Chapter 7
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.
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Leila snuggled close to her pillow allowing a light snore to escape her mouth. Her dreams had once again turned dark: he's only a boy a woman cried, screams, an arm branded with a Dark Mark, a hand with a Slytherin ring clutched in pain, soft cries. When the dream ended Leila instantly shot out of bed panting heavily. Malfoy she immediately thought but she remembered that she told Dumbledore she needed to be sure. She didn't understand her need to protect him; but she couldn't accuse him without proof. After several minutes, Leila slipped back into a peaceful sleep until she felt a pillow whack her in the head. She moaned and tugged the blanket over her face.
"Leila, get up," Daphne said.
"I'm going to sleep until my alarm goes off," Leila mumbled.
"Leila, you're alarm went off a half an hour ago," Daphne commented.
"What? I overslept? I never oversleep!" Leila exclaimed popping out of bed.
"I'm think Pansy turned your alarm off when you didn't get up," Daphne said.
"Why did you let her do that?" Leila hissed.
"I was in the bathroom getting ready; not exactly the most opportune place to intervene," Daphne said.
Leila groaned and rubbed her eyes in attempt to wake. She stretched her arms and swung her legs to the side of her bed. Her eyes looked to her bedside table where her alarm clock was set. A gasp escaped her lips and she reached for the clock. As she examined the clock in her hands her eyes widened and a disgusted look plagued her face.
"Parkinson didn't just turn it off, she destroyed it!" Leila yelled.
"Sorry 'bout that," Daphne said.
"Not as sorry as Parkinson is going to be," Leila hissed.
Leila threw the covers off and jumped off the bed. She marched straight for the door her body raging with fury. Normally, she didn't let things get to her this bad and she remained passive; but she and Parkinson never saw eye to eye. Parkinson was going to get a piece of her mind. They were sixth years and she was done playing Pansy's pathetic games. Leila was about halfway to the door when Daphne's hand yanked her arm causing her to jerk back.
"You are not going to classes looking like that. So whatever it is you're planning for Pansy will have to wait," Daphne said.
"I can't possibly look that bad," Leila scoffed.
"Let's have a look, shall we?" Daphne said.
Daphne gently led Leila to the mirror hanging on the wall. Leila's nose crinkled at her reflection while Daphne's look said I told you so. Her bed-head was atrocious; hair sticking-up in every direction with patches matted to her head. She could almost say that it looked like Harry's naturally messy hair, only longer. Leila attempted to smooth her hair with her hand, but it did nothing to help so she groaned in discontent. Slytherins had an image of being well-kept and this was never going to do.
"You smell a bit ripe too," Daphne said lightly.
Leila groaned figuring she would just take Daphne's word for it. She glanced back at the clock on Daphne's bedside table and screamed. Her feet ran quickly so she could grab her bathrobe and towel. She was going to be late! Normally, she bathed in the prefects' bathroom; but she wasn't sure she was going to make it. Leila muttered to herself about never making it to breakfast on time.
"You don't have time for the prefects' bath. Just use the bathroom the rest of us use," Daphne commented.
"But Parkinson…" Leila began.
"You don't have much of a choice," Daphne said.
Leila stomped to the bathroom the rest of the sixth year Slytherin girls used, while Daphne chuckled at her expense. The bathroom was completely empty, meaning that Pansy and the other girls had already headed up to the Great Hall for breakfast. Leila quickly turned the shower on only to find cold water available. She attempted to make the water hotter, but it was no use; all the water left was cold.
"Parkinson," Leila hissed.
Leila's teeth chattered as she showered in the frigid water. She showered as fast as she could before fleeing back to the warm comforts of her dormitory. Daphne too had left the dormitory for breakfast leaving Leila complete privacy. There, she quickly dressed in her Slytherin robes; opting for a skirt, white button shirt, emerald tie, and cardigan under her robe. She carefully pinned her Slytherin prefect badge to her robe and looked in the mirror. Her hair was still dripping wet, but she didn't have much time to do anything with it. So she quickly braided her hair in one long plait. When Leila had finished examining her appearance, she ran to the common room to find it completely empty.
"Snape's going to kill me," Leila muttered.
She took off in a sprint for the door, when she remembered that she left her bookbag in her dormitory. Leila muttered and went back to her dormitory to grab her bag. With her bag in hand, she double-checked to make sure that she had the essentials for the first day of class before leaving. She sprinted once more out of the Slytherin dungeons. On her way up, she two lost first year Slytherin boys. The boys were arguing about how to get to the Great Hall. Honestly, it's not that hard to find Leila thought.
"It's this way," One of the boys said.
