Chapter 7
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all that it entails belong to JK Rowling, except for Miss Leila Mae Potter.
… … … … …
Leila lay awake in bed staring at the ceiling. Even though this was likely to be the last night in which she could enjoy the comforts of a home, she couldn't sleep. Her thoughts kept turning back to Fred. What had he wanted to tell her? What about her present? She did feel a pang of regret in the pit of her stomach. After Scrimgeour had showed up, she was preoccupied with the items from Dumbledore's will along with Hermione, Harry, and Ron; so much so, that she almost completely ignored Fred. She looked over to the alarm clock on the bedside table: 11:45 p.m. Perhaps, Fred was still awake. Leila knew that her mind wouldn't settle until she had spoken with Fred. Not only to figure out what his bit was; but to tell him that she was leaving. It was what was fair and what was right.
Leila rubbed her face in frustration before getting out of bed. She tip-toed carefully out of the room so that she wouldn't wake any of the softly snoring girls before making her way toward Ron's room. Up the flights of stairs she ran. When she came to the last flight, she was slightly out of breath. Leila looked up at the staircase which seemed rather daunting only to find Fred tip-toeing down them. She stood at the bottom of the stairs waiting for Fred, who had a look of surprise on his face.
"What are you doing up?" Fred asked.
"Couldn't sleep," Leila panted.
"Neither could I," Fred said.
He reached for Leila's arm and pulled her closer to him. The moonlight shone through the window they stood in front of. Leila could see the outline of the marquee under the stars. She sighed as Fred began to speak.
"I've let you get away all day without adding in my own two-bits. There are still a few minutes left of your birthday and I have something for you," Fred said.
Leila simply nodded. Fred reached in the pocket of his bathrobe and grabbed a package and an envelope. He handed them to Leila, watching for her immediate reaction. Leila first opened the envelope. There was no note in the envelope, only a small key. She looked up at Fred with a puzzled look on her face.
"I could say something cheesy, like that's the key to my heart; but you'll find out where it belongs once you open the present," Fred grinned.
She lightly sighed before tearing at the present. Inside was a small ivory, gold-plated, heart shaped box with pink and red roses dusted on it. The box had some weight to it. Leila looked over the beautiful box to find a key-hole. She looked up to Fred who nodded. She slowly placed the key into the hole and gently turned it; causing the mechanism inside to turn. A beautiful tune, some sort of lullaby began to softly play. Leila listened intently to the beautiful song and found herself humming along to the tune. This surprised Leila; she couldn't remember where she had heard this beautiful melody before. The calming song came to an end so Leila placed her gift on the windowsill and flung her arms around Fred.
"Thank you, it's beautiful," Leila whispered.
"I'd hoped you'd like it," Fred whispered back.
Fred gently stroked Leila's hair, while she clung to him. Leila looked up to meet Fred's gaze. Her heart skipped a beat at the intensity of his gaze so she lightly exhaled. Leila thoughts were raging that she should tell him her secret now. She opened her mouth to speak, only to have Fred place his hand over her mouth. She looked at him quizzically before allowing his explanation.
"I'm not done yet; I have something I need to tell you and I think you already know what I'm going to say," Fred spoke.
"Fred, please don't. Not now," Leila whispered.
"I love you, Leila and I have for quite some time now," Fred said.
Leila's head was swimming. She was so confused on her emotions and tears soon freely began to fall. She tried to stop the tears from falling but they kept coming. Fred with a confused look on his face gently brushed away the tears. Crying was not the reaction he expected.
"Leila, what's wrong? Did I say something wrong?" Fred asked.
"I'm leaving with Harry, Hermione, and Ron," Leila cried.
"I already know that," Fred whispered.
"No, you don't understand; we're leaving after the wedding, Fred," Leila sobbed.
Fred went rigid for a second, taking in the information Leila had told him. He looked out to the night sky mulling over what to say next before looking back to Leila. He found her still roughly brushing away tears and trying to regain control over them. Fred held her even tighter before whispering.
