I Know You Know Who I Am

by TheSecretAdmirer

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

35. Chapter 34: I Know You Know Who I Am

a/n: I like to think this is the chapter you all have been waiting for...

"Ye Shall Know the Truth, and the Truth Will Set Ye Free..."

Chapter 34: I Know You Know Who I Am

Gen tugged Draco hand excitedly as she practically sashayed down the deserted main corridor of the Musee de Louvre, beaming like a schoolgirl. They'd been on holiday in France the last few weeks, beginning in Bordeaux in the South and working their way North towards Paris, and Draco was sure he'd never been so happy.

The weather and scenery had been unspeakably beautiful, and even in France the Malfoy name opened every door, and they'd dined and drank in style, staying at the finest hotels and experiencing the country in a way very few people were ever privy to.

Draco had been carrying the small ring box around with him since the seaside town of Villefranche-sur-mar, waiting for the perfect moment to ask her. He'd yet to find it, but when they'd finally arrived in Paris, he'd immediately known he would do it there.

"C'mon!" Gen urged, still grinning. "We have so much to see!"

Draco acquiesced, following her farther and farther into the belly of the museum. He'd been understandably resistant to coming here, but Gen had been adamant, and ultimately he couldn't refuse her without explaining why, which he had no absolutely desire to do.

Leolin's name hadn't come up in months, and he was hoping—perhaps somewhat naively—that they'd finally put the issue to rest. However, as they worked their way through the museum—which Draco had convinced the director to open after hours so they could have the place to themselves—he felt like he was seeing Leolin's ghost at every turn. He could still picture her bounding down the corridor towards him, fresh faced and 19-years-old, eyes and engagement ring sparkling with equal brilliance. Quickly he turned back to Gen, who was smiling brightly as well.

"I haven't been here since boarding school," she explained wistfully. "Isn't it divine?"

He smiled, too, infected by her dazzling joy.

"It is something," he agreed.

"I love all the no-maj pieces," she said, and he laughed.

"What?" she demanded.

"Just give up and call them muggles already," he teased.

"Never," she said resolutely. "I may live on this side of the pond now, but I'm still an American."

"For now," he said playfully, kissing her.

"Forever," she amended, kissing him a second time.

"Whatever you say, my love," he acquiesced, and she beamed. Gen loved nothing quite so much as getting her own way.

Suddenly she looked up and frowned, pointing to a shimmering apparition hovering above a nearby pedestal.

"What's that?" she said quizzically, tugging him along so she could investigate.

As they drew closer, Draco realised what they were looking at, and his heart seized uncomfortably, almost as if the muscle itself was cramping. The glittering facsimile was in fact a ghost-like replica of the sculpture which had previously occupied the pedestal. Below the spectre was an explanatory plaque.

"What does it say?" Draco asked, studying the familiar faces of Canova's Mars and Venus, vividly expressive even in this lesser form.

"It's in French," Gen said sheepishly, and Draco glanced at it to translate.

"The incomparably beautiful sculpture of Mars and Venus—completed in 1722 by squib artist Antonio Canova—was tragically stolen from the museum last month by the international crime ring known as 'La Genie du Mal'. In deference to Canova's exquisite craftsmanship, we have decided not to put a copy in its place. This pedestal will instead remain empty until the thieves are aprehended and the sculpture rightfully returned. If you have any information regarding this heinous crime, please report it to the International Auror's Office immediately. Thank you."

Gen was frowning outright, something she rarely did.

"Honestly, that's so beastly," she said reproachfully. "Who would do something like that?"

Draco shook his head.

"Who knows what motivates criminals," he replied, glancing up at Venus's adoring gaze. Canova had captured her longing with exquisite grace, and her poignant expression made his heart ache slightly.

"It says here," Gen said, interrupting his reverie as she consulted a map from her purse. "That there's another Canova statue in the museum. Let's go look at it."

Draco could already picture the Leolin and Leantes sculpture, and he sorely didn't want to go. However, as before, he really had little choice.

