Chapter Eight: Confusion to Our Enemies
"No, más."
"I don't want it any shorter! Merlin, do you want me to be bald?"
"No le escuches, Jorge. Corte más."
Leolin sat sullenly in front of a mirror in Severina's luxurious flat in Florence as a hairdresser prepared to cut over a foot of Leolin's curls off.
"I've never had short hair in my life," Leolin said fretfully. "I hate short hair."
"We don't have a choice," Severina said dryly. "Your hair is…un pasticcio. It's unhealthy and brittle, and it won't look good unless I let Jorge take off most of the length. Besides, you talk as if I intend to cut it like a man's. It will brush your shoulders, cara mia. Don't you trust me?"
Leolin scowled at her reflection. Her hair had been waist-length since she was a child.
"Not really."
Severina ignored her.
"Sigue, Jorge, cortelo."
It had been two weeks since Leolin had come to Severina in Valencia, and Severina had spent that time making the preparations to introduce Leolin into the art world. Leolin had already recruited a pair of Scottish twins, Effie and Sweeney MacAngus, to help her lift the art, and to get Cristian off her back, she'd made him her fence. Now all she needed was a target, which she would have after she talked to some of the people at the party.
Leolin winced as the first chunk of hair fell to the floor. She had been extremely resistant to the idea of letting Severina make her over, but the latter had insisted.
"Right now," Severina'd said. "You look like an empty shell. If you're going to make me money, you will have to be that beautiful girl I once knew."
Severina had begun her transformation by insisting Cristian was never to lay a hand on Leolin as long as they all worked together, and that alone had done wonders. Leolin began sleeping soundly for the first time in years, and already it was returning some of her old vitality. Severina was also feeding her protein potions and lathering product after product on her skin, her hair, her nails, all of which began to rejuvenate under her expert machinations.
Pretty soon, her eyes began to sparkle again and her skin to glow, and Severina began declaring they were almost ready to debut Leolin to the public. Leolin was still too skinny, but Severina was working diligently to put meat back on her bones, and for the first time in a year, Leolin actually felt hungry on a regular basis. Leolin could see Cristian's eye watching her hungrily again as she came back to life, but Severina had threatened to cut him out of the bargain entirely if he didn't behave, and in the end the promise of galleons was too strong to resist.
Leolin and Severina had decided Leolin would still go by Naomi Thenard, but now she was a sleek Parisian art dealer with an excellent knowledge of the Old Masters and an innate nose for blood. That she was Severina's contact would only solidify that she was cunning and that she meant business. Severina had been working on Leolin's Italian as well, which was coming along nicely. All together she was nearly ready, and Leolin finally felt ready to live again. Of course, the ache for Draco had not dulled, but every day she worked to accept his absence and move on. He probably had.
"Well, what do you think?" Severina asked as Jorge continued to work.
Leolin considered herself in the mirror again. Severina had already insisted they dye her hair much darker, and though Leolin had been afraid it would be too severe, Severina assured her that it would make her eyes pop, and that it would complement her new cut. The cut was asymmetrical, and while the left side brushed her collarbone, the right side was a little longer. It suited who they wanted Naomi to be, and Leolin actually welcomed the change. It was less painful to look in the mirror and see this version of herself. This version wasn't a constant reminder of who she'd been or what she'd lost.
Absently, she wondered what Draco would think of her like this. Would he still think she looked beautiful, or was she too different than the girl he'd fallen in love with? Would he even recognize her? She hardly recognized herself. She touched the patch of bare skin where her key had once hung. She may have looked different, but inside she was the same girl. Inside, she was still Draco's Leolin.
"Vale," Severina said, waving Jorge off. "What do you think now?"
Leolin gingerly reached a hand up to touch the sleek locks. Jorge had cut all the dry and brittle parts out, and her hair was now pin straight and soft to the touch. Leolin ran an exploratory hand through it. It smelled lovely.
"I—" Leolin began, running her fingers through. "I love it."
"Bene," Severina said, rubbing her belly as she watched Leolin greedily in the mirror. "Then it's time we found you something suitable to wear."
That night, Leolin dreamed of Jean du Bones. She was wondering through the streets of New Orleans looking for him, but she only even caught of a glimpse of his cloak as it disappeared around the corner. Still, she knew it was Bones she was chasing. She could hear him rattling as she pursued him, and she could smell the faint stench of death which trailed after him. Suddenly, she wasn't alone, though. Adrian was chasing her as she chased Bones, and Adrian was gaining fast. She knew she had to get to Bones before Adrian. If she didn't, Adrian was going to kill her. The words of the old man pulsed in her ears as she ran. Don't ask. Only dead men ask. Finally, Bones disappeared through an old wooden door and slammed it shut, and Leolin pounded on it was Adrian bore down on her, his eyes hungry. Jean du Bones! She screamed. Open up. Open up, Bones!
Leolin woke with a start, her heart hammering in her chest. She felt relief rushing over her; it had just been a dream. However, she realized as she sat up, the pounding wasn't in her dream at all. She looked at the door adjoining her room to Draco's, the blood immediately draining from her face. She could now hear Gen's moans as Draco drove into her, slamming the antique headboard into the wall with every thrust.
"Draco! Don't stop! Don't stop! You're so deep, please don't stop!"
"Tell me you love me," he demanded.
Leolin's heart felt brittle and dead in her chest, as it had been overexposed.
"You know I do," came Gen's breathy reply.
"Then say it," Draco demanded, hitting a particularly deep spot on making Gen gasp.
"I love you!" she cried, and Leolin, who was disgusted for being made part of this, knew Gen was probably close.
She had to do something. She wanted to do something. She didn't want Draco to push Gen off the edge. She didn't want him to finish inside of her. She picked up her wand, pointing it at the door.
"Sorry Roddy," she murmured, casting a sonic charm in the direction of Gen's voice.
She couldn't hear a thing, but she knew it worked, because Radames woke up immediately and began to bark. Knowing he wouldn't stop barking at Gen until Leolin's charm wore off of her, Leolin got up, grabbing her books and headed for the pool. It was six anyway. She could get in a few good hours of work before everyone else got up. She could hear the commotion in the next room as Gen demanded Draco make Radames stop.
Smiling grimly to herself, she descended the stairs and went outside, when the first ribbons of light where snaking across the sky. She set up her books and began to read, but she was only alone for about fifteen minutes before she heard Radames padding through the living room, panting happily. He immediately came to her side, laying his soft head in her lap. Draco was behind him.
"I bet you think you're terribly clever," Draco said to her dryly as Leolin continued to pet Radames.
"What are you talking about?" Leolin said, not looking at him.
"I see you're up early," he said pointedly in reply. "What a coincidence."
"Radames's barking woke me up," she said in a flippant tone.
She could tell by the way he was sitting that he was naked under his khaki trousers, and it made her throat ache a bit.
"How ironic," Draco said, standing and going to the bar. "Considering your charm woke him up."
She gave him a quizzical look.
"Oh come on, Lefevre," he said, eyes sparkling. "I know the nasty little effects of your charms better than anyone. Do me a favour, hmm?" Next time you're jealous, leave my dog out of it."
"I wasn't jealous," Leolin lied savagely, kissing Radames on the snout. "I just don't want to have to listen to you plough into her all night."
"Then buy earplugs," he said nonchalantly.
She threw a quill at him in hurt and frustration, but he only smirked in response.
"I'm going to bring someone home tonight and see how you like it," she bit out, grimly pleased when his smirk faded.
"Who, Max Brankovitch?" he spit.
"Maybe," she shot back.
"You wouldn't dare," he said in a low voice, eyes possessive.
"Why not?" Leolin said irritably, looking down at her books again. "Everyone in this house is having sex, why shouldn't I?"
He gave her a smouldering look.
"Fine, then," he snapped. "Spread your legs for whoever you want. Just don't do it here. I don't want to have to hear you moaning and crying all night. I know how loud you can be."
"That's exactly my point," Leolin snapped back. "No one wants to listen to their ex knocking boots."
Draco smirked again.
"So you are jealous."
"No," she bit out. "I just don't want to have to think about you in a—sexual context anymore."
