Chapter 46
Disclaimer: The Harry Potter world obviously belongs to JK Rowling and not me. Obviously.
REVIEW PLEASE! :D or else...lol
… … … …
Leila chased after her brother out of the Great Hall. She needed to tell him about the Second Prophecy. She had been avoiding telling him about it for months now; but seeing as it looked like the timing was inevitable, she should be the one to tell him before Voldemort got around to it. She stopped for a moment to catch her breath when spotted her brother running up the Grand Staircase, skipping every other step. Leila groaned, while her brother wasn't exactly what one would call "tall;" he still had several inches on her giving him a much longer stride. She moved to start running again when her body rammed roughly into one far sturdier than her own. She fell to the floor with a thump. She looked up to find Percy Weasley already reaching down to help her up.
"Sorry 'bout that Leila," Percy said.
Leila didn't verbalize a response. Instead, she just looked up at him rather reluctantly before she accepted his hand to help her up. When Leila was standing once again, she wiped the dirt off her bottom, wanting to walk away from Percy Weasley, but he engaged her in conversation again. The last time she had seen him, he had been a downright prat; but it might have had to do something with her, George, Fred, Ginny, and Ron flinging mashed turnips at him. But Percy had always been a pompous, arrogant arse, to put it nicely.
"Where is everyone?" Percy asked.
"Getting ready to fight," Leila said coldly.
"That's why I'm here too," Percy rushed.
"Won't that ruin your precious Ministry job?" Leila hissed.
"It could; but that's not what's important," Percy stated.
"And what is?" Leila questioned.
"My family," Percy said.
"Didn't seem to be too high on your priorities last time I saw you. Your mother cried for…" Leila began.
"Things change, people change. Please, just believe me when I say that I've straightened out my priorities," Percy practically begged.
"I'm not the one you have to convince; but I swear to Merlin, if you hurt any of them again…" Leila began again.
"I won't. Now where is everyone?" Percy asked once more.
"Most of them are in the Great Hall, last I saw; but speaking of family, I need to go find what's left of mine while I still can," Leila said.
Percy looked at Leila confusedly, but she didn't have time to explain things to him. The only person she needed to do some explaining to was Harry. What if he got angry with her because she had kept this from him? For months she had kept this from him. It probably should have been one of the first things she should have told him back in December when they were reunited; but how exactly does one tell her brother that she is going to be the one to hand him over to Voldemort? There wasn't a guide written on how to break news like this. Part of her still wished she didn't have to tell her brother; but despite how much it terrified her to tell him, it was the right thing to do. She was just going to have to use all the bravery inside her to break this news to him; but knowing her brother, his reaction to things was almost predictable. Harry was going act irrationally about this. Either he was going to get downright angry right away and fly off the handle or he was going to say something stupid and then stew over it. Leila just hoped that for once her brother wouldn't act like her brother and everything would turn out all right.
Leila was almost to the top of one of the many staircases when she saw Hermione and Ron stop Harry. She was thankful that she probably wouldn't have to run much farther. She was already practically panting for breath. You'd think that for being on the run for months that she'd be in better shape; but clearly that was not the case. When Leila finally came upon her brother and friends, she threw one arm around Hermione and another around Ron, separating them, allowing her to catch her breath. Hermione, Ron, and Harry all gave her odd looks as if she was interrupting something important.
"Sorry, what'd I miss," Leila panted.
Ron looked at her before he turned back to Harry.
"You destroyed Tom Riddle's Diary with the Basilisk fang, right?" Ron began.
"Hey, I'm the one who stabbed it," Leila said.
"Because I forced your hand. I told you to stab the thing; but you wouldn't. I literally took hold of your hand and…" Harry added.
"I was twelve, I panicked. People don't always make the best decisions when they're scared of what the outcome may be," Leila stated.
Only, Leila was referring more to the pressing issue at hand rather than back to that dreaded event in the Chamber of Secrets. Hermione gave her a knowing look; but Ron seemed to be completely oblivious to what Leila was trying to say. He was not to be distracted from his pressing issue.
"All right, so you both destroyed the thing. That fact doesn't change the fact that Hermione and I think we might know where we can find some," Ron said.
"Sluggie might have a stash," Leila suggested.
"Not exactly what I—erm, we had in mind," Ron said. "But like I said, we think we know where we might find some."
"Okay," Harry responded.
"You're not even going to question where?" Leila asked. "Who are you and what have you done with Harry Potter?"
"Honestly, right now I don't really care. We need something to destroy them. I'll take any chance we get," Harry said.
Harry reached in his back pocket and pulled out the Marauder's Map. He pressed it into Ron's hands stating that they'd be able to find him when they got back. Ron nodded his head as he reached around Leila for Hermione's arm. Leila watched as they took off back down the stairs. When she turned back toward her brother, he was already beginning his sprint back up the stairs.
"Not again," Leila muttered.
Leila began to go up the stairs.
"Harry where are you going?" Leila called.
Harry turned his head around toward his sister as he continued to ascend the staircase. Leila too continued to climb, trying not to lose her brother in the chaos of students running up and down the staircase.
"Ravenclaw common room; there's got to be something we missed," Harry shouted.
"It can wait for a moment," Leila called back.
Harry stopped for a moment and waited for his sister.
"What could possibly be more important than trying to solve how we're supposed to kill Voldemort?" Harry questioned.
"A prophecy…" Leila began.
"Leila, I already know about that bloody prophecy that says 'neither can live while the other survives.' It's nothing for you to fret over," Harry groaned.
"I'm not fretting about that one," Leila said hesitantly.
"Then what the bloody hell are you talking about?" Harry asked.
Leila caught a sob in her throat. She clutched at it as the tears began to well in her eyes. She had to tell him. She could easily play this off as if it were nothing. She could pretend that Harry had originally be right; but like Dumbledore had once said that one must choose between what is right and what is easy. Leila would admit that prior until this past year, she had normally done things the easy way. Now wasn't the time for reverting back to that nasty habit. Now was the time for her to do what was right, whether it felt like the right thing or not.