"No, it's not," Another boy said.
"Follow me," Leila commanded.
Leila quickly walked past the two boys. They both stopped in shock, staring at the older Slytherin girl who had passed them. Leila noticed the pattering of their footprints was no more, so she turned around to find them with their eyes wide and jaws dropped. Leila inwardly groaned.
"Aren't you…" the first boy began.
"Of course she's Leila Potter; you idiot," the other boy hissed.
"But she's the Girl who…" the boy began.
"I don't go by that name; so I suggest you not use it," Leila interrupted adjusting her prefect badge for the boys to see.
Both boys' mouths instantly shut causing Leila to smirk.
"Now, I'd suggest you come with me unless you want to get on Professor Snape's bad side, which you most likely already are; so let's go." Leila said.
Leila started walking, while both boys simply looked to each other. They ran to catch up to her, staying by her side until they reached the doors to the Great Hall. When they got to the Great Hall, most students had already finished eating and were comparing time tables. Leila turned to the boys with her hands on her hips.
"I assume you can find our table," Leila said.
Both boys shook their heads and headed for their friends who were already seated at the Slytherin table. Leila scanned further down the table for Daphne. She found Malfoy taking a seat beside Daphne who was already sitting beside Tracey Davis. The girls were chatting, but Daphne instantly noticed Malfoy's arrival and greeted him with a smile and pat on the arm. Leila rolled her eyes at the sight.
"Just my luck," Leila whispered.
Leila reluctantly walked over to the table. Not wanting to sit near Malfoy, she spotted an empty seat with the second years so she headed for it. She was simply going to bypass the sixth years and sit elsewhere. But Daphne must have seen Leila eyeing the empty seat because she called to her.
"Leila, Draco and I will make some room. Won't we Draco?" Daphne said sweetly.
She stopped where she was and turned to Daphne. Daphne scooted into Tracey in attempt to make room between herself and Malfoy. Malfoy glared at Daphne, but quickly returned his attention to Pansy who sat across from him. Leila refused to sit next to Malfoy. Besides, he and his mother had told her to stay away from him. Leila shook her head at Daphne before speaking.
"Erm… I think I'm good sitting with some second years; you know, prefect stuff," Leila lied.
"Then maybe Draco should join you," Daphne suggested.
"No, absolutely not," Leila said.
"Stop being ridiculous Leila and have a seat. We already made room for you," Daphne said.
Daphne patted the bench space in between her and Malfoy. Malfoy kept his focus on Parkinson, which slightly relieved Leila; but she still didn't want to sit there. Daphne pulled on her sleeve to sit, so she rolled her eyes and grudgingly took the seat in between Daphne and Malfoy. When Leila sat down, Malfoy immediately turned his back to her. Leila made a disgusted face at him and reached for a scone. Daphne saw the interaction, or rather lack thereof, between Leila and Malfoy and smirked. Leila looked at her friend confusedly but took a bite of the scone rather than ask what Daphne was planning. Daphne looked past Leila and to Malfoy.
"Draco," Daphne said.
"What do you want, Greengrass?" Draco groaned.
Draco looked over his shoulder at Daphne. Pansy immediately glared at Leila, but Leila simply shoved another bite of scone into her mouth. The bite of food was a little too big for her to chew properly, but it gave her an excuse to not have to get involved in Malfoy and Daphne's conversation.
"What classes do you have?" Daphne asked.
"I don't have my time table yet," Draco muttered.
Draco quickly turned his attention back to Pansy who giggled while handing her time table to him. Leila rolled her eyes at the annoying couple and Daphne smirked at her. Daphne toyed with her own time table in front of Leila, while Leila continued to eat. Daphne bent close to Leila's ear.
"You don't have your time table yet either," Daphne whispered.
"So?" Leila hissed.
"Both sixth year prefects tardy for breakfast, Snape's probably not too pleased," Daphne said.
"I was helping first years," Leila said.
"Excuses, excuses," Daphne smirked.
"Well, I'm here now aren't I?" Leila said.
"You know tardiness is not acceptable, Miss Potter." Snape drawled.
Leila groaned and turned around to find Professor Snape standing directly behind her with his arms crossed with several time tables in his hand. Leila saw her name on one of them; but what she wondered was how long had he been standing there listening to her conversation? Leila immediately returned her attention to Professor Snape who didn't have a pleasant look on his face; but then she never knew Snape to ever wear such an expression. Leila looked up at him, but he simply looked at her with a peeved expression on his face. Leila decided that she needed to explain herself to him.
"Sir, I was doing my prefect duties by helping lost first years," Leila argued.