"And yet you're thinking about it right now," he said evenly.
"Get over yourself; no, I'm not."
"I can still read you like a book, Lefevre. You're blushing, and you're avoiding looking at me directly." He came to sit at the end of her lounger she was on, leaning forward. "What's wrong, princess? Does it embarrass you that I'm practically naked? That twenty minutes ago I was hard as a rock and riding Gen like a mare?"
Leolin mustered all of her courage and looked up at Draco, giving him a nasty smile. She wasn't going to let him win this fight, no matter how deeply his words cut her.
"Would it insult you if I said the idea disgusts me?" she asked calmly, staring directly into his eyes.
"It might," he admitted mirthfully, eyes skating across her face in appreciative arcs. "If I thought it were true. Luckily for me, it isn't."
Leolin smiled again.
"I'm flattered that you still need my approval to feel sexually adequate," she said tartly.
He raised his eyebrows in challenge.
"I don't."
She leaned forward until she was sure he could see down her tank top and smell her Italian perfume.
"Don't you?"
He considered her.
"Very clever," he said at last, leaning in as well. "Trying to force me on the defensive so I'll forget that I had you on the ropes. You've been well-taught, Lefevre."
Leolin looked down at her books as if he was boring her. In reality, he was right. Thinking about him naked made her skin tingle.
"Get off my chair before a throw you in the pool," Leolin said flippantly, and Draco laughed and did as he was told.
"Not that I care," Leolin said after a minute. "But where did Gen run off to after your little spat?"
"Ashley's. She'll be back, though, don't worry."
"Oh, I'm not," Leolin assured him. "But shouldn't you be?"
"Shouldn't I be what?"
"It doesn't bother you how close they are?"
He laughed.
"What? You think I should be worried that they're sleeping together? They're first cousins, Lefevre."
"You say that as if it's an insurmountable obstacle."
He laughed again.
"You've really given this some thought, haven't you?"
"I just think it's strange how close they are," Leolin replied
"No closer than you and Blair," Draco pointed out. "And to answer your question: no, I don't worry. If she were fucking anyone besides me, I would know it."
"You put a fidelity charm on her?" Leolin demanded. "That's a little archaic, don't you think?"
"I didn't have to," Draco said. "Like you, she's a terrible liar, and unlike you, she would never betray me like that."
"That's not fair," Leolin said quietly. "I never would have cheated on you."
"Correction," Draco said seriously. "You did betray me. Twice."
"That's not—"
"Save it, Lefevre. I'm over it. You don't have to apologize again. I know you're sorry."
She bowed her head, feeling cowed. Bloody gag order.
"So," she said, changing the subject. "What should I expect from today?"
"Just expect to hate it, " Draco said. "You should also probably expect to be treated as inferior because you're a woman. I would stick close to Brankovitch if you don't want to be bombarded by chauvinistic comments all day."
"I will take that under advisement," she seethed. "Though you should know that I don't promise I won't snap any finger that is laid on me, including Brankovitch's. Especially his, actually. "
He laughed quietly.
"I would expect nothing less."
There was a quiet pop, and Gen appeared at the edge of the deck dressed in a flowing maxi dress and no shoes. Her bright blonde hair was piled elegantly atop her head, and it annoyed Leolin to know she looked this beautiful this early in the morning.
Radames began to growl at Leolin's feet, but both Gen and Draco ignored him.
"Welcome back," Draco said evenly. "How's Ashley?"
Gen looked a little sheepish.
"He spent the night at Savannah's. I just went for a walk."
Leolin recalled that Savannah was the Adrian Pucey look-alike, and she fought not to scowl.
"Do you feel better now that you've had time to pout?" Draco asked patronizingly, acting as if she were a child.
Gen smiled and slid into his embrace, wrapping her arms around his strong shoulders.
"I'm sorry for being fussy," she said, smiling at him. "I was—caught up in the moment."
"Completely understandable," Draco said. "And why don't I make it up to you later?"
Satisfied, Gen looked up at Leolin.
"Good morning! Did you have fun last night?"
"It was fine," Leolin said flippantly. "Thanks for asking."
Gen smiled, sitting down next to Leolin on the lounger.
"Look," she said. "I know Max seems like a total cad, but I swear he isn't. Once you get to know him, he really is a doll."
"Good to know, I guess," Leolin replied.
Gen touched her knee, and she fought the urge to jerk away.
"He could be really good for you, if you let him," Gen continued.
"I appreciate your concern," Leolin said finally. "But I'm not interested in dating anyone right now. I have enough on my plate as it is."
Gen gave an apologetic shrug.
"I'm sorry," she said in mock reproachment. "I'll stop pushing. You're just so beautiful, Leolin. You deserve someone wonderful to sweep you off your feet."
"Why?" Leolin snapped, getting annoyed. "Just because I'm good-looking?"
Gen laughed, clearly a little less at ease now that Leolin was pushing back.
"Of course not. Because you're great!"
"Genevieve, enough," Draco said. "Stop pushing. You've made your pitch, now let it go."
"I'm sorry, Leolin," Gen repeated. "I'll stop, I promise. So what is it you're working on?"
Radames had begun to growl again, seemingly protective of Leolin, but Draco called him over and huffily he obeyed.
"Just…work," Leolin said simply.
The last thing she needed was Gen getting even a whiff of her troubles. The result would be understandably disastrous.
"May I see?"
Before Leolin could stop her, Gen picked up one of her pages of notes. However, it was windy on the deck, and when Gen removed the weight that held the papers down, several of them fluttered into the pool. Gen gave a look of genuine surprise, and Leolin felt that for once she hadn't done it on purpose. Still, her actions came with unintended benefits.
"Fuck!" Leolin cried at once, leaping up.
That was days' worth of research. She would basically have to start over if she couldn't salvage the pages.
"Oh my stars!" Gen said at once, and she sounded embarrassed. "I am so sorry! Here, I'll get those. I'm so sorry," Gen repeated. "That was so stupid of me! Can I help you dry these off?"
"No!" Leolin said hastily. "It's fine. It wasn't your fault."
"Yes it was," Gen said, frowning. "I really am so, so sorry."
"It's fine," Leolin repeated coldly. "It's not your fault."
"I still feel bad," Gen said in a genuine tone, retreating back to Draco sheepishly.
Leolin bit her tongue. She hadn't realized it, but her hands were shaking. That little mistake could have cost her Draco.
"Play nice, Lefevre," Draco said a thin voice, not looking away from the morning's Daily Prophet.
Leolin glared at him before her eyes bled to the headline.
LA GENIE DU MAL MAKES OUT WITH HUNDREDS OF WORKS FROM THE NATIONAL MUSEUM IN ATHENS
Her heart stopped.
"Have you read that article about the art theft yet?" she demanded, making Draco frown quizzically.
"It's the usual," he said flippantly. "They stole a bunch of stuff. Mosaics, coins, vases, I don't know."
Leolin's thoughts were racing. She thought about what Lucius had said about seeking out La Genie. This was why. She had no earthly idea what Lucius could be looking for in a Muggle museum, both something twisted and acidic in her gut told her it was related to Adrian being in New Orleans. She felt like vomiting. She needed to speak to Severina immediately.
Aware that Draco was watching her keenly now, she shook her head in disgust.
"When are they going to catch that creep?" she said in frustration, vanishing her books again and standing.
"Why are you so upset?" Gen asked mildly. "He hasn't stolen anything for you, has he?"
"I am upset," Leolin snapped, happy to vent her frustrations on Gen. "And you should be, too. It's a disgrace."
Feeling that she now had ample enough reason to storm out, Leolin glared at Gen one last time before sharing a look with Draco and heading back inside.
"Lefevre—" Draco began, annoyed that she was leaving.
"I have to get ready," Leolin snapped.
The minute she was up the stairs, Leolin flew into the room and slammed the door, lighting the floo at once. Severina's face appeared moments later. She had given birth a week prior, and she was still glowing.
"Cara mia, did you see The Prophet? I was just getting ready to call you."
Leolin tossed her head in agitation, trying to impede the blood pounding in her skull.