"Harry, there's a second prophecy," Leila sniffled. "A prophecy about me."
"What?" Harry asked incredulously.
"There's a second prophecy concerning me and you and Voldemort," Leila whispered.
"How do you know? Are you sure? I thought we smashed all the prophecies," Harry questioned.
"They were; but Trelawney made a second prophecy," Leila said.
"When?" Harry questioned.
"I—I don't know. I only know that she told it to Snape and if those two were in the same place intentionally, it would have been after he started at Hogwarts," Leila said.
Tears trickled down Leila's cheeks as Harry ran his fingers through his already messy hair. Leila suddenly wrapped her arms around her brother's neck and softly cried into his jacket. He gently pushed her away giving her a looking demanding to know what the hell was going on.
"Well, are you going to tell me what the thing said or not?" Harry questioned.
Leila took a moment to try and compose herself. She knew that the tears weren't going to stop anytime soon, so she just took in several deep breaths before she was to recite the prophecy she had memorized so long ago. The words of her destiny seared into her mind permanently. Snape's drawl ringing through her head. Voldemort's knowledge of something about her before she knew ran through her body. The fact that Dumbledore had kept this from not only her; but her brother plagued her. She was already this far…she had to continue. She took one more deep breath and with tearful eyes looked into her brother's matching eyes.
"A girl born as the seventh month waned/ A sister, closest with the Chosen One through all his pain/ With her the Dark Lord will seek to gain/ To win the fight, no matter whose blood be stained/ The girl will fight but it will be in vain/ For she will deliver the Chosen One unrestrained/ Right into the hands of he whose existence is his bane."
Harry looked at his sister for a moment that seemed like an eternity. He didn't even blink. Inside, Leila cringed. How was he going to react to this? Then without even saying anything, Harry turned around and continued to run up the stairs.
"Really?" Leila muttered.
Leila once again took off in a sprint after her brother. Normally, he at least said something. Yet this time, he just took off in the opposite direction. It wasn't like her brother to remain silent about something. Damnit, he was a Gryffindor, a house that was well-known for acting without fully thinking things through first.
"Harry, where are you going?" Leila called.
"You know where I'm going," Harry called back
"Did you hear what I just told you?" Leila called.
"Couldn't exactly miss it," Harry retorted.
"Harry, we need to talk about this!" Leila shouted.
"I have other things I need to do than deal with this," Harry said.
"Harry!" Leila groaned.
"Leila, I don't have time for this right now!" Harry shouted. "Just stay out of trouble."
Leila stopped where she was at and her heart sank. Was this really what it was coming to? He was going to avoid her? After the months of saying how he wasn't going to take the chance of losing her again, here he was running away from her.
"Harry, I'm sorry!" Leila cried tearfully.
The students running seemed to stop and intently watch the Potter twins. Harry too stopped and attempted to mask his emotions while looking to his sister.
"I know," Harry said.
Harry then turned around yet again and continued his journey back to the Ravenclaw common room. The students whispered amongst themselves about the exchange they just witnessed as Leila hung her head in defeat. She roughly wiped away the tears from her eyes as she headed back down the stairs. Ron and Hermione were gone to who knows where to get their hands on Basilisk fangs; Harry was on a mission that he didn't want her for, that left….Draco. Oh Merlin! She had completely forgotten about him. She had been so consumed with telling Harry about the Second Prophecy, that she had simply left him. She was probably the worst person ever. Most of the people down there probably hated Draco; despite how bravely he had acted defending her and Harry in front of the people he used to call his close friends.
Leila went a little faster down the stairs wanting to find Draco and make sure he hadn't been sent to the dungeons or anything rash like that. She was almost down the final staircase when she spotted Daphne and Astoria. Daphne was talking to Neville when Astoria called after her once. Daphne groaned as she looked to her sister. Neville simply nodded his head and walked over to Seamus who was talking with Professor McGonagall at the entrance to the Great Hall. Daphne attempted to walk closer to her sister, but there was still plenty of chaos from all the students and Order members walking through the space. Leila stopped on the stairs to watch the scene.
"Daphne," Astoria called.
"Astoria," Daphne called back.
The sisters were finally reunited when Daphne grabbed her sister's arm of her robe and led her to the staircase.
"Astoria, you need to get out of the castle," Daphne said firmly.
"What about you?" Astoria asked.
"I'm going to stay," Daphne said.
"You can't," Astoria said stubbornly.
"I'm seventeen, you can't stop me," Daphne said.
"What will Mother say?" Astoria shrilled.
"There are those moments in life when you have to stop living in your parent's shadow and this is one of those moments," Daphne explained.
"Why are you doing this?" Astoria cried.
"I couldn't live with myself if I didn't," Daphne said.
"Which side are you fighting for?" Astoria questioned.
"The right one. Now go, Astoria. Do exactly as they tell you and stay safe," Daphne said.
Astoria looked like she was going to start up the stairs when she suddenly threw her arms around her sister. Daphne returned the hug.
"I love you," Astoria said.
"I love you too, Astoria," Daphne responded.
"Don't do anything stupid," Astoria sniffled.
Daphne pressed a gentle kiss against her sister's cheek before she pushed her toward the stairs.
"Go," Daphne commanded.
Astoria wiped away her tears before she began running up the stairs. The younger Slytherin spotted Leila and stopped right beside her. The younger girl's eyes were flitting between the wall and Leila; but eventually, they focused on Leila.
"I know you've never exactly liked me," Astoria said.
"That's an understatement," Leila scoffed.
"But I want you to know, not that it matters to you; I'm on whatever side my sister is on. You may be her best friend, but she's mine," Astoria explained.
Leila didn't even get a chance to respond to Astoria's statement because the younger girl quickly flew up the stairs. And there was no way in hell she was running up the stairs again unless she had to. Astoria had said her bit and that was all that was needed. Leila briefly glimpsed back at Astoria before she ran down the stairs to Daphne. Daphne threw her arms around Leila. Daphne began to shake uncontrollably.
