Chapter Seven: You Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire
"Leolin—!"
"How could you!" Leolin cried, coming halfway down the stairs before crumbling into a sobbing mess.
"How could you keep that from me?" She gestured wildly to the Pensieve in the chamber above. "You had no right! All these years you've been warning me about The Malfoys, but you never told me why! You loved him! Lucius Malfoy!"
Ariadne had finally found her voice through the fresh crop of tears Leolin's appearance had inspired. "I was trying to protect you!"
"You were trying to protect yourself! Does Papa know? Does he know that you used him as some petty revenge against Lucius Malfoy? That you got pregnant on purpose to get back at him?"
There was silence.
"Of course he doesn't," Leolin grit out, her hysteria threatening to overwhelm her. Ariadne made a pained face which only made Leolin cry harder. "Gods, is that what I am? Your last spiteful retaliation against Lucius Malfoy?"
This was almost too much for Ariadne, and her hands trembled as she reached out for Leolin.
"No, of course not! You are the best and most perfect thing in my life, Leolin. Please believe me when I tell you that!"
"That doesn't answer the question."
"Leolin—"
"Did you or did you not get pregnant on purpose? Tell me!"
"I was sixteen! Of course I didn't!" Ariadne said. "But that doesn't mean I regret it because I don't; now I have you."
"No, now you had me."
Here McGonagall tried to interject on Ariadne's behalf, but Leolin completely ignored her
"I never ever want to see you again," Leolin sobbed.
Ariadne blanched. "I'm your legal guardian."
"Only for six more months," Leolin said defiantly, wiping her swollen eyes.
Ariadne began to cry again, reaching for Leolin even as she retreated back up the stairs. "Please Leolin, I'm sorry. Don't go, please. I love you!"
The dam in Leolin's chest burst, and as she tore back down the stone steps, she had to brace herself on the wall several time to fight the onslaught of tears.
At the bottom Adrien stood still waiting for her, and when he heard her but before he saw her he exclaimed, "Mon Dieu! Where was it?!"
When he turned and saw her face, he gave a pained look.
"Ce qui est arrivé, mon petit lapin?" He reached for her but she recoiled, somehow angry at him for the role he'd played in all of this. After, there was no telling how much he knew and how much he'd chosen to keep from her.
"No!" She cried, pushing past him just as a breathless, teary Ariadne appeared. "Ask Mamun!" She spit the word out as if it tasted bad.
Adrien looked questioningly at Ariadne, who fell into his arms, and Leolin used to opportunity to run off. Because of the fight she and Harry'd had before the meeting, she wasn't sure if she should go to him, but after a moment of hesitation, she headed towards the tower, needing his solace.
After all, she loved him and she was pretty sure he loved her, and now she needed him more than she ever had before. She fought an almost continuous flow of tears as she walked, but she refused to give into them wholly, furiously swiping at her eyes when she felt one poised to fall.
In some of the first luck she'd caught all day, Seamus Finnigan was approaching the portal just as she was, and she grabbed him by the shirt.
"Seamus?" She asked, biting her lip to stop the tears.
He was slightly taken aback as this was most likely the first time she'd used his first name, but he quickly recovered.
"What's up? You alright?"
"Yeah, fine!" She tried to give a fake laugh but it came out a choked sob. "Hey, will you go grab Harry for me? I need to talk to him."
If he thought this was a strange request given her current state, he didn't say so. "Sure. Should I tell him anything?"
She bit her lip again. "It's not about earlier."
"Great. Be right back."
She nodded and slumped down the wall, throwing her back to the side and waiting. After about fifteen minutes Seamus appeared, alone and frowning.
"I'm sorry, Leolin, he…didn't want to come down. He's being a downright nob, to be honest. I told him how upset you were."
"No, it's okay. Thanks." She turned.
"You need a hug or something?" He offered and she politely shook her head, not wanting to be touched by anyone at the moment. "Alright, feel better. And don't worry, Harry'll come round."
She nodded her thanked and buried her face as she walked, embarrassed by the tears that now she couldn't hold back. She half-walked, half ran up to the Slytherin common room. She begged the fates that no one was inside, and for the first time today they seemed on her side. It was empty.
Or rather, nearly empty. Draco sat on one of the plush couches, staring into the fire and swirling a glass or some amber whisky in a tumbler. When she saw him she was almost glad, because she wanted more than anything to scream at him for all the trouble he'd caused and for who his father was and how he'd hurt her mother. When he looked up at her, though, that desire melted away.
