Chapter 22

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 quickly caught her breath and pushed Draco aside. She unwrapped her arms from around his neck and stood up.

"Where are you going?" Draco asked confusedly.

"Bathroom, I'll be right back." Leila said.

Leila ran out of the kitchen. She saw someone round a corner. Leila was determined to catch up to the person. She needed to sort things out. She refused to let them be the end of her and Draco. So, she too rounded the corner and found the person panting for breath, leaning up against the wall.

"Hermione…" Leila began.

"Now you start using my name?" Hermione gasped for air.

"Hermione, it wasn't what it looked like." Leila said.

"From my view it looked like you were snogging Draco Malfoy." Hermione hissed.

"Erm, well actually…" Leila began.

"It all makes sense now. I knew you've been seeing someone for months, but I couldn't figure out whom, for the life of me. I couldn't figure it out because it's Malfoy, why didn't I see it before?" Hermione rambled.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Leila said.

"Don't lie to me. Ginny told me about the ring." Hermione added vehemently.

"What ring?" Leila asked.

"Are you really going to play stupid with me, Leila? You're wearing Malfoy's ring around your neck. Not only has Ginny seen it, but Malfoy happens to not be wearing his ring, nor has he for quite some time now. And you always avoid talking about him when you're around Harry, and then there's the expensive Slytherin colored bracelet on your wrist; plus the fact that I just caught you snogging him!" Hermione rushed.

"He's different with me." Leila gave in.

"He's always fancied you, why did you give in this time?" Hermione questioned

"I dunno, I can't even begin to explain it; but I love him." Leila said.

"You love him? I didn't know it was this bad…" Hermione began.

"Don't tell Harry." Leila demanded.

"I'm certainly not going to tell him…but you are." Hermione said.

"That will be a cheerful conversation, 'Hi Harry, I'm dating the guy you hate and think is a Death Eater, by the way can I borrow your potions book?' I don't think it works like that!" Leila exclaimed.

"Who all knows about this?" Hermione sighed rubbing her temples.

"You, me, and Draco." Leila said.

"Harry's really not going to like this; you know how he feels about Malfoy." Hermione said.

"I know, I know. He's convinced Draco is a Death Eater, but Draco's not like that around me. He's sweet and caring, two things I never ever would have expected out of Draco Malfoy, not even in my wildest imagination. Above that, Draco loves me." Leila rambled.

"I'm shocked I'm even saying this, but I believe you." Hermione sighed.

"You do?" Leila asked.

"You've always been Malfoy's soft spot, his weakness, I suppose." Hermione whispered.

"Can you please promise not to tell Harry, Ron, Ginny, or anyone for that matter about Draco and I?" Leila asked.

Hermione sighed and looked at the floor.

"I dunno, Leila." Hermione muttered.

"Please, Hermione? I know that this is selfish, but I almost always do everything for Harry. Just this once I want to do something for me. Can you understand that?" Leila asked.

"I get it, I do; but he deserves to know." Hermione said.

"I'm not going to tell him now. I'll figure out a way, I promise." Leila said.

"I don't like this one bit, but all right, your secret is safe with me, Leila. I can hardly believe you've kept this a secret as long as you have." Hermione said.

"It's hard, I almost told Ginny over Christmas; but I don't think she'd understand." Leila confessed.

"Well, if you need to talk I'm available." Hermione said.

"Thanks." Leila muttered.

"Right, well, you and Malfoy should probably refrain from the kitchen at this time of day." Hermione said.

"We normally don't do this now. He followed me to the kitchen because I got in a fight with Daphne; hence the bloody lip and the erm…help? Speaking of Draco, I told him I was using the bathroom and I should probably get back." Leila said.

"Are you going to tell him that I know?" Hermione asked.

"Unless he saw you too, no, I'm not going to." Leila said.

"I still don't like this." Hermione added.

Leila nodded her head and Hermione headed off for the Gryffindor common room. Leila breathed a quick sigh of relief and headed back to the kitchen. She found Draco sitting at the table twirling his would out of boredom.

"I'm back." Leila said.

Leila sat down beside Draco.

"Now where were we?" Draco whispered in her ear.

Shivers went up and down Leila's spine. Draco began to nibble on her ear again. Leila then remembered Hermione's warning.

"Draco, as much as I'd love to continue this; I have things I need to do." Leila said.

Draco didn't listen to her; he just continued to kiss her.

"Draco, I'm being serious. I have a mess to clean and homework to do." Leila said.

Draco grumbled something Leila couldn't understand.

"Don't be mad." Leila sighed.

"I'm not." Draco said.

"Are you sure?" Leila asked.

"I'm sure, besides I should probably get working as well." Draco sighed.