"Remarkable how you and Mr. Malfoy both happened to be tardy for breakfast because you were both helping first years," Snape responded.
Leila glanced at Malfoy who looked tense. Why had he been late this morning? She hadn't seen him helping any first years; but he looked at her coldly. His expression told her to keep her mouth shut. Malfoy narrowed his eyes at her and looked back to Professor Snape.
"Need I remind you the consequence for fighting?" Professor Snape asked.
Draco and Leila both shook their heads. They both knew that the next time something happened between the two of them, they were going to end up in detention together.
"No? Then I'll see your essays on my desk," Snape added.
Draco scowled slightly before nodding and returning his attention of his breakfast. Leila groaned because she had forgotten about the essay. She hoped that when Professor Snape handed her time table over that she'd find Defence at the end of the day so she could write it during her spare time. Leila held out her hand for her time table but Professor Snape began to speak.
"I don't have time to go over your time at great length, seeing as you were late. Now, Miss Potter, have you decided what you wish to continue on it?" Professor Snape asked.
"Erm, I was thinking about Charms, Defence, Transfiguration, Herbology, Potions, Arithmany, and Ancient Runes. Does that sound about right?" Leila said.
"Is it still your ambition to become a teacher?" Professor Snape asked.
Leila thought about the question for a minute and slightly shuddered. She remembered her meeting with Snape last year when she had confessed the ambition. He had thought it was her attempt to get on his good side, but it wasn't. She had been tutoring younger students for the past few years and she thoroughly enjoyed doing so. Last year, she had taken to tutoring Neville Longbottom in almost every subject and when the light when on in his head, she had never felt so pleased in her life. Also, working with Harry in teaching Dumbledore's Army gave her confidence that she wanted to be a teacher.
"Yes sir," Leila said.
"Then might I suggest you continue in History of Magic as well, a NEWT is strongly recommended," Professor Snape drawled.
"I forgot, I'm sorry. Of course I'll continue it," Leila said.
"Then I suggest that you head to Ancient Runes, you're nearly late," Snape said without emotion.
Snape held out her time table which she quickly snatched from his hands. She grabbed her bag from under the table and began the trek to Ancient Runes. Leila walked as fast as she could in the sea of confusion from the first years. They were scattering in every direction with no idea where they were going. Leila attempted to maneuver around them up the stairs. Finally, she reached the Ancient Runes classroom. She walked into the room to find only six other students in the class: Hermione Granger, Anthony Goldstein, Padma Patil, Lisa Turpin, Ernie Macmillan, and Theodore Nott. Most everyone had already paired off leaving the only open seats next to Granger of Nott. Leila groaned slightly and opted for Nott's company over Granger's by sliding in the desk next to him.
"Potter," Nott nodded.
"Theo," Leila sighed.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of sitting next to you?" Theodore asked.
"It was either you or Granger, and my feelings toward her are pretty clear: I can't stand her. Besides, I don't like sitting in the front. Hence, I sat next to you," Leila said.
"I was hoping it was because you wanted to snog again," Theodore smirked.
"I suppose that would be better than sitting next to Granger," Leila said casually.
"You would know, Potter, wouldn't you?" Malfoy drawled.
Leila turned to her right to find Draco standing next to her. His bookbag was slung over his shoulder and his arms were crossed with several books in them. The expression on his face was cold and annoyed; but Leila wasn't going to let him get the better of her.
"It is my expert opinion after all. Now, what do you want Malfoy?" Leila sneered.
"Move," Draco sneered.
"I was here first and I'm not moving," Leila stated.
"I'm not sitting next to the Mudblood," Draco hissed.
"Well, I'm certainly not sitting next to Granger. It's your own fault you got here late; so deal with it," Leila said.
"I said move," Draco hissed again.
"And I said I wasn't moving," Leila hissed back.
Malfoy went to reach for her books to push them off the table, but she immediately reached for them and held on to them. Professor Babbling walked over to the Slytherins. Theo hissed a warning to Draco and Leila causing them to stop and look at their professor.
"Is there a problem here?" Professor Babbling asked.
"There won't be as long as Potter gets out of my seat," Malfoy drawled.
"Miss Potter, please give Mr. Malfoy his seat," Professor Babbling said.
"But I was here first?" Leila complained.
"Miss Potter, take the empty seat next to Miss Granger," Professor Babbling said.
Leila narrowed her eyes at Malfoy and stood up. There wasn't much of a point in arguing with a professor. She knew why Professor Babbling gave into Malfoy; it was her management strategy to deal with the student was more reasonable. When she walked past Malfoy, she purposely ran into him causing him to drop his books. The class chuckled at Malfoy while Leila held her head high and walked to the front of the classroom. Leila slumped into the seat next to Granger who was already reading ahead in their Ancient Runes book.
