Chapter 31
Disclaimer: The Harry Potter world obviously belongs to JK Rowling and not me. Obviously.
… … … …
Morning began to break across the sky as Harry sat outside the tent bundled up in many sweaters and a blanket. His eyes were glued to the copy of The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore which Hermione had accidentally taken from Bathilda Bagshot's cottage in Godric's Hollow. He knew Rita Skeeter to be a terrible gossip when it came to writing, but when it came to Dumbledore's life before he met him; Harry hadn't a clue to tell the fact from the fiction, the life from the lies. He wished that Dumbledore had left him with more to go from, but he hoped now with Hermione and Leila, hell, even Malfoy working together, they could figure out the puzzle Dumbledore had left him. Harry heard rustling from inside the tent and knew that someone was awake, so he set his book onto the ground before standing up and walking inside the tent. Harry found all the beds empty, but only had sight of Hermione. She was standing on the steps to the dining area of the tent. Curiously, he walked over to meet his dear friend only to find the sight she was watching: Leila and Malfoy. Sometime during the night, they had both somehow ended up at the table. Harry must have been too consumed by the book to have noticed them stirring. But looking at them now, they were both sleeping with their heads resting on the wooden table; their hands were linked together.
"Bloody hell," Harry groaned.
"If it was anyone besides Malfoy…" Hermione began.
"But it is Malfoy, Hermione. You know that I don't like them together," Harry muttered.
"You've never really given them a fair chance," Hermione argued.
"And you have?" Harry questioned.
"I know it's a bit of a sore spot with you, but I was in on their secret for a few months," Hermione said matter-of-factly.
"So because of that you think they belong together?" Harry asked.
"No, I didn't say that. I'm just trying to point out that it was only natural for something to happen between them again. Falling in love with one's captor is typical Stockholm Syndrome; but then again I suppose their complicated romantic past probably added something to it," Hermione stated.
"What exactly are you trying to say Hermione?" Harry furthered.
"I'm saying that the fact that Leila was held captive and Malfoy showing kindness toward her could be a factor in their current relationship. But then again, I'm certain Leila never fell out of love with him. And now, given the situation, her feelings for him may have intensified," Hermione answered.
"Whatever the explanation might be, doesn't mean that I like it," Harry groaned.
"And that is a typical older brother response," Hermione chuckled.
"Well, that's what I am, her older brother," Harry argued.
"Oh, Harry," Hermione said shaking her head.
"But seriously, out of all the blokes available, she had to pick him?" Harry questioned.
"The heart wants what it wants," Hermione sighed.
"And what about your heart, Hermione?" Harry asked.
Hermione blushed under Harry's gaze as she fumbled for words. She couldn't bring herself to look at her close friend. So with her gaze focused on the wooden floor she addressed him.
"I should go find something for breakfast before they wake up," Hermione spluttered.
With that, Hermione quickly rushed out of the tent not even wearing the proper winter attire. Harry moved across the room and stood behind the sleeping couple who were both on the same side of the bench. A slight mischievous grin spread across his face as he devised his plan of attack. As much as he loathed Snape for being a bloody git and for killing Dumbledore, he was about to take a move from the man's playbook. Harry rolled up his sleeves and wiggled his fingers in anticipation. Then, he placed a hand on the head of each member of the sleeping couple before he thrust his hands downward, causing Draco's and Leila's heads to smash hard against the table. Caught off-guard, both Draco and Leila instantly awakened. They looked to each other in confusion for a moment before turning around to intently watch the culprit.
"What the hell was that for, Potter?' Draco hissed.
"My sentiments exactly," Leila retorted.
Noticing that couple's hands were still linked, Harry reached for Leila's hand and yanked it from Draco's grasp.
"My sister," Harry said immaturely.
"I've never argued that fact," Draco said rolling his eyes.
"Well, let me remind you what they teach in primary school: hands to yourself!" Harry furthered.
"Harry, stop being such a prat," Leila groaned.
"I don't think I will," Harry retorted.
"Arse," Leila muttered.
"What did you call me?" Harry asked.
"You heard me," Leila scoffed.
"Don't worry Potter, I used to get that all the time," Draco grinned.
"I didn't ask for your input," Harry hissed.
"So now I have to ask even to speak?" Draco sneered.
"Yeah, you do," Harry said icily.
"Boys!" Leila shouted.
