Chapter 26
Disclaimer: The Harry Potter world obviously belongs to JK Rowling and not me. Obviously.
… … … …
Leila's thoughts raced as she ran down the corridor. She only hoped that Draco's detour hadn't kept her from occupying Snape while Neville, Ginny, and Luna went for the sword. Still without a plan, she realized that whatever she did was going to have to be improvised. But her thoughts wouldn't focus on Snape; rather they focused on her impending doom: marriage. Her marriage. Her marriage to Draco Malfoy. Her marriage to Draco Malfoy over the Christmas holiday. Sure, she could think of worse people to be stuck with for the rest of her life, but this wasn't something that she was ready for or wanted. Every girl has their fantasy in her head of what her dream wedding would be like; why, only months ago she had imagined hers to Fred. The fantasy of Fred flickered in her head briefly once again; but she quickly pushed it aside. This was what Voldemort wanted. He wanted to get inside her head with this marriage and she didn't want to allow him the satisfaction. No, right now she needed to distract Snape.
Upon reaching the stone gargoyle, she quickly said the password before rushing up the stone steps to the headmaster's office. She attempted to compose herself outside the door before simply barging through the door. After taking a deep breath and pushing a stray hair off her face, she twisted the doorknob and crossed the threshold of Snape's office. Inside the office, Snape was nowhere to be seen. Leila looked around the office for some hint of where Snape might be, but the only thing she noticed was the door to cabinet containing the pensive was open. Her curiosity piqued as she walked closer to the pensive. The basin sat on its stone pedestal and memories swirled inside. This situation reminded her of fifth year when she and Harry had received training in Occlumency.
~*Flashback to Fifth Year*~
Leila walked down the corridor with her arms folded across her chest as she patrolled with Draco Malfoy. They were headed down to the dungeons to find Professor Snape, on Umbridge's orders. She and Draco had discovered Montague in the fourth floor girls' bathroom with his head stuck in a toilet during the beginning of their rounds. In an awkward moment, both she and Draco had laughed whole-heartedly at the expense of their fellow Slytherin. Normally, Malfoy took pleasure at her brother's expense and she at Malfoy's expense; but the opportunity of Montague with his head in a toilet was too great to pass-up. Once they both had themselves somewhat composed, they walked to Umbridge's office to inform her of what had happened. (It was Malfoy's idea, because Leila would have been more than willing to leave Montague in the toilet until someone else came upon him.) The toad then rushed off for the bathroom and told Leila and Draco to find Professor Snape. Draco walked quickly down the steps to the dungeon.
When they reached Snape's office, Draco pounded on the door before simply letting himself in. Leila rolled her eyes and followed Draco inside, only to find Snape with his wand pointed at her brother. Crap! Harry was having his Occlumency lessons. She had completely forgotten about those, since she hadn't had them for weeks because she had gained proficient skill in the art of Occlumency. Harry on the other hand was nowhere closer than when he started.
"It's all right, Draco. Potter's here for a little remedial Potions," Snape said.
Leila of course knew that Snape was lying and by the look on Harry's face, he felt even more malice toward their Professor. Harry hated looking stupid, especially in front of Snape of Malfoy. Malfoy on the other hand looked especially gleeful, as if Christmas had come early.
"I didn't know, Leila didn't tell me," Malfoy smirked.
"Why would I tell you?" Leila scoffed.
"It's all right, you were trying to save your brother from embarrassment; I understand," Malfoy said.
"First of all, Malfoy, I completely forgot he was still having lessons. And second of all, you would probably be the last person in the world I would tell," Leila hissed.
"Draco, what is it you needed?" Snape drawled interrupting the bickering prefects.
"It's Professor Umbridge, sir. She—erm—needs your help," Malfoy said.
"For Merlin's sake ferret just spit it out. Montague turned up with his head jammed inside a toilet," Leila groaned.
'How did he get in there?" Snape questioned.
"Dunno, but he's confused," Malfoy added.
"Potter, we'll resume this lesson tomorrow evening," Snape drawled.
