Chapter One: Long Road Home
"King's Cross," she said numbly.
"Quite so. I am afraid this is goodbye, Leolin," Lucius with derision, smiling wickedly at her. "I do so hope you make it out of the UK before the wedding." He gave her a meaningful look. "It would be frightfully bad luck for you if you weren't."
"I will be," she said quietly. "You have my word."
"That's my good girl."
"Miss?"
Leolin's eyes snapped up. The customs agent was looking at her pointedly. She was having a hard time focusing, she was so nervous. The last time she had come to King's Cross, it was with Lucius.
"Sorry," she mumbled, and the man behind the Customs counter frowned. "What did you say?"
"I asked you for your passport!" he said, visibly annoyed.
"Oh!" she said, fishing the dark red folio out of her purse. "Right! Here you are."
She passed the document under the glass and he looked at it.
"Alright Miss…Hooper. And where were you coming from?"
"Rome."
"And how long where you there?"
"Six weeks."
"And you bringing back any animal or grain products with you today?"
She shifted from foot to foot. What an odd question. Muggles were so inane. She fought the urge to look over her shoulder. She was so nervous.
"No."
"And how long will you be staying in London, Miss Hooper?"
She looked up at him.
"I live here."
He looked down and her passport and her heart hammered. That's what her document said, wasn't it? She bit her lip. She expected Lucius and a team of Aurors to burst through the magical barrier at anyone moment. However, the man simply glanced back down and nodded, his jowls wobbling a bit as he did so.
"Oh, yes, so you do."
He glanced up at her and she gave a final nervous smile before he simply stamped her passport and passed it back through the glass.
"Welcome back to the UK, Miss Hooper."
"Thanks!" she squeaked, and she tried not to be too obvious as she scurried off.
She still felt like she was being watched, but the truth was that no one even noticed her as she hurried up the gangplank towards the main terminal. She kept her eyes low as she swept through, though she couldn't resist looking up as she walked by platforms nine and ten. The familiarity of the faded brick pillar between them made her ache for the past.
Draco stood at the opposite end of the platform, the collar of his expensive coat turned up as he watched her amidst the throng of Weasleys. Leolin dropped her purse and abandoned her trunk, running across the expanse between them before leaping into his arms from a foot away. He caught her easily, his arms finding purchase around her thighs as he spun her. He tipped his head back to smile at her, and she threaded both hands into his stylish do before kissing him.
Did you miss me?
I'll show you how much later.
Can't wait.
Her heart was beating heavily in her chest again, and she tried to forget that Draco was now engaged to someone else, and even if hadn't been, he would likely still hate her guts.
The sun was setting by the time she got outside, or it would have been if it hadn't been grey and drizzling. She immediately felt as if the gloom must have been a bad omen before remembering that she was back in England and it was, more often than not, grey and drizzling here. The thought should have perhaps been depressing, but it actually warmed a small place in Leolin's heart she'd forgotten existed. She was home.
She reached out her arm to hail a Muggle cab, ignoring the weather and the slight chill that had begun to set in. It was a chill, she feared, that had little to do with the weather. She looked around again before assuring herself she was utterly unremarkable to those around her.
"65 Charing Cross Road, please," she said, getting in to the cab which had pulled up beside her and slamming the door shut.
"Miss?" The cabbie said, turning around incredulously. "Watcha want to go there for?"
"Let me worry about that," she said breathlessly, trying to act less nervous than she felt. She was so close to the safety of Wizarding Londong. "65 Charing Cross Road, please."
"Alright," the man said dubiously. "Suit yourself, Miss."
They drove in silence, and Leolin tried to decide where to go first. To her parents? Which one, Mum or Dad? To Ginny? To the Burrow? She chewed her lip. Her first move had to be strategic. She would see them all eventually, but her first move had to be the right one. Despite her precautions, she had a sickeningly feeling Lucius already knew she was here, or would know soon. That meant she had to establish formal contact before he could snatch her. Who could she go to that would be both welcoming and unwatched? When she thought about it strategically, she knew only one person made sense.
By this time the cab had stopped, and Leolin leapt out, throwing the man an obscene wads of bills. Why muggles used something as feeble as paper for currently, she'd never understand. He tried to protest, but she waived him off, already staring up at The Leaky Cauldron's Muggle entrance.
It would have of course been more expeditious to simply apparate from Kings Cross to where she was going, but she didn't want to set off any anomalies. Better to wait until she was in Wizarding London before using any magic. Turning up the collar of her coat to against the wind and to avoid been recognized, she pushed inside the pub. It was lively at this time of night, and Leolin was sure that if she took a good look around she would recognize at least half of the patrons.
"Something to drink, Miss?" The grizzled bartender called. Tom, she thought his name was. He'd worked there since she was a girl.
She shook her head, already making for the alley.
"Just passing through," she said, heart beating fast again.
She quickly rapped the bricks and disappeared through the archway, appearing in Diagon Alley a second later and sighing. The area was in transition from daily transaction to nighttime debauchery, and she suddenly had a longing to go everywhere at once. She wondered in Jaime was still the doorman at The Em, or if he's finally grown up. She wanted to go to the Vagabond and see Moira, or Amelie's shop, to Le Petite Fleur, everywhere. She bit her cheek. There would be plenty of time for that. First, she had things to do.
She consulted her watch.
6:42.
She hoped Blaise was still at work. He surely didn't still live at the same flat he had five years ago, and she was now firmly convinced he was the man she most needed to see. Dear Merlin, please let him be happy to see her.
Immediately she apparated to the Enterprises building, her heart still screaming in her chest as she stood outside. Please Merlin let her slip in unnoticed. Please Merlin let Draco not be there. Please Merlin let this gamble pay off.
In a lot of ways it felt counterintuitive to be going to Blaise first. On the other hand, it was the only logical choice. If Lucius had as much power as she feared, he would be keeping tabs on her parents' houses in the event she were to return. She was fairly sure he wouldn't think to watch Blaise.
Besides, Blaise could help her case with Draco in ways no one else could. He had influence Ginny or her parents simply never could, and somehow she felt he would understand her betrayal more objectively than the others.
She took a deep breath and swept into the lobby, which echoed as her heels tapped the marble.
"May I help you, Miss?"
Immediately her heart was in her throat. She turned, trying to be casual. Years of experience had turned her into a practiced liar. She gave the security wizard a charming smile, and he immediately relaxed his stance.