"Not one word, Granger," Leila muttered.
"I wasn't even going to say anything." Hermione whispered never taking her eyes off her book.
Professor Babbling lost Leila's attention during her introduction of the course. Leila examined her time table to find that Defence was next hour. She still needed to start and finish her essay for Snape by next class period! Digging in her bag, she found a spare bit of parchment to write her thirteen inch essay on. She scribbled furiously, not even paying any attention to Professor Babbling was lecturing on. The more she wrote the more pissed she became at Malfoy. Not only had he gotten her into the mess of this stupid essay, but he had taken her seat and she was stuck next to Know-It-All Granger. When class was over she was going to yell at him, she decided. She slightly smirked at the thought because she had been yelling at him a lot lately. Maybe something was going to finally sink-in? Suddenly, Granger nudged her causing Leila's quill to slip.
"What?" Leila hissed.
"Were you listening to what Professor Babbling assigned us?" Hermione asked.
"No," Leila said honestly.
"A thirteen inch essay on…" Hermione began.
"Another one? Damnit," Leila muttered.
Leila examined the one before her and groaned. She turned back to Granger, who was looking at her incredulously which caused her to roll her eyes.
"She honestly assigned a thirteen inch essay on our first day back?" Leila asked.
"Yes, but I only hope I can fit time into my already busy schedule for it. I mean obviously I can, but it will require extra time to get it just right. Besides, who knows what other homework we'll get today…"Hermione rambled.
"You do realize that I don't care," Leila said.
"Well you should. You are a prefect, you're supposed to…" Hermione began.
"Be an example, I got it. Perhaps, the person you should be annoying about that is Malfoy and not me," Leila hissed.
Granger didn't respond because she focused her attention back on Professor Babbling. The class still wasn't finished? Leila groaned and attempted to finish her essay for Snape which was due the next class period. She knew that it wasn't grammatically correct, she rambled throughout the essay, and her writing was a bit larger than normal; but she did finish the essay by the end of the class period. She even had a minute to listen to Professor Babbling as she was wrapping the class up. When class was finally over Leila turned around to find that Malfoy had already left. Leila narrowed her eyes and set off to find him but Theo was waiting for her outside the door. He smirked at her as she walked past.
"Didn't know I meant so much to you, that you were willing to fight Malfoy for me," Nott teased.
"Don't let that go to your head. I just didn't want to sit by Granger," Leila said.
"So you've said. What class do you have next?" Nott asked.
"Defense, you?" Leila asked.
"Same, can I walk with you?" Nott asked.
"As long as this isn't some lame attempt to snog me again," Leila quipped.
Theo blushed slightly and Leila rolled her eyes. They walked together to the Defence classroom talking about nothing of importance. The pair was almost to Defence, when they ran into Harry. Harry walked slowly in front of them with Ron; but He kept turning back and giving Leila strange looks. Ron attempted to turn Harry back around and mouthed sorry to Leila. Leila was glad for Ron; he was so much of a brother to her. A brother that wasn't as damn protective as her biological one.
"I'm not snogging him!" Leila yelled to her brother.
"At least not yet anyways, Potter." Nott added.
Harry turned back once more and glared at Theo. Nott smirked and attempted to wrap his arm around Leila but she quickly slapped his chest. Knock it off she thought. Theo tried to grab hold of her arm to guide her; but Leila pushed him away and ran to catch up to her brother and Ron.
"He's only joking, Harry," Leila laughed.
"Didn't look like it to me," Harry argued.
"Well he's a bit thick," Leila explained.
"Never seen a dumber bloke," Ron commented.
"Except maybe Malfoy," Leila added.
Ron broke out into laughter, but Harry still remained tense. He didn't want hear of his sister snogging any Slytherins whether it was a joke or not. Leila attempted a smile at him, but he looked at her sternly.
"You know how I feel about this," Harry said.
"Yes, I do; but that doesn't mean that I'm going to listen," Leila said.
"Leila…" Harry groaned.
"But that doesn't mean that I'm going to snog him either. You just need to trust me," Leila said.
"Well, you'd better not snog him or any other Slytherin; or else," Harry responded.
"Why do you get to determine who I snog?" Leila questioned.
"Because that's my job as your brother," Harry said.
"Ron do you impose these insane rules on Ginny?" Leila asked.
Ron looked between Leila and Harry, not wanting to get involved. He knew where Harry was coming from; but if he tried this with Ginny she'd hex him with a Bat-Bogey hex or worse. He cleared his throat trying to buy more time before speaking on the subject. He'd rather not get involved on this subject between the Potter twins.
