Chapter 29: Hickory Dickory Dock
Hickory, Dickory, Dock
The mice ran up the clock.
The clock struck twelve,
The mice ran down,
Hickory, Dickory, Dock
Adrian had been waiting for over an hour, and he'd begun to grow impatient. He twirled his ebony wand through elegant fingers as he stood stock still, glittering eyes scanning the throng of seedy passers-by for a man called Edouard Galafete. He adjusted the collar of his shirt, which was sticking to his neck from the sweat. Eventually he unbuttoned another button and sneered; he was in an irritable mood. He'd spent far too much time Stateside in the last eight months, most of it in the South, which at this time in the year sweltered with a wet, sticky heat. The whole bloody country was far too…American for his taste. He was sick of the bleeding accents and the annoying division between regions, particularly the North and South. . He was sick of chasing twats like Beau Taylor around, waiting for them to mess up and make a mistake. Their attempts to crack the American spy ring had largely been in vain, and more often than not, weeks of work would go wholly unrewarded.
This trip was different, though. The American spy chain, Lucius had said, were no longer Adrian's main concern. At first Adrian had been pleased; if he had to spy on one more useless Yankee conversation, he was going to beat someone bloody. However, after three days without instructions, Adrian's mood had quickly soured. To start, he hadn't been allowed to bring anyone with him, including Torrii. She was both helpful in extracting information and a welcome distraction, and he'd grown used to relying on her from the things he was either unwilling or unable to do himself; not having her around to do his dirty work was tedious and irritating. What was more, he knew that she spent her nights with Langdon McNair when he was away, and despite the fact he had no interest in her, it annoyed him to have to share.
The minister had kept the details of what he wanted Adrian to do maddeningly vague, and the ambiguity, paired with everything else, was grating Adrien's last nerve. The owl Lucius had sent had simply said, "Go to the French Quarter and bring me Jean du Bones."
He'd given no indication of who this Bones was or how Adrian ought to go about finding him. Adrian had spent nine and ten hours days asking around, but he had yet to be reward for his efforts. The people of New Orleans treated the name with either annoyingly flippant laughter or blatant fear. Either way, no one seemed eager to tell him the story. It wasn't until seventeen days into the trip that he'd had any success.
By mere coincidence, he'd walked in a dingy bar on the very edge of the Quarter and was greeted by a pretty barkeep who was in the place alone. She had smooth dark skin and equally dark eyes, and her hair was piled atop her head and held in place by a silk scarf.
"Can I help you?" she said, her accent slow and musical.
"I hope so," Adrian said, approaching.
He had a fierce presence, he knew, and she seemed to sense it and backed away a step or two. He gave her a glittering smile, and she released some of the tension she'd been holding in her shoulders. He also knew how to be charming when it suited him.
"I'm looking for a man," Adrian continued casually. "Jean du Bones. Do you know him?"
"No," she said at once. There was fear flashing in her ebony eyes. "I don't."
Adrian approached, pushing a chair aside with a foot and leaning over the bar. She was a tall woman, solidly built, but he was taller still.
"Are you sure?" Adrian pressed.
"Yes," she repeated more emphatically, as if trying cover her fear with a more definitive tone. "I don't know him."
"Hmm," Adrian said in fake ponderance. "Are you sure you're sure?"
"Yes," she said.
"I hate being lied to," Adrian warned her.
If she didn't start cooperating, he was going to bend her over the bar and teach her a lesson. He wanted to know if her nipples were as dark as her skin.
She considered, her fear more blatant now.
"It's just a story," she said at last, fretful. "A ghost story mothers tell disobedient children."
She was not the first to tell him this. Unfortunately for her, he'd grown tired of that response.
He grabbed her by the upper arm before she could retreat any further.
"What do they say?"
"They say—" she paused, clearly at war with herself. "They say that he was a bokor once, a witch doctor, and for the right price he can bring people back from the dead."
"And are these stories true?"
She shook her head too quickly to be convincing in her next lie.
"No. Of course not."
"You seem awfully certain," Adrian pointed out fiercely.
"Bones is not real," she said, trying to misdirect him. "And there is no such thing as bringing people back from the dead. Even for the bokors."
She clearly didn't believe that was true.
"I don't think I like that answer," Adrian snarled. "Why don't you try again?"
"I have already told you!" she pleaded. "Please, I don't know any more than that."
Her lying had grown tedious.
"Stop to lying to me," he demanded. "And you tell me what you've heard. If you don't, you won't like what I do to you."
He squeezed her arm harder and she cried out.
"Tell me," he demanded. "Is Bones real? Where can I find him?"
"I don't know!" she whaled. "Just a story mothers tell their children. The stories never give specifics. They are just stories!"
"If the stories are made up, hen why are you so afraid?" he repeated.
She didn't answer.
Still gripping her right arm with his left, he reached back with his right hand and slapped her as hard as he could across the face.
"Answer me!"
He'd run out of patience.
"I—I do not know anything! I have only heard rumours. Whispers."
"If you don't know, then who does?"
"The bokors! Down near the Rue Dauphine!"
"Names," he demanded. "Give me names."
"Hypolite Fazande," she stammered. "On la Rue Bienville."
Adrian jerked her closer until his cool breath fell on her face.
"If you're lying to me, I'll be back."
She nodded, backing away when he finally released his grip and rubbing her arm ruefully.
With that he'd swept out, making his way immediately to the Rue Bienville. He'd found Fazande within hours, but he too had insisted that Bones was simply a myth, and unfortunately for him, Adrian knew that he too was lying. He could see in the man's dark eyes that the man knew more than he was saying, and Adrian had slit his throat for his trouble. However, that was not before Fazande gave him another name. Leonide Surasses on la Rue St. Louis.
Surasses was immediately more forthcoming, though it had admittedly earned him little advantage; he'd met the same bloody end as Fazande. He'd not admitted that he knew Bones was real, but he confirmed that from time to time the quarter buzzed with a stranger from afar seeking the supposed myth. When they came calling, Surasses sent them to Edouard Galafete. He was one of the most senior—not to mention most sinister—of the Quarter's witch doctors. If anyone was going to have the answer, it was Galafete.
Adrian stood in the shadows waiting for Galafete now. Everyone in the Quarter, even Fazande and Surasses, seemed afraid of him, but Adrian certainly wasn't. Let this Galafete do his worst; when Adrien did his, Galafete would be begging for death.
He waited patiently as Galafete emerged from a shadowy alley full of dark shops, looking around to make sure no one was following him. He had a fierce and haunted look about him, and his cheekbones protruded almost grotesquely from his otherwise gaunt face. His hooded eyes were an unnatural violet, and he moved with a jaunty, skeletal grace.
When Galafete was halfway down the alley, Adrian started after him. Galafete immediately sensed his presence and turned, throwing a crucio at once. Adrian casually caught the curse with the flick of his wrist, and it hovered as a ball of glittering light before Adrien hurled it back at Galafete. The elder man screamed, falling to his knees at once.
"ki moun ou?" the croaked in a hoarse whisper.
Adrian had regrettably come to know some of the more common creole phrases. The words made his lip curl; Haitian creole was such a poor excuse of a language.
"Nevermind who I am, Galafete."
"ki jan ou konnen non mwen?" the man asked, and Adrian leveled another crucio just for good measure.
"Speak English, you piece of filth."
"How do you do know my name?" the man asked through a thick accent.
"I make it my business to be well-informed," Adrian sneered.
"What do you want?" Galafete asked.
Adrian could tell he was trying to distract him so he could get a good curse in, so he cursed the man a third time before advancing and kicking him in the face.
Galafete cried out before crumbling to the cobblestones, blood dribbling from this mouth.
Adrian stepped forward, grapped Galafete by the back of his collar, and half-dragged him down the street to a shop he knew was abandoned. He preferred not to torture in public; it raised too many complications.
He tied Galafete to a rickety old chair and bound his hands. Galafete's head rolled forward; he was clearly fighting to remain conscious.
"Please," Galafete slurred. So much for his fearsome reputation. "What do you want?"
"Jean du Bones," Adrien said, twirling his wand through elegant fingers. "What do you know about him?"
