Disclaimer: The Harry Potter Series (1997-2007) and any characters and original locations within the books belong to JK Rowling. I own my original characters and my plot twists. I am not trying to pass any of these characters or copyrighted ideas off as my own and therefore it isn't plagiarism or copyright infringement.

Chapter Twenty-Four – The Lion, the Witch, and the Vampire

Winter arrived with a vengeance. The snow swirled outside the windows, and twelve Christmas Trees had been set up in the great hall by Hagrid. Everyone who planned on heading home for the holidays was preparing to leave. Since the whole Ron, Lavender, and Hermione debacle, Leo had avoided all parties involved. He did approach Hermione to see if she'd consider taking Theo as her date to the party; however he was sadly informed that she'd already asked McLaggen. He managed to hunt down Melinda Bobbin and asked her if she'd found a date to Slughorn's Christmas party. She shook her head no.

He smiled, "Would you do a favor for me? You see, I have a friend who has a crush on this girl and well, neither one of them are a part of the Slug Club. I was wondering if you'd take my friend as a date, so that I could hook him up with my date."

She smiled and blushed, "Only if you promise to be my date after you've gotten the other two together."

Leo's eyes widened, "Um, Okay." He wasn't expecting Melinda to have a crush on him. He turned around and decided it was time to speak with Nott. After discovering Draco was using an enchanted coin like Hermione had created the year before, Leo decided to create a similar way of communication. However, instead of using a coin, he made a couple of bracelets. He cast a protean charm on both sides of the silver bracelets. They each changed the writing on the outside of their bracelet and the other one heated up on the inside and displayed the message. He tapped the outside of his bracelet and changed it to read: I got you a date to the Slug Club Christmas Party. You're going with Melinda.

It was a moment before the inside of Leo's bracelet heated up. He looked down at it. Who are you taking? Leo couldn't help but smile as he walked up to the tower. He tapped his bracelet with his wand. I'm going to ask Fay Dunbar right now. His bracelet heated again when he reached the Fat Lady Portrait. He looked back down and laughed at the message. Why are you asking her? You know I like her. Leo ignored the bracelet for a moment and found Fay sitting by her redheaded friend near the fire. He cleared his throat, "Hello Fay, I was wondering if you'd accompany me to Slughorn's Christmas Party tonight? One of my friends really likes you, but he's not a member of the club, so he's going with another member. I'd really like to introduce the two of you."

She looked up at him with wide eyes, "You have a friend who likes me?"

Leo smiled, "Yes, and he's a bit shy. Would you go with me to the party as my guest?"

She covered her mouth and squealed, "Yes, I've been dying to find out what one of those functions were like and I can't believe someone has a crush on me."

"I will meet you in the common room around eight tonight. I figured we could follow Hermione and McLaggen up there," Leo suggested before heading up to his dormitory and tapped his bracelet. Don't worry Melinda plans on hanging out with me tonight. See you at the party.

Leo and Fay followed Hermione and Cormac up to the party. Hermione looked as beautiful as she had at the Yule ball. For a moment, Leo thought he saw Ron red with anger. Cormac was his usual annoying self, as he continued to talk about himself and how good he was at Quidditch. Apparently, it was his favorite subject and Leo flirted with the idea of conjuring a mirror to distract him with. Leo met up with Theo and Melinda just outside the door to Slughorn's office. When they entered the room, it was apparent that Slughorn had decorated his overly large office for the holidays. There were plenty of additional guests, as well. It seemed the party was for all members of the Slug Club, past and present.

Once inside the room, Leo turned to Fay. "I'd like you to meet Theodore Nott."

She looked at him with wide eyes and whispered, "But he's a Slytherin with a Death Eater Father."

Theo frowned and looked down at his feet. Leo whispered back, "Yes, his father's a Death Eater. Yes, Theo's a Slytherin who's quite clever, but he isn't a Death Eater, and he'll never be one. Theo what were you thinking about doing after you graduate from Hogwarts?"

Theo looked back up and mumbled, "I'm not exactly sure. I was thinking about Magical Law Enforcement. I might even try being an Auror if my grades are good enough."

Fay's eyes widened, "You're thinking about fighting Dark Wizards when your father's one."

Theo rolled his eyes, "I'd prefer if my father stayed in Azkaban. He deserves to be there."

Fay took his arm and walked off with him, as they continued to chat. Leo turned to Melinda and held out his arm, "Shall we?"

She smiled and her brown eyes twinkled, "Absolutely, Leo."

Slughorn's attention was elsewhere as he continuously hunted down Harry to introduce him to many of his friends. Apparently, he hoped to raise his self worth by associating with the hottest thing in the Wizarding World, Harry Potter, also known as "the Chosen One". Leo noticed Hermione was avoiding Cormac like the plague. He raised an eyebrow, when he noticed that Snape entered the room and sought out Harry. He appeared to have a message to convey. Leo noticed a few of Slughorn's old favorites walking around the room. He also saw one particular favorite accompanied by a man floating across the room, who could only be a Vampire. He couldn't help but wonder how one managed to get a Vampire there when they tended to shy away from the public. Though, he'd heard there were a few hanging out in the Forbidden Forest. Shortly after Snape arrived, Filch dragged Draco toward Slughorn. Leo kept Melinda on his arm, as he approached the group. He wanted to know what would happen.

