Chapter 16
Disclaimer: The Harry Potter world obviously belongs to JK Rowling and not me. Obviously.
… … … …
Leila lay in bed staring out her bedroom window watching the gloomy weather as the rain gently lapped against the window pane. She did not want to get out of bed, because she knew what was coming: Hogwarts. Normally, she would be excited about the prospects of heading back to school. Like Harry, Hogwarts had become somewhat of a home to her. It was far more of a home than Privet Drive had ever been. But this year, Hogwarts was going to be her own personal hell. She didn't know what was worse, being trapped at Malfoy Manor or Hogwarts. School just wouldn't be the same without Harry, Ron, or Hermione. To top it off, most of the school would probably believe that she had actually betrayed her brother because of the stupid rumors the Daily Prophet concocted. She had been on the receiving end of the rumor mill fifth year, a year which she almost hadn't survived. Fifth year had been dark and depressing, not only because of the rumors but because she had lost Cedric.
She sighed before rolling over to her bedside table and reached for her beaded bag. After digging through it, she pulled out a pocket watch and looked at the time: 10:30 a.m. Maybe she wasn't going to Hogwarts after all. The Hogwarts Express left promptly at 11 o'clock and it wasn't possible for her to be ready by then. With an unreasoned sense of delight, she shoved the pocket watch back in the beaded bag. Leila then walked to her bathroom and turned the knobs of the bathtub so that water began to fill the tub. She might as well waste some more time, so that it wouldn't even be remotely possible to catch the Hogwarts Express. She carefully stepped into the tub, slowly adjusting to the water before fully submersing herself. When she came back up, the warm water lapped around her body. She gazed intently at the water. Her biggest fear was drowning, it seemed almost illogical especially compared to the people she was closest with. Ron was scared of spiders, but that was because Fred turned his teddy bear into a spider. Hermione's biggest fear was failing, but she was an over-achiever and top of their class at Hogwarts. Harry's fear was "fear itself" as Remus had said. But Leila didn't really have a reason to be scared of the water; except maybe the immensity of large bodies of water with the possibility of drowning. The whole thing seemed rather ironic since the Slytherin common room was partially underneath the lake. The Second Task of the Triwizard Tournament and the journey to the cave had been the hardest things she had ever done; but Harry had always been by her side. Leila ran her fingers through her hair before taking in a deep breath.
3…2…1…
Leila exhaled all her air and submerged her face under the water. Maybe drowning wasn't as bad as she thought it was? But as soon she was fully under the water a sharp knock came at the bedroom door attached to the sitting room.
"Leila!" Draco shouted through the door.
Leila instantly popped her head out of the water and started coughing. She never actually intended on drowning herself, or at least so she thought. She just wanted to see if she'd be able to do it. She stood-up and got out of the tub before grabbing the emerald green silk bathrobe hanging. She covered her body with the robe and tied the belt around her body as she walked through her room with her hair dripping. Draco knocked firmly again. Leila coughed up some more water before she opened the door.
"Yes?" Leila asked.
"I erm—just wanted to see if you were awake," Draco said blushing.
She narrowed her eyes at him and then looked to herself, noticing that the silk robe clung tightly to her wet body.
"Well I obviously am so there's nothing else for you to see here," Leila snapped.
"Just be ready for a spot of lunch by noon," Draco said looking at the floor.
"At least we're not going to Hogwarts," Leila muttered.
"No, we're going. The Dark Lord just didn't want to chance a run in with the Order at King's Cross. We'll be leaving shortly after lunch," Draco said.
"I don't my trunk packed. Actually, I don't have a trunk at all," Leila said.
"Mother's taken care of it," Draco responded.
Leila groaned and shut the door on Draco's face. It had been wishful thinking to think that Voldemort had changed his mind about her going to Hogwarts. Of course he would do the thing that she wanted the least. It seemed that it was one of his missions to make her life miserable, well besides the mission to kill her brother. What was the point in Voldemort sending her to Hogwarts? She knew that there had to be a reason for his greater good, but Leila couldn't fathom what that could possibly be. Besides, wouldn't there be more chances of her getting away? Unless she had been sacked, McGonagall would still be there; a woman very loyal to Dumbledore. What possibly could have persuaded Voldemort to go along with this, unless was only doing it because she dreaded it so much. Leila sighed and walked over to the wardrobe.