"Yes," she purred, much the same way Severina would have. "I have a late appointment with Mr. Zabini. I think I know the way."
"Right you are, Miss," the man said, besotted as he tipped his cap. "Twenty-seventh floor."
She blew him a kiss and turned towards the lift. When she was nearly there, her curiosity got the better of her and she turned back.
"Do you know if Mr. Malfoy is in his office?" Leolin asked cautiously.
She was ready to bolt if he was.
"I believe Mr. Malfoy is still abroad, Miss," the man offered, clearly desperate to be helpful. "Would you like me to call his secretary to make sure?"
She waved the man off, giving a glittering smile.
"Oh no, that's alright. I came to see Mr. Zabini. Thank you."
He nodded, and she headed for the lift. As slowly ascended her palms began to sweat. She smoothed her hair, which was much shorter and darker than it had been when she'd left. Before the wedding it was waist-length and chestnut, and now it barely dusted her shoulders in a sleek, ebony bob.
Would Blaise even recognize her? What was worse, would he throw her out when he saw her? At first she was sure that he wouldn't, but now she was terrified he would.
Too soon the door dinged open, and the mousy secretary looked up, clearly surprised to see anyone at this hour, especially on a Saturday.
"May I help you?" she asked, her eyes sweeping from Leolin's dark hair to the Manolo's on her feet.
Leolin surveyed her. She was young, probably just graduated from Hogwarts, and she was fairly plain, which was somewhat surprising. Five years ago, Blaise's secretary had been a scintillating read-head who had a 23 inch waist and an arse like two perfect balloons.
"Miss?" the girl repeated pointedly. She was annoyed but trying to conceal it, though admittedly not very well.
"Is Mr. Zabini in?" Leolin said, shifting her purse to her opposite shoulder.
"He is, but he's leaving very soon," the girl affirmed. "He's also asked me not to disturb him under any circumstance."
"This is urgent," Leolin said, trying to sound important. She had to admit, to her shame, that she found it much more difficult to influence women. "Will you floo him for me?"
"I'm sorry, Mr. Zabini specifically said—"
"I'm a very old friend of Mr. Zabini's, and I've traveled a very long way to see him," Leolin said, letting some of her genuine desperation show through. "Please, will you floo him?"
The girl seemed to sense this, and she softened a little. However, before she could speak her floo comm. began to buzz, and she held up a finger to Leolin.
"Thank you for calling Mercury Communications. This is Gaia, how I help you? Oh, hello. Yes, I'll tell him. You as well. Goodbye."
The secretary hung up the floo and looked tentatively up at Leolin before dialing Blaise's private office.
"Mr Zabini?"
"What is it, Gaia?" Leolin could hear Blaise saying on the other end. The familiarity of it may Leolin's heart constrict uncomfortably. "I'm really busy and I have to leave soon."
"I know," Gaia said. "But your fiancée just called. She wants to remind you that you have to be at the party by eight. She asked what time you were coming home."
"Floo her back and tell her I'm leaving here in ten minutes. Fifteen, tops."
So Blaise was engaged. That was interesting, though again not surprising. Leolin wondered if it were someone she knew. Doubtful. More likely some gorgeous yet vapid model or trustafarian.
"Of course."
"Thank you."
Leolin looked pleadingly up at Gaia who bit her lip before replying. "Mr. Zabini? There's another woman here to see you as well. She's says she's an old friend."
"I don't have time. Tell her to make an appointment."
He hung up.
"I'm sorry," Gaia said, and she genuinely seemed it. "Would you like to make an appointment?"
"No," Leolin said, making a decision skirting around the desk. "I'm afraid I don't have time for that."
Maybe she'd made a mistake coming here first. Merlin, she was so nervous now that she wanted to vomit. She hadn't counted on Blaise being in a bad mood.
"Miss!" The girl cried, trying to detangle herself from behind the desk so she could chase after Leolin, who was already halfway down the hall. "You can just go back there!"
"Miss!" The girl called after Leolin, jogging to catch up. "Miss!"
Leolin heard her flooing security.
"Yes," she said, a little breathless. "I have an unwanted visitor on the 27th floor. Yes, in the Mercury offices."
Leolin didn't stop walking ignoring Gaia as she bobbed beside her.
"Miss, I am going to have to insist you leave or I will have you escorted off the premises! The security wizards are already on their way!"
"You're more than welcome to try that," Leolin snapped in agitation. "I'm afraid it won't stop me from seeing Mr. Zabini, though."
Gaia threw herself in front of Leolin, and the two scowled at each other.
"You can't disturb Mr. Zabini," Gaia cried, barring Leolin entry to his office door. "You don't have an appointment and he's expressly stated I'm not to let you back here to see him!"
"Yes I heard him," Leolin said. "But trust me, he's going to want to see me."
Gaia looked at a loss for words, but by now the security was striding down the hall towards them from the other side, and she was rescued from her flustered plight.
"Miss Charles?" one of them called, hand on his wand. "You flooed?"
"Yes!" Gaia said, sounding both fretful and relieved. "This woman needs to leave!"
Before she could continue, the French doors to Blaise's office burst open and he emerged.
"Gaia, goddamnit, when I say I'm not to be distur—"
His blazing jade eyes were on the secretary, but when they flicked to Leolin the words died in his throat. The annoyance fell out of his features, and he looked a little lost.
"Leolin?" he croaked, eyes roaming over her face as if trying to decide if she was real or a phantom.
"Hi Blaise," she said softly.
Leolin surveyed him. The five years away had only made him more handsome. Age had granted him air of authority and self-assurance, and it suited him immensely. No longer a bored and petulant teenager, he was truly a man now.
"Mr. Zabini, I'm so—" Gaia began, but Blaise held up a hand to silence her, his eyes still on Leolin.
"It's alright," he said dazedly. "She can come in." His eyes flicked up to the burly security guards, both of whom had their wands unholstered. "It's okay, Bernie. You two can go, thank you."
"Anytime, Mr. Zabini," Bernie said, and Blaise waived him off distractedly, still staring at Leolin.
"Come into my office," he said softly, ushering her in. "Gaia, floo my fiancée and tell her I'm going to be late."
"But—"
"That will be all, thank you," Blaise said with finality, shutting the door in Gaia's face.
When they were alone, he surveyed Leolin critically for several seconds before pulling her into his arms.
"Fuck, woman. Where the hell have you been?" he croaked, stroking her hair.
"You don't want to know," Leolin replied, melding into his embrace.
