I Know You Know Who I Am

by TheSecretAdmirer

2nd of Eden Trilogy/Sequel to Enemy of My Enemy. 5 years later, Leolin returns to find everything has changed and Draco is engaged to another woman. She struggles to win back his love & trust while facing the demons of her past. As darkness begins to fall, she realises she might have to choose between the man she loves and rescuing the world from a familiar evil...COMPLETE! RE-READ

22. NEW! Chapter 21: Clement's Keeper

THiS CHAPTER IS ALMOST 17,000 WORDS OF NEW MATERIAL. PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO REVIEW

Chapter 22: Clement's Keeper

"He's gaining ground, tesora," Severina said, dropping the envelope and growling in frustration.

Leolin looked at it but didn't touch it, opting for another sip of her vinsanto instead.

"Who, Teller?" she said derisively. "Oh c'mon, Ri! He's an American; if anyone is going to catch La Genie, it won't be Crofton Bloody Teller."

"This is from the International Aurors' Office," Severina spit, gesturing to the envelope. "We need to starting treading more carefully."

"What is the IAO want?" Leolin demanded, sitting up and reading the letter at last.

"They're trying to coerce our cooperation as informants in the la genie investigation by suggesting we're involved," Severina spit.

Leolin read the letter several times, finally shaking his head.

"Teller doesn't have anything," she said. "He's fishing. If he had anything on us, he wouldn't be asking for our help; he'd be demanding it."

"Fine," Severina said, seemingly calmed by Leolin's rationale. "So we tell him to shove this request up his culo and keep going."

"Yes," Leolin said, chewing her lip and thinking. "Or," she smiled. "I go and I help him."

"Scuzzi?" Severina demanded. "I must have heard you incorrectly. I thought you said you would go and help Teller catch La Genie. In case you haven't forgotten, tesora, ."

"Look," Leolin said, setting down the letter and coming to sit next to Severina. "We've always had this implicit agreement that we wouldn't ask about a client's background before taking on a job. You and I both know that we've worked for some pretty nefarious people."

"Leolin," Severina said. "I know you don't think so, but Teller is too dangerous. If you get too close he's going to rope you into saying something you will regret."

"Only if I go in as an adversary," Leolin said. "It's like this: I go into Teller's office suggesting I want to help bring La Genie to heel. We make a list of some of our most unsavoury clients, and we sell them out to Teller."

"That is not very honourable, cherie, even by criminal standards."

"Sod honourable!" Leolin said. "I am halfway through this gag, and I won't be jammed up now because we aren't willing to turn in some very legitimate criminals to the authorities."

"I don't like it," Severina admitted. "It's so—hypocritical. It feels unprincipled."

"Unprincipled?" Leolin said. "Are you mad? Severina, we're criminals! We don't have the luxury of principles! Besides, there's no honour among thieves, right? People know when they enter into these kind of endeavours that there can be consequences."

"This is going to hurt our credibility if people start realising we're turning our clients over to the authorities."

"Who will know? The IAO doesn't do many things well, but one thing they have mastered is protecting their rats. Besides, we won't be turning over every client; just the worst ones."

"Who are we to play judge and jury?" Severina said.

"Oh my gods, Sev!" Leolin said, exasperated. "This isn't the time for your fucked-up Borgia code of honour!"

"You don't know this world like I do," Severina said. "This could have horrible repercussions."

"Sev," Leolin said desperately. "Listen to me. I will take all the risk. You don't have to worry about being safe."

"You think I'm afraid of retaliation?" Severina said, laughing. "Tesora, I'm a Borgia by blood and by marriage; no one has dared stand against us since Ludovico Sforza marched on Rome in 1494. That's not what concerns me."

"Then what are you worried about, besides the supposed honour code of the criminal underworld?"

"I know you don't believe me about Crofton Teller, but he is clever and dangerous. You just sweep in there and solve these cases. He already thinks you are involved. He will read between the lines and trace all of this back to you. It would only take one slip up for him to catch you."

"Give me a little credit," Leolin said. "I know just how to handle him."

"And how is that?" Severina demanded.

"Crofton Teller is a suspicious, over-worked, under-paid, sexually-frustrated time bomb. All I have to do is push all the right buttons, just like you taught me. He's mistrustful of me? Fine, I lean away from the truth to send him right into it. I make bold, arrogant moves and come up short. I miss as twice as often as I hit. Look, I know how to weave a convincing lie because that's what you taught me. Now you just have to sit back and have faith in me."

"And Teller's sexual frustrations?" Severina demanded. "What do you propose to do about those?"

Leolin's face split into a dazzling smile.

"Absolutely nothing. That's the beauty of it. I don't have to do anything; it's the lack of doing that's going to drive him crazy. Look, he would never pursue someone like me because my arrogance and aristocracy upset his American sensibilities. That means I never have to worry about taking things too far and risking him touching me. The more I dress and act like a temptress, the more adamantly he will refuse to admit he's aroused by it, and the more it will addle his senses. You of all people should know that works."

Severina gave a grudging smile.

"I taught you well," she said, touching Leolin's cheek. "And I admit your enthusiasm is infectious."

"Despite everything I've been through," Leolin said. "I'm still a Slytherin at my core. No one does two-faced quite like a Slytherin. "I'll be feeding Crofton lies, poisoning the well from the inside without him even knowing it. In the meantime, he'll be giving me everything we need to steer clear of his little traps."

"So you think you can really pull off being a double-agent? You do realise you'll essentially be spying on one of the most well-connected organisations on the planet, certo?"

"I know," she said. "And to answer your question. Yes, I do."

The beginning of a smile began to sparkle in Severina's bewitching eyes.

"There is something poetic about having to reconnect with your Slytherin roots in order to get home to your Slytherin prince."

Leolin smiled as well.

"Isn't there, though?"

"Alright," Severina said at last. "Here's to you."

"No," Leolin said wickedly. "To us. And confusion to our enemies."

---

Leolin and Felix sat in their lavish box on the train bound for Rome, and the antique emerald steamer hissing like a green tree python as it prepared to depart. Though they'd yet to reach their compartment, Leolin and Felix could hear the Customs agents checking the tickets and passports of each passenger. Leolin was swishing an obscene diamond ring, which she'd produced seemingly from no where on their trip to King's Cross, back and forth on Severina's elegant finger. However, she did so casually, and Felix wondered if this was something Severina had a habit of doing and if Leolin was simply getting into character. He, on the other hand, was drumming his fingers against his knees to keep from shaking.

"Stop fidgeting," Leolin snapped under her breath. "You're going to blow our bloody cover."

"Why are we doing this?" Felix said nervously, not quite able to stop drumming. "And where did you get Borgia's passport?"

"She gave it to me," Leolin said, crossing one of Severina's lean legs over the other. It raised the slit in her dress, and he felt his throat going dry. "For situations like this. It's a fake, but a convincing one."

"Why can't we just go as ourselves?"

Severina's eyes glittered, and Felix could see the fear, Leolin's fear, in them.

"There was no way we would have made it. Adrian would have gotten wind of it and been all over us."

"And he won't be all over the Borgias?"

Leolin raised her eyebrows mildly.

"Have you looked in the mirror recently? He knows better than to tangle with the Borgias. Besides, Adrian's still busy looking for Audige, and he doesn't know Severina was involved with any of that. She wasn't in New Orleans with us. At this point he has to prioritise."

He studied her intently.

"What makes you so sure about him?"

She looked up.

"Excuse me?"

"I mean, what if you're wrong?"

She pursed her lips. Or Severina's, rather.

"I'm not."

"But how can you be sure?" he repeated.

Leolin looked up, and Felix was sure that Severina Borgia had never looked so frightened. Finally she spoke.

"He was schoolmates with us, did you know? Adrian."

"Brank mentioned it," Felix said. "What does that matter?"

"I hated him," Leolin said in answer, still swishing the ring on her finger. "Pretty much from the day we were sorted. I have no idea why, he never really did anything to me, I just—I never liked him. He was smart, that was part of it probably, I didn't like competition in class. There was also just something nasty about him that rubbed me the wrong way. Still, we were friends. Or friendly, I guess. We ran in the same circle."

"With Malfoy and Zabini and those guys?" he asked.

She re-crossed her legs and nodded.

"And we played quidditch together. We made the squad the same year."

"Why are you telling me this?" he asked, but she didn't answer, simply continued as if she hadn't heard him.

"I'm not exactly sure what changed," she said pensively. "But he really started to irritate me when I started dating Draco. I suppose I was around him more or he always seemed weirdly jealous that we were happy together, I'm not sure. But by time we were sixth years, I had made a game out of doing spiteful things to him. I remember he liked this girl in our year, Astoria, and I went out of my way to make it difficult for him to pursue her. He was good-looking and thought he was so slick with girls, and it felt good to trip him up."

By now Felix knew better than to interrupt, so he just nodded.

"Go on."

"Looking back on it, I was kind of cruel to him. But then, he certainly wasn't afraid to dish it back, and he got his revenge after Draco and Blaise left and he had carte blanche to torture me."

"What do you mean?"

"After they left, it started to get...predatory. It wasn't scary, necessarily, it never felt like something I couldn't handle, but it was definitely unpleasant. Have you ever met him?"

"Pucey?" Felix asked. "No. But Brank said he's not a terribly big guy."

She nodded her assent.

"He's probably as tall as you," she explained. "But pretty slender. Pansy always said he reminded her of a jungle cat. It's something about the way he moves, I don't know. He always sort of slinks around. He grew into it more as we got older and he got bigger, and I admit it's...unnerving, at best. I would be lying if I said that I didn't try and avoid him our last year in school. Thankfully, by the time we graduated he pretty much ceased to exist for me. I mean I still saw him at parties and stuff, still convinced pretty girls not to talk to him and rubbed how much sex Draco and I were having in his face, but I never really had to interact with him directly."

"Were you afraid of him?" Felix suggested.

"Not really," she admitted. "He'd just increasingly grown to be a person I didn't want to be around. Draco was still mates with him, since found him tolerable I guess, but I can remember going to parties and looking across the room to find him watching me. It always felt like he was sizing me up, getting ready to pull something nasty."

"And did he?"

"No," she said. "In those days he never would have dared. He had a pretty healthy fear of Draco. I get the feeling that despite everything, he still does."

"What happened next?"