They arrived what felt like all too soon, and Draco fought not to tense at seeing the dying Leolin cradled in Leantes' loving embrace.

"Oh," Gen breathed reverently, coming closer and pressing a hand to her breast. "It's so beautiful.."

Draco nodded wordlessly, battoning down the hatches for what he could already felt was a powerful emotional hurricane.

"I love the way he's looking at her," Gen continued. "Like he'll die without her. It's so exquisitely tragic."

Draco clenched his jaw as Leolin's tearful voice echoed in his mind.

"Draco," it began. "I love you more than I can say, but I can't marry you..."

"It's just so universal," Gen was saying. "At the end of the day, all any of us want is to love someone this much, and to be loved by them in return."

Draco gazed dazedly at Gen's dark eyes sparkling as she looked sincerely up at him. However, he could still hear Leolin's ghosty voice.

"...You told me once that you hoped I would come to love someone in my absence..."

Draco tenderly reached out and touched Gen's cheek.

"Don't you think?" Gen whispered with meaning.

"...Now I hope the same for you..."

"Yes," Draco breathed, rubbing his thumb softly across Gen's porcelain skin.

"I...love...you..." Leolin's voice pleaded, growing fainter now. "...Until the sun rises in the West and sets in the East. Find happiness, my darling..."

Draco surged forward, kissing Gen heatedly. She responded in kind, and he swept her gracefully off her feet, continuing his assault as she draped her arms across his shoulders.

"I love you," he breathed as he eased her back to the floor.

She touched his cheek.

"I love you, too."

She stood on tip-toes to press her forehead to his. They stood in silent for a moment before he softly kissed her again. Finally, she pulled away, looking down at the map.

"Right," she said, smiling at him warmly. "Should we go look at da Vinci's mysterious lady?"

She turned, still holding his hand, but he didn't move, tugging her back instead.

"Wait," he said, suddenly incredibly aware of the velvet box in his pocket. "I want to say something first."

She gave his a quizzical look.

"Alright," she said, smiling a little. "Go ahead."

He considered, deciding just what he wanted to say. He hadn't wanted to prepare something, worried it would sound rehearsed. However, he suddenly wished he'd thought it through a little more.

"Draco," Gen said, smile broadening as she touched his cheek. "Are you alright, darling?"

He nodded, taking both his hands.

"Listen," he began. "When I met you, I'd convinced myself I wanted to spend my life on my own, and I meant it. But everyday I've been with you, you've made me more and more sure I no longer want to be alone."

Realisation was dawning on Gen, but slowly, and she nodded but said nothing.

"You're not always easy to like," he said, and she laughed sheepishly because it was true. "But I've always found you incredibly easy to love."

He looked into her eyes, recognising a joy in them he'd once seen once before, at the Hogwarts Commencement Ball six years before. That had always been his most sacred memory of Leolin, the one—despite everything—he'd always kept closest to his heart. Even standing in that perfect moment with Gen he couldn't quite bear to let it go entirely, but after five long years, he loosened his grip, letting it float down into a deep part of his subconscious.

Finally, he felt ready, and he retrieved the small box from his pocket and got down on one knee.

"Genevieve Margaux Beauchene," he said. "Will you marry me?"

---

Gen stood in front of the full-length mirror in the private fitting room of Twilfit and Tattings, beaming at her reflection as her friends cooed at her. She smoothed the supple ivory silk of her wedding gown, turning slightly from side to side to better admire herself.

In truth, she would have preferred one of Amelie Bellenger's designs, but she and her husband and their three children, including their new baby Mathieu, had left London almost immediately after the events of the Embassy Ball some months before. In any case, Gen didn't imagine, given everything that had happened between her and Leolin, that Amelie would have been particularly keen to help Gen. It didn't matter, though; she would make an exquisite bride all the same. She smiled at herself again, touching her rounded stomach.

