Chapter 3
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, it all belongs to JK Rowling…I'm merely an obsessed fan with ideas stuck in my head.
… … … … … …
Leila always enjoyed her stays at the Burrow, including a summer full of Hermione Granger. The Weasleys always made sure that Leila and Harry felt like they were a part of the family. Granted, not all the Weasleys lived at the Burrow anymore, Leila felt like an honorary member of the Weasley family. The summer seemed to fly, metaphorically and literally. Leila tried to help Mrs. Weasley out around the house as much as she could, along with playing Quidditch, read, and Ginny's favorite activity: avoiding Fleur.
But the summer wasn't all fun and games. Disappearances and worse things were happening almost daily. Mrs. Weasley would always fret over the Daily Prophet to make sure that no one she knew had been lost. Leila knew that this was only the beginning of thing, but how much worse could they get? Leila hadn't had any more strange dreams, well at least not any new ones. She had the same dream from earlier in the summer a few more times. Each time it became somewhat clearer, but she still couldn't make it out what the dream meant. Each time the dream came back Leila debated telling Dumbledore, but technically, he already knew this dream, so there wasn't much of a point in bothering the busy Headmaster.
Soon, July 31st was upon them: Harry and Leila's 16th birthday. Leila awoke that morning to the sun shining down on her face. She rolled over to see if Harry was awake, but he was still sleeping. Leila smirked and quietly tiptoed out of her bed and to her brothers. She jumped onto his bed, making sure that she landed on him.
"Oomph." Harry groaned.
"Happy Birthday Harry!" Leila yelled.
"Get off." Harry said.
"Don't you have something you should say to me?" Leila asked.
"Leila." Harry said pushing her off.
She sat at the foot of Harry's bed when he finally sat up. He grabbed for his glasses and placed them on his face. He looked at her and shook his head, while Leila simply smiled back at her brother.
"Happy Birthday, baby sister." Harry smiled.
"That's better." Leila said.
She got off Harry's bed and sat back on her own. There were three owls perched outside the window, so she opened it to let them in. Two of them were for her and one was for the both of them. The owl for both of them was from Hagrid. Leila grabbed the package and threw it at Harry. Harry opened the rock cakes, which Hagrid made more than enough for the two of them, while she then grabbed the other small packages. Leila gave the owls a treat and sent them on their ways.
"Who are they from?" Harry asked.
"Dunno, haven't opened them yet." Leila retorted.
"Well, hand it over then." Harry said.
"The name says 'Leila Potter' not 'Harry Potter." Leila smirked.
Leila picked the packages back up, one in each hand. Harry quickly raced out of his bed and for the small package in Leila's right hand. She tried to fight him off, but Harry's quick Seeker reflexes beat her. Harry opened the attached card, while Leila whined for him to give it back. Harry looked at the name on the bottom of the card then looked to Leila.
"Theodore Nott? I thought you were through with him?" Harry questioned.
"I am." Leila said.
"Then why is he sending you a present?" Harry asked.
"People generally get presents on their birthdays, Harry." Leila groaned.
"Not from Theodore Nott." Harry said.
"Just give it back." Leila whined.
Harry held the present and card as high as he could. Harry wasn't the tallest person, but he still had about five inches on Leila. Leila tried to reach her full height of 5 foot 1 ½ inches, but it did nothing for her, so she instead tried jumping to reach them. Harry started laughing at her ill-managed attempts to reach her presents. Leila, attempting to make another jump scrunched her face up into an entertaining face that Harry doubled over with laughter. Leila instantly swiped back what was hers and shoved them in her trunk. Harry ruffled her hair and then sat back down on his bed. Leila attempted to smooth out her messy hair and then again turned to her brother.
"So what do you think Mrs. Weasley has planned?" Leila asked.
"No idea, but I think it will be great." Harry said.
"Any birthday away from the Dursley's is great in my book." Leila said.
"That's true." Harry smiled.
"I'm heading downstairs to see if we got any other surprises, and stay away from my trunk!" Leila said.
Leila walked downstairs to find Mrs. Weasley and Fleur busy with breakfast preparations. Mrs. Weasley bustled over to Leila and enveloped her in a hug.
