Chapter 9
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 leaned back against the wall and watched as Draco ran from her. Her mind was puzzled in disbelief over what she had just done. She had kissed Draco Malfoy! It wasn't a kiss where he forced himself on her, rather it was a kiss initiated by her; but what surprised her most of all was that she actually enjoyed kissing him. Leila ran her fingers through her tangled hair in frustration attempting to rationalize what had happened. Why would she kiss him? She hated him, right? She knew Malfoy to be an arrogant and obnoxious prat, so then why had she kissed him? She replayed the scene over in her head trying to process what had happened, but she still couldn't come up with a logical explanation. Leila raked her hands through her hair once more before Professor Snape walked back into the classroom. He looked at her with a cold expression and pursed lips.
"I-I was just going," Leila stuttered.
Professor Snape nodded curtly causing Leila to run back to the desk she had previously shared with Draco to grab her belongings. She quickly shoved her books and parchment into her bag hoping that Snape had no idea what had transpired in his classroom in his absence. Leila looked back once more to Professor Snape who was scowling at a stack of essays before she ran from the classroom. Her feet led her back to the Slytherin common room, where she hoped to find Daphne. Luckily, Daphne was lounging in an armchair with her fluffy cat on her lap. Leila stood before Daphne about ready to explode from what had happened.
"Daphne, I need to tell you something," Leila whispered.
"Leila, why are you whispering? You look guilty of something," Daphne commented.
"I suppose you could phrase it that way," Leila muttered.
"Well, what is it?" Daphne questioned.
"Erm—well, I don't know where to begin. But, well…" Leila stumbled.
"What's got your wand in such a knot?" Daphne asked.
"If I tell you something, do you promise not to say anything? Nor judge me?" Leila asked.
"Bloody hell, what could possibly be that terrible?" Daphne asked.
"Well, I kinda kis…" Leila began.
Leila didn't finish her sentence because she was distracted by a boy with platinum blonde hair entering the common room. Her mouth dropped as her eyes met Draco's; causing both teenagers to freeze in shock momentarily. Daphne looked between the pair with curious eyes, but didn't say anything. Draco broke away from the gaze first; scowling at Leila while clutching his hand as he left the common room. Leila watched him as he walked away causing a smirk to cover Daphne's face.
"What did you do to him now?" Daphne teased.
"Why do you assume that I did something to him?" Leila questioned.
"I'm not blind, I saw that awkward moment between the two of you," Daphne said.
"You already know what happened during Defense. There's nothing more to say on the matter," Leila said heatedly.
"If that's your story," Daphne smirked.
"It is," Leila huffed.
"Lighten up, I was only joking, Leila. Now, what was it you needed to tell me?" Daphne commented.
"Nothing," Leila mumbled.
"Are you sure?" Daphne asked.
"Yes," Leila mumbled.
"Since you're in one of those moods I won't press the issue; at least not now anyways," Daphne said.
"I'm not in a mood," Leila shot back.
Daphne raised an eyebrow giving Leila an expression which she could easily read.
"Fine, I'm in a bit of a mood. You know Malfoy…" Leila began.
"I don't need another rant on the love/hate relationship you two have. So to avoid that, care to join me in the library?" Daphne said.
"For what?" Leila asked.
"Do I really need a reason to go to the library with my friend?" Daphne questioned.
"I know you have an ulterior motive. Since when do you actually want to go to the library?" Leila furthered.
"Humor me," Daphne said.
"Just let me go switch my books," Leila sighed.
Leila rolled her eyes at Daphne as she walked past her gloating friend. She quickly walked through the Slytherin dungeon making her way to the sixth year girls' dormitory. Once inside, she pulled her Defense book out of her bag and tossed it onto her desk before grabbing her books for Arithmancy, History of Magic, and Potions. With her book bag full, she headed back for the common room to find Daphne waiting by the door. Daphne smiled and linked arms with Leila as they walked through the corridors. Leila knew Daphne was up to something, but she hadn't a clue to what. When they reached the library the girls found an empty table. Daphne sat at the table for a few minutes while Leila read through her History of Magic textbook. As Leila turned the page in her book Daphne stood up to walk away.
"Where are you going?" Leila asked.
"I need to find something," Daphne said lightly.
"Do you need help?" Leila asked.
"I don't think this will require your help," Daphne winked.