Leila leaned forward and kissed him.

"Just in case you didn't know, I do love you." Leila smiled.

"I know and I love you too." Draco said back.

Leila stood up, hugged him tightly, and left the kitchen. When she arrived back in the common room, she found Daphne telling her sob story to anyone who would listen. Leila simply ignored Daphne, because as she had told her earlier; Daphne and their friendship were dead to her. She walked into her room and picked up her things. She picked up the pieces of her mother's photograph, but held back the tears.

Leila often wondered about her mother. What would she think about her life choices? What would she tell her about boys? Would she be proud of her good grades? Her thoughts then spiraled downward. Her mother would never get to see her graduate Hogwarts. Never see her fall in love and get married. Never see her have children of her own. Leila's heart ached at these thoughts. All she had left of her mother was a few photographs and the necklace. Leila grasped the necklace pendant and the ring. Two completely different things, polar opposites of each other, good and presumably evil; yet both very dear to her.

Leila fell onto her bed and sighed. When had life gotten so complicated? It seemed like just the other day when Hagrid had told her and Harry about their magical heritage. And here she was caught in somewhat of a struggle between good and evil. Doubts of Draco plagued her thoughts and Hermione's words stung her. Was it really worth it? Was a teenage fling with Draco worth her brother's life? Her thoughts were interrupted when Pansy came into the room. Leila faked sleeping to keep her temper in check, and soon was actually asleep.

Leila woke up the next morning, quickly dressed, and headed to the Great Hall for breakfast. She found Hermione sitting by herself at the Gryffindor table, so she sat with her.

"Why are you sitting alone?" Leila asked.

Hermione glared in Harry and Ron's direction. Ron was shoving his mouth with eggs talking with Harry.

"You're still pissed at Ron, aren't you?" Leila asked.

"I didn't say that." Hermione said.

"No, but if looks could kill…" Leila began.

"I don't care one bit what Ron does. He's free to do whatever he likes." Hermione said.

"I don't see Ron and Lavender as some epic romance. I think he's just in it for the snogging." Leila said.

"Clearly." Hermione muttered.

Leila grabbed a piece of toast and began nibbling on it. When it was almost time for Ancient Runes, Leila headed up to the classroom with Hermione.

"Have you said anything to Harry?" Leila asked.

"Do you really think that little of me? I told you I wouldn't, and I haven't." Hermione said.

"Sorry. It's just going to take some used to, trusting you and all." Leila said.

"I've never betrayed you before." Hermione said.

"You do have a point, but we've never been friends before. It's still kind of weird. Don't you think?" Leila asked.

"No weirder than you dating Malfoy." Hermione added.

"Touché. Gah! When did things get so screwed up?' Leila chuckled bringing her hands to her head.

Hermione smiled and soon they were in the classroom. Leila watched the door for Draco, but he never showed up. Leila wondered what he was up to. But she was forced to push those thoughts aside when Professor Babberty handed out a surprise quiz. They were allowed to leave once they finished the quiz. Leila finished the quiz, second behind Hermione and left the classroom. She met up with Hermione and Harry in a deserted courtyard.

"What are we talking about?" Leila asked.

"My meeting with Dumbledore last night." Harry said.

"And?" Leila asked.

"Slughorn gave Dumbledore a tampered memory." Hermione added.

"So?" Leila asked.

"That's as much as I've told Hermione." Harry said.

"Well, continue on." Leila said.

"Riddle asked him about Horcruxes…" Harry began.

"A what?" Leila asked.

"A Horcrux." Harry said.

"What's that?" Leila asked.

"I was hoping one of you would know." Harry said.

"I can tell you one thing; Slughorn must be really determined to hide what really happened if even Dumbledore can't get it out of him. Horcruxes…Horcruxes…I've never even heard of them…" Hermione said.

"You haven't?" Harry asked with disappointment filling his voice.

"They must be really advanced Dark Magic, or why would Voldemort have wanted to know about them?" Hermione stated.

"I agree with Hermione, it sounds like Dark Magic, but I even live in Slytherin and I haven't heard mention of them." Leila said.

"Perhaps if you asked the right person…" Hermione began.

Hermione looked at Leila, while Harry looked confusedly at the girls before him.

"Am I missing something?" Harry asked.

"Nothing to be concerned about, but you're going to have to be careful with Slughorn." Leila said.

"I agree, I think it's going to be difficult to get the information. You need to think out a strategy…" Hermione began.

"Well Ron reckons I should just hang back after Potions this afternoon…" Harry began.

"Oh, well, if Won-Won thinks that, you'd better do it. After all, when had Won-Won's judgment ever been faulty?" Hermione hissed.

"Hermione, can't you…" Harry began again.

"No!" Hermione said angrily.