"It's Lucius," she burst at once. "I know it."
Severina shook her head in incomprehension.
"How can you be so sure?"
Leolin gave a fretful sigh.
"It's-I-that's how he found me. He sent someone down to Rome to find out about hiring La Genie and whoever it was recognized me and went running back to Lucius. He wanted to send La Genie after whatever he was targeting in Athens."
Severina clenched her jaw. Leolin knew that she was seldom beaten at her own game, and it irritated her pride that Lucius had managed to sent someone so far into their operation that they were able to recognize Leolin.
"Well my next question is obvious," Severina said gravely. "What is he looking for?"
Leolin bit her lip so hard she thought it might bleed. She felt silly mentioning Bones, even to Severina. Still, she had yet to shake the feeling they were somehow connected. She explained what she'd seen in New Orleans and what the old man and Draco had told her about Jean Du Bones.
"I have heard of him," Severina said gravely. "We call him Gianno di Ossa. They save Cristobal Colón made a deal with him to save his sick crew when he landed in America. I think it is just a story, cara mia."
"That may be so, but Lucius still thinks it's true, and that's dangerous even if it turns out he's wrong. It means he's planning something."
"But what?"
"Why does anyone seek a Necromancer? He wants to bring someone back from the dead. It's not hard to guess who."
"No," Severina said. "Gianno di Ossa has other powers as well. It could be that Lucius is after one of those."
"What?" Leolin said. "Immortality? Invincibility? None of those bode well, Ri."
"Well, what are you going to do about it?" Severina asked. "We need to make a plan."
"I know," Leolin said. "I'm working on it. I just—ugh! I can't think! I feel like my head's going to explode!"
"Di cosa si tratta, cara? You seem distressed. Is it just Lucius?"
Leolin shook her head. She realized her hands were shaking again.
"It's Genevieve. She—it's worse than I thought. She's—"
"She's what?" Severina pressed.
"Lovely!" Leolin finished. "Not always, not to me, but she has this calm, delicate temperament that makes her seem so kind and non-threatening. And she'd really good at finding ways to hurt me that still seem like genuine attempts to be my friend. Yesterday she tried on a wedding dress just like mine because she said my style inspired her, then she let her friends go on about how slutty it was."
"She had your dress?" Severina demanded. "Where the hell did she get that?"
"It wasn't mine exactly," Leolin explained. "It was designed to look a lot like it."
"How does she even know what yours looked like?"
"One of the gossip rags printed a picture a few years back."
"That's sickening," Severina spit.
"It makes it impossible to stand up to her. She's so warm and friendly, it's hard to convince anyone she is trying to ruin me. Still, she has Draco's ear, and she isn't afraid to tell him what she thinks about me. She asked him to send me away."
"And what did he say?"
"He told her he couldn't."
"See?" Severina said. "He loves you still."
"I'm not sure anymore," Leolin sighed. "You should see the way he looks at her. It makes me sick to my stomach."
"What about you and Draco?" Severina asked. "Any progress?"
Leolin shook her head.
"I—I don't know. Sometimes I catch him looking at me when he thinks I can't see him, and there is…something in his eyes. Something I recognize. It's like he—I don't know. Other times, he looks at me like he wants to spit in my face. I can tell part of him still does love me. The problem is that I can't tell how dominant that part is. I'm afraid it's not enough."
"No," Severina said fiercely. "It is. I know it is."
Leolin laughed sadly.
"Thank you, but you have no basis for saying that," she said. "You're thousands of miles away, and you haven't seen Draco in years."
"I still know. Keep working on him, cara mia, and on breaking the charm. He will be yours again someday soon, I promise. In the meantime, don't worry about this little bitch. "
"If only it were that easy. We are all going to this charity thing today. I was hoping I'd be able to talk to Harry and see if he's heard anything about the Dark Lord through the Order, but I have a feeling I'm going to have to spend the whole day keeping an eye on Genevieve."
"Why don't you just kill her and make it look like an accident?" Severina suggested jokingly.
"Would that I could," Leolin said. "I never imagined it would be this hard. I haven't felt this threatened since—"
Severina laughed.
"Since me, you mean."
"Well, yes," Leolin said, smiling.
"I guarantee this little putain is nowhere near as beautiful or as cunning as I was," Severina said, her onyx eyes sparkling. "And even I was no match for you, cara mia. No te preocupes. She will find herself wanting in the end. Today, focus on finding out anything you can about il Negromante."
"Oh gods, I hope you're right," Leolin said, burying her face in her hands and trying to forget the sound of Draco's body as it pushed loudly against Gen's. "It's just—the way he looks at her scares me. I do think some part of him actually loves her, and I—I'm running out of time. They are getting married at the end of the summer."
"I know, cara mia, but be patient. All is not lost yet."
"I'm sorry to keep going on about me," Leolin said. "How are you? How is the baby?"
Severina gave a lovely laugh.
"You know me. I was ready to eat a steak and go dancing twenty minutes after she was born. And the baby è un angelo. Beautiful, just like her sisters."
"Have you found a name yet?"
"Sonia."
"I love it!"
"It was Xavy's pick. I admit at first I wanted Maddalena, but once I saw her I knew she was a Sonia."
"What do Isi and Angie think of her?"
"They love her, though Isi is a little annoyed Sonia never wants to play."
"I wish I'd had sisters," Leolin said wistfully.
"Then you will just have to have daughters," Severina said pointedly. "Little blonde ones. Listen, Leolin, I'm so sorry, but I have to go. I will see you soon, I promise."
"Let me know if you hear anything through the usual channels about the pieces they took in Athens."
"Of course. I will ask around and floo you. Te amo."
"I love you, too."
"And cara mia? Don't worry about Genevieve today. She will get what's coming to her, and soon."
"I hope you're right."
Severina winked.
"I always am. Ciao, cara."
Leolin waved and hung up, feeling weary again. It seemed as if she was being tugged in two different directions by two disparate problems. She was afraid to take an eye off either problem lest it rise up and swallow her, but at the same time, she didn't feel like she could defeat either one without diverting her whole attention to solving it. If only there were two of her: one to keep Gen in check and remind Draco she still loved him and one to solve the mystery of the necromancer and stop Lucius from doing whatever he was planning.
She looked at the clock. It scarcely seemed possible, but it was already nine thirty, and they were meant to leave at eleven. Merlin, she must have been on the floo a long time. She got in the shower at once, continuing to brood as she washed her hair. She knew she ought to tell Blaise and Ginny about the Necromancer, at the very least. It just didn't feel like the right time. She was aware it sounded insane, and she didn't want people to think that she was naïve or superstitious. That's why she wanted to talk to Harry first. Everyone had told him he was mad for going after the Hallows, but in the end his instinct about them had been spot on.
She got out of the shower and quickly dried her hair, wrestling it into an up-do before slipping into her undergarments and a skintight cocktail dress in snow white. It had been embellished with two mesh panels, which revealed more skin than she was sure was generally appropriate. Like most of Leolin's wardrobe, it was low cut in the back. She wore spindly nude heels on her feet. She knew Gen would find some clever way to call her a slut, but Leolin didn't care. She should have to shy away from it or be ridiculed for it. After all, wasn't that the point of feminism? Doing what one wanted without social restriction?
"Leolin!" Ginny called. "C'mon! Everyone's waiting!"
"Coming!" Leolin called, grabbing her netted hat and purse before rushing down the stairs.
Everyone was assembled in the kitchen, waiting to go. They all looked up as she descended the stairs, and no one failed to react. Blaise's eyes swept up then immediately down to the floor, knowing that even looking at Leolin's dress would get him into trouble with Ginny. Ginny, for her part, rolled her eyes, grumbling "Oh my Merlin."
Gen gave a look of veiled disapproval, and her look darkened as she caught Draco openly appraising Leolin. Leolin looked him boldly in the eye, trying not to shy away from the somewhat sharp edge in his gaze. She could tell part of him was agitated by her choice, but it seemed like there was perhaps a more dominant part that simply thought she looked beautiful. No one said a word, and after glancing at both Draco and Blaise, Ieuan piped up.