"It's a story for children," Galafete said in a practiced tone. "There is no truth in it."
"That's not what your friend Surasses told me before I slit his throat," Adrien sneered.
"Leonide is young," Galafete defended. "And loves tall tales. He knows nothing."
Adrian grabbed Galafete's jaw, which had already begun to swell, so they were nose to nose. He cried out in pain.
"If Bones is a myth, why is he so feared?"
"Who wouldn't fear a man who could raise the dead?" Galafete defended lamely.
"No need to fear him if everyone knows it's a fairytale," Adrian pointed out.
"There are some who believe," Galafete ceded, "but they are ignorant. They do not know."
"Are you one of those?" Adrian pressed.
Galafete shook his head emphatically.
"I am a bokor; we know better the laws and limits of magic."
Adrian leaned down so they were nose to nose again.
"Then why do you seem so fucking afraid?"
"I am not!" Galafete pleaded.
Adrian crucioed him, and he twitched pathetically in his chair.
"I swear, Bones is not real!"
Adrian crucioed a third time.
"Stop lying to me or I'll take a finger next."
Galafete was heaving and sweating.
"Well?" Adrian demanded.
"Please," Galafete wheezed. "No more."
Adrien drew a long, thin knife, knelt down, and drove it into the man's foot with an incredible amount of force. Galafete screamed in pain.
"Tell me about Bones!" Adrien cried.
"Yes," Galafete cried. "Please. I will. Don't hurt me."
"Is he real?" Adrian pressed, removing the blade.
"Yes," Galafete breathed at last. "The stories are true. li se yon nekromanyen"
"How do you know?"
Fear flashed in Galafete's violet eyes.
"I have seen him."
"Where?"
"Not in this realm. Bokors, we can pass into shadow for short periods. Living men in the world of the dead. I saw Bones there. It is his kingdom."
"And he can bring the dead to this realm?" Adrian pressed.
Galafete didn't answer and Adrien drove the knife into the opposite foot.
"Yes!" Galafete cried. "li se yon nekromanyen!"
"How can I find him? How can I bring him here?"
"Don't ask," Galafete croaked. "Only dead men ask."
"Tell me!" Adrian said, twisting the knife.
"Them! Them! You seek Bones's payment."
"What are they?"
"I don't know."
Adrian twisted the knife.
"Please, please, I don't know!"
Adrian could tell he wasn't lying.
"Who does?"
"Only Charon knows. Only Charon could say."
"Charon?" Adrian demanded. "The ferryman?"
"Charon taught Bones the way back; he knows Bones's price."
"Tell me more!"
The man feebly shook his head. There was blood soaking his leather boot.
"I don't know. Only Charon knows. Only Charon could say."
"If I find Bones's payment, will he bring someone back?"
"Yes," Galafete croaked. "Find them and you will find Bones. Find them and bring them to Bones and he will do what you ask."
Adrian gave a grim smile.
"Avada Kadavra."
"We need to get out of sight," Gareth hissed after a second of tense silence following Kelly's announcement. "Or I will have done a fat lot of work for nothing."
They all exchanges glances fearfully. Leolin tried and avoided catching Draco's flashing quicksilver gaze. Cara, she noted, was trembling like a leaf.
"In there," Ginny hissed, gesturing to a door to their left. They all looked around again, but no one moved.
"Well do you have any better ideas?" Ginny snapped at them, and finally Blaise nodded, grabbing Ginny's hand and edging to the spot she'd indicated. After a moment everyone followed. When Gareth, who was the last one filed in, Beau snapped the door shut behind him. The space seemed to be a library of sorts. The light inside was low, and it felt deceptively safe.
"Now what?" Harry said finally, sounding shaken.
"We should split up," Gen said at once, her gaze flitting to Leolin so briefly that only Leolin noticed. "Divide and conquer."
"Conquer what, though?" Blaise queried. "We came here for the meeting. I don't think any of us envisioned spending the evening with Adrian and his goons."
"I'll start hunting down the contacts I know and look for Max," Felix volunteered. "And I'll manage Sharpe."
They'd seen her when they'd first come in standing at the top of the stairs, a champagne flute in her hand as she gazed up at Jaime, looking bored as she listened to him speak. Felix and Leolin exchanged a glance. She knew he'd never admit it, even to himself, but she could see he was wounded by the knowledge she'd betrayed them.
"Take Rhydderich with you," Draco insisted. "He can help you manage Sharpe and you can keep an eye on him."
"I don't need a bloody babysitter," Gareth sulked.
"Until you prove we can trust you, General," Beau drawled. "You most certainly do. I'll start rounding up the lieutenants we know we can trust," Beau continued, already looking around. "When we do find Brank, we'll want to be ready to meet. All of us in the same room is a recipe for disaster."
"Good," Tieran affirmed. "We need to be ready to form our united front. We need the Americans on the same page."
"Chaisson," Draco ordered, making Felix clench his jaw in annoyance. "Take Gen with you. She can help the two of you look for Max and organize the others."
Draco eyes flitted to Leolin. Gen looked pained that Draco was ordering her away from him.
"No," Felix said automatically. "We don't have enough people to go three at a time. Gen can go with Taylor and help him round up the Americans while Rhydderich and I keep an eye on Sharpe and look for Brank."
"No," Draco snapped at once. "I don't want her going alone."
"She won't be alone," Harry said in irritation. "She'll be with Taylor. Keep up, Malfoy."
Draco narrowed his eyes at Beau. "I don't trust him with her."
"C'mon," Felix snarled. "Between Sharpe and this cretin," he jerked his thumb at Gareth. "I'm going to have my hands full. She a low priority for Pucey's crew."
"I've dealt with him before," Beau drawled. "I assure you I know how to handle myself. I'll have Genevieve's six if something comes up."
Draco frowned.
"I said no," he scolded firmly. "She's pregnant. I won't risk the baby's safety."
"You don't trust me to take care of her, General?" Beau sneered.
Leolin had forgotten that Beau and Gen had a past.
"No," Draco snapped. "I really don't."
"Jealous that I had her first?" Beau goaded.
"Beau!" Gen cried indignantly. "Please."
"I'll rip out your heart, Taylor," Draco said almost casually. Still, hatred glittered in his diamond eyes.
Leolin's throat ached. She hated watching Draco protect Gen, even if she understood why he was doing it.
"I'm with Chaisson and Taylor," Tiernan insisted. "She's tougher that you think, Malfoy, and Chaisson's right; we can't afford to go three at a time."
"I said no, goddamnit!" Draco growled.
"Then take her with you," Beau drawled. "Though that will honestly only put her in far more danger."
Gen looked at Draco hopefully, but he avoided her gaze.
"Alright," Draco said flatly. "G, you and I will look for Max and keep an eye on Adrian. Keep him off-balance. Taylor can round up the Americans."
"What about you, Lef?" Tieran said. "You're the one we really ought to be worrying about."
"I think you should stay here and wait for one of us to fetch you," Draco said.
"Absolutely not," Leolin said firmly. "We can't afford that."
"Consigue tu cabeza fuera de tu culo, Malfoy," Xavier snarled at Draco.
Draco clenched his jaw, infuriated by the fact Xavier was right.
"My head's up my arse, is it?" Draco demanded. "Why don't I shove my foot up yours, Borgia?"
"Stop," Pansy snapped in a thin voice. "This is neither the time nor the place."
"Looking at you, Malfoy," Harry said pointedly.
"Suck my cock, Potter," Draco shot back.
"Enough already," Beau drawled. "Y'all are not at Pig Pimples anymore."
"It's Hogwarts and you know it," Blaise grit out.
"Blaise, not now," Ginny warned.
"You infuriate me," Blaise snarled at Beau.
"You aren't my favourite either, Mocha Latte," Beau said casually, giving Ginny an obvious up-down.
"Oh my gods, Taylor!" Cara said fretfully. All the sniping was making her almost manic. "Stop being a twat or we turn you over to Adrian and let him torture you."
"A bit of an overkill, don't you think?" Beau defended, his tone still bored.