Snape quickly turned on his heel and left his office. Malfoy turned to Harry and mouthed something before he turned to Leila.
"You coming?" Draco asked.
Leila shook her head no and Draco shrugged his shoulders in return. He then sped after Snape, leaving Leila alone with her brother. With a sneer plastering his face, Harry grabbed his wand and shoved it in his robes before walking right past Leila.
"I'm sorry. I forgot you had lessons today otherwise I would have found a way to distract Malfoy," Leila said.
"It's not you I'm mad at," Harry grunted.
"Well, you seem to be taking it out on me," Leila retorted.
Harry turned around, but he seemed to be looking right past her. He walked a few steps not even stopping by his sister. Instead, he walked until he came to Snape's desk where a pensive sat. Leila walked to where Harry stood. She knew that memories swirled inside the pensive.
"What do you think is in here?" Harry whispered.
"Whatever it is, Snape didn't want you to see," Leila responded.
"Exactly. I know they've been hiding stuff from me all year," Harry said.
"Harry, there's a reason…" Leila began.
"How long will it take him to take care of Montague?" Harry interrupted.
"Dunno, but seeing as he's our Quidditch captain, I'm sure Snape will make sure that things are done properly," Leila said.
"You coming with me?" Harry asked.
"Harry! No way! It's not like last time when it was only Dumbledore. This is Snape we're talking about," Leila hissed.
"I'm going with or without you," Harry shrugged.
"Don't say I didn't warn you," Leila hissed.
With those last words, Leila flipped her hair and walked away from her brother. She did not want to get involved with something that she knew was going to get her into trouble.
~*End Flashback*~
Leila had been thankful that day that she hadn't gone into the pensive with Harry. Snape had found out and stopped giving Harry Occlumency lessons after that. Granted, Harry still told her what he had seen in the pensive: Snape in his Hogwarts' days calling their mother a Mudblood. But this time, what would the consequences be for sneaking in to Snape's memories? She was already being held captive. Normally, she only saw the negatives of a situation, but this time all she could see was the positives. It could help her find a way to bring down Voldemort from the inside. Maybe it could help her save Harry. Snape wasn't here…Leila carefully looked around the room once more. Like Harry had once told her, sometimes one just needed to act.
She pressed her face into the pensive and felt herself falling into the memory. Only, the memory was in the exact same place she was: Snape's office, but something Leila instantly noticed was Fawkes perched beside the desk. That could only mean that this memory was during Dumbledore's time and this was Dumbledore's office; but what significance would Dumbledore have to Snape? In slight confusion, Leila heard the door to the Headmaster's office bang open and in walked a younger looking Snape, who looked like he had been crying and was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.
"Where are you?" Snape shouted.
"I'm up here, Severus," Dumbledore said lightly.
Snape grudgingly walked up the stairs to the upper level of the Headmaster's office. Because she knew she couldn't be seen, Leila followed after Snape up the stairs. She found him at the top of the stairs practically collapsed against the wall while Dumbledore was gazing out his window with his back turned to Snape. Breathing heavily, Snape looked like he had something he needed to tell the old man.
"I thought—I thought you said you were going—to keep her—safe," Snape said raggedly.
Dumbledore took a deep breath and traced his fingers over the window pane before speaking.
"Lily and James put their faith in the wrong person, Severus, rather like you. Weren't you hoping that Lord Voldemort would spare her?"
Leila had to back up to catch her breath. This was about her mother? Why did Snape want her mother spared? He had called her a Mudblood. He was the one who had told Voldemort about the Prophecy, Harry's Prophecy.
"The twins survive," Dumbledore said. "They both have her eyes. You remember Lily Evans's eyes, don't you?
"Don't! Stop!" Snape shouted.
"And Leila looks just like…" Dumbledore began.
"Lily is gone! Dead!" Snape yelled
"Is this remorse?" Dumbledore asked.
"I wish—I wish I were dead," Snape sobbed.
