger, Harry found himself smiling. It felt nice. Giving him something to hold onto.
A safety net.
“Alright.” There was a pause in which Harry drank the remaining liquid. A soft sigh of relief leaving him as he did. It was a balm against his sore throat.
Squeezing his hand gently, he got his attention. “Then can you tell me your name?”
Harry stared at him blankly.
His name.
That was a dangerous weapon to give to a stranger. Even to one who appeared to have good intentions.
People could deceive.
Harry had been betrayed many times in his life already. By those he trusted and cheristhed most. Especially those who were supposed to care for him. Dumbledore was, as he had learned, his magical guardian.
Yet the man had thrust Harry into one dangerous situation after another. Never listening when he explained how much he suffered at the Dursleys.
Letting him suffer, simply because he was unwilling to accept family could hurt one that bad.
Harry had been a child and had needed help. Had been desperate for it.
Yet Dumbledore had smiled his grandfatherly smile and turned his back.
Watching Elrond put the empty cup aside, he gazed up at the ceiling. It was one of those that were a piece of art on their own. Usually found in castles or mighty mansions. A simple kind of beauty.
Yet it was so far above him, it made the room appear even bigger. And him, in comparison, smaller.
Tiny even.
Vulnerable.
Harry sighed. Having lost count how often he had done that since waking up.
It was hard to admit even to himself, but he was currently vulnerable. There was no way for him to defend himself. Having no access to a wand and being injured as he was. No back up to call on either.
Heck, he did not even know where he was. Or what he was for that matter.
Glancing over, he saw Elrond patiently waiting. Sitting there relaxed and with a kind smile on his lips. Practically radiating patience.
The elf was tall and carried himself with a self assurance rarely seen. Each of his movements was fluid and elegant. Efficient yet pleasing to look at.
Obviously Elrond, and therefore Harry, was no house elf. High elves were still a possibility, but he had far too little knowledge about them to say for sure.
If only Hermione were here.
Or if he could access Hogwarts huge library. He was sure he would find something after a few days of dedicated searching.
Harry looked down at his hand in Elronds. “No, no name.”
Not one he was willing to share anyway.
“I…see.” An alarmed look was shot his way, before the elfs expression morphed into neutrality. “Please follow the movement of my finger with your eyes.”
Blinking in confusion, he did as commanded. Or tried to at least.
As it turned out, that was harder than he thought. His vision blurred in the middle of it, making him lose focus.
Well, apparently his concussion was still more of an issue than he thought.
As troublesome as that was it was also convenient.
Head trauma could cause memory loss right?
That was as good an excuse as any for not sharing his name. Especially since that meant he could always do so later and simply pretend he only just remembered.
A blessing in disguise.
Though he really could do without the dizziness. It was messing with his senses horribly.
“Do you have a headache?” Elrond inquired while turning Harry's head this way and that. Checking how his eyes reaction to light.
“No. There is no pain at all.” Which was a huge relief. By the way the colours were distorting in front of him, he was quite sure the headache would be fierce without the medicine.
“Nausea?” Even as he spoke the elfs fingers were on the side of Harry's throat. Presumably checking his pupils.
Harry shrugged. “Only when the room spins too much. Or I move too suddenly.”
When no further question immediately followed, he elaborated. “I am incredibly dizzy.”
A memory of Madam Pomfrey's reactions to words like these flashed before his eyes.
There had been so many potions poured down his throat. All of them had been foul-tasting.
Shuddering, he quickly changed the topic. “So, what happened to…the man.”
Elrond hummed, fixing him with a searching look. “Under consideration of the current circumstances, my sons have taken it upon themselves to ensure he is behaving himself.”
Huh?
Harry had not actually expected an answer. Dumbledore would have kept him in the dark for sure.
For his own safety, of course.
Or rather the Greater Good.
Misinterpreting his sour expression, Elrond smiled softly. “Do not worry, little one. My sons are very good at making people behave.” Grey eyes glinted in amusement. “Unless it is themselves, who are supposed to do so.”
That sounded very familiar.
Fred and George immediately come to mind.
“Oh? Are they twins?” The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them.
They were ridiculous, of course. Not all twins were like the Weasleys. Pavati and her sister were way more serious for example.
The likelihood of them actually being-
“Indeed, they are. How did you know?” Elrond asked slightly intrigued.
Harry gaped.
“Wait. What? Really?”
“Yes, really.” Smiling indulgently, Elrond hovered his hand near the bandages around his head. “May I…?”
Nodding, his eyes grew big. “Do they like pranks?”
That would be too much of a coincidence.