"I left England," she said. "And I can honestly say that in the five years I was gone, I didn't think about him once. He was just some mild annoyance of a bygone age."

"What changed?"

She looked at him intently.

"I came back. I used a Muggle passport to cross the border—"

He frowned.

"Why?"

She shook her head.

"That's a story all it's own. For right now, all that matters is that Adrian somehow got wind of it and tracked me down. He showed up to the restaurant where I was lying low and arrested me."

She paused thoughtfully.

"It only took me looking into his eyes one time to regret every nasty thing I'd ever said to him."

"Why?" he repeated.

"Because I could tell from just that one glance that everything had changed. He'd changed. He had this sick glimmer in his eye that heralded all the amassed power, all the beautiful women, he'd managed to collect in my absence. He was gorged on self-satisfaction, and I could tell by looking at him how sorely he wanted to shove it down my throat."

"You're afraid of him now," he said softly.

"Yes," she admitted. "You should be, too. He's dangerous."

"Why are you telling me this?" he said again. "What does any of that history matter?"

She looked out the window for a moment before looking back, dark eyes teaming with stormy emotion.

"You asked me how I could be so sure about him," she said. "I know what he wants because he's told me. He tells me every chance he gets. This isn't just about Audige; it's about settling scores."

"Did he say something to you?" Felix asked. "Do something?"

"The last time I saw him," she admitted. "He broke my wrist."

"Lefevre—"

There was more that could have been said, certainly, but just then the door of the compartment slid open and Augustus Rookwood sneered at them. He was a haggard-looking man, his curly hair somewhat unkempt and graying at the temples. He had a long, gaunt face that he sought to disguise with a beard, though Felix didn't find it a particularly effective ruse.

Leolin uncrossed her lean legs and stood, watching with disgust as Rookwood's eyes bled from the slit in her dress to her face.

"Borgia," he said. "Leaving so soon?"

"Don't pry into my affairs," Leolin said in a undulating Italian accent.

"When did you arrive? I wasn't aware you were in England."

She sneered

"Tell Pucey he's going to have to hire smarter thugs than you if he really wants to keep tabs on me."

"You little bitch," he snapped menacingly.

Felix finally seemed to remember himself, or remember Xavier, rather, and he stepped forward and grabbed Rookwood by the collar.

He'd never been the type of man people feared, he simply wasn't big enough or intimidating enough, but it was clear that Borgia was. Rookwood struggled against him sullenly, and Felix tightened his crushing grip. This is what real power must have felt like.

"Apologise to my wife," he demanded in his best estimation of a Castilian accent.

"Or what?" Rookwood rasped.

Felix drew his wand, hoping Rookwood didn't know what Xavier Borgia's looked like. He didn't.

"Or I rip out your filthy English tongue and send it back to Pucey in a pine box."

He released Rookwood's collar, and the latter gave a hoarse cough.

"You're on thin ice, Borgia," he said to Severina.

It was fairly clear he didn't feel like looking Xavier in the eye again.

"Get out," Felix snapped. "Before I beat you like the dog you are."

Leolin gave a shimmering laugh, pressing herself against Felix and laying her head on his broadened chest.

"You heard him," she said to Rookwood. "Run along."

Rookwood growled his frustration, straightening his coat as Leolin bent her head back towards Felix. He obliged, giving her a short but sensuous open-mouthed kiss. This was, he was certain, his first and only chance to touch Severina Borgia, and he wasn't going to miss it. When he pulled away he gave Rookwood a final sneer.

"What are you still doing here? I told you to get out."

He finally obliged, slamming the door of the compartment so hard the glass shuddered nervously. Leolin immediately untangled herself, vanishing the dazzling ring with a flick of her wrist and wiping her lips with the back of her hand.

"You better hope I never tell Xavy you did that," she warned, settling back down. "Or worse, Sev."

"You told me to be convincing," he said, eyes glittering. "Besides, I wasn't going to pass up an opportunity that good."

He gave her a cheek wink and she rolled her eyes.

"Ugh, gross. Better hope I don't tell her that, either," she said, raising her eyebrows.

"They can't be as scary as all that," he said, running a hand through his unfamiliar head of hair.

"You'll find out for yourself in a couple hours. I want to go to Florence tomorrow, but we'll stay the night in Rome with them."

"Please tell me this PolyJuice will have worn off by then," Felix said, sobering up a little. "Something tells me I'm not going to want to meet Xavier Borgia as Xavier Borgia."

She laughed. It was the first time he'd seen her do it, and it was lovely.

"Very prudent," she agreed. "You don't. Luckily for you, you won't have to. The Polyjuice should wear off right around the time we get to Termini."

He nodded, and they fell into silence. Her hand went to her chest as she gazed out the window, and she was absently fingering the diamond lock around her throat. Severina's usually smooth brow was creased with worry. He watched her chew her lip for several long minutes before he finally spoke again.

"Lefevre," he began, and she turned to look at him. "About Pucey—"

She shook her head firmly.

"I don't want to talk about him."

"About what you said—"

"I said no!" she snapped, eyes flashing. "That's none of your business."

"Then why did you tell me about him breaking your wrist?"

She clenched her jaw and looked away, and he thought she wasn't going to answer.

"I don't know," she finally admitted, her voice less sharp. "I guess I—I just wanted to get it off my chest."

"Did you tell the others? Malfoy, or Weasley or anyone?"

"No," she said quickly. "And if you do I'll rip off your arm and beat you with it."

He considered this. He could see, behind the fiesty temper and elegant pride, a cold, sad shame. He wondered what else Pucey had done.

"Alright," he agreed at last. "I'm sorry."

She nodded, turning to look at the window again.

"Thank you."

---

Leolin had been right; by the time they stepped out of Termini Station and onto the bustling Via Marsala, they were themselves again. Leolin obviously knew the city of Rome well, and she dodged in and out of muggle taxis and around gaping tourists, moving with such purpose that it was hard to keep up.

"Where are we going?" he asked as they made their way Southwest.

"To Severina's palazzo. It's outside the city walls. We have to take a portkey there."

"Where are we going to get a portkey at this time of night?" he asked. "Maybe you and I should just get a hotel."

She turned to see if that was an innuendo, and when she found him smirking sinfully at her, she hit him forcefully with her handbag.

"Ow!" he cried. "What was that for?"

She turned and kept walking.

"You know what," she snapped.

Finally they reached a series of ancient columns, well worn by time and artificially lit.

"What's this?"

"Largo Argentina. It was a temple built by Julius Caesar, and its the entrance to the Wizarding Transport Office, which is still open."

"I would have guessed the Colosseum," Felix said as they picked their way down through the ruins. Leolin obviously knew her way well.

"No," she said. "Vespacian was a Muggle."

"I didn't know—" he began, but she obviously knew what he was going to say, and she cut him off.

"The International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy wasn't implemented until 1692. Before that, Muggles and Wizards co-existed, though it was obviously far from peaceful."

"So Muggles killed Caesar?"

"Marcus Brutus was a Squib."

"Ah," he said, nodding in understanding.

By this time they'd arrived at a dark hole. Leolin jumped down it without hesitation, and Felix reluctantly followed. They'd ended up in a cramped, cozy office full of portkeys, brooms, and apparation stones.

"Naomi!" the fat man behind the counter exclaimed, waddling around to hug Leolin. He barely reached her shoulder, and she was by no means tall. "I didn't know you come back to Roma!"

"And I'd like to keep in that way," Leolin said, giving a charming smile. She'd masked her Anglo-Welsh accent with one that sounded vaguely French.

"Oh of course, tesoro," he said, putting his finger to his lips. "Of course. Always."

"Thank you, Giovanni," she said warmly.

"What can I do for you, tesoro?"

"I'm headed to the Palazzo Borgia," she explained. "I was hoping you could make me a quick portkey. And off the books, if you could. I'll pay you well for it."

If this request seemed odd to Giovanni, he didn't act like it. However, Felix was getting the feeling that there was more to Leolin's story then she'd let on.

"Of course," Giovanni said, already fashioning a key. "For you, anything."

He handed her an rusted gladiator's cascina, and she gave him a handful of Italian galleons, which were called monetedores.

"Grazie, tesoro," he said, kissing her cheek. "You come back soon."

She nodded.

"I will." she turned to Felix. "Are you ready?"

"I'm not sure," he said. "Why don't you give me a kiss for good luck."

"Hold out your hand?" she asked in response, and he frowned in incomprehension.

However, his confusion didn't last long, as she rapped him smartly on the knuckles.

"Bad dog," she chided, and he nursed his fingers ruefully but otherwise didn't offer a defense.

By this time, the cascina had begun to glow, and he held onto it. He was just about to ask in alarm how they were supposed to portkey out of an enclosed space, but Leolin apparated them to the surface just in time, and the next thing he knew they were spinning away. They arrived a few minutes later outside an opulent Roman villa. The four lavish fountains outside in the front garden, which had been manicured to perfetion, were bubbling, and Leolin heading for the portico that must have been the front entrance.

They were no more than halfway to the door when it swung open to admit two impossibly beautiful little girls. The older one, who looked about five, ran at full tilt. The younger, who was closer to three, toddered on unsteady legs, though she was no less boisterous in her excitement.

"Zia!" they cried in unison, and Leolin crouched to receive the older one in her arms.

"Angelina," she breathed, petting her hair and kissing her face. "How are you, cara mia? mi sei mancato."

"I have miss you, too," Angelina said in a pretty Italian lilt, tracing Leolin's nose and lips and eyelids with a gentle finger like she was trying to re-memorise her.

"Can I have a kiss?" Leolin said, still smoothing Angelina's silky ebony hair back. Angelina gave her a soft kiss on the lips.

By this time the younger had made it to Leolin, and she jostled with her older sister for Leolin's attention.

"Isa!" Angelina fussed. "Fermalo!"

However, Isadora didn't stop. Instead she threw her arms around Leolin's neck, practically crying with excitement and anticipation.

"Como stai, Isa mia bella?"

Isa didn't respond, just hugged Leolin tighter.

By this time two figures had emerged from the door, and Felix watched the Borgias warily as they approached. By this time Leolin had straightened, Isa on her hip and Angelina's hand in her own. Felix followed at a safe distance.

"Sev," Leolin breathed delightedly. "Hi."

Severina's hair was unbound and fluttering in the breeze, and her feet were bare underneath her floor-length silk gown. Even without makeup she looked like an Earth-bound Venus. She held an chubby baby pressed to her chest.

