Chapter 50
Disclaimer: The Harry Potter world obviously belongs to JK Rowling and not me. Obviously.
… … … …
Leila looked to Dumbledore in confusion as their former Headmaster motioned for Harry's hand. Dumbledore's smile grew a little wider as he examined Harry's hand. Harry's index finger on his right hand also contained a faint scar similar to Leila's. The old man then took Leila's hand again, bringing Harry and Leila's hands together as he smiled down at the matching faint scars marring both of their fingers.
"Looks like love was once again a part of Voldemort's fatal flaw," Dumbledore said.
~*Flashback to 1st year*~
Eleven year old Leila Potter's heart literally dropped at the sight before her. He promised! Harry had promised her that he would go for a walk with her today! She had already been waiting nearly an hour for him to show up and what does the git do? He shows up in the courtyard talking and laughing with Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. He already spent most of his time with his Housemates who hated her and now he forgot about spending any time with her because he was with them. A scowl overtook her innocent face as she stormed across the courtyard heading right for the grounds. Her scene caught the attention of her brother who looked to Hermione and Ron before chasing after her. Just as Leila started down the stairs, Harry called her name. She was too upset to even offer him a single glance.
"Leila!" Harry shouted.
Her anger seethed within her. She refused to look back at him. But she didn't need to turn around to look back at him because he had caught up to her and grabbed her by the arm forcing her to look at him.
"Leila, what's wrong?" Harry asked. "Did Malfoy do something?"
"No, you're with Weasley and Granger," Leila sneered.
"You can come with us to Hagrid's if you'd like," Harry offered.
Leila looked at her brother incredulously. She wasn't sure whether she was more hurt or pissed off. He really had forgotten. Those new friends of his were causing him to forget he even had a sister who existed. At least she had her brother's back despite all the qualms he caused for her in Slytherin. But that was a trait of Slytherin, looking out for one's own, and right now the same couldn't be said for Gryffindor. Tearfully, Leila pushed her older brother and took off in a sprint to get away from her brother. She had just finished running down the stairs when Harry called after her again.
"Leila, where are you going?" Harry shouted.
"Because you obviously care," Leila muttered.
Leila came to a fork in her path. She could either follow the left path to the Quidditch pitch or the right path which would take her to the lake. While she was absolutely terrified of the lake, this path also led to a little nook she and Daphne had found in a wooded area where they could be alone. Besides, with Harry being the Quidditch star and all, even thinking of Quidditch made her insides feel furious. So she began stomping down the path to the right. Leila rolled her eyes when she could hear her brother still calling for her. She had to get away from him. There had to be some sort of short-cut to her secret nook through the wooded area around the path. Besides, the creatures from the Forbidden Forest didn't venture into this small wooded area, so she should be safe. Safe from creatures and safe from her brother. Leila veered off the path and into the trees; but climbing over all the roots and greenery proved to be a far more demanding task than Leila had anticipated. She soon slowed her pace down drastically which allowed Harry ample time to catch up to her. Leila could hear the branches snapping behind her, which caused her to turn around and see he was much closer than she had hoped he would be.
"Go away, Harry!" Leila shouted.
"Leila stop before you get hurt," Harry said.
"Since when have you cared if I got hurt?" Leila asked stubbornly.
"Leila c'mon, just talk to me," Harry continued.
"Leave me alone!" Leila screamed turning toward her brother.
"Leila!" Harry shouted.
Leila took a step forward without looking where she was going because her gaze was focused on her brother. She tripped over a tree root which caused her to go sliding down a rather steep and rocky path. Leila screamed as her plunged forward, branches whacking and prodding her as momentum pushed her forward. Harry's eyes widened as his sister disappeared from his view. He quickly ran after her, following the sound of her screams. When Harry finally came to Leila's side, she was hysterically crying lying on her stomach flat against a rather jagged looking rock. Harry gently pulled his sister onto his lap. He let her rest there for a few moments until most of her sobs had subsided.
"Leila, are you all right?" Harry asked.
"Leave me alone Harry James Potter," Leila said stubbornly.
"Why were you running from me?" Harry asked.
"Because you promised me a walk and you were with Granger and Weasley instead," Leila gently cried.
"Leila, I'm so sorry. I completely forgot," Harry apologized.
"You're always forgetting about me," Leila sniffled. "Seems like you'd much rather be with them."
"Leila," Harry sighed.
Leila shifted so that she was in a sitting position. She tried to turn her back to Harry as she examined her hand because one of her fingers had a deep wound and was gushing blood. It was probably going to scar.
"Does it hurt?" Harry asked.
The eleven year old girl nodded her head as her brother gently took her hand to examine it. Leila rolled her eyes at her brother. There was nothing he could do about it. He wasn't anywhere close to being a decent healer. They were only learning basic spells in their schooling. It would probably require some attention from Madam Pomfrey. Leila and Harry's gazes met. Leila somewhat sneered at her brother, but Harry's glance was rather sympathetic. That look was starting to break the defense she had put up.
"I really am sorry, Leila," Harry said.
"I know you are," Leila sighed. "I just miss you sometimes that's all."
"I miss you too sometimes," Harry chuckled.
"You always miss me," Leila said sarcastically as she sniffled for the last time.
Harry squeezed Leila's hand gently before he grinned at his sister.
"I got an idea," Harry said.
"And what would that be?" Leila questioned.
Harry looked at the rock for the most jagged edge he could find. He then inhaled deeply before he thrashed his finger against the sharp stone causing blood to come gushing from it. Leila gasped at what her brother had done. How was that supposed to help heal her? But Harry continued to surprise her. He brought his bleeding finger to her own bleeding finger and rubbed them together. His blood
"Now I'll always be with you," Harry grinned.
"And you're stuck with me too," Leila grinned back.
~*End Flashback*~
Dumbledore again tapped the scars with a soft smile on his face.
"If my knowledge is correct, not only did you, Harry tie yourself to Leila; but Leila, you tied yourself to your brother," Dumbledore said.
"Meaning what?" Leila asked.
"Meaning that your blood flowed through mine when Voldemort took my blood," Harry explained.
"But he couldn't touch me, that's not possible," Leila argued.
"I don't think it was more of he couldn't, it was that he wouldn't," Dumbledore answered.
"Why wouldn't he? I was just as easy of a target, probably even a better one," Leila furthered.
"You see Voldemort didn't know you tied yourself to your brother. He knew of Pettigrew's carelessness in not extracting your blood and he couldn't risk what happened in Godric's Hollow happening again," Dumbledore said.
Leila stayed quiet for a moment trying to process this information. She hadn't even thought anything of Harry's gesture toward her first year. She supposed it did make some sense. The Wizarding world didn't use people's blood when they had lost some. No, they used a blood replenishing solution. She had never really considered the consequences of their childish actions. But did blood normally bind them to another or was it specifically because Harry was a Horcrux that had potentially caused that to happen…or hypothetically caused it to happen at the moment. Leila wasn't really sure about the whole thing. There were too many pieces to it that didn't make sense.
"There are some things you're just not going to understand," Harry said.
"In life I hated to admit that, but he's right you know," Dumbledore said.
Leila exhaled slowly, trying to let their words sink in. So she had tied life to her brother's, thus unintentionally trying herself to Voldemort. Suddenly, Leila's eyes widened.
"So you're telling me that the entire time when I thought I was safe from him, I actually wasn't?" Leila gasped.
"Yeah, we probably shouldn't have told her that," Harry whispered to Dumbledore.