"I'm scared," Daphne whispered.
"We all are," Leila whispered back.
Daphne backed away with her eyes shining.
"But this is the right thing to do. You were right. I've made my choice and this is it," Daphne said. "So what do we do now?"
"You can help me find Draco," Leila said. "That shouldn't be too dangerous; or at least I hope it isn't."
"You don't know where he is?" Daphne asked.
"I ran after my brother without him," Leila responded.
"Then where's your brother?" Daphne questioned.
"Long story," Leila sighed.
"So which one are we looking for then?" Daphne questioned.
"Draco, Harry needs his space right now," Leila sighed.
"That doesn't sound good…" Daphne began.
Thankfully, at just that moment, Draco came out of a passage that eventually led to the roof. He looked extremely focused, but Leila interrupted his path.
"Where have you been?" Leila asked.
"I could ask you the same; but I won't," Draco responded.
"I'm sorry..." Leila began.
"Hold that thought," Draco said.
Draco placed his hands on Leila's shoulders and gently pushed her out of the way. He practically ran over to Professor McGonagall. Leila looked to Daphne confusedly before they followed Draco. Draco approached Professor McGonagall, who didn't appear shocked at all to be talking strategy with Draco; unlike Leila and Daphne who wore their shock on their faces.
"From what we've surveyed, we're going to need some reinforcements at the Covered Bridge and the Viaduct," Draco stated.
"I can imagine that we would, Mr. Malfoy," Professor McGonagall said.
"You don't understand, there's already groups steadily growing in the valleys just beyond both bridges," Draco said.
"About how many?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"Hard to tell; but the group outside the Covered Bridge looked to be comprised mainly of Snatchers and I think you and I both know there's too many of them, as dim as they may be," Draco said.
"How many wands do you think it'll take?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"More than we can afford to pull from other defenses. I saw Professors Sprout and Flitwick already beginning some defenses near the Viaduct; making the covered bridge out weakest point," Draco said.
"That is quite the predicament," Professor McGonagall said with pursed lips.
"If you don't mind Professor, I have an idea. It's mental, but I think it might work," Draco said.
"Spit it out, Mr. Malfoy," Professor McGonagall scoffed.
"Take it down; take the covered bridge down," Draco said.
"That bridge has been here since before…" Professor McGonagall began.
"I understand that it sounds completely nutter; but they're going to attack us whether something is historically significant or not. We need to take it out," Draco furthered.
"But won't they just be able to fly across?" Seamus questioned.
"That brings up the even more mental part; we wait until they're on it before we bring it down," Draco said.
"They're already setting up defenses so no one can get through," Seamus argued.
"They won't last forever, Mr. Finnigan," Professor McGonagall said.
"Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick wanted me to ask you to help with the protections for the Viaduct," Terry Boot said.
Professor McGonagall curtly nodded as Terry Boot ran back out the front entrance. Professor McGonagall then looked to Draco and then to Neville and Seamus.
"Mr. Malfoy's right, we need to be able to take it down. This is a battle, not a time to play nice. Mr. Longbottom, Mr. Finnigan, I trust I can leave you in charge to destroy a bridge?" Professor McGonagall said. "Mr. Malfoy, if you'd come this way for a moment, I think we could use some of your expertise."
Seamus grinned as Neville looked to him with a slight look of shock on his face. Professor McGonagall then started for the front entrance. Neville, Seamus, Draco, Leila, and Daphne followed after her. Seamus had done a complete 180 on the bridge scenario, now that he had Professor McGonagall's blessing. Leila was shocked to see that he even shook Draco's hand and congratulate him on the idea. Funny how only moments before, Seamus had been doubting Draco. But then again, Finnigan always was the last one to get on the band wagon so to speak. Leila's heart filled with pride seeing Draco like this. Given the proper chance, he really was a clever and cunning person. He just needed a proper shove in the right direction. Neville on the other had insisted that he double-check he heard Professor McGonagall right.
"You're giving us permission to do this?" Neville asked.
"That is correct, Longbottom. Mr. Malfoy understands our enemy better than most of us can even begin to," Professor McGonagall said.
"To blow it up? Boom?" Neville furthered.
"Boom!" Professor McGonagall returned.
"Wicked, but how on earth are we gonna do that?" Neville questioned.
"Why don't you confer with Mr. Finnigan? As I seem to recall, he has a particular proclivity for pyrotechnics," Professor McGonagall stated.
"Don't worry, I can bring it down," Seamus grinned.
"That's the spirit, now away you go," Professor McGonagall said.
Seamus and Neville practically ran back into the castle. For a moment Professor McGonagall looked to the three teenagers still surrounding her: all three Slytherins. She had a slight smirk on her face as Professor Flitwick waddled over to where they stood on the steps outside into the courtyard. Draco seemed to be scanning the area for holes in their defense.
"Its students like you three who will bring Slytherin out of its shame; now Mr. Malfoy, do you have any other defensive strategies for this part of the castle?" Professor McGonagall continued.
"You really want my input, Professor?" Draco questioned.
"I asked you, didn't I? I meant what I said when you understand our enemy. Don't think of it as a downfall Mr. Malfoy, we'll want to use it to our advantage," Professor McGonagall explained.
"They've got the giants on their side and they won't fail to use them. We need some defense that will at least slow them down from getting into the castle," Draco stated.
"I don't mean to interrupt, but you do realize that we won't be able to hold You-Know-Who out indefinitely," Professor Flitwick squeaked.
"Well, like Mr. Malfoy was explaining, it doesn't mean we can't delay him," Professor McGonagall began. "And his name is Voldemort, Filius. You might as well use it. He's going to try to kill you either way."
Professor McGonagall turned around and winked at Draco while holding her wand high.
"Miss Potter, Miss Greengrass, I'm going to suggest you move from where you're standing," Professor McGonagall stated.
"Why?" Daphne questioned.