Gareth, perhaps seeing an opportunity to win some group favour, slapped Beau upside the head. Beau whirled at once, his hand clamped around Gareth's throat. The lack of oxygen turned Gareth's face red.
"Touch me again, you little rapist creep," Beau demanded. "I dare you."
"Let go," Ieaun urged.
Beau relinquished his grip grudgingly, and Gareth gave a hoarse cough.
"Are you done?" Tieran demanded of Beau, who tugged on his lapels to straighten his tuxedo jacket before adjusting his bowtie, which had gone escrew.
"For now," he sneered at Gareth.
"Right," Pansy said, her nervousness getting to her. "Lai, what is it you're going to be doing?"
"Looking for escape routes," Leolin said. "That way I'm out of the way and we have an way out for when the clock strikes twelve. I have a feeling we'll need to get out in a hurry."
"You can't go alone," Draco said at once. "It's out of the question."
"Merlin, Malfoy," Harry groaned. "Pick a side already."
"I saw the Faulkners when we came in," Pansy said, wanting to avoid another fight. "Tieran and I will put pressure on them and see what we can find out."
Tieran nodded.
"What about you two?" Harry asked Severina.
"We'll take Rawle and Thivierge," Severina said, face grim.
"What about Leolin?" Draco demanded. "We're going to let her be the only one who doesn't have someone to watch her back? Explain to me, after New Orleans, how that makes any goddamn sense."
"She won't be," Xavier said. "Potter can keep tabs on Leolin and make sure Adrian doesn't get a whiff of her."
"Hell no," Draco sneered. "Need I remind anyone what happened last time Potter was in charge of protecting Leolin? She almost died."
"Still not my fault," Harry snapped.
"He's right," Leolin cut in at once. "It was mine, Drake. You know that."
She gave him a pleading look, and he turned away, looking at Gen instead.
"What about me?" Cara croaked.
They all traded glances.
"Perhaps you ought to stay here for now. You can run point," Pansy offered kindly.
Cara gave a grateful nod. After hearing from Kelly, she didn't seem up to a firefight.
"I'll be ready when the time comes," she agreed, and Ginny—who was closest to her— took her hand and squeezed it reassuringly.
"We'll keep an eye on Rosier," Luke said, looking at Ieuan. "He always seems to be up to something odd he shouldn't be. I'm afraid it might be his job to distract the Americans. We'll make sure he doesn't succeed."
"Be careful," Blaise warned. "He's not nearly as dumb as he looks."
Luke nodded, and Ieuan squeezed his hand.
"And you?" Draco asked to Blaise.
"Gin and I will eavesdrop as much as we can. We'll keep it moving and see what everyone's job is. We'll have a better handle on how to fight back if we know their plan of attack."
"The tricky part is going to be communication," Gareth explained. "This charm will interfere with comms, make them more susceptible to hacking."
"Great," Harry groaned. "It was starting to get too easy."
"Only communicate when necessary, then," Tieran said. "And keep it brief."
"This is a disaster in the making," Beau growled.
"Nothing we can do about that," Felix pointed out.
"We've lingered here too long," Xavier pointed out. "We need to start moving."
They all looked at one another. Leolin's heart was in her throat, making it hard to breathe.
"Good luck," Ginny whispered. "Everyone be careful."
Draco caught Leolin's eye.
She nodded.
"Venga, Rina mia," Xavier said to Severina, jerking his head to the door. "Vaminos."
She nodded, accepting his hand. She turned back for a moment.
"Be careful, amici," she warned.
With that they slipped from the door.
"We should go, too," Ieaun said. "Rosier could be anywhere, and Merlin only knows what he's up to."
"Us too," Pansy said. "We need to make headway while Adrian's still in the dark. When he figures this out it's going to get infinitely harder."
She and Tieran followed out.
Cara wordlessly retreated a corner of the room and sank into a plush armchair that faced the fireplace, her back to them.
The crowd was thinning now, and as it did the tension in the room grew.
Harry turned to Leolin, ignoring Draco.
"I'm going first and scout," he told her. "Wait for me. I'll let you know when it's clear."
She nodded numbly.
"Floo if you're in trouble," he said in a soft plea. "I mean it, Leolin."
"I will," she intoned. "I promise."
She could feel Draco eyes on her back.
Harry gave Draco a grim look before turning to the door.
"C'mon, Drake," Gen said, tossing head in latent agitation. "We need to go."
Leolin tentatively turned to look at them. Gen's look was downright hateful, and she made a point of putting a hand to her stomach, her sparkling dress winking cruelly up at Leolin.
"Wait," Ginny said, surveying Gen.
"Now what?" Gen snapped
"That dress needs to go," Ginny pointed out. "It's too conspicuous. It's way too conspicuous."
Gen looked on the verge of frustrated tears, sneering at her counterpart.
"You can't do it using magic," Gareth interjected. "Too much magic on her is going to weaken the charm keeping her hidden."
"What do you propose then?" Felix said.
"I saw someone wearing a plain black dress when we came in," Ginny said. "It not perfect, but it's the best we have."
"You take Gen with you, then," Blaise said to Ginny. "Find this girl. Draco and I will do a preliminary sweep and met you two back up."
Ginny and Gen traded a nasty look.
"Fine," Ginny said. "Let's go, you."
Gen looked back at Draco mournfully, and he nodded.
"Go on, G. I will find you soon."
A singing tension hovered in the air, making it hard to breathe. Felix jerked his head at Beau and Gareth before leaning in to kiss Leolin's cheek.
"Be safe, ma belle. Je t'aime."
She nodded, touching her cheek.
"Always. And je t'aime aussi. Revenez me."
He nodded, ignoring Draco's hateful glare at Leolin's declaration of love and plea that Felix return to her.
"This century, foxy-boy," Beau drawled.
Felix followed without a word.
Now if was just Leolin, Gen, Draco, Ginny, and Blaise.
"C'mon Gen," Ginny said in a clipped tone. "We need to get you out of this dress before someone sees you in it."
Gen sneered at Leolin again but pushing herself against Draco, kissing him heatedly. He was stiff and wooden, but she didn't immediately relent. However, finally she was forced to, and Draco and Leolin both seemed to relax a little.
"I'll find you as soon as I can," Draco affirmed.
She nodded.
"I love you," Gen pressed.
Draco nodded tightly.
"I know," he said in a pained voice. "Take care of yourself and the baby. Please."
Gen nodded, eyes filled with tears. Leolin clenched her jaw, feeling oddly guilty.
"Gen," Ginny prompted. "We have to go."
Gen turned finally, wiping her eyes as she followed wordlessly out the door.
It was just Leolin, Blaise, and Draco now.
"C'mon Drake," Blaise said in a soft voice, eyes flicking between the couple. "It's time."
Draco nodded, but his eyes haven't left Leolin.
"Be careful," Draco demanded. "I mean it."
She nodded.
"I promise," she said.
He glanced at Blaise, who looked away in deference. Taking advantage of the privacy, he advanced, taking her cheeks and kissing her softly.
"I'll find you before the clock strikes twelve," he promised. "Wait for me."
She nodded, raising her chin again for another kiss. He dropped his forehead to hers.
"Until midnight, then," he said.
She nodded, biting her lip to keep the ball of emotion in her throat from rising like bile.
"Until midnight," she affirmed.
As they disentangled and Blaise jerked his head towards the door, Leolin's comm clicked on.
"We have a problem," Felix said. "Pucey has the ballroom completely sown up. There's no way through."
"Or back," Xavier replied. "Rawle and Nott are in the outer rim to form the dragnet. You're stuck."
"Can't you distract Rawle?" Blaise demanded, trading a hardened glance with Draco.
"Not without giving away Chaisson and the others' position. If we move on them, the trap's going to snap shut on anyone in the ballroom."
"So we're sitting ducks," Beau snapped. "Is that what you're telling us?"
"Borgia's right," Tieran said, unable to keep his voice from quaking slightly. "Pucey clearly studied this place inside and out. This whole thing is about go to Hell unless we act now."
"What are we supposed to do?" Ieaun all but pleaded. "We can't just sit here and wait for them to catch us!"
