Chapter Twenty-Four: Liars and Truth-tellers
In the weeks that followed, Leolin stubbornly refused to speak with Ginny, despite Blaise's implorations that she do so. ("You're making everyone miserable!" Blaise had complained.) For his part, Draco seemed rather smug that he had outlasted Ginny, though he continued to be stonewalled on the relationship front, and he had gained back no ground since the only time she'd stayed the night.
Leolin held her ground on both fronts. She remained aloof throughout the last weeks of school, despite rumours Ginny was looking to reconcile. She and Draco were shagging more than ever, but that also didn't keep her from flirting shamelessly Presley Underwood, a handsome Ravenclaw seventh year, who started showing interest when Leolin showed up at the Quidditch Cup Final party auspiciously unaccompanied. She'd even allowed him to take her for a drink at The Three Broomsticks during the last Hogsmeade trip of the year, though she'd come home from the excursion and let Draco shag her brains out.
After finals it was easy to avoid Ginny because Leolin was staying in London and Ginny had returned to her parents' home in Ottery. Instead of moving home with her mother, Leolin had struck out, renting a small, shabby chic flat a few blocks south of Diagon Alley. Her friend Moira, who'd helped her get to the Weasleys on Christmas, offered her a job bartending at The Savage Vagabond five nights a week, and Leolin loved the freedom of living what felt like her own life for the first time.
In summation, Leolin had neither seen nor spoken to Ginny in almost three weeks. Of course, that didn't include the night in Diagon Alley in which Leolin, along with a hundred or so other people, witnessed the finale of Ginny and Harry's very public break-up, which occurred first in Fogg's pub and continued into the streets of Diagon Alley, coincidentally ending just outside The Vagabond. Harry come storming in, and Leolin wordlessly poured him a double of Ogden's and said nothing.
It was after this that Blaise became insistent, seeing his chance at last to make a play for Ginny's had.
"Leolin, this is completely fucking mad. She's your best friend! You're being a stubborn arse."
"I don't care! When I needed her, she looked me in the eye and walked away!"
"Merlin's Beard, woman, aren't people allowed to make mistakes?" he'd cried.
In the end, no one could seem to convince her, and by Draco's birthday, things seemed as bleak as ever. Leolin stayed completely out the finalization of the plans, simply ignoring the girls when it came up.
Originally, the party been planned sans-theme as the Roman bathhouse-setting provided character enough, but somehow, in the four days between the end of school and Draco's birthday, it had morphed into a mask affair. The idea was Madison's. She brought it up casually at the Quidditch Final celebration before going on to mention it several more times in the following days, each time more emphatically than the last.
"Why are you so keen on everyone wearing masks?" Pansy had finally asked irritably.
"I just think it will be fun," Madison replied. "Everyone loves a masked ball. Besides, it sexy and it totally fits with the location."
"You lying slag," Leolin had said, a sly smirk twinkling in her eyes. "You want everyone to wear masks so no one will know who you've brought as your date."
"That's not true!" Madison said, blushing.
"It is! Oh, it so is!" Astoria squealed. This only served to make Madison blush harder.
"Who is it?" Pansy taunted. "Neville Longbottom?"
The girls howled with laughter, making Madison scowl.
"No, of course not!"
"Snape?"
"Oh, don't be gross!"
"Don't get shirty, Mads, we're only kidding," Leolin said. "But you know, Marcus Flint is already invited. You don't have to hide his face with a mask; he's not that ugly."
This was followed with another set of howls.
"It's not Marcus!" Madison snapped.
"I actually think masks are a great idea," Gracie said slyly. "Masks are mysterious and alluring. Everyone will love it."
"You would say that," Pansy said. "You're probably in on it. Go on Gracie, who is it?"
She exchanged glances with Madison. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Leolin looked at Pansy, who smirked and shrugged.
"Fine," Pansy said, smiling. "I'll ask Draco. If he's okay with it, we'll do the bloody masks. But you two are going to have to contact everyone and let them know about the change of attire."
"Fine!" Madison said. "Thank you!"
"Mads?" Leolin said, barely able to contain her mirth.
"Yeah?"
"If it is Snape, please make sure he keeps his mask on and that you don't fornicate anywhere public. I don't want to scar any of our guests."
At this the room erupted in laughter again, and Madison made a silly face at Leolin before practically skipping out.
And so the party became a masquerade, which even Leolin had to admit was fun. Her mother and stepmother had helped her pick something suitable. And in the end, Amelie managed to find a vintage carnival mask whose fine glossy onyx metal frame rose above the arch of her eyebrows and down along her cheekbones, the top part was fashioned into a crown of dark amethysts that actually drove into her hair like a tiara. This left her eyes unmasked, and instead of more mask below her eyes, two thin chains simply extending from the cheekbone apparatus to the nose piece, which had been charmed to fit snugly to her bridge. This completed the shape of the mask without obscuring her face in any real way. Leolin didn't say it, but she knew Draco would love it, especially the crown part.
Her gown was a simple shape, just a form-fitting sweetheart and a vaguely mermaid silhouette, but it was covered in twinkling black sequins that glittered as she walked. She'd promised her mother she's show off her ensemble before she left for the party, so she grabbed her clutch, stuffed her wand and Draco's wrapped present inside, and apparated away.
Ariadne was waiting at the door and she cooed as Leolin arrive.
"Dress is gorgeous, Bug! Amelie is the master as always. Where's the mask? Oh, and I have those amethyst chandelier earrings you asked about."
"I was having some trouble getting it into my hair and thought you would help?
Ariadne clapped delightedly, dragging Leolin in. "I'm useful!" she said delightedly, dragging Leolin into kitchen and pushing her down in a chair. "I'm finally of use to my grownup daughter!"
Leolin rolled her eyes, smiling. She carefully extracted the mask from the box and handed it to her mother.
"The first problem is your hairdo itself. The bun is too low and there's not nearly enough volume on top. Think 'Madame du Pompadour'."
Ariadne grabbed her wand, undoing the updo Leolin had done with a flick before using it to add height at the top.
"So," Ariadne said slowly as she worked. "Is Draco going to be there?"
"Umm," Leolin said. "Is that a trick question?"
"Well, I suppose that was silly to ask, because it's his birthday. I guess what I meant to say was, you know, are you going to see him?"
"Again, this feels like entrapment."
"Okay," Ariadne said as her hands weaved. "I guess I'm really asking is what is going on with you two? Better yet, what happened with you two?"