"I've missed you," He breathed, and she nodded. "We've all missed you so much."
"I've missed you, too," she admitted, allowing herself to relax in his embrace. Standing here in his arms, she finally felt like she was home.
After a minute or two he pulled away a little, holding her face in his hands.
"Can I get you a drink? Never mind, that was rhetorical. Here, take this."
He thrust a glass of vodka in her hand and clinked it to his before throwing his back. She did the same. He poured himself another, taking a large sip before turning back to her.
"So," he said, a little more composed now. "I supposed it's not hard to understand your decision to come back after all this time."
Leolin considered.
"I suppose not."
Blaise bowed his head, shaking it back and forth sadly before looking
"What the fuck, Lai? Why did you run out on Draco like that? And why are you coming back now? You have to know it's too late."
Leolin bit her lip.
"Is it?"
He considered this answer critically, as if trying to read her mind.
"That depends on the reason you had for leaving," he said at last.
How…devastating it would be if this love potion were to find it's way into Blaise Zabini's coffee this morning.
When I tell Draco—
You really think you can get to Draco before I get to our good friend Mr. Zabini?
What do you want? Please, I'll give you anything.
I want what I've always wanted. Leave my son and never come back."
No! I won't leave Draco!
What choice do you have? With this poison I can ruin you both anyway. And what about Zabini? Are you so selfish that you would sacrifice his happiness in some desperate gambit to save your own?
"It's really complicated."
He shrugged out of his suit coat and folded one arm over the other, as if settling in for a long period.
"You have my undivided attention."
"What about your fiancée?" Leolin asked, making a desperate play. She wasn't ready to relive the worst day of her life yet. "Won't she expect you home?"
Something flashed in his eyes before he gave her a hard look. Clearly he wasn't to be fooled by her childish theatrics.
"Trust me, she'll understand. Talk to me."
She bit her lip. Merlin, where to begin? She hadn't told the story in years; not since she confided in Severina.
"I—"
Blaise's floo buzzed again. He didn't even look at it.
"Go on," he prompted Leolin.
"Aren't you going to get that?" Leolin replied, watching the light flare.
"No," he said plainly. "Go on. Tell me what happened the morning you left."
The floo flamed again and Blaise ignored it. Two seconds Gaia's disembodied voice floated through.
"Mr. Zabini?"
"Gaia," he snarled. "So help me Merlin, if you floo me again I will fucking fire you. Whatever it is, it can wait."
"I know, sir, but it's—"
He hung up, and she flooed immediately back.
"Gaia—!"
"You're fiancée is here, sir."
"What?" he demanded, looking at his watch and then Leolin before swearing. "Is she in the lobby? Tell her to wait for me."
Leolin watched him critically. Perhaps it was someone she knew. Maybe he'd married Gracie Boyle after all.
"She's already on the way to your office," Gaia supplied. "I'm sorry, I couldn't stop—"
"Blaise Consus Zabini," they heard as the doors swung in, and they both watched as a dazzling Ginny Weasley appeared in the doorway, a bottle of champagne in her hand. She was wearing a glittering forest green cocktail dress, and her red hair was piled on her head like a Greek goddess. "Since when do you ever keep me wait—"
She caught sight of Leolin and dropped the bottle, which thudded dully on the carpet.
"Leolin?" she bit out at last, and the aforementioned stood at once.
"Ginny!" Leolin cried, smiling before thinking better of it.
Ginny looked murderous, and she said nothing for a moment before she advanced, slapping Leolin as hard as she could across the face.
"Ginevra!" Blaise admonished as Leolin head flew to the left, but Leolin took the gesture without complaint.
Ginny and Leolin, stood staring at each for another tense moment, the former's lip trembling even as Leolin's cheek reddened. Finally, she crushed Leolin into her arms, simultaneously bursting into tears.
"Leolin!" she sobbed, and Leolin stroked her hair as she buried her face in Ginny's shoulder. "You're back!"
Leolin nodded, a happiness tingling through her that she hadn't felt since the rehearsal dinner.
"I'm back," she breathed.
Ginny pulled away a little.
"Look at your hair," she said, touching Leolin's sleek raven locks. "Does Draco know?" she added after a second.
There was something odd about the way Ginny said Draco's name, and Leolin realized that it was because it no longer sounded contemptuous on Ginny's tongue. Leolin supposed that if Ginny was engaged to Blaise, it wasn't be outside the realm of possibility that she was actually be friends with Draco as well.
Leolin looked down at the carpet and the forgotten bottle, her heart hammering at the very thought of Draco.
"No," she whispered quietly, shaking her head. "Not yet."
"Does your mum know?"
Leolin shook her head again. "You two are the first."
Ginny considered, and her face hardened.
"Where have you been?" she demanded. "Why didn't you write? We were all worried sick about you."
I, Leolin Marie-Therese Anastasie Lefevre, do solemnly agree that I am henceforth banished from the United Kingdom, The Republic of Ireland, and the Sovereign State of France. I swear to relinquish contact with all those related to me, both by blood and by marriage, as well as any who have attended the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, either currently or in the past. I further relinquish contact with any and all guests who came here today with the intent to see my married. I accept in return the Le Fey potion as a reward for my compliance. I sign below in my own blood as a measure of my resolve.
"I've been in Florence," Leolin said in a soft voice, trying to forget the last time they had all seen each other. "As for writing, it's a very long story. I have missed you terribly, though."
Ginny looked at Blaise.
"Floo Pansy. Tell her we're not coming tonight." She turned back to Leolin. "I'm not letting you out of my sight until you explain yourself. I want every detail."
Leolin began to feel fretful, but she nodded.
"I will tell you everything, I promise. Just first, I need—can we just—catch up? Please, I've been traveling all day, and it's a long story."
Blaise and Ginny exchanged a look and he nodded.
"Alright, here's what we are going to do: the three of us are going to dinner, and we will won't ask any questions until after dessert. When it's over, though, you tell us everything. Agreed?"
Leolin nodded, biting her lip. She already felt sick in the re-telling.
"That's fair," she said, and Ginny squeezed her hand, the band of her canary sapphire engagement ring pushing into Leolin's skin.
Blaise flicked open his floo.
"Domus Aurea, may I assist you?"
"Hi Marc, It's Blaise Zabini."
"Blaise! Good to hear your voice! What can I do for you this evening, sir?"
"I'm hoping you can do me a favour."
"For you? Anything."