"Do you know how many times I could have died?" Leila furthered.
"But you didn't…well, at least not until now," Harry said.
"Right," Leila exhaled heavily. "Perspective…"
"Leila, we can go back," Harry whispered.
"We can go back," Leila repeated. "But what if I don't want to?"
Harry's eyes widened at his sister's question. Why wouldn't she want to go back? But Leila simply looked to Dumbledore. If anyone would understand it would be him. While there would be plenty of things she would miss out on, but if she stayed it would be purely for selfish reasons: her parents, Cedric, Sirius, Fred…It seemed much easier than trying to do something that may or may not even work. Harry also looked to Dumbledore who sighed and sat down on one of the boats tethered to the dock.
"When you were eleven years old you tied your life to your brothers, Leila," Dumbledore said.
"So you've said," Leila retorted.
"I don't think you're following," Dumbledore continued. "There is only one decision to be made and it must be the same for both of you."
"Meaning we've both have to stay or we both have to go back?" Harry asked.
"That is correct, Harry," Dumbledore said.
Leila ran her fingers through her curls as she sighed. She literally was tied to her brother, in every sense of the word. As much as part of her wanted to be selfish, she knew that it wasn't the right thing to do. For the very reasons she had given her brother for going back…she too must also go back: the Elder Wand, Nagini…but part of her desperately hoped that Harry would be selfish. She felt like a terrible person for thinking such a thought, but it was the truth. Leila looked to her brother and they locked eyes.
"What if we decided not to go back?" Harry asked.
"Well, we're at King's Cross you say, Harry?" Dumbledore asked. "or the Hogwarts boats, Leila? I think if you decided not to go back you'd be able to…let's say…board a train or a boat."
"And where would that take us?" Harry asked.
"On," Dumbledore responded.
"No more sorrow, or pain, or tears…" Harry mused aloud.
Leila looked to Dumbledore and was instantly reminded of his wise words from when he was alive. Words that had guided her in life and words that were guiding her to life. Now wasn't the time to play selfish, not when all those people's lives were at stake. Funny, she had walked to her death in order to protect the people and for that very same reason she was being led back to life.
"We must choose between what is right and what is easy," Leila sighed. "We've got to go back."
"But you just said…" Harry began.
"Because I was being selfish. I'm not perfect you know," Leila interrupted.
"Do you think we should go back?" Harry asked Dumbledore.
"I think," Dumbledore began. "That if you both choose to return, there is a chance that he will be finished for good. I cannot promise it; but I do know this Leila, Harry, that you both have far less to fear from returning than he does. By returning you'll both be able to ensure that fewer lives are maimed and fewer families are torn apart."
"That still doesn't make it any less terrifying," Leila sighed.
"Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it," Dumbedore began. "I've always prized myself on my ability to turn a phrase. Words are, in my not so humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic…capable of both inflicting injury and mending it. But I would in this case amend my original statement to this: Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who deserve it."
Leila could swear she heard the faint sound of laughter coming from down the hill where she had seen her father. Her heart slightly panged. It seemed like every time she finally got close to having her parents again, she was ripped apart from them. They had gotten to spend so little time together; their lives had been so short. But Dumbledore must have been able to read her thoughts because he began to speak.
"Do not pity the dead. Pity the living, and, above all, those who live without love."
Love. Leila had been fortunate enough to experience love; loved by people she also loved back, even if it was for a short amount of time. Why did she always seem to forget that? Why did she let herself get lost in the moment and forget about how much she was loved? The only plausible reason she could come up with was that she was human. She made mistakes and she was bound to make many, many more if they went back. But something she wouldn't be a stranger to was love.
"I'll be going now," Dumbledore smiled.
"Professor!" Harry called.
Their former Headmaster turned around and smiled softly.
"How do we get back?" Harry asked.
"I'd say the best way to go back is the very way you came," Dumbledore responded.
Dumbledore then turned around and seemed to walk into the light, so to speak, before he disappeared. Only Harry and Leila were left.
"Professor what should we do?" Harry questioned.
"Together," Leila whispered.
"What?" Harry asked.
"It's how we came here, together," Leila responded.
"Together," Harry repeated.
Leila entwined her fingers through her brother's and closed her eyes. She concentrated on her breathing as it seemed like she was being pulled forward, something similar to the sensation one got from traveling by Portkey. The next thing she knew she was breathing in the heavy scent of forest and leaves. She could feel Harry gently breathing on under her body which was laid over his; but she could also tell that he was trying to remain as still as possible which wasn't that hard to do. Her body ached, especially where the Killing Curse had struck her; so even if she had wanted to get up, she couldn't. She had expected to hear shouts of triumph from the Death Eaters over her and Harry's deaths; but instead she heard whispers fill the air. The voice that was most recognizable belonged to Bellatrix Lestrange. It sounded like she was attempting to aid Voldemort.
"My Lord," Bellatrix spoke.
"I don't need your help," Voldemort hissed.
Leila opened her eyes no more than a millimeter to see that she did not have a decent angle of the scene. In fact, her body was facing the exact opposite direction. She opened her eyes a little wider to look at her brother's face.
"Harry," Leila whispered. "What's happening?"
After a few moments of silence, Leila wondered if her brother had heard her. She couldn't tell that he was slowly opening his eyes to get a sight of Voldemort.
"Bellatrix is kneeling on the ground beside him," Harry whispered. "He collapsed."
"What are we going to do?" Leila asked.
"Stay still," Harry responded.
Leila would have nodded her head in agreement had her brother not told her to stay still. She closed her eyes again, giving herself less temptation to move. Instead she just focused on breathing as shallowly as she could.
"The twins…are they dead?" Bellatrix asked.
"You," Voldemort said. "Examine them. Tell me whether they are dead."
Leila could feel her heart beginning to pound faster. What was going to happen once the person realized she and Harry were alive? She desperately wanted to ask Harry what they were going to do now, what sort of plan he had; but she knew that Harry was in no better of a position to come up with a plan than she was. She really hoped that it wasn't Bellatrix, but given the way Voldemort addressed the person, she was somewhat hopeful that it wasn't. She tried not to let her body tense as she heard the person's light footsteps coming closer. She wanted to gasp when a cold, soft hand touched her face. The hand pulled back one of her eyelids before it rested on her neck. She could tell the soft handed person began to examine Harry with her other hand before moving back to Leila. Leila felt as if her heart was pounding harder than ever now as the woman placed her hand over where Leila's heart should be; but the woman surprised her as she leaned down close with her long hair providing a curtain over Leila's face.
"Is he alive? Draco, is he alive?" a familiar voice asked.
Leila debated for a moment whether or not she should answer Narcissa; but she could feel Harry's knee slightly push on her stomach. If there was one person on the Death Eater's side who would protect them it would be Narcissa. Leila knew that. Besides, in a way, Narcissa owed her for Draco's life after she had thrown herself in between Draco and the Dark Lord's attempt at a Killing Curse. Not to mention that the only way to her son would be as part of the conquering army. If Leila picked out one thing from Narcissa's tone, it was that she didn't care who won. The only thing she was concerned about was her son, who was hopefully still safely hidden at Hogwarts.
"Yes," Leila breathed. "He's in the castle."
Narcissa clutched Leila's sweater for a moment before she released her grip and stood up. Leila listened as the woman slowly rose to her feet. It was the moment of truth.
"Dead. They're dead," Narcissa called.