"Nothing," Leolin chirped, smiling. "We just decided we're better as friends."
"Friends," Ariadne repeated. "Right."
"Yeah," Leolin said. "Now we're friends and it's working great."
"Alright," Ariadne said dubiously. "So just so I know I'm hearing you right, you screamed the f word in front of your grandmother and stormed out in December without a coat or shoes to defend your love for this boy, then six weeks later you two just…decide you just want to be friends?"
"Spot on."
Ariadne frowned.
"Does this have anything to do with Lucius? I saw that Draco's the standing CEO of his company now."
"For once," Leolin said genuinely. "It doesn't, no."
"You would tell me if it did, right?" Ariadne said, accepting the mask from Leolin and easing it onto her face and into her newly style hair.
"Mum, of course."
"I just have to ask, you know," Ariadne said. "Alright, it's done. Let me see!"
Leolin stood and turned and Ariadne clapped her hands.
"Oh, gorgeous Leolin! She extended a pair of simple earrings, which were little more than a string of amethyts that dripped from her ears to her collarbone. Leolin put them on.
"Ugh, when did you just get so grown-up? Tell Malfoy to keep his hands off you tonight! Oh, and here are those earrings."
"Yes, of course I will give Draco your love," Leolin said, smiling at her mother. "He will be touched to know you still care."
"Alright, wise acre," Ariadne said. "Give your old Mum a kiss."
Leolin obliged.
"You know," she said as she picked up her purse. "You're only 33. There's no reason in the world you shouldn't find some nice bloke."
"Oh, get out of here, you cheeky girl!" Ariadne laughed, pushing Leolin towards the fire.
"I'm serious!" Leolin laughed taking a handful. "Think about it! Harry's godfather Sirius is still single!"
"Leolin Lefevre, get out of here!"
Leolin laughed again, pretending to howl before tossing a handful of powder into the flames.
"BathHaus" she said clearly, and in less a blink a concierge in white gloves was helping her step from the flames.
"Good evening, Miss. Welcome to BathHaus. Name, please?"
"Leolin Lefevre."
At this the man put down his quill and gave a smooth smile.
"Ah, Miss Lefevre. Mr. Malfoy told you he'd like to see you in the library."
"Which is?"
"Upstairs, Miss."
"Thank you."
She allowed another attendant to help her up the large first stair as she gathered her skirt in her right hand. When she reached the top of the winding flight, yet another attendant appeared.
"This way, please, mademoiselle."
He led her down a long hallway to a room at the end before pushing the door open and gesturing for her to enter.
"Thank you," she said, placing two galleons in his hand.
"If you need anything," he said courteously. "You need only ring downstairs."
"Thank you," she said again, and he nodded and pulled the door shut.
Leolin looked around the room in awe, the crinilated horseshoe arches and gold leaf she'd seen in Instabul. She ran her fingers gently over the spines of the books as she passed them, and she swore she could feel them shudder happily at her touch. On a round table in the middle of the room sat a chiller with a bottle of champagne inside. Next to it were two flutes. Leolin saw a note on the desk and picked up it.
I'll be right there. Start without me.
xx
Leolin smirked at the note before uncorking the bottle and pouring herself a glass. It was refreshing and tasted almost as expensive as she knew it was. Glass in hand, she continued to survey to room before wandering back to read some of the titles of the towering shelves. She got lost in her thoughts as her eyes danced from tome to tome and her fingers played with the key at her neck. True to her promise, she hadn't taken it off since Draco had represented it to her in the hospital wing. The Most Tragic Love Stories of Ancient Britain caught her eye, and she pulled it out and began to flip through it. The book, which looked and smelled ancient, had been printed on heavy parchment, and many of the pages were illustrated. Leolin had seen a similar book before in her mother's written antiquities shop. In fact, as she recalled, she was actually named for one of the characters. Flipping through, she found a chapter entitled "Leolin and Leantes". On the opposite page was a picture of the two lovers, fiery-haired Leolin and her raven Leantes. Leolin lay dying in Leantes arms as he wept dramatically into her hair.
Completely engrossed in the picture, Leolin didn't hear the door open. When she felt lips on her neck, she almost screamed.
"Did I scare you?" Draco murmured in her ear.
Leolin spun in his arms.
"Only a little."
"Hmm," he said, kissing her soundly. "My apologies."
"It's your birthday," she said quietly. "This is the one day I won't make you apologize."
"You're right," he said, kissing her more fully. "Happy birthday to me. And I love your crown," he said, touching it reverently. "It suits you."
"Blaise told me you have a pretty lavish one yourself."
He smirked as they pulled away.
"What are you reading?"
She looked down at the book in her hands before shaking her head and tipping back to kiss him again.
"It doesn't matter. I'm glad you're here. I have presents for you."
"Is that so?" he whispered, hand falling to the silk ribbons holding up her dress in the back as he started in on her neck again.
"Yes!" she said breathlessly, gently pushing him backwards as she grabbed the small box.
"What a coincidence," he said slyly, producing a similar box from his coat pocket as he seated himself in an armchair. "I got you the same thing!"
"Draco!" she cried delightedly. "You can't give me gifts! It's against the rules!"
"It's my birthday," he said authoritatively, kissing her passionately again. "That means I get to make the rules today. And I say…there are no rules."
"There still are!" she protested, though she told the box and smirked. "I'm going home to my own place alone tonight, and if you say…that word I'm leaving!"
"Fine, just the gift rule, then. Go on, open it."
The smile on her face slipped a little as she examined the box. She took the box gingerly but made no move to open it.
"Is this a ring?"
He laughed arrogantly.
"Draco," she said half laughing and half not. "Is this a ring?"
"Open it and find out."
"If it is—" she began and he rolled his eyes.
"Just open the damn box, Cal."
Leolin sighed, flipping the latch and popping the lid to reveal a sparkling diamond cuff. She gave a small sound of relief before laughing a little.
"It's beautiful," she assured him. "I love it."
He was smiling too.
"I thought you might," he said arrogantly. "That's what I like about you, Lefevre," he said, affixing the cuff to her slim wrist then flipping her arm to press a hot kiss on her pulse point. "You have taste almost as expensive as mine."
"Wait," she said, pulling her hand await." This box has a false bottom."
"So it does," Draco said, smirking. "I wonder what's inside?"
"If this is a ring—"
"Christ, Leolin, I haven't bought you a ring…yet."
