Enemy of My Enemy

by TheSecretAdmirer

1st of Eden Trilogy: *FULLY REVISED* Post-war, Draco had everything he wanted, save the girl who got away. When Harry starts dating her, Draco fights to win her back. Meanwhile, the world they thought they saved from darkness begins to crumble, forcing new alliances. In times of peril, one must trust the enemy of one's enemy...IMPORTANT NEW INTRODUCTION PERTAINING TO IKYK. READ IT.

35. Chapter 34: Jaws of the Beast

Chapter Thirty-Four: Jaws of the Beast

Draco traipsed slowly down the wide corridor of the Musee de Louvre in Paris, warily eying the immobile paintings dotting the wall. He couldn't puzzle out quite why, but something about the fact that the paintings couldn't move unnerved him, though he acknowledged that was completely absurd. Ironically enough, even though he had been addressed, chided, and even heckled by paintings all his life, the eerily silent muggle works, particularly the portraits, seemed to be watching him.

There was no one else in the museum at the moment, something French independence or some muggle rot, but Leolin was still working, and she'd asked him to meet her there. The sun, which was even now dying in the sky, sent shards of crepuscular light through the windows in the ceiling. This cast further shadows on the works, and though he wouldn't admit it, it gave Draco the creeps.

He rounded a corner and headed down some steps, passing around a statue of what looked like a naked woman dying in the arms of an angel. He's arm supported her limp torso, cradling her while he hovered above. Draco stopped a moment, glancing at the plaque. Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss, it read, marble. 1793. Antonio Canova. This was of Leolin's favourites, Draco remembered. The sculptor was a squib, but he greatly revered the wizarding world. He worked for some bloke named Napoleon, or something. Draco thought he remembered this Napoleon chap was important in the Muggle World, though he frankly couldn't muster up the strength to give a shit.

The work was actually based on a wizarding legend and was only masquerading as a Muggle one. It was really a depiction of Leolin and Leantes, tragically star-crossed lovers for the Age of Merlin. Of course, in the real story Leantes hadn't had wings, but the Muggle façade would have been incomplete without them. Draco gazed down at the dying Leolin, her arms tangled in Leantes hair. Leantes, for his part, looked as if his world was about to end. Unlike the Muggle version, where Cupid saved Psyche by dispelling the poisonous fumes around her with his powerful wings, Leolin truly did die in Leantes' arms. Draco looked at the tortured Leantes again. That's probably how he would feel too if Leolin were dying in his arms. The thought unnerved him and he hurriedly moved on.

Continuing down the hall, he passed another Canova Leolin had mentioned entitled Mars and Venus. Mars and Venus, she explained, were the ancient gods of War and Beauty. They'd shared a torrid love affair and had twin sons, Phobos and Deimos. Fear and Dread. This had amused Draco. He approached. Venus looked up at Mars as if he were the only man on Earth. He gazed down at her in a similar fashion, one arm around her back and the other clutching a spear. He was arrogant and wicked, Draco could tell, and he vainly reminded Draco of himself. He really quite liked this statue. Perhaps he would have one commissioned for the gardens at the manor.

Smirking to himself and stepping back, he checked his watch. The setting sunlight set the diamonds around the face on fire. He still had fifteen minutes before he was due to meet Leolin. Reaching into his pocket, he drew out his own sleek portable floo, smirking as he flicked it open. They had come onto the public market last October, about six months into his engagement with Leolin, and they had been hailed as the invention of the century almost instantly. Blaise was running things over on that end, and money was flowing in like water. He retrieved the map Leolin had sent him, judging the distance between where he was, marked with a red dot, and where he was meeting her, marked with green. He needed to head through the main lobby, it seemed.

He reached in within five minutes, skirting around a large inverted pyramid made of glass. Bemused he approached, flicking the crystal and listening to it sing. Muggles. He had o admit that very seldomly, they made pretty cool things.

He moved on from there to what Leolin had told him was the most famous gallery. That's where the Leonardo's mysterious lady lives, she had said cryptically, raising her eyebrows. He had frowned. What's so great about her? He'd asked. You'll see on Friday, she'd told him. How am I supposed to know which one she is? She's smaller than you'd expect, Leolin said. She's behind Muggle glass, but a vanishment spell will give you a better look.

Draco headed down the gallery, peering at the enormous canvases. Clearly none of these were her. He passed a niche and saw the small portrait. After vanishing the glass, he approached. If he hadn't liked the other portraits, this one was downright dreadful. It was clear that it was rendered by a Wizarding artist because she was definitely alive. She had a cryptic little smile on her face that Draco didn't like one bit.

"What do you think of her?" A voice echoed from down the gallery

Draco looked up to see Leolin sauntering towards him from about twenty yards off.

He gave Mona Lisa another wary glance.

"I don't like her smile. It's like she knows all my secrets."

Leolin laughed, hurrying her steps a bit and throwing her coat on the nearest stone bench. She was wearing a skintight black dress that hit just past the knee and fiery red lipstick. Draco couldn't decide if he loved how sexy she looked or hated that she'd strutted around like this all day. There was a bloke called Danny she was always mentioning. Leolin said he wasn't the least bit interested in her; Draco was absolutely positive he was.

"Do you always dress up like this?" He asked, surveying her.

She gave another laugh, like she already knew he'd be jealous.

"No. I'm usually in jeans and a jumper, but today's the last day; we've been having a little work do before I leave."

She was on him down, and she grabbed the lapels of his expensive suit and kissed him with fervour. He immediately wrapped his arms around her back, lifting her off the ground until the toe of her obscenely tall heel barely brushed the marble.

"How's my favourite girl?" he asked when the kiss was done.

"Happy her fiancée is finally here," she replied, hips still glued to his.

He smirked, kissing her again.

"I've missed you," she murmured against his lips.

"You, too," he said. "It's be a lonely at the flat since you left," he said suggestively. "The bed especially."

"I bet," she replied, kissing him saucily again.

"Are you all packed?" He asked, easing her to the floor and smoothing her hair away from her face.

She nodded. "We can just swing by the hotel on our way out of town. But come on, I want you to meet everyone!"

She took his hand and grabbed her trench coat from where she'd thrown it before swinging around again, crushing her body against his and apparating them.

Le Café Marley was a restaurant housed in a long corridor flanked by columns. On one side was the exterior wall of the Musee. On the other was only columns and empty air, offering a stunning view of the glass pyramid. It was a balmy night, perfect for sitting out. Halfway down the corridor was a small cluster of people, all of whom yelled happily at Leolin's pop. She dragged Draco forward, and everyone at the table stood to greet them. There were about eight of them, six blokes and two women.

"Everyone, this is my fiancée Draco." She smiled. "Draco this is Amy," she gestured to a plain girl on the end. "She's a yank."

The girl gave him an up-down and a smile which suggested that, as an American, she'd never met money or prestige as old as his.

"And this Donna, Rory, Arthur, Craig, Jack, David, Matt, and Danny, who is, coincidentally, also a yank."

Draco gave a glittering smile, his arm still around Leolin. "Nice to meet you all," he said, pointedly looking at everyone but Danny, whom he ignored. Leolin hadn't told her that he was American; that only made him less likeable in Draco's book.

"Leolin talks about you all the time," Draco said, looking down at her and smiling.

"Good things, I hope," Craig said, laughing a bit.

"Oh no," Draco smirked, finally meeting Danny's eye. The man was admittedly less…macho than he'd imagined."I hear it all."

"Stop it," Leolin said, punching him playfully. "Of course only nice things! Draco just likes to be a bully."

Draco gave a mock bow as if that were true, and they all laughed, though Danny's was somewhat fake.

"Alright," Leolin said. "Everyone give me a hug. We're off."

"We don't have to be," Draco said, diamond eyes on Danny again. "We can stay for a drink."

Leolin looked at him with scrutiny. After three years together, she always knew when he was up to something. He raised his eyebrows and gave her a sinful smirk.

"You don't want to stay for a drink with your friends?" he asked, trapping her. What was she supposed to stay to that?

"I thought you made reservation at Domus Aurea," she said pointedly.

He shrugged noncommittally. "I can change it," he said, pulling out his lighter and releasing the flame.

Rory, who must have been from London and known how exclusive Domus Aurea was, caught Leolin's eye and mouthed nice! She rolled her eyes at him.

"Done," Draco said arrogantly, smiling down at Leolin. He could tell how annoyed she was and it amused him. He further exacerbated things by leaning down and forcing a sensuous kiss on her lips.

"I've missed this," he breathed. Everyone assumed he meant being with Leolin, and the girls cooed. What he really meant was controlling things, and Leolin wrinkled her nose slightly, though she was still fake smiling.

"I love you, darling," She replied. What she really meant was you're going to pay for this later.

Everyone watched bemused and a little uncomfortable.

"Great!" Danny said in a falsely cheery tone. "Let's get you a chair, Draco," he said.

"Leolin and I can share," he smirked, sinking into her vacant spot and splaying his legs a little so Leolin could sit on his knee. She gave him a veiled glare as his hand rested casually on her hip. However, she didn't want to betray her annoyance to everyone else, so she rested her left hand on his other knee.

Matt poured everyone a drink and handed a glass to Draco and to Leolin. They raised them in a toast to the end and everyone took a sip. Draco's hand wandered down to Leolin's low back, and he caught Danny watching its progress.

"So Draco," he said at last, another fake smile on his face. "That's quite the ring."

They all looked down at it and Draco bent Leolin's wrist back a little and admired himself, as if he hadn't seen it before.

"It is rather grand, isn't it?"

"Is it a family heirloom or something?" Danny pressed, eyes a little greedy.

"No, but is it goblin-made."

"Leolin told us you had it made the day you proposed. Merlin, that's so romantic," Donna fawned.

Leolin looked over her shoulder at him and they looked at each other. As salty as she was, thinking about graduation day always made her feel a little giddy. He gave her a wink.

"It's true," Draco said. "I did. I almost didn't make it in time."

"You were a bit late, yeah," Leolin smiled. She was warming to Draco's machinations now that he was playing nice.

"That must have hurt your pocketbook a bit," Danny pressed, clearly unable to see what about to get himself into.