Hermione stormed away, leaving Harry alone with his sister.

"You could have been a little more sensitive about that…" Leila began.

"Sensitive? Since when have you cared? What's going on with you two?" Harry asked.
"It's a very awkward beginning to what I hope will be a beautiful friendship." Leila said sarcastically.

"No really, what's going on?" Harry asked.

"We're growing up, Harry. There isn't a point to all the pettiness with these Dark times, you know? Hermione and I are on the same side and the whole hating each other thing has just gotten pathetic." Leila asked.

"Only took you six years to figure that out." Harry muttered.

Leila playfully wacked her brother's arm and walked with him to Defense. Leila took a seat with Harry just as Professor Snape was beginning the lesson. No more than ten minutes into Snape's lecture did Draco burst through the door. Leila turned to look at him as he made an appearance. His hair was out of place and there were dark circles under his eyes. Did he look like this last night? He quickly slid into an empty seat next to Zabini.

"Mr. Malfoy, see me after class." Snape said with his back to the classroom.

Draco didn't even respond, he just stared straight ahead. Leila looked at him with concern, until Harry nudged her.

"Are you sure you haven't heard about a you know what?" Harry asked.

"No, I honestly haven't." Leila sighed.

Snape continued to lecture for the rest of the period. When he was done he reminded them there was a text next class period and a twelve inch essay was due prior to the test. The class hurried out of the classroom, while Leila slowly walked out, watching Draco make his way to Snape. Leila decided to wait for Draco, so she stood outside the door.

"Are you coming?" Harry asked.

"You go on. I have to talk with Professor Snape." Leila lied.

Harry nodded and ran to catch up with Ron. Leila leaned her back against the doorframe waiting, but she couldn't help but overhear the conversation.

"Is there a specific reason you were late, Mr. Malfoy?" Snape asked.

"I overslept." Draco sneered.

"What were you doing last night that caused you to get little sleep?" Snape asked.

"That's none of your business." Draco hissed.

"Draco, let me help you." Snape said.

"I don't need your help!" Draco shouted.

"That will be a detention, Mr. Malfoy." Snape drawled.

With that Draco stormed out of the Potion's classroom. He didn't even notice Leila waiting for him. Leila started to chase after him, but Snape caught sight of her.

"That's a detention for you too, Miss Potter!" Snape shouted.

"For what?" Leila whined.

"Eavesdropping." Snape glared.

Leila shook her head and ran after Draco. Draco briskly walked to the Room of Requirements. Leila made it into the room, just as the door began to disappear. She followed him until he came to a cabinet. A Vanishing Cabinet to be exact. Draco pressed his forehead against the cabinet.

"Draco?" Leila whispered.

"Leila?" Draco hissed, quickly turning to face her.

"I…erm…" Leila began.

"What are you doing here?" Draco sneered.

"I just wanted to check on you, so I followed you." Leila said taken aback.

"You shouldn't have done that." Draco hissed.

"I'm sorry that I care." Leila snarled.

"You need to leave. You shouldn't be here." Draco demanded.

"Why not?" Leila asked.

"Get out!" Draco shouted.

Draco fiercely pointed to the exit. Leila narrowed her eyes.

"Why are you being such an arse?" Leila asked.

"Do you ever think that maybe I don't want to spend every single minute of my life with you? I don't want you here, so leave." Draco said coldly

"Just when I think things are going to work out you have to go and throw a wrench into things, don't you?" Leila hissed.

Leila quickly turned on her heel and ran from the Room of Requirements. She didn't know where she was running to, but she ran as far as she could. She skipped Arithmancy, Lunch, and History of Magic; but managed to drag her sorry butt to Potions. Once again, Harry managed to impress Slughorn with his "knowledge" in the art of Potion making. Today they had to find an antidote for a poison. Leila's heart wasn't in to the lesson. Her thoughts swirled around her fight with Draco. Harry found a bezoar and used it for his antidote. Leila had hardly even attempted to make an antidote.

"Why Miss Potter, what is this?" Professor Slughorn asked.

"I'm sorry sir, just not feeling well. I had a hard time concentrating." Leila said.

"Why don't you stop by my office tomorrow, so we can boost this grade up?" Professor Slughorn said.

"Yes, sir." Leila responded.

Slughorn made his way to Harry. Leila noticed the glares he received from Hermione and Draco. Leila and Draco briefly made eye contact, but then they both quickly glanced away.

"Real mature." Leila muttered.

The only consolation was the fact that Draco was covered in crap. It brought somewhat of a smile to her face to see him covered in something that resembled cat barf. Professor Slughorn called for the end of the lesson. Harry took an abnormally long amount of time to pack up his things.

"Leila, you want to talk to Slughorn with me?" Harry asked.

