a/ n: 5000 NEW WORDS. PLEASE REVIEWWWWW

Chapter 23: Chandeliers

"I'm gonna swing from the chandeliers;

"Come se va, ma belle?" Severina asked, traipsing into the pluvium where Leolin sat brooding.

It was a beautiful day in Naples, and the autumn sunlight glinted softly off the water of the swallow pool in the centre of the enclosed space. Leolin and the twins had just accomplished a heist at the Louvre, a feat that marked Leolin's first triumph against the gag. She still couldn't enter the UK, but France was now open to her, and as an art thief, that was very handy. She hadn't quite mustered up the courage to go back to the Louvre, but she'd sent the twins after Jacque Louis David's masterpiece The Oath of the Horatti , and they returned to Rome with it without a hitch. Now, after nearly a month of misleading Crofton Teller, Leolin had finally sent him spinning off in the opposite direction. He headed to Sweden even as the new owner was hanging the painting in Turkey.

She had told Teller she was chasing down a lead in Naples, and she, Severina, Xavy, and the girls had stolen away to a palazzo Xavier's family owned just outside Naples. It was lovely there.

"I'm bloody frustrated," Leolin replied in answer to Severina' query. "This fucking gag is so—Damnit!"

"Here," Sev said soothingly, urging a tottering Isadora towards where Leolin sat in the grass. "Take this."

Isa was almost two now, but she still looked like a baby. Her legs are arms were covered in adorable rolls of fat, and she still had three little teeth. Her wispy black hair was tied back in two pigtails, and she had a pumpkin juice tucked under her chubby arm.

Sev had been right; Isa already looked remarkably like Xavier. She had his elegantly flat Spanish nose and slightly turned-down lips, and unlike Severina, whose eyes were dark, Isa's were spring green.

"¿Quién es esa?" Sev said to Isa.

Isa babbled incoherently to herself before saying. "Lai-Nay. Lai-Nay."

She'd finally reached Leolin, and she all but fell into Leolin's arms.

"We're working on it," Severina laughed as Isa muttered, 'Lai-Nay, zumo,'

gesturing to her cup of juice. "Swish and Eff calling you Nay is really confusing her."

"I like Lai-Nay," Leolin told the baby, kissing her on the face and making Isa laugh. "It's endearing."

"And Spanish?" Leolin asked. "Didn't you start Angie with Italian?"

Severina gave a delightfully delicate laugh.

"The constant battle between Xavy and I," Sev admitted. "I lobbied very hard for Angie and italiano. After all, we have been living here in Italy since Rodrigo Borgia was still a cardinal. Xavy's still a Borja at heart. He grew up in Valencia speaking Spanish the way I did Italian. We started Angie with English and Spanish when she was four, and she picked it up amazingly quick. We'll do the same with Isa."

"French?"

"We pepper it in," Sev laughed. "I didn't learn it until I was ten or eleven, and I speak it perfectly now."

"You're family is so picture-perfect," Leolin smiled as Isa ran grubby hands down Leolin's sleek black hair.

"Isadora, por favor, no lo toques su pelo. Tus manos están sucios."

Isa pouted but didn't stop.

"It's okay," Leolin said. "I need to shower before the party tonight anyways. Speaking of which, are you finally going to tell me why we're throwing one? We said we wouldn't start shopping for our next client until after my birthday."

"We did," Severina agreed. "And we won't. Still, I'm Severina Borgia, most beloved daughter of Italy. Why shouldn't I throw a party?"

Leolin laughed but didn't argue. She locked her floo and handed in to Isa, who was instantly engrossed.

"So," Sev said. "What's going on with the gag?"

"France is as far as I've gotten, and that's so bloody annoying because that is the least relevant part to me. Seriously, anything would be better! Dublin, Wales, anything!"

"Is that what you're working on now?" Sev asked, pushing Leolin's gleaming floo away from Isa's slobbery mouth.

"Yeah," Leolin said. "The gag seemed to be designed as a series of chambers. I can enter one before I've gone through another. France was the outermost ring. Then it's the UK, then it's the Hogwarts binding, then—finally—its seeing Draco."

"What happens if you go back once you've freed your friends and worked on Draco from there?"

Leolin shook her head.

"They'd all be able to recognise me and he wouldn't. It would drive him mad. Besides, there's no point in joining back until I can tell him the truth. Otherwise he'll never listen to me."

Severina shrugged.

"Good point."

"The only shred of good news is now that I've picked one lock I sort of know what I'm doing. The others ones should be easier. At least the UK one. I have no idea what the people ones are going to be like."

"Just keep your head down and keep working. I say we slow La Genie for now so you have more time for this and don't have to contract for Teller."

"Right," Leolin said, laying her head on Isa's. "Okay."

"I predict you'll be home by your twenty-fifth birthday."

"Here's hoping," Leolin said. "If not, I think I could bear living here forever."

Isa had slid down, exhausted, and she was quietly snoozing in Leolin's lap. Leolin stroked her soft curls.

"What are you wearing tonight?" Severina asked.

Leolin shrugged.

"Probably that high-low white dress I bought in Paris. What about you?"

"I haven't decided," Severina said. "You know I like to see what the mood inspires."

Leolin laughed.

"Of course. I'm glad we're back to the party. I have to confess something. I know its not just one of your typical 'I'm Severina Borgia, come see how important I am' parties."

"How?" Severina asked, smiling coyly.

"I was the one that signed for the fireworks today, and I've seen that behemoth of a cake."

Severina laughed.

"Perhaps I'm simple upping the ante."

"No," Leolin said, smoothing Isa's hair as she lay on her back. "Don't give me that bollocks."

Severina only laughed.

"I think I know," Leolin said, smiling.

"Do you?" Severina said, dark eyes merry.

"Isn't your anniversary in September? You've been married seven years now. Are you and Xav renewing your vows?"

Severina gave a delicate laugh.

"No," she said excitedly. "But do you think it's too late to do that?"

She looked genuinely interested.

"It's only one," Leolin said. "I'm sure you can pull it together. Ooh, you should surprise Xavy with it! I'll help you."

"This is so exciting," Sev blurted. "I need to dig out a white dress."

"I'll scrap mine," Leolin agreed eagerly before realising something. "Wait, so that wasn't your secret?"

"Well, it is now."

"Yeah," Leolin said slowly, making soft circles on Isa's rounded belly. "But what's your other secret?"

Severina beamed, drawing a picture out of her pocket. It was a sonogram.

Leolin covered her mouth as tears of joy welled up.

"Oh my gods," she said, looking happily at Sev. "How far along?

"16 weeks," Sev said happily. "I can't believe you haven't noticed how fat I've gotten."

"I've barely seen you," Leolin laughed. "And you're one of those annoying slags who only gains in her belly!"

Severina lifted her blouse in response, showing Leolin the soft rounding of her form.

"Oh my gods," Leolin choked, touching it. "Another baby."

Severina smiled, touching her friend's cheek.

"A balm to cure the ache of you going back to England at last."

"When are you leaving?" Narcissa, said, settling down between Draco and Sebasten at the balcony's sprawling breakfast table, which overlooked the Aegean. Despite the early hour—it was barely seven—the entirety of the Athenos clan was sharing a final meal before Draco left for London. He'd spent the last eight weeks with his family in Greece, looking after—with the help of Aleco, Myles, Dimitri, and the girls—his mother and stepfather. They'd all moved into the villa temporarily, and after the turmoil of Sebasten's abduction, it was cathartic to be all together again.

Under Petra's watchful eye, Sebasten had put on twenty pounds or more, and after two months he finally looked like himself again. Narcissa, Draco could tell, was the happiest she'd ever been, and in some ways he felt like he was getting to know her for the very first time. Gen had been to grow restless after several weeks, but Draco felt more at peace than he'd been in some time. If it weren't for the World Cup, he could have happily stayed for another two months.

"After breakfast," he replied. "I have to stop in London before I go to Germany."

"Did Genevieve leave already?" Narcissa asked coolly. Despite their extended stay together, they'd grown no fonder of one another.

"She left with Brankovitch last night. They're already in Germany."

"Doesn't their relationship make you jealous?" Aleco said, leaning back in his chair so Petra could settle on his lap.

"Have you seen him?" Draco sneered. "Of course not."

"Why are you saying that like it's an obvious deterrent? We have seen him, and he's gorgeous. What woman in her right mind wouldn't want to sleep with that?" Marina demanded.

"Mari!" Myles laughed.

Draco threw an olive at her.

"He's not nearly as good-looking as I am," Draco said imperiously. "Besides, he's a yank."

"Uhh," Dimitri said. "So is she?"

"I don't know why I'm not jealous, then," Draco said, adjusting his glasses. "I'm just not."

"What's the story with the other one?" Petra asked.

"Other one?"

"Leolin's boyfriend."

"Felix," Sebasten replied.

"Is he French?" Marina demanded. "Oh la la!"

"French Canadian," Sebasten clarified.

Draco grit his teeth.

"He's not her boyfriend."

"He seemed like her boyfriend the night he was here," Dimitiri said, shrugging.

"Well he's not," Draco snapped.

"You don't know that," Petra pointed out. "You haven't been to London in two months. How do you know they haven't started dating since we last saw them? He's certainly cute enough."

"Darling," Marina agreed.

"Blaise would have told me if they had. Besides, what could a woman like Leolin ever see in a slimy little vulpine like Chaisson?"

"Oh I don't know," Marina said casually. "Handsome, caring, gentle, smart, brave."

"Who asked you, Mari?" Draco sneered.

"Why do you care?" Dimitri demanded through a mouthful of cinnamon koulouri. "I thought you said you two got into a huge fight before you rescued bampás."

"C'mon, D," Myles said to his little brother, taking a sip of coffee. "We know why."

"Stay out of this," Draco warned.

"I'm with Myles," Marina agreed. "You're not fooling anyone, Drake."

"I'm not doing this this morning," Draco said hastily. "Fuck off."

"Language, Draco," Narcissa said, watching him keenly.

"I'm not going down this road with her again, is all," he explained. "I'm tired of rescuing her from obsessive creeps."

"Please don't imply that Pucey's desire for Leolin is her fault," Sebasten said gently. "I know you don't mean it, and I don't want you to regret saying it."

"I'm not blaming her," Draco defended, sounding a touch guilty. "But it doesn't change the fact he is."

"Okay," Aleco said. "But why is it your job to be her saviour? Besides, from what I know about her, she doesn't need a saviour. That girl is brave as hell and tough as nails."

"That's not the point," Draco contested hotly.

"So what is?" Myles asked.

"I have to go," Draco said in response, standing and throwing down his napkin over his half-eaten breakfast.

"Before you do," Narcissa said. "I want to point something out. Genevieve's friendship with Max Brankovitch doesn't bother you, but the idea of Leolin and this Felix Chaisson has you irrationally upset."

"Is nobody on my side?" Draco burst, glaring at all of them. "Are any of your willing to believe me when I tell you I love Gen or support my desire to marry her? Merlin! You're my fucking family, and all you seem to want to do is rub salt in a wound that's never going to fully heal. Yes, some very small part of me is jealous of Chaisson, because some very small part of me will always love Leolin! Is that what you all are fishing for? Congratulations, you've found it."

There was a long, guilt-ridden silence.

"We're sorry, Drake," Aleco said. "You're right. We were being jerks."

"I'm sorry, too," Marina said . "And of course we support you. We love you; what you want, we want."

"And we adore Genevieve," Petra added, ignoring Narcissa's soft but distinctive huff. "We can't wait for her to join our family."

Draco sighed, running a hand through his hair and making several pieces stand on end.

"I have to go. I need to try and find out what Lefevre's found out about the coins before I leave for Germany. Feel free to gossip about that after I leave."

"Of course we won't," Sebasten said. "You have my word."

"If something does happen at the cup, I don't think it will be safe to go back to London. If anything should happen, Gen and I are going to come back here instead."

"Of course, darling," Narcissa said, rising to press a loving kiss on his cheek. "Please before careful. Please, Draco. For me. I couldn't bear to lose you."

"I will be," he agreed. "See you lot soon."

"The sooner the better," Petra said warmly, and he smiled and disappeared.

"What do you think of this one?" Leolin said, turning from side to side and admiring herself and her cardinal red gown in the mirror. When she received no response, she frowned. "Ren, look!"

Felix, who lay lounging on a couch in front of her, shrugged.

"I don't know," he said. "Good, nice. Just like the last four you've tried on."

He took a healthy swig from his champagne glass before refilling it.

"Felix!" She said."You're supposed to be helping me!"

"I am!" he shot back. "But this is boring as hell. If there wasn't champagne I would have slit my wrists like twenty minutes ago.

"Why did you agree to come then?" Leolin demanded, letting the dress pool at her feet and jamming her hands on her recently unclothed hips.

"I assumed I would love watching you prancing around in bra and underwear all morning. I rarely get the chance."

"And you aren't loving it? Sorry to disappoint," Leolin said mirthfully, disappearing around the screen again.

"Well of course I am," Felix growled. "Boobs are boobs, and you have an ass like two perfect balloons."

"Ren," she warned sternly.

"But even though you're so sexy, somehow I have no desire to sleep with you, and it totally sucks."

"Hah!" Leolin said. "I told this would happen!"

"What?"

"We're friends now, and you don't see me that way anymore! Isn't it nice?"

"That's the worst part," Felix said. "I love it. Besides Brank, you're the closest I've been to anyone in a while. I guess I didn't realise how lonely I was."

"Merlin, I feel like a proud mum," Leolin said, laughing. "My baby is finally growing up."

"Shut up," he growled without.

"You first," she called.

"Well maybe now you can help me," Felix said. "Friend to friend. I think I—Merlin. I think I might —" he paused, seemingly too flustered to get the whole sentence out. "—someone," he finished.

"Oh my days! You have a emcrush/em!" Leolin said mirthfully.

"Don't call it that," he said, looking uncharacteristically flustered. "I—don't make me regret asking for your help."

""Okay," Leolin said, trying and failing to sober up her expression. "Go on. Who is this mystery woman, then? I assume I know her, because you wouldn't be so embarrassed if I didn't."

"Leolin—"

"Allez, dis moi," she said, biting her lip. "She isn't married, is she?"

"Merde," he muttered. "I—it's—" he licked his lips, clearly somewhat embarrassed. "It's Sharpe."

"Leolin laughed then covered her mouth when he glowered.

"Je suis desole. It's just—that's a tall order. I mean, could you have picked anymore less available?"

"You when I first met you?" he ventured.

"I don't know," Leolin said, emerging in an almost absurdly voluminous ball gown.

"No," Felix said at once, having re-engaged somewhat in the process.

"She dropped this one as well and pranced behind the screen in naught but her knickers.