Leila looked up from her book to find Theo leaning against a bookshelf with his arms folded across his chest. A slight blush took to Daphne's cheeks as she walked to him. Daphne waved back at Leila as she walked away with Theo. Leila rolled her eyes and shook her head. Ulterior motive? Check. Daphne just dragged her in here so that she wouldn't have to go to the library alone. At least Daphne was meeting up with Theo because now maybe he would back-off. Sure, she enjoyed his company most of the time, but it was getting rather annoying constantly telling Harry that there was nothing there. Besides, she had to figure out what was going on with Malfoy before she jumped into anything. Malfoy she thought. Why did she kiss him? Why did she like him? This went against every feeling she had ever known to be true. She found him annoying most of the time and she wasn't entirely sure on his relationship status with Pansy. Yet, here she was with Draco Malfoy stuck on her mind. Leila chewed her bottom lip in frustration as Pansy Parkinson rounded the bookshelf and came into view. Pansy narrowed her eyes at Leila.
"Well, well, Potter," Pansy sneered.
Leila ignored Pansy and returned her gaze to her History of Magic book.
"I was talking to you, Potter," Pansy hissed.
"I was ignoring you, Parkinson," Leila commented.
Leila slammed her book shut and attempted to shove all her books and parchment into her bag; but her History of Magic book fell off the table and landed near Parkinson's feet. Leila lunged for her book, but Pansy was quicker and grabbed the book. Pansy thumbed through the book as Leila stood back up. Leila held her hand out for Pansy to give her back the book, but Pansy didn't hand it over.
"You're in this class with Draco," Pansy drawled.
"Is that a question or a statement?" Leila quipped.
"Stay away from him, he's mine," Pansy hissed.
"That doesn't exactly answer my question, but congratulations. Now, if you'll excuse me," Leila said.
Leila attempted to walk past Parkinson, but her fellow Housemate blocked her path. Leila tried to go the other direction, but Pansy once again blocked her. Once more she tried to get away, but was unsuccessful. A groan escaped Leila's lips as Pansy once more narrowed her eyes.
"I mean it. Stay away from him," Pansy said.
"I heard you the first time," Leila muttered.
"You mean nothing to him," Pansy sneered.
"Good to know," Leila said sarcastically.
"Draco would never go near a filthy half-blood like you," Pansy whispered.
"I get your point, Parkinson. Now move!" Leila shouted.
Pansy's eyes widened as Leila snatched her History of Magic book. Leila then purposely ran into Parkinson with her shoulder as she left the library. Normally, Leila didn't lose her temper with Pansy, but something back there just snapped inside of her. She had always known Pansy to be like that but what possessed her back there she hadn't a clue. If Pansy really knew everything about Draco did she know about the kiss? But Draco kissed her back, so clearly she couldn't mean absolutely nothing to him, could she? Why did she care what Draco thought about her? A frustrated Leila walked all the way to the Arithmancy classroom to avoid any run-ins with anymore Slytherins. When she walked into the classroom, she found she was early to the point she had even arrived before Granger. Leila slumped into a random desk and rested her head down on the desktop. Right now, she wanted nothing more than to hide from everyone. She wanted someplace where no one could find her. The Room of Requirement! She instantly decided that was where she would go once class was over in order to have some time to herself. Leila barely paid attention during Arithmancy. Professor Vector lectured and Granger was the know-it-all she always was during classes. Nothing interesting happened to distract her which made her wish that the class would hurry-up and get over with. She doodled on her parchment until Professor Vector assigned of a chapter of reading and an essay. After it was assigned, Leila bolted from the classroom and headed for the seventh floor corridor where she knew the Room of Requirement to be. Leila stood before the wall thinking about a place where she could hide before she walked before it three times. Nothing happened. With a quizzical look on her brow she repeated the process again. Yet again, nothing happened.
"What the hell," Leila muttered.
She tried to get into the Room of Requirement once more but no door appeared. In frustration, Leila punched her right fist into the wall, which she instantly regretted doing. Her scream echoed-off the empty corridor walls as she brought her hand to her mouth. She sucked at her hand trying to relieve the throbbing, but that brought no comfort. Before she looked at the damage done to her hand she inhaled deeply and closed her eyes. When she opened her eyes and looked to her hand, she found a knuckle out of place and cursed under her breath. Slowly, Leila began the descent to the hospital wing. Once inside the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey immediately greeted her by shaking her head.
"What did you do now, Miss Potter?" Madam Pomfrey asked.
Leila showed her hand and Madam Pomfrey clicked her tongue before leading her to a bed. Madam Pomfrey motioned Leila to take a seat on the bed before grabbing Leila's hand. The older woman examined Leila's hand instantly noticing the knuckle out of place.
"I would've thought you could heal this yourself," Madam Pomfrey said.
"Wand hand," Leila muttered.
