Chapter 38
Disclaimer: The Harry Potter world obviously belongs to JK Rowling and not me. Obviously.
… … … …
As Leila bounded down several more stairs, Harry followed after her and yanked at her arm causing her to almost fall down the stairs. Thankfully she braced herself against the wall before she turned to look at her brother in slight disgust.
"Leila, we need to talk to Mr. Ollivander," Harry said.
"Go on without me," Leila responded.
"We need you," Harry furthered.
"Let her go, Harry. If we desperately need her I'll go get her myself," Hermione said.
"But…" Harry began.
"She'll just be downstairs mate," Ron inserted.
"Fine," Harry sighed. "Just come up when you're done."
Leila grinned and hugged her brother tightly before she continued down the stairs. She practically pushed Luna over as she ran across the small living quarters where a very pale Draco lay. His eyes were open, but there was pain easily read in his eyes. She had assumed that by this point he would be looking a little more normal, but he still looked quite peaky. Despite his sickly appearance, Leila practically flung herself on top of him, which caused him to groan in pain. Leila quickly backed away with her hands over her mouth and her eyes wide.
"I'm so sorry," Leila gasped.
"Its fine," Draco muttered.
Draco slowly pushed himself into a sitting position, but he struggled doing so. Both of his arms were still injured and it caused him pain. Leila propped the pillow behind him so that he could sit up a little easier. He smiled at her, but his eyes had a glazed look to them. She ran her fingers through his tussled hair, which was back to his normal platinum color. She wanted so badly to kiss him, but she refrained from doing so with the audience in the room. Instead, Leila weaved her fingers through his and smiled at him, to which he responded with a weak smile.
"How are you feeling?" Leila asked.
"Like hell," Draco said groggily.
"It's probably the Skele-Gro," Leila suggested.
"Maybe," Draco groaned.
Draco leaned his head back against the pillows and tightly closed his eyes. Leila gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, but Draco only gritted his teeth.
"Draco?" Leila whispered.
Draco began to cough and his body convulsed with each cough. Blood or a mixture of something that looked like Uncle Vernon's coffee grounds began to project from Draco's mouth. Leila screamed as Bill and Fleur rushed over. Leila pulled at the sheet that was covering Draco, trying to mop up the blood. Draco was hoarsely trying to whisper the words "I love you" before he once again blacked out.
"I thought you said he was recovering," Leila cried.
"I healed what I could; but it looks like he's lost too much blood," Bill answered.
"So then get a Blood-replenishing potion," Leila stated.
"I gave zee last of eet to zee goblin," Fleur responded.
"What are we supposed to do then?" Leila asked. "This can't be happening."
"We'll just send for one," Bill said.
"He can't die now," Leila cried.
"Leila, calm down," Bill commanded.
"This is calm," Leila lied.
"Fleur, get Leila a Calming Draught," Bill said.
"No! I won't take another one of those bloody things!" Leila screamed.
Leila remembered when the Death Eaters at Hogwarts forced Calming Draughts down her throat. Now, when used on occasion there wasn't a problem with them; but they made Leila feel numb. She had enough of feeling numb for a lifetime. She wouldn't take one of those blasted things for as long as she could.
"Fine, but I'm going to alert Dad that we need some Blood-Replenishing Potion," Bill said.
"How are you going to do that?" Leila asked trying to appear calm.
Bill pulled a coin out of his pocket and winked. It looked exactly like the coin they had used fifth year for the DA. Leila looked at him in slight confusion, but Bill explained that some of the Order members took a play from Dumbledore's Army's playbook. Apparently, Arthur Weasley, who was also Shell Cottage's Secret Keeper had the other coin. So all Bill had to do was write his message on the coin and when he was done, Mr. Weasley's coin would burn in his pocket. As Bill sent the request for Blood-Replenishing Potion to his father, Leila remained at Draco's side. His breathing remained rather shallow which worried Leila, but it was only a few minutes until there was a knock at the door. Bill motioned for them all to stay back as he drew his wand.
"State who you are," Bill commanded.