"Just give her a break mate," Ron suggested.
"Don't you understand that it's my job to protect you?" Harry asked Leila.
"I can do just fine on my own," Leila argued.
"Sometimes you need to stop being so stubborn and listen to me," Harry said.
"Well, you didn't listen to me about Chang when I was looking out for you," Leila added.
"It was a minor lapse of judgment, which I corrected," Harry said.
"If that's your excuse," Leila said.
"Oh look, its ol' Snape," Ron interrupted.
Ron attempted to change the subject causing both Leila and Harry to look forward and find Professor Snape standing guard outside the classroom door. Leila bent over and dug in her bag for her last-minute essay while they walked. They walked a few paces in silence until Harry broke it.
"I didn't realize you cared so much about who I snog," Harry said.
"That's exactly my point. I don't really care who you snog; so you shouldn't be concerned about me," Leila retorted.
"This conversation will not continue in my classroom," Professor Snape drawled.
"See, Professor Snape doesn't care either," Leila whispered.
"Inside," Snape hissed.
Harry looked at Snape as Leila handed him her roll of parchment and snickered. Snape narrowed his eyes at Harry and whacked the backside of Harry's head with Leila's parchment as he walked past Snape. Harry's hand instantly flew to the back of his head as Leila giggled.
"You're going to get me in trouble," Harry hissed.
"Would I do something like that?" Leila questioned innocently.
"Yes, you would. So what have I ever done to you to deserve it?" Harry asked.
"Need I go down the list that is becoming quite exhaustive?"Leila smirked.
Harry rolled his eyes and shook his head before sliding into one of the desks in the middle of the classroom. Leila stifled another giggle and slid next to her brother. Harry was immediately engaged in conversation with Granger and Ron who were seated in the desk in front of them. Leila heard someone calling her name and turned around to find Theodore Nott seated a few seats behind her with no once beside him.
"Potter, you want to sit with me?" Nott asked.
"Maybe some other time Theo," Leila smiled.
Malfoy made a gagging noise so Leila turned back to glare at him, but didn't make eye contact with her. Leila hissed something under her breath and Harry pulled her arm to face the front as Professor Snape began the class. Snape began his long lecture but from the sound of his speech, it looked like she might actually learn something useful in Defence this year. Third year had definitely been a good year for Defence. Her godfather Remus Lupin had been the professor and she had learned a lot from him, including that he was her godfather. Fourth year was also memorable with the fake Moody aka Barty Crouch Jr. taught them with his extreme methods. But the other years had been pointless. The more Leila thought of it; it was a little odd that Snape was teaching them to defend themselves from the Dark Arts when he was a former/current Death Eater.
Professor Snape knew he had lost ground to make up for in the subject, so he immediately began them on a practical of nonverbal shields. Leila smiled because she had already practiced nonverbal shields a bit when she had studied for her O.W.L.s and Dumbledore's Army last year. She hadn't fully mastered them; but she didn't expect it to take her long to fully catch on. Like Granger, Leila could be an over-achiever; but she was secretive about things. Snape told them to divide into pairs. Leila turned to her brother, but Ron had already snatched him. There was no way she was going to partner with Granger, so she quickly turned to Daphne and made eye contact. Daphne agreed and walked over to meet Leila.
The girls moved over to the side of the room where the Slytherins were practicing. Daphne insisted that Leila be the first to practice the nonverbal shield. Daphne's wand shot out a Leg-locking Jinx which Leila almost blocked. With a bit more concentration and five minutes, Leila was able to nonverbally shield herself from Daphne's curses. Leila beamed in satisfaction because she had mastered the concept before Granger and Snape even managed to reward Slytherin House with ten points for her work. It took Granger another five minutes to fully master it and Gryffindor House received no points. When it was Daphne's turn to block, she looked at Theo nervously before looking at Leila who had her wand at the ready.
"How do you do it?" Daphne asked.
"Just concentrate," Leila said.
Daphne sighed in defeat and put her wand at the ready. Leila was about ready to cast a spell at Daphne when she was distracted by Professor Snape and Harry. Harry had shouted his shield charm and knocked Snape onto the ground. Leila's hands instantly flew to her mouth because she knew that Harry was in trouble.
"Oh no," Leila whispered.
"He should've known better to pick Weasley over you," Daphne responded.
"As if that would have helped," Leila groaned.