"And what use would that be to anyone? If you loved Lily Evans, truly loved her…"
Leila sank to the floor. Snape had loved her mother. How is that even possible? She couldn't even fathom such a situation; but Leila turned back to Snape and Dumbledore's conversation.
"…the way forward is clear," Dumbledore finished.
Snape stood there for a few moments, processing what Dumbledore was telling him. Leila watched him. He truly was a grieving man, but what happened that he had fallen in love with her mother? Had her mother known of Snape's feelings?
"You know why Lily died. Let's make sure her sacrifice wasn't in vain. Help me protect them," Dumbledore sighed.
"They don't need protection! The Dark Lord is gone!" Snape hissed.
"The Dark Lord will return and when he does the children will be in terrible danger," Dumbledore argued.
"What will I have to do?" Snape questioned.
"In time, Severus, in time," Dumbledore continued.
Snape hit his head against the stone wall and appeared to be fighting back tears.
"No one can know. Especially not Potter's son!" Snape said.
"Do you have a soft spot for the girl? She does look remarkably like…"Dumbledore began.
"No one can know! Your word!" Snape shouted.
"That I should never reveal the best of you Severus?" Dumbledore asked.
Leila sat on the floor breathing hard. None of this made sense. But she felt the scene quickly changing. There was more than one memory in here. The office swirled, but they were back in the office. Dumbledore sat at his desk while Snape stood nearby.
"We both know Lord Voldemort has ordered the Malfoy boy to kill me," Dumbledore said.
"Are you intending to let him kill you?" Snape asked.
"Certainly not, you must be the one to do it," Dumbledore said.
"Would you like me to do it now?" Snape asked sarcastically.
"Not quite yet, but the opportunity will show itself," Dumbledore said.
"Why not let Draco do it?" Snape questioned.
"Because his soul is not yet so damaged, largely on part due to Miss Potter. I wouldn't want to have it ripped apart on my account," Dumbledore answered.
"And what about my soul, Dumbledore? Mine?" Snape hissed.
It was all planned? Dumbledore had known the entire time and had already chosen Snape to kill him. Now none of this really made sense. Bits and pieces of memories belonging to Snape just confused her. She had never been completely convinced that he was evil until Dumbledore's death, but then again she had never been convinced that he was on their side. But these memories, what if they were tampered just like Slughorn's had been? She heard another set of footsteps in the office. Curious as to who was joining the conversation, Leila turned around and found Snape walking toward her. The older Headmaster, Snape to be exact. His face was hard to read. Quickly, she turned her face back and tried to think of a solution. She needed to get out.
"I know you're here, Potter," Snape drawled.
"Damnit," Leila cursed.
Leila lifted her head up so that she could emerge from the pensive. The only thing that was on her brain was to run. She needed to get as far away from Snape right now as possible. She felt her body rising from the pensive and soon she was back to present day in the Headmaster's office. Not even stopping to see how far Snape was behind her or if the Sword of Gryffindor had been taken, Leila quickly ran out of the office. She practically flew down the circular staircase. She needed a place to sort out her thoughts and hide from Snape. The Room of Requirement instantly came to mind. She had several floors to go up, but she hoped she could make it up them before anyone caught her.
Once more, she raced down the corridors. As she rounded a corner, she didn't watch where she was going. With a thud, she ran straight into Neville, causing Leila, Neville, Luna, and Ginny to fall to the floor like dominoes. Metal clanged against the stone surface. Leila turned and noticed the Sword of Gryffindor with its ruby hilt glistening on the floor.
"You did it?" Leila gasped.
"Thanks to you, brilliant job of distracting Snape" Neville grinned.
"Now what?" Leila asked.
"We figured the Room of Requirement would be the safest place for it," Ginny said.
"Was just headed there myself," Leila breathed heavily.
"Is something the matter, Leila?" Luna asked.
"You can bet your Galleons that something's the matter," a familiar voice said from behind them.
The teenagers turned to find Filch standing behind them with a huge grin on his face.