After Narcissa's lie, the celebration began. This time Leila could hear shouts of triumph and jubilee from the Death Eaters, especially Bellatrix's cackle which made her blood boil. Something inside Leila wanted to pull her wand out of her sock and ambush Bellatrix; but she knew that would ruin what little of a plan they had. No, she'd stay still. She'd wait until the right moment when they were back in the castle before she made her move. As part of the victory, Voldemort shouted the torture curse which met Harry and Leila's bodies. Leila couldn't speak for Harry; but no pain came to her. Then her body was lifted into the air, as she remained limp, before it was carelessly strewn off to the side. Voldemort no doubt wanted to have a little fun with Harry, the Boy Who Lived. Leila barely opened her eyes to witness Harry's body being flung around in the air amid the cheers of the Death Eaters. She watched as his glasses were flung from his face before he was dropped to the ground. Inwardly, she winced, at the sight of her brother's awkward position; but he wasn't going to stay that way much longer.
"Now," Voldemort addressed the Death Eaters. "We shall go to the castle and show them what has become of their heroes. Who shall drag the bodies? Ah—No—Wait!"
There seemed to be a moment of silence before Voldemort started again.
"You can carry the boy," he began. "He'll be nice and visible in your arms, oaf. Pick up your little friend, Hagrid. But don't forget the glasses…he must be able to be recognized."
Leila could hear Hagrid sniffling as the leaves rustled close to her. Hagrid must have picked Harry up. Something in Leila's stomach began to squirm. What if the person realized she was alive? But Leila didn't have much time to think through her worries when Voldemort resumed his commands.
"And you Lucius, you can have the honor of carrying your son's play thing," Voldemort spat.
She wanted to gasp. After everything that man had done to Draco, she didn't want his hands anywhere near her. But Leila knew that this was supposed to be a punishment for Lucius…having to carry in his arms, without a wand. Lucius Malfoy placed his arms under Leila's knees and her neck before he roughly picked her up. Leila instantly stiffened as he began to carry her across the forest and her heart began to pound harder and harder. She could feel Lucius' grip tighten on her, which caused her to flinch.
"Don't move," Lucius said lowly.
He knew. He knew? He knew she was alive and he wasn't reporting her to the Dark Lord. Leila tried to contain her surprise, but a small gasp escaped her lips.
"Do I really need to tell you to keep quiet as well?" Lucius whispered.
Leila didn't respond. That was probably best. The group exited the forest and started up the path toward the castle. Voldemort was obviously in the lead, pushing the dead out of his way as Nagini slithered at his feet. Hagrid followed, carrying Harry. He was being forced to walk by five Death Eaters leading him with the ropes they had wrapped around them. Following them was Lucius, carrying Leila. Then the rest of the Death Eaters proceeded. Leila wondered how close Narcissa and Bellatrix were to her; but she didn't open her eyes to find out. Lucius readjusted Leila in his arms as the group approached the courtyard.
"Stop."
Leila somewhat lurched in Lucius' arms as they came to a halt. Voldemort hissed for Lucius to stand beside Hagrid; so the man slowly moved to stand beside the Hogwarts gamekeeper. Now to sit and wait as those inside the castle noticed them. Noticed them dead.
"NO!"
Professor McGonagall's scream made Leila's blood curdle. She had never heard the woman make such an emotional response before. The Death Eaters seemed to glory in McGonagall's despair. But soon more screams began to fill the air. Leila could hear each of her friend's screams distinctly. Ron's scream. Ginny's scream. Hermione's scream. But none of them ripped Leila's heart into shreds as much as Draco's did.
"LEILA!"Draco shouted. "NO!"
Leila could feel Lucius' grip on her tighten at the sounds of Draco's cries. Her heart ached so terribly that her eyes watered with tears. Draco tried to lunge forward, but Remus held him back.
"You bastard!" Draco shouted.
"You stupid boy," Voldemort hissed.
With a flick of his wand, Draco was sent flying backward into the crowd. Leila could swear she heard Lucius gasp at the sight of his son. Even though Draco was silenced, the crowd seemed to share in Draco's sentiments as they too began shouting and screaming at the Death Eaters. Ron helped Draco to his feet.
"SILENCE!" Voldemort cried.
After a loud bang and a flash of light, the crowd immediately silenced.
"It is over! Set them down. Set the twins down at my feet!" Voldemort commanded.
Lucius slowly walked with Leila in his arms while Hagrid moved with Harry. The elder Malfoy gently set Leila down at Voldemort's feet before he walked over to his wife. Leila could feel Harry's gentle breaths on the back of her neck as they lay there. How much longer were they going to lay here? Voldemort pushed Leila's face into the stone with his foot. Leila inwardly cringed at his touch.
"Harry and Leila Potter are dead!" Voldemort shouted. "Behold your folly to put your faith in them!"
"They beat you!" Ron shouted.
"They died trying to save themselves!" Voldemort hissed. "Killed while sneaking out of the castle grounds."
"That's not true!" Hermione yelled.
"No? Look at them. Here they lie…dead at my hands," Voldemort continued. "From this day forth, you will put your faith in me."
Voldemort turned around to face his Death Eaters.
"The Potter twins are dead!" Voldemort shouted.
Cheers once again erupted from the Death Eaters. Voldemort threw his head back and laughed. Too bad he didn't know the joke was on him. He then turned to face the crowd that had found refuge in Hogwarts.
"I am a merciful Lord. Now is the time to declare yourselves," Voldemort said. "Come forward and join us...or die."
Leila could hear the gasps rippling through the crowd. What an ultimatum. There was silence for a moment before Lucius called for his son. Even though Leila couldn't see, she knew that all eyes were on Draco. Would he be that easily swayed? With her "dead" all that he would have left would be his parents. Lucius called for him once more, before Narcissa tried. Narcissa's voice gently called for her son. Draco looked to his mother with tears in his eyes as he shook his head.
"No," Draco answered. "This is what's right. If I have to die for that…then so be it. For Leila…and Harry"
Hermione reached her hand over and gave Draco's a gentle squeeze as Ron placed his hand on Draco's shoulder.
"You will die, Draco; but surely not all of your companions are as…brave…as you," Voldemort hissed. "Come now, you are all willing to die for these two who were so afraid to die themselves that they tried to run and escape their fate?"
Leila could hear heavy footsteps begin to hobble forward. The person stopped in the space between the Hogwarts refugees and the Death Eaters with his stance straight.
"Well, I must say I'd hoped for better," Voldemort said.
Laughter erupted from the Death Eaters as well as a few gasps from the crowd.
"And who might you be, young man?" Voldemort began.
"Neville Longbottom," Neville answered.
"He's the boy who has been giving the Carrows so much trouble," Bellatrix hissed.
"No matter, I'm sure we can find a place for Neville in our ranks," Voldemort said.
"I'd like to say something," Neville interrupted.
"You show spirit and bravery. You will make a very valuable Death Eater. We need your kind, Neville Longbottom. So I'm sure we'd all be fascinated by what you have to say," Voldemort said through gritted teeth.
"It doesn't matter that Leila and Harry are gone," Neville stated.
"Stand down, Neville," Seamus hissed.
"People die every day: friends, family. Yeah, we lost Leila and Harry tonight; but they're still with us, in here," Neville said placing his hand on his heart. "Fred…Tonks…All of them."
"Let's not allow their deaths and love to be in vain," Draco shouted.
Draco slowly took a few steps forward until he was standing tall beside Neville.