"That doesn't change how I feel. I've loved you since my last year of Hogwarts. I'll wait for you because I love you, Leila,"
Leila wasn't sure how to respond. Her voice wouldn't betray the feelings that she was uncertain of. She liked Fred for certain and loved him in a different way, not the way he was professing. Perhaps one day could grow to love him like that, but right now she couldn't. Right now, her expectation of love was what she had with Draco. Those butterflies and that spark weren't there with Fred like she had had with Draco. She knew now was completely the worst time to be dwelling on Draco at the declaration of Fred's love for her. Instead of saying anything, she gently placed her lips on Fred's. That reaction seemed to be enough for Fred because he eagerly responded to her kiss. She moved her arms around Fred's neck, deepening the kiss. The couple kissed heatedly until the sound of a door closing and footsteps on the stairs broke them apart. They both listened silently, but the footsteps stopped and another door closed. Leila attempted to stifle a yawn which caused Fred to chuckle.
"Someone should get some sleep," He said, still chuckling.
Leila forced a laugh as Fred wrapped his arm around her waist to lead her away. She quickly grabbed the present she received from Fred before allowing him to escort her. He walked her down to Ginny's room and placed a kiss on her forehead.
"Sleep well, my love," Fred whispered.
Leila sighed as Fred walked away. Her heart was torn. Fred loved her and he would take good care of her, but no matter how hard she tried to hide it otherwise Draco still occupied a part of her heart. The saying did go that you never forget your first love; so maybe it was just time that she accepted that he would always occupy some of her heart and actually allow Fred to have the rest. She could picture herself happy with Fred. She could see plenty of happy children and a warm, cozy, happy home. Fred was almost always open and honest with her. She didn't have to pry at him to get some conversation out of him. She was already accepted by his family and most of all Fred was on the right side of this war. She may not love him the way he loved her; but she knew that with a little time she could be very happy. Leila quietly over to her bed and slipped under the covers. She gently wound the key in the music box so that the beautiful melody caused her to drift asleep.
The day of Bill and Fleur's wedding finally dawned. Fleur, Gabrielle, and Ginny had gotten-up early to attend to the final preparations; which left Leila and Hermione to sleep in for a few extra minutes. However, Leila was soon awakened to the sounds of Hermione up and rustling through her things. Leila opened an eye to find Hermione yet again reorganizing her beaded bag. Leila rolled her eyes before turning back to Hermione.
"Hermione, give it a rest. You've already checked your bag a hundred times," Leila groaned.
"I'm just making sure I'm ready. I'm going to keep this on me during the wedding, just in case. You should really do the same," Hermione said.
"But we just checked them last night before we went to bed," Leila whined.
"We need to be ready to go at a moment's notice," Hermione retorted.
Leila sighed and grabbed her own small bag, which she had had an Undetectable Extension Charm placed upon it the night before, to check that she had everything. She mentally ticked off the list of its contents: Horcrux books, clothes, her personal books, the Chocolate Frog cards from Dumbledore, two photograph albums (the one of her parents and the one she had taken from Draco's dormitory on the last day of term), Draco's Quidditch jersey . . . Everything that she mentally listed seemed to be in her bag. She placed her bag gently back to the floor and plopped back onto her pillows, pulling her blankets back over her before she remembered the music box Fred had given her. She gently twisted the key and the soft tune began to play. Leila closed her eyes as the familiar song played and once the song ended she packed it safely away in her bag.
The Burrow was in a mad-rush with last-minute wedding details. Leila didn't even have a chance to speak with Fred about last night's conversation because they were all so busy. Slightly disappointed at not seeing Fred, Leila dressed for the wedding. She wore the blue dress robes given to her by Bill and Fleur for her birthday along with white flats. She wore her hair down and straightened with her fringe slightly falling in her face. Leila absently grabbed for her mother's necklace which was no longer on her neck. A pang tore at her heart, for the necklace that she had treasured most, but it was lost to Bellatrix. She examined herself once more in the mirror. She was glad to be going to the wedding as herself. There had been talk of being under disguise with Polyjuice Potion, but Leila had vehemently fought against it for herself. It was actually Fleur, much to everyone's surprise, who won that battle saying that the dress robes she had gotten Leila for her birthday wouldn't fit right if Leila wasn't herself. For once slight vanity didn't seem too bad and she came out victorious. A knock came at the bedroom door, so Leila turned to find Mrs. Weasley smiling.
"Leila dear, Fleur needs to finish getting ready for the ceremony. Auntie Muriel wishes to give Fleur specific instructions for her tiara. Could you be a dear?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Oh, of course," Leila said.
Leila blushed and walked to move past Mrs. Weasley; when Mrs. Weasley grasped Leila's arm. Mrs. Weasley gave her that motherly look, the one that looked on the verge of tears.
"You look so beautiful, Leila. So much like your mother," Mrs. Weasley said.