"Sorry," Draco and Harry muttered simultaneously.
"Where's Hermione?" Leila asked, changing the subject.
"She's out finding something to eat," Harry shrugged.
"Well, I'm going to go help her. Try not to kill each other while I'm gone," Leila said rolling her eyes.
Leila leaned over and placed a kiss on Draco's cheek before she stood up. She made sure to grab a jacket which lay on her bed before she headed into the daylight. Once outside the tent, Leila's feet crunched as she stepped on the leaves and because the air was frigid her breath was easily spotted. For a moment, Leila stopped to listen for leaves crunching under Hermione's footsteps, but she couldn't concentrate with the wildlife scurrying around her.
"Hermione!" Leila called.
"Over here," Hermione called.
"Where?" Leila asked.
"Your right," Hermione called again.
It sounded as if Hermione was closer to her. So Leila shielded her eyes with her hands to get a better look at the scenery, but she still couldn't spot her friend. She turned around slowly in a circle, still trying to spot Hermione.
"Leila, behind you," Hermione chuckled.
Leila turned around to find Hermione leaning against a tree trunk with what looked like a handkerchief filled with berries.
"Of course knew you were there the entire time," Leila lied.
"You didn't have a clue where I was until you saw me, did you?" Hermione asked.
"Maybe…" Leila said slowly.
"Honestly, it shouldn't have been that difficult to find me," Hermione said shaking her head.
"There's a reason I wasn't sorted into Hufflepuff," Leila chuckled.
"That's not an excuse," Hermione muttered.
"I was almost sorted into Gryffindor, you know," Leila continued.
"Then how did you end up in Slytherin?" Hermione asked.
"You," Leila chuckled. "My hate for you was so strong that first day that I told the Sorting Hat that I'd rather be anywhere you weren't, completely forgetting that Malfoy was placed in Slytherin. As an eleven year old, it seemed only logical to focus ones hatred to only one person."
~*Flashback to 1st year*~
Leila timidly followed Harry and his new friend Ron from the Hogwarts Express. They walked down a beaten path following Hagrid, until they came to some body of water. In the water floated many boats, but what most of the other first years noticed was their first view of Hogwarts. The boys and girls "ooh'ed ahh'ed" including, Harry, Leila, and Ron. Leila clung to Harry's arm, but he was slightly embarrassed by his sister's clinging so he ripped his arm from her grip. They continued to walk, but Leila fell behind Harry. She began to run to catch-up to him, but she tripped over a root that was uncovered from the earth. She fell face first into the dirt, but Harry didn't seem to notice her fall. Leila was about to stand up, when someone stepped over her.
"Excuse me," the bossy girl from the train said.
Leila sneered as the girl known as Hermione Granger walked away from her without helping her up after stepping over her. Leila couldn't believe the nerve of that girl. She didn't even have the decency to help her up. She decided that once she learned a decent spell, she was going to have to get some payback with that Granger girl.
"Need some help?" a boy asked.
"Yes, please," Leila said taking the boys hand. "Thank you."
"You're welcome. SO is what Hermione said true then?" the boy asked.
"What did she say?" Leila groaned.
"Are—are you r—really Leila P—Potter?" the boy stuttered.
"Oh, yeah, I am," Leila shrugged.
"I can hardly believe I'm actually talking with Leila Potter. I mean Gran said…" the boy said excitedly before suddenly stopping.
"Erm—thanks?" Leila said.
"I—I hope we're in the same House," the boy said shyly.
"As long as I'm not in the same House as that Granger girl," Leila muttered.
"Well, she did try to help me find my toad," the boy muttered.
The boy blushed furiously, but Leila ignored it and continued to walk toward the boats. Neville followed after her. Neither said a word as they walked to where the other first years stood. Leila walked over to where her brother stood with that Ron kid as the Granger girl called Neville over to her boat. Leila rolled her eyes before she made a rude face at the girl. In that moment, Ron and Harry quickly got into a boat but were instantly followed by Hermione and Neville. Leila moved to step into the boat.
"No more'n four to a boat," Hagrid shouted.
Leila continued to walk onto the boat that contained her brother, but Hermione Granger held out her hand which grasped Leila's shoulder.
"You heard that man, no more than four to a boat," Hermione said in a bossy tone.
"But my brother's in this boat," Leila whined.