"Piertotum Locomotor!" Professor McGonagall cried.
The stone statutes suddenly began coming to life. They jumped from their pedestals on the wall, landing with loud thud and smashing of stone onto the floor. Leila gasped as one by one; more stone soldiers began to come to life. Suddenly they stood up and began marching forward. Leila grabbed Daphne by the hood of her cloak and pulled her closer toward Draco, Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, and Mrs. Weasley.
"That's why," Leila said.
Soon the stone soldiers began to file single file in two lines out the entrance to the castle. They walked across the courtyard, headed straight for the viaduct. Professor McGonagall began to give the lifeless soldiers orders.
"Hogwarts is threatened! Man the boundaries! Protect us! Do your duty to our school!" Professor McGonagall shouted.
"That spell was wicked brilliant. I didn't know Old McGonagall had it in her," Daphne whispered to Leila.
"I've always wanted to use that spell," Professor McGonagall beamed proudly.
Draco and Leila chuckled at their Professor, while Daphne looked at her like she had never seen the old woman before. Professor McGonagall then turned quite serious again as she turned to the three Slytherin teenagers in front of her.
"Mr. Malfoy, go check on our other defenses please and why don't you take Miss Potter with you," Professor McGonagall suggested.
"What about me?" Daphne asked.
"Miss Greengrass, as I seem to recall; you're rather gifted at Charms," Professor Flitwick squeaked.
"That's right," Daphne said.
"I'm sure we could use your help right here putting up our shield," Professor Flitwick said.
Daphne nodded her head and instantly took off for the middle of the courtyard where other seventh years and Order members were beginning the defenses. Leila looked hesitantly between Draco and Daphne. She motioned for Draco to give her one moment as she took off after Daphne. Daphne was already beginning to send protections up into the air, when she turned around at Leila's calls.
"Daphne!" Leila shouted.
"Go on," Daphne said.
"Are you sure?" Leila asked.
"Professor Flitwick is right, this is what I'm best at and I want to do this. Besides, there are plenty of teachers here if something goes awry. So go on," Daphne said.
"Be careful," Leila called.
"You too!" Daphne called back. "Don't get into any trouble."
"Why do people keep saying that?" Leila muttered.
"Leila!" Draco shouted.
Leila ran back toward Draco. Once she reached they headed right back into the castle. They were hardly through the front doors when the Bloody Baron appeared before them. Draco gave him instructions to keep watch over the castle. Leila thought it odd that Draco would do that; but the way Draco reasoned, it was better to keep the Bloody Baron occupied with something than to be constantly getting in their way. Leila reached over and entwined her fingers with Draco's, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
"You're good at this sort of thing," Leila smiled. "I'm proud of you."
"I didn't mean to ignore you back there. I just wanted to make Professor McGonagall aware of our situation," Draco began. "What was it you were going to say?"
"I told Harry," Leila started. "I told Harry about the Second Prophecy."
"You did what?" Draco questioned. "I thought you did that months ago."
"I tried…a little; but I just couldn't ever get the words out of my mouth," Leila said.
"And knowing your brother…" Draco began. "Where is he now?"
"I think he went back to the Ravenclaw common room. He thinks we missed something about the diadem when we were there," Leila said.
"What did the bloody thing look like?" Draco questioned.
"Well, it's a sort of tiara, but it's in the shape of an eagle. There's this large oval shaped stone almost in the center of the diadem. There was also a jewel that would dangle down the forehead; but I think that would be bloody annoying if you ask me," Leila began.
"Wait a minute; was the oval stone a sapphire?" Draco asked.
"I—I don't know. It would make sense seeing as it is Ravenclaw after all," Leila said.
"Leila, do you remember last year when we were in the Room of Requirement?" Draco asked suddenly.
"It's not like we were only in there once," Leila retorted. "We either fought or snogged or…"
"The last time," Draco said rolling his eyes. "Don't embarrass yourself."
"When I was going to tell you that I knew you were a Death Eater…" Leila pondered aloud.
Leila's thoughts went back to that moment.
~*~Flashback to 6th Year~*~
As Leila and Draco stepped into the Room of Requirement, Leila reached for Draco's hand. She intertwined her fingers in his, not looking for his reaction. She was nervous. Beyond nervous, actually. Leila walked past a cabinet, a cabinet which Draco was all too familiar with, and she stopped immediately when she saw Harry's Potion's textbook. She picked the book up and thumbed through the pages.
"I hadn't even noticed that he'd gotten rid of this." Leila mumbled.
"What was that?" Draco asked.
"This is Harry's Potion's book." Leila answered.
Draco grabbed the book and examined it.
"The Chosen One isn't good enough anymore? Needs to go by the Half-blood Prince?" Draco scoffed.
"It's a used textbook, Draco; the so-called Half-blood Prince had the book before Harry." Leila sighed.
"What's Scarhead's book doing up here then?" Draco asked.
"Dunno." Leila said.
The truth was that Leila did have somewhat of an idea what the book was doing in the Room of Requirement. The spell Harry used against Draco in the bathroom was in this book. Knowing Hermione, she probably made Harry get rid of the book once she got wind that the spell that had wounded Draco was in it. Draco set the book down and looked at Leila. Leila turned slightly away and folded her arms over her chest. She wished to delay having to tell him what she knew, hoping that he would tell her first. She saw a headdress with a beautiful crown-like object with a Sapphire jewel and looked to be in the shape of some sort of bird. She tried to reach for it, but Draco grabbed her arm…
~*~End Flashback~*~
Leila gasped and threw her hands over her mouth.
"Bloody hell, it's in the Room of Requirement," Leila choked out. "By Harry's old Potion's book."
"Are you sure?" Draco asked. "I mean, what you were describing vaguely reminded me of it."
"There's one way to find out," Leila shrugged.
"But I'm supposed to be checking for holes in our defenses," Draco argued.
"Well right now we may have just found one in our enemy's," Leila said.