Leolin, who'd remained silent throughout the exchange, made up her mind. She turned to give Draco one last look before taking off. He seemed to anticipate her action from the look in her eyes, but he wasn't quick enough to grab her, and she was immediately off like a shot.
"Leolin!" Draco hissed through the comm as she weaved expertly to the ballroom. She naturally knew the layout far better than he did.
"What side of the ballroom is he on?" Leolin demanded, ignoring Draco.
"East," Severina replied. "What are you going to do?"
"Leolin, goddamnit," Draco cried more emphatically through the comm. "Don't even fucking think about it."
"What are you—" Harry began, but in a second his question was answered as Leolin burst full speed through the Easternmost doors of the grand ballroom. Her unceremonious entrance drew eyes like wildfire, and despite how crowded it was, she cut through the swell with ease.
"Leolin," Felix hissed. "What the hell—"
"Everyone get ready to move," Leolin instructed in a breathless whisper. Her heart was running mad in her chest.
"Leolin, don't!" Pansy warned, but it was too late.
"Adrian!" Leolin announced loudly, still shouldering past people and making her way towards the balcony at the Western end of the room. "Adrian Pucey!"
She was at the centre of the ballroom now, and she spotted him instantly at the top of the balcony surveying the crowd. Like Leolin, he was dressed all in black, and he looked fierce as ever. Torrii stood at his left, Annalysee at his right. She met his gaze boldly, opening her arms and letting him drink in her fitted gown and the serpentine figure underneath.
"Here I am, you prick," she called in challenge. She hoped desperately that she sounded brave, because in truth she'd never been more afraid. "You want me? Come and get me!"
He was already snarling orders at Torrii and Annalysse as she turned tail and fled, fighting through the crowd, which had become considerably less pliant following her outburst. Adrian, instead of following her into the melee, took off down the upper corridor that overlooked the ballroom. Tieran was right; Adrian knew the layout of the building intimately, and instead of chasing her, he was going to try and head her off.
However, knowing this only made avoiding him nominally easier, and she tried to take the most illogical route, cutting sharply back several times. However, the building was a circular design and no matter how you sliced it, Adrian was either going to end up chasing her or running into her.
"Scamander, Lefevre," Beau chided. "Are you crazy?"
"Rina," she said breathlessly in reply. "Ginny, Blaise, Ren. Did it work? Did you get out?"
"Yes," Tieran replied. "You were brilliant, Lefevre."
"Lai," Ginny breathed. "Where are you? Adrian was headed East, the last we saw him."
"I'm not sure where I am," Leolin admitted, spinning to try and find her baring. "The circle is throwing me off."
"Imagine it as a clock," Draco instructed. "The balcony was midnight. Now what time is it where you are?"
"I don't know," Leolin said, trying to judge the curvature of the darkened hallway she was in. "Four, maybe? Or seven, I can't really tell."
"I would guess Pucey ended up around nine/nine-thirty," Tieran said. "So be careful."
"I will," Leolin agreed. "But I honestly think I lost—"
"Lay-oh-leen."
"What was that?" Draco demanded.
"Fuck," Leolin whined to herself, trying each door, all of which were locked "Fuck. Fuck. Fuck."
"Is that Adrian?" Severina demanded.
The throaty purr was closer now, bouncing off the walls and trapping Leolin in.
"Come out, come out, wherever you are."
"Callie!" Draco called desperately, but Leolin immediately shut her comm off to avoid detection.
"I'm tired of all your childish antics, Lefevre," Adrian warned, voice steelier now. "Come here and face me."
She only had one more hall to try, and she was bleeding through hope fast.
"When I find you," Adrian promised, voice sounding closer still. "I'm going to rip that gorgeous little dress off of you and finally give you that lesson in respect."
Leolin slunk around the last corner, fighting hysteria when she unexpectedly slammed into a figure who'd emerged from one of the locked doors.
"Thenard, what are you—"
"Crofton!" Leolin hissed in relief, half-collapsing against her old rival. He stiffened at her touch, though his brow furrowed in concern when he saw the look on her face. "Help me," she pleaded as Crofton looked up towards the sound of Adrian's voice. "Please!"
He nodded, immediately pressing a palm to the door from which he'd just emerged. It shuddered in recognition of his touch and he pushed her inside.
"No matter what happens," he warned. "Don't open this door unless I tell you to."
They met eyes and she nodded wordlessly. There weren't an overabundance of things she admired about Crofton Teller, but his bravery was admittedly one of them. With one last grim look, he shut the door and she all but collapsed against it.
"You," she heard Adrian sneer. "Where's Lefevre?"
Leolin could practically see Crofton bristling self-importantly.
"I fail to see how that's any of your concern."
"Do you have any idea who I am?" Adrian demanded. "Step aside, yank."
"I know exactly who you are, Captain Pucey. But this is American soil. I'm afraid being the British Minister's attack dog doesn't hold much weight here."
"I know Lefevre is behind that door," Adrian said. "Give her to me. Now."
Leolin held her breath.
"I haven't seen her since she arrived," Crofton countered coolly. "And even if she were with me, I assure you that you are the last person I would be handing her over to."
"This is your last chance," Adrian snarled. "I'm warning you."
"Then consider me warned," Crofton replied.
"Give her to me or I will kill you and drag her out over your corpse."
"An empty threat," Crofton pointed out. "Your wand won't work inside the embassy, and my men outnumber yours ten to one. You're in over your head, Captain. Back. Off."
"I—"
"Adrian!" came Annalysse's voice through this comm. It was faint, but Leolin could still here it clearly. "I just saw Lefevre. She must have doubled back. I'm following her now."
After that the her voice died away, and Adrian gave a growl of frustration.
"After I find Lefevre," he warned Crofton. "I'm coming back to deal with you, Teller."
"When you see her," Crofton snapped back. "Tell her I'm still looking for her."
Adrian gave one more throaty snarl before heading off. When he was gone, the door shuddered again and Crofton appeared. He was paler than usual, but his annoyingly self-righteous expression was otherwise unchanged.
He nodded to her grimly, and Leolin exhale a breath and clicked her comm back on.
"Leolin!" Severina burst. "Where are you? Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Leolin said with another exhale as she eyed her dubious new ally. "I'm with Tex."
"Teller?" Severina said, laughing prettily in relief. "Tell him I say bona sera!"
He sneered at Leolin, who was smiling faintly now, too.
"Only the two of you could remain glib in the face of mortal peril," he accused.
Leolin's smile widened slightly.
"Did you hear that, Ri?" Leolin said mirthfully.
"I just saved your ass," Crofton sneered. "Is that really all the thanks I get?"
Leolin sobered up considerably.
"You're right," she admitted in a soft, sheepish voice as Severina clicked off the comm. "I'm sorry."
"So how do you know the good Captain?" he asked after a beat or two of silence.
"We were schoolmates at Hogwarts."
"And what does he want with you? It seems—" he paused uncomfortably. "—personal."
"I suppose it is," Leolin said, biting her lip."I think if you hadn't of showed he might have—"
He shook his head.
"You're stronger than that, Thenard," he said in a gruff but reassuring gesture.
"Please," she said quietly, smiling sheepishly again. "Call me Leolin."
Leolin comm cracked again.
"Callie!" Draco's voice croaked. "Tell me you're alright."
"I am ," she affirmed. "I'm with Crofton Teller."
"Camden Tanner?" he asked dryly. "How is he?"
Crofton scowled.
"Not in the mood for jokes, at the moment," she said delicately.
"How did you shake Adrian?"
"Blake threw he off the scent after Teller covered for me," Leolin said.
"Leolin," Draco said more seriously. "Don't ever do that again. Do you understand?"
"You know I can't agree to that," Leolin said, wishing she didn't have to share her private conversation with Crofton Teller, of all people. "I'm his weakness, Drake. I have to exploit that."
"You scared me," Draco said softly. "I was afraid I was going to lose you."
"You know I'm tougher than that," she assured him. "See you at midnight."
Her tone was full of meaning, and Crofton seemed to sense that what she was really saying was 'I love you', because he rolled his eyes and grit his teeth.
"I'll be waiting," Draco said, and with that he clicked off.