"Welcome home," Severina said, smiling brightly and kissing Leolin.

"Zia," Isa said, squirming to be put down so she could stand at her mother's feet. "Mira a Sonia."

"Sonia," Leolin said, extending her arms to have the baby. "My perfect little Sonia."

Isa watched for a moment before running to her father, who stood a good distance off. He scooped her up easily, holding on his hip and listening with rapt attention as she explained something excitedly to him in Spanish. She still wasn't used to being anything other than the baby.

By this time, Felix had approached, and Severina raised her arched eyebrows.

"You remember Felix Chaisson," Leolin said, kissing Sonia's soft head.

"Of course," Severina said coolly. "What are you doing here?" She said to him before turning to Leolin. "Ho pensato che stavi portando Draco."

Leolin glanced at Felix to see if he'd understood that Severina was wondering why Leolin hadn't brought Draco instead. His rueful frown told her he didn't speak a word of Italian.

"There wasn't time," Leolin said. "We're in a race against the clock. I didn't think I had the luxury of delay."

"Possiamo fidarci di lui?" Severina asked.

Leolin glanced at Felix, who had the decency to look sheepish. Leolin knew from experience how uncomfortable it was to listen to two people discuss you in a language you didn't speak. Severina used to do it to her all the time. Severina had asked if Leolin felt she could trust Felix. Finally, she nodded.

"Yes," Leolin said, giving a fussing Sonia back to her mother. "I think so. If he can learn to behave himself."

Severina gave him a cold look, but she didn't need to respond, because Xavier had finally reached them. His eyes flashed dangerously.

"I'll kill him if he doesn't," Xavier said, taking Felix in. He had the same sneer from his passport photo.

Finally he peeled his eyes away to advance and kiss Leolin's affectionately on the cheek.

"¿Como estás, cariña? Te ves bien."

"Thank you," she said, laying her head on his broad chest as Isa, who was still in Xavier's arms, touched her hair.

With Leolin tucked protectively under his arm, Xavier turned to Felix.

"Who are you?" he demanded, his tone sharp.

"Felix Chaisson," Felix said.

He extended a hand, but Xavier had no hands free. Not that it mattered; Felix didn't get the sense Xavier wouldn't have shook his hand if he did.

"Relajate, mi amor," Severina commanded softly. "Leolin trusts him."

Xavier's expression didn't soften, but he shifted Isa and received Felix's still outstretched hand.

"Welcome to Italy, then," he said in a hard voice.

"Thank you," Felix said, accepting his crushing grip without complaint.

Just then the door opened again and a third figure emerged, coming up the gravel path to join them.

The woman was olive-y with bright eyes and dark hair, though it began fading to a blood red as she approached. Leolin and Felix exchanged a look. It was always uncomfortable when metamorphagi changed without provocation, but they were prone to eccentricities, and did things without realising it made others uneasy.

"Leolin," Severina said. "This is Anaïs. She's Xavy's cousin from Madrid."

"Mucho gusto," Anaïs purred.

"You too," Leolin said.

Anaïs then turned to face Felix, her hair turning dark again as she smiled.

"And you?"

"Felix," he said, eying her appreciatively. She didn't seem to mind, and her eyes went from dark to a striking blue.

"Nice to meet you," she said somewhat seductively.

Her hair had begun to curl now, but slowly, the tendrils twisting almost painfully.

"Stop showing off, Severina chided. She turned to Leolin and Felix. "Venid. Come inside. Xavy made paella, and we have wine."

Leolin accepted Angelina's hand and they were pulled into the lavish foyer. She could see Felix trying not to openly marvel, but she knew from experience it was difficult. Having acclimated to Leolin's arrival, Isa was now watching Felix intently over Xavier's shoulder.

"Hello," he said as she continued to watch him. "What's your name?"

She buried her head into her father's neck.

"Questo è Isadora," Angelina said knowledgeably, leaning around Leolin to address Felix. She was proud to have the answer to his query. "Sono Angelina."

"Nice to meet you," Felix said.

She nodded. She seemed to understand English well, but she was clearly uninterested in speaking it. Felix didn't want to press her.

They finally reached the dining room, and Severina handed the baby back to Leolin as she disappeared through the doors Felix assumed lead to the kitchen.

"Ani," she called. "Come help me."

Anaïs smiled at Felix again.

"Excuse me," she said, and she disappeared after Severina.

Without Anaïs to ogle at, Felix watched Leolin coo at the baby, tickling her round belly and chubby cheeks and smiling as Sonia gurgled happily. Despite her dazzling smile, there was an underlying sadness in Leolin's face, something palpable but otherwise unidentifiable.

"She's perfect," she told Xavier, who came to sit next to Leolin before allowing Isa to scramble into his lap again.

He smiled down at the infant, and it seemed to transform his whole face.

"I know," he said softly as Isa leaned over to touch the baby. "Ten cuidado, Isadora," he said gently. "Está gentil."

She nodded, and he supported her as she leaned forward to press a delicate kiss to her sister's fuzzy head.

By this time Severina had emerged with the enormous pot of paella, and Anaïs followed levitating several bottles of wine. Leolin and Felix gratefully filled their plates as Severina poured five glasses of wine and passed them around.

"Dimmi," she said when they had finished eating. "What did you figure out?"

"Clement," Leolin affirmed. "I think its Clement VII. He was a Medici pope."

"Ah," Severina said. "I see. A prince of the Muggle church."

"Exactly," Leolin said, taking a heady sip of wine. "I still don't know what exactly to look for, but Chaisson and I are going to start in Florence. Go to the Palazzo Medici and the Laurentian library and see if anything jumps out."

Severina nodded.

"A good place to start. And a nice chance for you to go back."

Leolin nodded knowingly, aware that Felix was watching her keenly.

"Should I expect to see Teller?" she asked delicately.

"He went back to New York two months ago," Severina replied. "I don't know if this is good news or bad."

"If it is good news, it certainly doesn't feel like it. It could mean the ISO is gathering the troops. They know something we don't."

"How are things there?" Severina said, watching Leolin with a keen, mothering gaze.

"Tense," Leolin replied.

She and Felix locked eyes for a moment, and he knew they were both thinking about what'd told him about Adrian.

"And Malfoy?"

Leolin glanced sidelong at Felix again. This time he suspected she simply didn't want him knowing about her private affairs. She glanced at Anaïs as well, probably thinking the same thing. She'd said nothing the whole time, and Leolin suspected Severina and Xavier hadn't filled her in on any of the details. Xavier's brother had already died tangling with Adrian and Lucius, and she knew they were not eager to risk any more of their family members. Anaïs, for her part, didn't seem overly interested in the conversation anyhow, and instead she was changing her face from a duck's bill to a pig's snout to a cat nose and making Angelina giggle.

"Ne parleremo più tardi," Leolin said, and Severina nodded.

"Va bene," she said, standing. "Are you tired? I can show you to your rooms."

"We can just share," Felix said before anyone could stop him.

Xavier gave him a nasty look, but Leolin slapped him soundly on the back of the head before Xavy could comment.

"If you're going to act like a dog," Severina warned. "I'll make you sleep outside. C'mon, mijas."

Isa have fallen asleep on Xavier's shoulder and Angelina was yawning and rubbing her eyes as well.

"Angelina, ven conmigo," Anaïs said, extending her hand. Angelina did as she was told without a word. Severina scooped up Sonia and swept of the grand staircase, the hem of her silk gown brushing the stone steps.

"Leolin, your room is already made up. Chaisson, there is a room for you across the hall. The maid is changing the sheets now."

"Thank you for your hospitality," he said, and Severina nodded, kissing Leolin on the cheek and raising her eyebrows at him.

"Don't make me regret it," she said. "Goodnight."

When she was gone, Leolin turned her attention to Felix.

"I hope you're an early riser," she told him.

"I am," he affirmed.

"Good," she said. "I want to get to Florence as soon as possible. Who knows how long this could take us."

"Bien," he said, advancing a little.

"Goodnight, then," she said.

"No goodnight kiss?" he said. "Just a small one? No tongue unless you ask for it, I swear." She gave him a withering look and he wiggled his eyebrows."One hundred percent of the shots you don't take, remember?" he said cheekily.

Leolin narrowed her eyes in scrutiny, though he gaze was in no way unkind. "It's not going to be easy to civilise you, is it?"

He gave her an arrogant smirk.

"Certainly not."

She rolled her eyes.

"Bonne nuit, princesse," he said, giving her a wink.

"Goodnight, Renard."

With that they both closed their doors. When she was alone, Leolin sank onto the bed and put her head in her hands. It had been such a long and confusing day, and by now her skull was throbbing. She quickly traded the revealing dress for a cozy jumper, and there was a soft knock on the door just as she peeled back the covers.

"Come in," she said.

Severina entered, followed by Xavier, and they had the girls with them. Severina had Sonia on one hip and was holding Angelina's hand and ushering her gently in. Xavier still held Isa, who began to squirm when she saw Leolin. Angelina hopped up on the bed at once, and after several scrambling tries, Severina gave Isa a boost as well. Immediately they glued themselves to Leolin.

When they were settled Severina retreated several steps, laying her head on Xavier's chest as she watched them. He murmured something to her in Spanish before accepting Sonia and kissing her softly on the cheek. When he looked down at Severina again, he kissed her as well. Leolin turned casually away, trying not to be too pained. Their love for one another was so great that it always seemed to spill over, washing over everyone else in the room. As fiercely as she loved them, it had always caused a dull ache, and after what she'd suffered in New Orleans and Atlanta, it had began to distress her.

"We thought you might want some company tonight," Severina said knowingly, and Leolin nodded, grateful.

"You always seem to know just want it is I need," Leolin admitted, stroking Angelina hair softly.

Severina and Xavier exchanged a look, and he bent to kiss his wife again before looking back at Leolin.

"What are parents for?" he asked finally, dark eyes regarding Leolin with a warmth that didn't extend past the five women gathered before him.

"Thank you," Leolin said, trying not to choke up as Isa snuggled closer. This could be the closest she ever came to having children.

"Always, cariña," he said.

"Okay," Severina said. "Di andare a dormire. And remember that if you don't sleep, you can't stay. Zia is tired."

"Sappiamo," Angelina said. "We promise."

"Goodnight, mijas," Severina said, regarding each of them in turn.