"Leila! Happy Birthday!" Mrs. Weasley said hugging her.
"'Apee Birthday!" Fleur smiled.
"Thank you." Leila laughed.
"Did you sleep all right?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Fine." Leila said.
"Good, that's good. Now, have a seat some breakfast should be ready in a few minutes." Mrs. Weasley smiled.
Mrs. Weasley ushered Leila to the table, where it appeared that two special places had been set. One for Leila and the other for Harry. Leila sat down at the table as Harry made his way downstairs. Mrs. Weasley gave him the same birthday greeting and then he sat down at the table where the other special place had been set. Harry leaned over to whisper in Leila's ear.
"Much better than the Dursley's." Harry whispered.
"For sure." Leila whispered back.
Mrs. Weasley served them chocolate chip pancakes. Leila and Harry thanked Mrs. Weasley and set out to devour their stacks of pancakes.
"Why don't you ever make those for me?" Ron asked coming downstairs.
"I've never tried that recipe before, and I figured today would be a special occasion." Mrs. Weasley responded.
"As if your own son's birthday isn't special enough." Ron muttered under his breath.
Ron yawned and joined the Potter twins at the table. He took the seat on Harry's right. He instantly grabbed a stack of four pancakes and began shoveling them in his mouth. Hermione and Ginny arrived down for breakfast, both looking absolutely repulsed by Ron's eating habits.
"Where did you learn how to eat Ronald?" Hermione asked.
"Shut up." Ron said with his mouth full.
"Happy Birthday Harry…and Leila." Hermione said.
"Happy Birthday!" Ginny smiled.
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Happy Birthday!" Ron said spewing pancakes at Leila.
"Talk about spew." Leila said.
"I've had enough of that. I wish Hermione would let me resign." Ron groaned.
"Not Granger's group the pancakes that you spewed all over me." Leila said rolling her eyes.
"Oh." Ron mumbled.
"Nice apology." Leila said.
"Huh?" Ron replied.
"Never mind." Leila sighed.
Hermione and Ginny sat down for breakfast. Ginny and Hermione both took seats across from the other three at the table. They were soon joined by Fleur and Mrs. Weasley, but the conversation still remained between the five teenagers at the table.
"Quidditch later?" Ginny asked.
"Of course." Leila said.
"Teams?" Ron asked.
"Potters versus Weasleys." Leila smiled.
"What about Hermione?" Harry asked.
"She can be on our team, I suppose." Leila said.
"Then you get three!" Ron complained.
"If you want her, you can have her." Leila shot back.
"No, no, you can keep Hermione." Ron said.
"You actually want me on your team, Leila?" Hermione asked.
"Not really, but if you're on our team it should even the teams out." Leila said.
"Leila…" Ginny hissed.
"What? She's awful at Quidditch, that's a known fact." Leila said.
"Don't worry Ginny, I agree with her. I couldn't play Quidditch even if my life depended on it." Hermione said.
The group laughed and finished up their breakfasts. They then headed out to the back for a game of Quidditch. Harry, Leila, and Hermione eventually won, but barely so. Ginny imposed the rule that Hermione had to be passed to at least once every time they went for a goal. Hermione often dropped the quaffle when it was passed to her. So Harry got the idea to have Hermione start with the quaffle and pass it. Hermione didn't have the best arm, but at least that stopped Hermione from having to catch the thing. And Hermione's flying was a completely different story. Leila was pretty sure she probably could teach cows to fly better, but she bit back her insult not wanting to get Harry mad at her on their birthday.
The group stayed outside for most of the day. It was too nice outside to be stuck inside. Especially with Fleur, as Ginny put it. After their Quidditch game, they had a nice picnic near a pond close to the Burrow. Hermione kept bringing up the subject of school, which subjects they were going to continue in, and what they were going to do after Hogwarts. Leila soon realized that Ginny, Hermione, and Ron were probably told to keep Harry and Leila away from the house. Leila wasn't exactly sure what Mrs. Weasley and Fleur were planning, but she was almost positive that it was some sort of party. The group finally headed back to the Burrow when Mrs. Weasley called for them. And Leila was sure of a party when she saw Remus apparate into the yard.
"Uncle Remus!" Leila screamed.