"We need to follow the rules and the four of us were already in the boat," Hermione explained.
"Harry," Leila whined again.
"Sorry, Leila just go find another boat," Harry shrugged.
With a pout on her face, Leila stomped away. She found an empty boat and plopped down onto the wooden bench.
~* End Flashback *~
"Seriously, you hated me that much?' Hermione questioned.
"Well, you had been quite annoying, you stepped right over me, and you had stolen my spot on the boat with Harry," Leila responded.
"I did? I never even noticed," Hermione muttered.
"Well, it all worked out in the end," Leila smiled.
"Just not always the way we want," Hermione responded.
"Seems silly that we hated each other for so long," Leila sighed.
"Like you said, things worked out in the end," Hermione smiled.
"Speaking of the way things turned out, how are you doing without Ron?" Leila asked.
"I'm fine," Hermione snipped.
"Doesn't sound like it," Leila furthered.
"Things might have been harder for him, but he made his choice when he left," Hermione said.
"But yet you still try to rationalize him leaving," Leila pointed out.
"I don't want to talk about this," Hermione huffed.
Hermione moved to walk away, but she spilled the contents of the handkerchief she had been collecting berries in. The Gryffindor girl cursed under her breath and got down to pick the berries up. Leila leaned down too and tried to help her.
"Hermione, I didn't mean anything…" Leila began.
"You and then your brother," Hermione sniffled.
"What about Harry? Are you two…" Leila began.
"Nothing, everything is just so bloody confusing," Hermione sighed.
"Tell me about it," Leila chuckled.
"I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking," Hermione groaned.
"Don't worry about it. I just meant that you're not the only one in a complicated situation," Leila said.
"You're right; I just needed a different perspective. I'm pretty sure I prefer my situation to yours," Hermione said.
"Thanks, I think," Leila responded.
"No, I didn't mean it like that," Hermione groaned.
"Hermione, it's fine," Leila smiled.
"It's just been hard. I haven't been able to tell Harry everything. I don't want him to think that I can't handle this. I can, it's just that sometimes…" Hermione began.
"You're a girl?" Leila finished.
"I suppose that's putting it nicely," Hermione nodded.
"It happens to the best of us," Leila said.
"You've changed," Hermione said.
"Good thing or bad?" Leila asked slowly.
"Good, good of course. I just meant that you've, I don't know, matured, you're not as immature I guess. Erm, that came out wrong," Hermione rambled.
"It's all right, I was," Leila sighed. "I guess that's life though, trying to be a better person than you were. Well, either that or trying to take over the world. You have your pick."
"In my defense, I never considered you a taking over the world type of person," Hermione added.
"You probably thought I was close to it though," Leila chuckled.
"Maybe, maybe not. That's for me to know and you to never find out," Hermione smirked.
Leila rolled her eyes at her friend before standing up. She offered Hermione a hand, which she accepted. It was funny to think that only a year ago, she still hated Hermione. It wasn't until after the Christmas holidays last year that Hermione had caught her and Draco snogging, before the two of them actually began to look past their differences. Hermione and Leila crunched across the leaves as they headed back into the tent where they found Harry sitting in an armchair with his arms folded across his chest while Draco was changing his shirt into another one of Ron's sweaters. Both girls stopped and looked at a shirtless Draco, who didn't notice that the girls had returned. Leila slightly grinned while Hermione blushed furiously.
"For Merlin's sake, put a shirt on Malfoy," Harry groaned.
"Why? Jealous, Potter?" Draco questioned without turning around.
"That's obviously it," Harry said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Just do as I say."
"Are you really that uncomfortable that I'm better looking than you are?" Draco furthered.
"I'd just prefer that around my sister you remain clothed. Now, put a damn shirt on before I come over there and do it myself," Harry growled.
Draco turned around to see Leila watching him. He winked at her which caused to turn as red in the face as Hermione already was.
"Malfoy!" Harry growled.
"I'm going, I'm going. I need a new shirt," Draco explained.
Draco walked across the tent to the section of the tent where the extra clothes were kept. Leila's eyes followed Draco as he walked.
"Leila!" Harry growled.
"Harry!" Leila retorted.
"You've got to be kidding me," Draco shouted from the other room.
"What is it now, Malfoy?" Harry groaned.
The blonde stepped back out into the common room wearing one of Ron's undershirts holding several sweaters in his arms.