"Listen, I don't have a reservation, but I'm bring Genevra and a friend in tonight. We'll be there in twenty minutes."
"No problem. I've have your usual table rea—"
"No," Blaise said. "I actually want the whole place cleared out."
"Zabini, we're a full house tonight—"
"I know, and I'm sorry," Blaise said. "But I really don't want to be disturbed this evening."
"We would be more than happy to prepare the Lyre room for you and your guests—"
"No, I want the whole place. Of course I'll pay you for your trouble."
There was silence on the other end.
"Well?" Blaise inquired politely.
"Give us twenty minutes."
"Excellent, Marc, thank you. You won't regret it."
They hung up and Blaise gave a grim smile before turning back to the other two.
"Might as well have a drink while wait then, hmm?"
Ginny nodded, stooping retrieve the bottle she'd dropped.
"I should go floo Pansy and tell her we're not going tonight," she said, seeming almost sheepish. "Be right back."
She glanced at Leolin before straightening and heading for the door. However, Blaise had her gently by the wrist before she could get too far.
"Hey," he said softly. "Don't I get a hello?"
She glanced at Leolin again before smiling up at him. He smiled back, and Leolin could see a happiness and genuine warmth that was entirely new. She would have been lying if she said it didn't make her throat ache a little. It had been five years since someone had looked at her that way.
He bent to kiss Ginny and she bowed into his form.
"Sorry," Ginny breathed when they finally pulled away. "Hi."
Blaise dropped his forehead to hers.
"Hi back," he said quietly. They were both very acutely aware of Leolin's presence. "You look pretty tonight. Is that the new dress I just bought you?"
She nodded.
"Which reminds me," she said. "I need to go floo Pansy. Be right back."
She brushed another soft kiss of Blaise's lips.
"I love you," she said in a quiet voice, almost as if she was embarrassed for Leolin to hear her say it.
"I love you, too," he said seriously. "Hurry back."
She swept out of the room, leaving Blaise and Leolin in uncomfortable silence. Blaise filled the void by popping the bottle and pouring them each a flute. He handed Leolin one and she nodded in appreciation. They both took a long sip, unable to look at the other.
"I'm happy for you, Blaise," Leolin said at last, turning to face her old friend. "I really am."
Blaise nodded, giving her a concerned frown.
"Is this weird for you?"
She gave a somewhat sad laugh.
"I've been gone five years. I didn't expect things to be the exact same when I came back."
"But Ginny and I—"
"—are in no way a surprise. In fact, I think I would have been kind of surprised if you two weren't together. I'll never forget the way she acted when you brought Eleanor Riley to the rehearsal dinner. She was livid. "
"That was a stupid move," Blaise said, laughing sheepishly as he stared down into the shimmering contents of his flute, watching the bubbles rising to the golden surface and popping. "She dated Wes Carmichael for almost a year out of spite."
"When did you propose?" Leolin asked softly.
Blaise glanced at her. "Six months ago. But honestly, I would have asked her on the first date if she would have let me. She's my Leolin."
Leolin's head snapped up and her throat was suddenly uncomfortably dry.
"What?" Leolin asked, and Blaise looked away, flushing.
"Sorry," he said, clenching his jaw. Clearly he hadn't meant to let that slip out.
"What does that mean?" she demanded in a quiet voice.
"I just—she is to me what you were to Draco. She's my everything."
Leolin gave another sad smile, her heart clenching painfully in her chest.
Leolin, I could never be happy with anyone else as long as you walk the earth; I mean that.
"I'm so happy for you, darling." Leolin said, smiling tightly. "I can't tell you how happy it makes me that you two ended up together."
"Me too," Blaise admitted seriously.
Just then Ginny reemerged. Blaise offered her a flute and she accepted it, smiling warmly up at him.
"What did Pansy say?" he asked.
"Oh, she was still getting ready. I talked to Tieran instead. I told him it was a crisis with your mother. He understands; they aren't mad."
"Gee," Blaise said blandly. "Thanks."
"Tiernan?" Leolin said. "Tiernan Peakes? As in, our old Hogwarts professor?"
Ginny and Blaise exchanged a look before Ginny shrugged and smiled.
"Welcome to the new age, Leolin."
"Pansy is dating Peakes? Oh my stars," Leolin said softly. "I think I need to sit down."
"Not dating," Blaise said. "They've been married for two years."
"She married him? Merlin's beard!"
"I think there was always something there," Ginny said slyly. "Remember when she sauntered into Transfiguration with that fake note from Snape to get you out of class? He could barely think. He won't admit it, but he totally had a thing for her when she was his student."
"I don't remember her coming into our class," Leolin said, frowning quizzically. "Was this our sixth year?"
Blair and Ginny exchanged a cautious look.
"It was after Draco—collapsed from the fight from Cormac McLaggen. She was coming to get you."
Draco collapsed in Potions and they took him to the Hospital Wing. They know; McGonagall knows, and because of the memory charm and the fact that Draco tried to cover up he was hurt, they think he started it. They know he started it.
Where is he? Can I see him?
Blaise wanted to be the one to go, but I convinced him it should be you.
"Oh," Leolin said, bowing her head. "Right."
Blaise looked at his watch again.
"Should we go?"
The girls nodded, each draining their glasses and setting them down. Leolin was still reeling from the Pansy and Peakes news.
"Who else is dating or married now?" She asked, watching as Ginny twinned her hand with Blaise's.
"We'll give you the full run down when we get there," Ginny promised as they rode the elevator down to the apparation point. "Prepare to be stunned."
"Do you remember where this place is, Leolin?" Blaise asked wrapping an arm around Ginny. "Or do you want Gin to side-along with you?"
Free tonight?
-L
Domus Aurea, 10 o'clock . Wear something nice.
-D
"No," Leolin said. "It was one of Draco's favourites, I've been there a million times."
"I figured you would," Blaise said, "Alright, see you in a second."
He and Ginny disappeared with a pop.
Leolin stood for a moment, trying to forget the way Draco had looked when she had met him at Domus Aurea for the first time. That was the day that he agreed to save Amelie from Lucius's clutches. That was the day she realized she still loved him.
She followed behind Ginny and Blaise, and when she arrived in from of the opulent building, a doorman was there to escort them inside.
"Blaise," the concierge said, smiling as Blaise ushered Ginny in. "Good to see you. And Ginevra, incomparably radiant, as always."
"That's what I'm always telling her," Blaise said, smiling affectionately down at Ginny.