Draco mulled Leila's statement over for a moment before he nodded his head. The couple ran up the stairs until they reached the corridor for the Room of Requirement. Leila walked past the wall three times asking for Room of Hidden things; but no door appeared.
"Someone's in there," Leila said.
"Then we need to ask for the room we were in before," Draco said.
Leila once again walked past the wall three times; but this time she asked for the safe room and instantly the door appeared. Draco took hold of the door knob and twisted it open. He held the door open for Leila who found the room empty except for Ginny Weasley, who was sitting on a hammock pouting.
"Is anyone else in here?" Leila asked.
"Only me," Ginny groaned. "It's stupid that I'm stuck in here when I know for fact Colin Creevey snuck out."
"How would you like to get out of here for say thirty minutes?" Draco asked.
"Draco, she's in here for her own good," Leila hissed.
"What trouble can she get into, in thirty minutes?" Draco questioned. "She'll come right back in here when we're done."
"Plenty, she's related to Fred and George, remember?" Leila argued.
"What are we going to do, let her search for it with us?" Draco furthered.
"I don't know, maybe," Leila continued.
"You really want to piss your brother off even more?" Draco argued.
"And where is she going to go?" Leila snipped.
"Gryffindor common room should be safe enough," Draco shrugged.
"Where'd she go?" Leila asked.
"I just answered that bloody question," Draco hissed.
"No, I mean where is Ginny right now? She was just here," Leila groaned.
Just then they heard the door to the Room of Requirement close.
"You lost her. You're going to make a terrible parent someday," Leila scoffed.
"I lost her? She was just as much your responsibility as mine. So then you're going to be as equally bad of a parent," Draco argued.
"Take that back!" Leila argued.
"You first!" Draco hissed.
Leila narrowed her eyes at Draco and then headed for the door. Draco's eyes widened and he began to panic.
"Leila, I'm sorry! I didn't mean that," Draco pleaded.
"Good to know, I was just leaving so we can get into the Room of Hidden Things," Leila smirked.
"Damn, you're good," Draco muttered.
Leila turned around and smirked at Draco before they walked out of the room. This time Draco walked past the wall three times, wishing for the Room of Hidden things. When the door appeared a slight smile spread across his face as he once again opened the door. Draco and Leila started into the piles of objects, without much direction at first. Then Draco remembered that they had been somewhere near the Vanishing Cabinet, so he slightly changed their course so that they were headed once again in the right direction. They came upon the Vanishing Cabinet, which made Leila shudder. So many things could have been prevented if only Draco hadn't mended this cabinet; but then again, Draco might not be alive right now if he hadn't mended either. They stopped for a moment and looked around.
"I think we were this way," Leila said.
"We can always come back to the Vanishing Cabinet if it's a dead end," Draco shrugged.
Rumbling could be heard overhead. Leila instantly reached for Draco's hand and pulled herself closer to him. The Devil's Snare close by crackled and one of the Pixies floated by overhead.
"It's started," Draco said.
"I had hoped it would take them a little longer," Leila whispered.
"Well, let's find the bloody thing and get out of here," Draco stated.
"What are you two looking for?" Harry questioned appearing from behind a pile of junk.
"Diadem of Ravenclaw," Draco and Leila answered simultaneously.
"You mean you two knew it was in here the whole time?" Harry groaned.
"We only just remembered. We ran into it last year," Leila said.
"We; you said we. What were you two doing in here last year?" Harry questioned.
"That time I was going to tell Draco that I knew he was a Death Eater," Leila explained.
"What do you mean, 'that time'?" Harry furthered.
"Let's just look for the diadem. How did you figure out it was in here, Harry?" Draco asked.
"Helena Ravenclaw," Harry said.
"The Grey Lady?" Draco questioned.
"Yeah, apparently she was in love with the Bloody Baron at one point and somehow down the road Tom Riddle hid it here at Hogwarts," Harry explained.
"As much as I'd love to find out more about the love lives of the Hogwarts ghosts, I remember that blistered old cabinet. It's where we found that old Potions book," Leila interrupted.
The three of them looked to each other before taking off in a sprint. They reached the cabinet where the Potions book was and the table with the diadem of Ravenclaw. Leila once again attempted to reach for it, but her height was working against her.
"Harry, that's it!" Leila enthused.
Harry tried to reach; but it was even a bit beyond his reach. Draco gave it a go. He almost had the thing down…
"Well, well, what brings you three here?" a familiar voice of a young Death Eater called.
"Damnit," Draco muttered.
Leila, Harry, and Draco all turned around to find Theodore Nott, Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle, and Blaise Zabini standing several yards away with their wands drawn at them.
"You're right about one thing, Malfoy. You're damned once you get out of this room," Theo continued.
"Maybe even before," Blaise added.
"How'd you lot even get in here?" Draco questioned.
"We remembered how you got in here all the time last year," Crabbe said.
"I knew I shouldn't have told you," Draco muttered.
"How are we going to get out of this?" Leila whispered.
"Nott, why didn't you tell her?" Harry interrupted.
"What the hell are you talking about Potter?" Theo hissed.
"Bellatrix, you knew it was us. You didn't say anything," Harry continued.
"Come on, Theo," Goyle began."Don't be a prat. Do 'em. Do 'em after what they did to your father."
"Theo, what happened to your father?" Leila suddenly asked.
"Thanks to you lot he's dead. The Dark Lord murdered him right in front of me after what you lot did," Theo hissed.
"Theo, I'm so sorry," Leila sighed, her eyes shimmering with tears. "It's not right for anyone to be parentless; but can't you see this isn't our fault. It's Voldemort's. He's the reason Harry and I are parentless and the reason you are too. I beg you to see reason."
"Don't listen to her! Kill her, she deserves it!" Crabbe hissed.
"She's the Dark Lord's as well as her brother and Malfoy," Theo hissed back.
"Then at least bloody her up a little," Crabbe scoffed.