"Weasel really must've hated these," Draco commented.
"He has a name," Harry grunted.
"Fine, Weasley must have hated these sweaters. It's all I could find," Draco said.
Holding up the sweaters to show the rest of the group, they all saw the Christmas sweaters, from his mother, Ron had left behind. The sweaters from the last 3 Christmases were in Draco's arms and Leila couldn't help but chuckle. She knew Ron despised those sweaters, even though his mother poured her heart into them. He always complained about them, but Leila was quite fond of the few she had gotten. She remembered wearing hers last Christmas when she had stayed at the Burrow. She and Fred…
"Are you going to model them for us or are you going to put one on?" Harry hissed.
"I'm trying to figure out which one matches my eyes, Potter," Draco said sarcastically.
"Just put on a bloody sweater!" Harry grunted.
"C'mon Potter, you know this is an important decision," Draco smirked.
"Well, then let me help you," Harry growled.
Harry walked over to Draco and yanked one of the sweaters from his hands. He then shoved Draco's head through the hole for his head and walked away. Draco looked at Harry in somewhat surprise before he finished pulling the maroon sweater with an embroidered initial "R" over his head. He then slightly narrowed his eyes and set after Harry.
"Boys," Leila muttered.
Leila and Hermione walked over to the stove and began to brew a rather weak tea. Thankfully, by the time they had their tea brewed; Draco and Harry had settled down at the table and were surprisingly having a decent conversation about Quidditch. Leila walked over to the table and began to pour tea into mugs for the four of them. Harry and Draco continued their conversation as Leila took a seat beside the blonde boy.
"I was so bloody disappointed when the English National team lost to Luxemburg in the run-up match to the last World Cup," Draco groaned.
"At least Ireland brought it home for us," Harry added.
"Bulgaria only had one brilliant player: Krum," Draco chuckled.
"Thankfully it wasn't only a match for the Seekers, otherwise we would've lost," Harry said.
"Can we please not talk about him?" Hermione asked as she sat down beside Harry.
"Krum?" Draco questioned.
"He's a bit of a sore spot for Hermione," Leila answered.
"Leila," Hermione gasped.
"What? It's not like I explained your complicated relationship with him," Leila said rolling her eyes.
"Hermione, this is some really good tea," Harry said, attempting to change the subject.
"Thanks," Hermione blushed.
"What am I missing?" Draco whispered to Leila.
"Later," Leila whispered back.
Draco nodded his head and sipped his tea. The four teenagers tried to fill their afternoons with mindless activities: Hermione reread the copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard given to her by Dumbledore, Harry sat at the table fiddling with the locket very deep in thought, while Draco and Leila sat outside the tent in the crunchy leaves. Draco's arms enveloped Leila as she snuggled in closer to him.
"So, Granger and Krum?" Draco asked.
"You know they went to the Yule Ball together," Leila answered.
"I'd forgotten about it until now. My memories of that night don't exactly focus on Granger if you know what I mean," Draco whispered.
"I have no idea what you'd be referring to," Leila giggled.
"Let me remind you," Draco said huskily.
"But this time I'm far more willing," Leila grinned.
Leila turned her head around to meet Draco's lips. He kissed her tenderly which caused her to moan. He chuckled slightly as Leila turned around so she could fully face him. Her fingers entangled in his hair as he placed kisses on her neck. Greedily, Leila pulled Draco's lips back up to hers. Then the sound of crunching leaves and a mutter of "bloody hell" broke the couple apart. Leila placed one finger over Draco's lips, signaling him to be quiet. They both listened carefully, but it seemed as if the noise had vanished.
"Our minds are probably playing tricks on us," Draco muttered.
"Maybe," Leila said. "We probably shouldn't let ourselves get too distracted, just in case."
"You're probably right. You never finished the Granger and Krum thing," Draco said.
"Why, do you care?" Leila smirked.
"No, you've got me curious, that's all," Draco answered.
"It wouldn't be a bad thing if you did care," Leila said slowly.
"Leila, are you going to tell me or not?" Draco asked.
"Well, Ron's hated Krum since he found out that Hermione went to the Yule Ball with him. Then we saw Krum again at Bill and Fleur's wedding over the summer. I was with Fred for most of it, but I think Krum danced with Hermione; which only intensified Ron's hatred for Krum. So, I assume now with Ron gone, Krum only brings back bad memories for Hermione," Leila explained.