Madam Pomfrey eyed Leila suspiciously before nodding her head. She pulled out her wand and performed a spell which caused Leila's knuckle to pop back into place. Leila screamed as her knuckle was set right again and Madam Pomfrey examined her hand further to check for any other breaks. The older witch walked back to her office for supplies to bandage Leila's hand. As she was gone, Leila gazed out the pained-glass window and onto the beautiful picturesque scenery that was Hogwarts. When Madam Pomfrey returned, she carefully wrapped Leila's hand in white guaze while talking with teenage girl.
"How did you manage this one, Potter?" Madam Pomfrey asked.
"I punched…" Leila began.
"Please don't say Mister Malfoy," Madam Pomfrey pleaded.
"I punched the wall," Leila retorted. "Wait a minute, why would you assume I punched Malfoy?"
"Mr. Malfoy was also in here not too long ago with the very same problem, broken knuckles in his hand. I'm not deaf to Hogwarts gossip you know. I know you and he get into quite a few scrapes," Madam Pomfrey said.
"I said I punched a wall," Leila commented.
"So did he," Madam Pomfrey looked at her pointedly.
Madam Pomfrey handed Leila a potion to drink for which she was thankful because that meant the interrogation was over. Madam Pomfrey sighed as Leila drank the bitter tasting potion. Leila set the goblet on the table with her good hand and coddled her bandaged hand as she left the hospital wing. She slowly walked to History of Magic, which she was already late for. There wasn't really a point on rushing to a class, which Professor Binns probably didn't even know she was missing from. She wouldn't skip because she didn't want to give Malfoy the impression that his presence upset her. When she got to the classroom, she found Professor Binns lecturing on some sort of rebellion to an empty classroom. Leila quietly slipped into the room and took a seat at a desk in the back of the classroom. Professor Binns didn't even seem to notice her tardiness nor Draco's absence. Leila couldn't help but wonder if he was skipping because he didn't want to be around her. But the whole situation in general confused her. He had been crushed-out on her for all the previous school years, and then he said he wanted nothing to do with her. Then she kissed him and he kissed her back. It was somewhat mutual, but to what extent she had no idea. Leila rubbed her eyes in frustration because she couldn't concentrate on the lecture; rather her thoughts were entirely focused on Draco Malfoy. When Professor Binns finished lecturing, Leila packed her things and headed for her last class of the day: Potions. She was barely out the door when Daphne met up with her.
"What happened to your hand?" Daphne asked.
"I got into a fight with the wall. It obviously won," Leila said sarcastically.
"Why did you do that?" Daphne questioned.
"Erm—nothing you need to worry about. Besides, I want to hear all about your thing with Theo," Leila smiled.
Daphne rolled her eyes and groaned.
"What happened?" Leila asked.
"I don't know. I thought that maybe when he said he wanted to meet up with me that he wanted to go snog or something," Daphne sighed.
"Well, what did he want?" Leila asked.
"He just wanted help with his Transfiguration. I told him that he would be better off asking you for help," Daphne groaned.
"And then?" Leila continued.
"Then I tried to help him, but I couldn't concentrate because he kept making me blush. It was terrible, so I tried to distract him from Transfiguration," Daphne said.
"With?" Leila asked.
"We talked about you. It was odd," Daphne commented.
"Well, I'm sure the fact that he asked you for help with Transfiguration means something," Leila said in an attempt to change the subject.
"You're probably right. I'm probably just overanalyzing this right now," Daphne sighed.
"Yes, you are; but it can't be helped. It's what girls do," Leila smiled.
Daphne smiled back at Leila as the two girls continued toward the Potions classroom. Leila had a bad feeling about Theo's intentions with Daphne, but she didn't voice her opinion. Would Theo really sink that low to go through her best friend to get to her? It was possible, but Leila didn't want to think about it because she wondered if Draco would show up to Potions. When she got to the classroom, she left Daphne's side and moved to her usual table with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Once she sat down, she turned her head to check the Slytherin group. Daphne, Blaise, and Pansy were seated but Draco wasn't there. It really shouldn't surprise her since he hadn't been to History of Magic, but Draco wasn't one to often miss classes, especially a class he could torment her brother in. Leila kept looking to the door to make sure that Draco hadn't snuck into the classroom without her notice.
"Who are you looking for?" Harry asked.
"What?" Leila asked.
"You're looking for someone, so who is it?" Harry questioned.
"There's only one person missing from class today. Figure it out," Leila whispered.
"Malfoy," Harry said.
"That slap was brilliant by the way," Ron smiled.
"Thanks?" Leila said.
