Chapter 30
Disclaimer: The Harry Potter world obviously belongs to JK Rowling and not me. Obviously.
… … … …
Leila lay curled up with a pillow on the top bunk until Draco began to gently shake her. At first, she tried to ignore him because she thought to delay the inevitable, her own wedding. But Draco persisted in shaking her, which caused her memory to catch-up to her. She was no longer captive at Malfoy Manor. Rather, Draco had brought her to Godric's Hollow to help her escape. He had chosen to come with her instead of returning to the Manor. But then things had gone wrong at Bathilda Bagshot's house. Nagini had been waiting.
"Leila," Draco whispered.
"What?" Leila groaned.
"I don't know how you can still be sleeping with the racket your brother's making," Draco said.
She lay still for a few moments until she heard Harry moaning in his sleep. He was having one of his dreams again. The near run-in in Godric's Hollow must have triggered an unwanted clear connection with Voldemort's mind. She always felt terrible when Harry had his dreams like this. She wondered if she was as bad when she had hers, speaking of which, she hadn't had one since her stay at the Burrow.
"Is this normal?" Draco asked.
"For Harry, yes," Leila commented.
"What are we supposed to do?" Draco asked.
"No…" Harry moaned.
"Wake him up," Leila said.
"I'm pretty sure I'm not the first person he'll want to see when he wakes up," Draco whispered.
"No…" Harry moaned again.
"This is probably true," Leila groaned.
Leila slowly rolled over on her bed and climbed down. Harry was sweating profusely as he thrashed on his bed. She sat down beside him as Harry continued to cry-out in his sleep. Gently, she placed her hands on her brother's arms to try and hold him still, but he only thrashed harder.
"No…no…no," Harry groaned.
"Harry, it's all right. You're all right," Leila said.
"No…I dropped it…I dropped it…" Harry continued.
"Harry, wake up, wake up!" Leila commanded.
Leila shook her brother when his emerald eyes opened. His eyes searched the room, but without his glasses Harry was practically blind. He tried to focus on Leila, but she was too much of a blur in the low lighting for him to make out who she was.
"Harry, do you feel all right?" Leila asked.
"I'm fine, Her—Leila, is that you?" Harry questioned.
"It's me," Leila whispered.
"Thank Merlin, I thought it was all just a dream," Harry said.
Leila handed her brother his glasses which he put on his face before he enveloped his little sister in a hug. She cringed slightly at his hug because he was all sweaty, but she felt relaxed in her brother's hug. They were together again. Finally.
"We got away," Harry said.
"Yeah, just in time," Leila commented.
"Most of it's still a blur, but I think I dreamt that Malfoy…" Harry began.
"I'm right here, Potter," Draco drawled.
Harry's eyes instantly shot to the other bed where Draco sat on the bottom bunk. With a scrutinizing glance, Harry looked Draco over. Draco watched Harry and Leila was confused what was taking place between the two boys.
"This isn't awkward at all," Leila said sarcastically.
"Where's Hermione?" Harry suddenly asked.
"She's outside keeping watch as far as I know," Leila responded.
"I'll be right back," Harry grunted.
Harry stood up from his bottom bunk and dropped the heavy blankets that had covered him to the floor. He pulled on his shoes and headed across the tent for the exit. He had just opened the flap to get outside when he turned back around and scowled. Harry made eye contact with Draco.
"Keep your hand off my sister, Malfoy," Harry hissed.
With that warning, Harry walked outside to find Hermione.
"I'm not even doing anything," Draco muttered.
Leila rolled her eyes and made for the exit of the tent. She motioned for Draco to follow after her, which he reluctantly did. Together, Draco and Leila stood just inside the tent with the flap open so they could hear what Harry and Hermione were talking about. Harry slowly walked up the small hill covered in snow as Hermione sat against a tee with a book in hand. Draco moved to continue outside, but Leila held out her hand to stop him. He looked at her quizzically.
"What are we doing?" Draco asked.
"Listening," Leila whispered.
"Because eavesdropping is clearly the way to get Potter to trust me," Draco scoffed.