Opening the wardrobe, she found the almost all her clothes had been removed from inside. Only one outfit remained. She rolled her eyes at the thought of wearing another skirt. She knew that she had a pair of Muggle jeans in her beaded bag; but conforming to their demands seemed habitual so she reached for the outfit in the wardrobe. She dressed in the outfit and pulled her hair back into a ponytail before walking out into the sitting room to join Draco for lunch. She had skipped breakfast so she was already quite hungry. No matter how much her head screamed for her to stay away, she knew that the needed to eat something. Draco was waiting at the table where sandwiches were setting on a platter in the center of the table. Leila sat down at the table and immediately reached for a sandwich.
"Snape's already taken our trunks to Hogwarts. We'll be apparating into Hogsmeade and meet Snape and the Carrows at the gate," Draco said.
"I suppose there isn't a point in arguing that," Leila sighed.
"You already know that you don't have a choice in the matter," Draco responded.
"But why am I going?" Leila asked.
"I don't even know the Dark Lord's reasoning," Draco shrugged.
Leila nodded her head in defeat before quietly finishing her lunch. Draco pulled out his pocket watch when she was done and looked at the time. He noted that they should probably get going so they both stood up. As Draco took down the wards surrounding the room, Leila remembered her beaded bag on the nightstand table, so she walked into her room and grabbed it. She looked out her window once more onto the gloomy scenery. The weather matched her emotions on the inside: dark and dreary. With her beaded bag slung over her shoulder she walked into the sitting room to meet Draco. He was waiting for her just outside the door in the dark corridor. Leila sighed once more and followed Draco down the corridors and staircases. They walked until they reached the foyer where Narcissa was waiting for them. The woman appeared to be masking tears behind her cold façade.
"You'll apparate outside Hogwarts gate and from there…" Narcissa began.
"I know, Mother," Draco said.
"Are you sure?" Narcissa asked.
"There isn't much room for error in this plan," Draco answered.
"Of course, Severus will be there," Narcissa weakly smiled.
Draco stiffly nodded his head as his mother enveloped him in a tight hug. He returned the hug as Narcissa pressed a kiss upon his cheek. Draco held onto his mother for another moment before releasing her and opened the ornate front door of the Malfoy Manor.
"Draco, can I have a minute with Leila, alone?" Narcissa asked.
"Of course Mother," Draco nodded.
He walked outside, across the veranda and waiting on the stone path which lead to the gate.
"Keep him safe," Narcissa said.
"What?" Leila questioned.
"I need you to promise me that you'll keep him safe," Narcissa furthered.
"I—I," Leila fumbled for words.
"You know him better than almost anyone and I know you still care for him," Narcissa said.
"But I don't know how I would be able to do anything," Leila offered.
"Just promise me," Narcissa pleaded.
"I—I promise," Leila said.
Narcissa wiped away one tear that fell down her cheek before she reached her hands for Leila's shoulders. She pulled the teenager close to her and kissed her cheek before sending her to meet Draco. As Leila walked down the path to meet Draco, she took one look back at the Manor and saw Narcissa watching them with her hands covering her mouth. Why was she so worried about them? But then again, from the little she knew about mothers, they always worried about their children. When she reached Draco, he held her hand out to her which she accepted. Hand in hand, they walked through the gate. Normally, she could have considered running away from Draco; but she had no idea where she was and she probably wouldn't get very far. Death Eaters were probably on the lookout just waiting for her to attempt an escape. Instead she just clutched Draco's hand tighter and closed her eyes preparing to apparate.
That familiar apparating sensation overtook her and when they arrived at their intended destination, Leila fell in a heap to the ground. Snape and a brother and sister pair known as the Carrows immediately surrounded them. Snape reached down and grabbed Leila's arm to pull her to her feet. Reluctantly, she stood up as Snape ushered her through the gate, where two Death Eaters stood guard. Suddenly, Leila felt a shiver crawl down her spine. She looked up to find the entire perimeter surrounded by Dementors. She shivered once more as Snape led her up the path to the castle. So much for a normal entrance. They were already here hours before the other students.
"It will be near impossible to escape the castle itself, but should you find a way to do so know that you will never get beyond the gate. Wards, Dementors, and Death Eaters will be keeping guard," Snape said.
"Lovely," Leila muttered.