"Thank you," Leila blushed.
"I'm so glad that you're with my Fred. You have no idea how happy that makes me. Bill and Fleur, you and Fred; one very happy mother," Mrs. Weasley smiled.
Leila nodded, grabbed her bag, and quickly headed down the stairs to escape anymore sentiments from Mrs. Weasley. She didn't know how many more of them she could handle. Perhaps Mrs. Weasley thought that because of her relationship with Fred that she wouldn't leave with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Or maybe, she thought that the group had entirely cancelled their mission. Whichever the reason was, Leila wasn't going to be there to find out. Leila walked outside to find Fred, George, Ron, and "Cousin Barny" with seating plans, waiting to usher the guests to their proper seats. Leila flicked her long hair and walked to Cousin Barny.
"Hello, Barny," Leila grinned.
"I still don't understand why you didn't need a disguise. It's not fair," Harry hissed.
"It makes sense if you don't think about it," Leila teased.
"Now, now, Cousin Barny, there's no reason to talk like that to the lady," Fred said.
Fred walked over, wrapped his arm around Leila's waist, and kissed the top of her head. Leila smiled up at him leaning her head against his chest. Harry groaned and Leila couldn't help but chuckle at him.
"These dress robes are killing me. They're probably going to get to me before Voldemort even has the chance to," Harry hissed.
Leila looked at her brother who tugging at his dress robes. Harry was a bit smaller than the Muggle boy whom he was impersonating, so his robes didn't fit right, and he was therefore hot and uncomfortable. Leila made a mental note to thank Fleur. Fred released Leila's waist to tug at his own collar. Leila laughed at the boys' discomfort, for she even had a bit of breathing room in her dress robes.
"When I get married I won't be bothering with any of this nonsense. You can all wear what you like," Fred said.
"Is that so? I happen to like getting all dressed up," Leila smirked.
"Good for you, but I'll even put a full Body-Bind Curse on Mum until the whole thing's over," Fred responded.
"I'm not sure it's Mum you'll have to be worried about," Ron smiled.
Ron winked at Leila, and she rolled her eyes. He had been referencing Leila and Fred getting married quite a lot.
"Mum wasn't too bad this morning. She cried a bit over Percy not being here, but who wants him here? I don't. Oh blimey, brace yourselves – here they come!" George said.
Leila looked into the distance to see beautiful witches apparating into the yard. Leila looked to the boys, who stared at them intently. She shook her head, the nonsense wasn't affecting her.
"I think I see a few veela cousins," Ron gasped.
"Excellent, and of course, they'll need some help understanding our English customs. I think I'll go and look after them…" George began.
"Not so fast, Your Holeyness," Fred said.
George darted off for the veela cousins, quickly by-passing the other guests waiting for their seats. Fred quickly took off after George almost knocking over an elderly gentleman. Leila rolled her eyes and exhaled deeply.
"Hem. Hem." Leila coughed in her best Umbridge impersonation.
Fred stopped quickly in his tracks. Leila could see the color rising up his neck and onto his face. He sheepishly turned around to find Leila looking with her arms folded across her chest. He walked back to his girlfriend who changed her expression to a sweet smile.
"Veela," Leila muttered under her breath.
"You go on Georgie, I've got a beautiful girlfriend who needs to be escorted to her seat," Fred called.
Leila slightly blushed at the mention of being Fred's girlfriend. She gently placed her hand on Fred's arm as he proudly walked her down the aisle.
"Sorry 'bout that," Fred muttered.
Leila smiled at him, noting that he was forgiven. He couldn't help it that Veela charms had that affect on him. Fred beamed back at Leila and winked. She wondered if he was picturing this as their own wedding. Leila knew it was too soon for such thoughts, especially since she was leaving him, but the thoughts were so easy and nice to think about. Instead of Fleur as the bride, it would be her under this grand marquee. She didn't imagine a sneering and scowling platinum-blonde groom for her; but rather a jolly and humorous ginger-haired one. Leila blushed at the thought and looked up to Fred as he walked her down the aisle. He escorted her near the front and to the seat beside his. Fred sweetly kissed Leila.
"I'll be back," Fred grinned.
"No Veela cousins, please," Leila teased.
"Only middle-aged, married women for me; got it," Fred laughed.