Draco smirked. He could hardly wait to blow this sod out of the water. He was probably from one of those states in the middle that no one in the Universe cared about.

"I'm very old money," Draco replied casually, "And I invented this." He held up the sleek floo. "Money's really of no object to me."

"Whoa," Rory said quietly.

"No way," Matt breathed.

"So, do you have a brother?" Amy asked, trying to seem coy.

Draco laughed. "I'm an only child."

"His best mate is single, though. He invented the floo with Draco," Leolin said, trying to gain back a little ground.

If she was sly enough, she could trick Blaise into a date with Amy, whom he would almost certainly hate; Draco would never hear the end of it. "If you think Draco's handsome, you should see Blaise. He's six foot three and he's got mocha skin and green eyes. He is a bloody dreamboat."

Amy's eyes twinkled and Leolin smirked at Draco as if to say check. He didn't bat an eye.

"Too bad he's unrequitedly with Leolin's best friend Ginevra. I swear, if I hadn't seen Leolin first I would be engaged to Ginny right now." He smiled conspiratorially at the other lads, as if they were all in on the secret of Ginny Weasley's intoxicating beauty. "She's this gorgeous little redhead; every bloke's wet dream."

"Gee, thanks," Leolin said, meeting Draco's eye. If only they knew how much Draco loathed Ginny. Draco smiled as if to say checkmate.

"You know you're my number one girl. Give me a kiss," Draco demanded sweetly, using the hand on Leolin's back to leverage her closer.

"You devil," she murmured, no choice but to bring the hand with the ring to his neck as his insistent lips fell on hers.

"Right," Arthur said, a little uncomfortable. "So yous are really close with your friends."

Leolin raised her eyebrows and gave an odd smile. "Evidently so."

"So then do you just manage the portable floo sales or something?" Arthur asked, taking a sip of wine.

"No, that's Blaise's job; I just get an obscenely large cheque every month. I'm actually running my father's company," Draco replied casually, as Leolin idly played with a diamond cufflink. She realized too late it probably seemed like she was trying to draw attention to them; she wasn't.

"Who's your father?" Rory asked. As a Londoner, he was the most likely to know any famous names, and he would surely share what he knew about the family after Draco and Leolin and left.

"Lucius Malfoy?" Draco said, as if unsure Rory would know the name. Obviously he did.

"You're a Malfoy? Blimey, you never mentioned that Lai."

She shrugged.

"It didn't seem relevant," she said coyly.

Draco laughed. "I don't know if I should be flattered or insulted," he said.

"Deal's choice," Leolin said flippantly.

Draco smirked at Leolin again, pushing some hair behind her ear as if the others weren't even there.

"What's it like?" Arthur asked eagerly. "Growing up a Malfoy, I mean."

Draco shrugged. "It's a lot of scrunity," he admitted. "And people hating you without cause." Here he looked at Danny, who looked away, seemingly a little put off. "It has its advantages, though" he said. "Doesn't it, Mrs. Malfoy?"

"That's Miss Lefevre to you."

Draco laughed quietly to himself. Leolin knew quite well that the Prophet had taken to calling her the future Lady Malfoy since the announcement of their engagement. The names Leolin and Lefevre had long since been forgotten.

"Anyways, what did you think of the Louvre, Draco? See anything you liked?" Matt asked. He poured more wine in Draco's glass.

"I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I loved Canova, especially Mars and Venus. I think that would be amazing in the garden. What do you think, Cal?" he asked Leolin.

"I just can't believe you of all people liked Canova," she said.

He shrugged, eyes glittering.

"I guess we have similar taste, my love."

She smiled, awarding this comment with a soft kiss on the lips.

"What did you think of Cupid Reviving Psyche? Did you know that it's actually based on Leolin and Leantes?" David said, speaking for the first time. He seemed painfully shy.

"Leolin told me," Draco said. "That's brilliant."

"I always loved that story," Donna said. "Even though it's really tragic. Your mum must have liked it, too," she said, nudging Leolin.

"My dad picked out Leolin actually," Leolin replied, idly pushing the band of her ring with her thumb, making the diamond swish back and forth.

Draco had noticed that she often did that when she needed comforting, the way she used to touch her key pendant.

"He said that having me made him so happy that he completely forgot the story was sad."

"That's adorable!" Amy said.

Draco felt Leolin lean back against him, seeking his comfort. He brought a hand around to rest on her stomach.

"I don't really like Canova," Danny said coolly. "All his stuff is so romantic. It's totally inappropriate for a guy who considered himself a Neoclassicist."

"He's not a muggle," David pointed out, pushing his horn-rimmed spectacles up his nose. "He wasn't adhering to any particular Muggle school."

"Checkmate," Draco said jovially, smiling at David. He ignored Danny's sassy look.

"I like Canova," David mumbled to himself.

"Well, we ought to be going," Draco said, obviously satisfied now that he'd crushed Danny into the dust. "Thanks for the drinks, lovely to meet you all!"

He nudged Leolin gently off his lap, standing and shaking the hands of the men and kissing the cheeks of the two women. Donna took this in stride but Amy, the yank, seemed thrown. Leolin said her goodbyes as well, hugging each person in turn. When she reached Danny, the hug seemed to go on a second too long, and Draco gave Danny a cool look that Leolin, who had her back to him, couldn't see.

"Look me up if you're ever in Flint!" Danny said, rocking them slightly and forth as they continued hugging.

Draco's frown sailed into a smirk. Flint? That was most definitely in the middle somewhere. It even sounded mundane.

"I will!" Leolin promised, finally pulling away. "And I will see all of you on Saturday, right?"

"Of course!" Amy said, eying Draco again. "We wouldn't miss it."

"Danny," Leolin said, squeezing his hand a last time. "You're bringing Liam, right?"

She looked pointed at Draco, who bit back a smirk.

"Of course," he said, adjusting his stylish frames self-importantly. "No self-respecting gay man shows up to a fancy party alone."

"Good," she said, smiling at Draco again. "Should we go, darling?"

"After you, my love," he said, his face spilling into a grin.

She raised her eyebrows at him as if to say, 'I told you he wasn't in to me'.

Leolin smiled, blowing a kiss to the group and taking Draco's hand. "Goodbye you lot!"

When they were out of earshot, Draco smirked at Leolin. "You little vixen," he said jovially.

"What?" she replied, smirking.

"Why didn't you just tell me he was gay?"

"Where's the fun in that?" she asked devishly. Suddenly her push-up bra and tight dress where so much easier to enjoy. "Besides," she cooed. "I love watching you fret over me."

He smiled, grabbing her by the arm and urging her up against the nearest pillar.

"Why's that?" he purred, nipping at her lips.

"It makes me feel—" she paused for a second, her breath catching as his lips found a particularly sensitive swatch of flesh along her jaw. "—desirable."

"You don't need me to be desirable," he breathed huskily. Gods, he wanted her. "You're doing fine with that all on your own."

She smirked, knowing it was true.

"Then think of it as six months' worth of foreplay," she said in a sultry voice. "Something to keep things—interesting."

"Well you're in for a treat, then," Draco said, kissing her heatedly. "Because I have a number of interesting things planned for us back at the flat. Speaking of which," he said. "We ought to be going. I don't want to miss our key back to London. I don't really fancy taking the train."

He stepped back, offering her his hand as she smoothed her hair back into place and adjusted her coat.

"Dare I ask how the engagement party plans are coming along?' she asked as they traipsed down the corridor.

Though planning her own engagement party should have been Leolin's task, she really hadn't fancied all the work and tedious details, and Draco had told her that he'd handle it instead. Or rather, Draco promised to hire someone competent to plan it. Leolin really hadn't been involved in a thing.

"Fine," Draco said. "Obviously I'm not really involved, either, but I did get a final guest list from Eloise. I assume you'd like to see it.

"Cheers," she said, accepting the parchment.

"Oh, and Gracie's RSVP just arrived this morning, so she's not on that list but she is coming."

Leolin glanced up for a second, her eyebrows raised.

"Gracie is just now RSVPing? What a little slag."

Draco shrugged. "I guess. You know her."

She looked down, shaking her head as she began reading.

Adrien Lefevre

Ariadne Madoc

Amelie Bellenger-Lefevre

Maximilien Lefevre

Connor Madoc

Roderick Madoc

Lacey Cornish-Madoc

"I see my Granny's not on this list," she said, trying to sound casual.

They exchanged a look.

"I'm sorry," he said, and he seemed it. "I know you really wanted her there."

Leolin shrugged, as if it didn't bother her.

"Callie—"

"It's fine," Leolin said. "If she doesn't want to come, she doesn't have to."

She continued reading.

Marie-Therese Lefevre

Blair Lefevre

Charlotte Lefevre

Sloan Lefevre

Blaise Zabini

Laurentina Zabini

Pansy Parkinson

Bruce Parkinson

Della Parkinson

Adrien Pucey

Moira Pucey

Hillary Pucey

Tommy Pucey

Astoria Greengrass

Daphne Greengrass

Sidney Greengrass

Posy Greengrass

Liam Faulkner

Leon Faulkner

Tracy Davis

Madison Livingston

Reagan Sharpe

Ginevra Weasley

Oliver Wood

Molly Weasley

Arthur Weasley

Bill Weasley

Fleur Delacour-Weasley

Charles Weasley

Frederick Weasley

George Weasley

Nicole Weasley

Ronald Weasley

Hermione Granger

Harry Potter

Sirius Black

Merys Rhydderich

"Merlin," Leolin breathed when she reached the end of the second page. "How many pages is this thing?"

"Fourteen, I think. There are 288 guests in total.

"288? You're joking! Where are we going to host that many people?"

"The only place that can," Draco replied casually, extending an invitation between two fingers.

Leolin accepted it from him.

Mr. & Mrs. Lucius Malfoy invite you to celebrate the engagement of their son, Draco Lucius Malfoy, to Leolin Marie-Therese Anastasie Lefevre on Saturday, the twenty-seventh of May at seven o'clock in the evening at The Malfoy Manor.

Leolin's eyes snapped up, and when Draco met her gaze they were obviously thinking the same thing.