"You must be accompanied by Mister Malfoy, one of the Carrows, or myself at all times. You will not be allowed around the castle without one of them. The only exception being the Slytherin dungeon where special arrangements have been made so that you can have full use of it," Snape continued.
"Anything else I need to know?" Leila said sarcastically.
"All professors have been ordered to alter their curriculum so that your wand will not be required for your studies. Should you prove yourself trustworthy, that can be changed; but until then you will be without your wand," Snape said.
"Won't make my Dark Arts very much fun though," one of the Carrows cackled.
"Dark Arts?" Leila questioned.
"Everything will be explained at the opening feast," Snape drawled.
Leila looked behind her to Draco who was walking with his hands shoved in his pants pockets. He was watching the ground intently. Something was on his mind, she knew that. As Narcissa had said, Leila knew Draco better than almost anyone. He seemed to be in the same mood he had been in yesterday. He almost looked guilty, but he hadn't acted that odd this morning. What about yesterday and being at Hogwarts brought this side out in him? Draco looked up once and found Leila watching him, but he quickly diverted his gaze. Leila turned her attention forward again as they crossed the bridge to the front courtyard. From there they walked through the main entrance doors and Snape finally released his hand from Leila's arm. She absently rubbed at the place where his hand had been before looking around the castle. Even Hogwarts, which had always held a certain charm seemed to be stripped of it. Hogwarts had always been the place to meet the definition of the word magic; but now, it just seemed like a dreary prison to Leila. She heard heels clicking across the stone and looked to see Professor McGonagall walking across the corridor.
"Miss Potter," Professor McGonagall gasped.
"Minerva, I believe you have things that need to be done before the students arrive," Snape drawled.
"A teacher's work is never done," McGonagall said icily.
"Then I suggest you get to work. Your assistance is not needed with Miss Potter," Snape said.
"Albus never would've stood for this. Seeing his school like this makes me…" McGonagall began.
"I think we both know you wouldn't quit," Snape said lazily.
"Only because of the students," McGonagall responded.
"And if you still want to have students you'll leave us alone," the female Carrow hissed.
Professor McGonagall narrowed her eyes at Snape before abruptly turning and walking away down the corridor. Leila sighed as she watched McGonagall walk away. What did the woman think of her? Did she really believe she betrayed her brother? McGonagall seemed to know better the last time the rumor mill surrounded her during fifth year; but would she be so understanding with the overwhelming evidence saying that she had betrayed those she loved? The Carrows also walked away and Draco had disappeared, leaving Leila with Snape.
"Follow me, Potter," Snape said curtly.
Leila looked at Snape and nodded as she followed him down the corridor. He led her through the dungeons until they reached the wall entrance to the Slytherin common room. She crossed the threshold to the cold-looking common room. The last time she had been in here, she had come down with Daphne to gather what was left of her belongings and some of Draco's. She hadn't slept in her proper dormitory for quite some time after that, because of her fight with Pansy. Pansy had ousted her and Draco as a couple and things had spiraled downward from there.
~*Flashback to 6th year*~
Leila held her wand aimed at Pansy, but remembered Snape's warning and lowered her wand. Leila turned her back to the girls and took a few steps.
"Pathetic and weak is what you are, but I shouldn't have expected any differently seeing as you're a Mudblood's child." Pansy taunted.
"Try saying that to my face, Parkinson." Leila said spinning back to face Pansy.
"You know what I said, half-blood, and I hope you go just like your filthy Mudblood Mother." Pansy taunted again.
Leila again turned her back to Pansy, but not to walk away this time. This time she turned her back and then swung her fist at Pansy's face, nailing her square in the nose. Leila felt her knuckles crack at the blow to Pansy's face. Pansy's face began spewing blood everywhere as her screams filled the air. The other girls, too, began screaming, besides Daphne who stood there with her mouth wide open.
"You'll be expelled for sure, Potter." Pansy shouted in between screams.
"I'd rather be expelled for defending my mother's honor than hear you disgrace her name." Leila shouted back.
"Don't worry; I'm sure you'll be seeing her soon." Pansy quipped.