"Marc, this is my cousin Alessandra. She just moved her from Florence."
"Benvenuti, Signorina," Marc said, smiling. There was a scrutiny in his gaze that suggested that somewhere in the annals of his mind he recognized her, though it was clear he couldn't quite remember how.
She's bloomed in the last five years, and her hair was so different it made it hard to recognize her. Besides, the sadness she bore made her look like a different person.
"Grazie," she said, giving a soft smile.
"Well, Blaise," Marc said, gesturing to the empty dining room. "Where would you like to sit?"
"Darling?" Blaise said, deferring to Ginny.
"Near the pool," Ginny said.
Marc nodded and ushered them over.
"A bottle of wine to start, Blaise?"
Blaise considered.
"Something bold," he said. "A french Cab, I think, Thank you. And we don't need menus. Just bring us three orders of the petite sirloins as well."
Marc nodded and headed back towards the kitchen. They sat down, and no one spoke at first.
"So," Blaise said at last. "Clock's ticking, Lai."
"Right," she said, though she paused when she saw Marc approaching again.
She appreciated that Blaise had covered for her. She didn't want news of her return leaking out until she got a chance to see her family and make a plan for Draco. When the glasses were poured and Marc was retreating again, they clinked glasses and all took a sip.
"Well," Leolin began, running a finger around the edge of her glass. "I suppose I want to start with you two. Tell me everything. Gin, what are you doing now?"
"I was playing for Holyhead as a chaser."
"That's brilliant," Leolin said. "Good for you."
"Yeah," Ginny said smiling as she looked at Blaise. He winked at her. "It was loads of fun."
"Shouldn't you be in season, then?" Leolin asked.
"I fell off my broom a few months back," Ginny explained. "So I retired. Now I write for Quidditch Quarterly, which I really love."
"That's too bad about playing, though," Leolin said, and Ginny nodded.
"I do miss it sometimes," Ginny said. "But I can still play when I want, and it's nice not having to live in Wales half the year," she said, looking up at Blaise.
He responded by leaning over to kiss her softly.
"I agree," he said.
Leolin looked down again, taking a sip of wine before watching them.
"So, when did this start?"
Blaise looked at Ginny pointedly, who rolled her eyes before smiling.
"I guess I might have developed a little bit of a crush on him at your engagement party at the Em."
Leolin laughed softly, pointing at Ginny.
"I knew it."
"That's what Draco always says," Ginny said, and she and Blaise exchanged a glance.
"That was the night you literally swore to me you'd never date Blaise," Leolin remembered. "Damnit, I knew I should have gotten that on paper! I could be extorting you right now!"
Ginny smiled, looking adoringly up at Blaise again.
"But you were still dating Oliver Wood then, right?" Leolin said. "You didn't break up with Oliver until the engagement party at the Manor. That was like a year later."
"Right," Ginny affirmed, "It was a—a slow burn, I suppose."
"Or you're just stubborn," Blaise said, taking a sip of wine.
"Anyways," Leolin said. "Then what happened?"
"Well—" Ginny looked at Blaise again and he took her hand, squeezing in reassurance. "We started bonding after you left. Draco was just such a wreck and, well, we sort of banded together to try and help him get through it."
"You banded with Blaise to help get Draco through it?" Leolin asked quietly. "Merlin, it must have been really bad."
"It was worse," Blaise said grimly. "At first he was sick with worry, and he went all over Europe looking for you. But then after he realized you were—well, that you weren't hurt or anything, that you were living in Switzerland—he went off the rails."
They still thought you'd been in Switzerland? That meant Lucius must have truly lost track of her after she'd fled. That was interesting; encouraging, even. Still, it made her sick imagining how whatever lie Lucius had concocted must have torn Draco to pieces.
Blaise continued.
"He was constantly high or drunk or both, and it was a total nightmare. He quit his job and he would disappear for weeks at a time. I tried to help him, but mostly he didn't want me around. One time I went to Latvia to pick him up , and when I got there he was completely out of his head and refused to leave. I don't think he even really knew who I was. That's when I had to just—it's when I realized I was out of my depth. I wanted to help him, but there was literally nothing I could do anymore."
"But eventually he must of turned things around," Leolin said quietly. She felt so guilty it was making her physically ill.
"He did," Blaise agreed. "But it wasn't me; he had no interest in anything I had to say, no matter how often I said it. In the end, the only person who could talk any sense into him was the one person he said really understood what he was going through.
"Who was that?"
Ginny and Blaise exchanged a look. Clearly they knew they were about to drop a bomb.
"Your mum," Ginny said gently. "After Blaise came back from Prague without Draco, your mum went instead. In the end he listened to her. They're really close now."
Leolin smiled in spite of everything.
"You're kidding," she said softly, unable to hide her crushing disappointment. That fact should have objectively made her happy, but in reality it just made her hideously sad.
Ginny gave Leolin a sympathetic frown, reaching over to squeeze her hand comfortingly. Leolin accepted the gesture wordlessly and with a smale smile.
"Anyways," Blaise said, clearly eager to talk about something more cheerful. "Once Drake started feeling better the three of us started hanging out more, and then Gin finally broke up with that sod Wes Carmichael and she told me that if I asked her out she would probably say yes."
"Probably say yes?" Leolin laughed. "Oh come on, Gin. Like you didn't know he'd been madly in love with you since school!"
Blaise shrugged mildly.
"And I'm not ashamed to admit it," he said, turning to Ginny. "I would have waited a thousand years for your hand, Ginevra Weasley.
Ginny over to brush a soft kiss on his lips. Her creamy complexion was so lovely against his caramel one.
Leolin smiled, her stomach still twisting painfully from the story about Draco.
"That's so excellent," Leolin said, her throat tightening painfully as she forced herself to smile again. "When's the wedding?"
"Not for a while," Ginny said. "I want to wait until after Draco marries Genevieve."
Genevieve Beauchene. That was her name. Leolin considered it in full. Genevieve Beauchene-Malfoy. Her heart stopped beating for several seconds, but she savagely fought to remain neutral. She took a sip of wine and gave another small smile, though this one was fake.
"So, you two, Pansy and Peakes. Who else?"
Ginny laughed.
"You're not going to believe some of them when we tell you."
"Nikki Clearwater and your brother George?"
"Married, and they have twin girls, which is total madness. They're almost three now."
"Ieuan Bird."
Blaise and Ginny exchanged a bemused expression.