She ran over to her godfather and hugged him. He smiled wearily. He looked like he had aged another ten years since the last time she had seen him. Remus had hidden the fact that he was her godfather for most of her third year, but he had accidentally let it slip one day while she and Harry were having private Defence lessons to learn to ward off dementors. Leila released him from the hug and smiled at him.
"Happy Birthday, Leila." Remus said.
"It's good to see you." Leila smiled.
"I can hardly believe that you're sixteen. You're looking more and more beautiful every time I see you." Remus said.
"Stop it; you're embarrassing me." Leila said.
Bill apparated into the yard and came up and shook Remus' hand. They immediately began discussing Order happenings, so Leila walked over to where Ginny stood alone watching, Hermione, Harry, and Ron. This didn't last long because Mrs. Weasley must have been watching from the window.
"Come inside, it's time to come in." Mrs. Weasley yelled from the back door.
Everyone made their way inside. Fred and George had flooed over not too long before and were joking around with Fleur. The twins talked animatedly with Fluer; then Fred walked over and wrapped his arm around Fleur. Fleur smiled awkwardly and looked at Bill with pleading eyes. Bill shook his head and walked over to them, Remus following. He reached for Fleur's hand and she accepted, pulling her away from Fred and into his embrace.
"Get your own fiancée." Bill said smiling.
Fred grinned and winked at Leila. Leila rolled her eyes, but could help laughing.
"What do you say Leila? Want to make this a birthday to remember?" Fred grinned.
Leila continued to laugh as Fred walked over to where she was standing. He got down on one knee right in front of her, with a big grin plastered on his face. Ginny noticed Fred kneeling in front of Leila and out of curiosity she walked over to join the group. Fred then took her right hand in both of his.
"Leila, will you do me the pleasure of being my fiancée?" Fred said laughing.
"Is that what you call a marriage proposal?" Leila asked.
"You're right, let's do this properly. Leila Potter, will you marry me?" Fred grinned.
"Only in your dreams, Fred. In your dreams." Leila laughed.
Leila playfully smacked Fred on the cheek. Fred pretended to act hurt and stood back to his feet. Mrs. Weasley had noticed the exchange and bustled over.
"What do you think you were doing?" Mrs. Weasley demanded.
"It was a joke, Mum." Fred said.
"You are too young even too be joking about that! Marriage is a serious thing." Mrs. Weasley screeched.
"I'm eighteen and can do what I please. If I want to get married I'll bloody well get married. But it's like I said: it was a joke!" Fred tried to get through to his mother.
"Watch your language in my house. Leila dear, I hope you weren't too offended." Mrs. Weasley said turning to Leila.
"I tend not to take Fred too seriously." Leila smiled.
Mrs. Weasley patted Leila on the cheek and walked to finish last minute dinner preparations.
"Sheesh, you think she'd learn how to take a joke?" Fred complained.
"Everyone knows you have a thing for Leila." Ginny said.
"It was called a joke!" Fred exasperated, blushing furiously.
"No, that was called rejection, Freddie." George laughed.
"Does Fred even know what that feels like?" Ginny grinned.
"Shut up." Fred muttered..
"Leila's too good for the likes of you anyways." Bill smiled.
"That's what you think." Fred grumbled.
The group laughed and even Fleur joined in on the laughter. Harry, Hermione, and Ron were confused over the laughter, but they joined in anyways. Mr. Weasley walked into the house and everyone sat down at the table. The laughter didn't last long. The conversation had turned to attacks by the time the cake was served.
"There have been another couple of dementor attacks. And they've found Igor Karkaroff's body in a shack up north. The Dark Mark had been set over it…well, frankly, I'm surprised he stayed alive for even a year after deserting the Death Eaters; Sirius brother, Regulus, only managaed a few days as far as I can remember." Remus announced accepting a generous sized piece of cake.
""Yes, well, perhaps we should talk about something diff…" Mrs. Weasley began.
"Did you hear about Florean Fortescue, Remus?" Bill asked.
"The man who ran…" Leila started.
"The ice-cream place in Diagon Alley? He uses to give Leila and I free ice creams." Harry interrupted.
"Good ol' Florean helped George and I out a time or two when we first got to Diagon Alley. Such a shame, it is." Fred said.