"Well, if no one else is going to say it, I am more than happy to: Lefevre, you have truly amazing breasts."
"Stow it, Birdie," Draco growled, looking away and pushing Ieuan.
"Just stating facts," Ieuan said evenly. "Those are grade A. They almost make me wish I fancied girls again. Not quite, but close."
Leolin smiled
"Thanks, Bird."
"He's right," Gen agreed at once. "Leolin, you're an absolute vision. Still, are you sure you want to wear that? I mean it's lovely, but this is a charity event. People usually dress a little more—conservatively."
"It's the one white dress I brought," Leolin said innocently. She looked down, her eyes doleful as she ran her hands down the smooth fabric, emphasizing her flat stomach. "Do you really think it's too much?"
"No," Gen said, evidentially satisfied with simply pointing out that Leolin was dressed like a slag. "It's great."
Gen gave a false smile then turned back to Draco, wrapping her arms around him and tipping her head back.
"Should we go?" she asked, grabbing the white color of Draco's quidditch kit. "I don't want to be late."
He was still gazing at Leolin, but eventually Gen was able to drag his gaze back. She looked painfully beautiful as well.
"Certainly," Draco said, his eyes burning into Leolin again before he wrapped a hand gently around Gen's neck and kissed her softly.
Her eyes sparkled as she smiled up at him. She ran both hands up his chest, her engagement ring glinting dully in the light as she did so.
"I love you," she murmured quietly, and Leolin looked away.
"You too," he replied, kissing her again.
"Are you mad?" Ginny hissed in Leolin's ear, breaking her reverie. "Stop provoking Gen! Do you want a repeat of yesterday?"
"I'm not provoking her," Leolin said defensively, trying to ignore Draco as he continued to heap attention on Gen. "This is how I always dress. If Gen doesn't like it, she doesn't have to look."
"There is no 'not looking'. Ieuan is right. You literally have the world's most perfect knockers."
"I know you didn't mean that as a compliment," Leolin said. "But can I still be flattered?"
Ginny whacked her with her ornate hand fan.
"No, you most certainly may not! How am I supposed to keep Blaise from staring? Merlin, how am I supposed to keep from staring?"
"Oh, it's okay," Leolin said smugly. "You can stare. I don't mind."
Ginny whacked her with the fan again, and Leolin laughed.
"You are bloody impossible," Ginny said, laughing a little as well. "And if Max Brankovitch goes into cardiac arrest upon seeing you, I'm not going to let you borrow my lawyer. You're going to have to hire your own."
"We should go," Draco said, hand slipping to the swell of Gen's arse as he ushered her forward. "The portkey leaves in two minutes."
They all nodded, and Ieuan offered Leolin his arm as they headed to the beach.
"I am not ready for this," Leolin muttered to herself, gripping the sleeve of Ieuan's kit nervously.
"What? The portkey, or this charity rot? Honestly, Lai, this is shit. You and Weasley are just as good as half the blokes who are playing in this thing. It's sexist and dumb you two can't play, too."
"I know," Leolin sighed as they all gathered around a worn sabre. "But what can I do?" Her eyes flicked to Draco as the countdown began, and not surprisingly, he was looking at her, too. "I just have to play the hand I was dealt," she finished quietly.
Ieuan nodded, putting a reassuring had to her back as they were all jerked away.
They arrived several minutes later at the sprawling tourney grounds, where three quidditch pitches and hundreds of tents had been set up. Everywhere Leolin looked she saw absurd hats and seas of black and white, and she irritably put hers on as well. It sat stylishly on the right part of her head, the netting cutting a dramatic arc from left to right.
"Merlin," Ginny said. "I already have a headache. Let's go get a drink."
"Do you think it's socially acceptable if we each get two?" Leolin replied, looking around.
"I wish," Ginny muttered, glancing up at Blaise and kissing him. "How long until the three of you play?"
"Draco and I don't play for an hour yet. Birdie, what about you lot?"
"Our match starts in an hour as well. I have to head over in about thirty minutes."
"Excellent!" Gen said. "Then y'all still have plenty of time to stay and be social first."
Just then a photographer arrived wanting to take press photos. They ended up being in pairs, and Leolin tried not to watch as Gen wound her arms possessively around Draco. After couples it was the boys, and after the boys it was the girls. Leolin carefully locked arms with Gen as they all smiled. After it was done the man thanked them, and Leolin fought not to jerk away.
"Come on," Ginny said softly, taking Leolin arm. "Gracie just flooed and said they are near the main tent. Let's go find her and Harry."
This raised Leolin's spirits a little. Maybe she could get Ginny to babysit Gen for a bit while she talked to Harry about the Necromancer. They walked around arm in arm to where the majority of the people seemed to be congregated. They both accepted a glass of champagne as they both looked for Harry. However, before they could find him, someone else found them first.
"Leolin!"
Leolin turned at hearing her name, fighting not to roll her eyes. This was the last thing she bloody needed right now.
"Max," she said as she watched him striding towards them. "Nice to see you again so soon."
"I hope you mean that," he said, hugging Gen and acknowledging Draco before purposefully striding towards Leolin and kissing her cheek before she could protest.
She flushed, and Draco's jaw tensed an almost imperceptible amount. She pushed him off and wiped her cheek.
"I was right about you and white," Max said appreciatively. "You look absolutely sinful." His eyes had no trouble finding her neckline, and his smile widened. "It's really not fair to the other women here. You're shining like the frigging sun right now; everyone else pretty much in your shadow."
Leolin wanted to point out that the sun didn't have a shadow, only created them, but Gen spoke before she had the chance.
"All of them, Brank?" Gen said, eyes sparkling with laughter. Leolin was relieved when Max's eyes dragged away to look at Gen.
"I'm afraid to tell you how beautiful you are, Genny. I don't want Malfoy to pummel me to dust."
"Very prudent," Draco snapped, making Max laugh.
"See what I mean?" Max laughed again.
"That's alright," Gen said warmly. "Draco will say it for you. Won't you, darling?"
Draco looked at Leolin for a moment then down at Gen.
"In my eyes," he said evenly. "You're always the most beautiful."
Gen smiled brightly, and Leolin looked away, her throat tight. She knew it was superficial, but even the idea that Draco found someone else more beautiful than her was painful to imagine. Max drew her out of her reverie by touching her bare back, and she wanted to push him off of her. She simply tensed her jaw instead.
"Did you have a good time last night?" he asked. "Sorry I couldn't be more help with the bogeyman stuff."
"What bogeyman?" Draco asked keenly.
"You know; the bogeyman in New Orleans. Jean du Bones."
"He's a necromancer," Gen said to Max.
"I did have a good time," Leolin cut in, not wanting to take this conversation any further. "Thank you for dinner."
Max smiled.
"Does this mean you'll let me take you out again?"
"Don't get ahead of yourself."
He laughed.
"That's definitely not the answer I was looking for. What's wrong? Were the oysters too forward?"
"Excuse me?"
Leolin tried and failed to avoid Draco's gaze. She knew what Max was implying, but she hoped he'd have the propriety to drop it; he didn't.
"Didn't you know?" Max said. "They're a huge aphrodisiac. Not that I took you out for oysters to get you to sleep with me, but—"
"No," Leolin said at once, flushing furiously. "I didn't even—it wasn't the food at all."
"Knock it off, Brankovitch," Blaise said in a dry voice. "You're making Leolin uncomfortable."
"I just want to make sure my position on the matter is clear," Max replied, winking at Leolin.
"You've been inescapably clear, I assure you," Blaise replied dryly. "Now try and avoid being obtuse."
Max ignored him.
"So it wasn't the food," he pressed Leolin. "Was it the company?"
Ginny rolled her eyes.
"No, I—" Leolin began, but she trailed off, seeing a familiar face over his shoulder and smiling beautifully. "I'm so sorry, will you excuse me one second?"
Max turned at once to see what was distracting her, and the arrogant smile slipped off his face as a tall, sandy-haired bloke approached.
"Kelly," Leolin breathed happily, coming towards him at once. "Kelly Troy! Merlin, I was hoping to see you today."
"Hello, love," Kelly said as he approached her, his eyes glittering as he smiled at her. "Long time, no see."