~*End Flashback*~
From that day on, Leila had stayed in the Gryffindor sixth years' girls dormitory with Hermione. Leila didn't want to be back in the Slytherin dungeon, but like most things about her life now, she didn't have a choice. Leila stopped in front of the couch where she and Draco had spent many nights cuddling on the couch after everyone had gone to bed. That was also the reason they were found out as a couple, because they had both fallen asleep on the couch. Snape's long black cloak billowed as he walked closer to Leila, who stood with her arms folded across her chest.
"You will find that your trunk is already in your dormitory. You will stay here until Mister Malfoy comes to escort you to the opening feast," Snape drawled.
"I don't want to go to the feast," Leila retorted.
"You will be at the feast," Snape said.
Leila rolled her eyes and walked away from Snape. She walked down the familiar hallway until she came to the door with a sign for the seventh year girls' dormitory. She opened the door, noting that the room looked the same. It was long and rectangular with seven beds across the one wall. Widows were interspersed between the beds which looked out into the lake. Desks and bulletin boards were on the wall opposite the bed. Leila found her trunk leaning against the wall next to the door. Her new trunk looked expensive and had a silver nameplate much like she knew Draco's to look like. She grabbed the handled and dragged the trunk down to the bed she had always taken for years at Hogwarts, the one on the end. She shoved the trunk and beaded bag under her bed and flopped onto her bed. She had no desire to do any unpacking. She lay on her bed until Draco appeared in the doorway.
"How the hell did you get down here?" Leila questioned.
"Special privileges," Draco shrugged.
"Of course Death Eaters get special privileges," Leila muttered.
"That's not the reason," Draco sighed.
"Then why?" Leila asked.
"You'll find out soon enough," Draco said.
"And I suppose that's my cue that we're supposed to head to the Great Hall?" Leila asked.
Draco nodded as Leila slowly got out of bed and walked to meet him. He led Leila out of the dungeons and to the ground floor, staying right beside her the entire time. When they reached the doors to the Great Hall, they were closed, but Leila could hear the chatter of the students inside.
"Grand entrance?" Leila scoffed.
"Something like that," Draco muttered.
Draco placed his arm on Leila's back. Leila wanted to shrug him off, but she didn't. He looked to her before he opened the door. She sighed and then the door swung open. Leila immediately felt all eyes on her. The sorting must have already happened, because there were people staring at her from all tables that she didn't recognize. It was silent only for a moment before whispers began to erupt in the Great Hall. Leila knew they were about her and she couldn't bring herself to look at the Gryffindor table. Draco ushered her to the Slytherin table, where the seventh years were sitting. Theodore Nott looked at Leila and then quickly scowled, before turning to Hestia Carrow. When they reached the table, there was room for both of them between Daphne Greengrass and Blaise Zabini. Leila made sure to sit next to Daphne because even though their friendship wasn't fixed, it was a far better option than subjecting herself to Zabini. Daphne offered Leila a weak smile before she looked at Draco. There was some exchange between Draco and Daphne Leila didn't understand; but she didn't pay much attention because she saw Luna Lovegood headed in their direction. Luna stood behind Leila, gazing at her intently.
"Hello Leila," Luna smiled.
"Hi Luna," Leila sighed.
"Go to your own table, Lovegood," Draco hissed.
"I just wanted to say hello to an old friend. She looked like she could use some cheering up; but so do you Malfoy. Is this because you both are e—" Luna began.
"That's enough, Lovegood. Don't give me a reason to hex you," Draco said.
"Well, I hope that you both work it out," Luna said.
Luna then walked over to the Ravenclaw table and sat beside Padma Patil. Padma looked back at Leila and glared at her before talking to Luna. Just the reaction she had expected. But she had been purposely avoiding looking at the Gryffindor table and seeing the look of betrayal on their faces. Ginny refused to even look at her, while Neville looked at her with confusion easily recognized in his expression. Leila rubbed her temples in frustration. Just as she had predicted, this school year was going to be hell. Leila looked up to the staff table, noticing that even they were looking at her and whispering amongst themselves; but then Snape moved to address the students as Hogwarts new headmaster.
"Good evening and welcome to another year at Hogwarts," Snape drawled. "For those of you who have attended Hogwarts before, you will notice that many changes had taken place. First, Professor Slughorn is the new Head of Slytherin House and we have added two new members to our staff this year: Professors Alecto and Amycus Carrow…" Snape began.
"More like Death Eaters!" Neville shouted.
"Silence!" Snape hissed.