Laughing softly, the elf unwrapped the bandage. Noting the blood that stained it. “Depending on who you ask, they like them too much.”
They really are like Fred and George then.
Huh.
What were the chances of that?
Unbidden, childlike glee filled him.
They could have so much fun together!
Would they play with him?
He had never had anyone to truly do so when he was a child.
This was so exciting!
Then Harry blinked.
What…?
Where had all these emotions so suddenly come from?
He had not thought about playing around in…he could not even remember.
Why would he do so now?
Weird.
Mentally shaking himself, he focused on the gentle fingers probing along his scalp. Wincing as they brushed over a particular sore spot.
That man had truly done a number on him.
“Tender?” Elrond asked, being even more careful as he continued.
Harry fiddled with the blanket. “Yes, but it is okay. It is already better than it was.”
“That is good.” The elf hummed. “The swelling has gone back slightly too.”
Tilting Harry's head, he carefully inspected his temple. “This one is scabbing over nicely too. I am glad to say you are reacting well to the treatment.”
After pulling out the same salve as before, he added. “I am going to apply it now, is that alright?”
Noodling absently, he glanced outside. The moon was high in the sky. When he was last awake it had been broad daylight. “How long was I asleep?”
“Ah, you were not. Asleep that is. I put you in a healing trance.”
Startled, Harry's focus snapped back to the elf. “My injuries were that bad?” With a frown, he added. “Are they still?”
That sounded like he had been put in a short coma. Which was only done in the most severe of cases as far as he knew.
At least in the wizarding world.
Muggle medicine was beyond him. The Dursleys had always relied on his magic to heal him, instead of letting him go to a doctor.
No matter how sick he had gotten.
“Head injuries are dangerous, especially for someone as young as yourself.” Swiftly spreading the salve, Elrond went on. “Having received two in short succession as you did, means it is necessary to ensure your body gets enough rest.”
Succession…?
Harry rolled that word around his mind.
While he did appear to speak the elves language that apparently did not mean he had the best vocabulary.
He could guess from the context though.
Having two head traumas in short order is bad.
Who would have guessed?
A small wry smile found its way on his lips.
“A healing trance restores the body faster than regular sleep.” After carefully inspecting his work, the elf rewrapped his head. “Which, looking at how well this is healing, appears to work well for you.”
Harry's eyes widened slightly.
That sounded suspiciously like he was going to put in one again soon.
He shuddered.
How was he supposed to react to threats if he could not wake up on his own?
If that had happened while he was still on the run with Ron and Hermione….
Paling rapidly, he averted his gaze.
“I am only going to put you in a healing trance for a few hours at a time.” Elrond soothed, correctly guessing his worries, which was quite amazing without having the context.
Cleaning his hands with a solution that smiled like alcohol, the elf stroked his cheek with the back of his knuckles. Careful to keep the rest sterile. Then he smiled and moved on to the next injury.
It was fascinating watching him work. Even Madam Pomfrey appeared like a medi witch in training in comparison. He was obviously completely at ease while tending to him. While he was incredibly careful with him, as if he was a precious gem, he was also fast and efficient.
How he avoided hurting him in the process spoke for itself.
It made Harry unconsciously smile.
Nobody ever put in that much effort for him.
This was heartwarming, especially since the elf did not appear to expect anything in return.
“To answer your previous question: You were out for about seven hours.” The elf stated as he tended to his bruised throat. Fingers lingering on the hand prints left behind. A hard-to-read expression on his face as he did.
Letting out a quiet sigh of relief as the salve took effect, Harry's shoulders slumped. Elronds eyes cleared instantly, eyes once more bright and caring. Kind smile back in place.
“Thank you.” Harry whispered, eyes shining with gratitude.
Because he was thankful. Not only had the elf intervened on his behalf at the river, he was also taking care of his injuries.
In a more considerate manner than Harry thought possible. Even taking the time to explain things to him.
Seeing how much he had shrunk that was even more impressive.
After all, the elf did call him ‘little one’, which implied he saw him as a child.
No one had taken him seriously when he was a teen, yet this elf did when he was barely bigger than a babe.
A full body shiver went through him at that thought.
No, he was not yet ready to think about that.
It was clear to him that he would not like the answers he would find donw that path. Especially seeing the size difference between him and the average person he had met so far.
All of the pointy eared individuals had been thrice his size. Implying he was a mere toddler.
Nope. Not ready for that.
Maybe he was just calculating the difference wrong due to his head injuries.
Yes. He was going to go with that.
“Little one?” Elrond's melodious voice broke him out of his thoughts.
“Hm?” Harry blinked rapidly. Staring in confusion down at his arm.
When had the elf switched to treating his arrow wound?