"It is I, Arthur Weasley, your father, and I've…" Arthur began.
"What is your life's ambition?" Bill interrupted.
"To figure out how those aeroplanes stay up," Arthur mentioned.
Bill sighed and opened the door. He enveloped his father in a hug not even noticing the second visitor at the door. When Bill noticed the other visitor he put his hand over his mouth not sure what to say; but the other visitor walked right past him and into the house holding the Blood-Replenishing Potion.
"All right, who's the bloke that needs this?" Fred asked.
Leila gasped at the sight of Fred standing in the doorway and fell to the floor by Draco's bedside. It felt like she was hiding from Fred, which if she admitted it to herself, in a way, she was. Running away from the situation always seemed easier than actually dealing with it. But Fred must have already noticed her at Draco's bedside because for one in his life, he stood there unsure of what to say. After everything that had happened between the three of them and to all meet here under these circumstances just seemed almost too much to bear. Fleur waltzed over to where Fred stood motionless and took the bottle of Blood-Replenishing Potion from him before she walked over to Draco's bedside.
"Hold eez mouth open," Fleur told Leila.
Meekly, Leila reached for Draco's face and before she locked eyes with Fred. There was a pang in her heart, which she was sure also occurred in Fred's heart; but she opened Draco's mouth wide enough for Fleur to pour the Potion down his throat. Leila wiped away a dribble of the potion that dripped onto Draco's chin before she quickly pulled her hand back on to her lap. Arthur stood there staring between Fred and Leila, with his hands in his pockets. He was clearly trying to find a way to "diffuse the tension," as Fred would say.
"So, am I going to be a grandfather any time soon?" Arthur asked.
"What?" Fleur gasped.
"Dad," Bill groaned.
"Now Bill, when your mother and I were this far into our marriage…" Arthur began.
"Dad, please spare us the details," Bill grimaced.
Arthur shuffled on his feet and at just that moment, Hermione, Ron, and Harry came running down the stairs. They suddenly stopped when they noticed Fred and Mr. Weasley standing in the living room, while Leila cowered near Draco's bed.
"I think we missed something," Ron said.
"You think, Ron?" Harry muttered.
But before Ron could say anything, Mr. Weasley rushed and enveloped his youngest son in a hug. Mr. Weasley even pressed a kiss against his son's cheek, which caused Ron to scrunch his nose in slight disgust before he wiped it away.
"Dad," Ron groaned.
"Oh my boy, it's so good to see you alive. Your mother's nerves have been on edge since you left back in August. She'll be glad to hear you're alive," Mr. Weasley said.
"But I thought you went…" Hermione began.
"Not now, Hermione," Harry hissed.
"How about a cup of tea to catch-up over before Fred and I head back," Arthur suggested.
"Yes, yes, of course," Fleur answered.
Fleur walked into the kitchen still holding the Blood-Replenishing Potion. Bill followed after his wife and Ron and Arthur walked after them, with Arthur's arm swung around his son's shoulders. Harry watched the awkward situation between Fred and Leila. He was more than willingly to stay and watch it unfold, but Hermione yanked him by the arm toward the kitchen.
"Blimey, Hermione," Harry groaned.
That knocked Fred out of his reverie, because he slightly blushed before taking swift long strides into the kitchen. He met Hermione and Harry at the entrance to the kitchen and nodded a greeting to them before allowing them to enter the kitchen first. Seeing as Luna and Dean had once again escaped for the loft, Leila and Draco were left alone in the living room. Leila slouched on the floor. This was such an awkward situation. She was in the house with the boyfriend she never officially broke-up with and the fiancé that was forced upon her. Her heart loved them both, but like the eventual battle between Voldemort and Harry, so was the battle for her heart. Only one would win. How was it possible for one's heart to be so torn? Wasn't it supposed to be obvious? Sure, her heart told her that after everything Draco had done for her, she couldn't find anyone better. But when she saw Fred, something stirred within her. She wasn't sure it was what she knew as love, but there was something there.