"Of all the girls in our class, Genevieve Beauchene," her friend Delilah tittered. "You are positively the last one I would have picked to be a pregnant bride."

"I know," Gen laughed, rubbing her belly affectionately. "Good thing my mother isn't coming to the wedding. She would positively die of embarassment."

"Or Madame Nanine!" Savannah added. "Ladies," she drawled in wicked imitation of their old charms teacher from finishing school. "This isn't Ilvermorny, where they run around like acting no-maj hussies. If you plan on making a good marriage after graduation, I will advise you to refrain from touching any young gentleman's...horned serpents."

The girls exploded, and Gen turned back to the mirror, smirking mirthfully as she rubbed her stomach again. Vainly she wished to feel a kick.

A real kick.

Whatever potion Adrian had given her was almost unnervingly convincing, and she did feel occasional movement. Those were some of the most bittersweet moments, when Draco would rush over to put a palm to her stomach and feel his child growing and kicking inside her. She often felt gorged on his joy as he smiled up at her, re-invigorated by their little miracle. Still, she could never quite forget that it was only a facade, and eventually she would have to lose the baby and break his heart. The thought was terrible painful, but she mitigated the sharpness of it by reminding herself that she and Draco were both off preventatives now, and this time she was sure they'd have no trouble conceiving, and all heartache of the past year would fade into distant memory.

"I can't believe it," she whispered to her reflection. "I'm getting married tomorrow."

"Finally," her almost annoyingly candid friend Savannah replied. "I was starting to feel this day was never going to come."

Gen pursed her lips, heart seizing a little.

"So was I," she admitted quietly.

"Oh no," Savannah chirped, sensing she'd said the wrong thing. "Don't be melancholy, sugar. We never had any doubts Draco would come around."

"Of course we didn't," Melody chimed in. "Y'all are positively made for each other."

"I know," Gen said, smoothing her gown again. "You're right, Mellie. As always."

Melody raised her flute of champagne in salutation.

"Cheers, sweetpea."

Before Gen could stop herself, she thought of Leolin. Just as Lucius had predicted, she'd left the night of the Embassy Ball—the night she'd lost the coins—and Draco hadn't followed her. He'd never said a word about why he'd returned to Gen that night, even considering how it had clear it had been, before the party, that he wouldn't, and Gen had known better than to ask. She'd simply taken him into her arms and vowed to never let him from her side again. The following morning she'd received an owl telling her to go to the small apothecary in Knockturn Alley, and when she arrived the crone had handled her a dark green potion bottle and a note written in a stern, curling script.

You know what to do with this. -AP

Gen didn't hesitate before drinking the whole thing down. Part of her vaguely wondered what would happen if she did manage to get pregnant with Lucius's child instead, but ultimately she put the thought from her mind. The chances were slim to begin with, and in truth she would rather miscarry Draco's baby then raise Lucius's. In the end though, her period had come even as her belly swelled, and she felt a relief swelling along with it.

She felt Max's loss daily, and with various degrees of keenness, but the events of the last several months had given her reason to hope. The Americans had, in fact, managed to stave off attack and hold their Embassy, and Adrian and his men fled the city of London immediately after. Immediately scrunity fell on Lucius, but before people could begin calling for his head, he...died.

It still seemed impossible, but Gen knew enough by now that she ought not to look such a prized gift horse in the mouth. It also gave her license to imagine Max had escaped and was still hiding out underground somewhere, waiting for a safe moment to return, and this thought was a continual fount of hope for her.

There had been a massive state funeral following Lucius's apparent murder, and the streets were packed with crowds for days. Dignitaries came from all over the world to see Lucius Malfoy's casket lowered into the ground. The media couldn't seem to get enough of his grieving widow, and Regine's grief seemed to spur public sympathy. A month later she gave birth to a baby girl, whom she named Lucia.

When the dust finally settled, it was Adrian who had borne the brunt of responsibility, both for the growing civil disturbances leading up to the Embassy attack and, ultimately, for Lucius's death as well. In the end, Lucius was remembered as a martyr who'd died defending the people from tyranny.