"Stealing from the Headmaster, my, we are in trouble aren't we? More fun for me, I suppose," Filch smiled. "The Carrows will know just what to do with you."
"No need. I'll handle this, Argus," a voice drawled from the shadows.
Snape walked out of the shadows with his cloak billowing behind him. Leila winced at the sight of the Headmaster. He was the one she had been trying to get away from. While Filch looked like he had just lost Mrs. Norris, devastated. He had waited years for torture to be up to his par, and now Snape was denying him of the pleasure; but the question remained, what was Snape going to do? Especially to Leila?
"Weasley, Longbottom, Lovegood, and Potter follow me," Snape commanded.
Snape reached down and roughly grabbed the sword. The four teenagers slowly rose to their feet. They looked to each other, not sure what was coming next. Neville had a look of pride on his face and his chest was puffed out as he walked. Ginny walked with her chin held high, but she was biting her lip in frustration. Luna watched the ceiling as she walked and Leila walked with her head hung. She wasn't ashamed of her part in the stealing of the sword. She just wanted nothing to do with Snape after what she saw in the pensive. They walked until they came to Snape's office, where they had all just recently been. Leila noticed that the cabinet containing the pensive was closed and no memories swirled in the basin. Snape roughly set the Sword of Gryffindor onto his desk. He placed his hands on the desk and hunched over it with a scowl meant for them.
"Whose idea was this?" Snape growled.
"Mine," Neville shrugged.
"Need I ask why?" Snape questioned.
"The Sword of Gryffindor doesn't belong to you," Neville retorted.
"It doesn't belong to you either," Snape hissed.
"Better off in my hands than the hands of a Death Eater," Neville scoffed.
Leila's eyes instantly locked with Snape's. There was a pain in them that she recognized, but like Draco, his façade too went back up. Leila almost felt sorry for the headmaster, but there was too much that didn't make sense to her for her to consider doing so.
"I should have the Carrows deal with this," Snape muttered.
"Then do it! You and those bloody Death Eaters aren't going to stop us," Neville said.
"Longbottom," Snape hissed.
Ginny elbowed Neville, warning him to keep quiet. Neville shook his head and looked straight ahead to Professor Snape.
"Longbottom, Weasley, and Lovegood you will have detention in the Forbidden Forest with Hagrid for the rest of the week," Snape said.
Neville, Ginny, and Luna looked slightly confused. This was supposed to be a punishment? Spending time with Hagrid in the Forbidden Forest was something they had been doing since they were young. Snape collapsed into his chair and roughly rubbed his hands over his face.
"Now leave! All except…Potter," Snape said.
Leila's eyes widened as she looked to Neville, Ginny, and Luna. This could very well be the last time she could see them. What if Snape went ballistic and in a fit of rage killed her? Her three friends nodded their heads to wish her luck and left the room. Leila stood and watched them leave as Snape stared down at his desk.
"Have a seat," Snape muttered.
"I'm fine standing," Leila said.
"Sit down," Snape commanded.
"There goes my chance at a quick escape," Leila muttered.
Leila sat down in the chair in front of Snape's desk. She nervously twisted her wrist in her other hand. Suddenly, a surge of courage filled her veins.
"If you're going to kill me get it over with," Leila said bravely.
"After what you saw, you still think I'm going to kill you?" Snape hissed.
"I don't know what I saw," Leila retorted.
"Don't you see that everything I've done has been to protect you and your idiot brother?" Snape shouted.
The Headmaster stood up and pushed several rolls of parchment off his desk.
"I've risked my life for you two!" Snape yelled.
"And for what? Because you loved my mother? You called her a Mudblood!" Leila responded.
"It was a mistake! One I don't have to explain to you!" Snape hissed.
"Severus," the portrait of Albus Dumbledore said softly.
"I'll take care of this," Snape hissed.
Snape walked over to where Leila sat and he pulled out his wand.
"I can't have you accidentally informing the Dark Lord," Snape whispered.
"I don't understand," Leila said.
"It's for your own good," Snape said.