"You lied to me," she snarled, slapping the invitation back on his chest.

"No, I didn't," he said evenly. "You never once asked me where I planned to have the party. If you had, I would have told you it was going to be at the manor."

"That's semantics, Draco. You knew damn well that if I'd known that you were planning on throwing it at the manor I would have told you no."

"On what grounds? Every nuptial celebration in my family has been held at the Manor since we came to England in bleeding 1066! It's Malfoy tradition? Are you or are you not a Malfoy bride?"

"Not yet I'm not," she spit, baring her pearly teeth at him in an ugly sneer.

"There is no point in your arguing with me on this," he said, his mood darkening. "My mind is made up."

"This is my wedding!"

"It's 49 percent yours," he countered.

She rolled her eyes.

"Your chauvinistic and pathetic," she seethed.

"That may be," he said. "But it doesn't change the facts."

"And what are the facts, as you see them?"

"That's my ancestral home! It's the seat of my familial power. I will be married there, and all my children will be born there, just as I was.'

"I never agreed to that," she seethed, trying to get a few paces ahead of him.

Quick as a flash, he had her by the arm and was pushing her up against the glass pyramid.

"That's non-negotiable."

"I hate when you do this!" she screamed. "I hate when you get on your pureblood high horse and start handing down decrees! Its stupid and unfair!"

"It's not a decree!" he said, annoyed at her accusation.

"Then why am I not allowed to object?"

He shook his head to indicate he was done discussing it.

"The party will be at the Manor and you will go there on Monday and help my mother with last minute preparations and you will not leave until the party on Saturday."

"Draco," she said, stamping her foot like a toddler as frustrated tears welled in her eyes. "That is not fair!"

"I give you everything," he snapped. "I let you do whatever you want. This is important to me; get over it."

She wrenched out of his grasp, only making it a step or two before he had her by the wrist again like she was his spoiled kid.

"We have been through this a million times! I don't have to do what you tell me," she spit out, trying to get free. "I'm not bloody going to your stupid fucking mausoleum."

He voice got deadly low. "If you are even a minute late to the Manor on Monday, I promise you that you will be sorrier than you've ever been your entire life. Is that understood?"

His tone scared her, but she remained defiant, her eyes on her shoes.

"Leolin, answer me. Is that understood?"

"Why is it so important to you?" she snapped.

"Why does it matter?" he said, exasperated. "I'm telling you that it's important to me. That should be enough for you."

"Fine," she said at last, seeing the desperation in his eyes. He'd yet to admit just why, but this clearly was important to him, and she admitted that she was only objecting on principle. "I'll go, but if your father says one word to me I'm leaving and you can fucking marry someone else."

"The election is Saturday; he won't be there all week. If he was, obviously I wouldn't be sending you there."

"It's not that obvious," she snapped. "It would be more obvious not to send me there at all. It is still his house."

He let go of her wrist and she rubbed it sullenly.

"C'mon," he said, smoothing back the hair that had fallen in his face, trying to shake off their fight. "Our reservation is at nine thirty. I don't fancy changing it again."

He started towards the apparation point. She didn't follow.

"No," she said flatly. "I'm not going."

He wheeled around, his eyes livid. "Leolin," he growled in warning.

"You know what? No! I can't bloody stand to be around you when you act like this. You can go by yourself. I'll see you Saturday."

"You're going to just International Floo by yourself at night? Don't be reckless."

"Who said I was going alone?" she said, a combative glimmer in her eye. "I had an owl from Kelly Troy this morning saying he was in Paris and wanting to know if I was free from dinner; I'm sure he'd take me if I asked."

Draco took a step forward that she countered with one in the opposite direction. If there was one thing that Leolin could always count on to flame Draco's jealousy, it was Kelly Troy. Though Leolin had never really spoken of her time with Kelly, Draco seemed to sense intuitively that her feelings for him had been genuine and deep. Leolin's love for Kelly was no match for her love of Draco, he knew, but if there was anyone else who could have ever had a prayer of making her happy in Draco's absence, it was Kelly Troy, and that annoyed Draco to no end.

Irritated by her goading, he had her pinned against the glass again, and he brought to hands to either side of her head, caging her in. She could smell his cologne and feel his cool breath and if she wasn't furious at him she would have been turned on by their proximity.

"Does it make you feel better to try and make me jealous? Go ahead, then, have at it. Run to your precious little Troy and let him make lovesick puppy dog eyes at you and that dress all night. But I'm warning you, Leolin, I'm flooing the Manor at 5:01 on Monday afternoon. If you aren't already there having tea with my mum, you will have steep price to pay. I mean it."

Leolin met his eye boldly. "So you've said. Now let me go."

"Give me a kiss first."

"Dream on."

She tried to push him off but he didn't budge.

"Let me go already!"

"Then give me a kiss."

"Draco, you're being crazy. Just get off of me."

"I'm not making you come to dinner with me even though I should. I want you to kiss me right now and tell me that you love me. Then you can run back to your precious Kelly."

"Right now I don't love you," she seethed as he pushed closer, using his hips to pin her to the pyramid.

"Then I'll just settle for a kiss."

Leolin wanted to scream. She knew Draco; he'd stay until he got what he wanted. They would be there all night.

She looked him in the eye. "No," she said evenly.

"Should I take it then?"

His hand curled her neck and pulled her closer. His breath was falling on her lips.

"I hate you right now," she said. "Do you know that? Bloody hate you."

He gave a half-laugh, his lips inches from her. "Keep talking like that and I'm going to have you against this pyramid."

It was fucked up, but somehow fighting with Leolin always seemed to turn Draco on.

"You'd have to take me by force," she snapped irritably.

"Don't tempt me," he breathed, eyes skating from hers to her lips.

She reached up to slap him but he had her wrist in a second. He pulled her hand to his neck before crushing forward to kiss her. She didn't reciprocate, but his lips were insistent, and his angle made it hard to breathe. She knew that there was only one way out, and it irritated her to virtually no end. She slowly kissed back, for once not enjoying it at all. Despite her participation he didn't immediately pulled away, his lips coaxing hers. Maybe he hoped he could still turn the evening around.

Finally he pulled away and she shoved him off, wiping her lips.

"You're a pig," she said nastily, heading back the way she came.

---

"Ready?" Ginny said, squeezing Leolin's hand. They were sat in the back of a large Bentley Draco had sent to London to fetch Leolin. Apparently the manor's apparition system was frightfully complicated, and they ironically traveled in and out in luxury muggle cars. Leolin had insisted the car come all the way down to London and that Ginny travel with her. It was about a two hour ride, and Leolin had stared out the window for most of it, though she had been glad of Ginny's company.

"To spend a week cooped up here with Draco's mother? Not at all."

"It is rather beautiful though, isn't it?"

Leolin glanced out the window at the part of the manor that was readily visible. It yawned half a mile back into the distance, and everywhere Leolin looked she saw gilded cornets and marble rain spouts. The manor seemed nearly the size of the Palace of Versailles, and Leolin wagered it was equally as lavish. Though the surrounding area was mainly farmlands, rolling hills, and quaint villages, the manor's grounds were impeccably groomed, with gardens and stables that stretched to the horizon in nearly every direction. Yes, it was beautiful. Yes, it was perfect. Yes, Leolin was secretly excited that someday this was all going to be hers. However, she wouldn't admit that, even to Ginny.

"It is," Leolin agreed. "I'm just afraid I'm going to go in and never come out!"

Ginny laughed and Leolin smiled feebly.

"Are you sure you don't fancy having a cuppa with me and Cissy?" Leolin said hopefully.

"Gee, as much as I'd love to," Ginny said. "I have a fancy date with Oliver tonight. Owl me later and let me know how it's all going."

"Okay, will do. If you don't hear from me, please call the Aurors."

Ginny laughed again and Leolin took a deep breath and stepped from the car, her heels crunching on the neatly manicured gravel. Seeing that Leolin was finally emerging, the driver stepped out as well, rushing around to fetch her bags. She'd only brought two small ones. Amelie had said that she'd sent some things to the manor already.

She declined the driver's invitation to carry her bags and he doffed his cap and got back behind the wheel. Ginny waved furiously and Leolin smiled in return before ascending the five or so steps to the front door. She stood awkwardly for a moment, not knowing if she should knock, when the double doors swung open of their own accord. Tentatively, Leolin stepped over the threshold.

She found herself in the most lavish hall she'd ever seen in a private home. This wasn't a manor; it was a palace. There were shimmering crystal chandeliers overhead and creamy Persian rugs beneath her feet, and the whole space was rendered in warm shades of sand and taupe, lighting and modernizing the otherwise Baroque interior. An enormous staircase transected the space, its gleaming banister rendered from what looked like 18-carat gold.

Before she could set the bags down, a porter appeared on either side of her to them.

"Thank you," she muttered, unnerved. Servants had always made her uneasy. She smoothed the skirt of her tan dress. She didn't want to admit it, but she'd dressed up for the occasion.

"Mademoiselle Lefevre, welcome to Malfoy Manor. My name is Javier, I am the main butler here."

The stately older gentleman arrived seemingly out of nowhere, and it made Leolin jump a little.

"Ah, thank you…sir."

"Javier is fine, Mademoiselle."

"Err…thank you, Javier."

Leolin tried to remind herself that Javier was the Malfoy's Benton, but like everyone of Draco's, he seemed more posh and elitist. Why was he called Javier, she wondered. He neither looked nor sounded Spanish. She decided that was an ignorant and inappropriate thought, and she tried to banish it at once.

"Madame Malfoy had begun to worry that you were not coming," Javier said, non-plussed.

Leolin gave a tight smile. Fucking Madame Malfoy.

"Well her note said five o'clock. It's only ten til."

"In polite society, mademoiselle, it is considered bad form to arrive precisely at the hour that one's called."

Leolin fought not to roll her eyes. Narcissa knew damn well that Leolin was within the boundaries of "socially punctual". As per usual, she was just being a bitch.

"Well, in that case, give my sincerest apologies to Madame Malfoy. I didn't know."