Draco, Ginny could tell, didn't believe the charade of his father's death, but she was inclined to. He had meddled with a darkness he couldn't control, and in the end it had been his undoing. As for Adrian, his status as the most highly-sought criminal in Wizarding Europe seemed no less than he deserved.

Cornelius Fudge, of all people, had stepped up to assume temporary power following the vacuum Lucius's death had created. He seemed to take little pleasure in his task, especially for a man now in his seventies. He did, however, address the public regularly, insisting they were safe and that he had every available agent hunting the war criminal Adrian Pucey, even if he had to mop the nervous sweat from his brow every time he did.

Gen thought briefly of Leolin again. No one had seen her, either. She supposed it was possible she'd retreated back to the Borgias in Rome, or with her parents in France. Still, one had to wonder: was it possible that even facing an international manhunt, Adrian had managed to track Leolin down and corner her at last? The thought produced a shiver down her spine. Much as she hated her former rival, she still hoped Leolin would find an escape from Adrian, even if that escape was only death.

She shook her head. Why was she troubling herself with such thoughts? The only thing that really mattered now was that Leolin was gone, well and truly, and tomorrow Gen and Draco would finally get their happily ever after.

"Gigi," Savannah purred, cocking a thin but well-sculpted eyebrow. "Have you picked out something for after the wedding?"

They all tittered excitedly.

"As a matter of fact," Gen said coyly. "I have. Y'all don't want to see it, do you?"

They all laughed more heartily.

"Of course we do, you naughty little thing," Delilah cried.

"Are you sure?" Gen asked. "It's rather—" she paused for dramatic effect before smirking. "scandalous."

"Oh go on, then!" Melody said. "Let us see!"

Gen crossed to the closet and drew out a set of revealing white lingerie.

"Genevieve Beauchene," Delilah said appreciatively. "To the devil with you! That is positively sinful!"

"Genevieve Malfoy," Gen corrected, beaming at her reflection.

"Draco is going to simply die when he sees you," Savannah said, grinning wickedly. "You're going to have to give the poor man mouth-to-mouth."

"I'll give him mouth-to-something," Gen promised, and the girls exploded with laughter.

"Oh my stars," Melody chimed, blushing. "You are simply too much."

Gen smirked in extreme self satisfaction, preparing to say more when someone knocked.

"Who is it?" Delilah called.

"Beau," came the reply.

"Come on in, sugar, the door's unlocked," Gen sang.

He open the door and admitted himself, dark eyes finding hers in the mirror.

The girls reacted to his presence at once, and it was Delilah, indisputably the prettiest of the group, who addressed him first.

"Beauford Augustine Taylor," she purred, rising and crossing to where he stood. "Aren't you a sight for a poor Southern girl's eyes."

Beau usually lived to flirt with Gen's friends, particularly Delilah, who'd made a seemingly lifelong game of teasing him before eventually dancing out of his eager reach. However, today he simply ignored her.

"Ladies," he said with none of his usual genteel charm. "You will excuse Genevieve and me. We have some private business to discuss."

"Oh not now, sugar," Delilah said, fingering his midnight blue necklie. "We're still fitting the dress. Perfection can't be rushed, you understand."

He pushed her hand away, still eying Gen in the mirror.

"I said leave," Beau replied in a stoney voice. "Now."

"Excuse me?" Delilah demanded, putting a hand to her breast to express how offensive she found his rebuff and curt tone.

"You heard me," Beau said, finally deigning to look at her. "Get out. All of you."

"Well I never," Savannah snapped. "Where do you get off being so damn rude?"

"I will only ask you one more time," Beau replied. "Leave us."

"We most certainly will not," the usually sweet Melody sneered.

"No," Genevieve said, trying not to grow overly anxious at Beau's tone. "It's alright, sweet pea. Y'all just go on without me. I'll be along in a little while."

"What about your dress?" Delilah said.