She punched him in the arm.
"Just bloody open it!"
She pushed gently on the bottom and the panel rotated, the item on the other side making her heart stop.
Reverently, she ran one finger down the pin of her key pendant.
"Draco," she breathed, tracing the three loops of the fleur-des-lis bow. She looked up at him, and he was looking at her earnestly, though he said nothing and didn't fidget under her gaze.
"You don't have to put it on," he said quietly, taking a step closer. "You don't even have to keep it right now, if you don't want. But you should know that I'm not going to stop until I see that thing around your neck and my ring on your finger. You're mine. You always have been."
"You could be waiting a long time," she whispered, trying not to look at his lips. Kissing him now would send the wrong message. She pushed the box gently against his chest.
"Good thing I'm patient as hell, then," he whispered, nudging her nose with his so he could get her mouth in line with his. He kissed her hungrily, using the gesture to say the words she wouldn't allow him to say in any other way.
She let him kiss her for several seconds, their tongues moving together as they both breathed heavily. Finally, she pushed him back several steps, smiling and blushing as she looked down at her diamond-encrusted Loubitons. He saw them too and smirked.
"Hello, old friends," he said, and she laughed.
"Alright," she said, holding out his box. "Your turn."
"Is this a ring?" he said, smirking at her.
"Shut up," she demanded, punching him lightly. "Just open it."
He popped open the lid and drew out the necklace inside. The long chain was silver and unassuming, and on it hung a small round pendant on whose face had been stamped a small but regal-looking bird of prey.
"What is it?" he asked quietly, as he traced the design with his thumb.
"It's a peregrine falcon."
"Why that?" he murmurred.
She pulled his bowtie loose and unbuttoned the top four buttons of his shirt, pushing open his collar and fastening it around his neck. The chain was long enough to lie snugly against his sternum, making it unobtrusive.
"The falcon is my patronus," she whispered softly. "I couldn't conjure one until I told you about what happened with Gareth. This is my thank you."
"Am I allowed to be honoured?" he said wickedly.
"If you must," she said, and his eyes grew more earnest as he looked down at her. She knew he was itching to say 'I love you' again, but she looked away before he could.
He put a thumb below her chin so he could look her in the eye.
"Cal," he murmured, his lips so close to hers that they brushed when he spoke. "Thank you."
He closed the small distance between them in a searing a kiss.
"Wait," he said, pulling away and smirking. "Didn't you say you had gifts? Plural?"
She smirked wickedly.
"Very observant, Mr. Malfoy," she said, pushing him onto one of the brocaded sofas.
Slowly, gently, she took of the mask before reaching behind her, quickly working the velvet ties which held the dress up, loosening them until the whole thing fell to a shimmering pile at her feet. Underneath was wearing a set of truly sinful lingerie, which included a bustier and frilly garters, and she stood in front of him in nothing by satin, lace, and her skyscraper heels.
"Oh fuck me," Draco laughed, eying her with hunger.
"I mean to," she said, slowly lowering herself into his lap. "More than once."
She kissed him, messing up his hair as he groaned and squeezed her bum, which peeked tantalizingly out from her frilly knickers.
"Oh Lefevre," he breathed, kissing her before standing with her still in his arms. "The wicked, wicked things I'm going to do to you."
"Not if I do them to you first," she breathed, pushing him against the old tomes and unbuckling his gleaming belt.
There was a knock on the door.
"Bug, are you in there?
Draco growled in frustration.
"Oh my gods," Leolin squealed quietly, grabbing her dress and shimmying back into it. "It's Blair! Shit, do up my dress."
"Lai, êtes-vous là-bas?"
"Oui," she called, pushing Draco off as she vainly tried to fix her hair. "I'm in here."
She glanced over at Draco and groaned. His hair was a dreadful mess and his shirt was still unbuttoned for the pendant.
The door opened and Leolin grinned as her cousin Blair stepped in the room.
"Blair!" she cried, launching herself into his arms and making him laugh.
She tousled his sandy hair, making him laugh again.
"How are you?" she asked. "And why do you look so tan?" she punched him lightly in the arm.
"I'm good!" he affirmed. "and Gareth and I just got back from St. Bart's."
Leolin tried not to let her discomfort show. Gareth and Blair had been best friends since they were eleven; she didn't want to ruin that for Blair.
"What about Charley?"
"She came too, of course. Why do you look so rumpled?" he asked, quizzically.
"Hello, Lefevre," Draco said in response, sauntering forward and smirking.
Blair took them both in and groaned.
"You're bloody joking me," he said, eying Leolin and making her blush.
"Your mum said you two broke up!"
"And so we did," Draco said, making itworse by slipping an arm casually around Leolin's middle and kissing her neck.
Leolin scowled at him and shoved him off before looking nervously back at Blair.
"We did," she affirmed. "We're still broken up."
"You're broken up but what?" Blair asked. "You're still shagging?"
"You said it, mate, not me."
"You smug little—" Blair began, glowering at Draco.
"Blair!" Leolin said. "We're both adults, we'll do what we want."
"I'll tell your mum!"
"You wouldn't dare! Get over it and please be civil!"
"Fine," Blair snapped, pretending as if none of that had just happened.
"Malfoy," he said coolly, "Happy birthday. And thank you for inviting me."
He extended his hand and Draco shook it. Despite being two years younger, Draco was a strapping 6'4, and he stood several inches taller than Blair. Blair seemed undaunted, though.
"Lefevre," Draco said. "Good to see you. And it was my pleasure."
Blair's eyes flicked back to Leolin. He didn't fail to notice her new bracelet, and she could almost see the distain on his face as he watched it sparkle brilliantly in the dim light. Blair hated flashy displays of wealth almost as much as Draco loved them.
"Well Bug, if you really are single now, Gareth was asking about you again the other day. If you're interested."
Leolin could feel Draco ready to explode beside her, so she stepped on his foot before he could speak.
"I assure you I'm not!" She said, trying to make her laugh sound genuine. "Should we head downstairs?"
"Of course," Blair said, meeting Draco's eye again. "I don't want to keep you."
He kissed Leolin gently on the cheek before nodding and heading back out the door. When he was gone, Draco rounded on Leolin.
"What was that for?" he snapped.
"Draco, please don't blow this out of proportion!"