"Ron, as prefects we're not supposed to condone such behavior," Hermione whispered.
"Come off it, Hermione; you punched the bloke third year," Ron reminded.
Hermione shot a death-glare at Ron who simply shrugged his shoulders in response. Ron was clearly unaware of Hermione infatuation with him. To be honest, Leila always thought something would happen between Harry and Granger. She dreaded that concept for years, but Granger had a thing for Ron her almost brother. Leila wasn't sure what was worse. Granger huffed and turned her attention back to her open Potion's textbook. Ron shrugged once more before turning back to Leila.
"So how bad was Snape's punishment?" Ron asked.
"Malfoy and I are supposed to have detention together until we can learn to get along," Leila said.
"That isn't likely. You'll be in detention until we graduate," Ron said.
"Thanks for the confidence," Leila said sarcastically.
"You want to get along with him?" Harry asked suspiciously.
"I think she'd just prefer to not have detention," Hermione added.
"Creepy, it's like you read my mind, Granger," Leila said.
Ron chuckled but immediately stopped when Hermione glared at him. He attempted to hold it in, which didn't work so well. Harry didn't seem very convinced by Leila's answer so when Slughorn's lecture was over he grabbed her arm and led her to an empty corridor. Ron watched them leave with a confused expression on his face but Harry waved him off, so he walked away with Granger. Leila tore her arm away from Harry's grip as he double-checked the corridor for company. Harry shook his head and gazed sternly at Leila.
"Why are you so concerned about Malfoy?" Harry asked.
"He wasn't in his afternoon classes which is a little suspicious for someone who's trying to be first in our class," Leila said.
"Is that all?" Harry asked.
"No, Harry, I obviously snogged him earlier," Leila said sarcastically.
"I know you wouldn't do that. I just want to make sure that you're not keeping anything from me about him being a Death Eater," Harry said.
Leila felt like her heart sunk into her stomach. She had practically told her brother the truth and he didn't believe she was capable of such a thing; but he was somewhat accusing her of keeping information from him. Truth was, she wasn't sure what she was keeping from her brother so he couldn't blame her for what she didn't know to be certain.
"I haven't heard anything you haven't about Malfoy potentially being Death Eater," Leila said.
"Are you protecting him?" Harry asked.
"Why would I protect a git like Malfoy?" Leila asked.
"I just had to check because I want you to keep an eye on him. You're in Slytherin you can be my eyes and ears inside the snake pit," Harry said.
"What exactly do you want me to do, stalk him?" Leila laughed.
"If you have to; but I'm sure someone in your House has to say something at some point," Harry said.
"You're serious?" Leila asked.
Harry nodded. He really wanted her to do this. Leila anxiously rubbed her bandaged hand trying to figure out the right thing to say to her brother. What was she supposed to say? Things were already complicated and awkward with Malfoy. If Malfoy found out…
"But why do you want me to do this?" Leila questioned.
"Because if Draco is a Death Eater…" Harry began.
"And what if he isn't?" Leila asked.
"Are you defending him?" Harry asked.
"No, but either way, Malfoy's going to be even more pissed at me, which will lead to more detentions. I don't need more detentions," Leila hissed.
"Then you'll just have to make sure he doesn't find out. What did you do to your hand?" Harry added.
"I punched a wall," Leila muttered.
"Why'd you punch a wall?" Harry asked.
"I couldn't get into the Room of Requirement," Leila said.
"What?" Harry asked.
"I couldn't get into the Room of Requirement," Leila said.
"I understood that, but if you couldn't get in that means that someone was already in there. Maybe it was…" Harry pondered aloud.
"I'm going to go before you come up with any more crazy ideas about Malfoy," Leila whispered.
Leila quickly turned on her heel, walking away from her brother in direction toward the Slytherin dungeon. She was mentally exhausted from her day and all she wanted was a nap. None of the other sixth year Slytherin girls were in their dormitory when Leila got there, so she ran across the room and plopped onto her bed without even changing out of her school uniform. Quickly, she fell asleep and her dreams overtook her. Once again the dream that had plagued her since the summer unfolded in her subconscious. The same dream with a Dark Mark etched into a pale forearm and an all-too-familiar Slytherin-ringed hand. Leila tightly clutched her pillow as her dream faded into darkness and screaming. She came to consciousness because Daphne shook her awake. Leila's emerald eyes instantly fluttered open taking a few seconds to adjust to her blonde friend before her.
"Leila, you have to go to detention," Daphne said.
"What about dinner?" Leila asked.
"You missed dinner," Daphne said slowly.
"You've got to be kidding me," Leila groaned.