Leila could hear the sounds of gentle laughter coming from the kitchen. It had been so long since she'd had a proper laugh. What with Draco constantly being in peril recently, she couldn't even remember the last time she genuinely felt happy. What was it going to take to make her happy? Whatever it was, she needed to know. She needed to know that what she once shared with Fred was over. And if she couldn't get that closure, she at least needed to tell him how sorry she was for everything. She was tired of carrying around that guilt. She stood up and placed a kiss on Draco's cool cheek before she walked across the room to the kitchen. Fred was sitting at the table beside Ron and Harry as Leila stood with her arms crossed, leaning against the doorframe. Fred instantly looked up and locked eyes with Leila. She inhaled deeply before speaking.
"Hey," Leila said meekly.
"Hey," Fred responded.
Neither Fred nor Leila seemed to notice the stares at them. They just continued their quiet conversation from across the kitchen.
"Erm—I could use a walk, but I probably shouldn't go out alone," Leila commented.
"I'll go with you," Fred offered.
"Thank you," Leila answered casting her gaze to the floor.
Fred stood up and walked with Leila to the door. He opened the door for her, which she gently thanked him for before she walked outside into the night. The smell of the salt water, the crashing of the waves, and the shining stars slightly overwhelmed her. It was so beautiful out. Too beautiful for what she was going to do. Shivers went down Leila's spine. Fred must have noticed her shivers because he took off his coat and placed it on Leila's shoulders. This didn't feel right. He shouldn't be so nice to her.
"Fred," Leila sighed. "I can't…"
"It's a jacket, not an engagement ring," Fred responded.
Leila cringed slightly and turned from Fred to face the water.
"Leila, I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to come out like that," Fred sighed.
"No, I deserve it. I deserve worse," Leila sniffled. "Please, just continue. I deserve to hear it."
"Well, I'm not going to say anymore about it," Fred responded.
"Stop being so nice to me," Leila groaned. "Just get it out. I know you have some choice words for me."
Fred reached out and touched Leila's shoulder which caused her to shudder. He sighed and looked up to the stars.
"Walk with me?" Fred asked.
"I told you not to be nice to me," Leila said.
"I'm not going to be mean to you; never could, never will," Fred said.
"I more than deserve it," Leila furthered.
"Did you ask Malfoy to kidnap you?" Fred asked.
"Of course not," Leila scoffed.
"Was it your idea to get engaged to Malfoy?" Fred questioned.
"No, it was part of You-Know-Who's plan to get Harry to come to him," Leila answered.
"Did you ask to be isolated at Hogwarts?" Fred continued.
"How do you know about that?" Leila asked.
"Answer the question," Fred said.
"No, it was part of the plan," Leila sighed.
"Then the only person I have to be angry at is You-Know-Who and I already think he's a dirty git," Fred responded. "And I know about that because Ginny kept me in the loop when you got back to Hogwarts."
"She wasn't as nice about it," Leila said.
"Not that I'm excusing what she did, but she was just trying to protect me. I'll admit when I first heard the news about you and Malfoy I was heartbroken," Fred said.
"I never wanted that to happen," Leila explained.
"Well after some time I realized the same thing. I tried to convince Ginny, but you know how she is," Fred said.
"Yeah and it's definitely no fun to be on the receiving end of things," Leila responded.
Leila and Fred walked until they reached the waves coming up onto the beach. Leila removed her shoes and socks and rolled her jeans up a little. She stared out into the expansive water and shuddered. Vast bodies of water still definitely weren't her thing. Fred walked up behind her and picked up a shell from the beach and threw it as far as he could into the water. Leila couldn't bring herself to look at him. Even though things were still slightly awkward, they seemed simpler.
"It seems funny," Leila began.
"What is?" Fred asked.
"My fear of the water," Leila sighed.
"Everyone has something they're scared of," Fred responded.
"Well, it's not my biggest fear anymore," Leila said.
"And what is?" Fred asked.
"Choosing wrong," Leila whispered.
"Well, I've heard to follow your heart," Fred shrugged.
"And if you're not sure what your heart is telling you?" Leila asked.