Filch's eyes bulged as he wheezed, "Professor Slughorn, I discovered this boy lurking in an upstairs corridor. He claims to have been invited to your party and to have been delayed in setting out. Did you issue him with an invitation?"*

Draco growled, "All right, I wasn't invited! I was trying to gatecrash, happy?"*

Flitch had a gleeful smile as he gave his denial, "No, I'm not! You're in trouble, you are! Didn't the headmaster say that nighttime prowling's out, unless you've got permission, didn't he, eh?"*

"That's alright, Argus, that's alright," Slughorn waved his hand dismissively. "It's Christmas, and it's not a crime to want to come to a party. Just this once, we'll forget any punishment; you may stay, Draco."*

Leo noticed Harry was evaluating the situation. He seemed to detect Draco and Filch's equally unhappy expressions. He may have even seen the momentary anger and fear that laced Snape's face, as he stared at Draco. However, soon Filch quickly left the room and Draco managed to compose himself and thank Slughorn for letting him stay.

Slughorn waved away Draco's gratitude, "It's nothing, nothing. I did know your grandfather, after all…"*

"He always spoke very highly of you, sir," Draco smiled. "Said you were the best potion-maker he'd ever known…."*

Leo took note of Draco's features. The dark circles under his eyes had darkened and his usually pale complexion had a bit of a gray tinge to it. He couldn't help but think that perhaps it was Draco's appearance that caused Snape the momentary fear on his face. Was he truly concerned about his Godson? Snape made eye contact with him and Leo allowed him to enter his mind. His voice boomed in his head. I want you to go to the classroom at the end of the hallway. Transform when you get there and hide in the shadows. I think it's time we confront him. Leo gave a slight nod and walked away from the group and whispered to Melinda, "I just remembered I have a transfiguration assignment I need to finish and I have Quidditch Practice tomorrow. I've got to go."

She gave him a skeptical look but didn't say anything. Leo left the office, and he transformed once he entered the classroom, as Snape requested. He stood in the corner.

He listened to the conversation between the two. Draco denied Snape's accusations, as Snape attempted to get more information out of him. Snape also attempted to use access Draco's memories but Draco kept him out. In the end, Draco stormed out of the room and down the hallway. Snape motioned for Leo to follow him. Snape pretended to head back to the party but walked down the hallway and stopped along the wall where the Room of Requirement was located. He looked at the wall and back at Leo. Leo walked back and forth in his cat form with his previous thought. Soon the door popped into place and the two of them walked into the room.

Snape followed the Lion Leo and they quickly found Draco staring at the Vanishing Cabinet. Leo transformed back and tapped Draco on the shoulder, "I really don't think you should talk to your Godfather like that Draco. Talk about disrespectful."

Draco's face turned red, "Why'd you show Snape this room?"

Leo smirked, "I've been spying for Snape since you were given your assignment. Yeah and I've also witnessed your practice of all three Unforgivable Curses on a cat. I also saw your practice of the Imperious and the Cruciatus Curses on Igor Karkaroff but you weren't able to kill him. Aunty Bella had to do that for you, didn't she?"

Draco paled more, "You were spying on me while you slept?"

Leo smiled, "Yes, you see Draco not only are we twins, but we have the same magical auras."

Draco rolled his eyes, "Professor, do you actually believe his story?"

Snape's face remained unreadable, "Yes, I do. I've been aware of his existence since it was revealed to the Order the summer before your fifth year. He even stayed with your cousin Sirius."

Leo crossed his arms, "Isn't it interesting how your enemies somehow end up dead? First James Potter and now Sirius Black, I wonder if you're still waiting for Lupin to bite the dust."

"Leo you know I don't appreciate cheek," Snape sneered.

"Yes, especially from Potter, as all you see is the man who did exactly what to you? He didn't steal your girlfriend, did he?" Leo wiggled his brows suggestively.

Snape didn't even look at Leo, instead he concentrated on Draco. "So, you're working on repairing this Vanishing Cabinet so that you can get Death Eaters into the school. How's the repair going, right now?"

Draco crossed his arms, "So, you two are working together to undermine me?"

Leo slapped Draco on the back of the head, "I thought you were smarter than Crabbe and Goyle. No, I'm going to replace your ass and send you somewhere safe to recover. I might've been the weaker twin at birth, but I'm the stronger twin now. I'm more capable at dealing with things like this, and I'll protect my friends."

"You want me to believe you'll not only send me somewhere safe, where I'll never have to see that snakes face again, but that you're going to take my place, and protect my parents?"

"You mean our parents. Yes, I will protect my family. I wasn't raised by them but I still love them especially our mother. She requested to be Obliviated because she didn't want to remember having me and missing me grow up. She recognized my name when she spoke to me on the train platform. Lucius is scared, and I think he might turn around at some point. I just want you someplace safe during the war. You can return as soon as the Dark Lord has fallen, and we're all safe. I'll explain who I truly am to the rest of the Wizarding World after this is all over." Leo hoped he could get through to his brother.