"No need," a voice called from the stairs. Narcissa floated down the grand staircase in a silky green evening gown, her eyes fixed firmly on Leolin. Leolin had forgotten how lovely she was, and how much she resembled Draco. "That will be all, Javier, thank you."

By this time she had reached the foyer, and she moved to greet Leolin more fully.

"Leolin darling, welcome to the manor." She folded Leolin into her thin arms, an embrace Leolin was sure that neither was enjoying. "How lovely to see you again after so long."

Leolin itched to remind her that the last time they'd met, Narcissa had called her mother a slag and Leolin herself a careless mistake. She only smiled instead.

"Thank you for having me, Narcissa. Your home is rather incredible."

Narcissa gave a tight smile, her cool blue eyes dancing across Leolin's face as if memorizing every flaw. "Oh no, dear, this will always be Lucius's house. I only live here. When you and Draco have children here, you'll understand."

Something about the way she said this made Leolin uneasy. Luckily Narcissa changed the subject.

"Well, since I've barely seen, you I must insist on seeing the ring."

Leolin extended her hand as Narcissa scrutinized.

"How lovely it is," she purred, moving Leolin's hand this way and that so she could see it is the light. Leolin hadn't been sure before because she'd only seen Narcissa's once, but now she could tell that her own rock was of a size with her mother-in-law's. "My Draco always did have exquisite taste, just like this father."

Leolin tried not to stiffen. She hated nothing more than when people compared Draco to Lucius.

"Shall I give you a small tour? Then we can have cocktails and get to know one another better."

The prospect sounded dreadful.

"Yes, I can't wait."

"Alright then, let's begin." Narcissa headed to the left towards a set of gilded french doors. Seemingly out of nowhere two footmen appeared the pull the doors open. Leolin tried not to frown.

"This is the ballroom," Narcissa said as they entered a cavernous room with a vaulted ceiled and a balconied second story. "This is where the majority of the party will be. The guest will be allowed to wander, with some restrictions, of course, but the dinner and the dancing will be in here."

There were already amazing bouquets of flowers and silk tablecloths on the table, all in stunning cool colour that was somewhere between ice blue and mint green. It was one of Leolin's favourite shades; Draco must have told Narcissa. The whole room seemed to be splashed with diamonds as well, and they glittered magnificently.

"What do you think?" Narcissa asked.

"It's wonderful," Leolin admitted. "Absolutely perfect."

"Good," Narcissa sniffed, a cold smile on her face. "I'm so pleased you like it."

She swept between the tables effortlessly and Leolin followed the tail of her emerald gown as it slithered like a snake behind her. They went through several corridors until they reached a staircase.

"This is the private stairs" Narcissa explained. "It needs directly to the bedrooms. It's more convenient and discreet then trekking up and down the grand staircase."

"I see," Leolin said. Before she could stop herself, she imagined Draco sneaking girls up the back staircase at parties and having his way with them. It was a wholly unpleasant thought, especially when she imagined Lucius doing the same, and she tried to banish it.

The hallway they'd now entered was clearly where all the main bedrooms were housed, though Leolin suspected that there was a whole wing of guest bedrooms. After all, all the guests for the wedding were expected to stay here, and their number was well into the two hundreds.

"This is my and Lucius's suite," she said, gesturing to a hemispherical niche with seven or eight doorways. Leolin wondered what all those rooms could possibly be, though she expected there was probably a bedroom for each of them. Lucius didn't strike her as the type who shared his bed for anything other than sex.

"This is the regency room," she explained as she passed a mahogany door. That's where Draco was born. This is Draco's room," she said, gesturing to the next door on the left. "Yours is just across the hall. If you don't like the colours or the bed, let me know. We can change whatever you like."

Leolin eyed the door. "May I?"

Narcissa gave her a condescending smile. "Of course, it's yours."

Leolin pushed it open. She wasn't sure what she was expecting, but she absolutely loved it. The whole room, which was frankly enormous, had been rendered in tones of gray and mustard yellow. It sounded gaudy but it was tastefully done and it made the room bright and airy. The window straddled two stories and they let in tons of nature night, there was a marble fireplace and soft looking gray carpets underfoot. Leolin gingerly touched the bed. It was obviously very comfortable. There were doors to the left and right.

"Left is bathroom," Narcissa explained. "Right is closet."

Leolin checked out the bathroom first, it had a sunken tub and gold plaited fixtures. There was a rainwater shower and more perfumes, lotions, salves, and balms than Leolin knew what to do with. Like the room, the bathroom was done in modern shades of slate grey, and it made it all the more inviting.

The closet was expectedly enormous, and it was already filled with clothes. Some Leolin recognized as her own or Amelie's designs, but some she was sure she'd never seen.

She looked quizzically at Narcissa.

"A gift for my favourite daughter-in-law."

Leolin smiled, though it didn't touch your eyes.

"You shouldn't have."

"Why not? We can easily afford it, and I know Draco loves to see you dress up for him."

"I'm thinking you'd like to get washed up and redressed for cocktails," Narcissa said, acting as if Leolin's attire was inadequately formal when she knew full well it wasn't.

"I will," Leolin said, biting back a sneer. Maybe she was going to make a better Malfoy than she thought. "Thank you."

With that Narcissa exited the room and Leolin flopped on the bed.

---

"So how's the week going?" Ginny asked via floo Friday afternoon.

Leolin sighed, dropping down onto the soft shag rug in front of the fireplace. She already had a glass of wine beside her. "It's been tedious, but overall fine."

"How Cissy?" Ginny asked, and Leolin laughed.

"She's actually been gone since Tuesday. I've had the whole place to myself. She's due back this afternoon. She wanted to have dinner just us girls."

"Gone? What do you mean, gone? She left you there alone?"

Leolin nodded solemnly, remembering the night she'd left.

Leolin woke to the sound of scampering feet and hushed voices and she grumpily consulted her watch, which had read two sixteen a.m. She tried for a minute or two to ignore the commotion, but she was wide-awake now, and her curiosity nagged at her.

She poked her head out the door.

"Billie," she said to a maid as she moved quickly past. Billie turned. "What's going on?"

Billie gave her an impassive look. "Mr. Malfoy's here."

For a second Leolin thought she meant Draco, but she caught a glimmer of unease in Billie's hazel eyes; it was Lucius who'd returned to the manor. Billie hurried off as Leolin's heart hammered in her chest. She hadn't seen him since that day in her Gringotts vault, but she still had nightmares about Draco's injuries on Christmas Eve. Just then she heard a fuss on the private staircase and she watched as Lucius swished into view. He was wear a dapper traveling coat that was so long it practically brushed the ground, and he ripped it off and tossed it to a maid who'd followed him up the stairs. It was unnerving to see him in his natural environment and when he thought no one was watching. He was downright predatory as he paced outside Narcissa's door.

"Narcissa," he called in a rich voice, banging his fist on the door that must have been her bedroom. "I'm home!"

Leolin's heart was going positively mad at this rate, and immediately she snapped her own door shut, laying flat against it and closing her eyes. Lucius must have heard the click, because she heard him turn, his back to Narcissa's door as he headed towards Leolin's. Quietly as possible, she turned the lock in her handle, hoping he wouldn't hear. The light pouring from underneath her door was snuffed out and she knew that meant he was outside. She tried not to breathe. Maybe she should get back in bed. No, she didn't have time. He tried the door. Thank Merlin she'd locked it.

Just as he was drawing his wand, there was a rustled at the opposite end, and Leolin heard Narcissa's own door open.

"Lucius, darling; Thank Merlin you're home at last."

Lucius turned away from Leolin door and headed towards Narcissa. Leolin heard them kiss and wrinkled her nose.

"Did you miss me?" He drawled.

"Of course," she said in a droll tone. "I always miss you when you're away. How was Wales?"

"Exceedingly too Welsh for my taste. Speaking of which, where's our little guest of honour?"

Leolin could imagine Narcissa giving a cold smile. "It's half two in the morning, my love; where else would she be but in her boudoir."

"And Draco?"

"He doesn't arrive home from Vienna until late Friday."

"I see."

"And you? Forgive me, I didn't expect you home until next week. I would have had the servants prepare the rooms."

"It's no matter; I'm not staying."

"No? What a shame."

"I only came to fetch you. I have some engagements this week in London and I want you to accompany me."

"Of course," Narcissa said tightly. "Any reason you couldn't have come earlier in the evening?"

"None that concern you. Go on, pack some things. I want to leave within the hour."

"What about Leolin?"

"I'm sure she's more than capable for amusing herself for a few days, though if you want to drag her along then be my guest. Now go on, I don't have all night."

"You know that I would love nothing more than to come with you, but I have an enormous party to plan, and frankly I don't trust Leolin alone in this house. I really ought to stay here."

"I'm not asking you to come, Narcissa. I'm telling you. If you're serious about the girl, then get her up. Either way, I don't have time to dawdle."

"Lucius—"

"Maybe I should just take Leolin instead; it can be father-daughter bonding. Draco will be so pleased. This is her room, isn't it?"

Leolin's heart was screaming in her chest again. She could feel Lucius hovering outside of her door, hand clenched in a fist and poised to knock. Before she could stop herself, she remembered the imperius he'd put on her in Gringotts.

"She's sleeping," Narcissa said, exasperated. Leolin was grateful. "Don't bother her."

"Then get dressed and come downstairs. now."

"Of course," Narcissa said, trying to hide her annoyance. "Give me ten minutes."

"I'll give you two. After than I'm going to start throwing servants in the lake."

"Charming."

"Two minutes, Narcissa."

He swept back down the way he came, and Leolin exhaled deeply. She listened as Narcissa snapped orders at the servants before she knocked on Leolin's door.

"Leolin?"

Leolin immediately unlocked the door and opened it a crack, making Narcissa start.

"Oh, you're awake," she said in a tone that seemed to say 'it's rude to eavesdrop'.

"I just woke up," Leolin replied. "What's going on?"

"Lucius needs me in London for the rest of the week. I trust you will find things to do in my absence? Ambrose can show you the stables, if you like, and there is a three swimming pools, Two outdoor and one in. Javier can answer any other questions you have."

Leolin nodded. "Of course. Thank you."

Narcissa gave her a withering look that Leolin was entirely sure she didn't deserve.