Leolin turned to Crofton.
"You ought to know that Pucey brought his whole crew for a reason. I think he's going to try and take this place tonight and quell American support before it starts."
"Then he's going to be disappointed," Crofton said in a hard voice. "There stars and strips aren't so easily broken. You can tell him I said that."
"I'd prefer not to," she admitted. "I'd rather you lot just showed him."
He nodded.
"Consider it done, then."
He turned to the door, but she grabbed his arm to stop him.
"Wait," she said.
"What?" he snapped. "Let go."
"We need your help, Crofton," Leolin said. "We need official support. That's why we came here tonight."
He contemplated this.
"You don't know what you're asking for," he said finally. "If you did, you'd know the price is too high."
"I'm not doing it lightly," she said. "I have no idea how much the IAO knows about the American spy strain in the Malfoy administration, but they can't work alone. They need backing from you lot. From your president and the congress."
"That operation is unsanctioned," Crofton said. "And it's coincidentally also treason. Its not for civilians to spy on foreign powers."
"Then make it the IAO's job,' she reasoned. "Talk to your people and meet me at ten thirty. We can make it formal then."
He considered this proposition.
"There is a painting of Amarillo Lestoat on the third floor. Press a drop of blood to his lips and you can go in. That's where we can meet."
She nodded gratefully.
"Thank you, Crofton," she said, extending her hand for him to shake. "You won't regret it."
He eyed it for a moment before accepting it.
"Leolin," he replied, tone almost unbelievably devoid of malice or distain.
She gave a small smile he practically returned.
"I misjudged you," he admitted candidly after they let go. "You're not quite the woman I thought you were."
"Same," she said, retrieving an extra comm from her vanishment cache and tossing it to him. "I'll be in touch. See you at ten thirty."
He nodded and she turned the the door.
"Lefevre," he called. "One last thing."
She turned.
"Yes?"
His gaze had hardened again.
"I know it's you."
"Know what's me?"
"I know you're La Genie," he continued, un-phased by her feint of miscomprehension. "And you should know that when this is all over, I'm coming after you with everything I've got."
She smiled despite his threat. His expression wasn't vindictive, merely resolute.
"I know you know," she replied candidly. "And I would expect nothing less."
At this he did give a grudging half-turn of his lips, relieved in some way to have gained the truth from her.
"Have a good evening, then," he said calmly.
"Take care of yourself, Tex," she said."I'll see you later."
He nodded, and with that she slipped from the room and out of his sight.
She switched the comm so it was sounding just in her ear and clicked it on.
"Teller is going to bring the IAO around," she told the group. "Ten thirty, third floor. There is a portrait of a vampire on the third floor. That's where we're meeting."
"Good work," Tieran said.
"Has anyone made proper contact with Brank yet?" Leolin asked.
"He said he lost his comm," Felix said in reply. "But he's being flooing me. He's here, just trying to get his contacts in order."
"He lost his comm?" Blaise repeated dubiously. "Does that feel not right to anyone besides me?"
"He has a lot on his plate tonight," Gen snapped in defense. "Give him a break."
"It's not like him to let details slide," Beau pressed. "For once I'm with Zabini; I don't like this."
"Should I floo him?" Felix said.
"The line won't be secure in this building," Gareth said. "Don't relay any sensitive information over floo."
"We need to find him and get him a comm," Draco reasoned. "Taylor, take Rhydderich's comm and give it to Brankovitch. He doesn't need it anyway."
There was silence from Beau.
"You may have to delegate that task to someone else, General," he said gravely. "I am a bit preoccupied at the moment."
"With what?" Blaise snapped. "Stop being cute, Taylor."
"I just saw Sharpe and her slimy little boyfriend, and he looked none too pleased with her."
"So what?" Tieran said. "She said they fight all the time."
"He had her by the hair," Beau said. "And he was practically dragging her. She looked afraid."
"Joder," Severina breathed in comprehension.
"I think her cover blew and she got sprung in this trap same as us."
"Oh gods," Pansy breathed.
"When was it you saw them?" Leolin demanded. "And how long ago? We need to help her."
"Are you kidding me?" Draco said. "Absolutely not. Leolin, stop trying to push our luck."
"She would do it for us, if one of our places was reversed," Ginny said quietly. "She pretends not to care, but she does, and she would help us if we were in this kind of a jam. You know she would, Drake."
"It's too dangerous," Gen reasoned. "And for all we know, she could already be dead, and we could be risking our necks for nothing. Please, let's think this through!"
"Who asked you?" Ieuan said. "And how long ago,Taylor"About five minutes," Beau said. "They were headed to the Western part of the building, as far as I could tell. That's must be where Pucey's holding court."
"We can't just chase after them blindly," Tieran reasoned. "We need a plan first."
"I don't think we have time for one," Leolin said, throat feeling dry. "She's been making a mockery of Jaime for months, and think of how much of Adrian's intel she weaseled out of Quinn and funneled to us. We'll be lucky if they both aren't dead already."
"That's exactly my point," Gen said. "We shouldn't go."
She sounded fretful.
"We don't have a choice!" Ginny said. "We got her into this mess; we have to help get her out."
"It could be a trap," Xavier pointed out.
"Doesn't matter," Ieaun said resolutely. "We have to protect our own or we're no better than Adrian."
"Vale, tienes razón. Which way, Taylor?"
"I told you, they were headed counterclockwise around the circle at around three o'clock when I saw them. That was about fifteen minutes ago now. Maybe more like twenty."
"There is a a fairly big room at around ten forty five," Leolin affirmed, trying to remember the exact layout. "I would bet that's where they're camped out."
"When was the last time anyone has seen one of his crew?" Blaise asked. "I'm concerned they're all going to be there. We'll be outnumbered if they are. And no wands means hand to hand."
"I'll go first," Xavier said in a fierce voice. Leolin could imagine him now, muscles coiling as he drew his formidable power around him like a cloak. "This isn't about finesse. It's about creating fear, and that's my speciality."
"You can just burst in there swinging, Borgia," Pansy said. "We need more of a plan than that."
"A tactical plan does us no good," Xavier said. "We can't try and steal the upperhand quietly. We have to go in there and take it by force."
"We have to trust him, Pans," Blaise said. "He knows what he's doing, and he's right; this is going to be ugly either way. Better it be ugly on our terms."
"Go on, then, Borgia," Draco said gravely. "We have your back."
"Ginny," Blaise said seriously. "You and Gen can't be involved."
"What?" Ginny burst. "No! That's two more Adrian's going to have on us."
"Doesn't matter," Harry agreed. "It's too dangerous for the two of you."
"No—" Ginny began, but Blaise cut her off.
"Gin," he said softly. "If something happened to you or the baby, I would never be able to forgive myself. Please, for once, set aside that bravery I love so much and do this for me."
"Fine," Ginny bit out. "I am going to double back and check in with Cara. When you find Reagan, bring her to us. Cara has healer training, I think. She can look out for her."
"Agreed," Leolin said. "Now we have to go."
"Good luck," Ginny croaked. "Take care of yourselves. All of you."
"We will," Harry promised. "Borgia, lead the way."
"Meet us in the corridor in front of the room," Severina instructed.
They all did as instructed, and in mere minutes they were in position.
Leolin went immediately to Severina's side to squeeze her hand. Xavier already had his back to them. Tensing for the fight. As much as Leolin loved and admired him. In that moment she couldn't have been more frightened of him. She knew some part of him was yearning for this fight, looking forward to spill blood.
"Are we ready?" Felix said, eyes on Leolin.
She nodded as if he'd said it only to her.
"Let's do this," Ieaun croaked.
Leolin glanced at Draco, glad that everyone was looking at their own loved ones and not paying attention to her.
"I know you're thinking you have to protect me in there," she whispered. "But don't. Focus on the mission and I promise I'll be fine."
He touched her cheek briefly even as Xavier twirled the blade in his hand, preparing to advance the troops.
"Never," he said. "I'll defend you with my last breath."
"Then we have to work together," she said. "You watch my back and I'll watch yours."
He nodded.
"Agreed."
"Listos?" Xavier asked.