Neville was on his feet with Snape glaring at him. With a sneer on his face, Neville sat back down keeping his gaze on Snape.
"As I was saying, the Carrows will be teaching Dark Arts and Muggle Studies. These classes have changed since last school year and are now compulsory for all students," Snape said. "You will also notice that the student body has changed in meeting with the Ministry's new standards. All students with magical heritage are now required to attend Hogwarts and those who cannot prove their lineage must submit themselves for questioning."
Leila looked around the tables noticing many familiar faces beside Harry, Hermione, and Ron's faces missing. Noting that Justin Finch-Fletchley and Dean Thomas were among the missing.
"You will notice that the security has changed at Hogwarts. This is for your safety. Students are not allowed nor will it be possible to leave the grounds of Hogwarts unless you wish to find yourself subjected to the worst tortures known to wizard-kind. Students are only allowed to leave the castle under the direction and supervision of a stall member. Students will not dawdle in the corridors. A list of acceptable places is posted on the notice boards in all common rooms. Heed these warnings," Snape continued.
Looks like she wasn't the only one with restricted privileges, even though she knew hers to be far worse than the average students.
"A final note before you head to your common rooms. Due to my late appointment as headmaster, I have yet to appoint a Head Girl and Head Boy. At this time I would like to announce seventh year Slytherins Leila Potter and Draco Malfoy as your Heads for the year…" Snape began.
The Great Hall erupted in chaos. Apparently she wasn't the only one who disapproved of Snape's decision. She had no desire to be Head Girl and doing so meant she had to spend more time with Snape and Draco; which is why the appointment made sense to her. Leila could hear the shouts of betrayal amongst the student body. She knew that this would happen and she could feel tears begin to well in her eyes. Snape shouted once more for silence and after a few moments, the Great Hall quieted down.
"There is also a new procedure that will be in effect for emergencies. Houses will march together to the Great Hall. In order to assure that this will work smoothly should the need arise, we will practice marching back to your common rooms. Slytherin House is excused first," Snape finished.
The students stood up from their table and followed Professor Slughorn's instructions. He kept it simple and they formed two lines, one for each side of the table and followed him out of the Great Hall. Leila was thankful for being in the line furthest from the other tables; but she could still feel the eyes of everyone on her. She knew they all hated her and she wasn't sure how to handle this because last time everyone hated her, Harry had been by her side. Now he was Merlin knows where, trying to stay alive. They finally reached the common room and Leila rushed past everyone, not staying for Slughorn's meeting with the students. She was sure she'd be filled in on the rule changes eventually.
Leila walked into her dormitory and sat on her bed, dreading the moment the others arrived. After about thirty minutes, Daphne walked in with Hestia and Flora, followed by Tracey and Millicent. Surprisingly, Pansy hadn't walked in with them; but Leila knew she would should up eventually because she had been in attendance at the feast. About ten minutes had passed when Pansy slammed the door behind her as she walked into the room.
"Oi, Potter!" Pansy called.
Leila sighed and walked to meet Pansy. She wanted to keep whatever confrontation the girl wanted as quiet as possible and not have a shouting match across the room. She walked closer to her dorm mate when Pansy's fist met Leila's face. Leila screamed as Pansy shook her fist from the pain.
"Pansy!" Daphne shouted.
"Just repaying the favor from last year," Pansy sneered.
Millicent Bulstrode and Tracey Davis each grabbed one of Pansy's arms and dragged her backwards. Leila squeezed the bridge of her nose in attempts to slow the blood flowing from it. Daphne quickly dug through her trunk and pulled out a cloth for Leila to put on her face. Leila grabbed the cloth from Daphne and placed in on her face, as Pansy tried to shake Millicent and Tracey off her arms.
"I hate you, you bloody bimbo!" Pansy shrieked.
"Pansy, settle down," Tracey Davis said.
"No! I won't settle down. That wanton stole everything from me! I was supposed to be prefect and then head girl! And Draco was supposed to be mine!" Pansy shouted.
"I didn't ask to be head girl, Parkinson; its punishment and a way for Snape to keep an eye on me. As for Draco, make your move. I don't really care," Leila hissed.
"I can't exactly do that, now can I? You're obviously keeping it a secret since I don't see a ring," Pansy hissed back.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Leila said.
"You bloody well know what I'm talking about! It's all over the damn papers!" Pansy scoffed.