"But she seems so close to Potter," Draco argued.
"Hermione's always been a good friend to Harry," Leila said.
"Are you sure they're not more?" Draco asked.
"If you want to ask them, you're more than welcome to," Leila retorted.
"I'm sure as hell not going to ask," Draco scoffed.
"Ask what?" Harry asked as he stepped outside the tent.
"Nothing," Draco and Leila said in unison.
"Forget I even asked," Harry muttered.
Harry shook his head and leaned against a tree. He groaned as he kicked a pile of leaves. Leila stood up and walked over to her brother, while Draco still sat near the entrance to the tent.
"Harry, what's bothering you?" Leila asked.
"I wish I had a damn clue about where Dumbledore placed the sword," Harry groaned.
"There are other ways to destroy the you-know-what's," Leila said.
"And as you pointed out this summer, we don't have a handy supply of basilisk fangs," Harry responded.
"Fiendfyre is far too dangerous. There's got to be something else that we haven't thought of," Leila sighed.
"There isn't Leila. We need the sword," Harry groaned.
"You could probably find basilisk fangs at…" Draco began.
"Knockturn Alley is too dangerous," Harry interrupted.
"I was going to say abroad," Draco finished.
"We do know that he spent some time in Albania," Leila said.
"That just leaves us with more damn places to look," Harry muttered.
"What use is finding the you-know-what's if we can't destroy them?" Leila questioned.
"Are you ever going to let me in on the 'you-know-what's?'" Draco asked using air quotes.
"I need to think about it and we'll have to talk it over with Hermione before we make a decision like that," Harry said.
"Which one of us were you talking to?" Draco questioned.
"Both, I suppose," Harry shrugged.
"Harry, can you please go get some more water before it gets dark?" Hermione called from inside the tent.
"Yes, Hermione," Harry called back.
Harry nodded at his sister and Draco as he grabbed the pail sitting outside the tent with one hand and his wand drawn in the other. He took several steps on the new path they had created before he turned around.
"Leila, Malfoy, one of you can help Hermione with dinner and the other can come with me as back-up," Harry called.
"Right behind you, Potter," Draco quickly reacted.
"Not fair," Leila whined.
"Better luck next time," Draco whispered.
Draco kissed Leila on the cheek before following after Harry. Leila chuckled as Draco tripped over a root sticking out of the ground, which nearly caused him to tumble to the ground. Harry simply shook his head and continued walking as Draco muttered behind him as they walked into the sunset. Leila walked back inside the tent and walked over to help Hermione prepare the little food they had for dinner. When the boys finally returned, they had a fresh salad prepared of leaves and grasses. Harry poured dipperfuls of water into four cups before they began to eat their small meal. Draco looked at the meal prepared by Granger and Leila and his stomach lurched in repulsion, but he didn't say anything. He just reached for his fork and shoveled a bite of it into his mouth. The conversation was rather slow and quiet, until Hermione suddenly froze.
"Quiet!" Hermione shouted.
The group stood still for a few moments as they listened intently. It was almost as if they could hear the crunching of leaves from footsteps. Harry groaned and drew Draco's wand before walking outside the tent. Draco quickly walked over to Leila. He held out his hand for her to place something in it. Leila sighed and placed her wand in Draco's hand. He quickly kissed her cheek before heading out of the tent behind Harry. The girls waited in silence hoping they didn't hear signs of a struggle from Draco or Harry. Moments later, the boys walked back in. Draco had a smirk on his face while Harry wore a scowl.
"It was a bloody rabbit, Potter," Draco chuckled.
"I'd rather be safe than dead," Harry growled.
"I'm just saying that maybe this whole situation has put us all on edge," Draco added.
"Of course I'm on edge Malfoy!" Harry hissed.
"That's not the first time I've heard something outside," Hermione interrupted.
"Do you think Death Eaters or Snatchers have found us?" Leila asked.
"Doubtful, Leila and I heard something earlier. If it was them we'd be dead or captured by now," Draco responded.
"Well, the sun's down and we won't be able to see a thing. I think that we should leave first thing in the morning," Hermione suggested.
"Agreed," Leila said.
"So tomorrow morning, we'll pack up and leave," Harry finalized.
"I'll keep watch," Leila said standing up.