"I'll be back Friday around five o'clock. I'd like for us to have dinner together; there's much we've yet to discuss."

"I'd love that," Leolin blurted, though it reality the only thing less appealing than a meal alone with Narcissa was one with Lucius.

"Friday then," Narcissa said, brushing a cool kiss on Leolin's cheek. "Owl if you need anything."

"I will. Enjoy London."

Narcissa gave a tight smile before turning on her heel and heading down the main stairs.

"So Lucius just burst in at two o'clock in the morning and Narcissa up and left with them?" Ginny said after Leolin had recounted the whole story. "How bizarre."

"Yeah," Leolin agreed. "It was dead weird. I was just glad they didn't bring me along. Draco would have gone absolutely mental."

"Have you talked to him?"

"Not since Friday. Neither of us is mad anymore, but nobody ever wants to be the first to apologize."

"Who usually does, then?" Ginny asked.

Leolin laughed. "Draco. I'm sure he will be all gifts and kisses when he gets here. He always is. Anyways, though, that's enough about the Malfoys. How are you? How was the date with big O?"

Ginny gave an uneasy smile. "He proposed."

"He did what? Gin, congratulations! Let me see!"

"No, I—didn't say yes."

"Oh," Leolin said, deflated. "I'm so sorry—"

"I didn't say no either," Ginny confirmed. "I told him I needed time."

"Time? How much time?"

"We've having dinner again tonight."

"And?" Leolin demanded. "What's it gonna be? Yes or no?"

"I honestly have no idea. I think when I see him I'll just know."

"Oh my gods! Oliver must be on pins and needles!"

"I know," Ginny wailed, biting her lip "I feel terrible. I just don't want make a mistake and then regret it."

"Well what time's the date? It's nearly five already!"

"We're meeting at The Dip at half nine."

"Ginevra Molly Weasley, do not go to The Dip!"

"Why not? Oliver and I always go there!"

"Because either you say yes tonight and have to tell your children their father proposed at The Petty Diplomat, or you say no and become the girl who broke Oliver Wood's heart in front of the whole of Gryffindor."

Ginny bit her lip again. "Damnit, you're right! Where should I tell Oliver to meet me?"

"Linger. It's romantic if you get engaged and discreet if you don't. For Merlin's sake though, floo me either way! I'm dying to know!"

"So am I," Ginny laughed. "Right, I should pop off and let you get ready for girl's dinner. See you at the party tomorrow!"

"See you then! I love you! Good luck!"

Ginny's face disappeared and Leolin got up from the floor, stretching and taking another sip of wine.

"Miss Lefevre? Someone called from the other side of the door. "Madame is home. You'll be taking supper on the west terrace in half an hour."

"Thanks," Leolin called through the door. At first she'd tried to learn the names of all the maids, servers, footmen, porters, valets, cooks, etc. who were employed at the manor, but frankly there were too many of them and they all blended together after a while. Finally she had to just admit defeat, much as it pained her.

Lazily Leolin went to the closet, wrenching open the french doors and wandering around the various dressers, islands, and shoe wracks. All she really wanted was to go down to dinner in her jimjams, but she didn't think that would be particularly well-received by Narcissa, and Leolin had the sneaking suspicion that after a week with Lucius she was unlikely to be in a good or forgiving mood. In the end she chose a green and navy printed dress with cap sleeves and a peter pan collar. It looked dressier than it actually was, and it was modest enough that Narcissa would have no opportunity to make snide remarks about her bustiness, which she had taken to doing when Leolin had first arrived.

Narcissa was already sitting at the stone patio table when Leolin arrived, a glass of some clear cocktail in her hand. She was sat facing west, watching the setting sun as it dusted the pool below and the labyrinthine gardens beyond. A server was on Leolin in a second, offering her a glass of whatever Narcissa was drinking. She didn't want to be rude so she just took it. The first sip was bitter yet refreshing; whatever this was, it had gin in it.

"Welcome home, Narcissa," Leolin said in greeting, sitting next to Narcissa and sharing the view.

"Leolin," Narcissa cried in surprise, bringing a hand to her chest. "Merlin, you scared me. You snuck up like a burglar."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," Leolin said, biting her lip. This was going to be a long meal.

"It's quite alright. Is that one of the dresses I bought you? It's lovely, though it's certainly snug enough across the chest."

Leolin gave a fake smile. She had to admit that Narcissa really did have a way with insults.

"How was London?" Leolin asked, taking a sip of her drink. If she was going to have dinner with Narcissa it was going to be drunk.

"It was tiresome," Narcissa admitted, pushing her sunglasses into her silky blonde hair. "All those societies hags buzzing around all the time, trying to impress you or win your favour in some way? It's dreadfully tedious."

She shook her head and tutted softly, drinking the last of her cocktail and snapping for another.

"I used to love it, you know, when I was younger. Now," she sighed, accepting a second cocktail wordlessly and taking a sip. "Now the whole circus just bores me. I guess that's what being married to Lucius all these years has made me." She gave a humourless laugh. "A bitter hag."

This all felt oddly personal, and Leolin tried to find something to say. "I don't think you're a hag at all. You're still very beautiful and young. You can still have another baby if you wanted."

Narcissa laughed again. "That's the last thing I want, believe me."

They lapsed into uncomfortable silence, both watching the sunset and enjoying their drink and praying the other person would find something else to discuss.

"I want to tell you something," Narcissa said at last. She was one her third martini, so her lips were undoubtedly looser, but she didn't act drunk in any way, and her blue eyes remained painfully sharp as she turned to look at Leolin.

"Alright," Leolin said at last, admittedly a little fearful.

"I can only imagine the horrid things Draco has told you about me and I know he thinks I don't love him, but I want you to know he's wrong; I love him very much."

Of all the things Leolin had expected Narcissa to say, this was undoubtedly the last one.

Leolin opened her mouth to say something, but upon realizing she had no idea what, she simply snapped it shut again.

"Despite what you or your mother may think of me, I never intended any of this to happen the way it did."

Leolin hazarded a glance over at Narcissa, who was stoically staring out onto the grounds again. Her face betrayed no emotion.

"I know you probably think I got pregnant to win Lucius away from your mother, but that's not true; I didn't even know about your mother until after Lucius and I were already married, and I assure you that we conceived Draco quite by accident. He's always loved his secrets, my husband, and he kept Ariadne very well hidden. As for Draco, I know I haven't always found a way to show him, but he is the best part of my life."

Leolin felt an odd emotion rising in her throat. He would never admit it, but she knew that deep down Draco was scarred by what he'd perceived as his mother's lack of affection for me. Narcissa continued, fighting now to remain stoic.

"My life didn't turn out anything like I imagined, and I often think that maybe if things have been different I—I don't know, maybe I would have been a better mother."

"You did your best," Leolin said quietly. "And for the record, Draco is an exceptional person. You should be proud of him."

Narcissa nodded stiffly. "I am proud for all the things he's accomplished and because I think he's happy" She looked at Leolin. "I daresay that you and I are never going to be close, Leolin, but if you love my son as much as you say you do, I'm satisfied."

"I love him more," Leolin assured her, and Narcissa nodded again, looking out to the shredded sky. Tense silence reigned again, and Leolin took the opportunity to get another drink.

"Well," Narcissa said at last. "Shall we eat?"

"Yes, I'm famished."

"Not too famished, I hope. Don't forget that you have to squeeze into a fitted gown tomorrow."

Leolin fought to remain cordial. Despite the odd bonding moment they'd just shared, comments like that still made her want to rip Narcissa's head off.

"I'll try to get too gluttonous," she promised tartly, taking another head sip of drink.

Servers began pouring through the doors that connected the balcony and the house, bringing trays of dates and soft cheeses and thin slices of meats that Leolin was sure cost 80 galleons a pound. She really was starving, but she didn't want to have Narcissa watching her all night, so she popped a date in her mouth and leaned back. As she searched for something to talk about, a porter arrived carrying a tray with a letter on it.

"Madame," he said, extending the tray to Narcissa. She looked at it (and him) disdainfully. "I'm in the middle of dinner."

He didn't move, just shifted uncomfortably.

"Open it and read it to me," she snapped.

Shakily he set down the silver tray, tearing the seal as carefully as he could and opening the letter. He scanned the contents but said nothing.

"Well?" Narcissa inquired irritably. "What does it say?"

"I—I don't know, ma'am. It's in French."

"And you don't read French? Who hired you?"

"I'm sorry, ma'am—"

"Get out of my sight," she sneered, holding her hand out for the note.

He glanced at Leolin and she tried to give me a sympathetic look before Narcissa snatched the note from him and read it to herself. Her lip curled as she reached the end, and retrieving the bottle of gin from the chiller on the table, she doused the parchment before lighting it with her wand and watching it curl to ash on the tray the boy had left.

"What did it say?" Leolin asked gingerly. Narcissa turned her sharp gaze on her, sneering a little.

"It was from Lucius. It would seem my part in his charade isn't quite complete. He wants me in London until tomorrow."

"What about the party?"

Narcissa sighed, covering her face with her hands and massaging her temples. For a fraction of a second she let her façade slip, and Leolin could see how world-weary and sad she really was. However, after a moment she straightened and smoothed her skirt.

"Don't fret, I will be back in plenty of time for the party. Eloise has my instructions for last minute arrangements; you don't have to worry about a thing."

Narcissa stood, taking a last swig of her drink and smoothing back her perfect hair.

Leolin bit her lip, debating.

"Do—do you want me to come with you to London? I don't know that I'd be much help, but I could—keep you company, if you like."

Narcissa considered this, and for a moment Leolin thought she might accept. After a second or two though, she simply raised her eyebrows.

"Of course not. You stay here and wait for Draco; I'll deal with Lucius. Trust me, it's better that way."

Leolin gave her a said smile. Better for whom, she wanted to ask. Certainly not better for Narcissa. How strange, Leolin thought, that she could loathe Narcissa and pity her at the same time.

"See you tomorrow, then," Leolin said feebly.

Narcissa nodded. "Give Draco my love, will you?"

Leolin nodded. "I will. Of course I will."