"Oh," Gen said lightly, as if she'd forgotten she was even wearing it. "I'm sure Beau will help me. You don't mind, do you, sugar?"

He said nothing to this, and Savannah's eyes narrowed.

"Shame of you, Beau Tanner," she chided. "I'm going to tell your mother."

"Go ahead," he bit back. "Just so long as you leave."

"Honestly!" Savannah huffed, grabbing her purse.

"It's alright," Gen assured her. "See y'all in a bit."

Savannah and the others gave Beau another smoldering look before filing out. When they'd gone, Gen turned back to the mirror, smoothing the dress nervously.

"Beau," she said softly. "What's going—"

"I know it was you," he grit out in a barely controlled fury, meeting her gaze in the mirror. "I know you were the one who betrayed Brank. I've known for a while, I suppose, I just didn't want to believe it."

"I—"

"Don't deny it," he warned. "Don't you dare deny it."

Her bottom lip was trembling now, betraying her guilt.

"I always knew you were selfish," he leveled at her. "But I never could have dreamed anyone could be this despicable and unprincipled."

"Please, I—"

"Max loved and trusted you," Beau grit out. "And you jammed a knife right into his back for a man who will never love you. And as if that wasn't enough, you ruined a good woman just so you could get your pathetic way! At this point, I sincerely doubt that baby is real, but even if it is, Draco will never love you the way he loves Lefevre. Someday soon he's going to realise that, and when he does, you will have condemned one of your only friends to death for nothing. And it isn't just Brank! You fletched the enemy's arrow with our own feathers. Lucius Malfoy is going to come back one way or another, and he and and Pucey will set this city to torch. When they do, the blood of everyone they cut down will be on your hands."

Gen was crying in earnest now.

"What are you going to do to me?" She asked meekly.

He puffed up to his full height. "I'm going to go to Malfoy and tell him every hideous thing you've done and I'm going to help him find Lefevre and bring her back. After that, I'm going to rescue Max and Sharpe Blake and everyone else you sold to Pucey. They can decide your fate from there."

"Please," she pleaded, falling to his feet and groping for his hand. "Have mercy."

"That isn't mine to give," he snarled, wrenching his hand away. "And I'd never give it to you even if it was. You made your bed, Genevieve. Go lie in it; I expect Malfoy and Pucey are waiting in it for you."

"Please, don't tell Draco yet! At least let me do it!"

"So you can concoct some new insidious lie?" he bellowed. "Not a chance in No-maj hell."

With this he made for the door, leaving her in a pathetic heap

"I'll take my leave, then. But I'll give you one last piece of advice before I do. You might want to consider some poison in your tea. When Malfoy hears what you'e done, he's bound to kill you anyway."

With that, he swept from the room, slamming the door behind him so violently it shuddered. He was preparing to apparate to Malfoy's flat when he collided with someone who was coming around the corner.

"Pard—you!"

"Hello Tanner," Adrian said with a droll smile, swinging his fist forcefully into Beau's jaw.

Something cracked, and Beau crumpled immediately.

"You have no idea how long I've been waiting to do that," Adrian sneered, flexing his right hand to lessen the pain.

"Fuck you," Beau croaked, spitting out a mouthful of blood and half a molar.

"Did I give you permission to speak?" Adrian demanded, driving a steel-toed boot into Beau's gut.

"I don't need it," Beau gasped, several ribs now broken.

Adrian drew his wand and cast a powerful Cruciatus. Beau bucked and writhed, and Adrian watched him do so with a grim satisfaction.

"Please," Beau finally croaked, and Adrian relented.

"Big Bad Beauford Tanner," Adrian goaded, circling Beau as he lay quivering on the floor. "I honestly expected better of you. It took me a whole day to break your poor friend Brankovitch, and even then he never said a word. Hell, even Lefevre lasted longer than you, and she's bloody tiny."

Beau grit his teeth as the comment about Max struck its mark and sunk in deep.