"I think she could've given me a run for my money. Look," she called from behind the screen. "Reagan hasn't exactly had it easy, and she's got some serious trust issues. Her parents squandered her inheritance then tried to force her to join the Dark Lord, and when she refused they tried to kill her. Then she fell in with Quinn, who treated her like complete shite and finally dumped her for a china doll Genevieve-look alike. He pretty much told her on the way out that she'd never be beautiful enough for him. Now we've asked to get back in with him, and I know that must really smart. Besides, in you lot's short but sordid history, all you've managed to do hit and on her and piss her off. I'm not saying it's not possible, but you have to know this is going to be an uphill battle. If you want even a emprayer/em, you're going to have to be on your best behaviour and be willing to take a lot abuse at first. "

"So I shouldn't—"

"No," she interrupted. "I don't know what you were going to say, but I know the answer is no, you shouldn""Quinn's dead wrong about her. I think she's incredibly sexy. And I bet she's—"

"If you say 'good in bed', I'm going to slap you."

"Leolin appeared wearing a slinky satin number now, and Felix appraised her critically.

"Too dark," he said at last. "And too— je ne sais pas—" he paused, trying to figure what he wanted to say. "It looks like a costume. And I wasn't going to say 'good in bed'."

She stepped out of it before hanging it up with her wand.

"I agree," she said, vainly admiring herself in the mirror. "It's too vampy. And good, that means you're learning."

He gave her a wicked grin, eyes sparkling wolfishly.

"I was going to say 'great in bed'."

Leolin flicked her wand dismissively and an invisible hand smacked Felix soundly across the top of his head.

"Ce que le baiser était-ce?" he demanded sourly.

"It's a charm I started working on after you and I went to Rome. My hand was starting to hurt from having to constant hit you."

Felix grumbled sullenly, taking another hearty swinging of champagne.

" So what am I supposed to do about Sharpe?"

"After that little stunt?" Leolin said somewhat tartly. "I would advise you forget about her. You're clearly not ready to play with the big boys, and Sharpe would chew you up and spit you out. She eats blokes like you for breakfast."

He collapsed onto the luxurious couch again, sipping his champagne and watching her shimmy into a glitzy mermaid-style dress.

"Too shiny," he said. "And too many beads."

"These are crystals."

"Too many crystals, then."

"Fine," she huffed, dropping it to the floor.

She realised he was watching her and she laughed, meeting his dark eyes in the mirror.

"What?" she demanded, smiling.

He returned the gesture, gaze merry

"You're so beautiful," he breathed candidly.

She stuck her tongue out.

"What?" he demanded. "You are! That was a genuine compliment!"

"It doesn't count when you tell a person that when they're in lingerie. It's like saying 'I love you' after sex. It's contrived. Not that you would know, obviously."

He gave a rueful laugh.

"Oh, come on!" She demanded. "Tell me you haven't said that to some poor girl before sneaking out her bedroom window the next morning!"

He seemed to sense the slap charm was on its way, because he batted his hands around his head like he was trying to fend off a bee. However, the hand was deft, and it waited for an opening before slapping him. Hard.

"I hate that," he grumbled, crossing his arms like a toddler mid-tantrum.

"Oui, she said. "et je déteste quand you act like a pig."

"I wasn't acting like a pig!"

She swished her hand, and he ducked from the charm., cradling his head below his arms. When he finally looked up to find her laughing merrily, he scowled.

"You're evil, woman."

She raised her eyebrows sinfully.

"Don't forget it."

Just then Amelie came in.

"Comment ça va ici, lapin?" Amelie said. "Hello, Felix. Tellement agréable de te revoir!

"Good to see you as well," he said, smiling at her.

"It's going slowly," Leolin admitted. "I'm sorry I've left all this to the last minute. Things have been so mental!"

"Don't worry," Amelie assured her. "Just let me know when you're ready for me to fit the gown.

Leolin nodded.

"Also," Amelie said. "Can I please bring Henri in here with you for a bit? He is refusing to go down for a nap and I just don't have the energy to be a good mamun and let him cry it out; it is too annoying."

"Of course," Leolin said. "Bring him in."

"Great," Amelie beamed. "Be right back."

"Is Henri your little brother?" Felix asked.

"Yeah," Leolin said. "Have you never met Maxxy and Henri before? They are the cutest little pair ever. Henri just does whatever Maxxy does. It's so endearing."

"How old?"

"Two and five," Leolin said.

"Is Max here today, too?"

"I don't think so? He's pretty much the most popular kid in the world. He is always doing some awesome thing with my mum or James or my dad or grand-mére or—"

"Or?" Felix prompted confused.

Leolin met his eye and bit her lip.

"He and Drake have playdates every week. That might be where Max is now."

Felix gave a protective and disapproving look, but she was spared his indignation by Amelie, who'd returned with Henri.

"Here we go, mon petit prince," Amelie said, smoothing Henri's curls as fat tears rolled down his cheeks. "Leolin is here."

"Ah," Leolin said, accepting him gratefully into her arms and rubbing his back as he laid a head on her shoulder. "What's wrong, canard?"

"Laylon," he replied softly.

"I'm here," she laughed. "Can I tell you something? You are spoiled rotten."

He laid his head down again, babbling happily to himself, tears long forgotten.

"I have to keep trying on dresses," she told him. "Can you let Felix hold you, peanut?"

She pointed at Felix and Henri eyed him.

"Can you say 'Felix'?" she asked.

He only put a finger in his mouth and chewed on it. She tickled his belly.

"Tu peux dire 'renard'?" she asked.

He was still looking at Felix.

"Renard," he repeated for her, and she snuggled his cheek.

"Bravo!" she said. "Now I'm going to put you down."

She did so, and he immediately clung to her bare legs, whining.

"Non," he squeaked, tears already in his eyes. "Up. Laylon. Up, up!"

"Why don't you go ask Renard if he will hold you? I bet if you ask nicely he will."

Henri looked back at her before tottering over. He extended his arms up.

"Holmy," he demanded.

"Hold me please," Leolin corrected gently.

"Holmy peas," Henri repeated, and Felix grinned at him.

"bien sûr!" Felix said, scooping Henri up by his underarms and tossed him gently into the air.

Henri squealed delightedly.

"Please don't break him," Leolin said, watching them.

"He loves it," Felix said. "Look at him."

Felix did it again and Henri threw his arms around his neck, completely enamoured. Leolin watched them smiling for a second, an odd sadness welling in her chest. Would this ever be her? Would she ever live to see husband and kids, or was this as close as she was destined to get? She smiled grimly. If it was, she wasn't sure she could complain. After all, the best part of children was sharing them with a loving spouse and loving them unconditionally. She didn't have to birth them to feel this sort of earth-shaking love.

"Lammy," Henri was telling Felix sternly, wagging a finger at him. He must have learned that from Adrian; he'd done it to Leolin many times. "Lammy."

"Excuse me, monsieur," she said pointedly. "I have an idea; why don't we not wag fingers in people's faces?"

"What does he want?" Felix laughed, perplexed.

"He wants you to find Lamby, his stuffed lamb. Check Amelie's office. It's probably in his crib."

He nodded.

"Lammy," Henri repeated.

"Lammy—?" Leolin prompted.

Henri chewed on a finger.

"Lammy peas."

Felix glanced up at Leolin.

"You're going to be a great mom some day."

Her smile turned sad. She hadn't realised he didn't know about the sectumsempra. Surely Gen had told Max; why hadn't he told Felix?

"Maybe."

Felix looked down at Henri.

"Should we go find Lamby?" Felix asked Henri.

"Lammy!" Henri replied.

Felix winked at her.

"You better have another dress on when I get back. I've been here too long as it is."

Leolin nodded, slipping into another dress in a dazzling red. She'd decided it would be her colour for the evening, though every dress she tried seemed totally disparate from the others.

This one was simple and unstructured, only emphasizing her cleavage with a v-cut neckline before flowing to the floor Grecian-style.

She touched the supple silk before admiring herself in the mirror behind the partition. She piled her hair up and turned from side to side, trying to imagine what she was going to look like.

She heard the door open.

"Ren?" she called. "I don't think I like this one, but I'll show you anyway."

She swept around the divider, and she found herself staring into Draco's glittering eyes. Max was beside him holding his hand, and he smiled broadly when he saw her, showing the missing tooth on the bottom.

"Leolin," he said happily. "Hi! Look at me! I lost my first tooth." He flashed a grin to show her the hole where one of his front teeth had been. "I lost it when we got ice cream. We went to Diagon Alley and we saw cool quidditch stuff and then we got ice cream and I lost my tooth!"

She bent to survey him.

''Nice," she said, examining it as he continuing to grin for her. "You look tough."

"Tough like Draco?" Max asked. "Because he's the toughest bloke in the world. Right, Drake?"

"You know it," Draco said affectionately as Max came back to stand by him. Draco ruffling his hair, and Leolin straightened, looking at him again.

His eyes raked over her.

"Nice dress," he said.

"I'm not going to wear it," she admitted. "I don't like the shape."

Draco gave a cool smile.

"You mean that you don't like that it isn't skin fucking tight."

Leolin raised her eyebrows.

"Language, do you mind?" she snapped. "And when you've got it, flaunt it. What are you doing here?"

"I was dropping Max off, then Amelie said you were here and I thought I'd stop by and see you."

Her heart thundered in her chest as she surveyed his casual dress.

"And say what, exactly?" Leolin said. "You should know that I'm not in the mood to barb with you today."

"I haven't heard from you since—," he said, tone pregnant with meaning. "I wanted to know where we were on all our endeavours."

"Yeah," Leolin said, hers eyes flicking down to Max as she spoke. "Sorry about that. I guess I didn't really want to 'hang' after you called me a snake when I came over to help your family at moderate to severe personal risk."

Draco narrowed his eyes a little.

"Hey Max," he said. "Why don't you go to your Mum's office and polish your new broom. When I get back we can take it to aunt Ariadne's and try it out."

Max nodded.

"Draco bought me a training broom, Leolin! And guess what? It's a Phoenix like yours!"

"Wow," Leolin said. "Cool!"

"Draco was a chaser, but I want to be a keeper like you."

"Not if I have a say," Draco said, winking.

"Don't let him convince you," Leolin said, smiling. "Keepers are the best."

"That's what I told him. Draco said one time you were playing quidditch and you flew without a broom to catch a quaffle."

"Umm yeah," Leolin said at last. "I don't know if I would call it flying, exactly. More like falling with style."

"Will you tell me the story sometime?"

"When you're older," she promised. "Now give me a kiss really quick."

She bent down again so he could do as she asked, and he smiled. When he'd run out, she looked back at Draco, her eyes hard. Seeing him again felt like a painful reminder of how he'd treated her the last time she'd seen him.

"That doesn't mean you have to right to shut me out," Draco demanded, advancing a little and continuing.

"Doesn't it?" she demanded. "Look, I'm doing what you asked. I don't have to suffer all your nasty jibes in the meantime if I don't want. And that's to say nothing of the wretched yank you're so intent on marrying."

"Fine," Draco said, and she could see disappointment blooming in his eyes.

She knew that in his own fucked-up way, this was Draco's way of expressing he missed her. She thought of the look he'd been giving her when they returned to Greece the night Tommy Pucey had died and she bit her lip.

"Where are we with finding the coins?" he asked less harshly.

Just then the door opened, and Felix stepped in, Henri and Lamby in his arms.

"Chaisson," Draco said coolly. "What are you doing here?"

"He's with me," Leolin said at once, stepping between them.

Henri had seen Draco by this point, and he squirmed against Felix.

"Daco," he said, beginning to fuss. "No, Daco holmy."

Felix graciously relinquished his grip, and Draco scooped Henri into his arms, tossing him much like Felix had.

"Shouldn't you be napping?" Draco asked, and Henri simply babbled incoherently instead.

"I admit I didn't get any of that," Draco said. "I'm still rusty on your alien language."

"key-key Lammy," Henri offered, and Draco looked at Leolin quizzically.

She folded her arms across her chest, fearing if she wasn't physically holding herself together, she may fall apart. She avoided looking at Felix, whose expression was akin to that of a kicked puppy as he watched Leolin and Draco together.

"He wants you to kiss Lamby." She explained, and Draco nodded, doing as Henri wanted and smiling as the toddler cooed, delighted.

Draco smiled down at him, and Leolin turned her back towards the partition. She hadn't seen him smile in a long time, and it tugged at her painfully. Draco shifted Henri to his left hip so he could pour himself a glass of champagne. Satisfied that he wasn't going to physically assault Felix, she disappeared behind the partition again.

"So," Draco said, taking a sip of his drink and eying Felix disdainfully again. "What is it the two of you are up to this morning? It's a bit early for a social outing, Lefevre."

Leolin re-emerged, wearing a soft slouchy sweater and leggings. Draco eyes went from her tousled curls to the faded red polish on her toes.

"It's a little casual, don't you think?" he said wryly.

"I can't keep trying on dresses with you here. I'd rather just talk and send you on your way."

"You'd let Chaisson stay and not me?" Draco demanded, his cool tone barely concealing his jealousy.

"Felix is helping me pick something out."

"And yet you've been in an out of lingerie for the last hour," Draco sniped. "Interesting."

"What's your aversion to multi-tasking?" Leolin said casually. "I needed someone to come with me and he was free. Stop reading into it."

"There no need for that nasty, jealous look," Felix sniped. "This is horribly boring. Feel free to take my place at any time."

Leolin gave him a sour look, and he shrugged, clearly irritated.

"No," she snapped. "Don't feel free. Feel very un-free, in fact. What do you want, Draco?"

Draco was still eying Felix contemptuously.

"Fuck off, mate," he retorted in imitation of Draco's crisp accent. "We're just friends."

"Despite your seemingly exhaustive efforts to the contrary. Right, Chaisson? Yeah, it's obvious."

Felix rolled his eyes.

"I don't have time for this," Leolin demanded. "Talk to Blaise; he knows what's going on."

Draco shifted Henri again, who was grabbing for Draco's glasses.

"I'd rather talk to you," he said seriously.

"Then stop being a bully and an arsehole," she snapped.

"Can't ask him to stop him being himself, bichette," Felix pointed out acridly, refilling his flute and putting down its contents in one go.

"Charming," Draco snapped.

"You're one to talk," Leolin snapped back. "Now give me the baby and get me a glass of champagne."

"Do I look like your servant?" Draco sneered.

"That remains to be seen," Leolin said, extending her arms expectantly.

Draco shot a look at Felix, who'd sunk on the couch, grinning ear to ear.

"I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying this."

Draco rolled his eyes and did what he was told. He offered Leolin her glass, but she bent instead, setting Henri on the ground.

"No," he pouted. "Holmy."

"Can you play with your truck instead?" Leolin stand, swiping the truck towards him with a toe.

"Tuck, tuck, tuck," Henri sang, "Fytuck vrrrrrrr."

"Le perf," Leolin said, scooping him by his underarms, truck and all, and setting him out of the way.

When he was suitably settled, she finally turned to Draco again, who still stood holding her flute.

She pushed her hair out of her face by running her a hand through the darks strands falling into her eyes. Draco watched her, eyes skating along her fingers and long red nails before sliding to her dark hair.

"Thank you," she said, accepting it and taking a drink. "Now," she said. "Sweeney is making serious headway on the obols. He's in Turkey right now, and he says he's close. Days away, at most."