Leila watched as Harry smarted-off to Professor Snape, which landed Harry a detention the first day of school! Well, she almost had one yesterday thanks to Malfoy; but she had gotten off with only a thirteen inch essay. Leila's thoughts turned back to Malfoy as she strategized a way to corner him on the way out of Defence. She was so busy strategizing that she had missed Malfoy sneak out of the room. Leila grumbled and quickly grabbed her bag to run after him. When she had past several sixth years, nearly knocking them over; she spotter Malfoy walking with determination down the corridor.
"Malfoy!" Leila yelled.
He didn't even turn around.
"Malfoy don't walk away from me!" Leila yelled.
Malfoy still didn't stop. Leila narrowed her eyes and was determined to catch up to him, but Daphne grabbed her arm. Leila was instantly jerked back and sneered at Daphne.
"What's with you?" Daphne asked.
"Huh?" Leila asked.
"Why do you want Malfoy?" Daphne asked.
"Why do you think?" Leila asked.
"Because you finally realized that you like him," Daphne smirked.
"That's not funny. I just need to yell at him again," Leila said.
"A plausible cover story," Daphne teased.
"You know that Malfoy and I aren't on good terms right now; besides doesn't your little sister have a huge crush on him or something?" Leila asked.
"She might, but I also know that you and Draco are right for each other," Daphne said.
"We are not; now if you'll excuse me I need to go yell at him," Leila huffed.
"No, we're going down to the lake for break. You can find him later and declare your love for him," Daphne teased.
Leila groaned as Daphne led her outside the castle and down to the lake. Daphne sat underneath a tree at the water's edge. Leila removed her outer robe, stockings, and shoes before slowly dipping her feet into the lake. The water was cool, but she slowly waded out into further into the water until the water was about half-way up her shin. The water felt so refreshing and with the cool breeze Leila felt carefree. Leila and Daphne's break was interrupted by a nervous first year that came with a letter for Leila. The letter was from Professor McGonagall and requested that she make her way to the castle immediately. Leila bent over and splashed some water onto Daphne before heading back to the castle. She hurried up to Professor McGonagall's classroom, where she had been requested. Leila burst through the door finding Professor McGonagall, Granger, and Malfoy already inside.
"Miss Potter, you're late," Professor McGonagall reprimanded.
"Sorry, I was down by the lake when I received your note," Leila apologized.
Professor McGonagall nodded her head sternly and explained why she had summoned the three of them. The three of them had come out at the top of the class after their O.W.L tests (which Leila already knew) and the Daily Prophet had come to get a photograph of them. This photograph was to be placed in the Trophy Room which was off the Great Hall and potentially in the Daily Prophet. Professor McGonagall ordered them to stand in front in front of the chalkboard. Granger immediately bounced over to the chalkboard, while Leila and Malfoy grudgingly made their ways over. McGonagall arranged them in front of the board with Leila in the center, Granger on her right, and Malfoy on her left. The photographer took many several pictures, slightly reminding Leila of the photo opportunity before the Triwizard tournament; but Leila quickly brushed off all thoughts of it and Cedric. Hermione beamed proudly in the pictures while Malfoy barely mustered a face that wasn't a scowl. The bell rang for the end of the period, meaning that both Granger and Leila headed for their next class: Arithmancy.
Arithmancy was uneventful. Vector gave her usual boring speech, but ended with a large load of homework. Leila wondered if she was ever going to get her homework done. Why did professors have to assign so much on the first day? When class finished, Leila walked with Daphne down to the Great Hall for lunch. They took their seats with the other sixth year Slytherins, but Leila was thankful that Malfoy never came to lunch. After lunch, Leila wandered to History of Magic by herself. She didn't want to take the class; but she reminded herself why she was taking it: to someday be a teacher. Leila hesitantly opened the door to the classroom and found no one else there, only Professor Binns hovering in his ghostly-state. Leila quietly creeped into the classroom and into the desk nearest the door, but Binns took notice of her.
"Miss, please take a seat closer to the front. You're only one of two students," Professor Binns said.
"Who's the other student?" Leila asked looking around.
"You're late, Mr. Maloney," Professor Binns said.
Leila looked at Professor Binns in confusion and sat in a desk directly in front. Maloney? Who was named Maloney in her year? She couldn't recall anyone with that last name, but Binns never got their names right. Curiosity overtook her, so Leila turned around to see that Binns was talking to Malfoy. Malfoy rolled his eyes at the sight of Leila.
"You've got to be kidding me. It's just the two of us. Why are you taking this class?" Leila whined.
"None of your business Potter," Malfoy drawled.