"Nos vemos en la manaña," Xavier said. "Vos amamos."

"We love you too, Papa," Angelina said softly.

He gave her a wink, and she giggled.

"Goodnight," Leolin said.

The door closed with a soft click.

Isa was already half-asleep, curled into the crook of Leolin's arm like a cat. Angelina settled quickly as well, her breath soft and warm as she rested on Leolin's chest. Leolin's last conscious thoughts were of the children she and Draco had always dreamed of having, and she allowed their memory to lull her to sleep.

---

That night, Draco dreamt of Leolin again. However, this time they weren't in bed.

They were in a meadow, and the sun was shining brightly overhead. He recognised the landscape at once; they were not far from Malfoy Manor. He felt something odd welling up, some sort of responsibility, and it didn't take him long to realise what it was. Two children brushed past him, engaged in a game of tag. The eldest was a boy around six, and he was being chased by his little sister, who looked about four. They were both impossibly blonde, with deep, dark blue eyes and full bow lips. They were beautiful and they were his and they were perfect. He watched them play and thanked Merlin they'd overcome adversity and reached the other side. After everything he and Leolin had been through, after the sectumsempra, and Bones, and Adrian, and his father, they were finally free.

He didn't hear her approach, but he felt Leolin wrap her arms around his waist and lay her cheek against his back. He rotated to tuck her under his arm and she smiled, tipping her head back to kiss him. Her diamond engagement ring sparkled magnifiscenty in the light.

"They're perfect, aren't they?" she said happily, watching them scream and laugh.

"Yes. But Elias is too rough with Seren," he commented. "I don't like it."

"Oh let them be," Leolin said. "Everyone needs to skin their knees once and awhile."

"She's a Malfoy," he said imperiously. "Malfoys don't have skinned knees."

"You're so imperious," Leolin laughed, leaning into him.

"I want another," he said, smoothing her hair. "Look how quickly they grow up."

"Merlin, I don't know if I'm ready to feel that fat again. I was a whale with Seren."

"No you weren't," he scoffed. "Don't be daft. You were gorgeous."

"You're just saying that so you can get your way," she laughed.

In response, he titled her chin up with his thumb and forefinger and kissed her softly again.

"If you're not ready, we'll wait," he said, rubbing his nose to hers. "You're not even thirty yet; there is plenty of time for more kids later."

She nodded, biting her lip and smiling.

"What?" he laughed. "What is it?"

"I do love having a baby in the house," she said, smiling conspiratorially up at him. "Seren's still a baby to me, but she isn't really one anymore. She's a little girl now."

He smiled.

"And smarter than both of us combined."

"They both are. All three of them will be."

"Three?"

"Elias, Seren," she began, smiling at him. "And the baby."

His eyes widened and he beamed.

"Was that a yes?"

She nodded, throwing her arms around his neck and giving a merry laugh as he lifted her off her feet and twirled her around.

"Let's have another baby!"

Draco woke up smiling. He immediately wanted to wake the children so he could hold them. Both of them. However, as he felt Gen stirring beside him, he realised with horror it had all been a dream. There were no children. It was slow to sink in: the banality of the fantasy had made it feel that much more real.

He pulled Gen tighter to his chest, running his fingers through her silky hair. Those children wouldn't be Leolin's, he reminded himself. They would be Gen's. He imagined them with brown eyes instead of blue. They were just as beautiful. Still, he couldn't avoid the fount of sadness which welled up at the thought. It was crushingly painful.

"Drake?" Gen said sleepily. "Are you alright?"

She must have sensed the tension in his chest and arms.

"Fine," he said, still stroking her hair. "I just can't sleep."

She labouriously she pulled her head off her pillow so she could look at him. When they met eyes she smiled, bending to brush a kiss on his lips.

"Better?" she asked, brushing the tip of her nose against his.

He smiled too, surging up to kiss her again.

"Much," he said huskily, desperate to forget the dream and the way it had felt to kiss Leolin again.

He wrapped a strong hand around the back of Gen's neck so he could kiss her more heatedly, and she began to rock back and forward in his lap, and he responded by grabbing her hips to control her movements. He was already getting hard, but as she kissed his neck, he felt himself slipping back into the fantasy. It was Leolin straddling him now, and they were going to try for another baby. He mentally slapped himself, focusing on Gen's pert breasts and soft moans. He was ready now, and he didn't want to waste any more time. He pulled off his briefs before he guided Gen down onto his shaft. He groaned in pleasure as she swirled her hips.

"Tell me you love me," Gen demanded as she increased the pace.

Draco opened his eyes and started. Leolin's long dark hair tumbled over her shoulders to her waist and her cheeked were flushed.

"Drake," she repeated in Gen's voice. "I need to hear you say it."

Draco had never experienced this hybridity before, and it was freaking him out.

"I—" he told Leolin, whose spectre refused to be dislodged. "You know I love you."

He was getting close now, dangerously close, and he desperately wanted Leolin to go away. He wanted it to be Gen he climaxed for.

"I love you, too," Leolin told him in Gen's musical tone. "For all the days of my life."

"Genevieve," he groaned, surging up and closing his eyes to kiss her.

She rotated slightly against him before her body began to shudder with orgasm, and when he opened his eyes she was herself again. He ignored a small pang of something that felt too close to disappointment at seeing her tousled blonde hair again. However, he savagely pushed that feeling down and focused on the way she was moving against him, and it only took him another minute or two to reach climax, When it was finally over he relaxed onto his back as she gently climbed off and nestled under his arm.

"I know now's not the right time," she said softly, tracing the delicate lines of the falcon tattoo. "But I want to at least start talking about having children."

He fought not to tense.

"What about them?" he said simply.

"I mean, how many do you want?"

"I don't know," he said flippantly, eager to change the subject. "I've never really thought about it."

She propped herself up so she could meet his eye.

"Yes you have. I know you have. I could see it in Leolin's eye in Atlanta that you two had discussed it at length."

"Gen—" he began, rising from the bed and stepping back into his briefs.

"No," she said firmly, rising as well. "I'm not going to keep letting you do this."

"Do what?" he demanded, his mind still trying to cling to the two children from the dream.

"Stop holding out on me," Gen said in a clipped tone. "Why does it always feel like there are so many things you would talk to her about but not to me?"

"I'm not doing this with you right now," he seethed. "I'm getting in the shower."

"No!" she said more emphatically, getting in front of the bathroom door and barring his way. "Answer me! Surely you owe me that much, at least."

"I don't even know the question!" he snapped, exasperated.

"When you two discussed children, what did you say?"

He didn't respond, only ran a hand through his hair.

"Did you agree on a number?" she probed.

He gave an agitated sigh.

"No," he grit out. "We discussed it, but we never settled on a definitive number."

She pursed her lips, and it was clear that despite her inquiries, some part of her really didn't want to know.

"Did you discuss names?"

His throat felt dry and it was hard to swallow let alone speak. He wished he could remember the children's names in his dream.

"Drake—"

"Yes!" He burst."We did! Are you happy?"

She looked hurt, and instantly he felt guilty for being so biting.

"G," he said softly, pulling her to his chest. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell or hurt your feelings, and it doesn't matter about Leolin. Our kids are the only thing that matters now. Yours and mine."

She wound her arms tighter around him.

"You're right," she said, seemingly soothed. "And I'm sorry, too. I don't know why I'm acting this way; it's not like you could even have children with her now, anyway."

"Gen," he said sternly, surprisingly pained by that comment. "Don't be unkind."

She pulled away slightly to look at him, brown eyes wide and penitent. However, he wasn't fooled. He knew her well enough to know when she was being disingenuous.

"Well it's true," she pressed in a light, innocent tone. "That's not my fault."

"Merlin," he snapped, pushing her gently away and running a distressed hand through his hair as he turned his back on her. "That's enough!"

"What," she said. "So now you're defending her again?"

He turned on her, eyes glittering dangerously now.

"That curse was meant for me; it's my fault she can't have children."

"Well how noble of her to sacrifice herself," she sneered.

He grabbed her by the arm.

"What do you want me to say, huh? That I'm glad this happened to her? I'm not!"

"Of course you aren't," she snapped petulantly.

"What is wrong with you?" he demanded, releasing her arm and shaking his head in disgust. "Are you really so insecure about us that you need Leolin to suffer to feel better? Are you really that selfish?"

"No!" she said. "But I just want her to go away!"

"She's not going to," he said stonily. "Accept that."

"That's not fair."

He growled in frustation.

"I'm done discussing this. I need a shower."

"Just look me in the eye and tell me some part of you isn't in love with her!"

Before he could stop himself, Draco thought about the dream and Leolin's joyous laughter and his chest constricted painfully.

"I have done!" he roared, wheeling on Gen. "Many times! Stop asking me, and for Merlin's sake, stop antagonising her. I'm bloody sick of listening to it."

She looked hurt again, but this time he just sighed and turned away.

"I'm getting in the shower," he said in a flat tone.

"Can I join you?" she asked, clearly worried that she'd pushed too hard.

"No," he said quietly. "I need a second alone."

She nodded, brushing a tear away. Seeing her cry tugged at him a little, but when he remembered what she'd said about Leolin having children, his resolve hardened.

"I'll see you when I get out," he said, closing the door solidly without another word.

He emerged twenty minutes later to find the bed made and Gen gone. He was sure she'd probably run to Brankovitch's room to cry, and the thought made him clench his jaw. Gen had never admitted it to him and he'd never particularly cared to know for sure, but he suspected that Gen had been sleeping with Brankovitch before they met. He knew that shouldn't bother him. After all, she hadn't even known him yet; she couldn't have been expected to take a vow of chastity until her arrived in her life. Still, it irked him.

What irritated him even more was the fact that Gen had thrown Brankovitch at Leolin and the slick git had somehow managed to convince her to shag him, too. As much as it annoyed him to imagine Gen pinned under Max, the thought of Leolin in the same position made his blood boil.

Still shaken from the dream and frustrated from the fight with Gen, he dressed sullenly and headed downstairs. Almost everyone was already there, including Ginny, Blaise, and a rather disdainful looking Max Brankovitch. Gen wasn't with him, but it was clear from his expression that Draco had been right; she'd run to him with her tale of woe and he'd eaten up every word. Draco wondered what he'd think if he knew what Gen had said about Leolin. He doubted that it would have bothered Brankovitch, and that thought made his wand hand twitch.