She laughed delightedly as he swept he off her feet, holding her hat on her head with one hand as he swung her around. She leaned back to smile at him. Seeing him ignited a warmth in her stomach she'd almost forgotten existed. Kelly was the only bloke in the world besides Draco she could actually love.
Kelly looked largely the same as he had when they'd been together seven years ago, with the same mussed hair and the same dimples. He seemed taller than she remembered, but that might have just been her imagination.
"Merlin, Leolin," he breathed. "You look absolutely gorgeous. And you haven't aged a day."
She laughed.
"Neither have you. Gods, it's good to see you."
His eyes glittered.
"You too."
By this time the other had approached, and Kelly set Leolin down as she adjusted her hat.
"Kelly, you know Max, right?" she said, ignoring Max's near pout.
"Of course," Kelly said, smiling and extending his hand. "You alright, Brank?"
Max smiled, trying to ignore how close Leolin was still standing to Kelly.
"Good to see you, Troy. Hope you're ready to lose."
Kelly smiled down at Leolin before winking.
"Oh please. I never lose." He turned to Ginny. "Ginny Weasley! How are you? It's been an age!"
"I'm good!" Ginny said. "You look well!"
"I am," Kelly affirmed, looking at Blaise.
"Kelly, I don't think you've ever met my fiancée, Blaise," Ginny said.
Kelly smiled.
"Oh no, I have. How are you, Zabini?"
Blaise nodded tersely. "Fine, thanks. You?"
Kelly nodded, his eyes finally sliding to Draco, whereupon all the warmth that had been shining in them went out. Kelly may have forgiven Leolin for what had happened, but he'd never forgiven Draco, nor would he. They stared at each other hatefully for a second before Kelly looked at Gen.
"I don't believe we've met," he said in a neutral tone, extending a hand. "I'm Kelly Troy."
"We haven't," Gen said warmly, slipping her palm into his. "I'm Genevieve, Draco's fiancée. It's so lovely to meet you; I've heard so many lovely things about you."
"I don't know if I should be nervous about that or not," Kelly admitted, and Gen gave a musical laugh.
"Everyone adores you, Kelly. Leolin thinks you walk on water."
Leolin knew she was trying to exploit the palpable tension between Draco and Kelly, but Leolin wasn't going to rise to the bait.
"He does," Leolin said, and he smiled at her again.
Kelly looked at Draco again before glancing back to Leolin.
"I admit I'm a little surprised to see the two of you here together," Kelly said, his tone protective as he regarded her again.
"I don't see what business it is of yours," Draco shot back. "You're married now, aren't you, Troy?"
Kelly smiled coldly even as Blaise shot Draco a warning look.
"You don't have to be shagging someone to care about them, Malfoy," Kelly bit out.
Draco laughed, and Leolin was growing fretful. She couldn't bear the thought of having to watch Kelly and Draco finally duke it out.
"You would know. You never did manage to seal the deal with Leolin, did you?"
"Draco!" Ginny admonished, and Leolin scowled at him, tempted to tell him that she and Kelly had actually slept together. She decided against it for all their sakes, and in any case Draco wasn't finished.
"What's wrong, Troy? Did you suddenly remember what happened the last time you tried to go head to head with me?"
Kelly shook his head, smiling in spite of how mad he clearly was. "That's what I've always hated about you, Malfoy. You're a chauvinistic little prick."
"Kelly," Leolin begged. "Just ignore him."
Draco only laughed again in response.
"Don't blame me for the fact you were always second fiddle, mate. You should have known better than to go after someone who had always been mine."
"Draco!" Gen seethed as Leolin blushed furiously.
She thought she might throw up.
Kelly gave Draco another nasty smile.
"You're right, mate. Bully for you." Draco looked smug, but Kelly wasn't done. "Then again, you couldn't quite seal the deal either, now could you?"
"Kelly!" Leolin snapped indignantly, and Draco looked ready to say something truly regrettable when a new voice interrupted.
"It's been almost ten years, and you two are still right where I left you: fighting over Leolin."
Leolin's head snapped up as Blaise's jaw fell open.
"No. Way," he murmured, stunned.
Everyone looked up as well. There, striding through the sea of black and white, was Severina Borgia in a dress of peacock blue, Xavier on her arm.
"Ri!" Leolin called in disbelief, forgetting the boys as she crossed the short distance and threw her arms around her friend.
Though Severina had just given birth a week prior, she still looked exquisite. She wore a flowing floo-length chiffon dress to disguise her still-rounded form, but she still had trim hips and pert breasts, and her face was as lovely as ever.
"No way," Blaise repeated in awe as she and Xavier both hugged Leolin, holding her between them as if she was their own child. "No fucking way."
"Leolin and Severina Borgia?" Ginny demanded. "Am I dreaming this?"
"No," Kelly said in awe. "I think this is real."
"I can honestly say that don't think I could be any more surprised," Ginny admitted.
Draco said nothing, but his eyes glittered as the he took the pair in. This confirmed what he'd already suspected: Leolin was working for the Borgia. He seemed displeased.
"What are you doing here?" Leolin whispered frantically as she hugged Severina.
"After this morning, I had to come," Severina said, still holding Leolin. "It seems like it's a good thing I did."
"Yes," Leolin breathed. "Thank you. Thirty seconds later and there probably would have been blood."
"Don't worry, cara mia. I'm here now."
Finally, they pulled away, and Severina's beautiful dark eyes found Draco first.
She shared a look with Leolin before advancing on him, kissing him firmly on the surprised lips. Genevieve gave an uncomfortable laugh, but Draco smirked in spite of himself.
"Sev," he said appreciatively. "I should have known."
She raised her eyebrows but said nothing in response, simply letting Genevieve fret over her beauty instead.
"Indeed. Have you met my husband, Xavier Borgia?"
"Keeping it in the family, I see," Blaise sniped, and Severina only smiled.
"Nice to see you, too, Zabini," Severina said, still smiling. "And you know how it is. Once a Borgia, always a Borgia."
"I'm sorry," Gen said, laughing again. "I don't think we've been introduced."
Severina turned her glittering eyes on Genevieve, eying her disdainfully.
"We haven't," Severina assured her. "Severina Borgia," she said, extending a hand. "You must be Genevieve. Leolin m'a dit tant de choses sur vous."
Gen gave an embarrassed laugh.
"I'm afraid you'll have to repeat yourself. I don't speak French."
"Non?" Severina said, smiling triumphantly as well. "Quel dommage. I only said that Leolin has already told me so many nice things about you."
"Isn't she lovely?" Gen said warmly, reaching over and squeezing Leolin's hand.
Uncomfortable, Leolin glanced at Ginny, who was giving her a look as if to say, "what the fuck? Explain yourself!" Leolin simply shook her head, indicating they would talk about it when they were alone.
"I agree," Severina said evenly. "We adore Leolin. Don't we, Xavy?"
"She's family," Xavier replied.
"And how is it that y'all know each other again?" Gen asking, smiling at Severina then Draco. "I feel so silly and out of the loop!"
"Me too," Max muttered, trying to decipher everyone's expressions.
Leolin had forgotten Max was even there. Merlin, if he still wanted to take her out after that circus, maybe she should just give up on Draco and marry him instead. She and Severina shared a look.
"Leolin is the godmother to my children, among other things," Severina said evenly.
"And you two?" Gen said in a warm voice seemingly devoid of jealousy. She was indicating Draco and Severina. She didn't show it, but Leolin knew she must have been sweating bullets. Severina was an earth-bound goddess.
"Draco?" Severina countered easily, smiling.
Draco clenched his jaw, and Gen looked expectantly up at him.
"Sev and I—dated for several months."
Gen laughed as if this didn't annoy her.
"Before you dated Leolin?"
"During," Severina purred. "It was all rather complicato, wasn't it, Kelly?"
She turned her sparkling gaze on Kelly, who frowned outright.
"No thanks to you," he said tersely.
Severina laughed again.
"What can I say?" she purred, putting a hand on her husband's chest and smirking up at him. He smirked back. "I was a hopeless sinner before I met Xavy. But in my defense, I believe it was Zabini kissing Leolin that officially broke them up. I just saw an opportunity and took it."