"Love, makes for a waste of talent," Voldemort hissed.
"You're wrong!" Draco shouted. "And for so long I believed you."
"Draco, look where you're standing. What good has love done for you, considering you're about to die?" Voldemort continued.
"Because Harry and Leila's hearts beat for us. For all of us," Neville answered.
"Something you'll never be able to understand," Draco furthered. "Love…friendship."
"Your weaknesses Draco will be your downfall!" Voldemort hissed. "Neville, I'll give you one last chance to see reason and prove where your loyalties lie to save yourself."
"I'll join you when hell freezes over!" Neville roared. "Dumbledore's Army!"
The Hogwarts refugees cheered in response to Neville. Voldemort tried to silence them, but his Silencing Charm wouldn't hold.
"Very well, Neville," Voldemort said. "If that is your choice, we revert to the original plan. Draco watch carefully because you're next."
Voldemort waved his wand and for a second it looked like he hadn't done anything until an object zoomed out of one of the castle's shattered windows. Whatever the object was, it landed perfectly in Voldemort's hands. He shook the object and then waved his wand twice more, each time placing a Body-Bind Curse on Neville and then Draco. Both boys stood rigidly as Voldemort walked closer to them as he carried the object from the castle: the Sorting Hat.
"There will be no more Sorting Hat at Hogwarts," Voldemort said. "There will be no more Houses. The emblem, shield, and colors of my noble ancestor, Salazar Slytherin, will suffice for everyone. Won't they, Longbottom? Well, except for those who disgrace his name, right Malfoy?"
Voldemort traced his wand on each boy's chin slowly and deliberately before he pulled the Sorting Hat over Neville's face. There were shouts from the Hogwarts fighters, but no one made a move because the Death Eaters' wands were aimed and ready to fire at even the slightest movement.
"Neville here is going to demonstrate what happens to anyone foolish enough to oppose me," Voldemort began. "He'll be an opening act before Draco will show you what happens to anyone who betrays me and becomes an utter disgrace to the name of Slytherin."
Flames erupted from the Dark Lord's wand which set the Sorting Hat on Neville's head aflame. Screams filled the courtyard as Neville stood rooted to his spot and unable to move. Draco's eyes widened at the sight of Neville because he knew he was in for far worse.
"Harry, I don't know how much longer I can do this," Leila whispered. "We need to do something."
Harry didn't respond to Leila because suddenly out of nowhere, Grawp came lumbering across the viaduct. He screamed for Hagrid, but the Death Eaters stood between him and Hagrid. Then seemingly out of nowhere, the centaurs began to attack the Death Eaters. Their hooves thundered against the stone and their arrows fells amongst the Dark Lord's followers. The centaurs proved to be just the distraction needed because Neville broke free of his Body-Bind Curse. The Gryffindor boy pulled the Sorting Hat from his head and pulled something silver with a glittering ruby handle out of it. While Voldemort tried to curse one of the centaurs, Nagini lunged to attack Draco. But Neville drew the Sword of Gryffindor and swung it with all his might at the snake. In a single stroke, Neville saved Draco and sliced the snake's head. Voldemort opened his mouth scream but no sound was heard as Nagini's dead body dropped to the ground near her master's feet.
"Thanks mate," Draco muttered.
"Not a problem," Neville responded.
Voldemort's face contorted in anger. Draco bravely took one step closing the gap between himself and the Dark Lord.
"Nagini was the last one; now it's just you," Draco said confidently.
Harry and Leila must have had the same thought because before Voldemort could reach for his wand, they both jumped to their feet and summoned a Shield Charm between Draco and Neville and the Dark Lord. Gasps, screams, and cheers…all spectrums of emotions exploded in the courtyard. Voldemort instantly turned around and started firing curses at the twins. Leila cast a Shield Charm, blocking several of Voldemort's curses before they split up. Harry ran to the right, while Leila ran to the left. This forced Voldemort's hand to only go after one of them and he chose Harry. Voldemort continued to shoot hexes at Harry, while Leila ran past the Death Eaters; some of whom were beginning to Disapparate, while others were being carried away by the centaurs. As Leila ran, in the corner of her eye she found Bellatrix's distorted face. Knowing that Bellatrix would follow after her, Leila followed after the crowd headed inside the castle.
"Doing what you do best, Potter? Running away. You can't hide from me!" Bellatrix shouted.
Leila wanted to grin, but the matter was too serious. Bellatrix was buying that she was too scared to fight her. Once she was in the castle, Leila stopped for a moment in order for Bellatrix to catch a glimpse of where she was headed: the Great Hall. Bellatrix hurled a curse at her which Leila ducked before she rounded the corner and threw herself into the Great Hall. Leila then pressed her body against the wall next to the doors to the Great Hall. Death Eaters were dueling the Hogwarts fighters. It seemed like she was the only one not engaged in a fight…yet. She breathed heavily waiting a few seconds before insane woman stopped at the entrance to the courtyard. The woman shot a spell into the Great Hall causing the front window's glass to explode into the room as she slowly walked inside.
"Come out baby Potter. Come out and play! I know you're in here," Bellatrix taunted. "You've no idea how long I've waited for this day."
"Don't know that I can say the same," Leila retorted.
Bellatrix's eyes widened as she turned her head toward Leila; but before Bellatrix could cast a spell at Leila, she disarmed her.
"Expelliarmus!" Leila hissed.
Bellatrix's wand went flying from her hand toward the ongoing duels. Leila then sprinted further into the Great Hall as Bellatrix summoned her wand back to her.
"You're going to have to do better than that if you want to stop me," Bellatrix called.
"Wasn't trying to stop you…yet," Leila muttered to herself.
Because of Leila's height, or lack thereof, Bellatrix had a hard time spotting Leila in the many ongoing battles. Leila quickly maneuvered past the House-elves who were armed with carving knives and cleavers. They were being led into battle by Kreacher who was screaming at the top of his lungs for them to fight for Master Regulus. Leila ducked a spell from Dolohov intended for Flitwick, but she must have proved to be a perfect distraction because seconds later, Dolohov fell with a scream. She then pushed herself up onto one of the House tables where she could easily see Bellatrix skulking through the battles looking for her.
"Looking for me?" Leila called.
Bellatrix's face contorted in anger as she spotted Leila atop the table. The older woman caused the shards of broken glass to lift from the floor from behind Leila. She then roughly whipped her wand causing the glass to straight-line right for Leila; but Leila was on top of her game. She cast a shield charm causing the shards of glass to turn into sand. Granted, the duelers were no getting a face full of sand; but it was better than a face full of glass. Bellatrix's screams of frustration filled the Great Hall, so she jumped onto a table across from Leila. Bellatrix began aiming countless spells at Leila, which Leila could only respond with Shield Charms; but one slipped through causing Leila to be knocked flat on her back. Bellatrix cackled as Leila flicked her wand while still on her back.
"You missed," Bellatrix hissed.
"No, I didn't," Leila smirked.
Leila had vanished the table that Bellatrix had been standing on causing the woman to go crashing to the floor with a scream. Suddenly, a hand reached down to Leila to help her up. Leila looked up as she reached her hand up: Draco. Draco pulled Leila to her feet and she practically collapsed on him as Bellatrix was trying to get back on her feet.
"I don't know whether to be mad at you or not right now," Draco whispered.
"If we survive this, there'll be plenty of time for you to be mad at me later," Leila responded as another one of Bellatrix's spells hurtled toward them.
"Damn right about that," Draco muttered.