Malfoy sat down at the desk furthest away from Leila, but Binns made him move right next to her. Malfoy reluctantly sat himself in the seat beside her and they both scooted to the opposite sides of the desk so they wouldn't be touching each other. Professor Binns then began his boring as usual lecture. To keep from falling asleep, Leila penned Draco a note on her parchment: At least one thing hasn't changed, he's boring as always. Leila passed the note, but he ignored it. Leila looked at him, but he still ignored her. He appeared to be off in his own world of thought, not paying attention to her or Binns. Leila sighed and wished the class to be over. After the grueling minutes with Binns and Malfoy, the class was over and Leila followed Draco to Potions.
"You can't ignore me forever you know," Leila commented.
Draco ignored her and continued to walk down the corridor never even turning back to look at her. Leila was so focused on him, that she didn't even notice Daphne join her.
"How long do you really expect to keep this up?" Leila asked.
"Pestering him again, are we?" Daphne asked.
"It's not like that," Leila groaned.
"And I'm a hippogriff," Daphne scoffed.
Leila rolled her eyes and walked into the Potions classroom. There were four Slytherins continuing Potions besides herself: Daphne, Draco, Blaise, and Pansy. Daphne walked to the table where the other Slytherins sat. There wasn't room at the table for a fifth person, which Daphne eventually realized. Daphne looked to Leila, but Leila waved her attempt off and sat down at an empty table. Professor Slughorn waddled over to her table and greeted her enthusiastically.
"Leila, how good it is to see you!" Professor Slughorn exclaimed.
"Same to you sir," Leila said politely.
"Now, where's your brother?" Professor Slughorn asked.
"I'm not sure," Leila answered.
Professor Slughorn looked slightly disappointed, but moved over to greet Blaise Zabini. Leila watched as he waddled over to Zabini and when she turned back to her books, Granger was already seated at the same table as her. Leila rolled her eyes and crossed her arms across her chest.
"Granger," Leila greeted.
Hermione nodded and opened her Potions textbook. Professor Slughorn then ushered them all to stand up and surround the front table where he had several Potion's brewing. No more than a few minutes into Slughorn's speech were they interrupted by Harry and Ron. They walked through the door, well Harry literally dragged Ron inside and explained why they were late and why they didn't have books. It was a viable excuse, seeing as neither of them would have been able to continue Potions with Professor Snape because of their O.W.L. grade. Slughorn accepted the excuse and told them to find books in the cupboard.
"Can anyone tell what concoctions we have up here?" Slughorn asked.
Hermione instantly raised her hand, which caused Leila to roll her eyes. So instead, Leila watched Harry and Ron both go to the cupboard for books. She watched them fight over the new copy of the text, which caused her to chuckle. Ron came out victorious; but Harry whacked him with his old and tattered book.
"…the most powerful love potion in the world," Hermione said.
Leila turned her attention back to Hermione as she was describing the potion. Leila inhaled the smell of the potion to see what she smelled. She smelled apples, dress robes, and … but Slughorn quickly shut the lid to the potion before she could recognize the final scent. Leila turned to find Malfoy staring at her, which caused a slight blush to creep onto her cheeks. Luckily, Slughorn then ushered them to their tables and Hermione and Leila sat at the table they were at before. Ron and Harry then walked to the table that she and Hermione were at and took their seats.
"This is a sight I never thought I'd see," Ron smiled.
"Shut up Ron," Leila hissed.
"Oh come on, you know I'm just joking," Ron said.
"Because it's obviously so funny," Leila said.
"I admit it, Hermione can be a little overbearing, but at least she's not evil," Ron said.
"I never said she was evil, I just find her annoying, really annoying," Leila said.
"I can hear you," Hermione hissed.
"But you already know I find you annoying, so I don't really care if you hear this. Grass, parchment, and sp-spearmint toothpaste lover," Leila mocked.
Hermione blushed and Leila rolled her eyes. Professor Slughorn then introduced them to the Draught of Living Death. The prize for the best draught, was a small vile of Felix Felicis. Leila could care less about the prize, but she was determined to beat Hermione. This year she would not let Granger surpass her in everything. She was more than capable of beating Granger. They soon began making the potion. It was harder than Leila had expected, but Hermione was also struggling; so that was a good sign. Apparently, Hermione was paying more attention to Harry than Leila.
"How did you do that?" Hermione asked Harry.
"Crush it, don't cut it," Harry said.
"No, the instructions specifically say to cut," Hermione said sternly.
Leila walked over to where Harry was standing and looked at his textbook. The textbook had handwritten instructions in the margins. Leila grabbed the textbook from Harry and paged through it before turning to the front page: This book is the property of the Half-Blood Prince. Leila turned the inscription around for Harry to see, but he quickly snatched the book back.