Blaise gave her a nasty look
"Vaffanculo," he snapped.n
"Fuck you," he'd told her in Italian.
"I don't think I will, thank you," Severina practically sang.
"What does any of it matter?" Draco said tersely. "It's all ancient history."
"Indeed," Severina said. "Felicitazioni, by the way," she continued, eying Gen with piteous distain. "I hope you too are very happy together."
"Not to be blunt, Borgia" Kelly cut in. "But what are you doing here?"
"I came to see Leolin," Severina said. "I missed her."
"How in Merlin's name did you two become friends?" Ginny blurted, and Severina laughed.
"A long story," Severina said. "Too long a story for right now, I'm afraid."
Leolin opened her mouth to smooth some of the tension over before she caught sight of Adrian Pucey in the distance. He was striding purposefully across the lawn. She needed to go after him.
"Well I'm thrilled you're here," Leolin said. "But I'm afraid I have to step out for a moment. Why don't you all catch up and become friends?"
"Good idea," Severina said, dark eyes sparkling wickedly. "Genevieve, you and I can start."
"Lovely," Gen replied, smiling. "I'm sure Draco and I would both love to hear what Leolin got up to after she left London."
Leolin and Severina shared a look.
"I should be going, too," Max said. "My first match is it a few minutes. Give me a kiss for good luck?"
"You haven't done anything worthy of a kiss," Leolin pointed out, a bit distracted.
She didn't want to lose Adrian. The fact that he was still in The South was significant.
"What if I win?" Max pressed eagerly. "Will you give me a kiss then?"
"He's like a puppy," Severina murmured in Italian, and Blaise gave her a look to indicate he agreed.
Leolin was agitated by this distraction. "I don't know, ask me later."
"Good enough," he said, smiling before jogging off.
"Kelly," Leolin said, smiling. "It was so lovely to see you. I hope I'll see you again before the tournament is over."
"You will," he agreed, still eying Severina dubiously. "If not, then in London."
"Excellent," she said. "Gin, Ri, I will see you later. Save me a seat in the box." She looked up at Blaise and Bird before glancing a Draco. "Good luck today, boys."
They all nodded, and after giving Ginny and Severina one last acknowledgment, Leolin took off in the direction that she'd seen Adrian disappear into. Her mind was still reeling from Kelly and Draco and Severina, but she tried to relax. Gen had Severina to worry about now, which meant Leolin could focus on Adrian for the time being. If she was lucky, she'd be able to figure out what he knew about Jean Du Bones.
Unfortunately, the crowd was thickening as the matches drew closer, and Leolin lost sight of him for several minutes as she waded through the throng. However, just when she was afraid she'd lost him for good, she saw him disappear into a large white tent that was being used for food prep. Two seconds later, she saw Marcus Flint go inside as well. She never had liked him, despite what Madison Livingston thought.
Carefully as she could she followed, popping her head in cautiously before deciding it was safe and sneaking behind a tall rack of champagne flutes. Flint and Pucey had moved farther into the space and were now conversing in tense whispers. Remaining crouched, she slunk behind various pieces of furniture in an effort to get closer. Finally, when she was as close as she dared, she pulled and extendable ear out of her purse, fitting the earpiece in her ear so the pair wouldn't be able to hear that their voices were being magnified.
"—and did you find it?" Adrian was saying tersely.
"I don't know what I'm looking for!" Flint snapped. "You haven't given me anything to go on, Pucey!"
"Look, the specs are a bit scarce, but Malfoy is convinced we just haven't found the right one yet!"
"Malfoy doesn't know what he's on about. This is a story for children! There is no necromancer!"
"Malfoy says there is."
"Then maybe he's not as bloody clever as you seem to think."
"Look, Malfoy may be a lot of things, but he's not a fool. If he thinks it's out there somewhere, then it is, and you damn well better find it."
"Well while I'm running all over the globe looking for one needle in a stack of needles, what are you doing? Did you get the other witch doctor?"
"Baudry Des Lozières? Yeah, Rookwood and I tortured him and he ended up giving us an address. We brought him, but it turned out there was nothing there. He's dead now, stupid blighter."
"Maybe you didn't find anything because there was nothing to find!"
"You're not being paid to be cynical," Adrian demanded. "Just do as you're told and stop asking stupid questions."
"I don't even know what I'm looking for!"
"Just keep doing what you're doing. Someone else will handle interpretation."
"Who?"
"The less you know, the better."
"Who put you in charge of me?" Flint spit. "I don't take orders from you, Pucey."
"I'm in change because you're a fucking idiot who took eight years to graduate school, and because Malfoy trusts me. You do take orders from me."
"Well you better hope that Draco doesn't get wind of what you're up to," Flint warned. "Lucius or no, he will tear you limb from fucking limb. I know you're still scared of him, Pucey; don't deny it."
"Screw Draco," Adrian said nastily. "When this is all over, I'm going to make him watch while I get my hands on Lefevre and fuck her little cunt until she begs me for more. Then maybe I'll do the same to that stupid American whore of his, though I doubt he'll care as much."
Leolin's heart was beating in her ears. She reminded herself what could happen to her if she got caught.
"Fine," Flint snapped. "I'll go, but if I get caught—"
"Do us a favour, then: don't get caught."
"That's rich, coming from you," Flint said moodily. "You have the easy job."
"Fine, you want to torture people? Be my guest. I'll be scrubbing Lozières's blood out of these boots for a month! These are Spanish leather!"
Marcus frowned, disgusted.
"What don't you just crucio him like a normal person?"
Adrian shrugged irritably.
"Crucio's no good for getting information from someone. It addles the victim's mind too much. If you want the truth, you have to peel it off their flesh. Flayed men can't keep secrets."
Leolin shuddered, and it made one of the carts near her move an inch.
"Shh," Adrian said at once. "Did you hear that?"
He drew his wand, and so did Marcus. Leolin's thoughts were racing, but she tried to remain calm. In about twenty seconds, Adrian was probably going to cast a homo revelio to see if they really were alone. That meant she had two options: she could apparate, which would betray she'd been there but remove her from danger. She only had to hope they didn't connect the dots back to her. Adrian was right; he wasn't the same little boy she'd known in school, and she after what had happened at Draco's engagement ball and what he'd just said about her, she had to admit she was terrified of him. Her other option was to cast a wordless cloaking spell and hope that it was strong enough to fool Adrian's countercharm. Of course, if it wasn't, she wouldn't have time to get away; she'd be caught. She didn't even want to imagine what that entailed.
Adrian raised his wand. Fight or flee? Fight or flee?
"Ho—"
Protego!
Leolin squeezed her eyes shut as Adrian finished his incantation. She felt the charm sweep over her, but after a minute, nothing happened.
"See?" Flint demanded. "You're bloody paranoid, Pucey."
"I swore I heard something," Adrian said sullenly.
"Well, you didn't."
Adrian looked around.
"You should go. You have work to do."
Flint nodded.
"I'll owl you when it's done."
"Good," Adrian said. "And no mistakes, Flint; I mean it."
Marcus muttered something foul before disapparating. Adrian was only alone a minute or so before someone else appeared in a whirling pop. Cautiously, Leolin peered around the tower so she could see the newcomer.
It was a young girl no older than twenty with dark hair, a dainty button nose, and enormous blue eyes. She was dressed in a black cocktail dress that only served to emphasize how skinny she was, though Leolin could see a thin knife strapped to her thigh through the absurdly high slit in her skirt. Clearly she wasn't as innocent as she looked.
"Torrii," Adrian said, smirking now. "You're late. I had began to worry you weren't going to show."
She considered this as she approached, fingering the black tie around his neck before looking up at him.
"When have you even known me not to come through?"
Her right palm slithered meaningfully down his chest to the front of his khaki trousers, eliciting a throaty laugh from Adrian. Leolin for her part, wanted to vomit. If they started shagging, she was leaving, consequences be damned.
"Maybe later," Adrian said, gently pushing her hand away even as he studied her appreciatively."Right now we need to talk business."