"I'm not. Draco told me to get you," Daphne said.
"He did?" Leila asked.
"Yes, is there a reason you care so much?" Daphne asked.
"Daphne, do I look coherent right now?" Leila asked.
"Good point, now, get up or Snape's not going to be happy," Daphne said.
"When is Snape ever happy?" Leila asked.
"Not funny, now go," Daphne smiled.
Leila grudgingly stood up and walked over to the mirror to examine her appearance. Once again she had bed head and with no time to fix it she quickly through her hair into a ponytail before exiting her dormitory. She walked into the common room expecting to find Draco, but he wasn't there and her eyes glanced over to the clock. Five minutes! She had five minutes to get to her detention. She had no idea what to expect for her detention. Usually, with a Snape detention, he forewarned them on the task they would be completing; but there was no warning this time. Leila's pace quickened until she was to Professor Snape's classroom. She walked into the classroom to find Draco already sitting at a table in the front of the room, so she decided to take a seat in the back hoping Snape wouldn't notice her near tardiness.
"You're nearly late, Miss Potter," Professor Snape drawled.
"Sorry," Leila muttered.
"That will be another detention," Professor Snape said.
"For what?" Draco hissed.
"Don't think I forgot your tardiness this morning, Mr. Malfoy. So that will be another one," Professor Snape said.
"This isn't fair! You can't give me detention for something I didn't do!" Leila hissed as she jumped to her feet.
"I can't?" Snape asked raising an eyebrow.
"Don't even open your mouth, Potter," Draco warned.
Her eyes narrowed between Professor Snape and Draco before she slumped back into the seat she had once occupied and folded her arms across her chest. \
"Miss Potter, come join Mr. Malfoy at the front desk," Snape drawled.
"I don't think so," Leila sneered.
"Potter, get up here now. I don't have time to waste having detention with you," Draco sneered.
"Because I can't come up with a better way to spend my time than with you?" Leila questioned.
"Clearly you can't," Draco hissed.
Leila looked at him in disgust and shook her head. She slowly stood up and walked to the desk in the front of the classroom. She shoved herself into the desk from the left, attempting to push Malfoy off and onto the floor; but he had already prepared himself for her attempt. So instead of him embarrassingly falling to the floor, Leila ran into what seemed like a body made of stone. She screamed and slapped at his arm that was closest to her which caused him to yelp. He reached for his left arm with his bandaged right hand She knew Draco to be somewhat pathetic, but normally when she slapped him he didn't writhe in pain. Leila's eyes widened as she looked at his hand. What shocked her wasn't the bandaging, but his Slytherin ring. Could Harry be onto something about Draco Malfoy being a Death Eater? Guarding his left arm and the Slytherin ring: the exact same pose from her dream. She bit her lip in contemplation.
"What are you looking at?" Draco hissed.
"Your hand," Leila whispered.
Draco instantly removed his arm and turned his attention to Professor Snape.
"Are you two finished?" Snape drawled.
"So what are we doing for detention tonight? Sorting flobberworms?" Leila asked attempting to change the subject.
"The younger Creevey decided it was more important to play with his wand during my class and he had a mishap. I figured cleaning up his mess without magic would be a perfect job for the two of you," Snape said.
Both teenagers examined the room. The left side of the room was badly scorched and charred. Leila couldn't understand how she missed the burnt smell which hovered in the air. Draco slightly raised his nose in disgust while Leila crinkled her nose.
"Talking is permissible for this detention. When I come back, there better be no sign of fighting or I will add onto your detentions," Professor Snape said.
"You can't be serious," Draco hissed.
"I'm dead serious, Mr. Malfoy. If so much as one sign of even an argument and there will be consequences," Snape drawled.
"We have prefect duties tonight," Leila said.
"Then I suggest the two of you behave," Snape said.
Snape pointed out the buckets of water and rags before billowing out of the classroom leaving the two teenagers alone in the same room they had kissed earlier. Draco sat rigidly staring at the front of the classroom. He looked deep in thought.
"So, now what?" Leila asked.
"You do your part and I'll do mine. You leave me alone, and we pretend like we got along the entire time," Draco said.
Draco walked over to the buckets of water and rags, muttering about having to do servants work. Leila still sat at the desk watching the contorted look on his face as he thrust the rag into the bucket of water. He roughly began scrubbing one of the desks with a sneer on his face. When Draco moved to rinse the dirty rag in the bucket he noticed Leila silently watching him and narrowed his eyes.
"I'm not doing this by myself, Potter. So are you going to help or not?" Draco sneered.
"What if I don't want to?" Leila said.