"If you don't want to…" Leila began.
"I didn't say that," Draco interrupted.
Leila looked at Draco before she shook her head and chuckled. Quietly, they stood watching Harry and Hermione interact. Hermione shifted the blanket wrapped around her as Harry made his presence known to her. He kept his gaze on the ground as he walked past Hermione.
"Feeling better?" Hermione asked.
"Given the circumstances," Harry shrugged.
"How did you get Malfoy to come with us?" Hermione asked.
"You've really outdone yourself this time, Hermione. It's beautiful," Harry said changing the subject.
"It's the Forest of Dean," Hermione sighed. "I came here once with my mum and dad, years ago. It's just how I remember it: the trees, the river…everything. It's like nothing's changed. That's not true of course everything has changed."
Back in the tent, Draco added his commentary.
"She's got that right," Draco whispered.
"Sh!" Leila shushed him.
Leila gently shoved Draco as she tried to quiet him. She really wanted to hear any information that she could. She was just hoping that Harry or Hermione would let something information slip.
"If I brought my parents back now, they probably wouldn't even recognize it. Not the trees…the river…not even me," Hermione sighed. "Maybe we should just stay here Harry and grow old."
Harry sat silently, but back in the tent, Draco couldn't help himself.
"Are Granger and Potter, you know, together?" Draco asked.
"Sh! I told you to be quiet," Leila shushed once again.
But truth was, Leila couldn't help but be curious on the matter. Last she knew, Hermione had a crush on Ron; but where was Ron? Every time she asked, she always got the response of "not now" which could only mean that there was a story behind what had happened. And from both Harry and Hermione's tones, she knew that the story was not a good one. Had Ron been captured or killed? But before she could dwell on the subject for long, Draco took her hand in his. He led her away from the entrance to the tent and over to the table.
"Draco," Leila hissed.
"Let your brother and Granger sort out whatever it is they need to without us listening in," Draco said.
"Since when have you given a damn about them?" Leila questioned.
"Since I'm entirely at their disposal; it's more self-preservation than giving a damn," Draco shrugged.
"Or so you say," Leila chuckled.
Draco smirked as he sat on the bench across the table from Leila. Leila placed her hands on the table for him to grab which he did. He noticed the engagement ring he had given Leila was still placed on her left hand. Draco took her left hand in his own hands. With his fingers he gently brushed over the ring. Leila's eyes quickly flashed at him before she pulled her hand out of his.
"I suppose this is something we should talk about," Draco sighed.
"I suppose it is," Leila whispered.
"That life already seems like a lifetime ago," Draco said.
"It was only yesterday we were doing final preparations for the wedding. It seemed like the right thing at the time," Leila responded.
"But now, things are different," Draco stated.
"Completely different," Leila agreed.
"So where do we go from here?" Draco asked.
"I don't know," Leila sighed.
"Well, you can start by taking that ring off," Harry interrupted.
Both Draco and Leila turned to find a fuming Harry holding a broken wand in his hand. Neither had expected to see him standing there, but Hermione was feebly standing near the entrance of the tent as if she were expecting a big showdown. Leila looked at Harry and then to Draco. Draco simply nodded his head in agreement. She was sure he only agreed because he didn't want to cause more tension between him and Harry than was necessary. The two of them already had a messy history. Leila sighed and pulled the ring off her left hand and gently placed the ring in Draco's hand. Draco clutched the ring in his hand while Leila's hand was still in his. Their eyes locked, but Harry interrupted once more.
"It was all for show, wasn't it?" Harry asked.
"Yeah, just following orders to stay alive," Draco answered.
"Well, here's something else for you to do: hand over your wand," Harry commanded.
"I'm not going to hex you Potter. I value my life too much," Draco argued.
"Seeing as I still don't trust you and I'm currently without a wand, yours will do," Harry furthered.
Harry and Draco engaged in a staring contest. Neither seemed to break eye contact for several awkward moments making both Leila and Hermione feel nervous. It was only a matter of time before the two of them had a spat. Only, they all hoped it wouldn't be so soon into their journey working together. Leila held her breath until Draco sighed. It was as if the boys had some silent conversation, which she didn't understand.