"I can't answer that for you," Fred responded shoving his hands in his pockets.
"No, I suppose you can't," Leila sighed.
"But I would think whatever decision it is you're making, I'm sure you don't have to choose right this moment," Fred furthered.
"And if I think I've already made my decision?" Leila asked.
"Then, I will trust that you've made the right one. You're usually pretty good at choosing what is right," Fred said.
Leila turned to face Fred. She watched as he tossed another shell into the water. She reached and grabbed his arm until he turned to face her. By this point she had tears running down her face.
"Thank you," Leila sniffled.
"I'll always care for you, Leila," Fred responded.
"You shouldn't," Leila muttered.
"Can't help it," Fred shrugged.
"You're a good guy, Fred," Leila said.
"So, I've been told," Fred joked.
"Way to ruin a moment," Leila chuckled as she gently smacked Fred's arm.
Fred laughed but then silence overtook them. For a moment they looked at each other in the moonlight before Fred leaned forward and placed a kiss on Leila's cheek. Somewhat of a parting gift. Even though she hadn't officially chosen, she knew that this was a sort of parting of ways.
"Now, we should probably get back inside before Ron thinks we've killed each other," Fred teased.
Leila giggled before following Fred back to the small cottage. Before he opened the door, Leila handed him back his jacket. Then they walked back inside together laughing over a joke Fred had just told. They found Mr. Weasley asleep on the living room loveseat, Harry, Hermione, and Ron talking at the kitchen table, Bill and Fleur washing dishes in the kitchen, and Draco was still asleep on the bed in the living room.
"Fred, Dad fell asleep while you were out. So I think you both should just spend the night and head out in the morning," Bill suggested.
"No need to tell me twice," Fred grinned.
"Good, I already let Mum know," Bill laughed.
The girls: Leila, Hermione, and Luna headed upstairs to the loft for the night. Harry, Ron, Dean, and Fred were confined to the living room where Draco was snoring loudly. Mr. Weasley was still on the loveseat, when the boys began to spread the blankets and pillows on the floor.
"Save his life and this is how he repays us?" Ron groaned.
"You'd be snoring too if you were in his position," Fred responded.
"Since when have you defended Draco?" Ron asked.
"Could ask you the same thing, Ronnie-kins," Fred said.
"As thrilling as I'm sure this conversation is going to be, can you two please shut it so we can get some sleep?" Harry groaned.
The boys settled on the floor and one by one they fell asleep. Well, everyone but Fred. Fred lay awake on the floor staring out at the night sky. He had taken the high road with the Leila thing. Merlin, he loved that girl, but he also knew that her heart was guarded by the bloke still snoring on the bed. Fred was almost asleep when he heard rustling coming from Draco's bed.
"Leila," Draco said hoarsely. "Leila, Leila."
"She's in the loft sleeping, mate," Fred responded.
"Who was that?" Draco asked.
Fred groaned and moved to sit in the armchair beside Draco's bed. When Draco realized that it was Fred beside him, his eyes widened.
"When did you get here?" Draco asked.
"Brought you that Blood-Replenishing Potion," Fred responded.
"Oh—erm—thanks for that," Draco muttered.
"Couldn't exactly let you die, now could I?' Fred asked.
"I'm sure you could have," Draco furthered.
"In my defense, I didn't know it was for you," Fred began. "But even if I did know it was you, I wouldn't hurt Leila like that."
"No, you wouldn't. You wouldn't hurt her like the many times I've hurt her," Draco sighed.
"We all have our mistakes," Fred said. "But you probably want some water don't you?"
Attempting to avoid a further conversation about Leila with Malfoy, Fred quickly escaped to the kitchen to fetch Draco a cup of water. Fred leaned over the sink slightly shaking. He had more than a few choice words he would like nothing more than to share with Malfoy, but for Leila's sake he would refrain. Besides, Malfoy probably was only following Voldemort's orders trying to save his life. When he knew he was in control of his emotions, he walked back to Draco who was sitting up in bed in the moonlit room. Fred handed Draco the cup and moved back to where he had been attempting to sleep.