"What would you prefer to do? Snog me?" Draco drawled.
"Once was enough," Leila commented.
"Is that why you went in for seconds this morning?" Draco asked.
Leila sneered and jumped to her feet. She marched over to where Draco was standing and stood before him at her full height. Her 5'1 ½'' stance was nowhere near intimidating because Draco still had a good 8 inches on her; but she held her ground looking him straight in the eyes.
"Maybe I kissed you to mess with your head," Leila hissed.
"Maybe, but I know you better than that," Draco said.
"You don't know me," Leila scoffed.
"And you don't know me," Draco said.
"What the hell is your problem?" Leila asked.
"My problem? You're the one who won't leave me alone," Draco hissed.
Draco bent over and picked his rag out of the bucket before throwing another rag at Leila without even looking to her. He angrily scrubbed at another desk while Leila leaned over to make eye contact once again.
"And you're the one who has no friends. I figured you might want the company," Leila said.
"I have friends," Draco sneered.
"Just because people will do what you tell them to because they're scared of you doesn't make them your friends," Leila argued.
"I have friends and even if I didn't I wouldn't need your friendship," Draco said.
"No, you don't need my friendship but you want it," Leila said.
"You don't know what you're talking about," Draco said.
"I'm sorry let me rephrase: you want more than that," Leila furthered.
"I don't want anything to do with you," Draco hissed.
"You say one thing, but your actions prove otherwise," Leila argued.
"What actions?" Draco sneered.
"You kissed me back. You won't admit it but you still want me," Leila said.
"It was a natural response to being kissed and for the record, I don't want you," Draco responded.
"So, you're telling me that if Granger kissed you, you'd kiss her back?" Leila asked.
"I'd never let Granger close enough to kiss me," Draco hissed.
"Exactly my point. You let me get close enough and then you kissed me back," Leila smirked.
Draco rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to the desks. He scrubbed while Leila dipped her rag into the water before finding a charred desk. In silence, the two teenagers scrubbed at the charred desks. When they finished the desks they moved to the blackened wall; but the silence wasn't sitting well with Leila. She wanted to figure this thing out before it got any more complicated.
"Are you going to continue to ignore me?" Leila asked.
"That's the plan," Draco muttered.
"What's your problem, Malfoy?" Leila questioned.
"I asked one simple thing of you, Leila. I asked you to leave me alone. What is so hard to comprehend about that?" Draco hissed.
Draco frustratingly ran his fingers through his hair as Leila's gaze moved to the floor and her heart sunk to the pit of her stomach. Maybe she was building this whole thing up with Malfoy in her head. He clearly wanted nothing to do with her. Was this part of what had attracted him to her in the past? Leila took a quick glance at him as he roughly brushed away his hair from his face causing her stomach to lurch. She exerted her frustrations into her work. When the wall was finished both teenagers collapsed onto their own bench. Draco pulled an apple out of his robe pocket and began to eat it. Leila's thoughts focused more on the situation at hand. What exactly did she want to become of this? Was she talking with him because she actually liked him? Or was it because it was what Harry wanted her to do? As she sifted through her thoughts and feelings, Professor Snape walked back in the classroom.
"It appears the two of you haven't killed each other yet," Professor Snape drawled.
Neither Draco nor Leila said anything. Both teenagers simply sat there watching Professor Snape, waiting for him to release them from their detention. Leila glanced at the clock. The time told her that she and Malfoy were due to be starting their rounds of the castle any minute. Snape curtly dismissed causing both Draco and Leila to briskly walk for the door. They awkwardly met up at the door, but Draco shoved himself out the door first. Leila narrowed her eyes and followed Draco as they silently began walking their rounds. Leila stomach growled loudly, so much so that Draco even looked at her oddly. Leila rolled her eyes and took a detour from the path Draco was setting. Seconds after she diverged from their path he was stomping after her.
"Where do you think you're going?" Draco hissed.
"I'm hungry," Leila said.
"We're supposed to be doing our rounds. I just want to get this over because I have things I need to do," Draco growled.
"And I need to eat. You can either continue the rounds on your own or you can come with me," Leila quipped.
Draco muttered something Leila couldn't understand before walking toward her. Leila didn't wait for him to catch-up to her before continuing to walk toward the kitchen. She tried to walk faster so that he couldn't catch-up, but his longer stride soon easily caught up to hers. She tried to ignore him as he had been doing to her earlier, but he caught her off-guard by talking to her.
"And what is your great plan to get food? It's common knowledge that you can't make food appear," Draco said.
"You can't be serious?" Leila scoffed.
"What?" Draco sneered.