"Whatever, it wasn't working properly anyway," Draco muttered.
Draco pulled his wand out of his back pocket and handed it to Harry. Harry grabbed the wand and placed it in his back pocket. Leila looked at Draco; she could tell that he wasn't as comfortable with Harry having his wand as he let on. Draco had always had the privilege of using magic, even at a young age. She knew he had used magic on his holidays when he underage, but he never seemed to get in trouble like she and Harry did. This was probably the first time in his life Draco couldn't use magic when he wanted. Harry turned to walk away, but Leila caught his arm.
"We need to talk…all four of us," Leila said.
"Not now," Harry responded.
"Yes now. There's too many unanswered questions on both sides," Leila responded.
"I don't want to talk about it right now," Harry fumed.
"Well, I do," Leila shot back.
"Harry, Leila's right. If we're all going to work together, we need to clear the air between us," Hermione added.
"Not with him," Harry hissed.
"He's a part of this now, whether you like it or not," Leila retorted.
"Just because he took a damn vow doesn't mean that I trust him," Harry argued.
"I don't expect you to trust him instantaneously; but I do expect you to give him a chance," Leila said.
Harry looked at his sister and groaned. The girls had a point. If this was going to work, they needed to start somewhat getting along. Last night, Harry and Draco had come to a brief understanding. Neither of them was doing this for the other, they were attempting to keep civil because of Leila. Harry could clearly read from that Draco was in love with his sister. It was the same look Draco had that night on the Astronomy Tower as Dumbledore was reasoning with him and he began to lower his wand. The git had it in him to be good; the only problem was that it took his sister to bring out the good in him. Harry turned his head toward Draco who was still seated on the bench. The blonde's hands were folded and his head hung, while the boy fumbled with the ring in his hands.
"This isn't for you," Harry growled.
"I know," Draco muttered.
Harry took a seat on the bench across the table from Draco and sat stiffly as he turned toward Leila and Hermione.
"Are we doing this or not?" Harry asked.
Hermione and Leila looked to each other before moving for the table. Leila sat beside Draco, while Hermione sat beside Harry. For a few moments, the four teenagers looked at each other awkwardly, but it was Leila who broke the silence.
"Where do we start?" Leila asked.
"The beginning. So that means since the wedding," Harry answered.
"And I suppose you want me to answer that?" Draco asked.
"You catch on fast," Harry scoffed.
"Long story short: I kidnapped your sister on the Dark Lord's orders, got engaged to your sister on the Dark Lord's orders, went back to Hogwarts with your sister on the Dark Lord's orders, nearly lost your sister nearly failing the Dark Lord's orders, was punished close to death for nearly failing the Dark Lord's orders, so then I came and found you in Godric's Hollow not on the Dark Lord's orders. Here we are that about sums it up," Draco spoke.
"Why the engagement?" Hermione asked.
"I'm not exactly a privileged member of the Dark Lord's inner circle, but from what I do know it was a trap. The Dark Lord figured that Potter being the saint that he is would come to his sister's rescue," Draco explained.
"But you said she was at Hogwarts with you," Harry responded.
"Exactly, that was Snape's piece of skullduggery," Draco said.
Leila froze for a second. Something about Snape, it didn't add up in her mind; but she couldn't figure it out. It was as if a piece of the puzzle was missing in her mind. She furrowed her brow, trying to process the information in her mind trying to figure it out, but alas, she came up with nothing. She hadn't even realized that the conversation had stopped and Harry, Hermione, and Draco were all focusing on her.
"Leila, were you listening?" Harry asked.
"What?" Leila asked in return.
"I asked you why you resorted to nearly killing yourself," Harry said.
"I was in a Dark place, Harry. Nearly everyone had turned their back on me or was just being nice to me out of fear for the Dark Lord. It wasn't exactly a walk in the park. So I remembered that one time when Piers Polkiss pushed me off the pier. It seemed like an easy way out of it all, but Draco saved me," Leila sighed.