Theo's wand arm began to shake. He looked about ready to hex them when suddenly his wand flew into the air. Leila watched as Hermione caught it. She did a double-take when she noticed Hermione and Ron standing right beside her. Hermione beamed proudly as Ron stood beside her. Their hands were entwined. Harry took a step forward drawing his wand at them. Draco, Leila, and Ron followed suit.
"You're outmatched; you have three wands and we have five plus a couple spares. Surrender while you still can," Harry said.
"No chance in hell!" Crabbe shouted.
Crabbe suddenly started casting Killing Curses at them. Harry, Draco, Leila, Ron, and Hermione tried to deflect them; but he was rapidly firing them. They tried ducking behind the piles of objects; but they were in a dead end. The only out from where they were standing was to climb or go through the group of wannabe Death Eaters. Theo was ordering Crabbe to stop because the Dark Lord wanted them alive. Leila was surprised to hear Blaise Zabini voice the same sentiments. For a moment she looked out from her hiding spot and became extremely mortified while the others all remained hidden. Crabbe tried to shoot another Killing Curse at them but Theo yanked the arm without his wand. Crabbe jerked and the tip of his wand changed its aim. It was too late because the Unforgiveable had already been said. A jet of green light shot toward Blaise Zabini. Blaise's eyes widened right before he was hit with the jolt of light. Leila screamed as Blaise's body fell motionless to the floor. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco rose to their feet to see what Leila had witnessed. Theo ran to Blaise's body; but it was no use. Leila slid down the pile and began to sob. She had never been overly fond of Blaise. Normally, she just found him bloody annoying; but he didn't deserve to die. Especially not like this; because a misfired curse that couldn't been meant for her. When Leila took a moment to look to her brother and friends, she found all their faces had blanched. It seemed so surreal; he couldn't really be dead could he? It seemed that at any second Blaise would stand up again; but Leila knew that wasn't true. She understood the finality of death.
.
"B—B—Blaise, h—he's dead," Leila sobbed.
Leila watched as Hermione reached for Ron's hand; but Ron instead wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer to him. Draco reached down and helped Leila to her feet, keeping her close to him; much like Ron was doing with Hermione.
"Look what you made me do!" Crabbe shouted.
"You're the one firing the bloody curses!" Theo hissed.
Hermione held one hand over her mouth with tears forming in her eyes. Was this the first casualty of the battle? They knew it certainly wouldn't be the last. Leila looked up to Draco as she noticed a stray tear slip down his cheek. Draco had been closer to Blaise than she had been. They had been roommates since first year and they knew each other even before Hogwarts.
"Harry, if we attack now while they're distracted, it's only Crabbe and Goyle with wands. I like our chances," Ron whispered.
"Me too," Harry whispered back.
"What about Blaise?" Leila asked.
"He's dead, there's nothing we can do," Draco said sullenly. "We need to make sure we're not next."
The Slytherin boys continued to stand over Blaise's dead body, trying to figure out what they were going to do. Harry counted down from three with his fingers before those trapped began casting Stunners at the Slytherin boys. Theo's eyes widened as spells were hurled at him. He began to crawl away from the scene while Crabbe and Goyle responded by throwing more Killing Curses. You think they would have learned their lesson after Crabbe just killed one of their friends; but no. One of Goyle's Killing Curses came mere inches from hitting Hermione; but Hermione didn't even let it phase her. It hit the cabinet close to them which held the Diadem and Harry's old Potions book, causing the it to explode. They ducked from the shards of wood; but they continued to throw more Stunners while Crabbe and Goyle started to run away. Ron on the other hand refused to let them get away with almost hitting Hermione. He jumped over Blaise's body and took off after Crabbe and Goyle, yelling as he ran after them.
"That's my girlfriend, you numpties! Ron shouted.
Leila looked to Hermione who was attempting to hide her smile.
"Girlfriend?" Leila asked.
"It was all so sudden," Hermione blushed.
"Clearly. The last time we saw you two…" Leila began.
"Girls, we don't have time for this," Harry said.
Leila and Hermione wheeled around. The Diadem which had once been placed on the table had been thrown high onto the stacked pile of things. An item that it could possibly be sparkled above everyone's reach near a red sofa. Harry and Draco began to climb the stack heading for the Diadem. Harry was a decent climber; but Draco was better. It looked almost like a race to the Diadem. The boys tossed chairs out of their way and on the floor, which Leila and Hermione had to dodge. A Pixie bit Harry's finger; but he roughly tossed it away like he had been doing to spare pieces of furniture. Suddenly about a dozen more Pixies flew out at them. Harry and Draco swatted at them, attempting to stay solid on the pile. Draco plunged his arm into a hole near the red sofa and pulled out the Diadem. He quickly handed it to Harry. Both boys stood on the pile for a moment breathing heavily when screams began to fill the air. Harry and Draco jumped from the pile and stood beside Leila and Hermione.
"Run!" Ron faintly screamed.
"I swear if there's an Acromantula in here…" Leila groaned.
But added lights flickered from the direction of Ron's screams. His screams became louder and louder until suddenly he was running right toward them with a panicked look on his face. Ron ran right toward them, jumped over Blaise's body, and grabbed Hermione by her arm and continued to run.
"Crabbe's set the bloody place on fire!" Ron screamed.
Flames began to roar closer toward them. Everyone's eyes widened in terror. Harry took off after Ron; Leila was about to run when Draco headed in the opposite direction, toward the flames.
"Draco!" Leila shouted.
"We can't leave him here," Draco called.
Leila watched as Draco picked up Blaise's dead body and flung him over his shoulder. Draco then quickly walked closer to Leila who was holding out her hand waiting for him. Leila's eyes widened as the flames began to consume everything in sight almost right behind Draco. A beast arose out of the flames and was headed right toward them, ready to consume them.
"Fiendfyre," Leila gasped.