"You alright?" Ginny said, drawing him from his reverie by softly touching his arm. "You look—out of sorts."

Draco rubbed his tired eyes from beneath his frames.

"Gen and I got into a bit of a row this morning."

"About what?" Blaise asked. Draco gave him a knowing look and Blaise nodded. "Oh, I see."

"Well," Ginny said, trading a look with Blaise. "I don't think you have to worry about that today."

Draco looked at her keenly.

"What do you mean?" he demanded, trying to quell a rising disappointment.

"Leolin left for Rome last night. I had a note off her this morning saying that she had a breakthrough about Clement's keeper."

"She went to Rome by herself?" Draco said, instantly feeling protective.

"No," Blaise said, studying Draco's reaction keenly. "She took Chaisson with her."

"Tell me you're joking," Draco said in a vitriolic tone.

"Jealous, Drake?" Ginny said mildly.

"Of course not," he spit. "By why of the earth would she bring him, of all people? Tell me she's not sleeping with him, too."

"Well not that's its any of your business," Ginny said pointedly. "But no, she isn't. Her note said that it was half one and she didn't want to have to waste time. She was worried about getting across the border, so she just grabbed Chaisson and brought him with."

"And just what did she need him from in the first place?" Draco demanded, ultimately unable to deny how jealous this news made him.

"Again," Ginny said. "None of your business."

"Like hell," he sneered.

Blaise opened his mouth to reply, but by this time Gen was hurrying up and plastering herself to Draco's side.

"I'm sorry," she said, pressing her lips against his even before he could speak or reciprocate the kiss. "Do you forgive me?"

Draco glance up at Ginny, who raised her eyebrows to signify she wasn't impressed with this apology. He ignored her, clenching his jaw.

"Of course."

"Good," she said in a self-satisfied voice before turning to Ginny and Blaise. "You look lovely this morning, Ginevra," she said brightly. "You're glowing."

Ginny gave an unenthusiastic smile.

"Thank you. Shall we, darling?"

She extended her hand to Blaise, and they went to sit down. Draco and Gen joined them, and Draco tried not to tense as Gen drew lazy circles on his inner thigh under the table. He imagined Leolin caught in one of Pucey's King's Cross sweeps and his palms began to sweat. He fended off the sensation by sneering at Kelly Troy as he settled across from Draco and gave him a cool look.

"Don't look so glum, Troy," Draco sniped. "Surely there's someone other than Leolin you can slaver over in your wife's absence."

"I would say that same to you," Kelly shot back. "If your fiancée wasn't sitting right here."

Gen looked mildly affronted, but Kelly ignored her outright.

"Fuck off," Draco snarled tartly.

"You first."

"Right," Tieran said, giving them each a withering look. "Are you done?"

"For now," Draco said in a cold voice.

Kelly rolled his eyes but didn't reply.

"Good," Tieran said seriously. "Then where are we?"

---

Leolin heaved a sigh of frustration and sank down on a stone bench outside the Laurentian Library in Florence, running her hands through her long hair.

"Damnit," she seethed. "I have no fucking clue what we're looking for."

Felix sank down next to her.

"Don't be so hard on yourself, bichette. We'll figure it out."

He made to touch her back soothingly, but she gave him a hard look and he retracted his hand at once.

"Sorry," he said. "Just trying to help."

"Clement was a Medici," she explained, partially to him and partially to herself. "They were most powerful family in Italy. I thought somehow there would be a key to the coins here."

It was twilight, nearly dark, and they'd yet to catch a break. They'd been all through the city, which Felix noted Leolin knew as well or better than Rome, but they'd eventually been forced to admit they were at a dead end, at least temporarily.

"Are you hungry?" he asked. "I'm starving. And I need wine. Why don't we talk about this over dinner? Then we can have a chance to get to know each other better."

She gave him a withering look and he held up his hands in defense.

"For once, I am not hitting on you. I'm just starving. I mean, don't you eat? Oh, don't give me that look, you're the one who dragged me on this quest in the first place."

"Fine," she said, seemingly satisfied with his defense. "Let's go, then."

She led him to a small, dingy-looking door, but before he could protest, he realised it was probably led to Wizarding Florence. They'd been weaving between Muggle and Magical all day, and Leolin navigated them both seamlessly.

He was right, and they emerged onto a now-familiar cobblestone street where witches and wizards hurried by, the older ones wearing robes and caps and the younger ones dress more stylishly, like Felix and Leolin. Owl hooted and books snarled in the shop windows. As a muggleborn, Felix never got tired of the wizarding world. Eventually Leolin led him off the main street into a more narrow passage, eventually pointing to a small but luxurious restaurant.

"Here?" he asked, she nodded, allowing him to hold the door for her.

"Naomi!" the maitre'd cried happily. "Bona sera, bella! Como stai?"

"Bene," she said in her same French accent from the portkey shop in Rome. "Good to see you, Michele."

He nodded.

"Who is this?" he said, eying Felix appreciatively.

"A friend," she clarified in the same musical tone.

"You a francese?" the man asked Felix. "You look like a Francese."

"Québecois," he said, daring the man to make a disparaging comment.

"Same thing, non?" he laughed. "Avanti, mia bella. we make your regular table ready. No Severina tonight?"

"I'm afraid not. She just had a new baby."

"Si, Bernardino tell me this. Another girl?"

"Yes" she said. "As beautiful as the other two."

"How could she no be, with two Borgia for parents."

Leolin gave a lovely laugh, though Felix was afraid to. They were ushered to a discreet table near the back but away from the kitchen.

"Thank you," Leolin said, kissing the man's cheek. "As always,you're too generous."

"For you, Naomi? Anything."

He was the second person to tell her that. Felix wondered why.

"Wine?" she said before he could comment, snapping her fingers to catch the attention of the server, who she also seemed to know. They conversed in Italian for a long while before she ordered.

"Do you like Sangiovese?" she asked.

He nodded.

"So," he said, folding his hands and resting them on the table. "After today, I think you owe me some answers."

She studied him, his slender face, his long, straight nose, his dark eyes. They were sparkling with the ghost of a smile, but his expression wasn't its usual arrogant smirk.

"Alright," she said at last, still studying him. "That seems fair. You get five questions."

"Twenty," he countered easily, a cocky tone emerging.

"Seven."

"Eighteen."

"Seven."

"Fifteen."

"Seven."

"Fine. Seven and I get to have sex with you."

She growled in frustration and he laughed.

"C'mon, Lefevre, can't get something for nothing! Ten."

She had to fend off a smile, though even she wasn't sure quite why.

"Fine, ten."

He smiled, happy to have won their negotiation.

"But I get two vetoes."

He considered.

"Fine."

"Fire away, then," she said, taking a sip of wine.

"Why does everyone here call you Naomi?"

"Veto."

"What was it you did while you were here?"

"I was an art dealer."

"Why art?"

"I studied at the Louvre for a year and I love it."

"How did you meet Severina?"

"We met in England when I was still in school and dating Draco."

"So you've been friends all this time?"

"No, I hated her when we met."

"Interesting," he mused. "How did you get so close, then?"

She considered this for a full minute, trying to decide if she wanted to use a veto.

"I came to her with the art business, and she was reluctant, but she liked the idea and decided she wanted in. Once we started spending time together, we just sort of fell in love."

"Does she know why people here call you Naomi?"

"Of course," she said flippantly.

He nodded, taking a sip of his wine as he contemplated his next question. He was silent so long that Leolin began to fidget. Finally he spoke.

"How long were you together with Malfoy?"

She narrowed her eyes. She clearly didn't like this line of questioning.

"We started dating when I was sixteen, we got engaged when I was eighteen, and we were getting married when I was twenty."

He considered this, nodding and taking another sip of wine. Finally he looked at her, his gaze penetrative.

"Why did you leave him at the altar?"

"Veto," she said immediately, her eyes sad.

"Alright," he said, not wanting to press what was clearly a painful subject. Instead he changed angles.

"You're an art dealer," he said. "So you must know a lot of people."

"Is there a question in here somewhere?" she said dryly. "If there is, I would very much like to hear it."

"There is," he assured her, raising his eyebrows.

"Go on, then," she prompted. "Let's not wait for the grass to grow."

"Do you know La Genie du Mal personally?"

"Veto," she said automatically.

"You've used your vetoes up," he pointed out, giving her a smirk.

She pursed her lips.

"Fine," she said simply.

"Well?" he pressed.

"Yes," she admitted. "I know them."

"How?"

"That's your eleventh question," she said, seemingly relieved. "So none of your business."

He smiled, drinking her in.

"It was still very illuminating," he said. "Though I should have asked the Naomi question last. I have a feeling it might have answered the La Genie question."

"But if you'd asked the La Genie question first I would have just vetoed it," she parried easily.

"Which would have been an answer in an of itself," he countered.

She gave him a look that was a mix of mild annoyance and admiration.

"You're not nearly as stupid as you look," she said appreciatively.

"Not sure if that was an insult or a compliment, but I'll take it."

She gave a laughed, the first he'd managed from her, and it warmed him from the inside, like a pleasant sip of expensive whiskey.

"I misjudged you," she said in response. "You're not the man I thought you were."

"Again, not sure—"

"That was a compliment," she said, smiling a little.

"In that case," he said, beaming and raising a glass to her. "Thank you."

She touched it with hers.

"You're welcome."

They ordered their food then lapsed into a comfortable silence, and when Leolin caught him looking at her again and smiling, she gave another warm laugh.

"See, it's pleasant, isn't it?"

"What is?" he asked, running his finger around the rim of his wine glass. By now they'd drank nearly a bottle and a half.

"Being friends with a woman."

He grinned.

"It is, especially one as smart as you. However, in the name of full disclosure, you should know that I still desperately want to sleep with you."

She shrugged affably, less offended than she had been before.

"That'll fade."

"Peut être," he conceded. "But you could just sleep with me tonight and help me get over it immediately."

She didn't respond, instead taking another sip of wine as she eyes him with a glittering gaze. She set the glass down and gave him a seductive smirk, extending an elegant hand across the table as if she wanted to hold his. Foolishly feeling as if he was gaining ground, he smirked, though it faded when she grabbed his fingers quick as a snake and slapped his hand with great force.

"Stop doing that!" he said sullenly.

"Then stop doing that," she said mildly.