"I suppose I should thank you for that," Harry grumbled.
"You would have done that same," Draco shrugged.
"I said I should thank you, I didn't say I was going to and you're damn right I would have done the same. But then again, I wouldn't have let her out of my sight," Harry hissed.
"Harry now isn't the time to start one-upping each other," Leila interrupted.
"Malfoy, why take Leila to Godric's Hollow?" Hermione asked changing the subject.
"It seemed like the right thing to do," Draco shrugged.
Harry looked like he wanted to press the matter further, but for once he held his tongue. Harry and Draco seemed to watch each other for a moment and then Draco nodded his head. Leila could hardly ever remember her brother holding back, so she assumed that he was making a conscious effort at this. Either that or he already had another way planned to get the information out of Malfoy.
"My turn to ask some questions, where's Ron?" Leila asked.
Harry turned to Hermione. Hermione swallowed awkwardly and her eyes appeared teary.
"Harry, I don't think I can…" Hermione began.
"Ron was with us until about a month ago," Harry said slowly.
"What happened to him?" Leila asked.
"You need to understand that when we escaped the Ministry, Ron was splinched in the process. He was never quite the same after that, especially with the…"Hermione began tearfully.
"The you-know-what," Harry interrupted. "The you-know-what tries to possess whoever is wearing it."
"I know what you're talking about, but how does this concern Ron?" Leila furthered.
"He was wearing it that night. Every little thing agitated him. That night, the fact that we weren't farther along in our hunt for you-know-what's…" Harry began.
"Can we stop speaking in code? I already took the damn vow so I'm not about to spill your secrets," Draco hissed.
"We'll just have to things work out," Harry said.
"Carry-on, by all means, who cares if I'm completely out of the loop," Draco muttered.
"Ron left! I tried to talk some sense into him, but he just wouldn't listen to reason," Hermione cried out.
Tears streamed down Hermione's cheeks as she ran out of the section of the tent. Leila couldn't blame her; she also hated crying in front of other people.
"Where is he now?" Leila asked.
"Dunno. Haven't heard anything of him since," Harry sighed.
"How many Ho—you-know-what's have you destroyed?" Leila asked.
"None, we've only found the real locket. Umbridge had it," Harry said.
"I always hated that woman," Leila muttered.
"Yeah, but for some reason you often seemed to avoid punishment," Harry said looking at Draco.
"Guilty," Draco smiled.
"You mentioned something about the Sword of Gryffindor?" Leila asked as her face flamed red.
"Yeah, we figured out why Dumbledore left it to me. It takes on that which makes it stronger," Harry explained.
"Which means…" Leila began.
"Which means that it can destroy you-know-what's," Harry whispered.
"That's great! But you said that the Sword Snape had is a fake. How did you find that out?" Leila asked.
"We overheard a conversation from those on the run: Ted Tonks, Dean Thomas, and two goblins. One of the goblins was name Griphawk or something," Harry said.
"I think you mean Griphook," Leila corrected.
"Yeah, that's it! Wait, how do you know that?" Harry asked.
"Harry, he was the goblin who brought us to our vault our very first time at Gringotts," Leila chuckled.
"He said the sword was a fake…" Harry began.
"Of course, the Sword of Gryffindor is goblin-made. He could easily spot a fake, does Snape know?" Leila asked.
"If you'd just give me a minute," Harry groaned. "Snape doesn't know; he placed the fake in a vault at Gringotts."
"So this means that the Sword of Gryffindor is still out there," Leila said.
"Which is why we went to Godric's Hollow. We thought Dumbledore might have given it to Bathilda Bagshot. She knew the Dumbledore's when they lived in Godric's Hollow or so Ron's crazy Aunt Muriel said at the wedding," Harry said.
"That's where you went wrong, believing anything from Ron's Auntie Muriel," Leila said.
"I saw the graves in Godric's Hollow. They used to live there," Harry said.
"What?" Leila questioned.