"Langdon never makes me wait," she reminded him huffily.
Leolin could tell by her intonation that at least one of her parents was Welsh. And she must have been talking about Langdon Mcnair. He'd been about five years ahead of Leolin in Slytherin; it didn't particularly surprise her that he was working for Adrian.
Adrian grabbed Torrii by the wrist.
"Then run along back to him," he sneered nastily. "But we both know I'm ten times the shag he is. He doesn't know how to fuck you like I do."
Torrii gave a small huff.
"Fine," she said. "What is it I can do for you?"
"Where are we?" Adrian said cryptically.
However, Torrii seemed to know exactly what he was talking about.
"It's all but done."
"I don't want any mistakes,"Adrian warned. "It will be on your head if this goes sideways."
"It won't," Torrii assured him. "All the pieces are already in place. By the time they realise what's happened, we'll be long gone."
Adrian nodded.
"Good. Floo me when it's done. We need to get to the safe house before they get a chance to come after him."
Him? Leolin wondered. Who him? Who or what were they talking about?
"Is that all, then?" Torrii queried, reaching out to touch Adrian again.
He stopped her before she could.
"Don't be so hasty. What about the bokors?"
"Guillarme Audige is the man you're looking for. They call him 'The King of the Quarter'. Everyone swears he's the one to answer all your questions."
"Where can I find him?"
"He's not really one to hide. Though I might wait for the festival. It will make him easier to get to."
"Good work."
"Anything else?"
"As a matter of fact," Adrian said, tucking some hair behind her ear.
She batted his hand away, annoyed at the condescending gesture.
"What?" she demanded.
"I want you to keep an eye on Leolin Lefevre. I would do it myself, but I don't really have the time right now."
"Why?" Torrii demanded. "What does she matter?"
Adrian laughed.
"Are you jealous, Victoria?"
"Of what?" she sneered caustically. "I could get fake tits too, if I wanted."
Adrian laughed again.
"Oh believe me, those aren't fake."
Leolin felt sick to her stomach.
"How do you know?" she snapped.
"So you are jealous," Adrian mused. "I can't imagine why. You know what we sometimes have doesn't mean anything to me, and I let you run around with McNair when I'm not in London."
"I'm not jealous," Torrii said in a bored voice. "I just don't see why it's my job to babysit that cow."
"She works for La Genie du Mal," Adrian said, clearly growing annoyed with her push back. "She's going to know the Athens job wasn't him, and she's going to start asking questions. I need to know which ones so I can deal with her."
"Why don't you just let me handle it?" Torrii said. "She won't be able to ask any questions if she's dead."
"Because," Adrian said. "I still need her to play her part. Besides," he sneered. "I promised that little bitch I was going to teach her a lesson in respect, and I have no intention of going back on that promise."
"What are you going to do to her?" Torrii said eagerly.
"Wouldn't you like to know," he replied, annoyed at her prying.
"You're going to fuck her, aren't you? Honestly, I don't understand what you lot find so alluring about her."
Leolin bit her lip. She knew she wasn't ready for Adrian's response, no matter what it was.
"If you were a bloke, you'd understand," Adrian said. "Besides, it doesn't concern you. Just do as you're told and stop being so insolent."
"Fine," Torrii huffed. "I'll keep tabs on her for now."
"Good girl," Adrian said. "Now run along; I'm busy."
She didn't immediately move, and Adrian and Leolin both seemed to sense why.
"I'm not going to fuck you when you're being a little brat, Torrii," he sneered. "Get out and find Lefevre. If you bring me something I can use by the end of the day,I will give you a treat. If not, you can go fuck yourself, for all I care."
"You're a prick," she snapped, clearly embarrassed he'd repeatedly rebuffed her advances.
He grabbed her skinny arm again, and this time it was so hard she cried out in pain.
"Don't," he snarled. "Speak to me like that. Is that clear?"
She did say anything, just stared sullenly up at him.
"Are you fucking deaf?" he demanded. "Answer me!"
He must have been squeezing harder, because despite her best efforts to remain impassive, she cried out again.
"Victoria, so help me Merlin, do as I say or I will make your life a living Hell."
"Yes, okay, fine!" she said a little breathlessly, though she still managed a steely edge in her tone.
Adrian let go and smoothed his hair off his brow, eye sparkling as Torrii ruefully rubbed her arm.
"Get out of my sight," he said coolly. "Now."
Seeming to realize that she'd gotten in over her head, Torrii nodded.
"Yes, sir."
With a crack she vanished. When she was gone Adrian gave an annoyed growl before he disappeared as well.
When she was satisfied she was alone, Leolin let out an audible breath of relief. She didn't even what to think about what would have happened if Adrian had caught her snooping. And who was that girl? She made a mental note to ask Draco about her; he would know.
She considered what she'd , that hadn't been Voldemort she'd seen Adrian carrying in the Quarter; it had been another witch doctor. She didn't know whether to be relieved it wasn't the Dark Lord or sickened that Adrian had flayed the poor man. And what was it that Adrian had Marcus Flint looking for in Athens? She supposed she wouldn't know until she went to see for herself. Or rather, when she sent Naomi.
She stood. She needed to find the others. As soon as they got home, she needed to tell Ginny and Blaise what she'd found out. Blaise could fill Draco in later.
As inconspicuously as she could, she slipped out of the tent, fixing her absurd hat and striding back to their box in the second of the three miniature stadiums. She arrived to find that Draco and Blaise's match was already finished, as was Ieuan's, and the last match of the day, which was Max's, was just about to begin.
Everyone look up as she entered, and she found Severina's gaze immediately. Ginny, she noted, was out of the room.
"Where did you run off to?" Draco asked, taking a sip of his whiskey and watching her keenly.
In his fitted quidditch trousers and tight kit, he looked good enough to eat. Still, Leolin turned her head away from him.
"Don't talk to me," Leolin said curtly. "I can't fucking believe how rude you were to Kelly."
Draco laughed.
"What does it matter? He's not your boyfriend anymore."
"It does matter," Leolin countered. "He's my friend, and you had no right to be so unkind to him."
"She's right, Drake," Gen said disapprovingly. "That was uncalled for. Here," she said to Leolin. "Have a drink."
She extended a fresh gin martini to Leolin, who took a heady sip before setting it down.
"Where's Ginny?" Leolin asked.
She decided on the walk over from the tent that she would tell Ginny and Severina what had happened immediately.
"She ran into her boss and got roped into hand-holding in his box," Blaise explained. "She said she'd be back in a few minutes."
"Oh," Leolin said. "Well, I'm going to go freshen up," she announced pointedly, catching Severina's eye again.
"For Brankovitch?" Blaise asked dryly.
"Maybe," Leolin said tartly.
"He asked if you'd give him a kiss if he catches the snitch," Gen laughed. "Will you?"
"In his dreams," Leolin snapped.
"I'll go with you," Severina said at once, kissing Xavier before standing.
Gen smiled at them as the girls linked arms and retreated.
"Hurry back, Leolin. We've barely seen you all day."
When they were in the hall, Severina rolled her eyes.
"I see what you mean about Genevieve. She unnervingly—"
"Charming?" Leolin supplied. "I know. It almost makes her hard to dislike, at least at first."
"I know," Severina said. "Which just makes me what to claw her eyes out even more. What did you find out?"
"Lucius has one of my old schoolmates Marcus Flint stealing the art, but I still have no idea why. It definitely has to do with the necromancer, though."
"Have they found him yet?" Severina asked.
Leolin shook her head.
"They don't even have proof he's real, though apparently Lucius is convinced he is."
"But I thought you said you saw Adrian carrying the Dark Lord to meet Bones."
"I was wrong. That was another bokor named Lozières. They'd been torturing the poor bloke for information on Bones's whereabouts."
Severina winced.
"Che barbaro. So this Lozières didn't know where to find Bones?"
"If he did, the secret died with him. When Bones wasn't where Lozières said he'd be, Adrian killed him. Now he's after someone else. Guillarme Audige. He's a high-rankng bokor. They're going to bleed him next unless we get there first."
Severina pursed her lips.