It was just like that day on the quidditch pitch. There was a profound understanding, a desire for shared comfort, and an agreement of hatred for their parents. He stood, knowing what she wanted, what she needed, and she flew into his arms without hesitation, burying her nose in his chest and balling his crisp shirt in her fist and crying again. His arms curled naturally around her, clutching at her waist and back and pulling her closer. He backed up with her still tucked into him, sinking onto the couch and allowing her to sob against his neck, a slow march of tears rolling down the skin. He lay one hand protectively on her back while the other cradled her head, stroking the silky strands and letting them slide through elegant fingers.
"I'm still f-f-f-furious with you," she said through her sobs as she laid her head against his chest. His heart beat proudly in her ear, and the rhythm of it soothed her.
"I'm not bothered," he whispered gently, his lips ghosting across her temple in a soothing kiss. "Just let it out."
Eventually, tears completely purged, Leolin seemed to remember herself because she pulled back and scooted as far down as the couch would allow. His hands were reluctant to release her, and he fixed her with a cool look as she pulled away, tucking her knees into her chest. She bit her lip.
"Have you known all this time?"
He considered this, taking the last swig of his drink and setting it down. Then he shrugged. "That my father's a bastard and there was someone else? Yes. That it was your mother? Not until today."
Leolin thought of the look of his face when he saw her, the recognition and disgust.
"How did you know it was her?"
He raised his eyebrows and sneered with such malice that if she wasn't so mad at her mother would have offended her.
"When I was younger, I snuck into my father's study while he was away on business. I couldn't have been any older than five. I bumped into the desk and a picture of her fell out. I showed it to my mother, and when my father did eventually come home, she confronted him. That was the first time I saw him strike her."
"I'm sorry," She said at once, but he shrugged, as is trying to dislodge something irritating from between his shoulder blades. Then he shook his head.
"She's not really my mother, anyways. She's just the woman who gave birth to me. I think she thought that I'd be the bargaining chip that would force my father to love her, and when she realized that wasn't true she stopped giving a shit."
"I didn't know that," She admitted softly.
"I don't care anymore," he said doggedly. "Parents are overrated, and I'm doing just fine without mine."
There was a silence as they stared into the fire, both begrudging their parentage.
"How did you find out?" He asked at last.
"I forgot my wand in McGonagall's office, and when I went back to get it, my mum was crying and putting memories into the pensieve…" She shrugged, trailing off. "I couldn't help myself."
He looked over at her, studying her and no doubt wondering what she saw.
"I think she was a virgin when she met him," she said sadly. "and he told her he loved her, but the truth was he was cheating on her with your mum because he knew he had to marry her. I think he thought he'd just keep my mum on the side after the wedding."
He considered this carefully. "How did you know he was cheating? My parents' marriage was arranged. Maybe he did care about her."
She looked down, feeling so bad for Draco. "No, he was, he definitely was."
"How do you know, though?" He prompted.
"Because your mum got pregnant."
"Oh," was all his said. Then after a minute he added, "She probably did that on purpose."
"I'm sorry," She said, tucking her knees up.
Looking full-time his handsome face for the first time in awhile, she was brought immediately back to his father and it made her feel hateful again.
"It was awfully familiar, though, the way he played and tricked and manipulated her until he got his way." This was a bold accusation and she watched the muscles in his jaw twitching, bright eyes glistening as they roamed her body just began they could.
"I'm not my father." His voice was chilling.
"Who says? You look just like him, you act just like him—"
"I can't help my genetic code," He said dryly, eyes hardening and making her throat ache a bit.
His looked down at his lap, frowning slightly. When he spoke again his voice was deeper, lower, and smoother. He looked at her again, eyes glittering in the half-light. "And you can't honestly believe I'd ever treat you that way."
He paused, scanning her face as if searching for the answer to his own question.
"I would never hurt you," He murmured.
They shared a long look, and she felt it again, that understanding from the pitch. It tucked at her heart in a way which was exquisitely painful.
"How do you do that?" She whispered, biting her lip.
"Do what?" he asked, gaze keen as it alternated between her lips and her eyes.
"Switch between being horrid and being…" she trailed off, the implication hanging in the air. "One minute you're comforting me and then you're threatening me. Now, you're making me wish…"
Her heartbeat was elevated, and it made her voice annoyingly breathy.
"Wish what?" he prompted, scooting down the couch a little so he was closer to her. The want in his eyes was so candid it scared her. She turned her head away from his penetrating gaze.