Leila laughed and watched as Fred walked away to usher more guests to their seats. As she was turned around she saw Viktor Krum talking with Hermione, Ron, and Cousin Barny. Hermione looked shocked, Ron looked jealous, and Cousin Barny looked uncomfortable. Leila wished Fred hadn't taken her to her seat so early because she was missing out on what was sure to be a very awkward conversation. It probably would have made for a good laugh, but they didn't stay there long before Fred and George pushed them causing them all to go running down the aisle. Fred quickly took his seat in between Leila and George.
"Nearly got run over by the bride," Fred joked.
"So Krum's here?" Leila asked.
"Apparently, Fleur invited him. Remind me to remind Ron about that later," Fred said.
"You're terrible," Leila whispered.
"No, I just already have the girl," Fred grinned. Leila laughed uncomfortably.
"Stop making eyes at each other and turn around you two," George interrupted.
Leila instantly turned around after George's interruption. She watched as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley happily strolled up the aisle. She also noted that Harry . . . erm, rather Cousin Barny, Ron, and Hermione were seated directly behind her. Then Bill and Charlie stood up, and Fred whistled. Leila elbowed him in the ribs. He grinned at her and placed her hand in his. Suddenly, the entire assembly sighed as Fleur made her grand entrance. She walked down the aisle on her father's arm, both of them beaming proudly. A tinge of pink splashed Fleur's cheeks as she finally reached Bill. They seemed so happy, even considering how Dark things were. Leila wanted the same thing. The beautiful ceremony began.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two faithful souls…"
Leila leaned her head against Fred's shoulder. If only this feeling of happiness and content she felt now could last, she could almost imagine forever being happy. Fred squeezed her hand and Leila smiled as she caught was supposed to be a stolen moment between Ginny and Harry. She stayed facing the front but she could imagine the color slightly rising-up Harry's neck.
"Do you, William Arthur, take Fleur Isabelle…"
Tears were being shed throughout the crowd. The mothers of the bride and groom sobbed into lace handkerchiefs. Leila could hear Hagrid's trumpet like sound and slight sniffling from behind her, which she assumed belonged to Hermione. Leila felt a slight tear fall from her eyes, which Fred noticed. He leaned over and kissed her cheek where the tear had once stained. Fred never released her hand from his until the ceremony was over. Leila vaguely remembered Dumbledore's funeral and how she felt so left out and numb. This was what she wanted. She wanted someone to be there with her to share in the good moments and the bad moments.
"…then I declare you bonded for life."
Fred gently released Leila's hand as he and George began clapping for the blushing bride and dashing groom. Soon the entire company began to clap for the happy couple. Leila could hardly take in the beauty of it all. Everything just seemed so perfect, if only for a moment. The wizard official told them to all stand, so they did. The place was magically transformed for the reception. Leila looked as the rows of chairs disappeared and as tables and a dance floor took their place. The beautiful sunset made the place quite enchanting. Leila found that Fred had disappeared, for what she assumed to congratulate the happy couple, leaving her standing with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Ron acknowledged the fine magic performed as waiters popped up as Hermione stood on her tip-toes.
"We should probably go congratulate them," Hermione said.
"Nah, we'll have time later," Ron shrugged.
"I'm sure the line of well-wishers will be long," Leila said.
"Exactly, besides they already know we're happy for them. It's them who should be thanking us for all the help," Ron said.
Ron grabbed four Butterbeers and passed them to Harry, Leila, and Hermione. Leila took a sip from the refreshing beverage as she scanned the crowd. The line for Bill and Fleur was long, and many tables were already being snatched up. Ron too glanced around the marquee apparently thinking the same thing.
"C'mon, let's get a table," Ron suggested.
Hermione ushered them to the nearest table, but Ron quickly rejected that table because it was too close to his Auntie Muriel. Ron grabbed Hermione's arm as he led the group across the empty dance floor. Hermione blushed furiously at Ron's gesture and continued to follow him. But Ron kept scanning the entire room as he led them: left then right, then back to the left. Leila caught up to her brother and whispered in his ear.
"What's he so paranoid about?" Leila asked.
"Krum's my guess," Harry said.
Leila nodded her head in agreement as Ron led them to the emptiest table furthest from the dance floor. The table was occupied by Luna Lovegood. Leila hadn't had a chance to speak with Luna since last school year; but she really appreciated the younger girl's honesty and sincerity. One never had to doubt those qualities in Luna. While Harry, Ron, and Hermione took a seat; Leila walked over to Luna and gave her a hug.
"You seem happy, Leila," Luna said.
"That's because I am, surprisingly," Leila smiled.