"Has he had any company?" Draco asked with meaning.

"It's been eight weeks of radio silence. To be honest, it's been a little too quiet. Have you—heard anything"

"Not much," Draco said, running a hand through his hair. "But what we have is—distressing."

"Tell me," Leolin said, extending her empty glass to Draco. He grit his teeth in annoyance and filled her flute.

"Daphne Montague is dead. Tate Rawle showed up there about a week after Graham killed Tommy and killed her while her boys were in the house. They're the ones who found her body."

"How old?" Felix said softly.

Draco clenched his jaw, looking pained.

"Four and a half and two."

"He didn't—" Leolin began, breaking off when her throat constricted with tears.

"No," Draco said solemnly. "Thank Merlin. He gave guardianship of them to Astoria provided she and Teddy swear a fealty oath."

"Did they?" Felix asked.

"Of course," Draco said. "Teddy would do anything for his family. He's a menace now that he's been properly motivated."

"What do you mean?"

"He's already taken Graham's place in the inner circle."

"Adrian trusts him that much?" Felix asked. "Why?"

"Teddy's dad used to be a bounty hunter with the British Aurors' Office. Teddy didn't want to join, but he spent enough time with his dad that he knew all the tricks of the trade."

"What does that matter?" Leolin said.

Draco clenched his jaw and looked down.

"He found Isobel and dragged her back. It wasn't pretty. Adrian knew she was the one who gae us those blueprints, and told us to exploit Adrian's love of Tommy."

Leolin glanced at Felix, who bowed his head.

"I know I hated her," she said quietly. "But she died a hero, whether or not she meant to."

"How is that possible?" Felix said. "You did those charms yourself. I saw you. How did Nott find her so quick?"

"We have a leak somewhere," Draco said. "We must. We don't have time to stop it up before the Cup, but when we get back we have to figure it out. In the meantime, don't tell anyone about the coins. We can't risk it. That means Brank, Borgia, Troy, everyone," he said, and both Leolin and Felix looked annoyed.

"You can't just bust in here and start handing down orders," Felix said. "How do we know it's not you?"

Draco had him by the collar in and instant, and Felix's flute fell and shattered, scaring Henri and making him cry.

Leolin scooped him up as Draco sneered at Felix.

"I'll snap your scrawny quill neck, you pathetic son of a bitch," Draco snarled. "Don't think I won't."

"Drake, stop!" Leolin said. "You're scaring Henri!"

"Then make your slimy little dog apologise," Draco demanded.

Draco was applying more pressure, and Felix's face was turning red.

"I say stop," she snarled. "And get out."

Draco let go and Felix gave a ragged cough.

"Get out," Leolin demanded again. "I mean it."

Draco and Felix traded a hateful look.

"Lefevre—" Draco began, and she set Henri down again and held up a hand.

"No," she said. "I don't want to hear it, and I can't even look at you right now. Get out of my sight."

Draco looked at Felix and clenched his teeth. Finally he sighed.

"I'm sorry, Chaisson," he said in tight but genuine contrition. "I shouldn't have snapped like that."

He cleaned the shattered glass with a flick of his wrist and looked away.

"I—" Felix said. "I know it's not you. That was a dick thing to say."

Leolin surveyed them both critically.

"Thank you," she said. "I can't take any more fighting. One more outburst from you—" she pointed an accusatory finger at Draco. "and I'm going to stun you and throw your arse out of here."

Felix smirked, and Draco wordlessly punched him in the arm. Leolin raised her eyebrows as Felix rubbed the spot ruefully. Draco raised his arms in surrender in response.

"Fine," he bit out tightly. "Whatever you say. Just tell me about the plan for the coins."

"We're ready to move. As soon as Swish get's a location, we're moving, day or night."

"Who's 'we'?"

"Me, Swish, Effie, and Ren."

"No," Draco said automatically, gaze protective. "You're not going, and I'm not not going."

"Yes I am and yes you are."

"This is a four man job," Felix explained. "Any more than that and it get's unwieldy. Considering that, we're not swapping one third of a world-renown art theft ring just because you want to throw a Draco Malfoy temper tantrum."

Draco gave him a sour look Felix met evenly.

"You can glare at me all you want," Felix said. "But I'm right. I know you know I am."

Draco looked ready to hit Felix, but he bit his tongue and turned to Leolin instead.

"Lefevre—" Draco began, tone warmer now, and she rolled her eyes and looked away. "Leolin," he began again, taking a step in her direction. "Please. Don't ask me to watch you go another round with Adrian. I don't think you any idea how distressing that was."

He as fading quickly back into the Draco she loved, and she wished Felix wasn't there so she could go into his arms and let him kiss her. It was obvious from his gaze that he sorely wanted to. Felix seemed to sense the tonal shift, and he sat down on the floor with Henri a ways off and began playing with him.

"Drake," Leolin said, taking a step towards him and gazing up through her dark lashes. She was barefoot and he was in dress shoes, and he towered over her. "You have to trust me. We have a jump on Adrian for the first time ever, and we have to use it. I'm the thief. I know the most about art and mythology and defensive charms. You have to let me go. As for Adrian, he's not going to be there. You've already said it; no one but the five of us know where we're at with the coins. Not even Brank or Sev or Ginny and Blaise. It would be literally be impossible for Adrian to be there."

He nodded, his hand ghosting over her cheek.

"Tell me you trust me to see this through," she breathed.

"Of course I do," he replied softly

She pushed her forehead up to touch his.

"Then let me do what I'm best at."

He nodded tightly again, eyes closed now.

"I just—we need you, Leolin." He paused, licking his lips with eyes still squeezed shut. "I need you," he admitted softly.

She knew the timing was shit, but she felt a familiar need bubbling up, and she no longer cared Felix was there. She tipped her head back and he brought a hand instinctually to the back of her neck.

"Drake," she breathed. "I—" he was dipping to kiss her now, and her lids fluttered closed as his breath fell on her expectant lips. However, before Draco's finally touched them, the door opened they sprang apart.

"Lapin, I—oh! Draco! What are you doing here?" Amelie said delightedly.

"I was just dropping Max off," he said.

He was now giving Leolin a hard look she recognised to mean Draco once again felt she was trying to manipulate him under her spell. She rolled her eyes and grit her teeth, the warmth extinguished by bitter, acrid frustration and hurt.

"Leolin, I'm popping out for a bit. Oh Merlin, you're still up?" she looked at Henri, who was still engrossed in his truck on the floor. "I am the worst mother ever; I forget he was even here. I guess I will take him with me."

"No, don't," Leolin said. "I can put him down in a bit."

"Oh would you?" Amelie said hopefully. "Thank you so much! I will be back soon, and Emma can keep an eye on him while he naps."

Leolin nodded, accepting a kiss from her stepmother, who's stomach by this time was ready to burst with the third baby.

"Kate will do the fitting once you pick something. Floo if you need me, and be careful in Germany, all three of you. I mean it."

"We will," Draco said, gaze sweeping over Leolin before he bent to kiss Amelie as well.

She nodded warmly to Felix before sweeping out.

"I should go, too," Draco said, drinking Leolin in a final time.

She turned her back. It had been a horribly confusing day on the Draco front.

"No one's stopping you," she replied flippantly.

She could see him run a hand through his hair in frustration in her peripheral. She knew he was thinking about the same thing she was: their near kiss earlier. He grit his teeth in frustration when she refused to face him again.

"Fine," he said tersely. "Cocktail service starts at eight. Don't be late, we have to keep things tight."

"Sod off, Mum," she snapped back softly, finally turning. "We'll get there when we're damn good and ready."

"Right," Draco said stiffly, heading for the door. "See you two in Germany, then."

"Lebewohl," Felix said sarcastically, obviously eager for Draco to leave.

"Wait," she said before he was almost to the door, he turned back, gaze a mixture of hateful and hopeful. "Before you go, will you do me a favour?"

"Depends on the favour," Draco said in a cool voice.

"Stop being a dick," Felix warned.

"Will you put Henri down for a nap?"

Henri was rubbing his eyes and yawning. Draco nodded.

"Allons, peanut," he said. "Prenons un petit somme."

He hauled Henri up.

"Let's leave the truck, okay?"

Draco set the truck back, and Henri seemed content for a moment, but he seemed remember something and his lip rolled up in a pout.

"NOOO," he whined. "Lammy."

"Okay," Draco sad. "Lamby is right here."

Draco handed him the stuffed animal, but Henri continued to fuss.

"Nonap!" he wailed. "Laylon! Laylonnnn!"

Leolin gave a resigned laughed.

"Peanut," she groaned, coming over. "You are impossible."

She stepped forward, and suddenly she and Draco were toe-to-toe, Henri between them. She rubbed the baby's back, avoiding Draco's keen gaze as he watched her.

Henri retracted the slimy finger from his mouth.

"Kess," he demanded, leaning towards hers.

"Kiss, please?" she asked.

"Peas kess."

She touched her lips to his cheek for a second, trying not to give an audible exhale, despite her hammering heart.

Draco's glittering eyes were only hers before they settled on her lips, tracing the curvature of her bottom one almost begrudgingly.

"Nodder kess," Henri was demanding, and for an absurd second it felt like he was urging them to give in and kiss.

However, Leolin reminded herself of how Draco always reacted when they kissed, and she took Henri's request as a way out. She pressed a hearty kiss on his cheek before stepping back.

"Alright, votre Altesse," she said. "Go take a nap now."

Henri laid his head on Draco's shoulder.

"Yeah, I know," she said. "All this bossing around has probably made you exhausted."

"Eight o'clock, Lefevre," Draco said stiffly. "I mean it. We don't need complications."

She rolled her eyes and looked away, at which point Felix came to her defense.

"Heard you the first time," Felix interrupted, standing as if he meant business. "Later, Malfoy," he said pointedly.

Draco didn't even give him the courtesy of looking at him. His glittering eyes were still drinking Leolin in a final time, despite the fact her back was turned.

"Yeah," Draco said finally, raising his eyebrows at Felix and give him what sounding like a painful clap on the back. "I can't wait to see what you're going to wear. No pressure, though; I'm sure you'll be dashing in whatever you pick, handsome."

Felix gave a dour half-smile as Draco closed the door. When he was gone, Felix scowled.

"Free tip," Leolin said, smiling at him. "That was the part where we Brits retort 'bugger/sod/fuck off."

"Dieux," he sneered when Draco was gone. "Why do love him? il est fucking terrible atroce."

"He's not always atrocious," she said. "Not to me."

"Are you kidding me?" Felix snapped. "Leolin, he's always atrocious to you! Why do you think I hate him so much?"

"Look," she said. "It's complicated. I know he's not perfect, but he is the love of my life, and from his perspective, I fucked him over and broke his heart only to come back and try to do it again."

"That's the problem," Felix snapped. "He only ever sees things his way."

"Ren," she said softly. "He doesn't know about any of this. The Le Fey, the gag, nothing. He only knows that I cleaned out my bank account and ran off the day of our wedding. Lucius has him convinced I was carrying on with some bloke in Geneva while he was tearing Europe apart looking for me. It almost killed him. The only reason he's still alive is my mum. I can't ask him to forgive all that heartache in the six months I've been home. In fact, I can't ask him to forgive it until he knows the truth."

"All I will say is that if he doesn't fall at your feet and sob for your forgiveness once we break the gag, I'm going to hire a Sphinx to shred him to ticker tape."

Leolin laughed.

"I don't think you can buy a Sphinx's services freelance. They're sort of their own masters in the 'shredding people to ticker tape' department."

Felix smiled, too.

"Fine, then I'm going to find one and make it tell the hardest riddle ever."

"Good luck with that," Leolin said mildly. "He's annoyingly clever."

"Ugh!" Felix said, his disgust half joking and half serious. "Stop defending him!"

"Look, I never said he was particularly likeable, but I love him, so learn to accept that."

Felix shrugged.

"Fine," he huffed. "I'll reserve judgment. For now. But I am serious about the Sphinx thing if he doesn't pull his merde together soon."

"As far as Draco's concerned, that's all I can really ask."

"It is. It so is. But since you're my friend, I will defer to your dubious—" she raised a hand to hit him and he laughed and shirked away. "I mean good judgment."

"Thank you," she said, finally disappearing behind the screen again.

"I will admit I very much enjoyed watching you force him to obey you like a serf. Honestly,you played him like a fiddle.I've never seen anyone knee-cap him like that. Certainly haven't seen Gen manage it."

"That's because she's no me."

"I'll drink to that."

"Besides, when you meet the right person, you would do anything for them. Even be their serf from time to time. Someday you'll see."

"Please," he said. She could tell by his tone that he was embarassed about what he'd said about liking Reagan and he wanted to gain back some caddish, Renardian ground. "No mare could tame this stallion."

"Ugh," she began, and he cut her off.

"I know, I know. 'Felix! Gross!"

He said in her voice.

"Not bad," she shrugged. "I'm impressed."

He brushed his nails across his coat arrogantly.

"Perfection in all things, mon belle."

"Oh my gods," she said, rolling her eyes. "Right, I have one more dress to try and we can duck out."

"Thank Merlin," Felix said. "We're almost out of champagne. Also, I can just feel my couilles shriveling up into my body with every minute we're in here."

She disappeared around the screen.

"Felix, gross!" they said in unison and she gave a growling laugh.

"Why am I friends with you?"

"Because you refused to sleep with me and forced me to fall madly but platonically in love with you?"

"So I did," she agreed, stepping around the partition. "Alright, what do you—"

"Yes," he interrupted immediately, setting down his glass with a soft clink and standing, awestruck. "This is—yes. Tu es une vision, bichette."

She smiled.

"Yes?"

Felix began to laugh outright.

"What?" she demanded, laughing as well.

"Gen," Felix said, still mirthful. "Elle va mourir when she sees you in that tonight."

Leolin smiled.

"Good," Leolin said. "I hope she does die when she sees me."

"Evil," he said jovially.

"Toujours," she replied, sending for the seamstress. "Shall we?"

"Ah," Felix said, flopping down on the couch in Leolin's hotel suite and staring up at the fresco on her ceiling, his arms folded behind his head. "This is the life."

"Get your shoes off the upholstery, you heathen" she laughed, slapping his shined Berluti Rapiécés onto the floor and handing him a glass of champagne as he sat up.

They'd only just arrived to the lavish hotel in Bavaria, and Leolin had to admit it was everything it had been advertised to be. The floors were marble and the moldings gilded,and the chandelier overhead glittered with thousands of crystals. Leolin had to admit that there were very few things she didn't enjoy about being obscenely rich.

Felix was un-phased by her chiding, tugging her by the wrist so that she tumbled to sit next to him. The chaise, as he'd intimated, was insanely comfortable. He gestured up to the ceiling as she settled in next to him.

"What am I looking at here, Genie?"

"Don't call me that!" she laughed. "You're going to get me chucked in Azkaban."

"Calm down," he said, looking at her and biting his lip. "We're alone."