Draco turned his head to look behind him before he muttered some obscenity. Harry called for Draco and Leila. The couple ran closer toward Harry's voice, trying to get away from the ever-growing flames. A simple water charm wasn't going to put this fire out. Fiendfyre wasn't something to mess with unless one knew how to control it and Leila assumed that since the entire Room of Requirement was soon going to be consumed by the flames; Crabbe hadn't learned to manage it yet. Harry waited for Draco and Leila to pass him before he began magically collapse the piles in order to try and slow down the flames; but it only seemed to strengthen it. They continued to wind through the labyrinth of things when suddenly they all five of them came into the same open space. They breathed heavily for a moment. But their victory of outrunning the flames was short lived because they were now surrounded by the flames which were climbing closer and closer to them.
"What are we going to do?"Hermione cried.
At that moment, a flame beast shot at them; but Harry quickly cast a shield over them causing it to retreat and Ron to fall over. Shields would only last so long. If Leila ever felt close to death, this was it. She could practically feel her body beginning to singe. Suddenly, Ron was throwing brooms at them. There were four brooms: Ron and Hermione would go on one, Harry would get one, Leila would get one, and Draco with Blaise's body would get one. They all mounted their brooms. Hermione sat on the broom behind Ron with her arms wrapped tightly around his waist. Draco had placed Blaise on the broom in front of him, with his body leaning against Draco's. Part of Leila wanted to say that they should just leave Blaise's body; but she knew that Draco was trying to do the right thing. The right thing by the boy who was his once his friend.
The four brooms kicked off into the air, thankfully just in time as a beast of fire was just about to swoop in and consume them. They flew through the smoke filled air over the room which had once been filled with hidden things, which was now filling with fire-consumed things. Hermione clung tightly to Ron's back trying not to inhale too much smoke. Draco's eyes scanned the room over the flames. Leila knew she was looking for Crabbe, Goyle, and Nott. They may not be on the same side anymore; but that didn't change the fact that they were once his closest friends. Harry looked over to Draco before looking back to Leila. He nodded his head as if he was in on their thought processes.
"Draco, where are they?" Harry asked.
"Dunno," Draco responded.
"Harry, let's just get out of here," Ron bellowed.
Suddenly a blood-curdling scream filled the air. It caused shivers to run up Leila's spine as Ron took the lead. At that moment, Leila spotted Theo and Goyle dangling from a desk at the top of a pile she gasped; but where was Crabbe?
"Come on, this way!" Ron shouted.
Harry turned his head and spotted Theo and Goyle too. He looked between Draco and Leila once more.
"We can't just leave them," Harry said.
Harry leaned down heavily on his broom to take the lead. He then made a swift turn around back toward the helpless Slytherins.
"He's joking right?' Ron shouted.
But Draco and Leila followed after Harry, which Ron eventually did too. Harry flew down and reached for Theo's hand; but they barely missed each other. Theo went crashing back down onto the wobbly desk which seemed to inch further down the pile. Who knew how much longer that pile would remain sturdy? Leila reached down for a hand; but it was too sweaty and it instantly slipped from her hand. Another fire beast was steadily surfing the flames toward them. They needed to move now; otherwise they would all perish in this room.
"If we die for them Harry, I'm going to kill you!" Ron roared above the noises of the flames.
"Ron, you stay by my side and Draco you stay by Leila's. We need you to be there just in case they overestimate their position onto our brooms," Harry commanded.
Everyone nodded their heads. Leila took the side with Theo and Harry took the side with Goyle. They flew down once more toward the dangling boys. Leila made sure she was low enough for Theo to properly jump onto her broom, which he did. Goyle did the same with Harry. The boys tightly clung to their saviors. Leila found it odd having Theo clinging so tightly to her. His face was buried in her hair. She felt moisture on her neck; but she wasn't sure if it was his tears or her own perspiration. Leila tried to ask Theo where Crabbe was but the only words he could choke out was "dead." A pang hit Leila's heart. She had never been fond of Crabbe either; but he was part of her house and he had been one of Draco's closest friends. Their path through the air narrowed, so the brooms had to fly single file. Draco led the way, followed by Leila with Theo, Harry with Goyle, and Ron with Hermione. The fire beast tried to block their path; but Draco quickly deflected his path allowing for them to pass quickly. Before the flames closed together right after Ron passed. But then the fire beast lunged for them; thankfully, the doors flew open.
They all had a rather rough landing. No one landed on their feet. They all rolled to the floor. Theo landed practically on top of Leila before he rolled over and landed unconscious against the wall. Goyle on the other hand muttered Crabbe's name and ran away. His face was wet; but it was hard to tell if it was tears, sweat, or both that stained his face. The Diadem was laying carelessly strewn on the stone floor. Harry called for Hermione to throw him a Basilisk fang; but as Hermione dug through her bag the fire beast headed right toward them attempting to escape the Room of Requirement and consume the actual castle. Draco suddenly stood up he roughly pushed Harry out of the way before he kicked the Diadem back into the Room of Requirement. The fire beast consumed the Diadem and the fire beast grew three heads shaped like Lord Voldemort. Leila backed herself against the nearest wall and closed her eyes; but the doors to the Room of Requirement closed with a loud slam. Hermione was cuddled close to Ron and Harry was panting on the floor. Leila then looked up to see Draco standing, breathing heavily in front of the door with the tears streaming freely down his face. They rumblings continued overhead; but they were out of the fire. They were somewhat safe…for now.
Author's Note: Thanks to everyone who has read this chapter. Sorry it took a little longer than usual…but it is a little longer than usual. Haha. It's just becoming so bittersweet that it's almost over, which most of you also seem to realize as well. I'm very flattered by all the response. Thanks to those few of you who follow me on Twitter. I'm debating if it's worth it or not right now…but until then I'll keep posting spoilers (when I remember to…haha)
Alyssa103: I'm extremely flattered that you came here right after you got the email! Thanks for thinking I'm an amazing writer, I never intended to become much of a writer when I got on here. As far as my mother goes, she's not in pain anymore. She had cancer and was an alcoholic; so it's for the best. Even though things aren't always easy without her.