"Nothing," she replied in a quiet voice. "I'm bloody idiot. I shouldn't have said that. I don't mean it."
Draco had smelled blood though; he wasn't going to give up the hunt now. "Wish that you had chosen differently?" He said, lips practically touching her neck now. "That you had chosen me instead of Potter?"
Leolin flushed. It sounded different when he said it out loud, and immediately she didn't like it.
"No, that's over," she said, backpedaling. "I don't want to go back."
"Don't you?" he grit out, inching closer still, his right hand was slithering into her lap, seeking to untuck her tightly crossed knees. "Quit lying to yourself, Lefevre," he breathed in her ear. "You want me. You need me."
Fearfully, she opened her eyes and looked at him, feeling as if even that was a betrayal against Harry. She didn't say anything, didn't give any physical permission for Draco to come closer, but she couldn't hide what was in her eyes, and she was pretty sure they were telling the whole story. Inadvertently, she glanced at his full lips, and that was all the permission he seemed to need. Wrapping a strong hand around the back of her neck, he brought his lips crushing down on hers. However, she didn't kiss back. In fact, her only response was to reach back and slap him.
He growled in frustration and tangled a fist in her hair, being careful not to tug or pull. "Are you fucking kidding me?" He said against her lips, eyes still closed. However, his voice was more disappointed than malicious.
"That was wrong," she confirmed, full lips almost touching his as she spoke. She pulled his hand away and stood, feeling sick. "I shouldn't have done that."
"Yes you fucking should have. Stop being a whore and kiss me." This was a command, his desperation for her having morphed into frustrated anger.
Drawing back her hand, she slapped him so hard that her palm stung and his cheek reddened immediately. His hissed in pain as her hand connecting with a large bruise Harry'd left on his cheek. Jumping up, he glared at her.
"What is your problem, Merlin!"
"You are! I have a boyfriend, Draco! Just because he and I are fighting doesn't mean I should go around kissing other people! And don't call me a whore again."
He was at full height again, towering over her and fixing her with such an intense look that she felt genuinely scared.
"I don't give a bloody goddamn about that sodding boyfriend of yours, Lefevre," He said, throwing his arms out angrily. The instinct to fly from danger kicked in and she turned on her heel, disgusted. She didn't have to listen to this.
"You're mine. I know it, he knows it, and if you weren't so bloody stubborn, you'd know it. Get over yourself and get over here."
She turned fiercely back, navy eyes blazing. "You really are him, you know that? I am not a piece of furniture, Malfoy. I'm a person with choices. And I choose Harry Potter over you. I'll always choose him over you. So take that and shove it down your throat. I hope it chokes you to death."
"This is stupid," He told her retreating back, voice less sonorous but silkier, a soft warning. "I don't want to fight with you. Come back. I'm sorry"
She ignored him, huffing and continuing away from him.
"Damnit woman, we're not finished here! I said come back!"
"Make me," she cried over her shoulder, disappearing down the girl's staircase.
Leolin considered going out and trying to find Ginny, but she knew Draco was still brooding in the common room, and she didn't feel like going round two with him. She'd done enough fighting today. Even though she was sure she had no more tears to cry, some came when she laid on the bed, and she didn't move when someone came in.
"Leolin?" Astoria called after a moment. "You alright, love?"
"Yeah, fine," Leolin promised, glad she'd drawn the curtains of her four-poster.
"Daphne and I are going to the kitchens for a cuppa. You wanna come?"
"No, thanks."
"Let me know, alright?"
"Yeah," Leolin said, the word slightly smothered by a rising sob.
"Oh and Leolin? Draco's in the common room. He's looking for you."
Leolin didn't reply, and a minute later she heard Astoria leave, the door creaking shut behind her. Exhausted, frustrated, and disheartened, Leolin kicked off her shoes and crawled under the blankets still in her uniform.
In the morning she woke and knew instantly that she looked a wreck. She hurried past the mirrors to the shower, standing under the stream a long time, pressing her palms and resting her head on the ebony tiles. When she got out, she rummaged in her dresser for a cream Amelie had given her for her skin, and she rubbed in under her eyes, ahh-ing as the swelling subsided. Painful as it was, she forced herself to dress meticulously, wearing her best heels and her favourite bra and applying her makeup with care. If she was going to feel like shit, she might as well look like heaven. Besides, she wanted Harry to suffer as she'd suffered the day before. He was being a selfish nobhead, and that was a game they both could play.