"Well then," Narcissa said, sniffing. She was obviously uncomfortable with the fact that Leolin had seen her vulnerable side, which frankly didn't bode well for their relationship going forward. "I'm off."

She swept gracefully from the table and through the glass doors.

"Goodnight," Leolin called after her.

She remained long after Narcissa had gone, drinking her gin martini and contemplating what Narcissa had told her. The stars were twinkling overhead by the time that she got up, and she was a bit drunk. She left her shoes where they were and wandered inside.

"Draco?" she called, hoping he was home already. She hated being here at night by herself. It was terribly lonely, and it made her feel for Narcissa. Despite the manor's opulence, it was uninviting when you were alone, and the profound sadness that the myriads of empty rooms seemed to inspire made her want to cry.

"Draco?" she called again. She knew it was foolish; if he was home, he would have come to see her straightaway.

She wandered up the stairs, the rugs soft beneath her bare feet as she traipsed. She gently dragged her hand along the mahogany paneling of the hall, fingers brushing the cool handles of every door. When she reached her own she made to enter it, but suddenly it seemed too lonely, and she crossed the hall to Draco's instead. Pushing the door open, she realized for the first time she'd been inside. It wasn't at all what she'd imagined. She'd pictured silver and green tapestries and a heavy four poster, similar to the spartan room he'd lived in at Hogwarts. Instead, his bed was white and stylishly low to the ground. His sheets were cream and his comforter a heather gray. His walls were a darker gray, and they complemented his stark white furniture wonderfully. Two bookcases had been carved out of the wall, and Leolin brushed the spines. On his dresser sat a picture of Draco and Leolin that someone had taken the night they'd gotten engaged. Next to it was one of Draco and Blaise in their quidditch kits smirking and jostling one another. She touched them both affectionately before moving on.

She went to his closet next, shredding her dress and putting on one of his dress shirts instead. She found a bottle of his cologne and sprayed it on the sleeve, bringing it to her nose. She knew she was being silly, but it had been an odd night, and it comforted her to be wrapped in Draco's metaphorical arms. She wondered aimlessly through his closet and found a door at the very back, which she tried. It was unlocked, she stepped through it and instantly really where she must be. The Regency Room. The room where Draco was born. His nursery.

Everything in the room was a soft, inviting beige, from the large bed in the centre to the crib and armchair in the corner. It was clear that though the room likely received regular cleanings, no one had come in for some time. She went to the chair and sank down into it. It was outrageously comfortable. Next to it was a small table on which sat another frame, this one face down. She picked it up. It was clear from the tarnish it had not been cleaned in a while. Leolin looked at it and simply couldn't stifle the sob that rose in her throat. It was a picture of Narcissa, impossibly young, hold an infant Draco in her arms. She cooed happily down at him, letting him wrap a tiny hand around her thumb as she rocked him gently. The picture tugged and tugged at Leolin.

She was sure that even then Narcissa was no peach, but she at least looked like a person who had a chance at being happy. She looked like a woman who was ready to be a doting mum. Leolin ran the pad of her thumb over the glass. This was who she and Draco were going to be before Lucius wore her down and ruined her.

The light which had been pouring from Draco's closet dampened and Leolin looked up to see him standing silhouetted in the doorway.

"Leolin?" He half-laughed. "What the hell are you doing in here?"

She didn't say anything, just got up and ran into his arms, kissing him as if she'd never get another chance.

"Hey!" he laughed again. "You alright? I'm here! What's wrong, love?"

She didn't say anything, just caught his lips again and began tugging at his clothes. He seemed surprised at first, but he did not resist her, still laughing softly as she urged him back towards the light of his open closet door.

She started with his suit jacket, standing on her tip-toes and pushing it over his lithe shoulders.

"Cal," he murmured against her lips. "What's going on with you?"

"Shut up," she said softly. "Please."

He nodded, kissing her soundly as he helped her with the buttons of his shirt. When his chest was bare, her hands went to his belt, pulling it free in three fluid flicks of her wrist. It was at this point that he'd finally accepted that she wasn't going to answer any of his questions, and he focused on undressing her instead.

"Is that my shirt?" he asked as he peeled it off her.

"Weird week," she admitted, urging him out of his trousers and socks.

"I'm here now," he said, prompting her to turn around so her back was to him before gently driving a hand into her knickers.

She dropped her head back onto his chest as his fingers swished against her.

"I missed you," he breathed, nipping at her neck.

"I missed you too," she groaned.

It never took her long to get turned on for Draco, and after a few minutes Draco retracted his hand, guiding her knickers down her legs instead.

When she was naked, he hoisted her onto one of the small dressers in the room and pulled her forwards so her legs dangled off the edge. She could see that he was ready as she was, and he made only minor adjustments before driving into her. They both groaned. It had been three months since they'd been together, and they always forgot just how blissful it was to be in each other's arms.

Draco began to pump, and the movement caused his medallion to swing hypnotically back and forth. Leolin pulled farther forward, allowing the pendant to swing into her chest as she locked her arms around Draco's shoulders and kissed him desperately.

Sensing her need for intimacy, he pulled her into his arms, their bodies still connected as he deposited her on the bed. Their passion only intensified from there, and by the time that Draco finally rolled onto his back, they were both sweaty and satisfied. After a moment Leolin resettled against his chest, humming contentedly. He brought a hand up and immediately began to stroke her hair.

"So does that mean you're not mad about the Louvre anymore?" he asked at last.

"No," she said, arms still wrapped around him, "I'm still mad."

"I thought you might be, so there's a pair of diamond earring in your room for you."

"It's a start," she said, looking up at him. Gently she pushed some of his sweaty hair from his face, studying him intently.

He gave a small laugh.

"Just a start?"

"I'll agree to hosting the wedding here," Leolin said. "But you can't make decisions about our children without me."

He was silent a minute, and she felt her frustration flaring. However, as she moved to sit up, he held her closer.

"That's fair," he agreed, pulling her back to his smooth chest and kissing her temple. "I promise. I'm so sorry I was such a bully about it the other day. I just—I had a lot on my mind."

"I know," she said. "And I forgive you."

He responded by leaning down and softly kissing her again

"I love you," he breathed.

"I—" she began, getting a little choked up. Her emotions were all out of whack today. "I love you, too."

"Are you alright, darling?" he said with concern. "You seem out of sorts."

"I'm sorry," she said, forcing the lump back down her throat. "I've just missed you. It's been lonely here without you."

He nodded knowingly.

"The manor can be a pretty—forbidding place. Did you have a lot of bonding time with my mum? Speaking of which, where is my mum?"

"She's in London with your father. He sent a note during dinner. This is the second time he's called her down there this week. The first time he showed up here at half two in the morning."

"He didn't," Draco said in a low tone. "Tell me he didn't see you."

Leolin shook her head. "He was awful to your mum, though."

Draco didn't seem fazed by that. "They have always treated each other like that, every since I can remember. That's how they get their rocks off: by being terrible to each other."

She shook her head again.

"You're wrong about your mum, you know," she said. "Don't get me wrong, she's a total bitch, but she really does love you."

He gave a tight laugh.

"Did she pay you to say that or something?"

"Draco, I'm serious. I know she's not perfect, but I think she's doing her best."

Draco was silent a moment, and Leolin was almost afraid that he'd fallen asleep.

"Thank you," he said at last in a quiet voice.

She responded by pressing a kiss to chest and drifting to sleep in his arms.

---

"Leolin, for the love of Merlin, will you please put that thing away and get dressed? Our guests are starting to arrive."

Leolin met Draco's eye in the mirror of her vanity as he stepped in the room, though she made no move to rise. It was five o'clock the following evening, and he was right, she should be out mingling by now. However, here she sat, hair piled high on her head and dressed in only her knickers, staring into her vanity's reflection and casually flicking her floo open and closed. Something had taken hold of her since last night, and despite Draco's return, she had yet to shake it.

"Seriously," Draco said as Leolin flicked the floo open again with her long, red thumbnail. "You're making me sorry I invented that thing. What's going on with you?"

Leolin frowned, hoping Draco wouldn't have able to read her expression in the mirror.

"Last night, Ginny either got engaged or broke up with Oliver. I never heard from her, so I have no idea which way she decided to go."

Draco placed a hand on either side of her, leaning down so his nose was brushing her neck.

"And this is inhibiting you from getting dress how?" he asked gently.

"I don't know!" she cried. "I just—I don't want to go out there until I know how to greet her! I mean, should I congratulate her or console her?"

"Oh, c'mon Cal."

"What?" she demanded, trying to shake Draco's touch off in irritation.

Draco ignored her protestations.

"What's this really about?" Draco asked, narrowing his eyes. "Because if I'm being honest, it doesn't really feel like it's about Weasley at all."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Leolin demanded hotly, spinning on her stool to avoid his touch.

"I don't know!" Draco said. "But if there is some reason you don't want to go out there, you should probably tell me now."

"Draco—"

"Look, darling," he said, putting his hands on her bare upper thighs. "I know it's been a weird week. Are you worried about my mum? Because I promise she'll be so busy with the guests that she won't have time to make any wayward comments. Alright?"

"It's not your mum," Leolin admitted nervously. "I can handle her. Honestly, she's not that bad."

"Then what is it?" Draco demanded gently. She ignored him. "Callie, talk to me."

Just then her floo buzzed and she reached for it. However, he was closer, and he managed to flick it open first. Instead of a message from Ginny, a series of charts and graphs materialized.

"The election," Draco said, his voice serious. "You're monitoring the voting polls."

"I just want to be prepared, just in case he—" she began, but Drake cut her off by kissing her.

"No," he said firmly, still holding her cheeks. "Listen to me: don't tell him ruin today."

"This is serious, Drake," she countered, shrugging out of his embrace so she could pace the room. "His numbers are holding. He could win."

"It doesn't matter right now," Draco said. "We have to celebrate us."

"These roadblocks don't scare you?" she asked, gesturing to the floo in his hand.

"What roadblocks?" he asked. "My father's election has nothing to do with us."

"You don't think he'll turn his eye back to splitting us up after he's won?" she asked. "And what about my Nain? Doesn't it bother you that she hasn't given her blessing?"