"Leolin, you promised me you would tell Blair. I don't really fancy the bloke, but he deserved to know his best friend's a rapist twat! Besides, Rhydderich needs to pay for what he did to you! If you aren't going to turn him into the Wizengamot, I will deal with hims myself, and sufficed to say it'll be much worse then some six month stint in Azkaban."
"Please Drake, don't say anything! I promise I will tell Blair everything tomorrow."
Draco glared down at her, chest heaving slightly.
"Fine," he snapped. "But if I ever see that weasel Rhydderich, I am going to beat the bloody tar out of him. Believe that."
"I do," she said, stroking his cheek.
Seemingly calmed by her touch, he bent to kiss her fiercely.
"Now," she said. "Let's forget about Rhydderich and go downstairs."
She went to her clutch and retrieved her mask.
"Will you?" she asked, turning around so he could press the combs back into her hair.
"With pleasure."
He gently fixed the mask in place before dipping in kiss her neck.
"Come on, birthday boy," she said. "It's party time."
He nodded. "You go. I'll be down in a minute."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. I'll come find you."
"Alright," she said, and she kissed him once last time before heading out after Blair.
As she closed the library door, Leolin headed out the door and down a second hallway that she remembered from pictures lead to the grand room where the festivities were. When she reached the top of the stairs, she didn't immediately descend. Instead, she stood looking out over the party as a whole, admiring all the different elements in turn. In addition to three bars and four large fountains, there were women dressed in bright silks dancing, men swallowing swords, and a monkey no bigger than a cat that was breathing fire. There was also cards in one corner, and almost every she looked she saw couples kiss and canoodling. She tried to see if she could recognize Madison or her mystery date, but as she looked around she realized how truly difficult it was to recognize anyone when they were wearing a mask. Satisfied, she made her grand descent into the madness and started straight for the nearest bar.
"Can I offer you something to drink?" The bartender said she reached the platform and sat on one of the stools.
"She'll have a snakebite," a figure next to her said. Lothlona could see the stranger's face because of the triage of feathers and jewels adorning her mask, but she was dressed in peacock blue dress that was so tight her shapely breasts threatened to spill out the top. Her sandy blonde hair was piled decadently atop her head.
"Gracie?" Leolin ventured.
"Guess again, darling," the girl said with a laugh, and Leolin squealed when she pushed her mask back into her hair to reveal her face.
"Nikki!" Leolin exclaimed "Nikki Clearwater! I should have known!"
Nikki was a Slytherin who had graduated two years before, and during her tenure in Slytherin House, she had been the undisputed queen bee. Even sassy wenches like Pansy cowered in Nikki's court, and if Nikki didn't like you, it was akin to social assassination. Ironically, of all the Slytherins, Nikki got on the best with the Gryffindors, and she was openly friends with many of them. Of course, as queen she was allowed to do what she wanted.
Nikki gave an effortless laugh, batting her long fake lashes. "Who else?"
"I can't believe I didn't recognize your voice!"
"Voice?" Nikki laughed. "I'm surprised you didn't recognize these!"
She gestured to her low neckline, making Leolin laugh again.
"So," Leolin began before taking a sip of her drink. "Does Pansy know you're here?"
"Oh I'm sure she does. I've seen her little minions buzzing about. I've only just arrived, but she knows she only has an hour to pay her respects before I get annoyed."
"Annoyed" was Nikki's euphemism for angry, and no one wanted to mess with her when she went on a tear. Leolin nod, smiling.
"I'm sure she'll be around."
Nikki smiled, too. "I have no doubt she will. Speaking of Pansy, how does it feel to be reigning monarch of the Slytherin now that she's graduated?"
"Oh, that's Gracie's thing, not mine."
"Don't be ridiculous, Lefevre. You're the future Lady Malfoy. That trumps being Blaise Zabini's shag toy any day."
"Let's not titles out and labels yet," Leolin said carefully.
"Oh, touchy! What's wrong, sweetie? Trouble in paradise?"
Leolin couldn't believe Nikki didn't know; she usually knew everything.
"You don't know, then?"
"Know what?"
"Draco and I broke up in February."
She gave a sweet bell laugh.
"I had no idea. I just ran into Blair and he was spitting and hissing about how he'd just caught you two mid-grope."
"Ah—" Leolin laughed. "He did. He definitely did. In fact, he's lucky he didn't come in thirty seconds earlier."
Nikki laughed again.
"Good for you, darling. And I assume that bracelet is new, too?"
Leolin smiled, touching the cuff.
"It is."
Nikki gave a knowing look.
"Broken up, indeed."
"We are!" Leolin protested, laughing.
"And yet he still gets to shag you whenever. Seems like a pretty good deal for him. What are you getting out of this?"
Leolin laughed.
"The most amazing sex of my life and tons of expensive gifts. Besides, it's Draco who wants to make it more, not me."
Nikki smirked. "I'll drink to that. No one is going to rush me into being their wife."
"Yeah?" Leolin said." What happened with you and Graham Montague? Draco seemed to think things were pretty serious between you two."
"Ugh, we broke up. Graham was too jealous. He kept accusing me of sleeping with George Weasley."
"And where you?"
Leolin knew that Nikki had been friends with the Weasley twins since her days at Hogwarts, but Ginny had told her that things between her and George had always been ambiguous.
"Not at the time. I am now, though."
Leolin laughed incredulously and Nikki gave her a sly look.
"Are you dating him?"
"Well not that I need to tell you this, but you don't need to be dating a bloke to shag him."
Leolin laughed again as Nikki shrugged.
"What can I say?" She asked sinfully.
"Nothing that hasn't already been said, I'm sure."
Nikki tipped back the rest of her drink before gingerly placing in back down on the bar. The bartender, who seemed somewhat enamoured with her, was ready with another cocktail in a second.
"You ready for another, Lefevre?" Nikki asked, and the minute she snapped her finger the bartender was offering her another Snakebite.
"The service here is incredible, isn't it?" Leolin said pointedly, taking the drink.
Nikki examined her nails in feigned disinterest.
"Is it? I hadn't really noticed, to be honest."
This made both girls laugh, and they clinked glasses as Nikki exclaimed, "to being sinfully good-looking."
"Here, here!" Leolin chorused before taking another sip.
She wasn't entirely sure what was in a Snakebite, but the tangy mixture of what tasted like cider mixed with some kind of ale was intoxicating. After only two, Leolin could feel herself getting warm and happy.
"This drink is incredible!" she told Nikki.
"Isn't it, though? I learned it from a bloke in Dublin. They're deadly though, mind that you don't have too many. A lady has to keep her wits about her."