She looked in the mirror, arranging her silky hair, turning from side to side to admire the cat eyes she'd drawn.
"Oh lovely, dear," The mirror cooed. "Simply lovely."
"Thanks," she muttered, grabbing her bag.
Even though she still wasn't hungry, she went down to breakfast, sitting down next to Liam and pretending to be chipper.
"You look pretty," He said, then seeming to realize something, he put the roll he'd been holding between his teeth and rummaged in his pocket, producing and ivory parchment.
"Just missed Draco, but that's from him."
She unfolded it.
Gents, it read in tidy script
Lefevre and I have some pressing business at seven thirty every day until Thursday, so practice is starting right after class. Be there or owe me 100 laps of the stadium.
Cheers,
Draco
Leolin nodded as she read it.
"Yeah, fine."
"Pressing business," Liam said thoughtfully, his eyes rolled up in mock concentration. "Hmm. That must be the new lingo the kids are using for sex these days."
Leolin punched him as hard as she could in the arm, hoping it would at least sting a bit.
"It's what they're calling detention. And we aren't even serving together. Mine's with Flitwick and he's got Peakes."
"Lucky him," Liam frowned.
"Indeed. I've got class, though, so I'll meet you on the pitch." As Leolin rose, she glanced over at the Gryffindor table, hoping to catch Harry's eye. He wasn't looking though, just watching and smiling as Dean Thomas told a story. Fucking Gryffs and their bloody pride. She should have dated a damn Hufflepuff, at least then he would have been loyal to her.
When Ginny saw her though, she gave a small smile, then leaned into Harry and said something in his ear. He shook his head and she frowned at him before getting up and going to Leolin, hugging her at once.
"Oh Lai, I heard all about the fight and the meeting and all that rot yesterday. I'm so sorry."
She pulled Leolin into her arms again, and Leolin nodded, frowning.
"It's fine, really," She choked, but the tears we making an astounding reappearance.
"Come on!" Ginny urged, pulling her towards an empty classroom. "We've got some time. Talk to me."
"It was awful!" She said, shaking her head. "Malfoy and Harry said all these hateful things to each other, then Draco set me up and twisted all this stuff until it looked like we've been together all this time. Harry was so mad and I couldn't say anything to defend myself because it was all true, in a sense. Oh Gin, it was so terrible. Then after the meeting I…" She paused. Could she tell Ginny about Lucius and her mother? Should she? No, she decided, not today. "I wanted to talk to him and he wouldn't come down. I know you asked this morning if he wanted to talk to me and he said no."
Ginny petted Leolin's dark hair and nodded sympathetically.
"You were so right. I was such a stupid idiot not to tell Harry all this. He and Malfoy ended up fighting anyway, and now I look like a liar!"
"No, no," Ginny assured her, "It's alright. I should have been more tactful. And I want you to know that I'm on your side, 100%. I know that Harry's going to come around. He has to. He knows that you wouldn't cheat on him, it's just that he and Draco get so possessive back and forth that it's clouded his judgment. He's being a right ponce but he'll come round, you'll see."
Leolin nodded again. It was nice to feel that Ginny was completely in her corner again. She needed allies now more than ever.
"Thanks, Gin,"
"Anytime," Ginny replied, wiping a small black smudge from under Leolin's eye then touching your cheek. "C'mon, we've got class. I'll meet your for lunch and come sit at the Slytherin with you. Just try and make sure Zabini clears off beforehand."
Leolin gave a choked half-laugh and Ginny tugged her hand, leading her to class.
Still feeling a bit off, Leolin slunk to Potions, where she proceeded to butcher a sleeping drought and lose Slytherin ten more points. Everyone glared. That was 160 in two days, surely something of a record. The rest of the day passed in similar fashion, and even Charms seemed to drag on. When the chime thrilled, she sprang up, grateful for the chance to blow off some steam on the pitch, even if that meant facing Malfoy for the first time since their second near kiss.
She was, inevitably, the last to arrive. The others looked, and Draco opened his mouth to chastise.
"I'm late," She finished, unzipping her jacket and throwing it at her bag. "I know."
She noticed everyone giving her an odd look, and she realized too late that her tee-shirt was see-through and the black and gold bra she'd worn the first day of practice was visible.
"Aaaaand the bra's back," Adrien muttered and Blaise smirked while Draco scowled.
"Shove it, I don't give a damn what any of your think." She wasn't in the mood for any banter today.