"Engaged," Blaise said, taking a sip of wine before refilling their glasses
"What's she like?" Leolin asked happily.
"He's very nice," Ginny said pointedly, and Leolin smiled. "They're due to get married this fall."
Leolin gave a small smile.
"Good for him. What about Astoria?"
"She married Teddy Nott. They have the most adorable son named Roger. He is like a butterball turkey."
"Daphne?"
"She's married to Graham Montague. Not sure how long it's going to last, though. He's a bit of a good-for-nothing."
"Tell me something I didn't know," Leolin muttered darkly.
"He's gotten worse," Blaise said, jaw set. "But its messy because they have two children and Daphne can't manage to use the good sense she was born with."
"Is she worried about the children's safety?" Leolin asked.
Ginny shook her head.
"I will say this for her, if he were threatening her boys she'd already have been gone. She doesn't want to leave and give up her claim on his money."
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Leolin asked.
Ginny shrugged.
"Because she hasn't changed at all, I suppose."
"What about Kelly Troy?" Leolin asked.
Blaise studied her keenly, though his jade eyes were the slightest bit unkind.
"He's married to a Scottish girl. I don't know her name."
"He was asking about you the other day," Ginny supplied, studying Leolin's reaction as well, though with less scrutiny. "I've always quite liked him. Draco still hates him, though."
"Because of me?" Leolin asked. "Why should either of them care anymore? They're both moved on."
Blaise shrugged.
"I think they were pre-determined to hate either other. You were just a convenient conduit for their dislike."
"Charming, Blaise," Ginny snapped, poking him in the ribs.
"No," Leolin said. "He's probably right."
"I am right."
"Blaise!" Ginny demanded. "Merlin!"
"I'm glad he's married," Leolin assured then. It was an easy lie to tell because it was mostly true. She was happy he'd found someone to make him happy, even if imagining the specifics did make her somewhat queasy.
"What about Ron and Hermione?" she asked, looking at Ginny and forcing herself to smile.
"They got married last month in The Canary Islands. Hermione hasn't said anything yet, but I am fairly sure she's pregnant."
"What about Gracie Boyle?" Leolin said. "I always imagined she and Adrian Pucey would end up together."
"No, Adrian married Isobel Lord," Ginny sneered. "Remember her? The Ravenclaw seeker?"
"I wish I could forget her," Leolin said derisively, and Ginny nodded her agreement.
"I know," she said. "I hated her."
"Talk about a match made in hell," Leolin said, curling her lip.
"You don't know the half of it. They got married three years ago and they were only married for like six months. They were always getting into these public fights then reconciling. Honestly, it was a total circus."
"What did they see in each other?" Leolin said, mildly horrified. "And why did the universe allow the two worst people on Earth to get married?"
"I think they saw themselves in each other, which is exactly what self-centered people are looking for. I mean they are both good-looking and nasty, so at first they got on like a forest on fire," Blaise said.
Leolin waved her hand, taking a sip of her wine to indicate she didn't want to hear more.
"Just get to the good part where they get divorced!" she laughed.
Ginny laughed, too.
"It finally started completely falling apart, and was this rat race to see who could file first. I think Adrian actually won that battle, but Isobel definitely won the war. She took him to the cleaners. She seriously got her hands on every sickle he had, and he had quite a few from his parents. He went completely bankrupt."
"Cant say that makes me sorry," Leolin said. "Adrian and I never got on. He was a twat in school, too. Even when we were all supposedly friends."
"I think the feeling was mutual" Blaise said. "He was insufferably smug when you left. If Draco hadn't been so heartsick, he would have ripped Adrian's lungs out."
Leolin shook her head in annoyance.
So what about Gracie?" Leolin said. "Or is she still single?"
"Gracie Boyle?" Ginny said, exchanging another look with Blaise. "You mean Grace Marie Potter?"
Leolin set down her fork and Blaise and Ginny both laughed.
"Stop," Leolin said softly. "You're having me on."
Ginny smiled.
"I swear we're not."
"Gracie married Harry?" Leolin repeated in disbelief. "Do they have kids?"
"Two girls," Blaise said.
"How old?" Leolin asked, stunned.
If there were two people that seemed more ill-suited than those two, Leolin couldn't think of them.
"Scarlet is four and a half and Sophia is three. They've having a third in August."
"They have a four and a half year old?" Leolin demanded. "They're been together for that long?"
"They got married six weeks after you left."
"What?!"
"Harry said they got to chatting at your rehearsal dinner ball and just sort of…fell in love."
"Got to chatting?" Leolin repeated, dumbfounded. "Got to chatting? That makes it sounds so casual. As if they hadn't be pre-destined to loathe each other on sheer principle! Merlin, I can't believe they fell in love at my wedding." Leolin asked quietly. "I don't know whether I should feel flattered or culpable."
"That's what Draco said when he first found out," Blaise murmured before taking a bite of steak.
"I know it sounds dodgy, but they're actually really are lovely together," Ginny said. "She's his Leolin."
Leolin looked down at her plate, her heart aching a little again. She could tell that like Blaise, Ginny hadn't meant to say that. It had simply slipped out.
"I'm sorry," Ginny said at once, covering her mouth with her hand. "I shouldn't have said that."
"Is that a thing?" Leolin asked softly. "To be someone's—Leolin?"
Ginny looked at Blaise, who sighed.
"The Slytherins have been saying it since school. Bird started it, and it just sort of stuck."
"And Draco—allows it?"
Ginny and Blaise exchanged another look.
"No one says it in front of him," Ginny said in a quiet voice.
Leolin nodded in understanding.
"Does it make you uncomfortable?" Blaise said.
"A bit, I suppose," Leolin admitted, taking a last bite of her petite sirloin before looking up. "I would just think that being someone's Leolin doesn't mean what it used to."
"Does it not?" Blaise said, putting down his napkin and taking another sip of wine before gesturing for another bottle. "I suppose that remains to seen."
Leolin looked down again. She longed to confess how desperately she still loved Draco, how badly she had missed him, but she knew that it would mean very little to them until she admitted the truth about why she had left.
"Dinner's almost over," Blaise pointed out after a long silence. "Isn't there something else you want to ask us?"
"What do you mean?" Leolin said softly.
"Don't you want to know about Genevieve?" Blaise asked in a solemn voice.
Leolin considered, trading a look with Ginny before staring down at the tablecloth.
"Is she Swiss?" Leolin asked tentatively.