Adrian crouched down, smirking sinfully.

"And now you're going to bloody cry? Honestly, Taylor, man up!"

Beau rolled away, faced partially buried in the salon's plush carpet.

"Oh alright," Adrian said as if Beau had ruined his fun. "I suppose that's enough for one day. I'm on a bit of a tight schedule anyhow. Besides, I know Brank is dying to see you."

He grabbed Beau roughly under his armpit, dragging him halfway off his feet. Beau moaned in pain. Adrian put his right fingers to his lips and gave a sharp whistle, at which point Tate appeared and grabbed his other arm.

"Put him in with Brankovitch. I'm sure they had loads of catching up to do."

Tate nodded and disappeared with Beau in a pop.

Gen had remained crying for ten or more minutes after Beau had gone, feeling incredibly desperate. She felt so utterly trapped. And yet, despite all Beau's threats, she still wasn't quite ready to give up. At this point, she had nothing to lose, and there was perhaps one final card she could play. When the door swung open again, she glanced up.

"Beau?" she pleaded. Perhaps he'd reconsidered his harsh words.

It wasn't Beau, and as the door clicked shut, she knew her time had officially run out.

"Hello Genevieve," Adrian said casually, gold-flecked eyes glinting.

"What are you doing here?" she croaked stupidly, at a loss for anything else to say.

He fielded her query as if it wasn't a completely pathetic question.

"You and I had a bargain, Beauchene," He said calmly, snapping his fingers. Marcus Flint and Kai Morris appeared, hauling her to her feet.

Adrian put a finger to her chin so she was forced to look up at him.

"I'm here to collect my share."

---

Draco had died the night he's left Leolin. Now it felt he was playing a role, a fictional version of himself, and somehow this made it easier to bear. He threw all his energy to giving the best performance he could, and he was bringing down the house. He has managed to convince, even Ginny and Blaise, that he was coping, and there was some hollow pleasure in his success. The Draco he played was still in love with Gen, and that made cohabiting with her easier as well.

However, like all veteran players, he was growing tired of the costumes and lights. As the wedding approached, he found it harder and harder to giving a compelling performance. Now, on the eve of the wedding, he wasn't sure he had the strength to take the stage at all.

He longed to be himself, his real self, again. The problem was that that man had to ceased to exist when he'd left Leolin's side. He'd simple burned out like a flame, leaving nothing but smoldering ash behind. Much as he yearned to be that man again, he knew he'd given up his last chance at rescuing him when he'd stormed out of Leolin's flat three months ago.

He looked at himself in the mirror.

Without the glamour he looked haggard and weak, his platinum blonde falling into his eyes in a way it hadn't since he was 14. He bowed his head, gritting his teeth and squeezing his eyes shut. He looked up again. Inside his heart may heart may have been breaking, his resolve quaking, but he knew come heaven or hell, the show had to go on.

As Draco stood suffering in his bedroom, Ginny and Blaise stood at his front door, holding hands as if they never meant to let go.

"I love you, Ginevra Zabini," Blaise said seriously, his eyes still on the door. "I promise to love you all the days of my life."

It was exactly the same promise he'd made her the day of their wedding. The decision to marry mere days after Lucius's funeral had been as practical was it was romantic. The bond between a legitimately married couple was not easily broken, and it empowered them to protect one another to an extent. With the war still brooding on the horizon, Ginny had insisted she couldn't live another day without this bond. Blaise, for his part, insisted he simply couldn't live another day without her as his lawfully wedded wife.

It had been a small ceremony with none of the pomp and circumstance Blaise's mother had envisioned for her only son. Still, everyone who was important to them had been there, and that was all that had mattered to them. That was, all but one.

Ginny glanced up at him, studying his patrician profile before turning to him and touching his cheek.

"Blaise," she breathed. "Look at me."

He did, eyes full of shining light.

"No matter what happens, I will always be with you. I will never stop loving you. You are the best and most perfect thing that's ever been mine."