"Your brother's right, Leila. Granted most of what Rita Skeeter writes is absolutely rubbish, I read through her biography of Dumbledore. While most of it seems pretty far-fetched, that fact adds up with the records," Draco said.
Leila looked at Draco. For a moment, she had completely forgotten that he was even there with them. She was too enthralled with the slight progress of the Horcrux hunt, but this information came at somewhat of a shock to her. Why was he doing research on Dumbledore? Dumbledore was dead, so why did it matte to him?
"You've been researching Dumbledore? Why?" Leila asked.
"I figured I should at least know a little about the man whose death was ultimately my fault," Draco said.
"Draco, it wasn't your fault," Leila groaned.
"So the Sword, do you have any other ideas where it could be?" Draco asked Harry, avoiding Leila's response.
"Erm—Godric's Hollow was our best lead, but that was clearly a bust," Harry answered.
"From the little I know about the man, Dumbledore wasn't a fool. He had to have anticipated that there would be complications with the sword. While I agree that he probably gave the Sword to someone he trusted, I don't think Bagshot fits his criteria. She's been a bit of a nutter for a while now," Draco responded.
"Then who else?" Harry groaned.
"Who did Dumbledore trust the most?" Draco questioned.
"McGonagall..." Harry began.
"Snape, he trusted Snape with his life. Remember how he told us to go get him when we retuned?" Leila groaned.
"And we already know that Snape has a fake. I swear Dumbledore thought I was a lot brighter than I actually am," Harry groaned.
"That makes two of us," Draco retorted.
Harry flashed an angry glance at Draco, who put his hands in front of him in defense.
"It was only a joke, Potter," Draco said defensively.
"I think that's a good place to stop for today," Harry grunted.
"Wait, don't go! I made some tea and found some berries," Hermione said.
Hermione appeared back in the section of the tent where they sat with a tea pot and four mugs. She set them down on the table in front of each person and began to pour the tea. She appeared far more composed than the last time they had seen her. They all accepted the tea and began to slowly sip the hot liquid as Hermione sat back down next to Harry. With her wand, Hermione performed a hover charm to bring the tray of berries to the table. Harry and Leila eagerly reached for several berries, but Draco was hesitant to do so.
"I know it's probably not the feast you're used to Malfoy, but it's the least we can do to celebrate Christmas," Hermione sighed.
"I'd almost forgotten that it was still Christmas," Harry said.
"Happy Christmas," Draco said as he raised his mug of tea in the air.
"Happy Christmas," Harry, Hermione, and Leila repeated as they too raised their mugs in the air.
For several minutes, the group sat in a comfortable silence eating berries and drinking tea. This was probably the most comfortable the four of them had ever been together. No harsh words, immature name calling, or anything for that matter but a comfortable silence. Hermione was the one to break the silence first though.
"I couldn't help but overhear you talking about Rita Skeeter's book on Dumbledore," Hermione said. "I accidentally snitched Bagshot's copy of the book."
"Scared Madam Pince is going to find you and hunt you down?" Harry asked.
"Harry, you wanted to know who the boy in the photograph was. His name is Gellert Grindelwald," Hermione said.
Hermione walked down the stairs of the eating area and grabbed the book from stool. She walked back and opened to the page with the picture before placing it in front of Harry.
"That's the thief from the wand shop," Harry said.
"He was also the most powerful Dark wizard prior to our current one," Draco added.
"Krum mentioned he went to Durmstrang so I suppose it would make sense," Harry continued.
"Father wanted me to go to Durmstrang," Draco said.
"We all heard that story countless times fourth year when Durmstrang students were at Hogwarts," Leila groaned.
"Fine, I won't continue to bore you; but this was the part of the book that confused me. While the letter seems to be authentic evidence, I can't really believe Dumbledore to be in cohorts with someone like Grindelwald. But then if you believe what was said about Dumbledore's father, it could make sense," Draco stated.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Leila sighed.
"Neither do I, but I'm going to find out," Harry said. "I'll take watch tonight."
"On that note, I think I need some fresh air," Leila said.
"I'll go with you," Draco added.