"You've never been to the kitchen before?" Leila asked.
"How the bloody hell did you find the kitchen?" Draco asked.
"You have your secrets and I have mine," Leila answered.
"You're not going to tell me," Draco said.
"Since you seem to know me so well, as you pointed out earlier, what do you think?" Leila said somewhat coldly.
"Contrary to what you think, you're not a mystery to figure out," Draco answered.
"Oh really? Tell me then, what exactly am I thinking?" Leila asked.
Leila stopped walking and looked at him with a sour look on her face and her hands on her hips. Draco's façade momentarily fell as he fumbled for words, but it quickly returned as he narrowed his eyes and took a step back from Leila.
"I told you to leave me alone," Draco growled.
"You're the one that started the conversation!" Leila shouted.
In exasperation, Leila threw her hands up in the air and walked away from Draco. After a few moments, Draco followed after her. Leila refused to even look at him as she stomped toward the portrait entrance to the kitchen. She was mad at him, well, probably more mad at herself that she let him get such a reaction out of her. No other boy got her riled-up as much. Besides, there could be the fact that she had feelings for the arrogant prat which she also confused her. When they came up to the portrait of a bowl of fruit she turned to Draco.
"Turn around," Leila said coldly.
"Why?" Draco asked.
"Either do it or continue the rounds by yourself," Leila hissed.
Draco narrowed his eyes and reluctantly turned around. He stayed in place and didn't walk away. Leila smiled because she had given him plenty of opportunities to leave her, yet as adamant as he was about staying away from her, he wasn't walking away. She tickled the pear on the portrait and a doorknob appeared. After opening the door, she turned back to Draco.
"Coming ferret?" Leila asked.
"Don't call me that," Draco muttered.
Leila chuckled softly as Draco followed her into the kitchen. The house-elves were hard at work, but one certain house elf noticed Leila's appearance right away. Dobby came running toward them with a grin spread from ear to ear.
"Miss Leila!" Dobby cried.
"Dobby?" Draco whispered.
Draco took a step from behind Leila so he could see the house elf more clearly. A somewhat puzzled look came over his face while Dobby instantly back away. Dobby motioned for Leila to lean in closer so she did. He grabbed her face and pulled his mouth near her ear as to whisper something, but Dobby didn't whisper. If anything he spoke a little louder, loud enough for Draco to hear.
"What's he doing here?" Dobby asked.
"I could ask you the same question," Draco sneered.
"Malfoy, shut it," Leila retorted.
"Dobby wonders why Miss Leila bring Master Draco," Dobby said.
"It's my fault Dobby. I got hungry on our rounds patrolling the castle. Could we get some food please?" Leila asked.
"Anything for Miss Leila," Dobby bowed.
Leila patted Dobby on the head before he moved to get some food. She awkwardly nodded at Draco and motioned for him to take a seat. Draco gingerly sat down as if he expected something terrible to happen when he did. Once he realized nothing was going to happen, he turned to Leila. His curiosity was too much for him.
"You know Dobby?" Draco asked.
"Since second year; he's the reason Harry, Ron, and I missed the Hogwarts Express," Leila said.
"What?" Draco asked.
"He blocked the barrier to Platform 9 3/4. Tried to warn us we shouldn't come to school," Leila said.
"Why?" Draco asked.
"Hm…what happened second year? Oh, that's right. The Chamber of Secrets was opened," Leila said.
"But he would've disobeyed his orders," Draco said.
"No, he never told us that he belonged to your family or what was planned. He just tried everything in his power to keep us from Hogwarts," Leila said.
Dobby came over carrying two plates of roast and two glasses of pumpkin juice. He set Leila's down before her first and then he set down Draco's. The look on Dobby's face was priceless as he served his former master; it caused her to chuckle under her breath.
"Thanks, Dobby," Leila said.
"It was an honor, Miss Leila. Anything for you," Dobby said.
Leila smiled and Draco looked at her oddly.
"What?" Leila asked.
Draco shook his head and stabbed his fork into his roast. Leila turned to her food as well. She quickly finished her meal, finishing even before Draco did. While Draco was still eating his meal, Leila turned to Dobby and engaged him in a conversation about Winky. Apparently, she still wasn't doing too well and she worried Dobby. The conversation ended when Draco cleared his throat to signal that he had finished his food. Leila thanked Dobby once more before leaving the kitchen to continue their rounds. Draco and Leila returned to their silent conversation until they came upon a young couple snogging in an empty corridor.
"Your turn," Leila whispered.