The lack of apparent taunting in her stance seemed to satisfy Malfoy and he nodded curtly before continuing.
"Today's bludger work, lads. Especially you, Bird. I wanna see you fly your best today, yeah? Also, The Hufflepuff/Gryff game is this Saturday. Meet here at ten, matching green. Miss or come late and I castrate you." He glanced at Leolin. "I haven't thought of your punishment yet but whatever, you'll hate it. Alright, break."
They fell apart and each took to the sky, flying a lap together then watching Bird for a moment as he flitted in and out of the goalposts. The practice was grueling and Draco seemed to be particularly ragging on Leolin, though she supposed that was nothing unusual. Soon enough, though, it was time for practice to close out, and they all landed, shouldering their brooms and sauntering off. Draco indicated for Leolin to hold up, and she considered leaving anyway, but she knew he'd just follow her.
"What?" She demanded.
He raised his eyebrows. "Someone's a bit snippy today."
"Stow it, I'm not interested."
"Fine. I just wanted to say…I shouldn't have done what I did yesterday."
"Sorry, not sure what you're referring to. Making me tell everyone how much I loved you? Convincing Harry we're having an affair? Calling me a whore?"
He rubbed his neck, annoyed. He was clearly shit at apologies as he never offered them. "All of it, I guess."
She rolled her eyes, and he grabbed her arm.
"Leolin," he said, voice smooth and warm. He hardly every called her by her first name, and it sounded extraordinarily rich rolling off his tongue. "I'm sorry, okay? I was a right bell end and I—I didn't mean to hurt you."
He took a step forward, invading her space a bit. She didn't step back. It was chilly out, and the warmth of his hand on her upper arm was pleasing. He reached a tentative hand up to touch her face. She flinched away from it
"Did I scare you yesterday?" he murmured.
"Yes," she admitted sheepishly, looking up at him through dark lashes.
"I didn't mean to," he said.
She bit her lip, looking away and gently freeing herself from his grasp.
"Hey," he said, putting a finger under her chin so he could find her gaze again. "I won't do it again, I promise. Do you forgive me?"
"It doesn't matter," she mumbled.
"It matters to me. Please, tell me you forgive me." His eyes were like liquid mercury now, pure and unmarred. Their sincerity sent a jolt through her.
"Fine," she snapped, shaking off his arm. "I forgive you. Just promise you won't try and kiss me again."
"Even if you ask me to?" he asked, smile widening.
She retreated and rolled her eyes, the reverie of his tender moment instantly forgotten. "You fucking prat."
She turned towards the castle, but she could feel his smirk slide down her tense back.
"That's a legitimate question!" he called after her.
"I don't know why I even bother trying with you," she called back.
He loped to catch up with her, his long legs meeting her stride with ease.
"Because," he said seductively, throwing an arm over her slight shoulders and bringing his lips down to the shell of her ear. "You know when I finally uncross those gorgeous legs of yours it will be the best sex of your life."
"Get off!" She scowled, pushing him roughly. He winked, synching his bow lips a bit and blowing her a small kiss.
"Ugh! Goodbye, despicable creature," she cried.
"Night, princess."
Torture. Torture. Everything about the week had been torture. Cleaning the Charm's classroom for two hours a night—torture. Grueling Practices—torture. Talking to Ginny and watching her plead with Harry about talking to her again—torture. Trying to ignore Malfoy—torture.
Finally it was Friday and her detention sentence was served, and she was striding onto the pitch for the last practice of the week before the weekend. At least there was the party to go to on Saturday. Hopefully she and Harry would be made up by then.
"My sweet Merlin," Draco said as she threw down her bag and polished the handle of her broom. "She's here on time."
"Take a good gander, Malfoy. "It won't happen again."
"You two are so perfect together," Blaise commented dryly, and the other boys laughed while Leolin rolled her eyes.
"We will be," Draco announced arrogantly, smirking at Leolin. "Won't we, darling?" He reached out to stroke Leolin's ponytail, and unable to control herself, Leolin turned and punched him in the stomach, low enough to cause some serious concern.
"What the hell is your problem?" He wailed, doubling over as a precautionary measure.
"As always, you are my damn problem, you sodding prick. Let's just get on with it."
Draco muttered something that sounded like bitch, and Leolin ignored him and kicked off, zooming around the pitch then off to circle a nearby turret, finally heading back. Probably due to the incident at the beginning of practice, things were ugly between Leolin and Malfoy for the whole affair, and each savoured every possible opportunity to push, elbow, bludger or school the other. Finally, a half hour before the end of practice, things took a terminal dip.