Pansy held up a Daily Prophet in her hand which was on her bed. Leila walked narrowed her eyes and walked over to snatch the paper. She opened the paper up and certainly wasn't prepared for the article on the front page accompanied with photographs.
Leila Potter to Marry Draco Malfoy
Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy (nee Black) announce the engagement of their son Draco Lucius Malfoy, age seventeen, to Leila Mae Potter, age seventeen. Rumors have swirled for the past month about the relationship status of the childhood sweethearts. Yesterday, those rumors were confirmed by a very public proposal in Diagon Alley. Draco is heir to the Malfoy estate. No word yet on how Harry Potter, Undesirable Number One, is taking his sister's latest betrayal. Mr. Potter has yet to be seen since a skirmish at a muggle establishment on the night of August 1st and is wanted for questioning by the Ministry of Magic. The couple has yet to set a date for their special day.
The picture that accompanied the article was one of Draco down on one knee and her with a slight smirk on her face holding his hand. This was completely out of context! She had been helping him off the ground, not accepting a marriage proposal! Obviously this was another one of the rumors the Daily Prophet was spreading; but when she thought back to yesterday, Draco had been acting quite odd. He had been pale and aloof yesterday before they went to Diagon Alley and then he had suddenly disappeared after she had helped him off the ground. A little knot twisted in her stomach as she crumpled the paper and tossed it on the ground before marching out of the room. He knew, he had to have known. Leila marched down the hallway of the Slytherin girls' side of the dormitory and walked into the common room. All eyes and whispers erupted in the common room as she entered. With a scowl on her face, she marched over to the chair Blaise Zabini was reclining in.
"Where is he?" Leila hissed.
"Who is this he you are referring to?" Blaise smirked.
"You know damn-well I mean Malfoy," Leila sneered.
"Last I saw Malfoy he was headed for our dormitory. Why, is he waiting for you?" Blaise questioned.
Several Slytherins within earshot of the conversation laughed at Blaise's comment, but Leila ignored him and headed for the seventh year boys' dormitory. She passed down the hallway and flung open the door which she assumed to be Draco's. He was lying on his bed with his hands underneath his head. He looked at Leila with a look of surprise on his face, which only furthered the fuel to her rage. Draco sat-up on his bed as Leila walked across the room to him. When she was close enough, she reached out and slapped her hand against his face.
"You disgusting wanker how could you do this to me?" Leila shouted.
"Who told you?" Draco hissed.
"I had Parkinson pummel me and then show me the bloody Prophet. There is no way in hell that I'm engaged to you!" Leila hissed.
"Leila, we don't really have a choice in the matter," Draco said.
"We? You had a choice Draco and you made a piss poor one," Leila argued.
"The choice was made for me," Draco furthered.
"Because we know how you're always forced to make the wrong decision," Leila said sarcastically.
"I had to go along with it otherwise he was going to kill me and my family!" Draco hissed.
"That still doesn't change the fact that you never do the right thing," Leila sneered.
"Well, I couldn't possibly expect you to notice; but his was to punish my family for failing the Dark Lord multiple times. My father could hardly look at me knowing I was supposed to tie myself to you," Draco answered.
"You didn't seem to mind my half-blood status last year," Leila scoffed.
"Not when it was my choice to be with you. You weren't the only one forced into this," Draco said.
"Then call it off," Leila hissed.
"Don't you understand? He'll kill my family, Leila. I might be somewhat safe here at Hogwarts, but my mother and father are still there with the Dark Lord. I call it off and they die," Draco said.
"I can't do this, Draco," Leila whimpered.
Tears began to stream down Leila's face. Draco wasn't sure how to respond to Leila's tears. He reached for Leila and pulled her closer to him. She sat on his bed beside him, burying her face in his shoulder. Her tears saturated his shirt but he awkwardly wrapped an arm around her and let her cry. Once Leila's tears subsided, Draco and Leila sat there in silence. Neither was sure the right thing to say; until Blaise walked in the room. He winked in their direction and Leila abruptly stood-up to leave. Draco caught her hand and pulled himself up. He gently placed a kiss on her cheek to which she responded by pushing him away. Draco looked to Blaise and Leila knew that she couldn't argue with him, especially in front of Blaise. She sighed before leaving the room and heading for her own dormitory. This was going to be a long year to say the least.