He touched her rounded stomach, and despite everything she smiled.

"Okay, she admitted. "The second best thing."

He pressed his forehead to hers, smiling too as he closed his eyes.

"You are the best part of me, too" he breathed. "You've always been the guardian of my soul. You always will be."

She had tears in her eyes now, but they were happy tears.

"You honour me," she said softly, touching his cheek again. "Being your wife is my exquisite privilege."

He kissed her, tangling fingers in her copper hair as his tongue danced with hers. When it was over they pulled back and she lay her head on his chest after a moment of holding her, they both turned wordlessly to the door, holding hands tightly again.

Blaise knocked.

After several minutes Blaise had pressed a palm to the door and it shuddered in recognition and admitted them. Rodames was waiting in the threshold to meet them, docked tail wagging excitedly, but Draco was no where in sight.

"Hello darling," Ginny said, bending to scratch behind his ears. "What have you done Daddy?"

"Drake?" Blaise called, following Rodames as he cantered off, presumably back to Draco.

They found him sitting on the island counter in the kitchen, wearing running clothes and trainers, despite the fact he was drinking a vodka on the rocks. He'd re-affixed his glamour, his hair pomaded as normal and his frames on his face.

"Hey," he said affably, raising his glass and making the ice clink softly. "Sorry, I was upstairs. Didn't hear the door."

"That's alright," Blaise said. "How are you, mate?"

"Good," Draco said, forcing himself to get into character and laugh. "Nervous. But that's normal, right?"

Blaise looked at Ginny meaningfully before shrugging.

"I was, I suppose. Less so than I imagined."

Draco laughed again.

"I'm a wreck," he admitted, making a show of play-wrestling Rodames when he tried to leapt up and join Draco on the island. "Who would have thought? I'm a Malfoy; I was supposed to be imperiously disdainful of the whole silly thing."

He laughed again, this time accompanying it with a small smile. He could tell he wasn't really convincing them. He adjusted his glasses and took a sip.

Ginny fetched herself a ginger beer and poured a whiskey for Blaise before hopping on the counter next to him. Blaise leaned on the counter opposite of them, crossing his arms.

"Have you seen Gen?" Draco asked casually, snapping his fingers and ordering Rodames to lay at his feet.

His character would be eager to hear how she was; he couldn't disappoint.

"Not for a few days," Ginny said. "She hasn't been home?"

She was studying him closely.

"She's been at the spa with her friends since Wednesday. I didn't want to spoil her fun by begging her to come back. Besides, she's insisting it's bad luck to see each other." he laughed. "Not sure that matters since I'll see her at the rehearsal tonight."

Blaise nodded.

"Right."

"Drake—" Ginny began.

"Gin, stop trying to mother me; I get more than enough of that from Narcissa."

"Cmon Drake," Blaise said softly. "Are you really okay?"

Draco could feel himself losing his audience.

"Of course," he said too quickly. His attempt at a smile was barely a grimace.

"You don't seem it,"Ginny added softly.

"I am," he said, trying to convince himself more than anyone else. "I know how to weather storms; I've been doing it all my life."

Ginny nodded tightly.

"I suppose that's true," she said. "But you don't have to pretend for our sake. We are the two people who love you most in this world."

"Two-thirds of them, anyways," Blaise said meaningfully.

Draco was disarmed by this, and he clenched his jaw and looked away in a manner that was anything but casual.

"Drake," Ginny pleaded softly. "It's not too late to change your mind. You have to know that."

Draco gave a hollow laugh that would have been met with boos if he were on the stage. It was painfully fake.

"I don't want to change my mind. I mean, I have a beautiful woman who loves me and a baby on the way. I couldn't ask for more than that."

"Yes you could," Blaise said quietly. "You know you could."

Draco felt his throat tighten and his mouth going dry the way it did when your parents catch you in a lie.

"I—"

"I know think you're bringing down the house with the charade," Ginny interrupted. "But you aren't, Drake. Not to us."