"I'll go with her," Draco added.
"Not until you're done with the dishes," Leila teased.
"You're not serious, are you?" Draco asked.
"I am. Wand please," Leila said.
Draco groaned and handed Leila back her wand before she pulled on several more layers and he began to clear off the table. Leila then walked outside with a book, her wand, an old cushion, and a blanket to keep watch. Draco looked around at the empty table and the dirty dishes in a corner. He looked out onto the common room of the tent to see Harry and Hermione talking quietly. He knew this was a new low point for him, but he had to do it.
"Oi, Potter," Draco called.
"What is it Malfoy?" Harry asked.
"Just come here," Draco hissed.
"Malfoy, it's your turn to do the dishes you're not getting out of it," Harry called back.
"Potter, just come here," Draco sneered.
Harry rolled his eyes before he stood up and walked over the dining area of the tent where Malfoy stood.
"What could you possibly need?" Harry grunted.
"I've never washed dishes before," Draco whispered.
"That's not going to make me feel sorry for you and do them for you," Harry scoffed.
"I didn't ask you do to them. I—I just need you to tell me how you wash them," Draco whispered again.
"You really don't know how to wash dishes?" Harry questioned.
"Do you really think I'd willingly subject myself to your judgment if I did?" Draco hissed.
Harry slightly turned his face away from Malfoy, but he couldn't contain his laughter.
"Go on, laugh then," Draco muttered.
"I'll tell you what you need to do," Harry coughed trying to withhold more laughter.
"I just want Leila to think I'm capable of something," Draco said.
"You can start by grabbing that empty pail in the corner, the rag on the table, and the soap. Then pour a bit of the fresh water into the pail," Harry said.
Draco did as Harry instructed. Harry attempted to stifle his laughter as Draco attempted to wash the dishes, but the ferret's face was far too comical not to watch. He sat at the table and watched until Draco was done washing. Harry grinned uncontrollably.
"Looks like you've finished. But if I was you, I would have asked for my wand back. It makes things much faster and easier," Harry chuckled.
"Arse," Draco muttered.
"At least you can feel like you've accomplished something with your life," Harry furthered.
"You get to put them away then," Draco responded.
Draco raised an eyebrow at Harry before walking out of the tent to keep watch with Leila. Leila's attention was engulfed in the book she was reading.
"Mind if I join you?" Draco asked.
"Have a seat," Leila smiled as she patted the cushion she was sitting on.
Draco sat down on the old cushion beside Leila and pressed a kiss against her forehead. Leila sighed and leaned her head against Draco's shoulder as he wrapped an arm around her waist. She exhaled a breath and could see her breath in the air. Draco copied Leila, which caused her to chuckle.
"I wish we could see the stars," Leila whispered.
"Just because you can't see them, doesn't mean that they're not there," Draco responded.
"I don't know that I've told you this, but I'm really glad you're here," Leila said.
"I want to be wherever you are," Draco said as he pressed another kiss against Leila's temple.
"Are you happy?" Leila asked.
"I haven't given it much thought," Draco shrugged.
"You'd tell me if you weren't, right?" Leila asked.
"I love you," Draco responded.
"That didn't answer my question," Leila said sternly.
"I already told you that I want to be wherever you are. While this isn't exactly easy or the life I'm used to, I'm with you and I can tell that this makes you happy," Draco answered.
"To think you spent all those years being an arrogant arse," Leila giggled.
"You never gave my arrogant arse a chance," Draco retorted.
"So you admit it!" Leila squealed.
"I should have known I was being cornered," Draco muttered.
"That's why I love you," Leila chuckled before she placed a kiss on Draco's cheek.
"Is that the only reason?" Draco smirked.
"Obviously," Leila said in her best Snape impression.
"You think that's funny do you?" Draco chuckled.
Draco's hands began to tickle Leila's sides. She squealed but instantly covered her mouth with her hands in attempts to stifle her laughing as Draco continued to torture her. Leila's legs flailed as she pushed her back onto Draco's chest. He only continued to tickle her but Leila's hand flailed and accidentally slapped Draco. Draco instantly stopped as Leila turned around to see if Draco was okay.
"You should know better than to tickle me," Leila chuckled.
"I didn't think you were going to slap me," Draco muttered.
"Here, let me kiss it better," Leila smirked.
"It's the least you could do," Draco agreed.