Leolin bubbled her lips. "I don't know if it's all that serious. I know every single person here. I did made the guest list, after all, Besides, no one is going to bother me at Draco's party."
Nikki gave a somewhat cryptic nod. "I suppose you're right. But then, do you know everyone? I see an awful lot of masks tonight..."
This reminded Leolin of something.
"Have you seen Madison Livingston?"
"When I first got here I did. She's wearing a heinous orange dress."
"Did you recognize the bloke she was with?"
This made Nikki laugh, though there seemed to be less humour in it than before.
"Well obviously I didn't see his face, he was wearing a mask! But he was tall, and I think he might have had dark hair."
"What did his mask look like?"
Nikki wrinkled her nose.
"It was a devil, I think. Or a plague doctor. You know, with the long nose. And bright red. It clashed horribly with her dress. You'd know it if you saw it."
Leolin smiled wickedly. Her second Snakebite had hit her, and she felt instantly more mischievous.
"I'll be back!" She said, patting Nikki on the hand. "So good to see you!"
"Where are you going?"
"I bet Pansy ten galleons that I could find out who Madison brought first!"
Nikki gave a condescending smile. "Run along and have fun, then!"
"Thanks!" Leolin called, already halfway up the stairs again.
She went back to her original perch, gazing out over the crowd again. The place had filled up considerably, but luckily for her, most people were wearing dark colours. She scanned the crowd for Madison, and she wasn't difficult to spot. Nikki wasn't kidding; her dress was a fiery orange. And luckily for Leolin she seemed to be with her date, who was kissing on her neck.
Sweeping through the crowd, Leolin snatched a flute of champagne from a passing tray before plopping down right next to Madison, who jumped in surprise.
"Madison!" Leolin said fakely. "How lovely to see you this evening!"
Madison's eyes snapped up, and Leolin recognized Marcus Flint and frowned. Damn! All that and she had actually brought Flint.
"And Marcus, you as well!"
"Lovely to be here," he said slowly, trying to decide what he'd found himself in the middle of.
Leolin glanced down at the low table in front of them and noticed two masks: one that was clearly Madison's, and another green one.
"Is that your mask," she asked Flint, and he gave her a weird look.
"Uhh—yeah."
"I really like it," she affirmed, and he gave a weak thanks in response.
So, Madison hadn't come with Flint at all. That confirmed the suspicion that it had been someone no one else liked.
"So, Mads," Leolin began, extricating Madison's hand from Marcus's. "I was wondering if you could help me with something, seeing as you're so detail-oriented. I'm looking for a bloke that came in around the same time as you. He's wearing black, I think, but he's got a bright red devil's mask on. You wouldn't remember who that was, would you?"
Madison's eyes widened a bit, and Leolin gave her a sweet smile.
"I have no idea who you're talking about," she said elusively. "I don't recall that mask."
"You don't?" Marcus asked, confused. "I do! You were talking to him earlier. Before you and I—" He trailed off before clearing his throat. "Wasn't it that sod—"
Madison clapped a hand over his mouth, smiling at Leolin.
"Sorry, Marcus is drunk."
"No, no!" Leolin said mirthfully. "Go on, Flint."
He glanced over at Madison, who gave him a dark look. Seeing his chance at getting laid teetering on the edge of disaster, he snapped his mouth shut.
"He just looked like someone I knew. But I—uh—can't remember who."
She stood to go, and Marcus said, "There he is, on the far side of the ballroom. I think he's heading upstairs."
"Wonderful!" Leolin said, and she shot Madison a cheeky wink before bounding off after him. He had a decent head start, but even in heels she made good time, and she was quick enough to catch sight of him as he disappeared down another winding hallway. She watched him start up the staircase towards the library and she followed him. When he heard her open the door, he turned.
"Leolin! Merlin, you scared the Hell out of me!"
Leolin's heart was now beating in both her ears and her stomach, and she thought for a moment she was actually going to faint.
"How dare you come here," she hissed, slamming the door violently.
"C'mon, Leolin," Gareth Rhydderich said, giving her a disarming smile. "I know it's been a while, but you don't have to be snippy."
"Snippy?" She said, already out of breath. "I'm not snippy; I'm fucking furious. You have a lot of nerve coming here!"
"Leolin," he repeated. "Look, I've wanted to talk to you for a long time. Please, just listen."
"No!" she screamed, and she could feel tears in her eyes. "I won't listen. I have nothing to listen to. This wasn't just some misunderstanding! You ruined my life."
"You seem fine to me," he pointed out. "You look beautiful in that dress."
"How dare you? How dare you say that to me after what you did to me that night?" She whispered hotly, keeping her distance.
"Look, Leolin, I'm sorry, okay? We were both really drunk—"
"No!" she cried, the tears falling down her cheeks now. "'We' weren't drunk, Gareth I was drunk. I was drunk because you poured whiskey down my throat knowing that would make your job easier at the end of the night."
"Come on Leolin, that's so unfair—"
"You want to talk to me about fair, Gareth? That's really rich. Honestly, you make me sick."
She made to leave, her body still quivering, and he flicked the door's lock closed with his wand.
"Leolin, I honestly don't know what you want me to say. I know you feel weird about the way we left things, but you don't have to! People do stuff like that all the time. No judgment."
"Unlock this door," she said, trying the handle while holding her hysteria at bay.
"No, I really want to sort this out first. It's been bugging me for a while."
"Bugging you?" she said, barely able to breathe. She could feel the hyperventilation setting in.
Her head buzzed, and she tried to take a huge breath.
"Yeah," he said, almost sheepish. "I know that losing your virginity is a big thing to some girls."
"I didn't lose my virginity!" She cried, sobbing now. "You stole it from me!"
"You liked it—"
"I kept begging you to stop, Gareth! Begging you, and you didn't listen. You know I didn't want to have sex with you, and you know I didn't like it! I cried through the whole thing!"
Her breathing came in shuddering gasps again, and she was sure her beautiful makeup was a mess.
"Face facts, Gareth. You raped me."
His blue eyes hardened. "Leolin, you can't just go around saying things like that. That's a really serious accusation to make."
"I know," Leolin said, finding her courage again. "But its true and we both know it. For your sake, I'm going to let you leave tonight before Draco finds out you were here and rips out your lungs, but you should know that I'm going to the Wizengamot tomorrow with the memory of that night. We'll see where they take it from there."