"Gross," she sang before looking up at the ceiling. "It's Phaeton," she explained, pointing at a blonde youth blazing across the starry expanse in a golden chariot. "He's the son of Helios, the sun god. He was charged with riding across the night sky in his father's fiery chariot to bring the dawn."

"What's going on down here?" Felix asked, pointing at a dark and stormy patchy in the corner where the wall and ceiling met. The di sotto en sú made it seems as if Phaeton would fall and crush them at any second.

"Phaeton was young and reckless, and he lost control of the horses and almost burned the earth."

"The earth looks fine to me," Felix pointed out, looking at the depiction of lush verdant trees and sparkling azure lakes.

"Zeus stepped in," she said simply, pointing to the stern Zeus, who stood with bolts in each hand.

"Stepped in?" he asked. "Is that a euphemism?"

She gave him a look to signal it was. Her eyes were suddenly filled with fear.

"It's a warning to people who step into things they aren't ready for; they get put out with the fire."

She bowed her head and licked her lip, her right hand instinctively cradling her left right. The bone had long since been healed, but Felix knew it had left a scar invisible to the naked eye.

"You don't have to be afraid anymore, Leolin," he said seriously. "He can't touch you tonight. And we are ready for him. You are ready. Show him that he should be just as frightened of you."

"This a powder keg and we both know it," she pointed out. "One wrong move and the whole thing blows to kingdom come."

"Well if it does," he pointed out. "At least we won't be put out with the fire."

"No," she agreed. "We'll just be Phaeton and accidentally burn down the Earth."

He shrugged, putting his hands behind his head and looking up again.

"We all have to die sometime, bichette. Better we go down are you up to for the rest of today?"

"I'm getting my nails and hair done with Gin and Hermione. You?"

"Decidedly less pleasant," he replied. "I got roped into lunch with Brank."

"Doesn't sound too bad," she admitted. "Why are you so glum about it?"

"Ashley and Genevieve are coming as well. I don't mind Gen, mostly because I love torturing her and she's easy to look at, but I can't stand Ashley. He's dumb as a mountain troll and he's painfully shallow; it makes for some pretty terrible company."

Leolin sat up, eyes suspicious.

"Are you lot in some depraved foursome or something?" she asked seriously. "You're always running off together, and it's making everyone antsy."

"So they're noticed?" Felix asked, running a hand through his hair.

"If you were going for stealth, you failed miserably. Then again, you are yanks, so what could we really expect."

"I'm not an American!" Felix defended, laughing.

"Ah-ha! But you are, though!" she said triumphantly, standing on the couch and jumping like a child, her finger pointed at him.

"Why do you get to jump on the couch?" he whined. "And how am I an American? Just become I lived there? Pah! I lived in Paris, but as I'm sure you would happily point out, je ne suis pas Français."

"No," she agreed. "You're not a Frenchman; I'll grant you that. You are, however, a citizen of North America."

"Pah," he grumbled and she leapt gracefully off the couch, pinching his cheeks.

"Tell me I'm wrong, ma puce."

He slapped hers hands away playfully.

"You will this round," he said, giving her a begrudging smile. "mais je vais gagner la prochaine."

"We'll see about that," she said smugly. "Now, back to your foursome. Please tell me you're not a bad guy," she said, sobering up a little. "It would break my heart."

"I'm happy to hear it. Of course, it's going to make betraying you that much harder…"

She drew her wand, flicked her wrist, and her invisible snapped him across the face, leaving a red mark.

"Ow!" he demanded.

"That was cruel," she shot back. "Don't joke about something like that, especially after what happened to Isobel."

"You're right," he said, sobering up. "That was unkind." He touched her cheek. "And you have to know I would never betray you. Never."

She placed her hand atop hers.

"I know," she said. "I'm sorry. I think I'm just on edge from this morning."

"It's not too late, you know," he said. "I have a guy; I could get a snarling Sphinx here before cocktails are served."

She laughed and gave him a playful shrug.

"Shut up and tell me what you and Max are up to," she said.

He shook his head and looked a little more serious.

"Je suis desolé," he said. "I can't tell you."

She opened her mouth argue, but he held up a hand.

"Before you object and throw one of your adorable tantrums, let me explain. Remember a few weeks ago when you trusted me with la genie, and you made me swear not to tell a soul about it, not even Max?"

She nodded grudgingly.

"This is the same, only for him. He's put himself in a delicate position, and the fewer people that know, the better for him."

"But Benton knows?" she demanded. "Why him and not me?"

"Non," Felix said resolutely. "No pouting, bichette. You just have to trust me."

She gave a frown.

"Do you trust me?" he probed.

"Of course," she grumbled.

"Good," he said. "Then I promise I will tell you the minute I can."

She nodded.

"That's all I can ask, I suppose."

"Bon," he replied. "Now let's go try out the bed and finish this bottle of champagne."

She wrinkled her nose, and he gave a merry laugh.

"For once in my life," he said, dark eyes twinkling. "I don't mean that as an innuendo. I just mean let's see if it's comfortable."

She smiled.

"Get the bottle."

He did as he was told, and they lay on their backs for a long time as Leolin explained the bedroom's fresco.

"It's an odd topic," she said, laughing. "Especially for a bedroom. See that woman?"

"Is that Venus?"

"Very good! Then who is that?"

"That good-looking guy?"

"Yeah."

"Mars?"

"You're an expert," she said, nudging him.

"Who's the ugly guy in the back?"

"That's Venus's husband, Vulcan. It's even better in Greek. Hephaestus. Doesn't that just scream ugly?"

"Yeah," he laughed. "Kinda."

"So Venus and Mars were lovers," Leolin explained.

"Obviously."

"How could she not love him?" Leolin laughed in response. "He was handsome and virile and mad for her."

"Was he really so great?" Felix sniffed with distain. "He seems biting, and rude, and callous, and annoying, and pompous."

"Stop projecting," she said. "This isn't an allegory for me and Draco."

"Shut up, yes it is. I get it, star-crossed lovers, an Earth-shattering love, visciously torn apart by fate but ultimately destined to be together, blah blah blah."

"Do you want to hear this story of not, foxy-boy?"

"Yes, I do. Go ahead."

"Well Hephaestus was wildly jealous. He'd essentially won the lottery when he got to marry her."

"Bad luck for her," Felix sneered. "He's hideous. Why did she marry him?"

"Sort of hard the explain, but essentially Vulcan had mummy issues with Juno and he trapped in her throne, and eventually Zeus, Juno's husband, agreed to let Vulcan marry Venus if he let Juno go, and he agreed."

"Talk about a raw deal for Venus."

"Also oddly relevant to me and Draco. Lucius Malfoy's always treated me like a pawn, even though I've gotten my shots in here and there."

"Not anymore, you aren't," he said.

"Thanks," she said softly.

"Toujours," he responded, squeezing her hand reassuringly.

"Anyways," she continued. "Obviously Venus wasn't too thrilled, and she stepped out on Vulcan a lot. She had tons of lovers, but none like Mars. They had children together and they loved each other. Well, Vulcan found out that Mars was shagging his wife, and obviously he was furious, so he booby-trapped Venus's bed with this mesh wire he made. As soon and Venus and Mars got naked and laid down, the net entangled them, and stupid Vulcan dragged them around Olympus to shame them."

"Bully."

"Totally," she agreed.

"Have you even been to the Louvre?" he asked.

She gave him a weird look.

"Right, Art thief. Dumb question."

Her weird look intensified.

"Art thief?" she demanded. I worked there for a year after graduation. I had a job lined up there. We were supposed to move to Paris after the wedding."

"I didn't know that," he admitted. "Though of course it doesn't surprise me. But tell me the truth: did you ever steal anything from the Louvre?"

She laughed.

"I knew it!" he laughed. "What did you take?"

"A lady never burglars and tells," she said in a faux sultry voice.

"Alright, well in that case you must know the Mars and Venus statue by Canova."

She swallowed a lump in her throat.

"It's one of my favourites," she admitted.

It was also, as fate would have it, one of several pieces she had stolen from the Louvre. However, it was somehow too painful to admit that to Felix. Of all her grabs, that one had always pained her the most.

"Mine too," he said.

"It's the way they're looking at each other," she said breathlessly, remembering the last time she'd seen it. "Like they've never seen anyone else."

"It's sort of beautiful," he agreed. "If you like that shit."

"I know I'd find your gooey centre eventually," she said in triumph. "Your future wife is going to owe me royalties."

"If she exists, that is," he said, sounding shockingly somewhat sad.

"She does," Leolin said. Reagan Chaisson. It's sort of charming, actually."

"I thought you told me not to go after her."

"I did, and you shouldn't. Unfortunately for you, you blew it."

"We'll see."

She laughed.

"I guess we will."

They laid in silence for a long time after that, and Leolin even dosed off a little. She finally sat up, rubbing her eyes. Felix was sitting up and reading a book.

"How long was I out?" she asked.

"About a hour," he said. "You look like a little baby angel when you sleep. Minus the snoring, of course."

"What?" she demanded. "Are you serious?"

He laughed.

"No," he said. "You were so quiet that I had to check occasionally that you were still breathing. Seriously, I've seen dead men sleeping less soundly."

"So I've been told. What's the time?"

"Two fifteen."

"Bollocks," she said. "We've been laying here for a bloody age. I've got to go."

He nodded.

"Me too. Unless you want to push me out the window so I don't have to."

She shrugged.

"I've got a fever fudge in my bag if you want. You can just hang out in here until I get back."

"No," Felix grumbled. "This is admittedly important. "I should go."

She nodded.

"Shoot—whoops! I mean suit yourself."

He laughed, and she grabbed her purse.

"Ready?" he nodded, and they headed out the door.

They bumped into Gen almost immediately, and she gave a pleasured smirk.

"How did I know I'd find you're here, Felix?" she said devilishly.

Felix didn't miss a beat.

"I love when you wear pink, Genny," he retorted. "It reminds me of the colour of your tits when they're bouncing below me."

She scowled.

"You're nasty," she spit.

"I was actually just talking to Malfoy about it the other day and he totally agreed."

"Stop it!"

"Oh, sorry," he said, touching his temples as if remembering something. "That was Max. Or was it Beau? Huh. Anyways, Draco was saying he thought it was more of a salmon than a rose. Not very flattering, am I right?"

"Shut up!" Gen squealed, turning on her heel.

"That's what I told Malfoy," Felix called jovially. "I've got your back, girlfriend!"

She raised her middle finger and he laughed out loud.

When he turned back to Leolin she was beaming.

"Brilliant."

He winked.

"I've got your back, girlfriend," he said, smiling.

"See you later," she said, turning away.

"Later."

Leolin strode down the hall of the old castle, taking some ancient marble stairs to the lobby, which was a lovely mix of old and new. There were loads of people, mostly quidditch players, milling about, speaking tons of languages with great animation and posing for photos almost constantly.

Unlike the English national pitch, which was a small stone oasis in an otherwise empty field, the German stadium was adjacent to the hillside town of Hohenschwangau, a small municipality in Bavaria. The town was old and Medieval, the stone buildings tightly packed, and it was surrounded by forest on three sides and the Alsee Lake on the other. Because of all this, there was no way to camp in Hohenschwangau, and thus the visitors stayed in quaint inns and bed-and-breakfasts instead. That was, the regular visitors did.

Leolin and the others were staying in the Oberammergau, an old Muggle castle that had been turned into a five-star Wizarding hotel. It jutted above the trees around it and overlooked the shimmering lake, and she had to admit it was rather heavenly. Besides, it was where the pre-tournament ball was being held, which made things easy. Or rather, easier. Leolin wasn't particularly looking forward to going, especially if her interaction with Draco that morning had been any indication; his longing looks were almost as hard to bear as his hatred. And then there was Adrian. No one had actually laid eyes on him since the disaster at the manor, and Leolin admitted she wasn't eager to.

She bit her lip. Get yourself together, Lefevre.

Ginny and Hermione were waiting for her when she arrived and she tossed her head back dramatically.

"I'm ready," she said in a breathy voice. "Make me over."

"You laugh," Hermione said. "But I really can't wait to have someone who's obligated to rub my swollen feet."

They all laughed.

"Are they that bad already?" Ginny asked. "I mean, you're only like sixteen weeks, right?"

"They aren't terrible," Hermione said as they all three eased into chairs. "They just make wearing heels uncomfortable. Then again, I never really liked heels anyways. I do have to wear them tonight though, I suppose."

"Only if you want to be accepted," Leolin said, and Hermione laughed.

"I do."

"Tough luck, then," Ginny said, patting her arm as an attendant came by to draw them each a footbath.

They sunk feet in a sighed in unison. Leolin tipped her head back.

"Gods, I needed this," she murmured.

"How's it going with everything?" Ginny asked cryptically. "I've barely seen you."

"It's—" Leolin paused. "Things are really happening fast now."

"How so?" Hermione said.

Leolin had agreed sthat Ginny could tell Hermione, and it admittedly helped. Hermione, resourceful as ever, had unearthed some tips that even Felix hadn't thought of. It had probably saved Leolin weeks if not months, and with her deadline, that was probably going to make all the difference.

"Swish got me a pensieve from Merlin knows where," Leolin said. "That meant I could go back and get the exact words right. Felix says that's the most important part. If I don't have them right, the link will be incorrectly formed. They aren't though, which is a good sign. The feeling gets stronger with every link."

"How can you tell?" Hermione probed.

She was both wholly devoted to Leolin's happiness and desperate curious, and Leolin gave a soft smile.

"I can—I can feel it. Imagine someone playing your heartstrings like a harp; it's not unpleasant, exactly, but it's really deep. Draco should be feeling it too, probably more than I am."

"He is," Ginny affirmed. "He told me he's been feeling sort of queasy a lot. I had no idea that's what it was. Does this mean it's weakening?"

Leolin shook her head.

"It won't change until it just snaps—it'll be instantaneous. One second it will be there then—boom—it will be gone."

"Will he just—know after that?"

She shook her head again.

"He won't know what's happened. Not until—"

Ginny beamed.

"Until you tell him and he falls at your feet, begging for your hand and your eternal forgiveness."

Leolin couldn't help but smile.

"Yes," she laughed, a little choked up. "Until that."

"This is so exciting," Hermione said, breathless. "How many links do you have so far?"

"Eight," Leolin replied.

"And how many do you think you need?"

"Twelve, most likely, though it could be more."

"But you've done eight in two months? Lai, you'll be done in less than a six weeks!"

"Eight was when things were quiet," Leolin said. "Felix and I were working on it all day most days. I have a feelings I won't be so free after this weekend. We're on a knife's edge here. I'm afraid we're about to teeter off. Once Swish finds the coins—"

They both nodded, and a comfortably silence reigned for several minutes.

"Can I ask you question?" Hermione finally said in her sweet voice.

Leolin nodded.

"Of course."

"Is Felix in love with you?"

"What?" Leolin said at once. "Of course not."

"He follows you around like a puppy," Ginny pointed out. "And he's bent over backwards to help you with this gag."