"How is that helping?" he demanded, still nursing his throbbing fingers.

"I'm training you," she said with a blithe smile. "Like a puppy. The first rule is to teach boundaries."

"Would you beat a puppy like this?" he asked.

"I could spray you in the face with water, if you'd prefer."

"Fine," he said, laughing in spite of himself. "Friends, then?"

He extended his hand this time, and she eyed it warily.

"I'm not going to hit you," he said, laughing at her unease. "And even if I tried, you'd probably just break my wrist."

Her face fell slightly as she shrunk farther away from his touch, and his brow synched in sympathy.

"I'm sorry," he said immediately. "I didn't think before I said that."

"I know you didn't," she said softly, her palm sliding into his. "And it's alright. I'm tougher than I look."

He gave her a warm smile.

"I have no doubt."

When there plates were cleared Felix split the rest of the bottle between their two glasses and sighed.

"Alright," he said. "What's our next move?"

She considered.

"I don't know. Medici popes always answered to the family in the end. I was sure "Clement's Keeper" was something to do with them."

"Well have we exhausted all possible Medici places?"

"Yes," she said. "I think I'm just on the wrong track."

"Okay," he said. "Let's think about this more generally. No wrong answers, just ideas. He was a pope, right? So he lived in Rome?"

"During his pontificate, yeah."

"Did he have a villa or anything there?"

She shook her head.

"Well where did he live?"

"In the Vatican palace. In the Julius apartments, I think."

"Maybe his 'keeper' was a physical place; the literal roof over his head. Is the Vatican open this time of night? Maybe we should go there."

She gave him a critical look he couldn't interpret.

"What?" he demanded. "Did I say something wrong?"

"The Vatican is closed," she said cryptically, as if there was more to the story.

"Okay, so we go back to Borgia's and—"

"Can I trust you?" she interrupted.

"What?" he asked, caught off guard by the question.

"Can I trust you?" she repeated.

"Of course."

"Then we're going to the Vatican tonight."

"I thought you said it was—"

"There is more than one way into the palace," Leolin said, throwing down a handful of monetedores and standing. "Luckily for us, I'm not accustomed to using the front gates."

By the time they'd arrived back on the main street, she was on the floo with Severina.

"We're on our way back to Rome," she said. "We're going to the Vatican palace."

"Va bene," came Severina's reply. "Will you want to come back here after?"

"Yes," Leolin said. "Probably."

"We will wait up for you, then."

Leolin clicked the floo closed and dragged Felix down the street.

"How are we getting there?"

"Portkey."

"Another one of Naomi's shops?"

She shook her head.

"I don't trust Florentines as much. C'mon."

She took a hold of his shirt and disapparated, eventually landing them in from of a lavish palace.

"What is this?" he said appreciatively.

"The Palazzo Capponi. It's been here since the fifteenth century."

She drew her wand and the front door clicked open. She swept through the halls and he followed, distracted by the classical statues in the niches and the extraordinary frescoes on the ceilings.

"Merlin, this place is incredible," he breathed. "Who owns it?"

She gave him a grave look over her shoulder.

"I do."

"You do," he pressed. "or Naomi does?"

"It's a—joint venture," she said flippantly.

"What are you looking for?" he asked, practically chasing her she flit from room to room.

Finally she arrived at a lavish office, a beautiful Renaissance painting on the wall that he could have sworn he'd seen in a Muggle museum before.

"Isn't that—" he began, but he cut her off.

"Shut up," she replied, digging in a drawer she'd opened with her wand.

"What are you lookin—"

"Shut up," she repeated, but this time she looked over her shoulder at him in a penitent gesture. "Please."

He nodded, pretending to lock his mouth with the key. She drew out what she was looking for, an ancient-looking seal, and muttered a spell. He raised his hand like he was in class, and she caught a glimpse of him in her peripheral.

"What?" she snapped somewhat breathlessly.

At first it seemed like she was annoyed, but he realised after a beat she was nervous. Fretful, even.

"What's wrong?" he asked, lowering his hand sheepishly. "Are you alright?"

"We shouldn't have gone out. We should have eaten here."

"Why?" he said. "I thought you could trust—Michele, or whatever."

"I wasn't thinking," she said. "But now I am. We have no idea who could have seen us. C'mon. We need to get out of here and get to Rome. I feel better there. It's a much bigger city."

He nodded his agreement, and they clung to the seal as it glowed. When it stopped spinning, he found himself staring at a crinellated stone wall.

"What's this?" he asked even as she was tugging him by the collar.

"The outside wall of the Vatican palace. C'mon, hurry up."

He followed her, admiring the way she slunk gracefully along the wall, effortlessly becoming part of the structure as well. Normally she exuded a magnetic feminine energy that made her irresistible to look out. However, now that she was in stealth mode, she truly felt invisible. Some form of recognition began to stir in his brain, and somehow the fact that she admitted she knew La Genie seemed one billion times more relevant. However, by now he knew better than to question her, so he followed as she dodged around several security measures, hopped a few low fences, and finally unlocked a door that could only be found by someone who cared to look could find.

"C'mon," she said again, unmoved by his gaping. She didn't seem to have time to worry about whether or not he'd realised the truth about her by now.

He nodded, almost in a daze, and followed her in, at which point she pulled to door shut behind her. There were a number of security measures inside, all of which he assumed must have been Muggle, and she hurried cautiously along.

"Lefevre," he hissed in a whisper. "Slow down. There's no one here."

She turned to glare at him but eventually heeded him, slowing to a normal pace so he could fall into step with her.

"Where are we going?"

"You're a Muggle. Have you ever heard of The School of Athens?"

"I suppose," he said.

"That's where we're going."

"Into the painting?!" he exclaimed in alarm.

Even to a wizard it seemed absurd. She rolled her eyes.

"First of all, The School of Athens is a fresco; it's painted on the wall. Second, no, you're an idiot. I mean to the room where the fresco is. La Sala della Segnatura.

He nodded as if that meant something to him if only to avoid being chided by her again. However, he didn't allow her barbs to sink in too deep; he could tell by her stance that she was still extremely uneasy, and he thought about what she'd told him about Adrian Pucey. From where he was standing, he didn't blame her for being scared. Eventually they reached the apartments that had belonged to Julius II, who Leolin had informed her was also a squib, and while he marveled at Raphael's magnificent frescoes, she scowered them for clues.

After some time she shook her head.

"There's nothing here; we have to keep moving."

She started down a set of stone spiral steps, and he scrambled after him.

"Where are we going now?"

"The Borgia apartments," she said.

"Borgia?" he repeated stupendously. "As in Severina Borgia?"

"As in Rodrigo Borgia, later Alexander Sextus, the 214th pope of the holy church."

"Severina's ancestor was a Muggle?!"

She laughed.

"Julius may have been a squib, but Alexander certainly wasn't. He and his son Cesare were two of the greatest wizards of their age."

"So what are we looking for here?"

"I'm not sure," she admitted. "It's a long shot, but it might be useful."

She then ushered him in the most resplendent room he'd even been in. The walls were dripping with gold leaf and brilliant colour, and everywhere he looked the imperious Borgia bull heralded the family's power. A power, he noted, that had not been dimmed in the five centuries that had passed since Alexander first commissioned the apartments. Leolin seemed unaffected by the room's spendour, making it clear she'd spent an abundance of time in them. She scanned the frescoes quickly and efficiently, shaking her head at him.

"Nothing?" he asked.

She shook her head again before starting through an arched entryway.

"Where to?"

"I need to think," she said simply, and he viciously bit back his mounting wave of questions and nodded.

When they reached their destination, he nodded in understanding.

"The Sistine Chapel," he said knowledgeably. "I know this place."

"Very good," she said, striding to the centre of the chapel and sitting down on the ground. He watched her but didn't followed.

She gestured him over and he followed, copying her as she lay on her back.

"What are we—"

"Shh," she said. "Just look."

Leolin cast an illuminating spell that made the room glow dimly. The centuries had ceased to lessen the power of Michelangelo's frescoes. He had always had such a keen sense of terribilitá, and it was almost overwhelming. The figures had such a power to them, and her eyes traced each line, each figure, imagining them coming to life.

Her eyes bled down to the sibyls on their perches, their precarious poses graceful yet unbalanced. The Libyan sibyl was her favorite. Powerful and strong yet fair of face, she felt like an odd inspiration.

Leolin laid there a long time, letting the art envelop her as she pondered, and Felix didn't complain. Finally she stood, striding forward towards the door she entered through. Felix scrambled up and followed.

Leolin stopped about ten feet away to take in Michelangelo's Last Judgment. It was so crowded and so fierce Felix found it hard to look at, but Leolin stood staring. Jesus sat in the middle, passing judgment.

"Merlin," she said quietly. "Oh my days."

"What?" Felix demanded. "What is it?"

"Clement's Keeper," she pleaded, voice quaking. "Maleficent, how did I not see this before?"

"See what?!"

"This is The Last Judgment," she said. "It's the only piece of art Clement VII ever commissioned. I can't believe I didn't think of it before."

"Why didn't you?" he ventured.

"Clement commissioned a resurrection scene for this wall, but after he died Paul III decided that The Last Judgment was a more fitting theme in 1530s Rome. I didn't—" she paused "Everyone also associates this work with Paul."

Felix looked up again, trying to see what she saw. She was still staring at the fresco, growing increasingly fretful.

"So Clement's Keeper is who, Jesus?" he said, trying desperately.

"No,' she said. "Audige wasn't taking about Clement at all! Oh my gods!"

"Lefevre!" he burst. "Tell me what's going on! Please!"

"Michelangelo hated Biagio da Cesena, who was the Papal Master of Ceremonies. He kept records of the goings on of each pope's pontificate, including Clement. He was Clement's keeper! The guardian of his records!"

"What does that matter?"

"Biagio hated this fresco," she said. "He said it was shameful, so Michelangelo painted him as Minos, the judge in Hell. There he is, right there!"

She pointed to the figure with ass's ears wrapped painfully by a snake.

"So what does that have to do with Herpo's Vessels?" he demanded.

She turned to his, shaking her head.

"It doesn't! Oh my gods. That's why Adrian laughed when I mentioned them. Oh my gods."

"Leolin," he said, gripping her shoulders. "Breathe. What's going on?"

"I was wrong," she said, biting his lip.

"Okay," he said. "How?"