"What happened to him?" Leila asked.
"Dragged off, by the look of his place." Bill answered.
"Why?" Ron asked.
Mrs. Weasley was none too happy about the turn in the conversation. She attempted again to change the conversation again by shooting Bill a pointed glare. Mrs. Weasley could tell that Bill was going to answer Ron, so she quickly intervened by trying to offer second pieces of cake, while everyone was still trying to finish the large first helpings. Bill eventually turned to Ron.
"Why? Who knows? He must've upset them somehow. He was a good man, Florean." Bill said.
"Speaking of Diagon Alley, looks like Ollivander's gone too." Mr. Weasley added.
"As is most of the Alley." George said.
"Yes, but Ollivander just disappeared to nowhere." Mr. Weasley said.
"The wandmaker?" Ginny said, looking startled.
"That's the one. Shop's empty. No sign of a struggle. No one knows whether he left voluntarily or was kidnapped." Mr. Weasley said.
"But everyone got their wands from Ollivanders!" Hermione exclaimed.
"I'm aware of that." Mr. Weasley said.
"But what will people do for wands then?" Leila asked.
"They'll make do with other makers. But Ollivander was the best, and if the other side have got him it's not good for us." Remus responded soberly.
Silence over came the group. They all focused their attention on the cake before them. Soon, it was time for Remus to leave. Harry and Leila walked outside with him. Remus put his traveling cloak on while Harry stood there awkwardly with his hands in his pockets and Leila with her arms folded across her chest. An eerie sense came over them as they were outside. Leila looked to the moon, trying to mentally calculate how many days Remus had until the full moon.
"Things are getting bad out there, just like last time. I want you two to promise look after each other." Remus said.
"We will." Harry said.
"And you, Leila, don't get in too much trouble." Remus tried to smile.
"I'm not that much of a trouble maker." Leila said.
"You forget I taught you for a year." Remus said.
"I'll be good." Leila said.
"I don't know when I'll see you two again, so take care." Remus said hugging Leila.
"Goodbye." Harry and Leila said together.
Remus nodded, shook Harry's hand, and disapparated away. Harry and Leila headed back inside in silence. Leila's thoughts were focused on Remus' ominous warning: just like last time. Adults always said that those who weren't around for the First war could never even imagine the horrors that were faced. Leila was slightly worried by that fact and hoped that things wouldn't come down to what they were last time. When they finally got inside, they found Fred and George proudly talking about their joke shop.
"You going to come visit us when you come to Diagon Alley?" Fred asked.
"If I'm allowed to." Leila said.
"Why wouldn't we allow you?" George asked.
"Not you two, just Diagon Alley in general." Leila said.
"Well, you had better be allowed to come see us." Fred said.
"Or what?" Leila asked.
"Or we'll come get you ourselves, won't we George?" Fred said.
"We will?" George asked.
"Yes, we will. Along with the rest of you lot." Fred said.
"Well, in that case you won't mind if I go off to bed. It's been a long day." Leila said.
"Aren't you and Harry in our old room?" George asked.
"Yeah, Harry really appreciated the present, didn't you Harry?" Leila said.
Leila turned to Harry who was engrossed in a conversation with Bill.
"What?" Harry asked.
"Present. Fred's pillow. You likey?" Leila said.
"Erm…" Harry said rubbing the back of his head.
The twins laughed and Leila headed upstairs to go to bed. She quickly changed into her pajamas and opened the new book Granger had bought her. As much as she couldn't stand Granger, she did have to admit that she almost always enjoyed the books given by her. Leila wasn't sure how much time had passed, but Harry soon knocked on the door and came in.
"Fred and George leave?" Leila asked.
"Yeah, they did." Harry said.
"All right, well I'm going to go to sleep." Leila said.
"Are you sure you don't want to talk with me, Ron, and Hermione?" Ron asked.
"I'm good. I think I've had enough of Granger for today." Leila smiled.
"Leila." Harry groaned.
"I'm tired and you know I get really crabby when I'm overly tired." Leila said.
"G'night then." Harry said.
"Good night." Leila smiled.