"You can't do that!" He snapped, face ugly now. "That would ruin my life!"
"Then I'd say it's fair," she said. "Now get out before I call for Draco."
He sneered.
"You're not calling anyone."
He advanced on her. "I'm not going to let you blow some girlish misconception out of proportion."
He tried to grab her and she reached out and scratched him roughly across the cheek. He hissed in pain.
"You know what?" He snapped, advancing again and grabbing both of her arms so she couldn't move. "If you aren't going to play nice then neither am I. Did Blair ever tell you how good I am at memory charms? I am! If you don't drop this, I am going to wipe that memory right out, and then you'll have no proff."
"I wish you would," she snarled. Fight or flight had kicked in, and she could feel the oxygen racing to her brain and the adrenaline pumping through her veins. "The memory of you heaving and sweating on top of me makes me sick!"
"Is that right?" He said, a little out of breath from keeping her still. Despite that he was smiling. "And yet you have no problem letting Malfoy fuck you like a cheap whore. Blair said you're still letting him shag you even though you broke up. Not that I can blame him, you were so fucking tight—"
She kneed him in the groin, and he moaned in pain but didn't let go.
"You know what, bitch? Maybe I won't stop with the memory of you and I. Maybe I'll wipe it all and leave you a drooling mess for Malfoy to cry over."
She struggled harder, desperate sobs welling up again.
"Stop! Stop it! Let. Me. Go!"
"Maybe I'll fuck you first, though, just one last time. I hope you're as sweet and virginal as I rememb—"
"Leolin?" Pansy called from the hall. "Are you in there? Draco is demanding you come downstairs like the prick he is."
Leolin cried out before Gareth could stop her.
"Pans, I'm in the library! You can just unlock the door and come in." She called, frightened eyes watching Gareth.
He sneered at her but didn't move.
"Alright, I'm coming!" Pansy said.
"This isn't over," Gareth promised, and in a flash he'd thrown a handful of floo powder into the nearest hearth and disappeared in a blaze.
Leolin, her heart beating furiously, watched the place his form had been in horror before taking his mask and chucking it into the flames. She screamed for a moment in frustration before sinking down in front of the fire just as Pansy appeared.
"Merlin, Leolin, what are you doing all the way up here? We need you downstairs."
"Sorry," Leolin mustered, "I thought I saw someone then I just needed a second."
"Are you alright?" Pansy said, taking her arm. "You look pale. Have you been crying?"
"I'm fine!"
"I thought I heard voices."
"Voices?" Leolin repeated stupidly.
"It sounded like you were talking to a bloke. Where you up here with someone?"
"Of course not! At Draco's birthday? Are you kidding me? He would fucking kill me!"
Pansy frowned at her in scrutiny, and Leolin threw all her effort into the facade.
"Well, the dance is about to start. Draco's asking about you."
"Perfect," Leolin said, forcing a smile, as Pansy took her by the wrist and led her back down the stairs. Leolin tried not to wince as Pansy's fingers brushed on the spot where Gareth had grabbed her.
"What time does the dance start?" Leolin asked.
Pansy consulted her watch.
"It was supposed to start at the stroke of midnight."
It was customary at pureblood functions for there to be at least one formal dance, and even among the younger generations, dancing was always included. Even Draco, who abhorred dancing, agreed that it was necessary.
"Our society is built on tradition," he had told her. "When we stop respecting that, we will have truly forgotten what it means to be purebloods."
Leolin had found this terribly arcane at the time, but now, as Pansy led her down the stairs, it was rather reassuring. Tradition meant rules. It dictated punishment for ungallant acts. It protected the virtue of young women. In a traditional society, rogues like Gareth Rhydderich were not welcome, and right now, that was a comforting thought. As long as Leolin was here in the cradle of the pureblood class on the arm of its most distinguished member, she was safe.
As they re-entered the ballroom, it was to find that the couples had already been assigned and the dancers were already assembled. In the middle of all of them stood Draco, and he gave a handsome smile when he saw her. He had opted not to wear a mask like everyone around him, but he had conceded to a slim gold crown, and it glittered dimly from amidst his blonde hair. It was set at an angle, and it made him look dashing and important.
When Leolin reached the bottom stair, she nodded to Pansy who returned the gesture before going to stand near Blaise, Gracie, and the others. Just as Leolin's foot brushed the dark marble of the dance floor, a clock began to chime, and the sea of bystanders parted so she could join Draco in the centre. He extended a hand to her, and she took a deep breath and stepped forward to take it. The minute they touched he pulled her gracefully into his arms, and a smooth, haunting waltz began. Draco, for all his complaining, was an excellent dancer, and he moved her across the dark marble as if it were made of water. Every eye was on them as they spun around the floor. Leolin tried to stay in the present, but she couldn't shake Gareth from her thoughts. With every turn, Leolin swore she saw his face or hair or devilish mask.
"You look beautiful tonight," Draco commented, bringing her back to reality. His mercurial eyes were studying her. "I didn't tell you that enough when we were together, but I should have."
"Thank you," she said quietly. His hand tightened on her waist and she tried not to wince.
"Someday you're going to fit so perfectly into my world."
Leolin could tell from the sparkle in his eyes and the flush in his cheeks that he was drunk, which also loosened his tongue considerably. This was the last thing she needed. She savagely fought the tears down and was eventually able to swallow the feeling entirely.
"I never conceded to be part of your world," she snapped, agitated and fretful. "Maybe I don't want to fucking marry you. Have you ever considered that."
His eyes glittered imperiously. "No, I haven't."
"Well you should," she said. "Because it's true."
"You're a fucking terrible liar, Leolin Lefrevre," he hissed. "And I don't honestly give a damn what you say. You're mine, you always have been, and I will have you in the end. That's a bloody promise."
"Then I look forward to jamming that arrogant, self-centered, egomaniacal, chauvinistic, pig-headed promise back down your fucking throat," she hissed back. "Because I hate you and I would rather die than be your wife."
She didn't know why she was lashing out at Draco, but she felt scared and trapped and his tight grip was suffocating her.
"You hate me all of a sudden?" He sneered imperiously, still spinning her. "What happened to 'Oh Draco, I'm going to do such wicked things to you!'"
"Fuck off," she sneered, trying to get away from him.
In reality, she felt the need to crying bubbling up in her throat, and she didn't want to admit to Draco what had happened with Gareth. She was too humiliated.