There were so many more bandages on him now too.
Huh.
“Are you tired?” There was so much genuine worry in his tone that Harry fidgeted nervously. Unsure how to deal with it.
“A bit.” He admitted albeit relucantly.
Exhausted actually, but whining had always been punished harshly. So he would just deal with it.
He had had worse anyway.
“I am nearly done.” The elf said, smiling reassuringly. “You can rest soon.”
“Hmh.” Harry hummed, too tired for speaking.
Now that he had acknowledged it, his limbs felt incredibly heavy. His eyelids drooped on their own. The pillows behind him were the only thing keeping him upright as he slowly slid downwards.
They were so soft and fluffy. It was as if he was leaning against clouds.
A loud yawn left him unbidden and Elrond chuckled.
Through half lidded eyes, he watched the elf knot the beginning and end piece of the bandage. It appeared as easy as breathing. It made him feel…
“Why do you feel safe?” He asked, voice slightly slurred.
Ah, the medicine was fully in effect it appeared.
Yet, it did bother him.
Why did the elf feel safe?
His instincts, which had kept him alive through countless challenges, insisted Elrond was. Had from the very start.
Which was odd.
While he could trust his gut feelings, they were never this strong before. Unless he was in a life-or-death situation that is. Something sadly common but the point still stands.
“You are an elfling.” Elrond said in a tone that implied that explained it.
Which it did not.
Not to Harry anyway.
Only make him suspect even more that he was a mere child in the elves eyes.
“So…?” He urged when nothing more was said.
“No sane elf will ever willingly harm a child.” Elrond said with finality, adjusting the last bandage so it was more comfortable. “No matter the race and especially no elfling.”
Ah.
Dang.
He DID see him as a child then.
Still….
How could he speak for all of elvenkind?.
That sounded quite idealistic to him.
“But there must have been some elf who hurt a child in the past.” Harry could not help but state.
Anything else would be beyond unrealistic.
Not all humans were evil, so not all elves could be good children loving folk either. The world was not black and white like that.
Elrond gestured for him to lift his arms and he did. Not bothering to argue.
As his shirt, which someone must have dressed him in while he was not awake, was pulled off, the elf hummed. “Yes, there have been crimes committed in our distant past that are as vile as that. Horrifying to think about.”
For a moment the elves' eyes appeared distant. "The worst of them are known as the kin slaying.”
Hm. The way he emphasised that sounded sinister indeed.
Harry could not help but wonder if it was like the slaughter the Death Eaters committed.
It made him shudder to even contemplate.
One terrorised society was enough. Thank you very much.
Helping Harry into a soft pyjama top, Elrond sighed. “But those who did so had lost their minds a while before they ever lifted a hand against a child.”
So it came back to madness once more.
How unsurprising.
Looking down at his new pyjama top, Harry took a moment to appreciate it. It was soft, warm and the shade of green matched his eyes perfectly. Though it was a bit big for him.
Though for sleeping wear, it being too big was only a plus in Harry's books. Made them feel more comfortable and easier to curl up in.
Then Elrond ruffled his hair. “Now, let us not linger on such dark topics on such a bright night.”
Harry nodded his agreement. He was far too tied for that anyway.
Pushing the covers aside, the elf helped Harry into a new set of pyjama pants. They were black and just as soft as the top was. “Just know, you are safe with me.”
Harry could practically taste the truth in these words. It made his heart feel warm and light. And to his utter embarrassment moisture was gathering in his eyes.
He quickly blinked it away.
“Thank you.” He whispered, shily averting his gaze.
Safety was something he greatly coveted.
Even if he did not trust this stranger yet, he knew he could trust him not to actively hurt him.
Something he could say about very few people he had met in his life so far.
So many novel experiences in such a short time.
Elrond must have seen something in his eyes, because his expressions darkened momentarily. Within a blink, however, the elf smiled once more. Though sadly. “You are welcome.”
Elrond carefully supported Harry. Helping him lie down. Grey eyes shone brightly as he watched him yawn and curl up.
It kinda reminded him of a mama bear watching its cup.
It made him laugh, which caused Elrond to smile brightly in return.
Fidgeting until he found the perfect position, he closed his eyes. For the moment he was safe.
His wounds were taken care of. The bed was soft, the room warm and his pillows were adjusted by Elrond even now. The pleasant scent in the air made him drowsy and his breathing slowed.
Tucking the covers around him, Elrond whispered. “Rest now, child. I will guard you while you do.”
Then the elf started singing and the magic in his words made Harry drift further and further into darkness. The last thing he felt before falling into a healing trance was Elrond's big hand holding his smaller one almost reverently.