Mira SeverusSirius Black-Snape: Well, when I went to get my first job my father told me to take it down from facebook just in case my employers looked at it; but I think he went a little overboard because my uncle was the manager of the store. Haha. Anywho, thanks for the review! I hope you enjoyed it!
xXMizz Alec VolturiXx: Well, I can unofficially tell you that one of them will die next chapter…But don't worry, he goes out with a proper ending. I'm glad you liked the Draco/Fred scene…I've been waiting to write that scene since I started writing Lost Along the Way. Thanks for the review! Hope you enjoyed this chapter too!
RHatch89: Well, it's officially underway and Draco's actually quite useful for the Light. I think the bigger scene will happen when he runs into the Death Eaters again.
Spazzykinns: Well, then I'll apologize for your injured knee ;) But be thankful that you found my little story! Thanks for the review! I hope that you liked this chapter as well!
Marlene: As far as the Eddie thing goes I think you may have read it "it was a fifth year" but Leila said "it was fifth year" It was during her fifth year when she was in the mourning process of Cedric…trying to do everything imaginable to get over her heartache. I think that'll come out a little better once I go back and write fifth year…already started on fourth year. Haha. Yeah, Draco isn't perfect. He's still knew to doing the right thing; but he does have his moments to shine; but will he shrink back again when he's actually faced with the Death Eaters? Harry's kinda avoiding the Second Prophecy at the moment…isn't he? Haha; but at least Leila finally told him! As far as changing 44, I did take out two sentences because I realized that it was the original draft and it had them heading straight for the Great Hall, which would contradict what happened in 45. So nice job at being a close reader! Haha. Thanks for the review! Hope you enjoyed this one too!
Lizza M: Yup you were the thousandth…so thanks :) I can hardly believe we've made it this far. I never expected such a positive response to my writing. As far as this story coming to an end, it is bittersweet; but don't worry it's not the last you'll see of Leila. Another reason it takes forever between updates is because I've been starting work on what's coming next.
CasperGirl523: I'm glad that you loved the scene between Draco/Fred! I did too! I've been waiting for what seems like forever to write that scene! Thanks for your review! Hope you liked this chapter as well!
xxxRena: I'm thankful that you loved it! I love Draco and Leila. They have their mature moments…and their not so mature petty fights; but they do love each other. I figured we could use some humor thrown in the chapters with all the seriousness of the battle. I need it while I'm writing it…haha. It is bittersweet that this is going to end soon; but don't worry…already started what's coming next!
Luli Cullen: Thanks for the review! Hope you like the next chapter!
XxShadowhunterxX Yay! Draco/Fred they've come quite a ways haven't they? From rivals for Leila's heart to an odd sort of friends. It is coming to an end…so bittersweet. I figured Fred was what Leila needed at that time; but her heart is really with Draco…or at least most of it is anyway. I don't know that she'll ever fully accept her choice with them both still alive. Thanks for the review! Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
AbominableSnowman23: I'm glad that you enjoyed it! I did too! Fred/Draco they've really become a lot closer haven't they? Thanks for the review! Hope you like this chapter too!
Gabrielhelena: I get insecure about this story sometimes…which you probably find crazy seeing as it's over 1000 reviews. Haha. I'm glad that you thought all my chapters were 'perfect' that means a lot. And yes, the Battle of Hogwarts…Draco's role has drastically changed, eh? Thanks for the review! Hope you liked this chapter!
LunaMalfoy81: I'm glad that you like it! *spoiler alert* the duel wasn't this chapter…but you're right…it is coming! But I'm not giving you anymore details about it :P Thanks for the review! Hope you liked this one too!
LeilaXDraco Fan: I'm so glad that you liked it! Yeah, I figured we could use a bit of humor in the chapter…and in these Battle chapters…or at least I need them to get through writing them. Leila is insanely lucky to have them both; but I think that also makes her feel slightly guilty. I don't think she'll ever be completely comfortable with her choice with both of them alive…that being said…*spoiler alert* you're right about a duel with Bellatrix…but that's all I'm saying. And the Malfoys reaction should be interesting.
Guest: AHHH! I don't know whether to be flattered or yell at you to do your homework ;) Sounds like you have quite the amount of homework…haha…maybe you got a chance to get some of it done properly with the slight delay in the update? Haha…but really, thanks for the review! I hope this chapter kept your attention just as much. :D
LilyLuna123: I'm humbled that you think my little stories are some of the best fanfics you've read. Truly. I'm glad that you've liked them. I'm also glad that Draco has grown on you…he's certainly grown even more on me; but it took a while to change him to get him where I wanted him. Part of my heart lies with Leila/Fred too! Believe me! Honestly, I can picture their wedding in my head too….but you may not have to dream. I was thinking of writing a one-shot with the ending you'll probably prefer. How does that sound? Thanks for the review! Really appreciate it!
TheEvilPinkCupcake: I'm glad it was worth it! What about this one? Haha…I hope so. I'm actually rather proud of this chapter. As far as killing Fred, I'm going to say this much. I think Leila will always second-guess her choice as long as both of them are alive. That being said…Thanks for the review! Hope you loved this one too!
Hollis Annalise; I'm glad that you liked that scene! I did too! :P It is all finally coming together. Even things that were in last story are finally being brought to a close. Bittersweet. Thanks for the review! Hope you enjoyed this one too!
TheWildeRose: Thanks for taking the time and going back and reviewing one that you thought you already reviewed but it didn't get posted. Talk about dedicated! I really appreciate it! We're quickly approaching the end…so bittersweet! I always thought that Fred should be in the series more. I do love him so. I'm glad that you think I'm decent at writing his character! I've tried to embody my inner Fred Weasley when I write him. Thanks for the reviews! Hope you liked this one too!
Nikki-W94: I'm glad that you loved it! It is bittersweet that this story is almost finished; but for me it's been almost two years with this story. Don't get me wrong, I love Leila. But it will be nice to start a new story with her. Thanks for the review!
Guest! Thanks for the review! Here's the next chapter