"Stay close to the tent so you don't go outside the protective enchantments," Hermione said.
"And because I want to keep an eye on you two," Harry finished.
Leila groaned and reached across the table as she playfully shoved her brother. Draco stood just down the steps waiting for her. She rolled her eyes at Harry once more before she walked down to meet Draco. They were just outside the tent when a voice called after them.
"Leila, make sure you have your wand!" Harry called after her.
"Who does he think he is, my father?" Leila groaned.
"No, a very protective older brother; I'm surprised I've made it this far," Draco answered.
"Me too," Leila remarked.
Leila smirked at Draco before she jumped onto his back. He must have anticipated her actions, because he was slightly bent over making it easier for her to reach him. She tightly wrapped her legs around his midsection and her arms around his neck, before she snuggled close to him as Draco walked through the crunchy, snow-covered leaves. For a few minutes, they wandered around with the only sounds being the crunch of the leaves and the exhale from their breathing.
"So, what did Harry say to you last night to get you to come back?" Leila asked.
"That's between your brother and me," Draco answered.
"Please?" Leila furthered.
"That's not going to work," Draco chuckled.
"You're really not going to tell me?" Leila questioned.
"Not this time, sweetheart," Draco said.
"Fine," Leila groaned.
Draco chuckled and briefly took his hands off her thighs as if he were going to drop her, which caused her to squeal. Leila gently slapped at his shoulders, which only made him chuckle more.
"Draco Malfoy, I hate you," Leila hissed.
"C'mon, do you actually think I'd drop you?" Draco chuckled.
"After our history, it wouldn't surprise me," Leila muttered.
"As I seem to recall, more often than not it was you who pulled something over on me. I'm entitled to something every now and then," Draco added.
"And as I seem to recall, you deserved every last bit you got," Leila retorted.
"You pushed me in the fountain, twice," Draco began.
"The first time you were being a prat and the second time I pulled you in. There's a difference," Leila responded.
"Sorry for my lack in direction. Either way, both times I ended up in the fountain was because of you," Draco said.
"I don't recall you complaining about the second time," Leila whispered in Draco's ear.
"Well the second time I was snogging you. I don't think you'd find a bloke to complain about that," Draco responded.
"So are you admitting that I'm a good kisser?" Leila questioned.
"Those are your words, not mine," Draco smirked.
"Then it looks like I'm just going to have to remind you. Let me down," Leila said.
Draco had barely even released his hand from her as she jumped off his back. Draco smiled and shook his head as he turned around to face Leila who stood waiting with her hands on her hips. Once he was fully facing her, Leila practically pounced at Draco. She took hold of the blue sweater he was wearing and pulled herself up so that she was standing on her tippy-toes. With a slight smirk on her face she pressed a kiss on his lips. Draco chuckled as Leila continued to kiss him. He wrapped his arms around her waist to pull her closer to him as her arms reached up for his neck.
"I can see you!" Harry called.
Leila groaned but leaned in for another kiss, but Draco didn't respond to her kiss.
"Draco," Leila groaned.
"You said you didn't want me antagonizing your brother," Draco said.
"Well yes, but…" Leila began.
"Then let's not ruin what we have going. I'm pretty sure this is most civil he and I have been to each other," Draco added.
"But Draco," Leila whined.
"We'll figure this out, I promise," Draco said.
Draco gently placed a kiss on Leila's cheek which caused her to sigh.
"You really have changed, you know," Leila said.
"So you've said," Draco shrugged.
"I don't know why you can't see it," Leila sighed.
"I do; but it doesn't make up for my past," Draco answered.
"You need to stop berating yourself over it," Leila furthered.
"Well, it's a good thing I have you to stop me," Draco said.
"Draco, why do you have to say such sweet things? It makes me want to kiss you," Leila complained.
Leila stood with her arms folded across her chest and a pouty look on her face. Draco glanced back at the tent, where there was no sign of Potter.
"Fine, a quick one; but if Potter catches us…" Draco began.
"I'll gladly take the blame," Leila grinned.