Draco easily blocked her spell with a flick of his wand and just like that Draco became part of the one-on-one duel. Leila and Draco tried their hardest to keep up with Bellatrix, but she clearly had years of experience on them. Leila was somewhat surprised that she and Draco were keeping up with Bellatrix as well as they were. It seemed like the two of them were somewhat evenly matched against her, despite how much energy it drained from them to fight her. But then again, Draco had trained with his aunt, making most of her tricks up her sleeve not so surprising to Draco. Suddenly, both Draco and Leila were sent flying backward which surprised even Bellatrix; but their surprise was short-lived as Lucius Malfoy made an appearance.
"Well well, Lucius, I wasn't sure you had it in you to show where your loyalties lie," Bellatrix said. "Especially against your son."
"That's where you're wrong Bella; I'm fighting for my son," Lucius sneered.
With a whip of his wand, Bellatrix shrieked in pain; but it didn't last for long. Draco and Leila jumped off the table and backed up against the wall as they watched the duel between Lucius and Bellatrix. Draco held Leila tight to him as he watched a sight he never thought he'd see. The two Death Eaters battled hard, both of them attempting to use some Dark magic on each other. But the fight seemed to be intensified when Bellatrix began to taunt Lucius. She hurled terrible insults at him that even made Leila cringe.
"Surrender now, Bella. It's over, you're fooling yourself if you think otherwise," Lucius shouted.
"To you? Like hell," Bellatrix hissed. "I will never betray him like you and your son."
Bellatrix shot a spell at the wall above Draco and Leila causing the stone to explode and crumble on top of them. Draco covered Leila's body with his own as the rubble fell on top of them. Lucius's eyes instantly flew to his son; but Bellatrix had only used this as a distraction. A whip flew from her wand and wrapped tightly around Lucius's neck. The maniacal woman pulled Lucius closer to her, pulling the whip tighter with every slow step he took. Draco jumped to his feet as Leila stood up beside him. She placed her hand on his arm, but she could feel his body shaking. Lucius tried to hold back any emotions from his face as Bellatrix held on to him. The woman pulled out a knife, similar to the one that night at Malfoy Manor and pressed the tip to Lucius' neck.
"Any last words for your son before I kill him and the girl?" Bellatrix taunted.
Lucius blinked back his tears as he opened his mouth to speak. At first no words came out as his mouth moved.
"Dr-Draco, I-I'm sorry…for everything," Lucius began. "I'm so prou…"
Bellatrix then moved her knife to Lucius's throat. Leila turned her head into Draco's shoulder just as Bellatrix's knife met Lucius's throat. How cruel. She did that on purpose: giving the man his final words only to cut him off…literally.
"Oops," Bellatrix said.
"Father!" Draco shouted.
Bellatrix pushed Lucius to the ground and Draco ran for his father, tears beginning to blind his eyes. The older woman had expected this so she shot a spell at Draco but Leila had been prepared for the woman to do that. Leila cast a Shield Charm between Draco and his aunt. Bellatrix's eyes burned angrily at Leila as Draco cradled his father who was on his last breaths. As Draco softly cried holding his father, Leila went on the attack against Bellatrix. She shot as many spells at her as she could think of, including a few Unforgiveables. Leila could tell that Bellatrix was burning with anger; but she made sure to move the duel away from Draco and his father. While still aiming spells at the Death Eater, Leila began to cross the Great Hall. Leila ran until she literally ran full-force into Ginny Weasley.
"Ginny, I'd run if I was you," Leila called.
Ginny's eyes widened as a flash of green light missed her by an inch. In response to Bellatrix almost killing her friend, Leila cast a Cruciatus Curse at the woman. After the initial shock subsided, Ginny too began to fire spells when another Killing Curse hurtled straight for the two girls. Leila pulled Ginny to the ground as the curse soared over the girls' heads. Leila knew another curse was bound to head their way; but she was surprised when the blow never came.
"NOT MY DAUGHTERS, YOU BITCH!"
Molly Weasley threw herself between the girls on the floor and Bellatrix. Bellatrix laughed at the sight, but Mrs. Weasley was not to be distracted. The motherly figured began firing spells at Bellatrix. Bellatrix's smile turned into a snarl as jets of light began to shoot from both wands. Leila and Ginny stood up and ran to aid Mrs. Weasley, but in between shots at Bellatrix, Mrs. Weasley pushed the girls back.
"Get back! Get back!" Mrs. Weasley cried. "She is mine. I won't let her hurt my children."
Molly flicked her wand causing more jets of light to stream at Bellatrix.
"But will happen to your children when I've killed you?" Bellatrix taunted. "When Mummy's gone the same way as her Freddie!"
"You—will—never—touch—any—of—our—children—again!" Mrs. Weasley screamed.
Bellatrix threw her head back and laughed…much like…dare she say it? Like Sirius… It looked like history was to repeat itself. In her moment of laughter, Bellatrix was hit square in the chest by Molly Weasley's spell; just like what had happened to Sirius two years ago. Bellatrix's body froze and her eyes seemed to bulge. For the slightest moment, the woman had a look of panic on her face before she toppled onto the floor. The crowd began to cheer at the sight of Bellatrix's dead body, that is everyone except Voldemort who had been buys dueling McGonagall, Kingsley, and Remus. Voldemort seemed to scream bloody murder, causing his three opponents to be thrown off their feet. Voldemort's face contorted in rage as Mrs. Weasley ran back to Ginny and Leila. Mrs. Weasley enveloped the girls in a hug.
"Oh, my girls," Mrs. Weasley said breathing heavily.
With Mrs. Weasley's back to him, Voldemort with his wand at the ready turned to Mrs. Weasley. Leila's eyes widened as she fumbled to raise her wand, but Mrs. Weasley's grasp on her was prohibiting her from doing so. Thankfully, a familiar voice roared the words for a Shield Charm, blocking Voldemort from hurting anyone. There was now a large space in the middle of the room as its occupants were now forming a circle around the space around Harry and Voldemort. The two began to circle each other as Leila pushed through the crowd. Leila stumbled into the open space.
"No! I don't want anyone to try and help me," Harry said loudly. "Leila, I've got this; it's got to be me."
"Harry, when are you going to get it through your thick skull that you and I are in this together. I'm just as much a part of this as you are," Leila responded.
"Using your sister as your shield, Potter? How noble," Voldemort scoffed.
"I'm not his shield; but speaking of them…you don't have any more Horcruxes, do you Tommy?" Leila taunted.
"It's just us," Harry added.
"Says the boy who survived purely by accident with Dumbledore pulling the strings," Voldemort hissed.
"Accident, was it when our mother died to protect us?" Harry asked.
"An accident that caused Harry and I to tie ourselves to each other? Okay, that one was purely by accident," Leila said. "But was it an accident that we came to you and didn't defend ourselves tonight?"
"Accidents!" Voldemort screamed. "and the fact that you allowed countless others to die for you!"
"No one else will be dying tonight," Harry said. "You won't be able to kill any of them ever again. I was ready to die to stop…"
"He means we were ready to die to stop you from hurting these people," Leila interrupted.
"But you didn't," Voldemort said narrowing his eyes. "You stand quite alive before me."
"We meant to, and that's what did it," Harry said.
"We've done for all these people what our mother did for us. They're protected from you," Leila added.
"But I…" the Dark Lord began.
"But none of them have been binding, have they Tom?" Harry furthered. "You can't torture them. You can't kill them…"
"Although Bellatrix probably very well could have killed me," Leila added.