She pointed up to a wild creature whose bulging eyes, which were harsh and stark, looked malevolently down on them.

"Do you know who that is?"

"No?"

"It's Charon," she said quickly. "He's the ferryman. He ferries the souls down the river Styx to the underworld. He's Bones's master. He's the one who taught Bones how to paddle back and forth up the river; he's the one that taught Bones to raise the dead."

Felix's blood went cold.

"Has Brank told you about the painting Adrian stole from Draco's stepdad?"

"A little."

"Did he tell you about the figure in the background?"

He nodded.

"He said it was Herpo."

She shook her head.

"It wasn't. It was Charon. Bones's price isn't Herpo's Vessels. I don't even know if those are real. Bones's price is the same as his masters."

"And what was Charon's price?" Felix asked.

"Coins," Leolin said gravely, a fear mounting in her eyes. "That's what Adrian's hunting. Charon's obols. This changes everything," she continued. "And it means that Adrian is miles ahead of us. He's known this from the start, and I've had my thieves chasing a myth. Oh my gods."

The statement was so overwhelming to Felix that he latched on to the only part he could easily comprehend.

"Thieves?" he repeated stupidly.

She looked at him.

"Surely you've guessed by now," she said softly. "I'm La Genie."

"I—" he stammered, trying to read and memorise the look on her face. "Yeah, I suppose I did."

"C'mon," she said. "We have to get back and tell the others."

Suddenly there was a disturbance at the other end of the chapel. A priest had appeared, and Muggle torch in his hand.

"Who is there?" he demanded in Italian, the artificial light of the torch swinging back and forth. "You cannot be here!"

Felix made to draw his wand, but Leolin waved him off. Leolin narrowed her eyes, heart pounding. Something insidious and dark had began settling around her heart, inspiring a cold sweat.

"Who are you?" she demanded, staying glued to the back wall.

"What are you doing in here?" the man demanded, his eyes snapping to Charon. "What are you looking for?"

"Who says I'm looking for anything?" she said warily

"Don't lie to me," he said, drawing a wand.

Leolin and Felix did the same and they exchanged a fearful glance.

"It's one of the Muggle world's great masterpieces," she countered, breathless. "It's not uncommon to stare."

The man's eyes flitted over her shoulder.

"Is it Charon?" he asked. "Have you puzzled it out at last, Leolin?"

"How do you know my name?" she said, trying to distract the man so Felix could strike.

However, the man seemed to sense this, and he fired a quick hex at Felix, knocking him unconscious as he disarmed Leolin.

"I know a great deal about you," he explained in a rasp.

Leolin hurled a curse, and the man dodged it with amazing dexterity. Her eyes flitted to Felix, who lay motionless on the the floor.

"Give up, Lefevre," the man said. "You're defenseless.

"Who are you?" she demanded, backing away. "Did Adrian send you?"

The man laughed.

"Do you have so many enemies that you don't know who you fighting?"

"Is that a yes?" she said, stalling for time. She tried not to think about what was going to happen if she failed to escaped and this man, whoever he was, dragged her back to Adrian.

"He'll be pleased," the faux priest said in answer. ""He was getting worried you might be gaining on him." he laughed again. "He'll be happy to know you're miles behind him."

Leolin felt a force slouching towards her solitary mind, and she immediately put up a defense.

"An occulmen, I see," he said. "How interesting. I suppose then I will have to cleave the answer from you as I strip the flesh from you bones."

He hurled a terrible curse, and Leolin narrowly dodged it. She had to do something. Seeing no other course of action, she tore forward, knocking the man off his feet as she crashed into him. He was strong for his age, and Leolin felt herself losing control of the fight. The priest drew a knife from his cassock that wasn't so terribly different from the one that Severina had given her. He immediately turned the knife on Leolin and they grappled with it. Finally, Leolin knocked it from his hand and it skittered off across the floor.

Leolin was off like a shot, falling to Felix's side and frantically trying to revive him. He was stirring now, albeit slowly, and she shook him.

"Felix! Get up!"

By then the priest had recovered, grabbing her by the collar and dragging her back as she tried to scramble away. She swore that he'd aged in reverse and grown in bulk, but the idea was absurd that he was somehow transforming before her eyes, and she shook her head.

"Let me go!" she screamed as they continued to struggle.

Finally the man managed to wrestle her under his crushing grip, and he began squeezing the life out of her with his bare hands.

"Please," she croaked. "Adrian! He wants me alive."

However, he know seemed a man possesed. His eyes, which had seemed dark at first, were suddenly an eerie maroon.

"Please. Stop."

She was flitting in and out of consciousness now. Was this really how she died?

Vainly she sought to pry the hands away, but there was no stopping him. She thought grimly of Adrian. Her only solace now was knowing she would be lost to him. Her vision was going black at the edges, and the darkness was closing in quickly. Her last thoughts were of Draco. She wished she could have told him that she loved him one final time...

Suddenly the pressured weakened, and Leolin screamed when she saw the knife protruding from the man's chest. He groaned, blood pouring from the wound and onto her, before collasping on top of her, dead. She frantically pushed him off and stood, meeting Felix's eye for the first time.

He stood numbly holding the knife, his hand shaking and his face white as a sheet. She ran forward, throwing her arms around him. For a moment he was immobile, but after several seconds he let the knife clatter to the ground, his arms wrapping numbly around her.

"I killed him," he said in a hollow voice, watching the dark blood slither farther and farther across the resplendent marble floor.

She gently grabbed his face and kissed him solidly on the lips. She did so several times before wrapping her arms around his shoulders again.

"Thank you," she breathed in his ear, dragging her nails through his hair. "You saved my life."

He nodded, and as she pulled away he looked down at his hand, which were stained crimson.

"I can't believe I killed someone," he said numbly. "Oh my gods."

"Look at me," she breath softly. When he did as she commanded, she kissed him softly on the lips again. "It fades," she assured him, touching his cheek again. "This feeling, I promise it goes away."

"You?" he asked dazedly.

She nodded.

"In New Orleans," she clarified.

"I feel—" he began, and she nodded again.

"I know. But we have to go. Someone else knows we're here, and we have to be gone by the time they arrive."

She peeled her blood-soaked jacket off and dropped it on the ground, her breathing beginning to grow tapered again. She then offered him her hand, and they tore off. She flicked open her floo as they ran.

"Sev," she said. "Meet us at Termini."

"What's happening?" she demanded.

"Adrian," Leolin said, voice quaking. "I don't know how, but somehow he knew where to find us. He sent someone."

"Are they following you?" Severina asked.

"No," Leolin said, pausing. "They're dead. Felix killed them. Sev, Adrian knows I'm here. He's going to be waiting at the border."

"No,' Severina said. "There are other ways. Non ti preoccupare."

"Come to Termini," Leolin said, almost begging now as she and Felix exchanged a panicked look. "I need you."

"I'll meet you there, tesoro," Severina promised gravely. "Don't do anything until I tell you."

"Okay," she said, exhaling a stale breath. "Okay."

By this time they'd reached Termini, she and Felix, and they passed through the abandoned shop that lead to the Wizarding side. Severina was already waiting for them.

She pulled Leolin into a tight embrace before embracing Felix as well. She then grabbed Leolin by the shoulders.

"Go to the window and buy a ticket to Paris. There is a man in the farthest both called Ambrogino. Go to him and make sure he sees your passport. He works for Pucey, I am positive, and if he thinks you're going to France, he'll pass the message along."

Leolin nodded.

"Then what?" this is where it grows thorny, cara mia. You need to board to France train, and you must wait until the customs agent sees you. After they do, you need to apparate onto the London train."

"How can I—"

"With this," Severina said, holding up what looked like a flat river stone. "It will help you bypass the train's wards. However, it is still going to be very resistant. You need to focus or it will splice you. Capisce?"

Leolin accepted the stone.

"Yes."

"Bene," Severina said, touching her cheek. "We will see you in a few minutes. Come with me Chaisson."

Felix, who'd regained some normalcy, gave Leolin a weak smile.

"Kiss for good luck, bichette?"

She laughed feebly, allowing him to take a trembling hand.

"We will see you soon."

She nodded, heading for the ticket window. She found Ambrogino, a tall, sallow man of no more than twenty, easily enough, and she made a great frantic show of buying the ticket to Paris. He eyed her passport keenly as he fixed her ticket and she prayed to Merlin that he'd bought her ploy. Numbly she boarded the train, waiting until she heard the London-bound steamer scream it's departure. Gripping the stone tightly and picturing the car as best she could, she apparated.

It was, as Severina had intimated, excruciating. It felt as if the normal tube of apparation had been heated until it glowed white hot, and she was sweating by the time she appeared in the train car. She collapsed again's Severina's chest, and the latter stroked her hair.

"You made it," she said soothingly. "You're safe."

"What about when we get to England?" Felix said, looking unsettled as well.

"I have someone I can trust there," Severina assured him. "We'll be safe."

He nodded, and they fell into a silence that lasted a solid two hours. Severina had fallen asleep, and Leolin and Felix were both staring out the window at the blackened landscape.

"Chaisson," Leolin said finally, looking at him.

He turned to meet her eye but didn't otherwise respond.

"Are you alright?"

He considered this question thoughtfully.

"It's been a long twenty-four hours," he admitted.

"I'm sorry I dragged you into this," she said.

"I admit I've never gone to this great of lengths to sleep with a woman before," he said, smiling despite everything.

She raised her hand to strike him and he shirked away, laughing.

"Don't hit me," he demanded. "Haven't I been through enough tonight?"

She lowered her hand, unable to fend off a smile.

"I suppose I will allow that comment considering you did save my life."

He nodded, smirking.

"Much appreciated."

"But next time—"

"I know, I know," he said in a good-natured voice.

They lapsed into another silence, this one less definitive, until Felix finally broke it.

"Does he know?" he asked.

"Who?" Leolin said, pulse quickening. At this point she felt she owed him some answers, but she still didn't want to have to talk about Draco.

"Malfoy," Felix said. "Does he know about La Genie?"

"Yes," she said simply.

"What does he think about it?"

"Why does it matter?" she said in mild agitation.

She didn't want to have to think about Draco right now. She was too raw from everything she'd learned.

"Because you're still desperately in love with him," Felix replied evenly.

"I told you last night," she warned. "Don't pry into my affairs."

"I can help you," he said. "I want to help you, if you'll let me."