"As we'll ever be," Beau said. His prescence was nearly as fierce as Xavier.
"No mercy, amici," Severina warned. "Give no quarter, because you won't be offered any from them."
"Now, Borgia," Tieran said, and with that Xavier charged forwards, bursting through the door with incredible force.
"Bona Sera amici," he snarled as everyone in the room leapt up and once.
Dom Godfrey, who was even beefier than he'd been as the Hufflepuff quidditch captain, charged first, but Xavier was ready for him. When Dom was close enough, Xavier grabbed him on either side of his head and snapped his neck like a twig.
He stepped over Godfrey's body even as it fell to the group, and Leolin and the other rushed in behind him, grabbing targets at will.
"You next," Xavier snarled at Adrian, twirling the stilleto in his hand deftly.
Adrian appeared undaunted as he too bared his pearly teeth.
"Tate," he sneered. "Bring Borgia down."
Severina looked up at Tate in alarm as he advanced on Xavier, but before she could react Torrii had lunged at her, knocking her to the ground.
Leolin met eyes with Annalysse, and she latter nodded the slightest amount. Sufficiently protected by the melee, she forced Teddy Nott down, and Leolin kicked him in the temple, knocking him out cold.
Draco, as promised, kept an eye on Leolin even as he showed down with Evan Rosier and Leolin grappled with Landon McNair. Severina was still struggling with Torrii when Tate, who'd been working in tandem with Adrian, managed to bring Xavier down to his knees. He tossed Adrian Xavier's knife and forced his arms behind him back.
"Say your goodbyes, Borgia," Adrian snarled, raising the blade and preparing to plunge it into Xavier's chest.
"NO!" Severina screamed, scrambling free and in front of the blade. Adrian slashed her arm as she raised it to shield her face. The cut bubbles rubies, but she didn't relent, She kicked a leg out and forced Adrian back several steps. Leolin, who'd gotten free of McNair, took the opportunity to catch Tate unawares and knock him out.
"Severina!" she cried as Adrian advanced again on a defenseless Severina. She was still shielding her husband's unconscious form, and she had no place to go.t
"Sev!" Leolin cried, dodging around leaping at Adrian, grabbing him by the waist and driving him to the ground with her momentum. The knife clattered to the floor and his head smashed against it with a sickening crack, knocking him out cold.
She looked around wildly. The room was empty now. She's seen Draco chase Thivierge from the room, and Blaise had already retreated back to Ginny.
"We have to get Xavy out of here," Severina said in a panic. "Help me lift him!"
Leolin didn't move. She was staring at Adrian and the knife, which lay only a few feet from him. THis was her chance to end this once and for all.
"Leolin!" Severina cried in a panic, already half-dragging Xavier. "Aiutatemi Please!"
Leolin looked back at Severina's wildly panicked gaze, which was stricken with tears. Turning her back to Adrian and the knife, she did as she was bid and helped Severina carry Xavier to safety. By the time they'd managed to get him to a secluded room several doors down, he was already coming around.
"Rina," he croaked as they eased him into a chair. "Rina mia."
"Oh my gods," Severina sobbed. "Grazie di Merlino."
"Are you alright," he said, eying her bloody arm. "You saved my life."
"I'm fine," she sobbed. "It's nothing."
Leolin stood as they embraced.
"I'll be back."
"Where are you going?" Xavier said weakly.
"To finish this once and for all," Lelin said gravely.
"No!" Severina said, grabbing her arm.
"Yes," Leolin countered, shaking her off. "I have to do this, Sev, and you have to let me. I'll never have a better chance."
Severina finally nodded.
"Make it quick and come right back."
She offered Leolin her own knife, which Leolin gripped tightly.
"Thank you," she said.
With that she headed back, holding the knife so tightly her knuckles were white. Her ears where buzzing. This was it.
She burst back into the room, knife in hand, only to be thrown against the wall.
"Looking for me?" Adrian snarled. "I'm touched."
She raised the knife in her left hand, but Adrian slammed her wrist against the wall, forcing her to let go reflexively with a cry. He forced her head against the wall again, making her dizzy
"You're so pathetic," he snarled, eyes sparkling with triumph and sick desire. "You and your pitiful heroine's complex. You should have disappeared when you had the chance, Lef, because now I'm going to make you pay."
She struggled against his grip and he held tighter as he studied her. After a moment of looking the crease between his eyebrows vanished and his hooded eyes sparkled as he licked his full lips.
"You really are incredibly beautiful," he purred almost reverently. "You always have been."
"Let go," she whispered. "Please."
He ignored her.
"I used to think that Isobel was my greatest prize, but now I see it's been you've I've wanted all along. Since school, even. Since you were Malfoy's little toy."
"Get off," she said, their so close that her breathe fell on his expectant lips.
To her eternal surprise and unexpected horror, he acquieced, stepping back and raising his arms in surrender. His beautiful smile made her sick.
"You don't get it," he taunted, gold eyes glittering. "I'm not going to take you by force; I'm going to own you, body and soul. I'm going to rob you of who you are and make you my creature. When I'm done, your world is going to rotate on my axis.
Her heart was pounding so hard her ribs had begun to ache. She'd thought she'd been afraid of him all the times he'd struck her, but she realised in that moment she hadn't known true fear until then. Her bold had gone so cold at his utterance that her teeth were practicaully chattering.
"So run along," he goaded. "I'm not going to chase you; I don't have time to deal with you properly now anyways. So go, run and hide. Go and enjoy your freedom while it lasts, because I promise you there isn't a place in the cosmos you can hide that I won't find you. Go on," he prompted with a smile. "Run. I'll see you soon enough."
She was glued to the wall by her terror, arms wrapped protectively around herself.
"Have you gone deaf, Lefevre?" he laughed, giving her a blithe smile. "Get out of here!"
Finally his words began to resonate and she took off, running until she couldn't breathe and she was convinced he was miles behind her. It was only then that she switched her comm back on, at which point was she inundated.
"Leolin!" Ginny cried. "Where have you been?"
"Are you alright?" Felix demanded.
"Callie," Draco breathed. "Tell me you're safe."
"I am," she affirmed.
"What happened with Pucey?" Severina demanded. "Is he dead?"
"No," Leolin croaked. "He was playing me."
"How did you get away?" Harry said.
"I—" she croaked. "He let me go."
"What? Draco said. "Why?"
Leolin put her hand to her mouth to muffle her tears before replying.
"I don't know," she lied, unable to bear reliving Adrian's promise. "I don't know."
"I hate to bust up a reunion, ladies and gentleman, but we have a problem," Beau said in a serious drawl. "Rhydderich and I got seperated in the duel and I can't find him."
"I will see your problem and raise you mine," an unexpected voice croaked.
"Kelly!" Cara cried.
Leolin had admittedly forgotten she'd even come.
"He knows," Kelly intoned. "Adrian knows we have the coins and he's making a play for them tonight. I convinced him to head to Rome, but I can't be sure he bought it."
"Who tipped him off?" Tieran demanded.
"I don't know," Kelly admitted. "But that's not all. Adrian has Sharpe and Br—fuck, I have to go."
His comm went dead.
"Fuck," Draco breathed.
"Found Rhydderich," Gareth intoned gravely. "He's dead."
"Adrian killed him?" Harry said.
"He broke the vow," Felix surmised. "He betrayed us. That's how Adrian knows."
"Oh gods," Pansy pleaded. "What the fuck are we going to do?"
"The only thing we can do right now," Tieran said. "Go meet with the Americans. It's time."
Leolin turned the comm off and made her way there quickly, praying Adrian's crew was still recovering from the fight. She approached the painting, knicked her thumb with a small blade and offered it to the vampire, who licked his lips greedily.
"Much obliged," he said, and she winced as she pressed her finger to his lips. When opened her eyes again, the portrait had swung in.
"Leolin!" Severina breathed, gathering her in her arms. "You weren't followed, were you?"
"Not that I know of," Leolin breathed, giving Xavier a warm look as well. "They are still trying to pull off toppling this embassy. My guess would be they're busy with that."
"Thank Merlin," Ieaun replied, entering with Luke in tow.