Glancing at the ground, Draco gave a dark scowl and grit his teeth. "You have to be fucking…"
He came in hard, landing in a crouched and straightening immediately, muscles tensed for another fight.
"Get the fuck off my goddamn pitch, Potter."
The rest of the team was down now too, and Harry didn't even look at Malfoy as he spoke. Liam and Leon came to flank Draco, but Harry seemed unimpressed by this threat.
"You don't own the dirt, Malfoy, and I didn't come to talk to you. Get out of my way before I change my mind and give you horns and a tail."
He was looking at Leolin, his eyes bright and repentant.
"Walk with me?" He said, extending a hand and tucking the other in his pocket.
She said nothing, only went to her broom and bag, and Malfoy balked.
"Are you fucking kidding me? Practice isn't over yet, Lefevre. Don't you dare leave."
"Or what, Malfoy?" She sneered, wheeling around.
"I'm warning you," He hissed, voice deadly low.
She took Harry's proffered hand. "See you tomorrow lads. Malfoy, go fuck yourself."
"Damnit, Lefevre, come back here!" He screamed, but she and Harry were already retreating to the lake, and they ignored his cries as they walked silently hand in hand.
They walked until they found themselves in a retreated alcove of trees which surrounded one of the northernmost juts of the lake. Harry sat down first, patting the ground next to him as his eyes skimmed out over the lake. Leolin's heart thudded with a nervous rapidity, and she gingerly set down her gear and took the place that Harry had indicated. Neither spoke for a moment, and Leolin hazarded a glance at Harry; he was shredding the grass between his splayed feet, ripping each blade to ribbons. She looked down. All she'd watched was to re-unite with him, and now she didn't know what to say. In the end, it was he who spoke first.
"So," he began awkwardly.
"So," she repeated.
"Are you going to tell me what's going on?"
He glanced over at her, his green eyes full of anguish, and she bent her head, flushing.
"Look, it's not what you think, alright? I haven't—there isn't anything going on with me and Malfoy. At least not anymore."
"Anymore?"
Leolin sighed. "I know that sounds bad—"
"It sounds awful—"
"Just please let me explain," she bit out, turning to Harry. Gently, she reached out to tenderly touch his right ear, which was the only part of his that was readily available. He bent his head.
"I'm listening," he said at last.
Leolin bit her lip; she didn't know where to start. Well, she did, but she didn't wasn't looking forward to dredging up the whole monstrous affair again.
"Alright, here it is: last year at quidditch trials, Draco started…noticing me. Honestly before that I don't think he realized I existed, but when I made the team he really started laying it on thick, and I admit that at the time I fancied him."
Harry's shredding got more violent at this, and Leolin started to fret.
"But we never did anything, never even kissed, and right when things with Draco were reaching a critical point, you started coming around, and you were funny and smart and handsome and sweet and I fancied you, too. Harry, I started to fall in love with you, and suddenly Draco seemed so much less important. He didn't know, though. He was too wrapped up in his own stuff to realize. He came to the party that night hoping to finally seal the deal with me. To make me his girlfriend, I suppose."
"So you fancied us both?" Harry asked, sounding hurt. "And what? You picked me because I was there first? Merlin, no wonder why Malfoy was so mad! If he'd worn a watch he'd be the one dating you now!"
"No!" Leolin cried emphatically. "That's not true! I chose you because I wanted to choose you. I chose you because I'm mad about you. Sod Malfoy; I wanted you."
She'd tried not to focus on the fact that everything she said was phrased in the past tense. She did still want Harry, though, despite what had transpired between her and Draco in Harry's absence. It was silent a moment before she blurted something she knew she couldn't take back. Something that had seemed easier when she admitted it to Ginny.
"I love you."
Harry's eyes snapped up.
"Do you really mean that?" he breathed.
She said nothing, only nodded, biting her lip and blushing.
Harry studied her intently for a moment before he surged forward to kiss her. All thoughts of Draco vanished as Harry's lips moved against her own.
"I love you, too," he breathed against her lips after a minute.
"Prove it," she whispered back, voice husky. She had missed Harry sorely the past week, and she intended to show him just how much. They were starting clean, and Leolin knew she was finally ready.
"Here?" Harry said quietly, looking around. The area was well-guarded by the trees and the lake.
"Yes," she murmured, kissing him again. "Here."