"Swiss?" Ginny asked in confusion. "No. What makes you say that? She's an American."
Leolin's heart fell from her chest, and it felt as if it was tangled in her small intestine.
"She's a yank?" she demanded in a quiet voice. "Draco's marrying a yank?"
"That's what I said," Ginny grumbled and Blaise shot her a look before nodding in answer to Leolin's question.
"Draco met her three and a half years ago in New Orleans."
Leolin was still trying to stomach Draco with some horrid American girl.
"What's she like?" Leolin asked tentatively.
Ginny and Blaise traded a look that Leolin couldn't read. That terrified her. What if she was lovely? What would Leolin do then?
"She's—nice. Very Southern," Blaise said.
"Southern?" Leolin repeated. 'What does that mean?"
She'd never really cared to understand all the different regions in America. Leolin bit her lip.
"Gin?" she asked.
"It means she's unfailingly sweet and polite and diplomatic even when she's pissed off, and it can be next to impossible to get her to say what she means. Also she wears a lot of pastels."
"Ginevra," Blaise said in warning.
"Is any of that untrue?" Ginny said evenly.
"How did he meet her?" Leolin asked gingerly. Somehow she'd imagined that Ginny's reaction would have been stronger, more violent. Perhaps she just hoped it would be. It scared her to think that Ginny might actually like this woman.
"Drake and I were down in New Orleans on business, and Max Brankovitch introduced them at a party."
"Max Brankovitch, the quidditch player?"
"Yeah," Ginny said. "The seeker for the American National team. He and Gen have been friends for awhile."
"When did Draco propose?"
"About six weeks ago."
"Where?"
Blaise and Ginny traded another look, and when Blaise met Leolin's gaze again there was pity in his eyes.
"In the Louvre in Paris."
"What did you think of the Louvre, Draco? See anything you liked?"
"I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I loved Canova, especially Mars and Venus. I think that would be amazing in the garden. What do you think, Cal?"
"I just can't believe you of all people liked Canova."
"I guess you and I have similar tastes, my love."
"Oh," Leolin said, looking down as her cheeks flamed. "That's a lovely spot."
"I'm sorry," Ginny said at last. "I know you—"
"Don't be," Leolin said. "It's a perfectly normal place to propose. It's very romantic."
They nodded and fell silent again, each brooding in their own way. Leolin, for her part, was simply fighting now to pass out. She hadn't expected the Louvre bit, and it stung immensely. The Louvre had been her second home for years, and it was her favourite place on earth; Draco knew that. Has his decision to take Genevieve there been conscious or unconscious?
"Does he love her?" Leolin asked at last, and Blaise sighed before looking at her steadily.
"Yes, he does."
Leolin glanced at Ginny, who looked down at the tablecloth in response.
"I wasn't sure he did at first," she admitted. "But—yeah, I think he does."
"So she's his Leolin," Leolin said in a soft voice, looking at her lap.
She willed her hands not to shake. Merlin, was she too late?
Ginny's eyes snapped up and she and Blaise shared a loaded look before breaking eye contact.
"Is this just a coincidence?" Ginny asked finally. "You showing up here two days before Draco's engagement party?"
Leolin looked elsewhere.
"I think you know the answer to that," she whispered, taking another large sip of wine.
"Do you still love him?" Ginny demanded point blank.
Leolin considered this before simply saying, "Yes."
"Then why this drama?" Ginny demanded in a soft voice. "You could have married Draco five years ago. You would probably have children by now! What was the point of all this?"
"I know that," Leolin said. "And I assure you that I'm not trying to create some big scene."
"Then why did you leave?" Blaise demanded. "And you better have a damn good reason."
"I do," Leolin said.
"Go on, then," Ginny said. "We're listening."
Leolin nodded. "Well, first you should know that I never wanted to—"
Just as Leolin was shoring herself up to spill her secret, the front doors of the restaurant flew open, and a team of Aurors came pouring in. Leading them was a cocky lieutenant, a gleaming badge affixed to his belt. Leolin looked up at him and sneered, recognizing him at once.
"What's the meaning of this?"Marc demanded "This is private property, Lieutenant Pucey. You can't just barge—"
Adrian Pucey simply held up a hand to silence him before roughly pushing a piece of crisp parchment to Marc's chest. "I think you'll find I have every right to be here. Stay out of it or I'll arrest you for obstruction of justice."
"Lieuten—" Marc began, but Adrian swung his right arm back and hit Marc in the face with incredible force. Marc crumpled with a cry.
Blaise was on his feet now, eyes teeming with concern before taking his old schoolmate in contemptuously.
"What the fuck are you doing here, Adrian?" He demanded.
Adrian came toe-to-toe with Blaise and sneered. He too was taller than Leolin remembered, and he grown from scrawny to lithe. She could see the sleek curvature of his biceps as he crossed his arms across his chest, and his dark trousers fit snugly around his long, lean quadraceps. His tawny, gold-flecked eyes glittered as his full lips skinned back from his teeth, which were so white they were almost blue.
"Good to see you too, Zabini," Adrian said at last. "It's been too long. And Ginevra," he said, finally tearing his eyes away from Blaise to leer at Ginny dispassionately. "You're a vision in that dress. A wet dream, even."
"What do you want, Pucey?" Ginny snapped, crossing her arms over her chest defiantly.
Adrian ignored her, his light eyes on Leolin now.
"I'm here for Leolin," he said arrogantly, his tawny eyes glittering as he finally approached her. "It's true what they say, Lefevre," he said in a husky voice. "Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. I have missed those perfect tits of yours."
Leolin picked up her wine glass and splashed the contents in Adrian's face. He growled in annoyance before snapping his fingers. Immediately, two aurors clamped hands on Leolin's arms, and she struggled against them. Adrian wiped his face and ran a hand through sandy hair before glancing at Leolin again. When he did his expression was more neutral.
"Leolin Lefevre," he said, picking a grape off her plate and eating it. "You're under arrest."
"Are you mad?" Ginny demanded. "For what?"
"Assaulting an officer of the law, for one," Adrian said, smiling for the first time.
"I can't believe you're an auror," Leolin hissed, still struggling. Her arms were beginning to ache.
"Turns out I have some influence with the minister," Adrian said casually.
"Of course you work for Lucius," Leolin sneered, and Adrian shrugged.
"Someone has to uphold the laws of the land, Lefevre."
"I hate you," Leolin bit back.