Leila grinned and placed her mittened hands on Draco's shoulders before pressing a kiss on his cheek.
"Better?" Leila asked.
"I might need another one," Draco said.
"Someone's a bit cheeky," Leila retorted.
"You're the one that offered," Draco shrugged.
"I suppose you're right," Leila whispered.
She pressed another kiss on Draco's cheek.
"I can see you!" Harry shouted from inside the tent.
"He's so annoying," Leila groaned.
"Yet you've never been happier to see him," Draco added.
"You know me so well," Leila said.
Draco pulled Leila close to him and she snuggled in to his chest once again. Without meaning to, she fell asleep on Draco's chest, leaving him to keep watch. About an hour later, Harry came outside and offered to switch places with them. Draco agreed and picked Leila up before he carried her inside to her bed. He laid her on the open bottom bunk which Granger wasn't occupying before he moved into the common room of the tent and sat down. He wasn't really tired so he picked up Granger's strewn copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard. His father had attempted to get the book banned at Hogwarts, so clearly the Manor had never had a copy of the book. For years he had been curious about the books contents so he began to read. The first story in the book was The Wizard and the Hopping Pot.
There was once a kindly old wizard who used his magic generously and wisely for the benefit of his neighbors. Rather than reveal the true source of his power, he pretended that his potions, charms, and antidotes sprang ready-made from the little cauldron he called his lucky cooking pot. From miles around, people came to him with their troubles, and the wizard was pleased to give his pot a stir, and put things right. This well-beloved wizard lived to a goodly age, then died, leaving all his chattels to his only son. This son was of a very different disposition to his gentle father…
Draco didn't read any further because he leaned his head back and fell asleep. Draco was awakened by a rustling noise coming from outside. He stood up and poked his head out the tent to find Potter nowhere in sight. He called for him, but got no response. He knew he had to go find him. Funny how things changed, for most of the time he had known him he'd much rather have him missing. Not that he was about to admit that he could tolerate Potter, but he knew he had to find him for Leila. Crossing the common room, he walked over to where Leila was sleeping and grabbed her wand before placing a kiss on her cheek.
"Draco," Leila sighed.
"Stay here, I'll be right back," Draco commanded.
"What's going on?" Leila asked.
"Please, just give me ten minutes," Draco responded.
"What aren't you telling me?" Leila asked.
"Promise me," Draco commanded.
"Fine, but I'm not exactly sure what I'm promising for," Leila groaned as she sat up in bed.
"Just keep Granger's wand on you," Draco said.
Leila reached across the space between the beds and grabbed Hermione's wand as Draco pressed one last kiss on her cheek before he headed outside. Draco pressed forward, following the freshest footprints in the snow. He only saw one set of footprints, meaning that Potter went off on his own. Draco listened carefully for any sign of Potter and heard some more rustling of leaves. He changed direction and walked closer to the sound with Leila's wand drawn.
"How have things been since…you know," a voice said.
"They've changed, you'll see," Potter's voice responded.
"Potter!" Draco called.
"Who is that?" the other voice asked.
"I think you'll have to see it to believe it," Harry answered. "Over here!"
The blonde boy walked forward until Potter's shape was fully visible behind a tree. Only, Potter wasn't alone, he was with…
"What the bloody hell is the Amazing-Bouncing Ferret doing here and why is he wearing my sweater?" Ron questioned.
"Remember how I said things have changed," Harry said slowly.
"So you gave him my sweater?" Ron asked.
"He wasn't exactly planning on coming with us…" Harry began.
"My mother made that sweater for me!" Ron continued.
"Is that all you're concerned about? The sweater?" Draco asked.
"It's mine," Ron said.
"Mate, you've always hated those sweaters," Harry added.
"Doesn't mean I want him wearing them. Wait a minute, you're all right with him being here? What if he's passing information to You-Know-Who?" Ron asked.
"I made an Unbreakable Vow, Weasley," Draco scoffed.
"I don't like your tone, Malfoy," Ron commented.
"Why don't we go find the girls and tell them the good news," Harry suggested.
"Girls?" Ron asked.
"You really think I'd be here without Leila?" Draco questioned.
"Leila, she'll be a sight for sore eyes," Ron grinned.