Harry nodded and left the room. Leila snuggled close to the wall, covered in her blanket and was soon asleep. She didn't even notice when Harry had returned from Ron's room. When Leila woke up the next morning, their Hogwarts letters were waiting for them downstairs. The five teenagers all opened their letters simultaneously. Leila's letter contained the usual: the book supply list and a note reminding her of a meeting. Leila turned to see Harry holding a Gryffindor Quidditch captain's badge.
"Ooh! Let me see that!" Leila said reaching for the badge.
"It's not that big of a deal." Harry said.
"It is a big deal! That gives you equal status with prefects! You can use our special bathroom now and everything!" Hermione said happily.
"Oh yippie, he can use the bathroom. It's not like he hasn't been in there before." Leila said sarcastically.
"I don't recall you complaining last year when you got Slytherin prefect." Hermione said.
"That's only because I could rub it in Parkinson's face. The bathroom was just an added perk. Besides, there was a huge disadvantage." Leila said.
"What was that?" Ginny asked.
"Malfoy." Leila shuddered.
"Well, now Harry won't feel left out." Hermione said snootily.
"I remember when Charlie wore one of those. Wait a sec, do you have one Leila?" Ron said examining Harry's badge.
"No, like Snape would ever make me Quidditch captain." Leila scoffed.
"He made you a prefect." Ron said.
"Dumbledore assigns prefects and heads, Ron." Hermione corrected.
"That's right, I knew that. Anyways, Harry, this is so cool. You're my Captain – if you let me back on the team, I suppose, ha ha…" Ron continued.
Mrs. Weasley took Ginny and Ron's lists and examined them.
"Well, I don't suppose we can put off a trip to Diagon Alley much longer now you've got these. We'll go on Saturday as long as your father doesn't have to go into work again. I'm not going without him." Mrs. Weasley announced.
"Mum, d'you honestly think that You-Know-Who's going to be hiding behind a bookshelf in Flourish and Blotts." Ron said.
"Fortescue and Ollivander went on holiday, did they? If you think security's a laughing matter you can stay behind and I'll get your things myself…" Mrs. Weasley said hotly.
"No, I want to see Fred and George's shop!" Ron said hastily.
"Then you buck up your ideas, young man, before I decide you're too immature to come with us! And that goes for Hogwarts as well!" Mrs. Weasley said angrily.
Mrs. Weasley grabbed a basket of laundry and stormed out of the room.
"Blimey…you can't even make a joke around here anymore…" Ron said.
"She's right you know Ronald." Hermione said.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ron asked.
"It's dangerous out there. You really need to take this more seriously." Hermione said.
"I am, but really Hermione, how likely is it he'll be at Flourish and Blotts?" Ron said.
"If anything he'd probably be creeping about Bourgin and Burkes. That's where the creepers shop and he's definitely a creeper." Leila added.
Ron broke out into a grin and Hermione tried to hide one. Leila rolled her eyes. Saturday couldn't come soon enough, but it finally came. Bill had taken money out of Gringotts for Leila and Harry. He explained that it was easier than them going to Gringotts. Apparently, the goblins had upped the security so much that it took most people hours to come back with their gold. Luckily, Bill worked at Gringotts and could easily access their vaults. A special Ministry car arrived to get them to the Leaky Cauldron. Leila crawled in the back with Harry, Hermione, and Ron; while Ginny got stuck in the front with her parents. When they got to the Leaky Cauldron they were met up with more protection. Leila groaned at the fact of being stuck with Aurors all day.
"It's embarrassing being stuck with a bunch of Aurors." Leila said.
"It's for your own protection." Hermione said.
"I wonder how many of them there are going to be." Leila said.
"Hagrid!" Harry yelled stepping out of the car.
"Learn to count, Harry…oh, wait Hagrid's here!" Leila said.
The group got out of the car and walked into the Leaky Cauldron with Hagrid. Apparently, the Ministry had wanted to send a bunch of Aurors, but Dumbledore convinced them that Hagrid would do. To Leila, it seemed that Diagon Alley had lost its magic. It no longer held the luster she remembered as an eleven year old. Then again, things always seem much better as a child; but with half the alley closed up, that sparkle was definitely gone. She walked a few steps when someone ran into her.
"Potter." a blonde girl said.
"Greengrass." Leila said.