"He isn't," Leolin affirmed. "I swear he isn't. I know that seems impossible because everyone thinks he's a cad and a chauvinist pig, but he—he's a lot more than that. He's one of my best friends."

This was more directly aimed at Ginny, and Leolin reached for her hand to give it a reassuring squeeze. Felix may have joined the ranks, but he would never take her place at Leolin's side.

"And he's actually very loyal," Leolin continued. "Draco showed up wand sparking at Amelie's today and Felix threatened to feed him to a Sphinx. I believe his exact words were 'shred him to ticker tape'."

"That's oddly festive," Hermione said, smiling wryly.

"Did something happen?" Ginny pressed. "With you and Drake? Now that I think about it, he did come over complaining up a storm about Chaisson around noon."

Leolin nodded.

"We didn't—nothing happened, exactly—" she sighed. "There was this moment where—" she broke off.

"Go on," Ginny pressed.

"First, I don't know, we kissed, or almost kissed, then Amelie came in and we went back to being sullen and frosty. Then we were holding Henri between us, and I think he wanted to—I know I certainly did. But that was just baby seduction, you know; it didn't mean anything."

"Everything between you two means something," Ginny said pointedly. "A great deal of something, in fact. He's been a proper twat since since that night at the manor. Blaise can barely stand to have him around. It drives him mad that instead of admitting he was worried half to death about what Adrian had done to you, Draco keeps harping on the fight you two had before you left. I had to hold Blaise back from legitimately tackling him the other day."

Leolin rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, that was no one's finest moment, I admit. I may or may not have cast a venomous snake at him."

"Don't get discouraged, Hermione urged. "You're right there."

"I know," Leolin said. "But I'm kind of dreading tonight. If something happens between us, it'll make things worse. Draco always feels so guilty after we kiss, then he lashes out at me."

"That's unfair," Hermione said, giving a tiny frown.

"Well, you know Draco: arbiter of justice."

"Just think of it this way," Ginny said. "If you were Venus and he was Mars, you child would be the goddess of Harmony."

"True," Leolin countered. "But if I were Aphrodite and he was Ares, our children would be Phobos and Diemos. Fear and Dread."

"Damn the Greeks," Ginny grumbled, leaning back and closing her eyes.

After about twenty minutes of silent companionship, an attendant came by.

"Something to drink, damen?" he said, giving a blithe smile.

"Do you have that lovely water with cucumber in it?" Hermione asked.

"Certainly, frau. And you, frauline?" he said, looking at Ginny.

"Oh, the same, please."

"Frauline?" he said looking at Leolin.

"Champagne. Bollinger, if you have it."

"Always."

He nodded, and Leolin smirked at Ginny, slapping her arm.

"Ginny Weasley not drinking after two pm? Sound the trumpets, ladies and gentlemen. The end days is upon us."

"Oh stop!" Ginny flushed. "I'm just thirsty, is all!"

"Brüt is the ultimate thirst-quencher," Leolin laughed. "Everyone knows that."

Ginny laughed, too.

"I know I know, I'm just—"

She paused, her cheeks the colour of her blood red hair.

"Oh my god," Leolin said, her hands clapped to her mouth. "Oh my gods. Are you—?"

Leolin choked on the last word and ultimately just swallowed it instead. It was acrid on her tongue and jagged in her throat."

Ginny let out a large breath, and Leolin couldn't tell if she was laughing or crying.

"Gin, darling, are you alright?" Hermione said.

"I'm sorry I didn't say anything before. I—we just went to the doctor last week. I wanted to floo and tell you, but I—"

"Congratulations!" Leolin burst, and the excitement in her face and voice didn't quite resonate in her heart. "Oh my gods, this is so amazing!"

Reassured by Leolin's reaction, she smiled.

"I—we—Blaise is so excited. It's mad."

"Were you—trying?" Hermione asked.

"No!" Ginny said, unable to stifle a delighted laugh. "I've been on the potion since I was sixteen!"

"It's not infallible," Hermione said. "I kept telling Ronald that when I got pregnant."

"But you're excited?" Leolin said, eyes sparkling. "I'm excited! Mixed race babies!"

"Have you told Molly yet?" Hermione asked.

Ginny laughed.

"We made the truly epic mistake of telling Lauren and my mum at the same time. It was a bloody waterworks show."

Leolin gave a musical laugh.

"I can only imagine!"

She could feel something hideous and horrible and emerald green clawing up her throat, and she sought to drown it in a healthy swallow of champagne. However, when it reemerged, gorged on the drink, she simply beamed instead.

"Just think," she said. "Two Weasley babies at the same time. Molly is going to die."

"A Weasley and a Zabini baby," Ginny smiled. "I've made up my mind. I'm going to change my name after all."

"After all that feminist posturing?" Hermione laughed. "Still, though, Ginevra Zabini."

"Have you ever heard something so charming?" Leolin asked.

"Yes," Ginny replied, looking at her. "Leolin Marié-Therese Malfoy."

Leolin smiled, swallowing more champagne.

"Names?" Leolin asked, forcing another smile.

"We're thinking either Xander or Hugo, if it's a boy," Hermione said. "Rose, if it's a girl. We've already agreed."

"That's lovely," Leolin said, touching her chest.

Her heartbeat was manic and her hands were trembling.

"We don't—" Ginny laughed. "This is so new! We've never even talked about names!"

"You didn't?" Leolin said, voice a touch sharper than she meant it to be.

Ginny didn't notice.

"Did you?" she asked.

Leolin forced herself to react casually even knowing a truly epic meltdown was on its way.

"Course," she said calmly, trying not to visibly shake. "Elias, for our firstborn; Draco was convinced it would be a boy. Ava for a girl."

"Ava," Ginny breathed. "That's beautiful."

"Isn't it?" Leolin smiled. "Draco picked it."

Ginny smiled back to Hermione, and when Leolin closed her eyes, she could see Ava in her mind, no older than Henri, toddling towards her with white blonde hair and stormy blue eyes.

"Frauline Lefevre?" a voice interrupted. "Your massage is all prepared. Are you ready?"

"More than!" Leolin laughed. "Gin, hug me first."

Ginny obliged, and Leolin tugged her into her arms and told herself to relax the muscles in her shoulders and down her back. She was nearly there. A mere fifty feet if that. She only had to hold on that much longer.

"I'm so happy for you!" She said, touching Ginny's cheek. "Right, well see you two later. I'll be the relaxed one."

"See you!" they chorused, and Leolin followed the attendant farther back into the spa.

She could feel herself coming completely unraveled before they even reached the door, but she let the woman explain things before all but slamming the door in her face. It only took one glance at herself in the mirror to tear Leolin in two, and she collapsed to the floor, knees to her chest and face buried as she began to weep bitterly. The force of her tears rocked her whole body, and she heaved in air as her sobs rent the air with her acrid jealousy and grief.

"Frauline Lefevre?" a soft voice called, a knock at the door. "Are you ready? May I come in?"

"No," Leolin sobbed, shuddering from her tears and the her short, manic breaths. "Please, just go away."

"Come in!" Leolin called, swishing her wand elegantly and watching her dark hair twist itself into a voluminous updo.

It had taken Leolin twelve years and Severina's expert touch, but she'd finally managed hair charms. It was a whole new dawn.

"You look nice," Leolin said, admiring Felix's tux in the mirror. "It suits you."

It was dark gray, almost black, and the lapel and the bowtie were both a smart black velvet.

"Oh, this old thing?" he tugged on the lapels self-importantly. "Please."

She laughed, standing and crossing to where her own dress hung.

"Why aren't you dressed yet?" he said, obediently turning around as she dropped her robe. "Was today's torture seriously not enough, you sadist? Hurry up."

She dropped her robe to reveal a snug pair of cheeky knickers in a show white with a matching bustier. She quickly stepped into the dress and affixed the back.

"Shut up," she said. "And apologise to her majesty."

She turned, giving a twirl. He clapped.

"Well how about I just give her majesty these?"

He held up two of the largest diamonds she'd ever seen dangle.

"Where did you get those?" she said, afraid to even touch one. "Be honest, are you a jewel thief?"

He gave a merry laugh.

"I wish. I—loaned them from a friend. Take them."

"I can't," she said, biting her lip. "I'd be terrified to lose one."

"There's charms for that, witch," he said, pushing a soft curl aside to attach one a naked lobe. "With these on, how will Malfoy be about to take his eyes from you?"

"Thank you," she said, smiling at him and touching his chest affectionately.

"I just want you to know I'm in your corner, bichette," he said hoenestly. What you want, I want. And I know I've done some despicable things and you're more than I deserve, but I am so grateful for you."

"Thank you," she whispered, lifting her head a little so he could affix the other. "And you have to know I feel the same. I admit that you—but that's in the past, and you've more than made up for it. If Draco and I do ever get our second chance, it will all thanks to you."

"Not all," he corrected. "Not even mostly. It was you who did all the work. I just sorted of guided you along. And you will get your second chance. In fact, you might get it in that dress." He laughed, relieving the seriousness of their conversation with much-needed levity. "I wish I'd thought to bring a camera so I could take a picture of Genevieve's face and blow it up and frame it and put it over my mantle."

"Don't be too unkind," she chided. "That's cruel, even for that bitch."

"Fine," he said, rolling his eyes. "Even though you don't even know a tenth of the cruel things she's done in her lifetime, not to mention the girls' lives she's ruined. Still, since you're an infinitely better person and apparently insisting on taking the stupid high road, I will just keep it in secret and look at it from time to time."

She sighed.

"Fair," she admitted. "And I can't deny that the mantle thing is tempting. I mostly said that because that's valuable decorative space and I don't want to waste it on her."

He laughed merrily, obsidian eyes twinkling.

"Enough about her let's have a drink. Champagne?"

"Gin, I think," she said sweeping out of the sprawling closet and through the bedroom into the large living room.

"Bold," he said. "But I like your style."

He watched as she padded barefoot to the large bar.

"Can I get your something?"

"Neat scotch," he said, and she poured it before extending it to him and flopping beside him on the couch.

"Cheers," she said, touching her glass to his.

He watched her carefully as she took a large sip.

"Long day," she admitted.

"Even longer night ahead," he said.

"How your super secret spy stuff?" she said, taking another sip.

He shrugged noncommittally.

"How was spa day? No offense, but you don't look terribly relaxed."

"Ginny's pregnant," she said flatly, taking another swallow.

"And what? You don't like kids or something?"

She looked at him seriously.

"You really don't know?" she croaked. "Max seriously never told you?"

"Told me what?" he demanded.

"I can't have children," she whispered, looking at her lap.

"Why not?" he asked softly.

"The sectumsempra," she said, looking at his eyes, which were like liquid onyx. "It tore through my uterus."

"Did you want them?" he asked.

She nodded.

"I didn't think I did for a long time," she admitted. "Because my parents never married and they always seemed so terrified of failing me. But, then I—"

"Malfoy convinced you," Felix said, his voice mournful.

"He didn't have to," she admitted. "I just—when I was with him I realised all I wanted was to have a family with him. No coercion necessary."

"Does he know?" Felix asked quietly.

"About this?" she asked. "Yeah, he does. No idea what he thinks about it, though. Wouldn't be easy to give up the notion of ever having kids of your own, especially for a pureblood elitist like Drake."

"Not for the right person, it wouldn't be," Felix said softly, he wrapped a comforting arm around her bare shoulders, and she laid a head on his chest.

"We should go," Leolin said begrudgingly.

She admitted wanted to stay at more. She didn't know who's eyes terrified her the most. Draco's silver ones of Adrian's gold.

"Ready?" he asked.

She laughed.

"Hell no. Just don't let me drink too much."

He bubbled his lips.

"I'm not promising that. Je parie que être un ivrogne hilare."

"I'm hilarious at all. In fact, I get blubbery very quickly."

"Hmm," he said. "No drunkenness, then."

She nodded, accepting his proffered arms.

"Right," she asked. "As your Americans would say, 'let's boogey.'"

He rolled his eyes but accepted the comment without complaint. There were two footmen guarding the large oak doors of the ballroom. At Leolin and Felix's appearance, they tugged them open simultaneously, revealing a room of soaring heights than literally dripped gold. The vaulted ceiling reflected the cloudless, moonlit sky, and it was delightful.

There was a series of stairs leading down into the heart of the ballroom, and they were lined with photographers. Bulbs flashed from right and left, and Leolin drew a delicate pearl-studded hand fan, using it to shield her face. Everyone was calling her name, but didn't stop, and she firmly grabbed Felix's hand and dragged him to the bottom as quickly as she could.

"Escaped the gauntlet, at least," he said, smiling at her. "You alright?"

She snapped her fan shut and vanished it with a flourish.

"Impressive, as always," he said appreciatively.

"I didn't even need to do that," she admitted. "I just like showing off."

"You would."

"Love me as I am," she said, laughing. "Not as you'd like me to be."

"Ren!"

Felix turned and smiled, and Leolin did the same and frowned.

"Brank," Felix said, gravitating over at once and shaking his friend's hand. Leolin reluctantly followed, folding her arms across her chest and not looking at Max.

"Lefevre," Max said evenly.

She raised her eyebrows imperiously but didn't speak.

"Oh come on, you two!" Felix exclaimed. "Let's not do this anymore."

"I haven't done anything," Leolin shot back, glaring at Max.

"Have you not?" Max snapped, looking annoyed.

"What exactly are you accusing me of?" she demanded nastily.

"You know."

"No, I don't. Otherwise, I obviously wouldn't be asking."

"We're on the same team!" Felix reminded them.

"If you want to be a twat," Leolin said hotly. "That's fine, but stay out of my way. I have enough shit to deal with, I don't need...you..." she trailed off, distracted by something over his shoulder.

He moved to say something hateful, but when he say her expression the words died on his lips and he turned to see what it was.

Adrian was sliding gracefully down the stairs, Annalysse at his right and Torrii at his left. He wore a dark blue tux, almost black, with a crisp white shirt underneath, and his hair was elegantly pushed off his brow with a light pomade. His teeth glinted as he angled his head to speak to Torrii, and Leolin shrank back a little instinctively. Whatever he'd said made Torri laugh, and even though Leolin couldn't actually hear it, it made her shudder.

"Somehow I was hoping he wouldn't be here," Leolin said quietly.

"We knew he would be," Max said,quietly narrowed his eyes in scrutiny as Annalysse leaned in to receive her orders.

Unlike Torrii, whose slinky white gown barely covered the essential bits, Annalysse's dress was conservative and unremarkable, her dark hair once again drawn severely back into an unyielding ponytail. She was wearing the same dour expression from the manor, and she looked none too pleased to be there.

"Nice, Brank," Felix said, squeezing Leolin's hand, which had begun to quake.

"Do we have any idea what he's up to?"

"No," Max said, finally tearing his eyes away from Analysse to share a glance with Felix. "Not yet."