He nodded, taking off his hoodie and enlarging it until it was large enough for her to lay on. Gently, she eased back onto it, heart pounding in her chest so hard it was difficult to say if it was a good feeling for a bad feeling.
He reached for her shirt with practiced ease, pulling it off her and tossing it behind him. However, he didn't stop there. Perhaps bolstered by the knowledge that Leolin had had her choice between him and Malfoy and had ultimately chosen him, Harry seemed more sure of himself than usual, and he pulled her bra off immediately after her shirt. Hungrily he drank her in, the frank look of desire in his eyes making them glisten.
Soon he was free of his own t-shirt and jeans and only Leolin's tracksuit bottoms and his pants lay between their naked flesh. He stripped down hers at once, and her skin pimpled at the brisk autumn air. Not wishing to seem unwilling, Leolin boldly leaned forward to grab Harry through his pants, nipping at his ear. She could feel him stiffening in her hand as it moved languidly up and down his length. Finally her desperation grew too great, and she urged him to take off the last offending garment. He kissed her again before making his way down her chest and stomach, but Leolin gently tugged him by the hair, bringing him back up to her.
"Don't" she panted, breath ragged. "I'm ready."
He nodded, guiding himself between her thighs, ensuring his entrance would be smooth.
"You're on the potion, right?" he said. She could feel him sliding just the tip in, trying to make sure he had enough lubrication.
"Yes," she breathed, clutching his shoulders "I can take one when we get back."
With that settled, Harry pushed inside, making Leolin gasp.
She bit her lip as she adjusted to the feeling. It has been a while, and she'd forgotten how odd it felt to be…full.
"Am I hurting you?" he said softly in her ear. He'd yet to move. "You're so tight."
"No," she said after a moment, swirling her hips a little to dull the quiet ache. "Keep going."
Harry did as he was told, hooking her leg over his hip as he slid gracefully in and out. Not that Leolin really wanted to think about it, but Harry certainly knew what he was doing; he'd been well-taught. She could feel a warm tingling beginning to build, and the thought made her giddy.
After a few minutes Leolin rotated so she was on top, and Harry gave a groan of approval as she lowered herself onto his length and start pumping faster. His hands migrated from her breasts to her hips, and he bit his hip as he watched her falling onto his sword again and again. The orgasm intensified as she gained momentum, and she tried not to make any embarrassing noises as she felt a small wave of pleasure ebb and flow around her. Harry was right behind her.
When it was done, Harry rolled onto his back, and Leolin curled beside her.
"Wow," he breathed. "Let's not talk more often."
"I should get back," Leolin said, giving an uncomfortable laugh. "I have loads of homework."
"Of course," Harry said, brushing some hair away from her face.
That wasn't entirely true, but his commenting about fighting had pained her somehow. She had been in anguish while he was away, and it had forced her into arms other than his own. She thought back to Monday, when she lay sobbing in Draco's arms. Thinking about him after she'd just been with Harry felt wrong somehow, and she tried to block him out. A dull ache had begun between her thighs as well, and happy as she was, she just wanted to be alone.
They dressed in silence, Leolin shouldering her bag and crossing her bare arms to fend off the cool autumn wind.
"You didn't bring a jacket or anything?" Harry said, laughing.
Leolin smiled and bit her lip. "I forgot. I've been out of sorts this week."
He smiled.
"Here, have mine."
He pulled the scarlet and gold hoodie over his head, and Leolin bit her lip as it exposed some of his stomach. She couldn't believe she'd find slept with Harry. The thought made her smile and blush simultaneously.
"Now you'll be cold," Leolin pointed out.
"I'll be fine," he amended. "Take it."
Finally, she acquiesced, taking the sweatshirt and pulling it over her head.
"It smells like you," she said, bringing a sleeve to her cheek.
He rewarded this with a crooked smile, bending to kiss her again.
"I love you, Leolin Lefevre."
She smiled, tipping her head back to receive his lips and hoping he couldn't tell what she was thinking. As happy as she was, she felt the odd and unwarranted need to cry, and she didn't want to start in front of Harry lest she think she was unhappy.
"You too," she said simply, giving him another smile. "See you tomorrow."
He nodded, watching her happily. "Tomorrow."
She gave him one last smile before grabbing her things and starting back towards the castle. She only made it as far as the quidditch pitch before she started sniffling, swiping furiously at tears as they formed in her eyes. Stupid girly hormones. She was done by the time she'd reached the Slytherin common room, and she admittedly felt loads better. She blushed as she remembered Harry moving gently against her.