Draco muttered something obscene under his breath before the boys walked in silence back to the tent. When the tent was in sight, Harry began shouting for Hermione and Leila to come outside and meet them. Harry walked quickly back to the tent as Draco and Ron lagged behind. The girls quickly scrambled outside the tent to meet Harry.
"Is everything all right?" Hermione asked.
"Where's Draco?" Leila quickly asked.
"It's okay, everything's fine. Actually it's more than fine," Harry responded.
Harry took a step back to reveal Ron, who was carrying the Sword of Gryffindor, and Draco with Leila's wand in hand. Leila grinned and ran toward them. She enveloped Ron in a hug.
"Ron Weasley it's so good to see you," Leila squealed.
"Good to see you too," Ron chuckled.
"I've missed you," Leila grinned.
"You too," Ron said.
"All right, I've let you have your happy reunion," Draco commented.
Draco reached for Leila's arm and pulled her away from Ron, leaving him wide open to Hermione. Hermione took a few steps forward before abruptly stopping and crossing her arms across her chest. Ron looked at Hermione with a goofy grin on his face.
"Hey," Ron smiled.
With a determined look on her face, Hermione walked forward until she reached Ron. She pulled the rucksack from his back which caused the Sword of Gryffindor and the bag to fall to the leaves. She pushed him several times before she reached down and picked up a pile of leaves. She tossed them at his chest causing a few to fly to his face. He spluttered the leaves out of his mouth.
"You complete, ARSE, Ronald Weasley!" Hermione hissed.
With a wild look in her eyes, she grabbed his rucksack and began to smack him with it between every word she spoke.
"You show up here after weeks and you say 'hey'?" Hermione shouted.
She then turned toward Leila.
"I know you have my wand, where is it, Leila?" Hermione raged.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Leila said playing innocent as she stepped behind Draco.
"You give me my wand, Leila Potter and don't hide behind Malfoy," Hermione furthered.
"Granger," Draco said.
"Why does she have your wand?" Ron asked.
"Never mind why she's got my wand," Hermione seethed.
"Ron, what's that?" Leila asked Ron attempting to save herself from a raging Hermione.
"This?" Ron asked.
Ron dangled a tarnished-looking locket. Then Leila looked to the ground where the sword lay and put two and two together.
"You destroyed it!" Leila gasped.
"You destroyed it?" Hermione questioned. "And how is it that you happen to have the Sword of Gryffindor?"
Hermione looked around to Malfoy and Harry without looking at Ron.
"It's a long story," Harry answered.
"Don't ask me, I just found them," Draco said with his hands up in defense.
Hermione stood tall before Ron and glared at him.
"Don't think this changes anything," Hermione hissed.
With that, she turned on her heel and stomped away toward the tent.
"Of course not, I only just destroyed a bloody Horcrux! Why would that change anything?" Ron shouted.
"Horcruxes? Is that what you've been keeping from me?" Draco asked.
"Stay out of this Malfoy!" Hermione sneered.
"Look here, Hermione. I wanted to come back as soon as I left. I just didn't know how to find you," Ron snapped.
"Yeah, how did you find us?" Harry asked.
Ron then went through his emotional story about how the Deluminator given to him by Dumbledore didn't only put out lights. It allowed him to here Hermione's voice and then he followed a light which consumed him and led him to the Forest of Dean. Then he proceeded to talk about how he found Harry by the lake, diving into the frozen waters with the Horcrux around his neck. Apparently, the Sword of Gryffindor had been at the bottom of the frozen lake and Ron had jumped in to save Harry. Then Ron destroyed the Horcrux with the Sword of Gryffindor. After Ron's story was over, Hermione shrugged her shoulders and without a word walked back toward the tent.
"That went well," Draco scoffed.
"I think that was the best we could hope for," Harry added.
"Yeah, could've been far worse. Remember when she set those bloody birds on me?" Ron chuckled.
"I still haven't ruled it out!" Hermione called from the entrance to the tent.
"I think you should keep going with the ball of light story, it's a keeper," Draco laughed.
"Shut up, Malfoy," Ron retorted.
"I think I've got to go with Malfoy on this one, mate," Harry grinned.
"Well, it's the truth," Ron said shaking his head.
The boys unintentionally walked together in a group back toward the tent as Leila followed behind. With all these little things the world was finally starting to feel right again. Her hope was growing. She knew that there was still a long and hard road ahead of them, but the future seemed brighter. All because the four became five.