"But the point we're trying to make is that you just don't learn from your mistakes, do you Riddle?" Harry continued.
"You dare call me by…" Voldemort began as his face contorted in anger.
"Is that act really supposed to scare us? I mean, when we were younger I thought it was scary as hell…" Leila started.
"Leila," Harry groaned.
"Oh fine, it wasn't all that long ago; but what matters is that I'm not scared of it anymore," Leila finished. "You're done for. And we know things that you don't know. Important things that you'll probably want to know before you make a big mistake."
"What else do we know?" Harry whispered.
"You haven't figured it out yet?" Leila whispered back.
"Figured what out?" Harry questioned.
"We're waiting," Voldemort hissed.
Leila pushed herself gently so that she was standing in front of her brother, face to face with Voldemort. Leila could see Draco standing holding his mother near the front of the crowd of people. Tears were gleaming in his eyes. He no doubt was still trying to deal with the loss of his father. She took a deep breath and nodded at him. Draco really was a key part of all of this. Leila then turned to Voldemort, intensity burning in her eyes.
"You think you can handle this one?" Leila asked.
"Is it love again?" Voldemort sneered. "Dumbledore's favorite solution, love? Love didn't stop him from dying that night. Love didn't stop me from killing your mother. Love isn't going to stop me from killing you again. You must believe that you have magic I don't, or a weapon more powerful than mine."
"I don't; but Harry does," Leila answered.
"Leila, what are you talking about?" Harry asked coming to his sister's side.
"I'm showing you that I believe you," Leila whispered.
"Was it something Dumbledore left him?" Voldemort scoffed.
"In a matter of speaking, yes," Leila said. "He was far cleverer than you."
"I brought about the death of Albus Dumbledore! He died on my orders!" Voldemort shouted.
"Oh he knew you were going to have Draco try and kill him," Leila said.
"That doesn't change the fact that Dumbledore is dead!" Voldemort hissed.
"True, Dumbledore is dead…but he arranged his death. Arranged the whole thing with a man you thought was your servant," Leila smirked. "Snape was never yours. Snape stopped being yours from the moment you even planned to hunt down my mother. Funny, if you would have seen his Patronus you might have realized it. Harry, what's Snape's Patronus?"
"Snape's Patronus was a doe…the same as Mum's," Harry said as if he was beginning to catch on. "He loved her. He asked for her life to be spared, didn't he?"
"He merely desired her, that's all," Voldemort spat. "When she was gone, he agreed that there were other women..with purer and worthier blood."
"Well, he lied," Leila shrugged.
"He was already Dumbledore's," Harry said. "Dumbledore was already dying when Snape finished him."
"It doesn't matter! I'm the one with the Elder Wand!" Voldemort shouted.
Voldemort seemed to breathe raggedly as he clutched the Elder Wand tightly.
"But there's one problem, you're not it's master," Leila said.
"I killed Snape!" Voldemort hissed.
"Were you not listening to a word my sister said? Dumbledore let Snape kill him," Harry scoffed. "And she thinks I'm a terrible listener."
"I pried the wand from Dumbledore's cold, dead fingers. I removed it against his wishes. Its power is mine!" Voldemort tried to rationalize.
"How thick are you?" Leila scoffed. "Harry, what was is Ollivander liked to say about the wands? The wand…"
"The wand chooses the wizard. That means the wand never chose you, Tom, did it?" Harry continued.
"Whether it was Dumbledore's or Snape's, it's still mine!" Voldemort hissed.
"But there's one tiny detail that I think most of have overlooked. I normally try not to think about that night. Painful memories; but that night on the Astronomy Tower…the wand recognized a new master. Dumbledore was disarmed…" Leila began.
"By Draco," Harry added, putting another piece of the puzzle together.
Leila looked to Draco whose eyes were wide in sheer terror. Draco looked to Leila and pointed to himself; but Leila shook her head.
"No matter. Potter no longer has a wand twin to mine. We fight to the death and then I'll attend to Draco Malfoy," Voldemort said.
"But you're too late," Harry grinned.
"Took you long enough to catch on," Leila muttered.
"When Leila and Draco escaped…the first time that is. They came to Godric's Hollow. I greeted them by…disarming Draco," Harry smirked. "No wonder his wand seemed to work better."
"So it comes down to this," Leila said. "Are you willing to take the risk, which is more of a fact really, that Harry is the true master of the Elder Wand?"
Voldemort shouted in rage before he aimed another Killing Curse right for the twins.
"Expelliarmus!" Harry shouted.
Leila watched as Harry and Voldemort's jets of light met as both of them held on tightly to their wands. For a split second, Leila thought about her prophecy and how she made it work for her. Why couldn't Harry do the same? Sure, Harry had to be the one to beat Voldemort and she knew he could do it on his own…but the damn prophecy said nothing about him getting some help. Besides, this wasn't Harry's fight…it was their fight. Exhaustion caused both Harry and Voldemort to release their spells. Leila looked to her brother who had a grin on his face.
"You're right, you're just as much a part of this. Together?" Harry asked.
"Together," Leila answered.
"Avada Kedavra!" Voldemort shouted.
"Expelliarmus!" Harry shouted.
"Flipendo!" Leila cried.
Harry and Leila's jets of light seemed to mold together, forming a golden light which opposed Voldemort's jet of green light. The green light proved to be no match for the golden light as it was easily overtaken. The Elder Wand flew from Voldemort's hand as he was being physically repelled backward and knocked into the wall. Draco, with his Seeker-like reflexes, caught the Elder Wand that went flying his direction. With another thump, Riddle's body hit the floor. The three curses combined were too much for one person, especially with his own Killing Curse rebounding and Harry's identity as the true master of the Elder Wand. The crowd parted as Leila got a glimpse of Voldemort body. He didn't move or even lunge like they do in the Muggle horror movies. No, he was as dead...after all these years, he was finally dead. The Great Hall was completely silent for a few moments before it erupted into loud cheers and celebration. Leila immediately threw her arms around her brother's neck and began to cry softly into his collar. Harry held back his own tears as he held onto his sister tightly.
"We did it! It's over Leila. It's finally over," Harry whispered.
"About bloody time," Leila sniffled.
Leila released her brother to wipe her tears away from her eyes when Hermione enveloped her in a hug. There seemed to be a line of people wanting to hug the Potter twins. Remus was next in line. He hugged his goddaughter tightly, not wanting to let her out of his sight again. After all, he was the one who was supposed to be responsible for her.
"I'm so proud of you, Leila. James and Lily would be too," Remus said.
"I know," Leila whispered.
"But what you did was absolutely reckless…" Remus began.
"What can I say? I'm my father's daughter," Leila smiled.
"And your mother's. You have qualities of both of them in you. But I swear if you ever do anything like that again…" Remus started.
"You'll what, ground me?" Leila chuckled.
"I've been doing some thinking. With Tonks gone, I'm going to need some help with Teddy and seeing as you and Harry are his godparents…well, what I'm trying to say is, maybe we could be a family. Just the four of us," Remus said.
"I'd love that," Leila grinned.
"And Harry?" Remus asked.
"He'd love it too," Harry added.
Remus grinned as he gently patted Harry on the back. Family. That word sounded rather nice. A real family. Leila smiled softly as Mrs. Weasley threw her arms around Leila; when she received a tap on the shoulder from her brother. Leila looked to Harry who was pointing behind her.