"Well I hope you keep it. You'll not want to lose it with these Dark times ahead of us. I would very much like to tie a ribbon around my own happiness so that I don't lose it. Happiness is hard to come by these days," Luna said.
"Agreed. Now, is it all right if we join you?" Leila asked.
"Of course! Daddy's just gone to give Bill and Fleur our present," Luna said happily.
"What is it, a lifetime supply of Gurdyroots?" Ron asked.
Leila tried to stifle a laugh as she sat down while Hermione mustered a determined look on her face. Leila assumed she attempted to kick Ron under the table for his rudeness, but no look of pain came over Ron's face. Instead Harry's eyes watered in pain causing him to remain silent on the conversation. Leila chuckled in Harry's agony over a mistaken identity and mouthed "you missed" to Hermione. Hermione quickly apologized to Harry and stomped on Ron's foot, causing him to yelp in pain. The band soon began to play. Leila watched as Fleur and Bill took the dance floor. They looked so happy and so in love. Leila sighed at the sight. The song continued and the parents took to the dance floor. Leila didn't even notice Fred standing behind her.
"I'm going to steal Leila for a dance or two and then the entire evening," Fred said.
"And what if she doesn't want to go?" Ron argued.
"That's why I'm stealing her. That means I'm taking her without any intentions of returning her," Fred smiled.
Leila chuckled as Fred gave her his hand, which she willingly accepted. Harry nodded his head in approval as she left. Leila noticed that Viktor Krum had managed to slip into her empty seat and Ron's scowling face.
"Don't worry about him; you're mine tonight," Fred whispered.
Leila blushed as Fred ushered her onto the dance floor. Fred held her close as they swayed to the slow song. Leila watched the other couples: Bill and Fleur, Remus and Tonks, Molly and Arthur, Ron and Hermione…wait Ron and Hermione? Leila did a double take to find that Ron and Hermione really were dancing together. She looked back at the table to find Harry looking rather uncomfortable talking to Krum. Leila bit her lip in frustration.
"What's the matter love?" Fred asked.
"Harry," Leila sighed.
"Harry's a big boy, Leila. He can handle Krum," Fred said.
"I know, but I just worry about him," Leila said.
"You two worry too damn much," Fred chuckled.
"He's the only family I have left," Leila sighed.
"I know that and so does Harry. He's not going to leave you all alone; he's too damn protective of you. I'm surprised he hasn't objected to our relationship," Fred said.
"He liked you even before we started dating. You're actually the only guy that Harry's approved of for me," Leila said.
Fred smiled and gently kissed Leila. Leila melted into him as he held her firmly. Everything felt right. If only the outside world didn't exist and she didn't have to leave tomorrow to go hunt Horcruxes to destroy Voldemort. The frivolity of a wedding seemed pointless; but it was so healing and calming. The band began to play the Weird Sisters' song "Magic Works." Leila's mind was instantly flown back to the Yule Ball. This was the last dance of the evening and she had shared it with Cedric Diggory despite Draco's attempt to dance with her. Leila began to choke-up with tears. She tried to stop them, but they kept falling. She quickly backed away from Fred and ran out of the marquee. Fred called after her, but Leila too blinded by her tears didn't stop. Several members of the security detail tried to stop her, but she kept running. She ran until she came to a tree with an old swing on it. Leila flung herself onto the swing and sobbed. She was too preoccupied with her tears to even notice Fred approaching her. She sat on the swing with her head cast down toward the dirt. Fred knelt down beside her and attempted to lift her face to meet his.
"Leila," Fred said softly.
Leila shook her head as several more tears slipped down her cheeks.
"Leila, did I do something wrong?" Fred asked.
"No, of course not. You've been nothing but near perfect," Leila sniffled.
"What happened in there?" Fred asked.
"The – the song. It just reminded me of the Yule Ball and – and…" Leila spoke.
"Cedric?" Fred whispered.
Leila gasped in surprise and watched Fred in confusion. He gently tilted her chin up so that he could easily see her tears streaming down her cheeks in the moonlight. Fred chuckled lightly before explaining.
"That was the last song of the Yule Ball. I watched you dancing with him," Fred said.
"But you were with…" Leila began.
"Angelina," Fred finished.
"I'm sorry. You must think me utterly pathetic," Leila said wiping her tears away.
"Pathetic, no. Utterly beautiful, yes," Fred smiled.
"Stop being so perfect to me, I don't deserve it," Leila cried.
