Darkness

~~~~~

If it were up to my father I wouldn't have a name. But Mother whispered in my ear before I was pulled from her arms for the last time. She whispered a single word whose meaning couldn't have been more suitable for the way my life turned out - Leila. It means darkness.

Father wanted to pass me off as a muggle orphan, but couldn't because I would be recognised. I may have no magic in my blood but I do possess the trademarks of my family's line: platinum blonde hair and eyes such a pale blue they appear silver.

Ah yes. I hear your sound of surprise. Who would believe that the words Malfoy and squib could be attributed to the same person? Most certainly not my father.

I have a brother. Even if the house elves hadn't told me all about him I would still know that truth. Twins share a bond, some people say. I can vouch for that. I know when he wakes and I know when he sleeps. Sometimes I dream what he dreams. And I know he doesn't know I exist. Because Father wouldn't allow for that to happen. Father doesn't allow for very much at all, I've discovered.

But I digress. There is a point to this story. It's not finished yet, but I do believe it has a point to it.

At this present moment I'm lying on the floor in the kitchen of the Leaky Cauldron, a wizard hotel in London. And I'm telling you my story while I'm supposed to be sleeping.

So, lie down next to me; fold your hands behind your head and stare at the ceiling, as I do. Maybe the white plaster will be like a muggle movie screen, patterned with the scenes I relate to you. And when I have brought you up to date, you may wish to follow me and discover the rest of my story as it unfolds. But that is up to you.

I'm fifteen. I don't sound like I am, but I am. My brother is about to begin his fifth year at Hogwarts. I look a great deal like my brother, according to the elves, excepting the fact I am a girl. Of course there are differences other than that, mainly due to my environment. I've been living in a small cell underneath Malfoy Manor since it was discovered I was a squib, which was about fourteen years ago now. The elves cared for me as best they could, without disobeying Father. I know the ways of house elves better than the ways of wizards.

I do not know why Father did not kill me. I think he wished to, but perhaps my death would weaken my twin. I can only guess.

But at any rate he was forced to keep me, living in the darkness underneath the ground. My night vision is excellent. I cannot eat more than a few mouthfuls at a time, for I have never had an abundance of anything but darkness. The room I lived in was cold and always damp. I believe Father hates me.

I apologise if this makes little sense - I'm not used to being free to talk.

I bear scars. Not many, but enough. He only used the spell on me once, that spell that makes one curl in upon themselves and numbs all thoughts excepting those of the pain. I know why he only used it once. I didn't scream.

I've heard my brother screaming. I've felt his pain knife through me.

But I didn't scream. I never did what Father wanted me to. Well, at first I did, hoping that if I was as much like him as possible than I might win his favour. But he hated the way I would hold up my head when he swore at me, the way I crawled back to my feet after he threw me against the wall, the way I was able to perfectly mimic his sneer of disgust and his condescending tone. He hates the fact that I am so much like him. I am more Malfoy than my brother is.

It was Dobby who freed me. After he left I missed him, for he was the only elf who would dare to comfort me, who would dare to do more than feed me.

But he returned, only a few weeks ago now. And he unlocked the door to my cell and led me through the Manor I had not seen in years, until we reached the outside and I saw something I had forgotten existed.

The sky. I still believe that the night sky is one of the most beautiful things on this earth. I certainly won't ever forget the sight of it that night, a full moon so bright it hurt my eyes, stars that shone, like a velvet cover over the world, with pinpricks where the light from beyond streamed through. I must have stared for a full ten minutes before Dobby persuaded me to move. The enormity of what he was doing was making him shudder, and he muttered "Bad Dobby," under his breath constantly.

So I followed him, and he brought me to a safe place. Here. For the past two weeks I have been doing kitchen duties to earn meals and a place to sleep. The owner does not know who I truly am, which is of course safest for everyone concerned.

I have received a letter from Professor Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts, and tomorrow I will be collected by a teacher from the school, named Hagrid, and taken to the castle. I know I won't be a student there, I have no magic, but at least it may be a safer place, a place where Father won't find me.

Well, that's the story so far. I prefer to sleep on the ground, but you're welcome to a room. I suppose I'll see you tomorrow morning.

Goodnight.

~~~~~

Okay, this is my first serious HP fic. Should I stick to parody? I don't know if this idea has been used before, it sounded original to me.

Just so you know, Leila will not be paired with anybody. This is not a romance fic. It's just the events of fifth year seen through her eyes, although her presence my cause some interesting complications. She has no powers, magical or otherwise, she will not provide the key for Voldemort's downfall, she will not play matchmaker. She will get to know the main characters, but only as friends. Sorry.

Tell me if you like this or not. If you leave a pointless 'this sux' don't expect me to acknowledge your existence. J Thankyou for your time.