"That is terrible, but at least we can still hope that Malfoy is chasing a myth and not a demigod."
"Yeah," Leolin said. "But how many more innocent people have to die befo—"
Severina frowned quizzically as Leolin doubled over as if she was going to be sick.
"Leolin?" she said, rubbing her friend's back. "You alright, cara mia?"
"I—" Leolin began. "Have you seen Max Brankovitch?"
"What?" Severina demanded. "What are you talking about?"
"I love him," Leolin blurted. "I—I think I love him."
Severina watched her critically for a second before swearing.
"That little bitch!"
Leolin shook her head.
"Why do I love Max?" Leolin asked, panicked. "I don't love Max! I love Draco. No, I don't. I definitely love Max. Why did I ever love Draco?"
Severina gripped her shoulders gently but firmly.
"Leolin, listen to me. Gen dosed you with a love potion. Take a deep breath and try to accept that what you're feeling isn't real."
"It feels real," Leolin said fretfully. "I think it might be real. I think I'm just going to let it be real."
"I know," Severina said calmly. "But it isn't. I'm going to get you an antidote, but you have to keep it together, capisce?"
Leolin was only growing more fretful.
"I don't want a antidote, Ri," she said, her movements a little manic. "I don't want you to take this feeling away. It's warm! I like it!"
Just then, Ginny appeared around the corner. Upon seeing Leolin's agitated state, she frowned.
"Oy, Lai, are you alright? Merlin, Borgia, let go of her. You're only making her more upset."
"Ginny!" Leolin cried, her voice a half-whine of desperation. "Have you seen Max Brankovitch?"
"No, why?"
"Because I want to kiss him really badly."
Ginny looked at Severina quizzically, who frowned.
"Genevieve slipped her a love potion."
"No, she didn't," Ginny said in disbelief. "Are you serious?"
"Look at Leolin!" Severina demanded. "She's a wreck."
Ginny clenched her jaw. "We should show her to Draco. This is crossing the line."
Severina shook her head.
"It won't do any good. See how fretful she is? That means the potion was laced with a perception modifier. I bet to the boys she would seem normal. But when she sees Brankovitch, she's going to be all over him. Draco's going to go through the roof."
"It doesn't take long to brew the antidote," Ginny said, snapping at a server who'd just appeared from one of the other VIP boxes. "You, get over here. Do you have quill and parchment?"
He produced both, and she began scrawling the ingredients and instructions.
"Go brew this immediately. Bring it to box five when you're done."
She practically threw the quill back at him and he scuttled away.
"Let's just hope it's a long match," Ginny said grimly.
"Or that Brankovitch doesn't win," Severina replied.
Ginny shook her head.
"That's not likely. But we could keep her out here just in case he catches the snitch before the antidote is ready.
Severina shook her head, petting Leolin's hair softly as the latter continued to shake.
"We should bring her to the boys. When the modifier kicks in, she won't be so manic."
Ginny clenched her jaw.
"I honestly didn't expect Gen to do something this nasty."
Severina's eyes flashed.
"Now you know what kind of a person she really is."
"Yeah," Ginny said, almost dazed. "I guess I do."
They helped Leolin to her feet.
Ginny smiled grimly at Severina.
"I always assumed I'd loathe you if I met you in person," Ginny said.
Severina smiled as well.
"Hatred makes strange bedfellows, doesn't it?" Severina replied.
"Indeed," Ginny said. "Though if Leolin cares about you, you can't be all evil."
"I'm a wicked enemy," Severina said seriously. "But I assure you I'm a hell of a friend."
With that, they re-emerged into the box, and Leolin's demeanor relaxed entirely. It was clear she had no memory of her affliction. Gen watched her keenly as she sat down near the front of the box, eagerly watching Max fly.
"What were you three up to?" Blaise said as Ginny sank into his lap.
She and Severina shared a dangerous look.
"We were plotting the downfall of our enemies," Severina said pointedly, looking at Gen.
Draco gave a bemused laugh.
"Sounds sinister."
Severina smiled dazzlingly in reply.
"Oh it was, believe me."
The next fifteen minutes passed in what was tense semi-silence, though Severina and Ginny were the only two who knew why. Max had had some near-catches, and Leolin's heart stopped every time he missed.
She just wanted to kiss him. Kiss him and never stop. Finally, her opportunity arose.
"And here comes Brankovitch! He and Anderson Jack are nearly neck and neck now, but we all know who the better flier is. Brankovitch is pulling forward. Merlin, he is graceful for such a brawny guy. Oh he's so close! Just six more inches!"
Ginny jumped up, running to the hall. The potion should be ready. She just had to find the bloke. Severina's knuckles were white as she balled her hands into fists.
"Brankovitch almost has it and—HE DOES! No surprise here, folks, but American superstar Max Brankovitch has caught the snitch!"
Severina looked fretfully to the door as Leolin stood. Max was already on his way to the box. Ginny was running down the hall with the bottle in her hand. She appeared in the doorway just as Max approached the box's entrance, and she knew she was probably going to be a second too late. She and Sev shared a panicked look before Ginny tossed her the bottle. Severina caught it, but Leolin was already stepping forward, smiling blithely at Max.
Ginny came forward as Severina tossed her the bottle back. No one seemed to notice their antics, because suddenly it felt like the whole stadium was waiting to see what Leolin and Max where going to do. Ginny was on Leolin now, but there was no way to stop her without causing a scene. Finally, Severina caught Ginny's eye a last time, and understanding what she intended, Ginny tugged Leolin away just as Severina took her place, twining her fingers in Max's dark hair and kissing him passionately.
"Severina!" Xavier cried, but the crowd erupted in wild cheers as she continued her assault.
Despite knowing she was married, Max met her touch fervently, reveling in what was his one and only chance to kiss the most beautiful woman in the world. Meanwhile, Ginny shoved the antidote down Leolin's throat just as Leolin began to panic. She relaxed as the tonic touched her tongue, and she looked up at Ginny, relieved.
"Thank you," she breathed.
Ginny touched her shoulder.
"Anytime, my love."
By now, Severina had finally released Max, and she raised a flute in toast to Leolin and Ginny.
"Cheers!"
"And confusion to our enemies," Ginny chimed.
Later than night, they were all trudging up the beach towards the house, smiling and laughing. Severina had taken an understandably sullen Xavier home, though the rest of them were still discussing the kiss ad nauseam.
"I can't believe Borgia did that!" Ieuan laughed. "And in front of her husband, no less."
"You just said it," Ginny said with fake derision, squeezing Leolin's hand and winking at her. "She's a Borgia. She can't stand when the attention is on anyone other than herself."
Leolin smiled back. It warmed her heart to know she had friends as loyal as Ginny and Severina, and that the two of them would likely be friends now, too. It made Genevieve and Lucius and Jean du Bones so much easier to bear.
"Where you going to kiss him, Lefevre?" Blaise said.
"Of course she wasn't," Ginny answered.
"Don't be coy, Lai!" Gen said like they were friends. "You were so going to do it!"
"I was just fucking with him," Leolin laughed. "He had to know I wasn't actually going to give him the satisfaction. He's lucky Severina stepped in; that was certainly a better deal."
"I'll say," Blaise said.
"I don't believe you!" Gen said in a sing-song voice. "I think Max is growing on you!"
"I wouldn't do something that public even if he was," Leolin said. "After all, this was a charity event," Leolin said, and Draco regarded her with bright eyes.
"She's got you there, darling," Draco said.
"What's that up ahead?' Blaise interrupted. "That glowing thing?"
Draco's arm slipped from around Gen as he frowned.
"That's my mother's patronus," Draco said.
As the approached, they could see the glittering vixen sitting calmly in the sand, its silvery tail swishing back and forth. When they were close enough, the creature began to speak with Narcissa's voice.
Draco,
Someone's sacked the house. They stole several works of art and kidnapped your stepfather the form said in an echoey imitation of Narcissa's clipped tone. I need you to come home at once.
Draco looked up, all jokes forgotten. He glanced at Gen for a moment before his eyes flicked to Leolin.
"Pack a bag, Lefevre. You and I leave for London within the hour."