Leolin wasn't really listening. She was busy ensuring that she didn't start hyperventilating. Just seeing Adrian made her wrist ache psychosymatically. Accepting a flute of champagne from a passing waiter, she took a huge swallow and grit her teeth. She wasn't going to do this anymore. She wasn't going to be afraid. She watched as Annalysse nodded, peeling back up the stairs away from the ballroom. Torrii was still waiting for orders, and Leolin could see a brand new wand strapped it her thigh, ready to be used. Had it really been Montague who had subdued her and allowed Leolin to escape? She thought about Graham and Daphne's children, now orphans, and bit her lip.

"Leolin," Felix said, touching her arm and breaking her reverie. "Are you alright?"

She glanced at Max, who was giving her a concerned, though none-too-warm, look as well.

"Fine," she said, taking the last draught from her flute and accepting a second before Felix could protest. "I can handle him."
Even as she was saying it, Torrii was gesturing towards them, at which point Adrian's gaze followed, finding Leolin at once.

His glittering eyes began at the hem of her gown and moved all the way up to the twist in her hair. He drank her in like she was an expensive wine, looking positively drunk on her by the time he caught her eye. She'd expected after the part she'd played in Tommy's death he would be livid, but he wasn't. At least, he didn't look it. In fact, he looked self-satisfied and hungry, which made her feel a bit sick. Instead, he flashed a handsome grin and blew her a kiss. She stiffened immediately, but she didn't look away. Forcing her shoulders away from her ears, she raised her glass to him.

"Are you effing crazy?" Max demanded. "Don't fuel the fire!"

"Don't tell me what to do," Leolin replied as they watched Adrian relay orders to Torrii and glance hungrily at Leolin again before sizing Max and Felix up in turn.

"Leolin—" Felix began, but she shook her head, finally looking back to him.

She seemed frightened but resolute.

"I have to start standing up to him," Leolin said. "You saw what happens when I don't."

"Did you not see that look he was giving you?" Max said. "We can't take any chances, least of all you."

Despite his cool tone, Leolin could tell Max was trying to be nice. She gave him an earnest look.

"I have to do what I think is best," she said. "And you have to let me. Please."

"Fine," Max said, eying her with a mix of disapproval and respect.

"I'll kill him," Felix snarled, baring his teeth at Adrian.

"Let's just stop him first," Leolin said, finally running out of courage and turning her back to Adrian, who had by this time reached the bottom and the stairs and disappeared into the crowded ballroom.

"You alright?" Max said, watching Leolin try to get her breathing under control. His voice was warmer now.

She nodded, allowing Felix to squeeze her hand, which was trembling.

"I will be," she said, cashing out her second glass of champagne. "Just give me a minute."

Max nodded, but Felix was distracted by something over Leolin's shoulder.

"Who. Is. that?" he said breathlessly, watching a blonde beauty descending the stairs in the most magnificent dress Leolin had ever seen. Leolin wasn't even sure what material it was, but it honestly looked like molten brass, and it made her sun-kissed skin glitter. Her roots were dark and the rest a honey blonde. Her eyes were large and chocolate brown.

"Wow," Ren said, biting his lip.

Max smirked.

"Do you seriously don't recognise her?" Leolin said wryly. "Look at her date."

Felix's eyes flicked to Jaime Quinn and he sneered.

"I don't like her with the two brown eyes," Max remarked. "She's way hotter with that wicked green one she usually has."

"Quinn must have insisted she change it," Leolin sneered. "That little swine."

Felix was still staring.

"Merlin, she's hot," he blurted. "But I agree, Brank. She's not Sharpe without that eye. Still…"

"Go over there, you idiot," Max said. "She's looks wicked bored with Quinn, anyways."

"No," Leolin said, grabbing his arm. "Wait."

"No," Leolin said, grabbing his arm. "Wait. "

"I don't care about my chances," Felix said in response to what she'd said earlier that day at the Salon. "I've got to go try, Let go, bichette."

"Ren," Leolin said seriously. "She's over there working Quinn. She will not thank you if you blow her cover. You can go slobber over her later, though she probably won't thank you for that, either.

Felix was only half listening, and his eyes danced across Reagan's partially exposed back.

"I'm serious, Felix," Leolin said sternly. "Draco will not hesitate to kill you if you put even one wrinkle in his plans."

Felix looked sullen.

"Fine," he said. "I'll wait. But you should know that I fully intend to make my move tonight. She looks good enough to eat in that dress."

She shrugged, suddenly fending off an unexpected smile.

"That's you're funeral, of course. Wouldn't presume to keep you from it."

He nodded, smiling at her and turning away.

"Remember me fondly in your euology, bichette," he said, and Leolin smiled, the stress of seeing Adrian partially erased by Felix's inexhaustible good humor and charm. He kissed her cheek and started off, at which point the smile faded.

"Where are you going?"

He shrugged.

"You and Sharpe aren't two women for me to shamelessly hit on. Honestly, it might be nice to have some success for once. Excuse me."

"Ren—" they both began, but he simply gave a salutary wave in response.

"Be back in a bit."

With that he swept off, and they watched him.

"Drink?" Max asked, snapping his fingers at a passing waiter.

"Please," she said tersely, accepting his proffered flute.

"To Team USA," he said wryly, touching his glass to her and making her roll of her eyes.

"Cymru am byth," she bit out tartly.

"What's that alien language, then?"

"I said Wales forever. Excuse me."

She made to sweep off, but he scrambled in front of her, blocking her exit.

"Lefevre, wait."

"No," she said. 'Thank you. I don't want to ruin the evening by punching you in the face."

"Hang on a sec," he demanded, foiling her second attempt to escape him. "I'm sorry about the way I've been acting, okay? It's just that Genny is one of my best friends, and I'm very protective of her.

"What am I supposed to say to that?" Leolin snapped. Because I'm not going to apologise! She's in pretty of good shots."

"I know she has, and I—fuck. I know this isn't any of my business anyways."

"No," she agreed. "It's not."

He gave a defeated laugh.

"I forgot how blunt you can be."

"Don't say taht like you know me," she warned. "Because you don't."

He sighed again in veiled annoyance, clearly worn out by her combativeness. Still, he swallowed his frustration.

"I'm sorry," he admitted. " And you're right; I know I'm the last person you need to tell you this, but you're an incredibly brave woman, and I should be grateful, not an asshole. And as far as Pucey goes, I'll rip out his heart if he tried to lay a hand on your again. Just say the word."

She gave a small turn of her lips.

"Thank you."

He nodded, extending a hand.

"Friends, then?"

She shook it.

"Something like that, yeah."

He smiled.

"In that case, I should tell you, at the risk of getting that slap charm Ren told me about, that you look wicked beautiful tonight."

She smiled graciously.

"Thank you."

"You're a gorgeous woman, Lef," he continued.

"Don't push it," she warned jokingly.

He laughed, holding up his hands in surrender.

"I just mean some guy is going to be wicked lucky to marry you someday."
He was still smiling, but the insinuation was quick and unsavoury. Whoever this bloke was, he wouldn't be Draco. Despite her initial instinct to, Leolin decided to say nothing to this. She knew that someday Max and Gen would both be forced to watch Draco made her instead"

"What about you? When's your lady love's chariot due to arrive?"

He looked down, adjusting his bowtie simply to give his hands something to do.

"Not sure I'm the marrying kind. I think I'd rather join Ren in his banquet of easy woman."

She raised her eyebrows to signal she wasn't fooled by his caddishness.

"Haven't you heard?" she said mildly. "I put him on a diet. He's eating healthier these days."

He laughed.

"I don't know I'd exactly call Reagan Sharpe healthy fare."

"Maybe not," she agreed. "But she's certainly not junk food. She's going to be good for him, even if all she does is stomp of his heart a little bit. At least then we'll know he has one."

"Good to hear it," Max replied. "That means more bimbos for me."

She gave a sad smile.

"I know how much you miss her, Max. You don't have to pretend you don't, least of all for me."

He bit his lip, disarmed by her candor. Finally he nodded.

"Things like this that make me miss her the most," he admitted. "She was on the philanthropy board at St Meono's in Boston, and we went to tons of charity events." he smiled at the memory. "She was like you, running around shining like the friggin' sun and making everyone fall in love with her. She was just so brilliant and funny and passionate, and she always got the most obscene donations from people, men and women both. I remember coming home from the party and thinking, 'I can't believe this girl actually chose me'."

She touched his arm, and he seemed warmed by the gesture.

"I'm so sorry," she whispered.

He looked at her, eyes sparkling.

"Leolin," he said seriously. "Ren told me what happened with Pucey that night at the manor. It makes be sick for you."

"Don't be," she said gently. "It could have been a lot worse."

"I would honestly kill him tonight if I thought I could pull it off."

"I appreciate that," she said sincerely. "But I think I want that honour for myself."

"You've certainly earned it," he agreed. "More champagne?"

"Please," she said, trading her empty flute for a full one.

"I would accuse you of trying to get me drunk and talk me into shagging you, but at this points it's a bit 'been there, done that'."

He laughed, running a hand through his thick hair as his blue eyes sparkled devilishly.

"Again, at the risk of personal injury, that's a standing invitation. Any time you want an encore, let me know."

"You sound like Ren," she said, giving a resigned laugh. However, when she looked up it was to find him frowning.

"Do you know anyone in the IAO?"

"Yes," she said. "Wh—oh bollocks."

Crofton Teller was striding purposefully towards them in a rented tux, looking decidely immediately turned her back and took an overly-ambitious mouthful of her champagne before wretching off her earrings. The first she vanished with a practiced flick of her wrist, and the second she deftly transfigured into an obscene diamond ring that she slipped on her left hand.

"What—" Max began.

"For the next two minutes," she commanded. "Ask no questions and do everything I say."

She turned to smirk at Crofton, who was by this time practically on top of them, without another word.

"Naomi," he spit contemptuously. "Or should I call you Leolin?"

"Tex," she purred in response. "Lovely as always to see you. And your choice, of course. I assume you know my husband, Max Brankovitch?"

If Max thought this utterance was strange, he gave no indication of it.

"Charmed," he said, beaming down at his new bride.

"Likewise," Crofton said in a tone that suggested just the opposite. He barely glanced at Max before his steely gaze flicked back to Leolin. "Leolin Lefevre, you're under arrest."

"Excuse me?" Max demanded, taking a protective step forward.

"It is," Crofton continued sourly. "As I'm sure both of you are aware, against the law to provide the International Aurors Office with a false identity. Seeing as Miss Lefevre is in violation of that law, I'm placing her under arrest. Come along quietly and I won't embarass you in front of your friends."

"It's Ms., if you please," Leolin said calmly. "And considering that I did not, in fact, break any laws, I'm going to have to decline your offer. Respectfully, of course."

She flashed him a dazzling grin and he growled in frustration.

"You're got to be kidding me," he snarled.

"Hey," Max snapped, taking a step forward and consequently driving Crofton several back. At 5'9, he was closer to Leolin's 5'4 than Max's strapping 6'6. "Step back."

Crofton grudgingly obliged. Max's size and stature gave him formidable authority.

"Forgive me, Miss Lefevre," Crofton spit. "I didn't mean to interrupt your tawdry lie."

"Ms.," Leolin corrected again. "And I was invited to join the La Genie case under a false identity to investigate the possibility of a leak in the organisation."

"Without my knowledge?" Crofton demanded. "I was the officer in charge!"

"I know," Leolin said in condescendingly sympathy. "But unfortunately we couldn't exclude you as a suspect intially. Dn't worry; you were cleared of suspicion almost immediately."

"Newt Scamander's Hippogriff," he said sourly. "You don't actually expect me to believe any of this, do you?"

"Again, your preogative," Leolin said, smirking. "But I would, considering it's the truth and it will be very embarassing for you if you didn't."

"And your supervisor?"

"Classified, I'm afraid," Leolin said flippantly, smiling at Max as he eased a fresh martini into her hand.

"This is garbage," Crofton growl. "Your slimy lawyer can tell this sorry yarn at your trial. I'm placing you under arrest. Let's go."

Max put on a hand on Crofton's chest, asserting himself solidly between Croften and Leolin now

"Not without a warrant, you're not," Max snapped

"And you're going to stop me?" Crofton said.

"Is there seriously any doubt in your mind I could?" Max shot back.

"If you don't step aside, I will arrest you for obstruction of justice."

"Afraid you'll need a warrant for that, too," Max said.

Crofton knew he was quickly losing ground, and he visocusly fought to gain it back.

"Assuming your story is true—"

"Which it is," Leolin said mildly.

"Which it isn't," he snarled. "How do you intend to explain your friendship with the daughter of Europe's most dangerous crime family?"

Leolin laughed heartily.

"You can't seriously believe I would investigate an art crime and not look into Severina Borgia, can you? Honestly, Crofton, it's no wonder you haven't caught La Genie yet!"

"Except I have!" he cried, exasperated. "In fact I'm looking right at 'him'."

"Now you're accusing my husband? Merlin, Tex, you're all over the place!" she said, eyes twinkling merrily.

"I have you, Genie," he sneered. "And you're going to pay."

Just then Draco approached, smirking at Max and blatantly ignoring Crofton.

"Brank," he said congenially. "You're looking fighting fit. You ready?"

"I would be," Max affirmed. "If my wife were rooting for me and not Wales,"

She bent her head back to receive his kiss, and though Crofton didn't catch it, Draco's eyes flashed.

Draco gave Leolin a fake wink before finally deigning to look at Crofton.

"Have we met?" He said mildly. "I never forget a face." He narrowed his eyes in thought and condescending scrutiny before snapping his fingers. "Ah, that's right; we met in Greece. Camden Tanner, right?"

Draco extended a hand.

"Crofton Teller," Crofton said, his clip-on bowtie. "And why am I not surprised you're involved in this charade?"

"Because my father is the British Minister of Magic and he's the one who appointed Leolin to find your leak?"

Leolin sneered at his boldness and turned away as Draco smiled.

"Drake!" Leolin said in faux reproach. "That's classified!"

Draco shrugged.

"I'm just trying to keep poor Camden from embarrassing himself. Trust me, Teller, you do not want to make an enemy of my father."

"You're making a grave mistake protecting her, Malfoy. When I bring her down, I'm bringing you down with her."

"Are you threatening me?" Draco demanded. He was not quite as tall or as bulky as Max, but besides Xavier and perhaps Adrian, he had the fiercest aura of anyone Leolin knew. Crofton took an instinctive step back. "Becaue you have no idea all the ways I could ruin you."

"He's right, Teller," Max warned. "Step down."

Croften, seeing that he was outmatched, bared his teeth at Leolin.

"This is over," he warned her, snatching a martini from a passing tray and taking a large swallow before giving Draco an ugly look as well. "And you're not without your limits, Malfoy, and neither is your father."

"Well sink me if you aren't right," Draco mocked,weaving his head back and forth. "But good luck finding them."

He fished the olive out of Crofton's martini and popped it in his mouth. "Have fun this weekend, Camden. We'll see you at US match tomorrow morning."

Crofton sneered at Leolin, who winked salaciously. When he screamed in frustration, Max gave a protective frown and Crofton turned on his heel and stormed off. When he was gone, Leolin re-conjured her right earring, transfigured her left, and put them both back on.