Daphne Greengrass turned around smiled.
"It's good to see you, Leila." Daphne said.
"You too!" Leila said hugging Daphne.
Daphne was the only sixth year Slytherin girl that she was friends with. The other girls in her House often made fun of her, but Daphne was the only one who didn't take pleasure in that activity. Daphne was probably her closest friend and confidant.
"So where are you headed?" Daphne asked.
"I'm not exactly sure." Leila said.
"But you're here with the Weasleys?" Daphne asked.
"Yeah, I am. Harry and I are at the Burrow for the summer." Leila said.
"So that's why you've hardly been writing." Daphne smirked.
"Leila, come along." Mrs. Weasley turned around and called to her.
"I should probably get going." Leila said.
"Why don't you come with me?" Daphne asked.
"Are you alone?" Leila asked.
"Mother and Astoria are in Twilfitt and Tattings and my father's right there." Daphne said.
Daphne pointed to her father. He waved back to Daphne and slowly walked over. Mr. Greengrass was dressed in a dark navy blue set of wizarding robes. Greengrasses were another one of those prominent pureblood families that had been around for centuries. Leila didn't know Daphne's parents that well. She had met them on occasion; and Leila knew that Daphne's younger sister Astoria was a few years below them. Other than that, the only Greengrass she was partial to was Daphne. Mr. Greengrass, finally arrived by Leila and Daphne; and Leila was torn between going with Daphne or the Weasleys.
"I'm not sure I can. I mean, I had to get extra protection just to come here with the Weasley's. I doubt I can just go with your family. The Ministry would have a fit." Leila said.
"Daddy, you work for the Ministry, surely they'd trust you. Don't you think you could talk to Mr. Weasley about Leila shopping with us?" Daphne asked.
Mr. Greengrass nodded and they walked over to the Weasleys. Mr. Greengrass shook Mr. Weasley's hand. From the looks of things, Mr. Greengrass and Mr. Weasley had a much friendlier work relationship than Mr. Weasley had with Mr. Malfoy. Leila smirked at the memory of when Mr. Weasley and Mr. Malfoy had gotten into a little skirmish.
"Arthur." Mr. Greengrass said.
"Evander." Mr. Weasley said.
"How's the office been?" Mr. Greengrass asked.
"Busy, how about you?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"Same. I hardly have time to even think; but I'm not here to discuss work" Mr. Greengrass said.
"How can I help you, Evander?" Mr. Weasley said.
"I was simply wondering if I could take Leila off your hands for a while. Daphne's been talking about wanting to see her all summer and I figured that this would be the perfect opportunity" Mr. Greengrass said.
"Absolutely not!" Mrs. Weasley said.
"I don't mean to intrude, but if it's the Ministry you're worried about, I'm sure they won't be a problem." Mr. Greengrass said.
"Give me a minute with Leila, please." Mr. Weasley said.
Mr. Weasley gently ushered Leila away from the group. Mr. Weasley appeared to be thinking of what he was going to say to Leila. Leila caught Harry's eye, who gave her a warning look.
"Leila, I'm not sure about this." Mr. Weasley said.
"I trust Daphne. She's one of my only friends in Slytherin." Leila said.
"It's not her I'm worried about. It's not even Evander I'm worried about. I don't trust Camilla, err…Mrs. Greengrass." Mr. Weasley said.
"Why?" Leila asked.
"She's a Rosier, and as I'm sure you know…" Mr. Weasley began.
"Rosier's sided with Voldemort." Leila said.
"Leila, please don't say his name." Mr. Weasley said.
"Sorry." Leila muttered.
"I just don't want you to get hurt, Leila." Mr. Weasley said.
"Please, only for a couple of hours? I promise it won't even be that long and I can meet up somewhere." Leila said.
"You have two hours, Leila. Then go to Fred and George's joke shop. If you are so much as a minute late you'll not only be in trouble but I will involve the Ministry." Mr. Weasley said.
"Two hours, got it. Thanks, Mr. Weasley!" Leila said.
"Don't thank me yet. Molly's going to throw a fit." Mr. Weasley said.