"And what do you deserve?" Fred asked.
"Something terrible," Leila whispered.
Fred placed on hand on her cheek and wiped it with his thumb, while shaking his head in disagreement. He then stood up to kiss her on the top of her head. Leila thought that he was going to walk back to the wedding without her; but instead, he began pushing her on the swing, not speaking another word to her. Leila glanced back at him as he pushed her. He appeared to be mulling something over. Leila faced forward again and swung as Fred pushed her. She looked over to the marquee, where everyone appeared to be having a fun time. She felt bad for dragging Fred away. She also felt bad that Fred felt that he had to devote his time to her. Fred could have been having a marvelous time with one of Fleur's cousins; yet he was here with her. She had been selfish with Fred. Something that felt so perfect didn't mean that it was right. Why did her heart always feel so torn?
"It's ok to miss them," Fred finally spoke.
"What?" Leila asked.
Leila abruptly stopped the swing and turned around to meet Fred's gaze.
"Cedric, hell even Malfoy; it's ok to miss them. They were a part of your life," Fred said.
"I don't understand, why are you…" Leila began.
"Why? Because I love you Leila and I know that beyond whatever crap you have with them, you feel something for me and it scares you," Fred said.
"But Fred," Leila sighed.
"No Leila, you need to listen. You're terrified of actually being happy. I'm not going to die on you like Cedric or betray and abandon you like Malfoy. I want you to be happy and I know that you can be happy with me," Fred said.
"We already talked about this, I'm leaving," Leila said.
"Then let me give you a going-away gift, well it's more of a promise really," Fred said.
Fred knelt in front of her once more. Leila looked at him confusedly as he formulated the right words to say.
"A year ago, I playfully proposed to you, only you didn't know that in my heart I meant every word," Fred began.
Leila wanted to scream that she was barely seventeen; but the thought of a real family stopped her. She briefly glanced away from Fred back to the party only to notice something large and silver take over the middle of the dance floor. Leila looked in confusion as the party froze in their places. Suddenly a loud, deep, slow voice could be heard coming from what was a patronus.
"The Ministry has fallen. Scrimgeour is dead. They are coming. They are coming,"
Everything seemed to move as if in slow motion. Leila and Fred took off in a dead-sprint back for the wedding without even one last word to their conversation. Damnit. Leila thought. The Death Eaters were coming. Malfoy was coming to get Harry. As she ran, she could see her brother looking frantically for her; only he wasn't disguised as Cousin Barny anymore. The Polyjuice Potion disguise had worn off. Leila tried to run faster when suddenly, spells were fired at her and Fred. She screamed in shock, while Fred withdrew his wand and shot spells back at the Death Eaters. Leila moved to help him, but Fred called to her.
"Leila, get back to the house!" Fred shouted.
Leila looked at him for a brief moment. She didn't want to leave him; but she spotted Harry running toward her. Leila nodded and ran for her brother, who was running with Hermione and Ron. It was time for them to go. Luckily, she had listened to Hermione and kept her small bag on her during the wedding. The bag was slung over her shoulders and dangled as she ran. Her organization system was done for, but that didn't matter at the moment. What mattered was that she needed to get out of there. She was almost to her brother. So close.
"Leila watch out!" Harry shouted.
Harry had his wand aimed at her. For one second Leila stopped and turned around to find Draco Malfoy chasing toward them with his wand in hand. Leila reached to grab her wand, to keep Malfoy far away from her brother, but it was too late. Draco had already deflected Harry's spell, causing Harry, Hermione and Ron to stumble to the ground. While they scrambled to get up, he cast a Body-Bind curse at Leila. She fell over, and he grabbed her arm and apparated into the black night.
Leila's head throbbed as she opened her eyes. Her vision was blurry and the place was very dark. Her throat seared and fresh hot tears spilled down her cheeks. Harry, she thought. She needed to know what happened to her brother. She needed to know that he was all right. Leila attempted to get up, but she was instantly jerked back. Her arms were chained to the wall. Leila tried to fight her way out of them, but it was no use. Leila screamed in agony hoping someone would hear her cries.
"There's no use, Miss Potter. 12 ¼ inches made of Willow and a core of Dragon heartstring,"
Leila recognized the voice; but after her screaming she could no longer make use of her voice. She couldn't call out to the stranger who remained in the dark with her. Instead her tears began to fall even harder, causing her to choke on them and faint into another black unconsciousness.