"Thanks," Leolin said, glancing up at Max and giving Draco a chance to drink in her fitted cardinal gown.

"Happy anniversary, sweetheart," Max said wryly in response.

"Malfoy," Leolin said, ignoring Max's cheek and turning to drink Draco in. "Thank you."

His tux might have seemed black at first, but as he came closer Leolin could see it was actually a dark green, and it looked even more so next the bright red of Leolin's gown. The satin lapels of the jacket and matching bowtie were combined perfection. He hair was pushed away from his face in his usual style, and Leolin felt her heart pause of a second as she watched him approach. It overcompensated by hitting the next few beats with a renewed vigour, and all the oxygen rushing to her brain made her feel merely raised his eyebrows mildly.

"Does anything get between you and trouble?"

"It would be awfully boring if it did," she said, taking a sip of her martini. "Don't you think?"

"I suppose," Draco said, studying her beautiful face appreciatively. "Nice dress, by the way."

She raised her eyebrows.

"I think we can both agree this one suits me much better."

"Yes," he admitted. "I daresay we have to."

"Yeah, thanks, bro, I'm doing great tonight. Thanks for asking," Max added sarcastically, agitated by their sinful banter.

Draco gave him an imperious eye roll.

"I'm not going to tell you look beautiful, Brankovitch. You're going have to get Chaisson to do that for you. Speaking of which, where is your little puppy dog, Lefevre? He's using right on your heels."

"He's busy trying to get Reagan Sharpe to notice him," Leolin said evenly. "Where's Gen?"

"Right behind you, sugar."

They turned to watch Gen approaching a gown so pink it was particularly white. In fact, it reminded Leolin a bit of a wedding gown; she was sure that was intentional.

"Play nice, Lefevre," Draco warned.

"Why do you always say that to me and not to her?" Leolin demanded sourly.

"Darling," Gen said, sweeping towards Draco.

She let go of Ashley's arm and threaded her hands through Draco's silky blonde hair, kissing him a manner wholly inappropriate for the venue.

"What about me, Gigi?" Max demanded, and she flitted from Draco's arms to Max's.

As she did, Leolin and Draco met eyes. Leolin could see in his face that Gen's presence was causing him some sort of mild disturbance, and Leolin knew what it was. He shifted subtly from foot to foot as he looked back to Gen, and she could seeing the guilt lying across his shoulders like a coat of iron mail.

"Leolin," Gen said at last. "I love that dress. It's so seductive! You look gorgeous, like Satan's mistress or something."

"Genevieve," Draco drawled, annoyed. "Enough."

"No," Leolin said, giving a dazzling smile. "It's alright. I think she meant that as a compliment."

Gen gave a beautiful little laugh, and Max shook his head good-naturedly.

"Of course I did! As always, Leolin, you pull off the things no one else would dare to."

"C'mon, Genny," Max said, obviously aware of Gen's ability to make insults seem like compliments. "Don't be like that."

Max shot Draco a dark look too, mostly because he'd been privileged to what had transpired with Leolin and Draco before Gen had even arrived.

"Where's Felix?" Gen asked, looking at Leolin. "I haven't see the two of your separated in forever and a day."

"Oh I don't need him here," Leolin said sweetly. "He's given me plenty of new ammunition. Draco, you never told me that Gen could put her ankles behind her head! How charmingly bendy you must be."

Draco gave Leolin a cold look.

"I think we've had quite enough of that," Draco said imperiously.

Gen gave her a smug look, but Leolin returned it with a sparkling smile.

"That's right, Genny," Leolin said savagely, "Go and hide behind Daddy."

"What's your problem, Lefevre?" Draco demanded.

Leolin turned to face him again, forcing him to drink her in fully.

"I don't have one. Excuse me."

"Wait, Leolin, wait!"

She had swept off at a pretty quick clip, but it had only taken Max four jogging strides to catch up with her.

"What?" she demanded.

He laughed.

"You're the least annoying person here. If I get you another drink will you stay and keep me company?"

She eyed him.

"Gin martini, please," she said, and he nodded.

"Be right back, then."

However, before he could hail a waiter, Felix had appeared and was offering her one, keeping her pleasant buzz buzzing.

"Damnit, Ren," Max said good-naturedly. "Why do you always have to steal my thunder?"

Felix gave an arrogant smile as Leolin took a sip.

"Just call me Zeus," Felix said smugly.

"Certainly not," Leolin said in dry voice.

"Jupiter."

"No."

"Thor?"

"Fuck off, Ren. Its douchy when people try to give themselves nicknames," Max pointed out, though he was smiling. "Especially when they already have one."

"Maybe I want to trade Ren in!"

Max wasn't listening.

"Oh wow," he breathed, and they following the direction of his gaze to Severina, who was descending the stairs, her body glued to Xavy's.

The dress, much like Severina herself, was intoxicating. It was backless, beaded, and, as per, the bottom part was covered in ostrich feathers in an enchanting peacock blue.

"Who's she got with her?"

"That's Xavy's cousin Anaïs," she explained as the three of them watched her.

She was wearing an ornamental gown in a pale pink. At first her hair was white blonde. However, the minute her foot touched the bottom stair, it flamed a wild red. When Severina turned to speak to her, her skin was suddenly caramel and her hair auburn.

"She's a metamorphagus," Max said. "Interesting."

"And doesn't she know it," Leolin said. Anaïs admitted made her uneasy.

"Why is Borgia drunk?" Max said disapprovingly. "This is serious."

Severina wasn't drunk, certainly, but it was obvious by the way she and Xavier were staring at each other that they were buzzed.

"No," Leolin said, smiling widening. "That's her play. She plays drunken temptress and she gets all the information she needs. Watch."

They did, and no sooner had she hit the floor than Xavier was sweeping away to fetch her a drink. Dom Godfrey, who was one of Adrian's low-ranking thugs, and she pressed her hand to his chest as he said something and she laughed.

"See?" Leolin said.

"Brilliant," Felix agreed, watching as the glittering Borgias worked the room in tandem.

"They're Nag and Nagaina," Leolin said. "King and queen cobra."

"I only hope they're careful," Felix said, keen eyes scanning the ballroom. "Pucey reminds me of a mongoose."

They had little more time to discuss this before Max was looking someone and laughing.

"Oh no you don't," he called to the figure. "You're not going to trick me into getting drunk and fucking up the first match on Monday."

Kelly Troy smiled.

"No need, Yankee Doodle. Moran and I already agreed you should catch the snitch. Won't make a bit of difference, I'm afraid."

Leolin turned the face them, beaming. Kelly had a fetching redhead on his arm, her skin the colour of buttercream and her hair the shade of bright cinnamon. Her curls were wild, and they tumbled over her shoulders and down her back. She wore a shimmering gown in champagne, and it made her freckle-dusted skin glow.

"Leolin," Kelly said, his eyes sparkling. "This is my wife, Cara."

Cara beamed, adorable dimples forming in your cheeks.

"Oh Leolin!" she burst. "Is it weird if I ask to hug you?"

"Not at all," Leolin laughed, and she folded happily into Cara's arms.

Seeing her at last made Leolin's ache for Kelly dramatically less acute. Seeing the source of his happiness made her happier than she would have thought possible.

"I'm just so pleased to meet you," Cara said excitedly. "The boys can't shut up about you! Especially Ieuan. He makes you seem like a goddess."

Leolin laughed.

"I assure you I'm not," Leolin said.

"You look like one in that dress," Cara said. "Is this one of your step-mother's? I love her designs so much. This is one of hers," she explained, showing off her pretty champagne and sequined dress. "I had a bitch of a time picking it. I wanted all of them."

"This is one of hers," Leolin said. "Thank you. And I'm happy someone likes it; I was compared to Satan's mistress earlier."

"Don't suppose I have to ask who said that," Felix said dryly.

"Don't suppose you do," Leolin affirmed.

Kelly's eyes grew hard.

"Malfoy's here then, is he?"

"Ooh, where?" Cara demanded, craning her neck. "I promised Kelly I would duel him and gallantly restore my husband's honour."

They all laughed.

"He's right there," Max said. "In that stupid green tux."

"KT!" Cara said, scandalised. "You didn't tell me he was beautiful!"

"Ugh," Kelly said. "Not you, too!"

"Well, I'll still fight him, of course, but now I'm going to fell dead bad about it!"

"Ever the loyal wife, Cara Troy," he said softly, bending to kiss her.

She smiled, laying a palm and her head on his chest.

"I'm always in your corner, darling; you know that. Now, where'd I put my gauntlet?"

He winked at her before meeting Leolin's eye for a second. She nodded subtly. She'd never been gladder to have not kissed someone, and she vowed right then to spend the rest of her life trying to make it up to Cara.

"I always told Kelly that no one would ever truly be worthy of him," Leolin said, beaming at Cara. "I never dreamed I could be this wrong."

"It's the opposite, isn't it?" Kelly laughed, smiling down at Cara.

Cara flushed.

"Love you, KT."

"Oh bollocks," Kelly groaned. "Malfoy's heading over here."

"Of course he is," Felix said coolly, his jaw tense. "That's because Leolin's here."

"Right, well I'm out of here," Kelly said, wrinkling his nose. "I would like to go just one day without having to watch him slaver over Leolin. It's equal parts pathetic and unpleasant."

"But—" Cara protested, laughing.

"Cara Marie, we're not going to stay so you can ogle my archenemy!" Kelly laughed. "Off with you!"

Kelly was playing dragging Cara away, and she was playfully resisting.

"Can I just smell him? Just once. I bet he smells ah-mazing."

Leolin winked at her.

"He does."

"Kel-lyyyy," Cara fake whined, and he grabbed her around her slender waist, lifting her feet off the ground.

"We'll be back when Monsieur Le Twat has cleared off," Kelly promised. "Come on Woods, let's get you a drink."

Leolin's eyes sparkled as she watched them.

"I love her," Leolin announced. "She's amazing!"

"She really is something," Felix agreed before turning his eyes to the newcomers.

"Ginny!" Leolin said, beaming.

She felt on surer footing now that she'd had a bit of time, and she could see the glow in Ginny's cheeks. She was wearing a gown in a soft gray, one of her favourite hues, and the softness leant itself to her new condition. She'd yet to begin showing, but the flush in her cheeks told of her impending joy.

Leolin kissed her gently on the lips, trying to avoid Draco's eyes, which were on her now.

"Congratulations again," Leolin breathed, her joy sparkling her in storm-ridden eyes.

"And you, daddy," Leolin said, hugging Blaise as well, her face pressed to his navy tux. "Congratulations. Thinking of how beautiful she's going to be," Leolin said, taking both their hands. "Caramel skin, green eyes, and fire-kissed hair. You'll be fighting them off."

"She?" Blaise laughed in response. "He, you mean."

He and Ginny smiled at each other, and she tipped her chin up to receive his kiss.

"Healthy," Ginny said. "And fat like the Muggle Buddha. That's all I ask."

Leolin smiled, but the ache was swelling up again. She filled the void with gin, but it only remained full for a moment before circling down into a deeper drain.

"Where's Genny?" Max asked.

"Genevieve?" Draco replied coolly, smoothing his hair self-importantly. "I'm afraid she and Benton and back in secret conference again."

"Pity for you, then," Felix added casually. "All dressed up et personne pour la course de ton ego."

Draco smiled, though his tone was tart.

"Pourquoi ne pas garder ton petit langue fourchue derrière ton dents, Renard?"

"Ensuite, maintiens ton," Leolin bit back.

She was unwilling to let anyone insult Felix, even Draco.

"What are they saying?" Max demanded.

"Something about egos and forked tongues," Blaise affirmed. "I would guess it's less than friendly."

"You don't say," Max said. "Alright, enough of this circus. I'm going to find Genny."

"Quinn's dancing with Borgia's cousin," Felix said keenly, eying Reagan from across the ballroom. "I'm going in again."

"If you fuck this up, Chaisson," Draco warned. "I will kill you. Make no mistake about that."

"Oh fuck off," he said coolly.

He adjusted his bowtie and winked at Leolin before slinking off, leaving just the four of them.

"Shall we dance, darling?" Blaise asked Ginny.

His gaze was full of meaning and she nodded, and they swept off as well. Finally and it was just Leolin and Draco.

"That was rather noble of you, Lefevre," he commented taking a sip of his vodka drink.

"What?" she said mildly feigning casualness.

"You don't have to lie to us, you know," Draco said, eyes glittering as they turned on her. "Gin knows this isn't easy for you. She understands. She said you've behaved magnificently, but no one would blame you if you felt like being otherwise."

"Why should I be sad?" she asked, meeting his gaze. "She's my friend and I love her dearly. Besides, there's more than one path to motherhood," she said, chin up. "When the time's right, I'll find it."

"That's brave of you," Draco admitted. "You never fail to impress me."

"Much as you seem loathed to admit it," she said, eyes cast out to the glittering couples on the floor.

"Tonight I'll make an exception. For that dress and your impeccable conduct, if nothing else."

She nodded at him more fully, and there was something beautiful and dangerous glittering in his eyes.

"You're not always a good woman, Lefevre," he admitted, borrowing something she'd once told him. "But you're certainly one of the greatest I've ever known."

She had no idea what to say to that, but luckily she didn't have to.

There was a great disturbance at the top of the stars, and the photographers flashed furiously as the German anthem swelled.

"Who is that?" Leolin asked, watching a young German woman descending the stairs in a snow-white gown, her hand on her stomach.

"That's my new stepmother Regine," Draco said grimly. "She's four months pregnant with my father's new heir."

Regine was certainly not ugly, though she would've looked plain next to Narcissa even despite her extreme youth.

"How old is she?" Leolin asked as someone offered Regine a hand and she stepped onto the ballroom floor.

"She turned twenty-three in June. Her birthday is six days after mine. I turned twenty-six."

"She's younger than me," Leolin admitted. "I turn twenty-four this September."

"The fourteenth, I know; I haven't forgotten," Draco said stoically.

She knew they were thinking the same thing; she and Draco had agreed to start trying for a baby at midnight on her 24th birthday.

It became clear with a minute that Regine had spotted Draco and she was making for him, and Leolin made an impulsive decision.

She grabbed his hand and squeezed. For a minute his fingers remains immobile, but finally he reciprocated the gesture. She could hear his breathing increase.

"I'm here," he said softly.

"Draco!" Regine cried excitedly. "Come hug ihre Mütterchen!"

Draco smiled, extending his arms.

"Good to see you, little sis," he said, and she folded against him.

"Do see how round I've gotten?" she beamed, touching her belly. "Your new brother is going to be strong."

Draco smiled, though Leolin could see the pain etched in the smile creases. Narcissa had talked often about agony even the earliest days of her marriage were, and Leolin knew from Draco that her pregnancy had been extremely difficult. Much as he hated Lucius, she knew seeing Regine glow tugged at Draco.

"Ah frauline," Regine said, touching Leolin's cheek. "I have heard so much about your beauty! None of the stories do you justice."