"You always were the better man," Draco stated.
"Seeing as the people here can actually stand you, I'm sure there's something about you that isn't so bad," Fred muttered.
"She loves you, you know," Draco said. "Leila, she loves you."
"Yeah, but she never really had all her heart to give," Fred replied.
"I never thought she'd actually give me the time of day," Draco chuckled.
"Something we have in common," Fred said.
"That and we both love her," Draco commented.
Fred didn't respond. Instead, he flipped his pillow over to the colder side and tried to bury his head in it. In only a few minutes Fred was asleep. When morning finally arrived, Fred awoke to Leila tip-toeing down the stairs. He looked at her and thought she looked just like an angel; but she wasn't looking at him. He knew who her eyes were focused on.
"Morning, beautiful," Draco said.
"Draco," Leila gasped.
The patter of Leila's bare feet running across the wood floors echoed through the room. But before she flung herself at Draco, Leila came to a halt and gently sat down beside Draco on his bed.
"Can't take any more chances," Leila whispered.
"I'm feeling much better," Draco responded.
"Are you sure? No more hidden injuries?" Leila asked.
"Well, my chest and arm are still sore from the knife wounds, but other than that," Draco shrugged.
"Do they hurt badly?" Leila asked.
"That's why she inflicted them, so that they would hurt," Draco said.
"And scar you," Leila sighed.
With his hand that had new bones in the wrist, he absently rubbed at the gauze which covered the Blood Traitor wound.
"I'm so sorry that happened to you," Leila said with tears in her eyes.
"It's not your fault, Leila," Draco responded confusedly.
"No, but I should have distracted her," Leila groaned.
"Then she would have gone after you," Draco said.
"I just froze. I didn't know what to do," Leila furthered.
"It's in the past. We're alive and we're safe. Let's focus on that," Draco said.
Draco placed his hand under Leila's chin and lifted it up.
"Please?" Draco asked.
"All right," Leila sniffled. "I was just so scared I was going to lose you."
"But you didn't," Draco furthered.
"What if I did?" Leila asked.
"You have other people who love you. I'm sure it would take some time, but you'd be just fine," Draco said.
Draco's eyes wandered over to where Fred lay. He knew that the Weasley twin was awake, so he would refrain from any displays of affection. But there wouldn't have been any time for that anyway because the living room soon began to fill with waking people: Bill, Fleur, Mr. Weasley, Hermione, Luna, Dean, Harry, and Ron. The only one who remained "asleep" was Fred. Fleur cooked breakfast for them all, including Mr. Ollivander and Griphook.
When they were finished, it was time for Mr. Weasley and Fred to leave. They didn't want to keep Mrs. Weasley worrying. They all said their goodbyes and just when they were about to head out the door, Draco called out to Fred. Fred turned around to find a weak Draco hobbling out of bed. Fred took a step toward Draco who thrust his hand forward. Fred eyed Draco's hand for a moment before he shook the Slytherin's hand.
"Take care of her," Fred whispered for only Draco to hear.
"I will," Draco responded.
Fred released Draco's hand and nodded his head once more before disappearing outside with his father. Leila walked over to Draco and helped him back to the bed. She acted as a crutch for him as he hobbled back to the bed.
"What was that about?" Leila asked.
"We just had a certain understanding," Draco shrugged.
"About?" Leila asked.
Draco placed a kiss on Leila's temple. Leila was going to repeat her question once more, but Harry, Ron, and Hermione walked over to them. They all sat on the bed and Harry motioned for them to draw closer. Bill was talking with Dean, while Luna was annoying Fleur in the kitchen, so they had to make sure they spoke in low voices.
"We need to meet with the goblin again," Harry said in a low voice.
"What are you doing with the goblin?" Draco asked.
"Not here. Not in front of everyone," Harry responded.
"Draco should probably rest some more," Hermione suggested.
"Then, I'm going to stay with him," Leila said.
"Are you sure?" Ron asked.
"Yeah, you'll just have two people to fill in then," Leila said.