He stood as well, rolling his eyes.

"Well, this is probably just going to get me in trouble with you, but no, it doesn't bother me at all. If she wants to be a stick in the mud, I'm not going to bloody stop her. As for my father, he would be trying to ruin your live whether we were together or not, so don't delude on that score. You're your mother's daughter, don't forget."

"I'm not deluding myself," she snapped, getting defensive. "I'm trying to be a realist."

"About what?" he demanded. "About us? Leolin, what are you trying to say?"

"I don't know," she bit out. "But you being a condescending twat really isn't helping."

"Cal," he said softly. He was good at hiding it, but she could tell she was making him nervous. "This is just cold feet."

"Please don't talk down to me," she said.

"I'm not!" he defended. "I just—" he paused, driving a hand into his hair. "This is our engagement party! What do you want me to say? I mean are you—do you want me to postpone? To—call it off?"

"No," she said. "Of course not." She was turned away from him, but she watched in the mirror his shoulders sag slightly in relief.

"Then tell me what you want," he said with renewed authority. "Tell me what you want and it's as good as done."

She nodded. The idea had been growing in her mind for a long time, like a cancer, and the last week had pushed it to such lengths she could no longer pretend it wasn't there, threatening to consume her.

"No matter the outcome today," she said. "I want you to promise me that after we're married that you and I will find a way to kill your father."

"Cal, that's always been the—" he began, but she shook her head.

"I don't mean take him down or dismantle whatever he's planning. All of that takes time; I understand that. I mean that I want him dead. I want a knife driven through his heart until he bleeds out on the floor."

"Leolin—"

"I'm tired of living in fear," she said. "And after seeing the way he treated your mother—" she paused, shaking her head. "Something has to be done."

He considered her a moment, a latent admiration shining in her eyes.

"How long have you been sitting on this?" Draco asked seriously.

"Since Gringotts," she admitted.

"Why did you never tell me?" he whispered, advancing on her and gently caging her to the wall.

She shook her head.

"I hoped the feeling would just pass over me," she admitted. "But now I can't shake it."

He considered this.

"And what will you do if I say no?"

"Why would you say no?" she demanded.

"Because no matter what happens today, it's suicide," Draco said seriously. "What you're proposing can't be done. If we want to bring down him, we need to bring down his empire first."

She considered this, and he seemed to feel the matter was settled. However, as he turned his back, she spoke again.

"If you say no," Leolin said. "I'll do it without you."

He considered this, jaw set in a hard line.

"Fine," he said at last. "After we're married, we'll find a way to kill him. Satisfied?"

She tipped her head back to rest on the wall behind her, heart thudding dully.

"Yes," she said, sounding resolute. "I am."

"Good," he said, smiling as he advanced on her. "That's all I need to hear."

He made to kiss her, but she laid a finger over his lips.

"If you think you're going to get away with promising me this today and going back on your word, you should know something: I won't bring children into this world so long as he lives in it. Keep that in mind."

His eyes burn for a second, but eventually he nodded bending to kiss her.

"Agreed," he breathed, kissing her neck now. "Now can we stop talking about my father and celebrate?"

She smiled for the first time, and he returned the gesture.

"If you insist," she said, her smile widening.

"I do," he said, kissing her cheek before relinquishing his position and giving her room. "Most emphatically. Now get dressed so we can get legless."

She nodded.

"Alright," she said, grabbing him by the tie for a final kiss. "I'm going."

"Good," he smirked, trying to bury the worry her declaration had produced. "Hurry up, then."

He turned and headed by her vanity, grabbing her floo and pocketing it.

"And I'm taking this," he said. "If you are telling the truth about Weasley—"

"I am!"

"Well then you better hurry up, because I'm not giving this back until you're dressed and in my arms."

"You're a twat," she said affectionately, and he smiled.

"Yes, but I'm your twat, you see, which makes all the different. See you in a few."

"Get out," she laughed, and with that he closed the door.

She took a deep breath, going to her closet and pulling the doors open. She probably ought to have asked Draco to stay; getting into her dress was really more of a two-man job.

She stepped into the hoopskirt first before pulling the knee-length vermillion gown over it. She swayed a little in the mirror, approving of the way the skirt swung merrily.

She turned to admire the back, which, like all of Amelie's designs for her, was barely there at all. The thin straps over her shoulders gave into a wide v of shimmering bare skin. There was a bow as well, just along her tailbone, and Leolin approved of the way it made her arse look rounder than it was.

She had laughed when Amelie had first pulled the gown from its box, but she's grown rather fond of it since. It may not have been to everyone's taste, but it was certainly not a gown that would be soon forgotten.

She took a deep breath, looking in the mirror and adjusting a final time before stiding out of the door. Once in the hallway, she immediately bumped into someone.

"Narcissa!" she exclaimed in surprise. "You're back!"

"I was just coming to fetch you," Narcissa said coolly. "It's frightfully bad manners to keep your guests waiting, Leolin."

"I know, I—"

"No excuses," Narcissa said, looping an arm through Leolin's arm.

Narcissa was dressed impeccably in a coral satin gown, and despite their age difference, Leolin actually felt a small pang of jealousy at her mother-in-law's beauty. It faded, however, as Narcissa turned to give Leolin a condescending look.

"I know you weren't raised in this environment, but if you're to be Draco's wife, you're going to have to adjust."

Leolin slipped her arm free.

"I am going to be Draco's wife," Leolin countered hotly. "And this is my engagement party, so I think I'll do as I please. Excuse me."

Not stopping to gauge Narcissa's reaction, Leolin hurried past her, greeting people as she made her way onto to sprawling balcony. All eyes were on her as she stepped out the glass doors, and Draco's found her from where he was standing. He opened his arms to her and she hurried into them, her movement accompanied by claps.

"There she is," Draco breathed, kissing her. "Feeling better?"

She nodded tightly before smiling at Blaise, who stood to Draco's right.

"Hi," she said, beaming.

"Hi," he replied, and she eased from Draco's arms so Blaise could embrace her. "Congratulations. You look absolutely stunning."

She smiled appreciatively.

"Did you ever think we'd make it here?" she asked, laughing a little.

"Truthfully," Blaise said, smiling at the couple. "Kelly Troy gave me pause."

Draco rolled his eyes, but Leolin laughed.

"If Kelly couldn't keep me from Draco, no one can," she said, kissing Draco again.

"How reassuring," Draco growled.

"Relax, mate," Blaise said, taking a sip of champagne. "You ended up with the girl of your dreams in the end. We should all be...so…lucky…"

His voice trailed off as he watched a new figure emerge onto the terrace.

Ginny was dressed in a royal blue gown that hugged her slender frame like a second skin. As she walked, a slit in the side revealed her creamy thigh, and Blaise swallowed audibly.

"Oh, don't congratulate Weasley when you see her," Draco said casually, offering Leolin her floo back. "She's not engaged."

"Draco!" Leolin cried, indignant. He merely smirked, and she only had time to slap him upside the head before turning to Blaise, who was wheeling on Leolin in the same moment.

"She's single?" he demanded eagerly.

Ginny had yet to see them, and Leolin had Blaise by the collar in an instant.

"Listen to me: this might be your chance now that Ginny's single and it might not, I don't know, but she just broke up with Oliver yesterday after dating him for almost two years. Please, please, please leave her alone tonight."

He scowled. "Stop acting like I'm some cad you scooped off the street," Blaise snapped irritably, fixing his navy silk tie from where she had tugged on it. "I know how to behave like a gentleman."

"Leolin!" Ginny called now that she was closer, extending her arms and enveloping Leolin. "Congratulations!"

"Thank you!" Leolin squealed. "I'm so happy you're finally here!"

They both pulled away a little, trying to pretend Ginny's breakup wasn't hanging in the air.

"Hello Ginevra," Draco said, coolly brushing a kiss on her cheek. It was perhaps too bold to say that he and Ginny were cordial now, but they had learned to tolerate one another for Leolin's sake, and in the process they'd developed a sort of grudging respect for one another.

"Draco," she said in return. "Congratulations."

Her eyes fell on Blaise next and she made a small move to allow him to embrace her, as was customary, but he folded his arms across his chest instead, nodding at her.

"Weasley," he said simply.

Ginny frowned a little at his odd behaviour before brushing it off.

"We heard about Wood," Draco said. "He's a nob. We never liked him, did we, Blaise?"

Leolin scowled at Draco and Blaise only shrugged.

"You can do better," Blaise said noncommittally.

"Sorry," Leolin said, giving Draco a glare before taking Ginny's arm sympathetically. "He wasn't supposed to say anything to you about it. Are you alright?"

"Seriously," Ginny said, smiling. "I'm fine. I actually feel loads better now that it's over. I think when you're with the right person, you know.

"You do," Draco said, looking down at Leolin. "It's undeniable."

"I never felt that with Oliver," Ginny admitted. "I've never felt it without anyone, even Harry."

Behind her Blaise perked up a bit, but Leolin made a throat-slitting motion when Ginny turned and Blaise scowled and went back to his drink.

"Speak of the devil," Leolin said happily, watching Harry's unkempt mop bobbing through the crowd. "Harry Potter," she said when he was close enough, extending her arms. "When did you get out of prison?"

"I was released today on good behaviour," Harry joked, accepting her embrace. "Only for one night, mind you, so let's make it count."

Leolin laughed even as Draco scowled.

"Congratulations," Harry said, kissing her cheek. "And you look lovely as usual."

"You're going to make me blush," Leolin said, releasing Harry so he could hug Ginny.

Now it was Blaise's turn to scowl.

"You too," Harry said to Ginny. "Hey, Olive told me this morning what happened," he said softly. "Are you alright?"

"Fine," Ginny laughed as he released her. "You know me."

"Unfortunately, I do," he said, smiling warmly at her.

Finally, Harry turned to Draco, extending his hand even as some of the merriment bled from his gaze.

"Congratulations, Malfoy," he said coldly, and Draco shook his hand.

"Cheers," Draco said, trying to be civil for Leolin. She caught his eye and smiled at him, making his demeanor relax considerably.