"I'm sure that's not true, but thank you anyway."

Regine turned back to Draco.

"You need to come to the Manor more often, Draco! You're father worries, you know. He's said he hasn't seen you in months! Since the engagement party, he said."

Draco looked around mildly while Leolin tried not to outwardly panic at his side.

"I confess I was hoping I would see him tonight," Draco said. "Is he not here with you?"

Regine laughed, putting a hand on her stomach.

"Nein," she said, eyes merry. "I wish. He had some sort of work function in London, I'm afraid.

However, there was something more latent shining in them that suggested she was perhaps not as eager to be with her husband as she seemed. Draco gave a sympathetic frown.

"I'm sorry to hear it."

Regine smiled, touching his arm. Had this been a cry for his help? Leolin couldn't tell.

"I should make my rounds. I will see you at the first match on Monday. Germany und Argentina?"

"I'll be there," Draco agreed, and she smiling, brushing a last kiss on his cheek before sweeping off.

When she was gone, Draco turned to Leolin.

"Are you alright?" he asked seriously, eyes skating across her face concernedly.

"Me?" she asked, heart still pounding. "Yeah. Why do you ask?"

"Lefevre," he said, sounding bored. In reality she knew he was just fighting not to seem outwardly concerned. "I am pretty sure the people on the other side of the ballroom can hear you panting; that's how loud you're breathing."

"Sorry," she mumbled. "I'm fine."

Draco was still looking at her.

"Does he really terrify you that much?"

She thought about the wedding day and all the crucios and Adrian's lips forcing hers, and her heart was suddenly in her throat again.

"Yes," she admitted breathlessly.

"It worries me that he isn't here tonight," Draco said, eyes scanning the ballroom. "And that Pucey's got Blake and Thivierge criss-crossing the place. It feels like—"

"—trouble," she breathed. "I know. I feel it too. We need to keep our eyes open at the matches. Could be Adrian is going to use them as a distraction to corner important people.

Draco nodded, listening without comment as Leolin fought to get her breathing under control.

"Are you alright?" he said again at last. "Can I get you another drink?"

No sooner had he snapped his fingers than a cool martini glass was being eased into her hand.

"Take a sip, Lefevre," he urged. "You look like you could use a little Dutch courage right about now."

She did as she was told, and she admitted felt a little calmer.

"Thank you," Leolin said. "I needed that."

He rewarded this with an intense look.

"I can't have you driving yourself off the bleeding edge," he said. "I still need you."

"A charming sentiment," she said somewhat sourly.

She looked up at him and his eyes were glittering again.

"Dance with me."

"What?" she demanded.

"Dance with me," he replied, extending a hand.

"You hate dancing," she scoffed.

"Then you should be flattered I'm making this exception."

Leolin looked at his hand and forced herself not to bite her lip. She knew she shouldn't. Draco could lash out if things got to intense, or she might tip Adrian off to the kind of progress she was making. There was also Gen, who always seemed to find a way to make Leolin suffer when it came to Draco.

"We shouldn't," she said, looking away from his outstretched palm.

"Why is that?"

"You're engaged, for one."

"Gen's still out with Brankovitch," Draco said seriously. "Besides, it just a dance. It doesn't mean anything."

Leolin turned back around, her conviction waning quickly.

"Drake," she said softly. "We can't do this again."

"We aren't doing anything again," he said softly. "Just dancing."

She finally acquiesced by putting down the rest of her drink, vanishing the glass, and taking his hand. She gently found the gown's wrist loop, pulling the trailing hem off the floor to make movement easier.

He extended his left arm out, the fingers of his right hand warm as they rested on her bare back. Her right hand gently sank into his outstretched left, and she put hand tentatively on his strong shoulder. They began to swing, cutting a dazzling figure as they did. The dark green of his coat was a perfect complement to her bright gown, and he swung her effortlessly across the floor, almost as if she weighed nothing.

Leolin was feeling breathless again as the music began to fade from one song to the next, and she tried not to look at Draco. However, when the piano strains began for the next song, she had to sag against him, momentarily unsteady on her feet. The violin had begun to whine now, and Leolin's head was spinning faster than her feet.

She looked up at Draco, meeting his glittering gaze.

"Did you do this?" she demanded.

"No," he said, eyes on fire.

Leolin looked away. This was the song they'd intended to be their first dance. It had no lyrics, and was plaintive yet sweet. It tugged at Leolin so hard it felt that the fibers keeping her together would all snap. Leolin didn't know why, but the song had always reminded her of a collection of love sonnets she'd once read.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,

I love you simply, without problems or pride:

I love you in this way because I don't know any other way of loving.

The hand on his shoulder tightened as she fought to remain calm and avoid looking at him. She honestly wasn't sure what would happen if she did.

I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,

in secret, between the shadow and the soul

The hand on her back was more insistent now, and she didn't fight him. She bent more fully into his form, their breath mingling as they fought the inevitable pull which had taken hold that morning in the dress shop.

Bitter love, a violet with its crown of thorns in a thicket of spiky passions, spear of sorrow, corolla of rage: how did you come to conquer my soul? What brought you"?

Leolin couldn't take it anymore, and she looked up at Draco, desperate to know if he was feeling the same thing she was. He was looking at her in a way he hadn't in a long time, and it resonated in a place so deep inside her soul, she'd forgotten it had existed. Leolin closed her eyes, and it was easy to transform the ballroom in her mind. Soon enough she had them swirling around the marble floor of the Manor. She could see her wedding gown, and suddenly it was so vivid it was almost as if she were wearing it.

Something occurred her, and even as the idea surfaced she knew it was a terrible idea. After all, she'd never done legimency, and this could do more harm than good. Still, she had to try.

She closed her eyes again, recalling her fantasy and pushing it outward. She could feel the barrier when she reached the perimetre of Draco's solitary mind. It was extremely well-guarded, but after a second he seemed to have dropped his defenses, allowing her vision to wash over him as well.

When Draco's mind had taken up the fantasy it instantly grew in potency, and it seemed to sustain itself. Leolin wondered if anyone could see them; she could only imagine what they looked like clinging to each other.

The song was reaching its straining climate, and the energy charging between them increased with it.

"Cal—" Draco croaked painfully, licking his lips.

He was breathless, the blue glints shining in his eyes making them truly resemble gems.

"I love you," she breathed as the song ended.

Draco hand's dropped away from her, and Leolin realised the dance floor was actually quite crowded.

His fingers ghosted across her cheek, as if he wanted to cup it but couldn't.

She tipped her head back into his touch, and he looked ready to walk away, but at the last minute he changed his mind, wrapping an authoritative hand around her neck and pushing forward for a short, brutal kiss. There was more tongue and teeth than actual lips, but Leolin still relished in it. She grabbed his satin lapels to try and hold him, but he tugged them off as once.

"I'm sorry," he grit out, his eyes the very portrait of anguish and longing as he gazed down at her. His eyes traced her lips even as his hand fell limply to his side. "Callie, I—I have to go. Please—don't follow me."

"Drake please!" she begged desperately, as he strode away, cutting a path through the couples and moving quickly off the dance floor. Leolin knew without a doubt he was going to find Gen and reassure himself that had been a mistake.

In this part of the story I am the one who dies,

The only one, and I will die of love because I love you,

because I love you, Love, in fire and in blood.

She turned away from the direction he'd disappeared, and she would have collapsed onto the floor if it weren't for the strong arms that caught her.

"Shh," a voice soothed quietly. Leolin looked up at Xavier, who was watching her seriously, eyebrows synched. "Breath, cariña," he ordered her gently.

She could feel herself beginning to hyperventilate, which pushed panicky tears to the corners of her lids.

"Look at me," he demanded softly. "Leolin, look at me. I know you're hurting, but you can lose yourself here. There are too many enemies around. Look at me; I need you to breath. Breathe, cariña. You have to keep breathing."

She didn't immediately do as he said, but he was insistent. He murmured a spell, and suddenly Leolin's oxygen seemed like it was on loop. She was breathing in her own air.

"Take a big breath of that," Xavier said. "It will help you relax."

Leolin did as she was told, her eyes wild.

"That's it," Xavy urged. "Breathe. Keep breathing."

Finally, she nodded, the panic subsiding. When she was done she felt spent, and she collapsed her head against his shoulders, tears staining the velvet of his lapel. He put a soothing hand to her head.

"Xavy," she wept, and he pressed a kiss to her temple, his eyes cold and dark as he surveyed the scene; it was the look of a father protecting his child, and he looked terribly fierce.

"It's alright, carina. Don't cry. This isn't over."

"I thought I'd find you here."

Leolin didn't turn at Felix's utterance, just continued staring out over the stone railing of the terrace that overlook the breathtaking landscape beyond. It was cold, but she was dressed in only in her gown, her feet bare. Leolin leaned into Felix's warmth as he wrapped his arms protectively around her shoulders from behind.

"I saw what happened," he said softly, pressing a kiss on her temple. "Are you alright?"

"Not really," she admitted, taking a deep breath.

"I don't know how many more times I can do this, Ren. It's killing me."

"Then don't," he said softly. "Wait until we've broken the chain."

"October 24th is four months away," she said. "Time's running out."

"But it hasn't yet," Felix pointed out, urging her to turn and face him. "Keep the faith, bichette. Please, just for a little longer."

"You saw what happened," She countered. "It's what always happens. We come this close, then the gag drags Draco under and he runs back to Gen to reassure himself he loves her, and she wraps her tentacles a little tighter. Every time we go through this, I'm just pushing him towards her."

"No," Felix said softly. "That's not true. And I did see you tonight. I saw the way he was looking at you. I saw the way he kissed you. Lai, this is far from over. Trust me on that."

She nodded, and he shrugged out of his smart dinner jacket and eased it over her bare shoulders.

"It's going to be alright. Tomorrow will be kinder. You'll see."

She nodded again, pulling the jacket more fully over her shoulders. She found a flask in the inner pocket, and she took it out and took a sip. It was Odgen's, and the firewhiskey warmed her stomach.

"Have we heard anything from Adrian's camp?" she asked finally.

Felix shook his head, accepting the flask from her and taking a draught.

"He and Thivierge disappeared fairly early. It makes me nervous. Could be they're planning something big for tomorrow."

"Or he just wanted to get a shag in," she said, bowing her head.

He wrinkled his nose and she nodded.

"I know. How did it go with Sharpe? The fact neither of your legs are broken is an encouraging sign."

"Pas vraiment," he admitted. "I could never quite get to her; Quinn's got her on an annoyingly tight leash."

"It's annoying he has her on one at all," Leolin grit out. "Honestly, he's such a swine. She's a bloody saint for putting up with his shite."

"Je sais," he said. "I agree. And Merlin, she looked good enough to eat in that dress."

"Normally a would be revolted," a voice echoed. "But I'm feeling charitable, so just this once I'll be flattered instead."

Reagan was barefoot too, though she wore a trendy dusty over her metallic gown. Her left eye was green again, and it sparkled with mischief. There was a bottle of expensive vanilla vodka in her hand, and she took a casual sip. Felix was still eying her appreciatively, and Leolin furtively slapped him on the back of the head to make him stop. Reagan didn't notice.

"You alright, Sharpe?" she said instead.

Reagan shrugged.

"Can't complain too much, I suppose. I slipped Jaime a sleeping draught; he's passed out cold on our bathroom floor."

Felix laughed, and she rewarded his mirth with a wry smile.

"I just couldn't bring myself to fake another orgasm tonight," she explained. "And he was decently drunk anyways. He'll just assume he drank too much. I contemplated giving him a puking pastille first, but that seemed like too much of a bother."

"So what are you doing with your night off?" Felix said, trying to sound casual.

She gave him a cool look.

"Sleeping blissfully alone. Honestly, whoever invented cuddling should be tarred and feathered."

The comment was unexpectedly painful for Leolin. She thought of how it always felt when she laid in Draco's arms. It had been over five years since she'd done so, but she could still feel his warm, soft breath on her neck as he lay sleeping beside her.

"I should go," Leolin said abruptly, sliding Felix's coat off her shoulders and offering it back to him. "It's been a long day."

"Do you want me to come with?" Felix said, sensing her distress at once. "I can sleep on the couch."

"No," she said, as if the wound from her and Draco's dance reopening and issuing blood. I'm just going straight to bed. But thank you." She took off the earrings and handed them back before touching his cheek affectionately. "Have a good night; I'll see you tomorrow morning. Sharpe, see you when I see you. Good luck with Quinn."

"Sweet dreams, Lefevre," Reagan replied, taking another swig of vodka.

"Bon soir, bichette," Felix said. "And lock your door."

She nodded, blowing him a kiss and heading out. There halls were quiet, all the quidditch players having long since retired in anticipation of the matches. The only people she saw were drunken couples kissing and fondling each other before retreating to their rooms to indulge in their carnal desires.

Leolin imagined she and Draco doing the same thing, undressing each other and shagging with desperate passion on the sofa or the soft rug. She pictured herself ridng him into ecstasy, eyes closed. However, as she opened them, even in her fantasy, it was Adrian below her instead of Draco, and she immediately sick to her stomach.

She quickly admitted herself to her suite, muttering several protective charms before leaning heavily against the door. She could feel tears forming, and she tipped her head back to push them to the outer corners. She thought about what Felix had said about keeping the faith. He was right; if she gave up now, she would regret it forever.

Wiping her eyes, she trudged into the bedroom and dispassionately shred her dress and flopped down face first, fighting the need to weep even as she fell away.

Leolin's eyes snapped open to the sound of distant screams. What time was it and what was going on? Suddenly she realised there was a dark figure looming over her, and she made to scream. However, they clamped a hand over her mouth before she could.

"Shh," the woman said desperately. It was Annalysse Blake.

Leolin struggled against her, but Annalysse shook her head, a wild panic in her sloped eyes.

"I know you have no reason to trust me," Annalysse breathed. "But if you want to avoid something truly unpleasant at Adrian's hands tonight, shut up and do everything I say."

#CLIFFIE

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TRANSLATIONS

"Come se va?"—How are you

"Isadora, por favor no lo toques su pelo. Tus manos están sucios"—Please don't touch her hair. Your hands are dirty.

"et je serai toute à toi."—and I will be only yours.

"Comment ça va ici, lapin?"—how's it going in here?

"Hello, Felix. Tellement agréable de te revoir."—How good to see you again.

"Tu peux dire 'renard'?"—can you say 'fox'?

Lebewohl—see you (bye)

"Prenons une nomme"—let's take a nap

"votre Altesse"—your majesty

"mais je vais gagner la prochaine"—I'll win the next one

"pompier"—arrogant

"Je parie que être un ivrogne hilare"—I bet you're a hilarious drunk

"éouter"—relax

"Cymru am byth."—Wales forever.

"et personne pour la course de ton ego."—and no one to stroke your ego.

"Pourquoi ne pas garder ton petit langue fourchue derrière ton dents, Renard?"—Why don't you keep your little forked tongue behind you teeth?

"Ensuite, maintiens ton."—Only if you hold yours.