"You don't get to walk away from me!" He said angrily, holding her wrist. "Not until I tell you that you can!"
"Like hell I can't," she snapped. He had her mostly by the diamond cuff, and she pulled out her wand and released the latch, letting her arm free. She tore away from him and finally he let her, his eyes glittering hatefully as he watched her go.
"Leolin!" he demanded, but she didn't turn.
After a minute he made to follow her, but Blaise had him by the arm.
"Let her cool off, mate. You can talk to her then."
Draco jerked his arm off but nodded, watching Leolin disappear down a corridor at the other end of the cavernous ballroom.
By the time Leolin reached the bathroom, she was shaking and in tears, barely able to hold herself up as she hunched over the gold sink. She felt badly about the way she'd treated Draco, but she didn't want him to see her cry, and fighting had taken her mind off other things, namely the hulking sense of vulnerability from before. Wincing, she examined the bruise Gareth had left on her wrist. Already the skin was contused and tender. Leolin took a shaky breath before retrieving her wand. She transferred her wand to her right hand and pointed it at her left wrist, murmuring a concealment charm. A yellow light emerged from her wand and encircled her wrist, and instantly the bruise disappeared from sight, though it was no less tender than before. She took another big breath before looking at herself in the mirror. She did her best to wipe the makeup from beneath her eyes before pulling the pins from her hair and letting it cascade down her back. Somehow this made her feel less exposed and it bolstered her confidence. She ought to be getting back, she thought. Draco would be missing her.
She slipped the mask carefully into her charmed clutch, no longer able to wear it. She should go back, she repeated to herself. She needed to smooth things over with Draco.
The hall was narrow, and she was so intent on her path that she didn't notice the person heading towards her until she'd bumped into them.
"Sorry," she mumbled, trying to scoot past them. The figure, clearly male, blocked her movement, hooking a hand around her elbow and slamming her against the wall.
"No, you're not. But I promise you will be."
Leolin tried to cry out as Gareth pulled off his white mask and sneered at her, but he put a hand to her mouth before she could make a sound.
"I told you I was going to finish this. Think happy thoughts, Leolin. In a minute you won't have any at all."
With his free hand he began feeling around her thigh through her dress; he must have known that she kept her wand hidden there. Finding it, he reached up her dress to pull it free, making her eyes water at the violation. Her wand in hand, he cast a quick silencio before throwing her wand down the hall.
"Did you really think I'd let you get away with your stupid lie?" He snapped, winding a hair through her hair and giving a sharp tug. "You're going to be so sorry."
He dipped to kiss her but she resisted, pushing vainly on his chest and tossing her head from side to side. However, with the hand he had in her hair, he was able to manipulate the position of her head. When he had her where he wanted her, he grabbed her chin to keep her in place before crushing his mouth to hers. Leolin tried to struggle, but the solid weight had her crushed against the wall, and she could barely breathe, let alone get free. She could feel his hands groping and tugging at her clothes, and she tried to shut down her mind and his fingers and tongue worked her over.
"By the time Malfoy finds you," He promised, dragging her into the darkness away from the ballroom. "I'll have fucked you in two."
"I wouldn't be so sure of that," a stony voice in the darkness intoned.
Leolin felt a jerk as Gareth was ripped off on her and thrown to the ground. Draco stood above him heaving, a look on his face that Leolin had never seen before. His grey eyes were so stormy they were almost black, and the light that fell on him from above cast long shadows across the sharp lines of his cheekbones and jaw, making him look haunted and dangerous. Draco barely looked at Leolin as he freed her from the silencing charm before he grabbed Gareth by the back of the coat and began to dragging him struggling into the ballroom. Though he was holding it in his hand, Draco seemed to have forgotten he was carrying a wand, and it was his simple brute strength on which he relied as he brought Gareth forward. The crowd parted easily for the duo, and there were shocked gasps and whispers.
When Draco reached the middle of the ballroom, he used all his force to cast Gareth to the ground, watching him skid a little before lying panting on the marble. The Slytherins quickly formed the innermost circle around Gareth as Draco stood seething over him. Blaise was at Draco's side as Draco began to take off his coat and roll up his sleeves. Everyone had gathered around now, but no one dared speak until Draco did.
"Get me his wand," he demanded as he took off his watch.
Marcus Flint stepped out of formation to search Gareth, snatching his long, Aspen-wood wand and handing in to Draco. Eyes not leaving Gareth, Draco put a hand on either end of the wand and began to bend. Understanding what he intended, Gareth cried out in protest, but Draco ignored him. Finally, the wand began to fissure, and with a loud crack in was in two pieces, the dragon heartstring core shamefully exposed. Having destroyed Gareth wand, Draco cast the halves away before advancing on Gareth, who was still on the floor.
"Everyone here is going to watch your shame as I beat you to hell. I hope you're ready."
Gareth said nothing in response, probably still too shocked over the loss of his wand. He was spared, however, because as Draco brought his fist back, there was a fuss in the crowd, and Blair Lefevre bounded into the arena, inserting himself between Draco and Gareth before helping his friend to his feet.
"What the hell do you think you're doing, Malfoy?" Blair cried, puffing out his chest. He had to tilt his head up slightly to look Draco in the eye, but he did so proudly.
"Out of my way, Lefevre," Draco growled, eyes still on Gareth.
"What's your problem?" Blair demanded again.
Draco still didn't look at him. He was looking beyond him, where Gareth lay in a crumpled heap on the floor.
"Tell him, Rhydderich. Tell him what I know."
"What are you on about?" Blair said, but Draco ignored him.
"Tell Lefevre what you did to Leolin. Tell him what you tried to do tonight."
Blair turned to look at Gareth.
"What is Malfoy on about?"
Gareth shook his head, though he didn't speak.
"Tell me what, Gareth?" Blair said again, this time in a sharper tone.
"Tell him how you got her drunk at your party and then took her virginity even though she begged you not to."
Blair's frown deepened as all the colour drained from his face.
"Is it true?"
"Tell him, Rhydderich."
"Gareth, is that true?"
Gareth looked at the floor before finding Leolin's gaze over Draco's shoulder. He gave her a look that was unreadable.
"Yes," he said quietly. "It's true."
"Now tell him how you came here tonight and tried to do it again."
"That's not what—" Gareth began, but he was silenced by Blair's fist as it flew squarely into his jaw.