"Harry where'd you get this?" Leila asked.
"The cupboard," Harry stated.
"Obviously, I watched you get it. What I really mean is do you think this actually works?" Leila asked.
"I dunno, it's been working so far," Harry said.
"Mind if I work with you?" Leila asked.
Harry shrugged in noncommittal so Leila moved her cauldron closer to his. She crushed her ingredients as Harry's book stated and dropped them into her cauldron. Leila watched as Malfoy attempted to lure Professor Slughorn in with his connections; but Professor Slughorn overlooked him. Leila smirked at Malfoy who narrowed his eyes at her; but Hermione interrupted her gloating.
"You two are going to get in trouble," Hermione hissed.
"Honestly, what's the problem Granger?" Leila asked.
"What if that's another one of You-Know-Who's textbooks?" Hermione argued.
"I'm seeing Tom Riddle anywhere on it," Harry said.
"Besides, Riddle would never openly admit to being a half-blood," Leila scoffed.
"What?" Hermione asked.
Harry elbowed her in the ribs causing her to gasp. Apparently, Harry didn't want that information known. Harry glared at his sister while Leila rubbed her side.
"Never mind," Leila mumbled.
Hermione shook her head and continued to struggle with the Potion, while Harry and Leila seemed to be the only ones to excel. Professor Slughorn called for them to stop and began walking around checking out the potions. The first potion he looked at was Harry's.
"Harry m'boy, I think you've done it. One drop would surely kill us all. I think we have a winner." Slughorn said proudly.
Hermione huffed and rolled her eyes. Leila didn't really care that Slughorn didn't look at her potion; she knew that she beat Hermione and that was all that mattered. On Slughorn's way to present Harry his prize he peeked into Leila's cauldron. Slughorn stopped in his steps to drop another leaf into Leila's potion. A grin spread across Professor Slughorn's face as he wrapped his arm around Leila in a fatherly manner.
"Miss Potter, you too must have been blessed with your mother's Potion's ability! I've already promised the Felix Felicis to your brother, but why don't you see me after class," Professor Slughorn said.
Leila nodded and smirked at Hermione.
"You two cheated," Hermione hissed.
"You're just mad because we beat you," Leila smiled.
Hermione shook her head as Harry was presented with the Felix Felicis. Leila's gaze moved to Malfoy who was scowling. Leila's gaze lingered on Malfoy as Slughorn bragged about Harry. Leila soon realized that Malfoy noticed her watching him and she blushed under his gaze. Her hands instantly flew to her face in attempts to stop the blushing. Why was she blushing? Wait, she was blushing because of Draco Malfoy? It was awfully warm in the Potion's classroom. That must have been it; she was probably just overheated. Malfoy was the first to leave the classroom. He was getting really good at this whole avoiding her thing, considering for all the other years she had known him he would always wait for her to annoy her.
"You should really tell Professor Slughorn that you cheated," Hermione said.
"I didn't cheat. I followed the directions," Leila said.
"They weren't the proper directions," Hermione said.
"Maybe they printed the textbook wrong," Leila argued.
"That textbook is an older edition of the one we're supposed to have," Hermione shot back.
"Hermione, are you coming?" Ron asked.
Ron was near the door, impatiently waiting for Hermione. Hermione roughly grabbed her bag and stomped toward Harry and Ron. The three left the Potions classroom, leaving Leila waiting for Professor Slughorn.
"I hope I'm not keeping you from any classes," Professor Slughorn said.
"No sir. This was my last class," Leila said.
"I feel just awful not rewarding you today for your potion. It really did look splendid," Professor Slughorn said.
"That's all right sir, I'm sure there will be another time," Leila said.
"Yes, you are right about that; but come with me to my office because I have something for you. I meant to give it to you on the train, but you had to run and do your prefect duties," Professor Slughorn said.
Leila followed Professor Slughorn to his office. He offered her a chair to sit on as he dug through his piles of papers. He muttered to himself as he worked, while Leila looked around his office.
"Ah-ha! Here we are," Professor Slughorn said.
He handed Leila a picture of her mother and Professor Slughorn.
"I found an extra copy of this and I figured I could part with it for your sake," Professor Slughorn said.
"Thank you sir," Leila said speechlessly.
Professor Slughorn nodded. For a moment, Leila forgot about Malfoy and the world and stared at the picture. She really did look like her mother. Her mother must have been her age when this picture was taken and the resemblance was remarkable. Leila hoped that her mother would be proud of her. There was something about a mother's love and approval which Leila longed for; but never received. When Leila came out of her reverie, she walked back to the Slytherin common room. All she just wanted an end to this long day.