"No Americans yet?" she queired.
"And no Brankovitch," Xavier said.
"He's coming," Felix said, entering and immediately folding Leolin into his embrace. "I just spoke to him through the floo."
Leolin nodded, pressing an ear to his chest and allowing herself to be soothed by his heartbeat.
"Are you sure the IAO is going to show?" Tieran said, having just arrived.
"Teller's not an idiot," Leolin said. "He knows this is in their best interest as well as ours." "Has anyone seen Draco?" she asked.
Nearly everyone had arrived now.
"Not since the fight," Blaise admitted. "But I've talked to him. He's alright."
"Where are the Americans?" Harry asked, consulting his watch. "It's already eleven fifteen."
Just then a panel in the back wall swung around, and a group of strangers filed in, Beau behind them.
Crofton Teller's eyes snapped to Leolin at once, and he gave her a terse nod. It was reassuring. It meant things were likely to go there way.
Olivia Westmoreland was behind him, and her eyes were teeming with fear. She looked around nervously. Leolin sensed that she was ill-at-ease without Max there. Leolin understood the feeling; she was anxious for him to arrive as well.
There was also a strapping Hispanic man and a small, watery-eyed man with only wisps of grey hair on top. The next two were a pair of fierce-looking blonde twins. They looked more like private security than diplomats. After them was Peter Fairchild, Teller's direct superior and the assistant director of the IAO. He had closely cropped hair and a perpetually bland look on his face. He pushed the spectacles up his nose with a pudgy finger before catching sight of Leolin and giving a slight frown. He looked at Crofton for confirmation before looking back and giving her a grim look.
"Where are Draco and Max?"
The portrait swung in.
"Drake," Leolin breathed.
"I'm here," he said, coming immediately to her side and smoothing her hair. "That Merlin you're alright."
It was then that Gen appeared, and she stiffened at seeing Draco and Leolin's quasi-embrace. Still, after a moment her face grew resolute.
"Brank?" Tieran repeated.
"He just flooed me," Beau said, looking down at his floo. "He'll be here in five."
"So," Fairchild began, voice hard. "Special Agent Teller tells me that want to negotiate a formal alliance with the United States Wizarding Government. However, I am hesistant to recognise this group as a legitimate body of government."
"That's because we aren't," Pansy said in her practiced lawerly way. "We never claim to be. We merely represent the British Ministry and the British Wizarding Nation, whose authority has been usurped by Lucius Malfoy and his administration. The United States has long since been an ally of the British Wizarding Nation. We formally ask your honour that alliance and support our effects against the Malfoy regime."
"Alliances and treaties are generally the tools of war. Are you suggesting this is wartime?"
"It soon will be unless we do something," Pansy replied calmly.
"If I may, sir, this behooves us," Crofton said, glancing at Leolin. "Our intelligence informs us that Minister Malfoy's gaze extends across the Atlantic. With all due respect, the president's splendid isolation policy is misguided. To pretend this conflict isn't a threat to American freedom would be a mistake."
"This is the third British Wizarding War in a generation, and never have they extended to our door," the hispanic man pointed out. "I'm afraid this is your fight, not ours."
"The first two wars were against a completely different power," Draco said sharply. "Do not mistake my father for Lord Voldemort. They operate on two different agendas."
"Still," the watery-eyed man said. "We are not in the business of funding rebel forces. Furthermore, Max Brankovitch may see himself as a diplomat, but it's treason for him to promise to do so on the United States government's behalf."
"Forget Brankovitch, then," Blaise snapped. "We are making this petition to this delegation. Do you not represent the Federal government."
Fairchild bristled at this barb.
"What is it your asking for?"
"An American presence here in London. Money, supplies, and troups, if need be."
"Why is it always our job to protect Europe?" Fairchild said. "When will she learn to protect herself?"
"Where were you when the Dark Lord rose last time?" Pansy demanded. "Thousands of witches and wizards died, not to mention thousands of Muggles. Your arrogance didn't lend a hand. France was there. Switzerland. Italy. Greece. Spain. Where were you?"
Teller clenched his jaw. Leolin suspected that he'd been one of the ones who'd fought for American intervention. She knew he had a staunch sense of justice.
"And we need you to hold this building tonight at whatever cost," Leolin said seriously. "Malfoy's men are planning a coup here, and if they succeed we will all be in danger."
The Americans exchanged fearful glances. Diplomats in tuxes were rarely up for a firefight.
"I will lead to defense myself," Teller assured Fairchild. "Along with Ramsey and Marx." He gestured to the beefy blondes. "We have more than enough IAO officers to hold this building."
Fairchild nodded, but the Hispanic man piped up
"This doesn't undo the laws that have been broken," he assured them. "Those of you who were involved," he looked at Beau and Olivia. "Will have to stand trail when this is over.
Beau rolled his eyes and crossed one arm over the other.
"Cry me a river, General. We were trying to preserve the Wizarding world. We would be in this position if Brank and our organisation weren't willing to bend a few rules. Besides, if y'all had done your civil duty, we wouldn't have had to break them in the first place."
"Not rules," Fairchild snapped. "Laws, Mr. Taylor. You may think the American justice system doesn't apply to you, but I assure you that it will."
"Not if you die in the conflict, it won't," Beau said nastily.
"Is that a threat?" Ramsey demanded.
"An observation," Beau amended fiercely.
"Taylor, enough," Blaise said harshly. "You knew the risks."
Beau sneered at Blaise.
"Easy for you to say, Zabini. You're not facing federal prison."
"You're missing the bigger picture, Fairchild," Xavier pointed out, ignoring Blaise and Beau. "We're trying to save lives."
"You'll get yours too in the end, Borgia," Fairchild sneered. "You and your wife both."
Severina was on her feet now.
"Your petty threats don't frighten me," she said in a commanding tone. "Ours is a higher purpose. We have no time for your pale sense of right and wrong."
"If I were a judge and this a court of law," the Hispanic man said. "I would accept that as an admission of guilt."
"Well you aren't," Pansy pointed out. "And this isn't. This isn't about whatever bone you're obviously looking to pick," she reminded them. "This is about justice. Now will you help us, or will you let the manner in which we arrived at this treaty taint its importance?"
Teller and the Hispanic man exchanged a glance, and the latter was disapproving.
"Yes," Teller agreed. "We're natural allies in this. Let's make it formal."
"Brank has the contract," Felix said. "We have to wait for him."
The portrait swung open as if on cue.
"Sorry I'm late!" Max said with an affable smile, winking at Leolin for a split second before looking down at the table. "Fucking Pucey's dogs are everywhere."
Everyone looked relieved to see him, save Gen, who was biting her lip. Leolin might have normally found this odd, but under the circumstances Leolin didn't have much time to consider it.
"Any trouble?" Draco asked, Max glanced up at him for a brief moment before looking back at the table.
"None," Max said. "Though playing cat and mouse is wicked exhausting. I feel like I need a whiskey."
"Then were have you been all night?" Blaise demanded.
"I had to keep this out of the wrong hands," Max said, soundingly a little irritated now.
"Where's the contract, General?" Beau said.
Max looked at him momentarily before looking down to fish in his coat pocket.
"Here," he said, offering it to Felix before glancing away towards Olivia.
Unlike the others, he held her gaze was several steady seconds before he looked at Crofton, meeting his eye for an equal span of time.
"Teller, right?" Max said, smiling at Crofton. His eyes flicked to Leolin, but only for a half second. "Good to see you again."
"Where have you been?" Teller asked, scrutinising Max. "We've been discussing the terms you apparently laid out."
"I've been dealing with some last minute business," Max said.
He nodded to Draco before his eyes seemed to snap back to Teller. It was odd the way he was looking around. He seemed on edge. Perhaps he was just as nervous as the rest of them.
"Mr. Taylor says you have an extensive spy chain in the States and here. I want all those names from you, Brankovitch."
Brank waved a hand at him noncommittally.
"One thing at a time."
The clock struck eleven forty-five.
Max glanced at Felix again before they bled swiftly down to the contract he'd unfurled.
"You each need to sign."
He offered the quill to Felix without looking at him.
"Brank, you alright?"