However, the warmth drained from her face when she came around the corner to find Draco waiting for her, his eyes glinting like an ornamental silver dagger her father had in his office.
There were several other people in the common room, mostly younger students and Draco cocked his head to them imperiously.
"Get out."
They looked nervously at each other but didn't move.
"Are you fucking deaf? I said get out!"
They hurriedly gathered there stuff and left, and when they were gone Draco crossed his arms, surveying her critically. Finally, he spoke.
"Tell me you didn't," he said, deadly quiet.
"Didn't what?" she snapped, though she knew exactly what he meant.
"You disappoint me, Lefevre," he said, eyes scouring her body. "I didn't think you were the type of girl who abandons an obligation just to let some bloke fuck her."
"I didn't—" she began lamely, but he shook his head and the lie died in her throat.
"Don't lie to me," he said, advancing on her. He was so close she could smell his aftershave; he must have showered after practice. "I can tell you finally slept with that pathetic boyfriend of yours; it's written all over your face. What a waste of a perfectly good cunt"
She reached back to strike him, but he caught her wrist before she could.
"Who the hell do you think you are? I never told you could leave early today."
She watched his sensuous lips slide across his teeth as he hissed at her, and she shook her head, narrowing her eyes until long lashes threatened to obscure her vision.
"You're not mad I left early! You're mad I left with Harry! Admit it."
"Gladly,' He said fiercely. "I don't allow my players to leave practice for shag breaks, particularly with opposing team captain. You pull anything like this again and you can watch the Gryffindor match for the goddamn stands."
She bubbled her lips. "Please. With Ginny chasing? With Harry seeking? You'd never do that to yourself. You don't have me, you lose for sure. Bird's good, wicked good, but he's not Harry. Fucking Puddlemere is coming to see him play tomorrow. You really think Ieaun Bird can complete with that?"
He was on her at once, coming closer enough that his strong chest brushed her breasts as he bore down at her. "Is that a challenge? You're bloody brilliant, Leolin my love, but I bloody promise you you're not irreplaceable. You wanna try your hand at a little gambling? Then let's make a wager."
She bit her lip. She didn't want to miss the game because she knew it would be epic, but the feeling Draco sought to illicit as his broad plane brushed her nipples made up her mind.
She crossed her arms, which forced him back a bit. "I would love to. I can't wait to win so I can watch you get up on the bar at the party and tell Harry how sorry you are, and what a fucking prat you've been. After that, you can forget about us—" she gestured between herself and Draco, "for good."
"Fine." He agreed, completely unphased. He advanced again, his hands snaking past her waist to cup her full bum, clearly defined in her fitted athletic pants. She shoved him off at once.
"But when I win, you come with me to the party as my date, no matter what Potter has to say about it."
"No way."
"Then no dice. However, as captain, I regret to inform you that I have made the unfortunate decision to bench you next game for leaving practice early today."
He shrugged arrogantly. She found this particularly annoying as arrogance suited him and it made him look even more handsome.
When she was quiet for a second, considering, he smirked, leaning in to whisper snarkily.
"I'm a Malfoy, Lefevre. Don't you know that I always get what I want?"
She held out her hand. "For the record, you're a huge nobhead, and I can't fucking wait for you to fail."
He smirked and grabbed her wrist, drawing his wand quickly and touching her skin, his wand emitting an electric blue light which sunk in.
"What are you doing?" She cried, rubbing her wrist even though it didn't hurt at all.
"Women are a capricious breed, my love. I don't want you to change your mind; it would be next to impossible to find a replacement date on such short notice."
She scoffed because that was completely untrue. "What happens if I don't?"
He raised his eyebrows, cocking his head slightly. "Back out and find out."
"UGH!" She cried in frustration, turning her back and stomping away.
"Good chat," He called and she growled again
"Fuck off."
"Gladly. How about a good shag right here?"
She ignored him, stamping down the steps and out of sight. In her room, she sank on her bed, pressing her palms together and resting them on her closed lips. She would have to do everything in her Slytherin power to pull this out. Draco had his work cut out for him, but if he was wicked clever, and if he won she would have ruined her relationship with Harry irrevocably.
a/n
Wow if this was real life, I am pretty sure a sexual harassment suit would have been filed already. Thankfully this is fiction and I am god and I get to decide there isn't one. Is Draco to spastic, though? He seems pretty tempestuous, I something worry about the stability of his moods…What do you think?