Leila nodded and walked back to the group with Mr. Weasley. Mr. Weasley explained the plan and then Leila left with Daphne and Mr. Greengrass. They walked into Flourish and Blotts. Leila could hear Mrs. Weasley complaining as they left, and demanded to go to Flourish and Blotts to keep an eye on things.
"Daphne, what books does Astoria need?" Mr. Greengrass asked.
"I thought Mum gave you her list." Daphne said.
"She did, but I figured since you had them before, you could help me." Mr. Greengrass smiled.
"Yes, Father." Daphne said.
"Don't forget your books too." Mr. Greengrass said.
Daphne smiled and hooked arms with Leila. They found their own books as well as books for Daphne's little sister. They then got in line to pay. The lines were always long this close to school starting. Leila didn't mind though, it gave her time to spend with Daphne. The only problem was the books weighed one down, especially when you had three people's books between two people. Leila wondered if it was possible to collapse under the weight of so many books. She made a mental note to ask Granger.
"Where's your little sister that she couldn't get her own books?" Leila asked.
"She's probably still at Twilfitt and Tattings with Mum. She wanted new dress robes." Daphne said.
"You didn't want any?" Leila teased.
"It's not that, I just didn't want to stand around being prodded with measurements and pins. Astoria has more patience for that than I do." Daphne said.
"Daphne, do you have the books?" Mr. Greengrass asked.
'I'm in line, aren't I?" Daphne teased.
"Good. We should find your mother when we're done here." Mr. Greengrass said.
They paid for their books and walked to Twilfitt and Tattings. When they got inside they found Astoria getting fitted in purple dress robes. Mrs. Greengrass was talking with Mrs. Malfoy and Draco was standing there awkwardly. Leila could have sworn she caught him sneak a peek in their direction; but Draco stood tall dressed in black. His gaze was focused away from Leila. Leila watched him remembering the first time she had met him.
Flashback
Leila was wandering the hallway of the Hogwarts Express, taking in her new surroundings, slowly making her way to the bathroom. She had been seated in a compartment with her brother and a boy name Ron Weasley. Leila had the opportunity to escape them, while they were stuffing themselves full of Wizarding sweets. Leila looked out the train windows as she walked. She had never been given much of an opportunity for sight-seeing with the Dursleys before. Seeing as she wasn't watching where she was walking, she eventually ran into someone, causing both of them to fall to the floor.
"Watch where you're going." the blonde boy said.
"Well, seeing as you're on the floor too, it looks like you weren't looking either." Leila said.
Leila stood up and brushed off her clothes. The boy looked at her, with a sneer plastered to his face.
"Help me up." The boy demanded.
Leila rolled her eyes and gave the boy a hand. The blonde boy immediately took her hand, to help himself up; but he almost caused Leila to go crashing to the floor once again. Once he was up, Leila realized that she wasn't going to get a thank you, so she started to walk away from him.
"You're just going to walk away from me?" the boy asked.
"That was the idea." Leila said.
"No one walks away from me, I'm Draco Malfoy." Draco said.
"Well, I am. I have places I need to be." Leila said.
"What's so important?" Draco demanded.
"If you must know, I need to use the bathroom." Leila rolled her eyes.
"Oh." Draco muttered.
"Can I go now?" Leila asked sarcastically.
Leila walked away before she could get an answer from Draco. She had passed two compartments full of students when she could hear footsteps pounding behind her. Leila turned around to see Draco running after her. Luckily, the bathroom was only a few feet away from her. Draco grabbed her arm, causing her to jerk back.
"What don't you understand about using the bathroom?" Leila asked.
"You never told me your name." Draco said.
Leila removed Draco's hand from her arm, opened the bathroom door, and went inside. She quickly peeked her head back out to find him still standing there.
"I'm Leila, Leila Potter."
Draco's eyes instantly widened and Leila rolled hers, going back inside the bathroom.
End Flashback
Draco had followed her around since then. She chuckled softly to herself remembering all the times she had been annoyed by a lovesick Draco Malfoy. Draco had always followed her, tormented her, and continually asker her out; but he had slightly distanced himself toward the end of last year. Leila looked at Draco, who she could tell was pretending to be interested in the conversation. No matter how annoying she found him, Leila did have to admit that Draco was quite handsome; but she would never ever voice that opinion to anyone. Mr. Greengrass walked up to his wife and Mrs. Malfoy.