The force of the swing knocked Gareth to the ground again, and Blair fell on top of him and began raining blow's on Gareth's face. Leolin cried out as Gareth got in a good swing that caught Blair in the right eye, but Draco caught her around the waist as she went to intervene.
"Let him go," he demanded, his face set in a grim satisfaction as Blair continued to dominate the fight.
It didn't last long, though, and shouts and whistles filled the hall as law enforcement officers poured from the floos.
"Break it up," the captain cried, roughly shoving people out of the way on his way to the fight. "Get those two off each other," he said, and Blair and Gareth were ripped apart, both with arms pinned behind their back.
He glared at both of them before frowning at Gareth.
"Sit that one down," he said, gesturing to Blair. "and get St. Mungo's on the floo. This one nears medical attention."
He gestured to Gareth, who was flitting in and out of consciousness. He probably had a concussion, and Leolin knew from Draco's fight with Lucius that his jaw was dislocated and broken.
"Captain," one of the younger officers said. "The whole of the Prophet is camped outside. They're asking permission to enter the building."
"No!" The captain said gruffly. "This isn't a bloody circus."
He turned back to Blair and Gareth.
"Who started this?"
"I did, sir," Blair said, wincing as a medic came over and began to prod at his swollen face. The captain frowned and nodded. "Cuff him, then. Send the other boy to St. Mungo's, but keep an officer there. I want him questioned after he's been cleaned up. Oh, what the bloody hell is this?"
Somehow, despite the captains' orders, a flood of Daily Prophet writers had flooded in, and bulbs flashed as Blair was dragged to his feet.
"Blair!" Leolin cried in the melee. "Blair! I'm sorry!"
"Don't be sorry," he called. "I'd do it again."
By this time the crowd of reporters and officers had gotten between the pair, and as Leolin made to follow them, Blaise pulled her back. Draco was twenty yards a head of them, conversing hotly with the captain and gesturing to Blair.
"Let go," she said, mad. "I'm going to go to the station with them."
"No. You've been through enough."
"Fuck off, Blaise, you aren't my keeper! I need to help Blair! They could book him!"
"Draco's handling it. He has connections down there. Your cousin won't spend the night."
Leolin jerked Blaise's arm off, and time seemed to slow as she watched Draco, arguing heatedly with the officers and running a hand through his hair as he tried to smooth the whole disaster over. He was also gesturing to Gareth, explaining to both the captain and a reporter something grave. When three aurors arrived, they flocked immediately to him, and he had their ears as well. He was, as always, the man of the hour, and Leolin felt something well in her chest as tears clawed at her throat.
She called his name as she ran towards him, her 8,000 galleon shoes kicked off.
"Draco," she screamed, and he turned at once at the sound of her voice, hugging her tightly and speaking to her softly.
"I'm sorry I was so harsh earlier," he breathed. "I—I had no idea."
"How could you?" She breathed, and he simply nodded, clearly wanting to say more but unable to voice it.
"I need to go. They're charging Blair with deadly assault if I don't get there in ten minutes."
She nodded, and he kissed her head before starting briskly away. When he was nearly to the floo, she made a decision.
"Wait, Draco! Wait!"
She ran towards him and he looked alarmed.
"What is it?"
"Do you still have the necklace?" she said, breathless.
"The one you gave me? Yeah, I'm wearing it."
She shook her head frantically.
"The pendant! The key! Draco, do you have it?"
Confused, he produced the box from his pocket.
"Put it on me," she commanded, holding up her hair.
"What?"
"Put it on me."
He did as he was told, and when it was fastened she kissed him soundly.
"I love you, Draco Malfoy," she said. "I love you."
"That's against the rules," he breathed, dazed.
"Not anymore. I love you, Draco. We're still not together, but I need you to know after tonight that I never stopped."
He dropped his forehead to hers.
"I have to go."
She nodded wordlessly, letting his hand slide from hers as he step through the floo grate.
When he was gone, she wondered out to the patio, just wanting to be alone. When she got there, she had her wish. There was no one around.
"Mind if I join in?"
Leolin turned to find Ginny standing in the doorway, her hair in a messy bun and cloth slippers on her feet. It was clear from her bleary expression that she'd just woken up. Of all the things Leolin could have said to her in that moment, she opted for the most obvious.
"Be my guest."
Ginny nodded and sat next to Leolin, offering her a fag. Leolin wasn't much of a smoker, but times like this it was the best feeling in the world. She accepted it wordlessly, lighting it with her wand before puffing and exhaling a lungful of Slytherin green smoke. She finished the entire thing in several long drags, and when nothing but filter remained she lit up another. Neither spoke for a minute for two. Finally, Leolin turned to look at her.
"Thanks for the fags," she said simply.
"Anytime."
"What are you doing here?" Leolin said at last.
"Zabini owled me. He said you needed me."
Leolin nodded. The stubborn side of her wanted to argue the point, but her prudent side told her he'd given her exactly what she needed.
"Did he tell you what happened?"
Ginny nodded. They were silent again.
"I'm so sorry about Rhydderich. That is so awful."
Leolin nodded numbly, taking another drag.
"I should have been there," Ginny said quietly.
Leolin felt an odd flair of emotion that made her frown.
"Why? So you could look me in the eye and stomp off when I needed you most? That game wasn't about fucking quidditch, Ginny! Draco accepted the CEO position that day. I needed your support for that!"
Ginny bit her lip.
"I'm sorry about that. I know that was terrible of me, there's no excuse for it."
"Then why did you do it?"
"I don't know," Ginny said pitifully. "Things were getting bad with me and Harry, and somehow I convinced myself that if we won The Quidditch Cup that things would be better. It was terribly selfish, I know. I'm so sorry."
They were silent for several minutes. Leolin had began to feel sick from the cigarettes, but she didn't stop.
"I'm sorry,too," Leolin said at last, taking Ginny's hand. "about you and Harry."
Ginny shrugged. "Harry's a wonderful bloke, and he'll always be in my life. He's just not meant to be my boyfriend."
Leolin nodded her agreement.
"Thank you for coming here," Leolin said. "Not many friends would do that."
"We're not friends," Ginny reminded her. "We're family."
She pulled Leolin into her arms, stroking her hair and rocking her gently as Leolin took deep breaths. Finally, Blaise emerged, taking in the scene before meeting Leolin's eye.
"You ready to go home? I'm going to take you."
She nodded and stood.
"I'll stay with you tonight," Ginny said.
So with Ginny at her right and Blaise at her left, Leolin sighed one last time before heading home.