Max glanced at him, smiled, and then looked down at the contract, indicating where Felix ought to sign.
"I admit I'm nervous," Max said, laughing a little. "Aren't you guys?"
His eyes swept over the Order members before he bent his head. Felix passed the quill to Draco who passed it to Blaise and so on. Max seemed to grow more impatient with every signature.
"Hurry up," he said as the Americans began to sign. "We are running out of time."
"Haste makes waste," Pansy said, eying Max critically. "We can't rush through this or we might get locked into something incorrect."
"Who asked you?" he demanded, not looking at her.
"Easy Brank," Beau cautioned. "We're on the same time, remember?"
Max looked at Beau then looked away.
"Sorry," he said, licking his lips eagerly as the parchment came to him at last. "You're right."
He dipped the quill in ink and moved to sign the scroll. As his left hand descended onto the parchment, Leolin frowned.
Max Brankovitch, she could have sworn, was right-handed.
"Wait!"
The door burst open, and Annalysse stood heaving, a sinister red fingernail pointed at Max.
"That isn't Brankovitch!"
All eyes snapped to Max's as the illusion melted off of him, leaving a snarling Anaïs in his place. Severina was momentarily stunned at this betrayal, and it was she her cousin targeted first.
"Avada Kadavra!"
Xavier countered, firing a curse of his own. She fired against and his shield defected it, missing Severina by several feet. Unfortunately, it didn't miss entirely. It struck Olivia square in the chest, and she slumped in her chair, dead.
"Liv!" Beau cried, whirling on Anaïs and casting another curse.
The door burst open even as he did, and Rawle, Thivierge, and the Faulkners, and several other of Adrian's crew stormed in.
Rawle immediately fired a curse at Draco, who fired one back
"Lefevre, go!" Teller screamed, dueling with Liam Faulkner. "Get out of here! We will cover you."
"Get the contract," Draco screamed.
Anaïs hadn't managed to sign it, and it was still valid.
Leolin snatched it, tossing it to Felix before shouldering past Rawle and disappearing from his sight.
"Twos!" she screamed over her shoulder. "The password to open doors is sociorum."
She didn't look back to see what the others were doing, simply tore for the far East wing. She wanted to be the one to go the farthest; it kept the others in the least amount of danger. Below, the ballroom had erupted into a full blown firefight, signaling Adrian had managed to puncture the protection charge ten minutes early. She felt a pang of guilt as she watched Kai Morris kill a young American woman, who slumped next to a corpe Leolin thought might be her husband. Leolin felt a coward for running, but she knew she had to. She had to get to Sweeney and the coins before Adrian could catch up.
"Secured," Tieran said as she sprinted, kicking off her heels as she ran. Her heart raced along with her pounding feet. "Pansy and I."
"I have Gen," Beau said, panting. "We're safe."
"We're headed far West," Severina said. "We have Thivierge and Rawle on our heels, but we will handle them."
"Dead centre," Blaise said. "Ginny and I are already inside."
"Shallow West," Luke and Ieuan said.
"Shallow East," Felix said. "And I have Cara Troy with me."
"Leolin!" Harry called. "Where are you? I'm in the West!"
"Just find a room," Leolin urged. "I'm too far East already."
"I'm not going to abandon you!" he cried. "Not this time."
"You only put me in more danger!" Leolin snapped. "Think of Grace and the girls. I will be safe, I promise. I'm five feet from my door."
"Where's Draco?" Gen demanded frantically. "Has anyone seen him?"
"He stayed behind to defend the Americans," Beau said.
"We have to find him!" Gen screamed.
For once Leolin agreed.
"She's right," Leolin said at once. "I'll double back."
"No!" Felix said. "He knows what he's doing!"
Leolin had reached her door now, and she said the password, flung it open, and burst inside, slamming it behind her. She laid against it, panting. She'd never been so scared in all her life.
"I'm here," Leolin said. "I'm safe. Where's Draco?"
"He'll be fine," Harry affirmed. "Ten minutes."
Leolin wiped tears of adrenaline from her eyes.
The comms were beginning to give out. Everyone's voices were growing faint. She felt so utterly alone.
"Brank," she choked. "And Sharpe. Probably Blake, too. She blew her cover warning us."
"I know," Beau said solemnly.
"Do you think they're—" Blaise began.
"Don't say it," Felix replied fiercely. "They're all stronger than that, and they still need them. When we get out of here we're going to rescue them, not matter what it takes."
"Agreed," Tieran said. "We owe him that."
"Everyone be safe," Ginny said. "Lie low. We will regroup and meet up in a..few...days..."
Her voice faded, and the comms went dead. Leolin was still breathing hard, and she wandered to the window, putting her hand to the frosted pain.
Seven minutes.
She looked out. What she wouldn't give to know that Draco was safe right now.
Five minutes.
If he died tonight, she would too.
She heard the door burst open and she screamed. How had they found her, and how had they gotten the password?
She turned, wand in hand, ready to defend herself. However, when she saw who it was she ran forward, throwing her arms around his neck as he lifted her gracefully off the ground.
"Draco!" she sobbed as he lifted her off her feet. "Oh my gods!"
"I told you I would find you," he said soothingly before kissing her fiercely.
"I love you," she affirmed. "Thank Merlin you're alright."
She stroked his cheek. There was a small cut along his left cheekbone, a thin violet bruise blooming along the ridge.
"I love you too," he breathed, dropping his forehead to hers. "Oh my gods, I love you. You were so brilliant tonight. I never get over how brave you are."
He stroked her hair.
"I've never been this scared," Leolin said.
"I know," he breathed. "But you don't have to be. I'm going to be at your side from now on. I've never leaving it again."
Before she had time to process, the clock began to herald the hour.
We have to go," she said, detangling herself. "We don't have much time."
"No," he said solemnly. "Wait."
The clock clanged again.
"Drake, not no—"
He shook his head.
The clock rang a third time.
"I can't do this anymore, Lai," Draco whispered, cool breath falling on her lips. "I can't be without you, baby or no. I love you too desperately, and I know after what I've put you through I don't deserve you, but I love you."
Fourth chime.
"Drake, please—"
Fifth chime.
Draco fell to one knee.
"No matter what happens going forward," he said solemnly, diamond eyes alight. "I need you by my side. Until the sun rises in the west and sets in the east."
"Draco—"
He produced her dazzling ring from his pocket. It was the same one he'd given her seven years ago, and the very sight of it brought tears to her eyes. It glittered brilliantly even in the semi-darkness. Merlin, she'd forgotten just how big it was.
Sixth chime.
"Leolin," he breathed, and it seemed like he was somewhat close to tears himself. "My beautiful, perfect Leolin, will you marry me?"
She covered her mouth as the clock struck a seventh time.
"Yes," she croaked, tears rushing now her cheeks. "Of course I'll marry you."
She pushed the ring onto her finger as he rose, kissing her fiercely.
Eighth chime.
Her floo buzzed as the charms crumbled around them. They could hear faint shouts growing louder.
It's time, Nay, the note read. Bring the coin and meet us at King's Cross. We're headed to Greece.
Ninth.
"That's Sweeney," she said, looking up at hime. "I have to go. It's time."
He nodded, cupping her cheek and dropping his forehead to hers.
Tenth chime. Eleventh.
"I'll meet you back at your flat when it's done," he said. "After that you and I are going to disappear for awhile."
He kissed her as if it might be the very last time.
The clock gave a final chime before falling utterly silence. The emptiness was filled with more cries and curses.
The charm dissipated with a mighty gust of air, and Leolin shrunk against Draco as it blew around them like a cyclone.
"I love you!" she said desperately.
He nodded before kissing her with abandon.
"Come back to me, Callie. I mean it."
"I promise," she said.
She kissed him again as he raised his wand and shattered the glassed, heaving them through and into freefall. He disappeared first and she a second after. She swirled and convulsed for what seemed like an eternity before finally landing.
Leolin arrived at King's Cross a short while later, pulse hammering. This is it, she thought. Heart, don't fail me now.
A/N: Worth the wait? And yes, thank you for your concern. I was fine. Just busy. xx Please review.