"I think someone's looking for you," Harry said
Leila turned around to see Draco standing there alone, a distance from the crowd, watching her. Leila excused herself from those trying to greet her as she pushed herself through the crowd toward Draco. When she finally got out of the crowd, Leila practically burst into tears at the sight of him. He was battered and bruised; but he was alive. She started running toward him as he took a few steps closer to her. Leila launched herself at him, flinging her arms around his neck and wrapping her legs around his midsection. Draco held onto her tightly as they both of them let the tears they had been trying to hold back escape. Leila pressed gentle kisses against cheek.
"I'm so so sorry," Leila gently cried.
"I thought I lost you," Draco said.
"I know," Leila whispered.
"And then you went after my crazy aunt. Do you know how mental that was?" Draco continued.
"I know," Leila sniffled.
"And then my…my father died," Draco started to break down.
"I know and for that I am so sorry, sweetheart. You were so brave," Leila said softly.
"My heart hurts," Draco said.
"I think it's going to," Leila whispered.
"You should probably get back to your celebration," Draco commented.
"What about you?" Leila asked.
"I think I could use some air," Draco said.
"Some air sounds perfect right about now," Leila smiled.
Draco gently set Leila down on her feet before she weaved her fingers through his. They first walked over to Narcissa who sat crying beside her husband's dead body. Leila's heart ached for the woman. Lucius may have been a foul git for most of the time she had known him; but his final actions proved otherwise. None of this celebration would have been possible without Narcissa. With her other hand, Leila reached out and placed it on the older woman's shoulder.
"Thank you," Leila whispered.
"I would have done the same were you my own," Narcissa said lightly.
Leila felt bad that Narcissa seemed to be isolated from the rest of the group; but she wasn't for long when Molly Weasley came bustling over. Mrs. Weasley enveloped Narcissa in an unexpected hug. Narcissa stiffened for a moment before she gave in to Mrs. Weasley's embrace. Draco's mother began to cry softly in Mrs. Weasley's arms as the ginger-haired woman motioned for Draco and Leila to leave. They both nodded their heads, knowing that Narcissa was in capable hands. Hand in hand, Draco and Leila exited the Great Hall walking past Filch who was trying to sweep up the rubble. This caused Leila to chuckle and heavily on Draco as they came to the Grand Entrance. It was pretty badly beat up, but Leila remembered her first time here like it was yesterday.
"This was where I started hating you," Leila chuckled.
"I thought you hated me since we met and we met on the train," Draco added.
"Fine, I just found you annoying at first. It wasn't until we were waiting to be Sorted that my strong distaste for you began. You really should have known better than to mess with my brother," Leila said.
Draco attempted a smile as he twirled Leila.
"So many memories in this castle," Leila sighed.
"Many bad ones," Draco said.
"But more good ones," Leila grinned. "Like the time I pushed you in the fountain."
"Because that was so enjoyable on my part," Draco said sarcastically.
"Or the many times we did this," Leila breathed.
Leila stood on her tip-toes and placed a gentle kiss on Draco's lips. Draco eagerly responded which caused Leila to chuckle. Draco and Leila were too lost in themselves to notice Harry, Ron, and Hermione sneak up on them.
"My eyes…they burn," Harry teased.
"Shut up, Harry," Draco and Leila said simultaneously.
Leila gently pulled away from Draco as she smiled at Hermione, Ron, and Harry. Voldemort was gone and they were all still getting along, surprisingly the world hadn't ended.
"We were just about to go for a walk; you want to come with us?" Hermione asked.
Draco and Leila both nodded their heads in agreement as they walked with Hermione, Ron, and Harry into the courtyard. The sun streamed onto the blood-stained and rubble filled courtyard as they walked through it. The place seemed beyond repair, but Leila knew that Hogwarts would carry on. No, this day wouldn't be forgotten nor would the lives whose precious blood were spilt. They would learn from the mistakes, so they were never doomed to repeat them. They began to walk across the near-destroyed viaduct; but the view of the lake was breath-taking. Harry perched himself on one of the destroyed pillars taking in the view. Draco then released Leila's hand from his as he walked toward Harry, pulling the Elder Wand out of his back pocket. He held the wand out for Harry to take.
"I guess this belongs to you," Draco said.
Harry picked the Elder Wand out of Draco's hands and examined it.
"It was yours for a while," Harry chuckled.
"Not anymore. I don't want any bloody lunatics coming after me for it," Draco responded.
"Thanks," Harry said shaking his head.
"So what are we going to do with it?" Ron asked.
"We?" Hermione questioned.
"That's the Elder Wand…the Unbeatable Wand," Ron began. "With that we'd be invincible."
"I think Draco's right. I've had enough bloody lunatics after me to last a lifetime; wouldn't you agree, Leila?" Harry said.
"Definitely," Leila smiled.
Harry held up a finger to give him a moment. He reached into his pouch tied around his neck and pulled out his broken phoenix feather wand. He held his broken wand out for Leila to take which she placed carefully in her open palms. Harry pressed the tip of the Elder Wand onto his broken wand. The wand began to reseal itself and soon red sparks flew out its end. Harry grinned as he took his wand of holly and phoenix feather. He placed the repaired wand in his pocket and looked at the Elder Wand. Surprising them all, Harry began to wiggle the Elder Wand. He then slammed it down against the solid stone pillar, causing it to break in two.
"Are you mental?" Ron asked.
"No, he's just trying to keep us out of trouble," Leila chuckled.
"Two halves to the whole," Harry said.
Harry held out half the Elder Wand to her. Leila took half of it knowing full well what he wanted her to do.
"One," Harry said.
"Two," Leila continued.
"Three," the twins said together.
The Potter twins threw each half of the wand into the chasm below. Harry was the first to walk away while the others looked into the distance. Leila soon followed after him and reached for his hand. She gently squeezed her brother's hand as Hermione came to his other side. Soon the group of five stood there with their hands linked, they were united. If anyone ever would have guessed that the five of them would have made such a good team and taken down the most powerful wizard ever known, they would have said the person was crazy. But no, an unlikely team of Harry Potter, Leila Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Draco Malfoy beat the odds. Leila softly smiled as she leaned her head against Harry's shoulder.
"It's finally over," Leila whispered.
For so long she thought she had been lost; but really, she had found herself along the way.
Author's note: Have we finally found our way to the end of the story? Don't worry, I still have the "Epilogue" left to post and then after that, we'll be heading over to my new stories! Exciting, yet kinda sad at the same time. Speaking of my other stories, summaries (and a banner) can be found on my profile page. ALSO it's a really close race with the voting for the title of the sequel. See for yourself…
Dance Me to the End of Love (7)
Forever and Almost Always (5)
Home is Me, You are Mine (5)
More Than Anyone (5)
Never Had a Dream Come True (4)
I and Love and You (3)
Make You Feel My Love (3)
They'll Never Know (3)
Give in to Me (2)
I Won't Give Up on You (2)
Almost Everything (1)
Then Slowly Grows (1)
So really what I'm saying is go VOTE for your favorite! If you don't have an account, feel free to put your choices (up to 3) in a review! I'll tally them in! Really, this is my thank-you to you for being such loyal fans! So which story are you more looking forward to? And why? Dun dun dunnn…lol
Ayrpluto72: Well, Leila didn't stay dead…if that makes sense? She's alive! Thanks for the review and for following my story! I truly appreciate it!