Draco groaned and moved to push up his sleeves. He pushed the right one up and moved to push the left one, but he quickly stopped himself. He then pulled the right sleeve back down and walked toward the couple. Leila slowly followed behind him, trying to hide a smile.
"What do we have here?" Draco drawled.
"M-M-Malfoy," the Ravenclaw boy stuttered.
"You're not going to punish us, are you?" the Gryffindor girl asked.
"Of course I am. Ten points from each of your Houses," Draco hissed.
"C'mon Malfoy, let's talk about this," the boy said.
"Let's make that twenty," Draco furthered.
"Twenty?" the girl gasped.
"Common rooms now or I'll be forced to resort to other measures," Draco sneered.
The couple looked to each other before scurrying from the scene. Draco exhaled loudly and Leila chuckled.
"They'll probably be too scared to ever snog again thanks to you," Leila teased.
"Why aren't you scared of me?" Draco questioned.
"What?" Leila asked taken aback.
"Before you kissed me, you said you weren't scared of me. Why not?" Draco demanded.
"Is there a reason I should be?" Leila asked.
"Yes," Draco hissed.
"Why should I be scared of you?" Leila asked.
"I can't tell you," Draco sneered.
"Why does it matter if I'm scared of you or not?" Leila asked.
"Because I've tried everything to keep you away and nothing works!" Draco hissed.
Draco grabbed Leila by her shoulders, turning her toward him and looking her directly in the eyes. Leila could see the confusion clouding Draco's icy eyes.
"Why do you want so badly to push me away?" Leila asked.
"I can't be distracted this year." Draco hissed.
"It's because you care," Leila whispered.
"What?" Draco asked.
"It's the answer your questions. You care. When I look in your eyes, I don't see the cold callused façade you put up for everyone else, Draco. You're still the same boy who wouldn't leave me alone since the day we boarded the Hogwarts Express. The same boy who gave me my first kiss. The boy who whether you want to admit it or not cares," Leila said.
"You're seeing things," Draco said.
"Am I? I know you hexed Bulstrode." Leila said.
"So what if I did. It was for my benefit," Draco drawled.
"Liar. Of all the people in this school how many do you actually give a damn about?" Leila hissed.
Draco didn't answer. He appeared to mull over what Leila had said for a moment before his hands moved to her cheeks and his mouth crashed onto hers. Leila wasn't prepared for this response to her question, but she immediately responded to his kiss and wrapped her arms around his neck so that he couldn't get away. She found herself growing light-headed from his kisses. Snogging Theodore Nott certainly hadn't been like this. Draco's kisses were intoxicating and after several more heated kisses the pair broke apart breathing heavily for air. Draco rested his forehead on hers, closing his eyes.
"What is this?" Draco whispered.
"I don't know," Leila whispered back.
"I can't," Draco whispered.
He unwrapped Leila's arms from around his neck and turned to leave but Leila wasn't going to let him walk away this time. She grabbed his arm, which caused him to face her. He tried to force his cold façade back to his face, but Leila could see the front already beginning to crack.
"You're not walking away this time," Leila said.
"Watch me, Potter," Draco hissed.
"Why can't you just admit that I'm one of the few people you give a damn about?" Leila screamed.
"Because I'm not supposed to! Why about that can't you understand?" Draco shouted.
"You're not supposed to?" Leila asked.
"After everything you've done, all the pain you've caused me and my family? I can't," Draco said.
"But you do care, don't you?" Leila asked.
"Yes," Draco mumbled.
"You think this is only difficult for you?" Leila asked.
Draco didn't respond, instead he looked right into Leila's eyes. As much as he had wanted to walk away before, those strikingly beautiful eyes kept him there.
"Well it's hard for me too. In case you've forgotten, I happen to have a brother who hates you and your family. I'm just as confused about this as you are," Leila said.
"Why? Why me, why now?" Draco asked.
"I don't know. Because since you've stopped talking to me, stalking me, whatever you used to do; I feel like my life is missing something. I can't really describe it," Leila said.
"I know," Draco whispered.
"Besides, after that whiff of Amorentia I just knew," Leila chuckled.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Draco asked.
"Amortentia, it's a love potion. You smell whatever you're attracted to and..." Leila began.
"I know what the potion does," Draco said.
"I smelled you, especially that day at the Quidditch trials. I knew for sure then. I've been trying to deny it, but there it is," Leila said.
"You smelled me?" Draco smirked.
"I knew you were in there, somewhere," Leila smiled.
Draco bent down and kissed her gently. Leila smiled as she leaned into his kiss; but he broke it off and looked into her eyes once more.
"No one can know," Draco whispered.
"No one can know," Leila whispered back.