Harry nodded his head before he, Hermione, and Ron headed upstairs to talk with Griphook once again. Draco leaned back against the pillows and patted the bed at his side for Leila to join him. With a wicked grin on her face, she crawled over to him and gently cuddled close to him. She was careful not to rest her head on the bandaging, but all the same, if felt good to be so close to Draco again.
"Am I hurting you?" Leila asked.
"Do you really think I'd tell you if you were?" Draco chuckled.
"Draco, I'm serious," Leila groaned.
"So am I," Draco responded.
"Jerk," Leila muttered.
"After everything, you're still name-calling?" Draco teased.
"For Merlin's sake, I'm just joking," Leila said rolling her eyes.
"I know sweetheart; I was just teasing you," Draco said.
He kissed Leila's temple once more before she awkwardly shifted to face him.
"I don't know if you heard me when you were out; but you were so brave," Leila said.
"I did what I had to," Draco shrugged.
"No, you didn't have to. You easily could have gone back to them," Leila responded.
"I could never go back to that," Draco shuttered.
"I believe you. Something I almost thought would never be possible," Leila replied.
"What that you could trust me?" Draco questioned.
"No," Leila chuckled. "The fact that you would choose us over them."
"It shouldn't have been that hard of a decision for me to make," Draco sighed.
"You were in a difficult position, no one blames you," Leila said.
"I do," Draco groaned.
"You're too hard on yourself," Leila said.
"I love you for being so nice to me," Draco murmured against the top of Leila's head.
"As much as I'd love to be all mushy with you; you need to get your rest," Leila giggled.
"If I must," Draco sighed.
"You must," Leila grinned.
Leila pressed a kiss against Draco's temple, careful not to brush against his cheek which was still tender from where his father had marked him.
"Now sleep. I'm not going anywhere," Leila commanded.
Draco chuckled before he rested his head back on the pillows and snuggled down into them. He closed his eyes and Leila couldn't take her eyes off him. She thought he never looked more handsome even with the battle scars still on his face. They would eventually fade, but Leila somewhat understood Fleur's stronger attraction to Bill. She shook her head and her thoughts and looked into the other room. Bill was sitting at the table reading the paper, while Fleur was busy cleaning her kitchen. Leila's heart hoped that she and Draco could make it to be like that someday. Key word being: someday. She wasn't ready for that a few months ago and she certainly wasn't ready for it now; but definitely someday. Leila didn't know how long she had been daydreaming, but her thoughts were interrupted.
"I can't sleep," Draco groaned.
"You haven't even tried," Leila chuckled.
"Well, I can't," Draco mumbled.
"Then what do you want to do, go upstairs with the others?" Leila asked.
"Not particularly," Draco responded.
"Then what?" Leila questioned.
"I—I—I'd like to see Dobby," Draco stumbled.
"Are you sure you're up to it?" Leila asked.
"Please?" Draco asked.
"I knew there was going to be repercussions for teaching you that word," Leila groaned.
"So you'll go with me then?" Draco questioned.
"Fine," Leila sighed.
Leila carefully backed away from Draco as he pulled himself into a sitting position. She scurried to the side of the bed to help him onto his feet. Once on his feet, Draco wrapped his arm around Leila and used her as a crutch. Luna must have overheard their conversation, that or she was incredibly brilliant, because she gleefully opened the door for them. Draco thanked their eccentric friend as they walked out into the sunshine.
"Fresh air," Draco muttered.
Leila kept her arm wrapped around Draco's midsection as they slowly walked in the direction of where Harry told her he had buried Dobby. She herself hadn't been out to see Dobby's grave yet. Such a brave house elf and true friend; but Leila couldn't even begin to imagine the emotions running through Draco. She only hoped that he would open up, even if it was just a little bit, rather than completely shut himself off as he normally would. They walked up the sandy hill and found Dobby's grave overlooking the breathtaking view. Draco fell to his knees in front of Dobby's grave. For a few minutes they didn't speak. The only sounds heard were the wind rusting through the tall grass and Draco's sniffles. Leila's heart ached for him, so she too dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around him. Draco rested his head on Leila's shoulder. She kissed his windblown hair.