"What are you doing here, Adrian?" Blaise demanded again. "This is ridiculous."
"Actually it isn't," Adrian countered, coming to stand toe-to-toe with Leolin, crossing his arms over his bruising chest as he bent condescendingly so he could look her in the eye. "Lefevre came into the UK via a fake Muggle passport today, and I'm afraid that's illegal. Take her and let's go, boys."
"That's fucking trumped-up and you know it," Blaise snapped.
"Not at all," Adrian said, straightening to sneer at Blaise. "Homeland security is one my obligations. I have to take forged documents very seriously, especially when in the hands foreign nationals."
"Foreign nationals?" Blaise scoffed. "She's a British witch!"
"Actually," Adrian said, looking at Leolin again. "She isn't. She relinquished her citizenship five years ago. Isn't that right, Lefevre? That means her crime falls under my jurisdiction. Better luck next time, Zabini. Come on, he said, putting a hand to Leolin's lower back. "Daddy's waiting for you."
Leolin, Is Adrian bothering you?
He's Adrian; his very existence bothers me. He's bothering me right now, in fact.
I'm serious. Pansy told Blaise he's been dogging you this term. Is that true? I want you to tell me.
"You're not my boyfriend, Draco. I don't need you to protect me anymore. Don't worry about that cunt Pucey. I can handle him.
"You're a cowardly little creep, Pucey," Ginny hissed nastily. "Let her go or I'll call Draco."
Adrian whipped around, jerking Leolin around and making her groan in pain. Her cuffs were tights.
"Is that so, she-weasel? And what is it you think that's going to accomplish?" he said nastily.
It was clear from his tone that he was still very afraid of Draco.
"He's still out of the country with that tight little fiancée of his," he continued. "Besides, what makes you think he'd want to do this one any favours?" He said, grabbing Leolin's chin roughly
She rolled her neck to try and and break his grip, but that only made him squeeze harder.
"At this point I think Malfoy would be happy to see Leolin behind bars."
"I will fucking kill you," Ginny seethed, sneering as Adrian pressed his cheek suggestively against Leolin's.
"Zabini," he said imperiously, meeting Blaise's eye this time. "Control your little brat. I would hate to have to drag her in as well."
Adrian gave Ginny a condescending leer, and cocked his head to the side as if he was sizing her up.
"Actually, I would love it. Go ahead, Weasley, take a swing at me."
Ginny moved to strike him but Blaise had her around the waist in a second, hauling her back as if she were a rag doll. Adrian laughed again, clearly pleased.
"Well, we best be off. Good seeing you both. Move it, Lefevre."
"This isn't over," Blaise spat. "Lai, I will call your mum and dad. They will have you out before Lucius can even see you."
"I'm afraid not," Adrian said, tossing another sheet of parchment on the table in front of them. "That's an injunction for your silence. If you breathe a word of this investigation to anyone, I haul you both in."
Blaise and Ginny exchanged a look.
"It's alright, Blaise," Leolin said. "Don't say anything. I can handle Lucius."
"Lai—" Ginny began, but Adrian was already dragging Leolin to the floo, and in an instant he'd thrown a handful of powder on the flames and they had both disappeared.
They arrived at the empty Ministry building a few moments later, and Adrian jerked her roughly out of the grate, ordering his subordinates away before dragging Leolin to an empty room behind steel bars. He all but threw her inside and forced her to face him. He was even bolder now that he had her alone.
"Oh Lefevre," he said nastily, cruel eyes glittering even though he wasn't smiling. "How I hoped it would be me that caught you. Lucius has been waiting for you to cross the border for days."
"Let go of me," she sneered, pushing on his chest.
"The Minister can't see you until the morning," Adrian informed her matter-of-factly. "That means you have to spend the night in lock up. See you tomorrow."
He turned on his heel.
"You can't be serious," she sneered, looking at the spartan bed and stone floor of her cell. "You honestly expect me to stay here?"
He turned back and rolled his eyes.
"Did you think there was going to be a feather bed?" he snapped.
"Oh come on, Adrian!"
He shrugged, crossing his arms.
"I guess I could let you—" he began dispassionately
Leolin came to the bars, trying and failing to mask her eagerness.
"Let me what?"she demanded.
Quick as a flash, he had her by the wrist, pulling her forward until she was flush against the bars.
"Come home with me. I guarantee you'll be more comfortable."
He raised his eyebrows suggestively, and Leolin could practically hear his pulse quickening.
"And all you have to give me in exchange is—"
Leolin, who had suffered enough sexual manipulations for ten lifetimes, stomped on his foot through the bars. The stiletto drove painfully into the top of his toebox and he cried out in pain.
"You fucking bitch," he hissed, still bent double.
"I would rather die that sleep with you," she sneered. "You make me sick."
"Funny," he pulled her hair painfully and forcing her head back so she was forced to look him in the eye. "That's what Malfoy's going to say when he finds out you're back. He bloody hates you, Lefevre. I bet he hates you even more than you hate me."
"That's simply not possible, Adrian," she said, disgusted.
"You'll fighting for a lost cause, Leolin. Genevieve is fucking gorgeous. You should see the way Draco looks at her."
Leolin turned her head away, trying to block out Adrian's chatter. Her heart was hammering in her chest again as she fought savagely not to cry. She hadn't cried in years, and she wasn't going to start now, least of all for Adrian Pucey.
"Fuck off," she grit out.
"You're a little brat, Lefevre," he sneered. "You always have been. Someone needs to teach you a lesson in respect, and I promise you that someday person is going to be me."
She frowned. He was more aggressive then she remembered.
"Don't look so worried," he said, eyes dancing across her face and reading her expression. "It not going to be painful. Although—" he reached a hand through the bars to finger a strand of her straight black hair. "It will probably make you scream. I know how loud you can get."
He mimicked an expression of sexual ecstasy and she slapped his hand away, scowling.
"I already told you," she sneered. "I will never sleep with you," she sneered.
His eyes flashed. She could tell she'd knicked his pride and she gave a grim smile.
"Wanna bet?" he said nastily.
"Any time," she shot back. "Besides, you couldn't make me come even if you tried."
He looked ready to hit her, but instead he just gave her a nasty leer.
"We'll just see who's right in the end. Sleep tight, Lefevre."
Leolin hurled obscenities as he disappeared back down the hall, and when he was gone, she sank down, pushing her head between her thighs and trying to breathe. What the fuck was she going to do now?
A/N: PLEASE REVIEW.