"Zabini," Harry said, reaching over to shake Blaise's hand. They shared the odd bond that had been forged when Ginny had testified for Draco, and there was genuinely less animosity between them.

"You alright, Potter?" He said coolly.

"Fine, you?"

Blaise shrugged, unable to keep his eyes from Ginny for a split second. "I can't complain."

"How are things?" Ginny pressed Harry. "How is training for Puddlemere going?"

"It's grueling," Harry said. "But I love it. I'm so pleased to have signed with them."

"What about women?" Leolin pressed, nudging him. "Are you seeing anyone?"

"Well…" he began, blushing.

"He is!" Ginny squealed. "He definitely is! Look how flushed his cheeks are!"

"It's a bit tricky to expla—"

"Harry, darling, there you are! Merlin, I thought I'd lost you in this mob!"

Ginny and Leolin, bewildered, were forced to let go of Harry as a bubbly blonde came up and wound herself around him like ivy on a pole. She seemed either oblivious or unconcerned by the others gathered, and when she spoke again, she was still only addressing Harry.

"I thought you were just going to get us drinks but then you were gone for such a long time I figured I'd have to come and find you. Have you seen the bride and groom yet?"

"Uh, that would be me," Leolin said, still trying to figure out quite what was happening. "I'm Leolin. This is my fiancée, Draco."

"Charmed," Draco said in a dull voice.

"Welcome to our home," Leolin finished, ignoring the smirk Draco gave her when she said our home.

"Lovely to meet you," the blonde said, crushing Leolin into an overly-familiar hug.

She met Harry's eye over the girl's shoulder as if to say who the fuck is this and Harry hurriedly said.

"Uh, Leolin this is Olivia, she's my—ah—"

"Girlfriend," Olivia finished happily. "And you must be Ginny," she said , hugging Ginny tightly as well. "Harry talks about you all the time"

"Does he?" Ginny said, sounding a little scared. She hated friendly strangers.

Over Ginny's shoulder Olivia seemed to have finally noticed Blaise.

"And who are you?" she demanded, making Blaise scowl.

"I'm Blaise, Draco's best mate," he grit out and she seemed to accept this explanation.

She made to embrace him as well but he stopped her.

"I don't hug."

"Suit yourself, Grumpy Gus," she tittered, and Leolin and Ginny made eye contact and stifled a laugh. "Oh Harry darling, I've just seem Lavender Brown; let's go say hi!"

"You go," he said feebly. "I'll catch up with you."

"Merlin," Blaise breathed as they all watched Olivia sashay off. "She's—"

"A bloody nightmare?" Harry finished. "Yeah, I know. I've been trying to break up with her for weeks."

"Where did you even find her?" Leolin asked.

"We met at a party of Puddlemere a few weeks ago. She works press for us. Gods, she's just my luck. The only one-night stand I've had, and it turns out she's clingier than a leech.

"Is she good in the sack at least?" Blaise asked.

Harry only blushed and everyone, including Draco, winced.

"Oh, tell me you're joking!" Ginny demanded.

"Would that I could," Harry groaned.

"Maybe you'll meet someone else tonight," Leolin said hopefully.

Harry shrugged. "I know all these girls. If there was even one I fancied dating, I probably would have already done it."

"Not necessarily. People can change," Ginny said.

"To an extent," Leolin pointed out. "There's no hope that Olivia girl, though. Just please make sure that she doesn't break anything on her way out; Draco's mother would be very irritated."

Everyone laughed and Harry huffed. "Oh ha ha bloody ha. Alright, I am going to try and deal with this. See you all later. Congrats again, Lai. You deserve to be happy."

They waved as they watched him go.

"So glad that isn't me," Blaise muttered, making Leolin and Ginny laugh again.

Pansy was approaching now, smiling.

"Congratulations," she said. "Both of you!"

"Thanks" Leolin said, hugging her tightly. "It's so good to see you!"

"Good to be seen, as always," Pansy said as they all laughed.

Just then a serve arrived in their midst, clearly his throat uncomfortably.

"May we help you?" Draco said in a thin voice.

"Madame Malfoy is looking for you, Madamoiselle Lefevre."

Leolin fought, for Draco's sake, not to roll her eyes.

"Right, of course."

"I'll be right back," she promised, kissing Draco salaciously first. "Talk about something boring until I get back."

With that she swept off, still smiling as she wove in and around the throng of guest. However, Leolin's mirth faded as she watched her age-old nemesis striding toward her, Daphne Greengrass once again on his arm. She whispered something in his ear and smile half-heartedly at Leolin before heading off. However, Adrian made a path straight to her

"Congratulations, you snobby little brat," Adrian said when he was close enough, smiling congenially.

"Adrian," Leolin said, as if they were genuinely old friends. "How annoying of you to join us this evening. Can I offer you a glass of champagne, perhaps? Or how about a long walk off a short fucking cliff."

He rolled his eyes.

"Why are you here?" Leolin snapped. "And more importantly, why are you still in my presence?"

He shrugged.

"No point in wasting a perfectly good Malfoy party just because the guest of honour's a living nightmare."

He gave an infuriating smirk.

"So help me Merlin," she hissed. "If you don't get the fuck out of my sight for the rest of eternity, I push you over the balcony, and I won't even make it look like an accident."

"Charming, Lefevre, as always," he said.

"Ugh!" she growled, so loudly several guests turned to look. "Go to Hell!"

She made to storm off, and just as she was almost out of earshot, he called, "By the way, your future father-in-law's just arrived. He's looking for you."

"What?" she demanded.

"And you might want to congratulate him," Adrian pressed. "He's our new Minister for Magic."

Leolin felt all the blood drain out of her face, and Adrian raised his eyebrows and laughed.

"Have fun with that."

"Leolin!" Draco was cutting through the crowd.

"My father—"

"Is here," she said. "I know. He's looking for me."

"Bollocks," Draco hissed, and he was off in a second, and Leolin was hot on his heels. They made their way to the balcony of the ballroom, watching as Lucius swept tables carelessly aside with his wand.

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen, thank you all so much for coming. Unfortunately I can't stay long, but I simply couldn't leave the party without sharing at least one dance with my beautiful daughter-in-law, Leolin. Leolin, are you in the ballroom?"

The energy in the room seemed to shift to her as those around her turned to see her reaction. Lucius honed in at once and smirked when he saw her.

"Ah, there she is. Leolin, if you would do me the honour," he gestured to the floor, which was clear now that he'd removed all the tables and decorations.

Immediately Leolin made for the stairs, but Draco had her by the arm in a second.

"Leolin!" he hissed. "Are you mad?"

"He's Minister of Magic now," she hissed back. "If we should people that we aren't afraid of him then they will follow our example."

Quickly she pecked Draco on the lips and made her way through the throng. People yielded easily to her, and with every step she took towards Lucius, she could hear her heart pounding louder and louder in her ears. He watched her with an almost-hunger, glittering eyes moving from her hair to the dress to her shoes.

The minute her hand touched his a haunting waltz began, and he swept her across the polished marble floor as if she weighted nothing.

"What an unpleasant surprise this is," she said, breathless with fear. "I don't believe I've seen you since you imperiused me at Gringotts."

He smiled down wickedly at her. "That's not true; you saw me the other night."

Leolin tried to feign ignorance, but Lucius wasn't having any of it.

"Oh, I didn't see you, but I know you were there. Didn't your mother ever tell you that it's impolite to eavesdrop?"

"I wasn't eavesdropping. You woke me up."

"My apologies, then."

"Why are you here?" she demanded, trying to seem strong.

"This is my home. Am I not welcome in my own home?"

"I am sure there are a million victory parties you have to attend tonight. Why waste you time coming here?"

"I came to see you. You love positively devilish in that dress, Leolin. I swear you grow more beautiful every time I see you."

"I'm not going to stomach any more of your sickening innuendos," she said. "If you just came here to humiliate me, you might as well leave. It's not going to work."

He smiled.

"Look at you, pretending to be brave. It's adorable, really."

"What do you want?" she bit out desperately. "Stop skirting around it!"

"I wanted to give you one last chance; leave Draco now and that will be the end of it. You have my word."

Leolin shook her head, trying to convince herself along with Lucius.

"You're full of threats that you never carry out. I tired of living in fear of you. For years you've been warning me to stay away for Draco, but in the end you can never seem to keep us apart. You're washed up, Lucius; admit it."

She was frightened by her own boldness, but his threatening her and Draco had awoke a fight she hadn't know she'd possessed. She felt ready to spit fire.

"You really think so? Perhaps you ought to start paying better attention."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"There's a storm coming. Don't you hear it? The clouds are moving in, and the thunder's begun to roll."

She said nothing, only glowered.

"Best take care, Leolin, that it doesn't will sweep you up and drown you."

"I don't believe you," she lied breathlessly, trying to put down her fear. "You'd say anything to split me and Draco up."

"You're been in my crosshairs for far too long, you insolent little brat," he seethed, his expression growing dark. "Believe me when I tell you that I mean to significantly rearrange your fortune very, very soon."

She couldn't suppress flashes of Draco lying on the floor of the infirmary, his blood pooling below Lucius's boot.

"Short of killing me, there's nothing you can do to keep me from Draco."

"I don't have to kill you to make you suffer, I assure you."

"May I cut in?" Draco sneered, pushing Leolin behind him and glaring at his father. They were almost of a height, and it was hard to say who looked stronger.

"Of course," Lucius said, raising his eyebrows at Leolin. "I should be off anyways. Congratulations, you two. I hope these days of plenty last forever."

Draco made to say something, but Lucius was gone in a dramatic pop. Draco stood fuming for a second before going over to Leolin and holding her as they resumed the waltz.

"What did he say to you?"

"He warned me about a storm," she said, taking deep breath and furrowing her brow to fight down any tears. If she wanted to win this war, she needed to be a soldier, not a damsel. "He said that I should take care that I didn't drown."

Draco held her closer, cradling her head to his chest.

"Promise me again," she grit. "I need to hear you say it."

"Say what?"

"Promise me that we'll kill him. We have to kill him, Draco."

"Yes," Draco said at last, his eyes cast towards the door Lucius had disappeared through. "I promise."