"I was awful to him," Draco whispered.
"You didn't know any better," Leila responded.
"Don't make excuses for me, please," Draco said. "But despite everything, he was still my favorite elf."
"Really, why?" Leila asked. "I mean, he wasn't exactly one for following orders."
"But he always was able to make me laugh," Draco chuckled.
"You laughed as a child?" Leila teased.
"Believe it or not," Draco said. "This one time Dobby brought my breakfast to my room. Only knowing Dobby, he always made an entrance. Well, his grand entrance caused my breakfast to splatter all over him. Mother walked in and was furious, but I couldn't help but laugh at him."
"Sounds like Dobby," Leila grinned.
"I was mad when he left. Mad at him, mad at your brother…" Draco began.
"I actually gave Harry the idea, so really, you should have been mad at me," Leila interrupted.
"I'm not mad anymore. We were terrible to him. And when we saw him all those times in the Hogwarts kitchen, well I just didn't know how to act around him. He died probably thinking I still hated him," Draco sniffled.
"I don't think so. He knew what you did for us. Besides, he helped bring you to safety," Leila reminded him.
"How did you meet Dobby?" Draco asked suddenly.
"It was the summer before second year. He tried to stop Harry and I from going back to Hogwarts. He took all our mail to make it look like everyone had forgotten about us," Leila began.
"Why would he do that?" Draco asked.
"Because second year was the year that was planned for the Ch…" Leila said.
"Chamber of Secrets to be reopened, I remember. Thanks to my blasted father," Draco groaned.
"It turned out for the good. We destroyed a Horcrux then, even if we didn't know what it was at the time," Leila responded. "But back to my story. Harry and I found Dobby jumping on our bunk bed and sliding down its posts. He was being such a pest, but the thing was, Harry and I were supposed to be quiet. Well, needless to say, with Dobby things didn't exactly go as planned."
"He always was a strange elf. He had a good heart, but was definitely a strange elf," Draco commented.
"That sums Dobby up nicely," Leila chuckled.
Draco wiped away the last tear that dripped down his cheek with his good arm. Leila looked at Draco and grinned before she carefully removed her shoe and pulled off her sock.
"What the bloody hell are you doing?" Draco asked.
"You'll see," Leila grinned.
Leila then pulled her wand out of the back of the pocket and aimed it at the sock. She transfigured her sock into a bouquet of dandelions. Leila grinned at her handiwork before taking the scent in. She then placed the small bouquet on Dobby's grave and patted the dirt beside it.
"I thought dandelions were weeds," Draco commented.
"Dobby would appreciate the sentiment," Leila responded.
"Why?" Draco asked.
"He bought me a bouquet of Dandelions when I was in the hospital after Harry and I won the Triwizard Tournament. As far as the sock goes, I think you get it," Leila explained.
"Sometimes I think you're just as odd as he was," Draco said shaking his head.
"See where that kind of talking gets you, mister," Leila teased.
"And where is it going to get me?" Draco asked.
"Nowhere," Leila retorted.
Draco inched his face closer to Leila's so that their lips were mere centimeters apart while their eyes were locked on each others.
"Are you sure?" Draco whispered.
"Uh-huh," Leila said, not sounding too sure of herself.
Draco chuckled huskily before he hungrily placed his lips on Leila's. Leila could feel her cheeks flame from his kiss, but she had waited so long for intimacy like this with him. Her thoughts seemed to leave her mind as she pulled herself onto Draco's lap.
"Oi, there you lovebirds are," Ron shouted.
Leila and Draco instantly broke apart. Draco grinned at Leila, while she blushed and looked anywhere but at Draco. Ron, Hermione, and Harry finished climbing the sandy hill. From what she could tell, Harry hadn't seen the previous scene between her and Draco; but Ron grinned and shook his head at them.
"So how was the goblin?" Draco asked trying to initiate the conversation on something that wasn't about what had just happened.
"Yeah, about him; we need to talk," Harry responded.