LilyLuna123: Yes, I am quite evil sometimes…maybe that's why I'm in Slytherin on Pottermore? Hmmm…I find it funny that your friend was giving you funny looks yet you don't care. Shows your dedication to my writing, which I thank you for. So, how close was your idea about where I was going with the story? Thanks so much for your reviews! I really appreciate them!
Thelonglostpotter: Yeah, it was a rather cruel way to end the chapter…but I knew that everything after that was going to snowball; hence this chapter that's over 10,000 words! Haha. I hope it didn't disappoint! I'm glad that you liked the James and Leila scene. I wanted to give them a moment. Thanks so much for reviewing my story! It truly means a lot to me!
RHatch89: I hope that this chapter lived up to expectations! I was kinda dreading it knowing that it was going to be the "last" chapter (besides the epilogue) to this story. Wanted to end things properly. Anywho, thanks so much for reviewing my little story! It brightens my day!
Hollis Annalise: I'm glad that you loved the last chapter. I hope you loved this one just as much. Leila did find her bravery and she kept it this chapter. I loved writing her so snarky toward Bellatrix and Voldemort. She's really come out of her shell. I'm glad that you like hearing from me at the end. I enjoy writing to everyone at the end. I'll admit, at first I had no idea what to do with the reviews…but now that I do this, I feel better connected with my readers. :) As far as Snape coming back in the Resurrection Stone, I knew he woud be coming back if I saved Remus…which really took a lot of flip flopping on my part. I had the story planned to go both ways. But now that I have a better idea where my sequel is going; Remus definitely needed to live. Thanks so much for your reviews! Love getting them!
AbominableSnowman23: Sorry 'bout that! This chapter doesn't leave much hanging does it? Well, except for what happens next! You deduced correctly that Leila lives. The scene with Leila and Hermione broke my heart too. I wrote it that way because the last words Leila said to Draco weren't so kind, which I can relate to because the last words I told my mother before her death weren't kind…so I can relate to that. I'm glad that you liked Snape/Sirius in the Resurrection Stone scene. I had more of them written, but it went completely away from the storyline so I edited it out. If I ever do get time to write an alternate universe…haha…I've already thought that through actually. Already had the kids names picked out in my imagination…so obviously Harry and Leila, then Andrew, Joshua, Charlus, and Evelyn. Haha. I'm not sure I'll ever get to it…but we shall see, eh? So thanks for your continued reviews! I appreciate them!
xxxRena: I'm terribly sorry to have left you hanging…and now we just have the epilogue left in this story! But not to worry..we have a prequel and sequel in the works! And Leila managed to make it back to life! I'm glad you think that Leila is a strong and brave character…it took some growing on her part. Haha. Thanks so much for the support and the reviews! It really helps to brighten my day!
LeilaxDraco Fan: I'm sorry I made you cry. I really wanted to make it beautiful and I'm glad you found it so. I knew that Lily would know how Leila felt about always being the second mentioned twin…just something a mother would know. As far as Leila telling Hermione to tell Draco…I wanted to make it so that there was a sense of loss so to speak. That the last words they could have ever spoken to each other weren't the kindest. This update wasn't as early as the last…but it was still before a week. It's kinda insane to see that this story is nearly over (just the epilogue left) I hope you were surprised by Leila's return! Lol As far as the poll, YES! Of course you may vote. The choices are posted to my profile…you can pick up to 3 and just put them in your review! Thanks so much for the supportive reviews! I really really love you for it!
Osnapitslilly: I'm sorry that I had you in tears! But it kinda does make me proud that my writing has improved! Haha. Thanks for the review!
The Big Hosepipe in the Sky: I'm glad you can relate to my imperfections. Again, I'm sorry if they poorly affected you. As far as Leila dying…well, she didn't. haha. Thanks to Harry. Now maybe she can marry Draco and have babies…you'll just have to wait and get a glimpse in the epilogue ;) haha. I do hope this chapter lived up to your expectations. Thanks for the reviews! I'm really glad that you read my stories and that you continue to enjoy them.
Olivia A: I didn't mean to make you cry! I did try to pour my heart out into the chapter, which I guess is how the emotion gets into it. I'm glad that you like my writing. I'm glad that you liked that father/daughter moment. I've been dying to write one since I wrote the mother/daughter on! Haha. I do hope this chapter lived up to expectations! Thanks for the review!
Marlene: Yes a scar…haha. I'm glad that you love James and that you like the similarity between him and Draco. That was something I was always going for when I wrote the started my stories…even though you didn't really get to see much of the annoying Draco. Haha. But not to worry, he'll appear in the prequel. Thanks for you reviews! I always appreciate them!
xXMizz Alec VolturiXx: You flatter me too much! I'm glad that you still continue to like and read my stories. Thanks so much for all the kind reviews you leave, they really do mean the world to me. I do hope you voted in the poll!
Alyssa103: Yeah…cliffie…oops! Haha. Don't worry about the baseball bat thing. Lol. Believe me, I understand about the whole writing thing. So I've been writing for like 3 years now and I didn't tell any of my friends I wrote on here until Christmas. So far only like 3 of my friends know..so, believe me, I get it! Yeah, as far as Leila coming back…she tied herself to her brother…unknowingly…but Dumbledore knew. Don't think that it was a crappy review. Really, any response you leave is appreciated. So thanks!
Slytherin-Heiress1: Sorry I made you hurt! But I guess I succeeded in my job as an author if I did ;) Thanks for the review!
Lucy Greenhill: Name change! Haha. I recognized your picture and started typing the name I was familiar with! So thanks for reading and for the review!
XxShadowhunterxX: First, just a funny ditty…I accidently wrote shadowhunger the first time. Made me giggle..hope you got a slight kick out of it. I'm glad that you liked the chapter! The movie was probably one of the first "chick flicks" I ever saw…not to mention that Josh Lucas is very pretty to look at…lol. Yeah, Leila has grown so much. It's fun to write her so brave and willing to take a stand to Voldy and Bella. I've wanted to give Leila a "daddy" moment since I gave her a "mommy" moment. Makes me sad they didn't get to live while their kids grew up. As far as Draco…well, like you said they make him a better person in the long run. Thanks for being my self-confidence booster! Whoo! I really appreciated the slight pep talk! Hope you enjoyed this chapter too! Thanks for the review! Make my day! :D
CasperGirl523: I'm glad you loved James/Leila…I did too. If James were alive I can imagine they'd have a good relationship. I'm glad you enjoyed the Sirius/Snape banter. I enjoyed writing it! Lol. I hope this chapter lived up to expectations! Yes, the sequel will focus more on character relationships as well as adjusting to kinda grown up life and rebuilding after the war. But obviously in the Wizarding world there has to be some trouble a brewin' haha. Thanks for the reviews! Love them!
MiraclesHappen94: Here's the update you requested! I'm glad that you love Draco and Leila or Dreila as they're sometimes referred to around here. Haha. She went back with Harry! I hope it lived up to expectations! Thanks for the review! Glad you found my story!
Waterfish1919: I'm glad that you like my story! (and my writing) I was never sure about the whole writing thing…but this site has really helped my confidence to grow! Thanks for the review! Hope you liked this chapter too!
JohnnyDeppisMine: Long time no see, stranger ;) I'm sorry that I made you cry at my writing, but I guess as an author I feel honored. I do hope that this chapter lived up to your expectations! Thanks for the review and continuing to read my story. It means a lot to me. :D
Well folks, we have only the "Epilogue" left. EEEEKKK! Now, go VOTE!