"I don't," she sneered. "Butt out."

"Lefevre," he said seriously, leaning forward and resting his forearms on his knees. "If you want to get out of this mess you're in with Malfoy and this gag, you need my help."

"At what price?" she snapped.

He looked a little pained.

"None."

"I don't want you help," Leolin said angrily. "And I don't need you snooping into my business with Draco or Adrian or anyone else."

"You dragged me into this, remember?" he snapped. "You came to me for help!"

"My first mistake," she said in a caustic tone.

"You want to know why I only sleep with women and never date them? This is why. I'm trying to fucking help you, and you're being a bitch."

"I told you I don't want your help," she snarled. "And you're despicable for even thinking that about women, never mind saying it out loud."

He made to respond, but Severina was stirring now, and she gave him an incredibly fierce look. Knowing he was now out-numbered, he shook his head in disgust and looked out the window. However, he didn't have long to sulk. The train was slowing now as it heralded its arrival into King's Cross with a shrill shriek.

"Are you ready, tesoro?" Severina said, smoothing Leolin's hair back.

"No," Leolin admitted, throwing a glance at Felix.

"Don't worry," Severina assured them as they stood. "I do this often."

She stood and took Leolin's hand and Felix followed them as they made there way off the train and to the entrance to the street. Though she usually shone like the sun, Severina, much like Leolin, seemed to be able to become almost invisible when it suited her. She made her way discreetly to the gate she wanted and slipped inside it without much trouble.

"Severina," the man said when he said her. "Il capitano Pucey è qui, e lui sta controllando sempre la linea, anche il mio. Non è la solita routine. Lui sa qualcosa."

Leolin froze, blood suddenly ice cold.

"What did he say?" Felix demanded, seeing Leolin beginning to fret.

"Adrian," she breathed. "He's here. He's looking for us."

"Severina," the man said. "You be careful. Please."

She nodded, grabbing Leolin firmly by the crook of the elbow and leading her and Felix to the short tunnel that separated the entrance from the main terminal in which the aurors most often conducted their sweeps. She waved drew her wand and muttered a spell, and a heavy ring materialised from nothing and fell into her palm. As she was doing so, Leolin was yanking off her boots and stuffing them into her purse. Before Felix could question any of this, Leolin extended a shaky hand as Severina prepared to slide the ring onto her finger.

"Ready, cariña?"

"What is that?" Felix interrupted. His stomach had began to ache so fiercely he wanted to vomit. He didn't.

"It's a ring of invisibility," Severina explained.

"Well where has that been all this time?" he demanded, growing more anxious as he watched Leolin slowly melting down.

"It's not permanent," Severina snapped. "It lasts ten minutes, maybe less. That doesn't give us a big window if we get jammed up, so try forgot Leolin is even with us, follow me, and don't look anyone in the eye. Capisce?"

"Yes," he said, glancing at Leolin again.

He was torn between resenting her and feeling guilty for what he'd said.

"Ready?" Severina repeated to Leolin, who took a shaky breath.

"Yes," she said, extending her hand again.

Severina slid the ring on her finger and Leolin promptly disappeared. As they started off, Felix realised why Leolin must have taken off her shoes. In stocking feet, she wasn't making a sound. Severina was attempting her disappearing act, but before anything even happened Felix could tell it wasn't going to work. Everyone was on a razor's edge, even if her smallest iteration, Severina couldn't completely suppress her powerful aura. Besides, the space was small. There was no way around the blockade. As instructed, Felix tried not to think about Leolin, whether she was in front of them or behind or beside them, and he kept pace with Severina easily.

"Joder," she pleaded to herself, and Felix sensed that she too was scared. "Leolin, stay close to me."

Felix didn't have time to ask what was happening, because by that time the answer was slinking towards them gracefully.

Adrian Pucey was just as Leolin had described. He was tall, though not extraordinarily so, and very lean. He was very predictably and indeed almost stereotypically dressed in villainous black from head to toe. It was only his camel-coloured coat, its collar turned up, and the gleaming badge at his hip that interrupted the monotony of the ensemble. He had fierce, unnaturally light brown eyes that were almost gold in the terminal's light, and when his lips skinned back from his teeth in a feral sneer, his teeth were unnaturally white.

"Severina Borgia," Adrian sneered, crossing his arms across his chest. "What a nasty little surprise you are. Who's your friend?"

His gaze bled to Felix and he eyed him contemptuously.

"None of your business," Severina replied unflinchingly. If Felix hadn't just seen her shaking, he would have said she wasn't afraid at all. "and I could say the same to you."

Adrian wasn't really listening; he was still studying Felix. He sorely wanted to reach for Leolin's hand. But he knew he dared not. Finally Adrian gave a cold, unkind smile.

"I know your face," he told Felix. "You're part of Brankovitch's crew. Chaisson, isn't it?"

Adrian raised his eyebrows expectantly. Felix wasn't sure how to respond, particularly considering his instinct was to draw his wand and crucio Adrian, but Severina saved him the trouble.

"Always so pathetically eager to show off how smart you are," Severina said pityingly. "You ready are still just an eager schoolboy at heart, aren't you, Adrian?"

Adrian gave Severina one of the ugliest looks Felix had ever seen, and if he said it wasn't frightening he would have been lying.

"Watch you tongue, you miserable little whore," Adrian snapped at her, grabbing her by the wrist and pulling her forward. "Your husband's not here to save you today."

"I don't need saving," Severina said, wrenching away. "Get out of my way."

She made to brush past him and he grabbed her, this time by the arm.

"Not so fast, my little Italian princess. You have something of mine, and I want it back."

Severina pursed her lips.

"And what's that?"

Adrian gave dark grin, leaning in as if were a secret.

"Lefevre."

Felix felt a slight pressure on his right wrist and he knew it must be Leolin. He forced himself not to react, even in comfort.

"I know she was in Rome with you tonight," Adrian continued. "Give her back to me."

Felix tried to tally the minutes. Time was running out, and quickly.

"I don't 'have' her," Severina sneered. "And you can't either."

"Can't I?" he shot back.

Severina curled her lip further, giving him a look as ugly or uglier than the one he'd given her.

"You don't frighten me," she said solidly.

He smiled, eyes glittering like monetedoros.

"But I frighten her, don't I? Did you tell her what I did to her wrist?"

She raised a hand and he clucked his tongue, wagging an elegant finger back and forth.

"Ah, ah, ah, Rina," he said mockingly. "Lay one finger on me and I haul you in."

She smiled as if suddenly realising something.

"Unless I do, you have no authority to keep me here," she said. "We both know that."

"Give. Me. Lefevre," he snapped. "Now."

"She went to Paris," Severina said, her tone finally betraying her unease.

"Don't lie to me Borgia.I know what she found in Rome. Now she's running back to Malfoy to give him the good news. Where is she?"

She shook her head, and Felix felt the grip on his wrist tighten. They had three minutes at the most.

"I told you—"

"It doesn't matter," he interrupted imperiously. "I'll tear that train to bits. She can't hide from me."

"Evidently she can," Severina said. "Since she's hiding from you right now."

"Ah," Adrian said, smiling. "So she is with you!"

Severina didn't reply and his smile widened. He'd set that trap perfectly, and she'd walked right into it.

"Would you like to stay and wait for me to find her, or do you prefer I allow you to scurry back to Malfoy so the two of you can concoct some half-baked plot to sneak her out of here? I don't care either way."

Felix fought not to look at his watch. They couldn't have more than ninety seconds now. Severina must have realised this by now, but she remained—at least outwardly—languid and calm.

"Take this place apart brick by brick for all I care; I would think you're going to have un diavolo of a time finding her in London when she's actually in Paris. As for keeping me here, you don't have that authority."

He grit his teeth. Merlin, they had less than a minute now.

"Not yet," he said. "But that day is coming, I assure you."

"Perhaps," Severina agreed. "But until it does, you have no dominion over me."

He sneered.

"Step. Aside, Pucey," Severina grit out.

Felix could tell that even she was starting to panic. Finally, Adrian acquiesced.

"I'll give Leolin you're regards when I find her, shall I?" Adrian said.

Severina was already striding away, Felix on her heels. Leolin had brushed so close by his she'd almost touched Adrian, and Felix could tell, even without seeing or hearing her, that she'd taken off at a dead sprint. He only hoped she reached the door before the charm wore off.

"Not if I give her yours first," Severina snapped. "Andiamo."

When Adrian finally turned back, Severina grabbed Felix's wrist. Her palm was clammy with a cold sweat.

"Don't hurry," she breathed. "No sudden movements."

He nodded, and it felt like an eternity before they finally pushed through the doors and into the chilly night. As soon as they were free, Severina looked wildly around. However, it was unnecessary. Leolin flew into her arms, sobbing and shaking.

"Shh, cariña," Severina said, smoothing back Leolin's long hair. "It's over. You're safe."

"Take me home, Sev," she begged. "Please take me home."

Severina nodded, grabbing Felix's wrist while Leolin was still pressed to her chest, and in a snap they were gone and spinning towards the secluded manor. Felix held open the gate for Severina and Leolin, who'd never put her shoes back on. Instead she picked her way up the gravel drive, no longer crying but still shaking a little.

They ushered her into the foyer and upstairs, at which point Severina touched her cheek.

"I have to call Xavy," she said softly. "I promised him I would. Will you be alright? I won't be long."

Leolin nodded.

"Go," she said, sounding more steady now. "I'll be fine."

"I'll sleep in your bed with you tonight?"

Leolin nodded again, and Severina kissed her cheek and swept off.

"Leolin—" Felix began.

She shook her head, arms wrapped around herself like she was afraid she would fall apart if she let go.

"Go away," she said in a soft but stern voice. "I haven't forgotten what you said, and I just want to be alone."

"Leolin—"

"I said go!" she said.

"Fine," he said, half in frustration and half in defeat. "I will see you in the morning."

She slammed her door in his face in response. He hung his head, which had grown absurdly heavy, and trudged to his own room, flopping onto the bed. He was exhausted from the day's going on and his lids immediately swept closed. However, the minute they did he found himself haunted by Adrian's Pucey's creepy golden stare and the pool of blood that had crept outwards from the corpse of the priest. Leolin had been right; he ought to be afraid, and as he lay there in the dark, Adrian's taunts and Charon's bulging eyes swirling in his mind, he realised for the first time just how afraid he really was.