"Sorry I still don't believe that's going to happen. I think that you're just helping Snape to try and take credit for my work."

"Fine," Leo raised his wand, "Obliviate." Leo watched as Draco's eyes glazed over, "You do not remember me or Snape ever being in this room as you've worked on the Vanishing Cabinet." Leo then turned around and left with Snape.

Snape looked at him sternly, "You shouldn't overuse that spell on him. It could addle the mind."

Leo smiled sweetly, "I don't think it will make much of a difference. His mind is already addled, as he's breaking under pressure. I guess we shouldn't try again until it's closer to end of term. Perhaps until then you should sneak in and undo some of his work to insure he can't succeed in fixing it." He looked around the hallway and made sure no one was there, but just in case he stared Snape in the eye and feel him weaken his mental blocks. I plan on leaving school early because of a death in the family. Maybe we can have one of the teachers come in and tell me that my mother is dead or something like that. I'll need a portkey made, but I'm sure I can talk to Dumbledore about where. I will then send him away shortly after our 17th birthday. I'll make sure to contact my guardians to let them know of the change and so we can keep him under house arrest. I'll use the Imperious Curse if I have to.

Snape just nodded and walked away with his robes billowing behind him. He knew that he'd have to meet with Dumbledore later to have the portkey ready for him. He was sure they could plan which day to finish the cabinet, and set everything up perfectly.

Leo sat in the common room and waited for everyone to return. Harry returned together with Fay at his heels. Cormac arrived a few minutes behind them muttering under his breath about Hermione heading back early because she said she was tired, and went right up to his dorm room. Leo singled Fay out, "So, how was your evening?"

She smiled, "You know I really do like him."

"I knew you would. He's had a crush on you for a bit now. If you want to see him again, you can find him most days in the library."

Her eyes widened, "So, he doesn't hang out with Malfoy's gang or anything like that?"

Leo shook his head, "He's a bit of a loner. He doesn't like the idea of being bossed around, and I think I'm the first true friend he's had."

"But I never see the two of you together."

Leo cleared his throat, "Yeah well, it's a bit complicated. You see it might be bad for his image if we were seen together, so we tend to act while in public and class."

"You don't think he'd expect me to do the same thing, do you?"

He shook his head, "No, a relationship with you wouldn't hurt his image. It might actually improve it. The only thing against you is that you're a Gryffindor. I have a few more things going against me. Impersonating Draco and getting him in trouble is the big one."

She smiled, "Ah, I see. So, he's on somewhat friendly terms with that git."

"Well, Draco tends to rule the roost. He's not interested in joining Draco's gang of Neanderthals, but he knows that Draco could make his life miserable. You know, if he somehow ended up on the bad side of the Prince of Slytherin."

Her brow furrowed, "I heard that since his father was sent to Azkaban, Draco's been losing popularity with his house to Zabini. Did you even notice that Draco's girlfriend Pansy was on his arm at Slughorn's party? She was hanging all over Zabini like the two of them were an item."

"I have to admit that I didn't notice. I think I was a bit more interested in Draco being dragged into the room by Filch."

She smirked, "Yes, that was a sight to see. Well it's getting late. I should probably get to bed."

"Yeah, it's getting late." Leo walked up the stairs to the boys' dormitory. He tapped his wand on his bracelet. She seems to really like you. You impressed her. You better not shy away from her in public though. Hey, is it true that Pansy's dropped Draco for Zabini?

It was a few minutes before his bracelet heated back up. He was changed and in bed by the time it did. He lit his wand and read it under his bed covers. I'd never ignore Fay in public. Yes, Pansy has dropped Draco because he hasn't been giving her enough attention. Since he's been too busy for her, she's gone after the person replacing him in Slytherin. She and Zabini have been dating for a month now. I don't know if Draco's figured it out yet. He's a little too preoccupied.

Leo felt bad for Draco as he closed his eyes, but he never thought Draco and Pansy would stay together. She was never a good match for him. He needed a woman capable of love and not just attraction based upon wealth and good looks. Astoria Greengrass was the quiet type and reminded him of Gabrielle. She was quite clever, she could help him with his anger, and it was a good thing she was a couple of years younger than him. Draco wouldn't be ready for another relationship until after the war ended, by then Pansy would probably be Mrs. Zabini, and pregnant with her first child. He rolled over and drifted off to sleep.

A/N: Yes this fiction will not hold Pansy in a positive light. I do believe that I saw some interest in Zabini on the train when she seemed happy that Zabini wasn't interested in Ginny. I think she was evaluating the benefit of Zabini while she was giving affection to Draco. Perhaps she was thinking of jumping ship because his family wasn't as influential with Lucius in prison. Draco wasn't even one of Slughorn's favorites and Zabini was, which she might know means he'll be successful in the future.

* All dialog was taken from chapter fifteen of The Half-Blood Prince (2005) and thus belong to JK Rowling. Pages 320- 321 of my paperback copy respectively.