Draco looked at the tent once more before bending down and placing his lips on Leila's eager ones. After several heated kisses the couple broke for air. Draco leaned his forehead down on Leila's with his eyes closed.
"We should probably stop," Draco whispered.
"Only if you want to," Leila responded.
"Don't tempt me," Draco growled in a low voice.
He opened his eyes to find Leila's eyes waiting to meet his. She had a mischievous glint in her eyes, which Draco knew would only lead to trouble. So he quickly pressed a kiss on her forehead and stood up straight. Draco took Leila's hand in his as they walked back to the tent.
"Draco, where does this leave us?" Leila asked.
"Dunno," Draco shrugged.
"I mean, are we together or aren't we?" Leila asked.
"I'd say seeing as we're in close vicinity of each other that we are," Draco said sarcastically.
"You know what I mean," Leila groaned.
"Leila, I'm not sure what answer you're looking for. I'm just as confused about this as you are; but what I do know is that whatever the definition of our relationship isn't going to change the fact that I still love you. While many aspects of our lives have changed since last night, my love for you isn't one of them," Draco answered.
"Good answer," Leila whispered.
Leila leaned her head on Draco's arm as they finished their walk back to the tent. Inside the tent, the four young witches and wizards spent the rest of their afternoon playing a game of Exploding Snap, which hand ended up in Leila's beaded bag. After their meager dinner of tea, roots, and berries, Harry took a blanket to keep watch outside the tent. He took with him Draco's wand and the copy of Rita Skeeter's biography on Dumbledore. Leila and Hermione quickly fell asleep, but Draco couldn't seem to. Maybe it was the clothes of Weasley's he was now completely dressed in or the confines of the tent, but he found himself up. He bent over and placed a kiss on a sleeping Leila's cheek before he headed for the exit of the tent. Draco found Harry leaning against the tree Granger had been leaning against this morning reading the biography. Draco stepped into the light given off by his wand and sat down by the tree next to Harry's.
"I know I'm not the most ideal company, but I figured you could use some," Draco said.
"You couldn't sleep, could you?" Harry asked.
"Not with Granger's snores," Draco said but Harry looked at him pointedly. "It was a joke and no, I couldn't sleep."
"Are you sure the snores weren't Leila's?" Harry chuckled.
"Not completely sure, to be honest," Draco responded.
Harry closed the book he had been reading and placed it beside him. He saw Draco slightly shiver so he tossed him the blanket he had been using. Harry nodded before Draco hesitantly wrapped it around his own shoulders.
"If anyone ever would have told me you and I would be sitting here like this, I would've thought it was another one of Trelawney's daft predictions," Harry commented.
"Same here Potter," Draco said.
"Funny how things change," Harry mumbled.
"It's nothing we did. It's all Leila," Draco sighed.
"The one thing we have in common," Harry said.
"We both love her," Draco finished.
"That's why I went back for you last night. If it wasn't for Leila…" Harry began.
"I know, I'd probably be killed by the Dark Lord by now," Draco interrupted.
"I'm not sure what she sees in you, but she's rarely wrong about people," Harry said.
"To be honest, I'm not sure what she sees in me either," Draco responded.
"I want you to know that I'm going to do everything in my power to keep my sister safe, even if that means from you," Harry stated.
"Wouldn't expect any less, but know that you're not the only one looking out for her," Draco answered.
"I'm only going to say this once Malfoy and after that I'm going to deny it even happened, but thank you for bringing my sister back to me," Harry said.
"Like I said, you're not the only one looking out for her," Draco shrugged. "Are we having a moment, Potter?"
"I'm sure that's what Leila would call it, but don't you dare tell her," Harry hissed.
"Tell your sister, the love of my life that her brother and I are actually beginning to get along without her being present? Never," Draco chuckled.
Draco sat outside with Harry for a few more minutes in silence before he headed back inside to get some sleep. Harry stayed outside returning to his reading of Dumbledore's biography. Things had changed. They both were doing this for Leila. Like Draco said, they both loved her and neither of them wanted to hurt her. Even if that meant trying to get along with each other.