The Headmaster winced slightly as he turned his wrist with his wand pointed at Leila. He had nonverbally performed a false memory charm on Leila. She would no longer remember going into his pensive. Instead, she would think that she had spent the night working on homework in his office. Snape wished that he could keep Leila in on the secret that maybe she would accept him as her mother once had; but that was too big of a risk to take with her held captive by the Dark Lord. Leila stood there for a few moments with a look of confusion on her face. It probably wasn't good for her memory to be altering it, so soon after her incident, but he hadn't really had another choice.
"I—I should go find Draco," Leila said hesitantly.
Snape nodded and Leila walked out of his office. Something felt off about that situation, but she didn't know what. She had gone to Snape's office to distract him so that Ginny, Neville, and Luna could steal the sword…but doing homework didn't make sense to her. Why would she be doing homework? And where was her book bag if she had been doing homework? It didn't make sense! But the more she thought about it, the more blanks seemed to fill her mind. She tried to remember, but nothing came to her. She knew Snape had altered her memories. But what could have been so bad that he needed to alter her memories?
She leaned against a wall and tried to figure it out. Snape was a good wizard. He had purposely only taken out what he wanted, but he left her with enough of her other memories. It was as if he wanted her figure out what she was missing and he knew that she wouldn't stop until she remembered. Was that possible? Was this some sort of puzzle that he wanted her to figure out? But why her? She knew that false memory charms could be lifted and possibly even broken, but why would Snape do this to her? She hit the wall with her fist. She wasn't going to figure this out now. If she was to break this charm, it was going to take some time and digging.
Leila slowly walked back to the Slytherin common room. As she walked into the common room, she noticed Draco standing in a corner with Astoria Greengrass, who was twirling her hair and obviously smothering him with her flirting. If she couldn't figure out what Snape had hidden from her, she could at least go with what she did know. She knew that she was supposed to marry Draco in a month and whether or not she still loved him like she once did, she wasn't about to let another girl try and have a dig at him. So, she marched across the common room and up to Draco. She pulled him by his tie so that he was facing her. He had a startled look on his face, but like their kiss last year, Leila pulled herself onto her tippy-toes with his tie. She caught his lips with hers which surprised him. Draco wasn't sure whether to respond to her kiss or not, but he did. Leila smirked and pulled away from him before turning toward Astoria.
"Mine," Leila growled.
Astoria's pretty face turned into a scowl as the Slytherin common room erupted into cheers. Leila raised her eyebrows and walked away for the girls' dormitory leaving a stunned Draco but he quickly followed after her. He reached for her arm and turned her around to find tears beginning to well in her eyes.
"What was that?" Draco asked.
"Nothing," Leila sniffled.
"I don't want you messing with my head," Draco said.
"And I don't want you messing with my heart," Leila answered.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Draco asked.
"I'm not ready to be married; but if I have to be I would at least prefer the guy to be attracted to me instead of another much prettier girl," Leila said.
"I'm not ready to be married either, but believe me when I tell you that you're the only girl I'm attracted to," Draco said.
"She's prettier than I am. She's a pureblood…" Leila began.
"I don't necessarily agree with those statements, but she's not you," Draco said.
"You're just saying that," Leila said wiping away a stray tear.
"I know I've given you plenty of reasons not to trust me, but if you trust just one thing I tell you it's this: this isn't how I wanted things to happen but you're it for me, always have been," Draco responded.
"Why does this have to be so complicated?" Leila asked.
"Love's never easy," Draco whispered.
"You really think that's what this is?" Leila questioned.
"Whatever this is, we'll take it slow. You and I might be forced into a marriage, but I'm not going to force you to love me. I want you to love me because you actually do," Draco said.
"So one month?" Leila sighed.
"One month," Draco repeated.
"I'm not mad at you about this, like I said before, I'm just not ready," Leila said.
"Then we'll be not ready, together," Draco said.
Leila offered a weak smile and pressed a gentle kiss on Draco's cheek. Things could be better, but they could be worse.