"It's good to see you, Evander." Mrs. Malfoy drawled.
"You too, Narcissa. I see you've been chatting with my wife." Mr. Greengrass smiled.
"We were just talking about how beautiful Astoria is getting. And look here at Daphne. She looks just like Camilla." Mrs. Malfoy said.
"Thank you." Daphne said.
"And this must be…" Mrs. Malfoy began looking at Leila.
"Leila Potter." Draco said his eyes not meeting hers.
"Hi." Leila said awkwardly.
Mrs. Malfoy pursed her lips, gave Leila a quick look over, and then continued talking with the elder Greengrasses. Daphne moved to talk with Draco, wrapping her arm around Leila's dragging her along too.
"How's your summer been, Draco?" Daphne asked.
"Fine." Draco said shortly.
Draco cast his gaze to the floor.
"Well, I'll be right back. I see a set of robes I like." Daphne said.
Daphne quickly left before Leila could even complain. Leila and Draco were left alone. Draco continued to gaze at his shoes, while Leila stood there awkwardly, with her arms crossed against her chest. She attempted to remove some of the awkwardness, by talking with Draco.
"So…are you ready to crack down on some ickle-firsties this year?" Leila asked.
"Don't talk to me." Draco sneered.
"Whoa, what's gotten into you?" Leila said.
"As if you don't know." Draco sneered.
"Malfoy, I don't understand." Leila said.
"I wouldn't expect you to. Just stay away from me." Draco said.
"Malfoy." Leila said reaching out for Draco's arm.
"Don't touch me." Draco hissed gripping his arm.
Leila looked at him, as he backed away from her. He was gripping his left arm with his right hand. On his right hand was his Slytherin ring. Leila looked at him confusedly. She could have sworn she had seen this seen before, in her recurring dream. But why would she have been dreaming about Draco Malfoy of all people?
"What are you looking at, Potter?" Draco sneered.
"Nothing." Leila whispered.
"So what did I miss?" Daphne asked returning to the group.
"Nothing." Draco and Leila said at the same time.
"Right, if that's your story." Daphne smiled.
"Daphne, just drop it." Leila sighed.
Daphne held up her hands in defeat; but Leila knew that their conversation later would be centered on Malfoy. Leila was glad when Astoria finally decided on the set of dress robes she wanted and the Greengrasses paid for them. The Greengrasses said goodbye to Mrs. Malfoy and Draco and headed for the door. Leila walked right behind them, but Mrs. Malfoy grabbed her arm.
"Excuse me?" Leila said.
"Stay away from Draco. I don't want you distracting him this year." Mrs. Malfoy whispered.
"It will be my pleasure to oblige." Leila hissed.
Mrs. Malfoy eyed her suspiciously. Leila quickly removed Mrs. Malfoy's hand from her arm and left the store. She took a quick glance back and saw Draco watching her, but he quickly averted his eyes elsewhere. Leila wondered what was going on with the Malfoys. Both of them had been acting odd. Leila could only assume it had something to do with Lucius' incarceration.
"What was going on with you and Draco?" Daphne asked.
"Nothing, he was just acting odd. That's all." Leila said.
"What do you mean odd?" Daphne asked.
"He didn't want anything to do with me. Both he and his mother told me to stay away from him." Leila said.
"He's probably just given the playing-hard-to-get thing a try; because for most of the time I've known, him he's fancied you. But he does seem a little different, I guess." Daphne said.
"What changed?" Leila asked.
"I think that with his father in Azkaban, his mother probably wants him to focus on his studies rather than you. Besides Hermione Granger, you're the only one who gives Draco a run for his daddy's money" Daphne said.
"Yeah, I suppose that could be it; but it seems like there's something more to it." Leila agreed rather reluctantly.
"I think that you're missing the attention." Daphne said.
"I'm grateful that he's moved on from me. Now maybe Parkinson will give me a break." Leila said.
"Doubt it." Daphne smirked.
Soon it was time for Leila to head back to the joke shop and meet up with everyone else. She definitely didn't want the Ministry looking for her nor did she want to be in trouble; but something about Draco Malfoy still bugged her.