"Not really, I've got things to do." Leila said.

"Like what?" Harry asked.

"Leila, are you coming?" Hermione asked as she had just finished packing her things.

"Things. And I'd wish you luck, but I'm not sure even that could help you with Slughorn." Leila said.

Leila slung her bag over her shoulder and walked out of the room with Hermione.

"Thanks for that. You seem to be saving my arse a lot lately." Leila said.

"If Harry's going to be stupid, he doesn't need to drag you into it." Hermione said.

"Still, thank you and good luck in the library." Leila said.

"How did you know where I was going?" Hermione asked.

"I know you better than you think I do, Hermione." Leila said.

"Do you want to come with?" Hermione asked.

"I suppose. I've got nothing better to do." Leila sighed.

Leila and Hermione walked to the library. Once inside, they immediately headed for the Restricted Section.

"So I was thinking about looking for information on…" Hermione began.

"Horcruxes." Leila finished.

"Erm…yes, and I figured the Restricted Section would be the best place to start." Hermione said.

"I'm just as curious as you are." Leila said.

"You could always ask Malfoy." Hermione whispered.

"Draco and I aren't exactly speaking at the moment." Leila said.

"Why not?" Hermione asked.

"I'm not even sure, but he's being an arse." Leila said.

"Only you would date a boy who drives you crazy." Hermione commented.

"Says the girl who still likes Ron." Leila quipped.

"Oh, just start looking through these books." Hermione groaned.

Leila chuckled and flipped through countless titles, only to find nothing on the subject. She began to wonder if she should take Hermione's advice and ask Draco. But that would mean actually talking to him. Later, she arrived at supper to find that Snape had scheduled her detention for tonight. She groaned and when she was done eating, made her way to the Defense classroom. She slouched into a random desk. About a minute later Draco swaggered into the classroom. He sat down next to Leila, but she quickly slid over to another desk.

"Tonight, you'll be organizing the bookshelves in the back of the room. I want the books alphabetized and hand over your wands." Snape said.

Draco and Leila both handed over their wands. There were bookshelves on all four walls of the classroom, practically overflowing with books. Snape billowed out of the room. Leila ignored Draco and walked to one of the bookshelves.

"I take it your pissed at me, then?" Draco asked.

"Figure that one out all by yourself did you?" Leila hissed.

Leila grabbed a stack of books and began sorting them. Draco sat down next to her, but she moved away.

"Leila." Draco groaned.

"You wanted me to stay away from you and that's what I'm doing." Leila said.

"You're twisting my words." Draco said.

"I don't want to force myself upon you." Leila sneered.

"I didn't mean for it to come out quite like that." Draco pleaded.

"But the fact is, you still said it." Leila said.

"Just let me explain." Draco furthered.

" I hardly ever even see you Draco. Maybe for a few hours here and there and then you go and disappear to only god knows where! I'm sick of you always having to explain yourself." Leila complained.

"I was completely out of line the way I spoke with you." Draco mumbled.

"Just figuring that out now, are you?" Leila hissed.

"Leila, what can I do to fix this?" Draco pleaded.

"I don't even know what I did wrong. I just wanted to help you and then you yell at me." Leila sighed.

"I'm sorry for yelling at you. I wasn't in my right mind." Draco said.

Leila looked into Draco's eyes. She could see that he genuinely did feel bad. She sighed and cast her glance to the floor. Draco tipped her chin toward him.

"I really am sorry." Draco said.

"I know. It's just hard. Sometimes it feels like the world is trying to tear us apart and I don't know when I'm going to lose you." Leila said with her bottom lip quivering.

"I'm not going anywhere." Draco whispered.

Those were the words she needed to hear. Whether they were true or not didn't matter. She just needed to know that at least for now, Draco was hers. Draco gently kissed her. When the kiss ended, Leila turned back to her stack of books.

"Are you still mad?" Draco asked.

"No, I just want to get done with these books. I'm pretty sure we're going to have detention with Snape for the next century." Leila said.

Draco grabbed his own stack of books and followed Leila's sorting system. When they had finally finished sorting the books, and Snape had returned their wands; Draco walked back with her to the common room.

"I suppose this is good night then?" Leila asked.

"No, I can stay with you tonight." Draco said.

"You don't have to. I know you're busy…" Leila began.

"Let me rephrase that, I want to stay with you." Draco said.

Leila smiled and walked into the common room first. She yelled at the second years to get to bed while Draco sat on the couch. When the common room was empty, Leila sat down on the floor in front of Draco. She rested her head against his knees, while he played with her hair. When they figured that they wouldn't be disturbed, Leila crawled onto the couch and snuggled close to Draco, where they stayed until almost morning.