She waved her wand and the glamour dropped. He didn't try to fight her on it.

"Drake—" she pleaded tightly.

He run a hand through his loose hair.

"What do you want me to say?" Draco replied quietly after a beat.

"Do you still love her?" Blaise demanded bluntly.

Draco sighed in agitation. Ginny could tell he was fending off a snarled emotion that was clawing its way up his throat.

"Draco," Blaise repeated sternly. "Do you still love her?"

"Don't ask me that," he demanded in a soft voice, standing and crossing to the other side of the room to pour himself more vodka.

"Why not?" Ginny pressed. "Because you do?"

Draco didn't reply, fighting savagely to win back some self control.

"Drake—"

Of course I do!" Draco burst, seeming almost angry. "I'll love her until the Sun revolves around the fucking Earth."

"Then go to her," Ginny urged, going to him and grabbing his chin so he was forced to meet her impossibly sincere gaze. "What other choice to you have? You'll never be able to live with yourself if you don't."

Blaise nodded.

"She's right mate. You have to go. Before it's too late. Today could be your last chance."

"I—" Draco began quietly. "I wouldn't know where to look."

Ginny and Blaise exchanged a glance.

"She's in Llangollen," Ginny said finally. "At the old Madoc estate."

"Have you—seen her?" Draco croaked.

Ginny shook her head.

"No," she admitted. "Not since—" she paused. "She's refused to see anyone, even Borgia and Ariadne, but she's been there since the night McAngus died."

Draco hung his head. The night he'd abandoned her, she meant.

"Go to Wales," Blaise said again.

"Gen—" Draco began. "The baby. If I break our deal, she—"

"No," Blaise interrupted. "I swear on my father's grave, I will keep her here. I don't care what it takes."

"Go Drake," Ginny urged. "Go now."

Draco nodded, resolve growing.

"I need a portkey. I doubt she's got the floo grate open."

Ginny shook her head.

"I don't you should take a key. I'm not convinced Rookwood isn't still monitoring magic travel, and the last thing you want to do is lead them to her doorstep. I wouldn't even take a Wizarding train."

Draco nodded in agreement.

"There's a muggle train from Euston," Blaise offered. "You could be there by early afternoon."

"If Gen comes back—" he began.

Blaise nodded.

"We know what to do."

"I'm off, then," Draco said dazedly.

Ginny pressed a kiss to his cheek, tears shining in her hazel eyes.

"Good luck, darling."

"You don't need it," Blaise said, embracing his oldest friend. "Bring Leolin back where she belongs. Bring her home."

Draco nodded a final time and disappeared out the door, glancing around the deserted street. There wasn't a soul in sight, and the only sound was a piece of parchment fluttering in the breeze. It was a poster that had be affixed to the brick across the small alley from his flat, and he sneered at it.

"HAVE YOU SEEN THIS WIZARD?"

Draco looked down at the picture below it, where Adrian stood snarling and baring his pearly teeth to the camera. Even in the black and white photograph, his eye glinted eerily. Clenched his jaw, Draco tore the poster down and used his wand to set it ablaze, watched with satisfaction as his rival curled into black ash.

He glanced around a final time to ensure he wasn't alone before apparating outside Euston station. He consulted the board, swearing when he realised the train left in less than half an hour. Hurrying as fast as he could without drawing undue attention, he made his way to the ticket counter.

"Can I help you, sir?" The muggle behind the counter asked politely.

"Ticket to Llangollen, please. First class, if you have it."

"Certainly, sir," the man said, tapping away at the ridiculous apparatus in front of him. "That will be seventy-three pounds and seventy pence. Cash or charge?"

"Bollocks," Draco growled. He'd never carried Muggle money in his life, and even if he had some, he would look a fool trying to differentiate the various notes.

"Hang on," he said, pretending to reach for his wallet. Instead he drew his wand, keeping it carefully concealed below the counter.

Draco glanced around. No one was watching him. He felt a slight twinge of guilt for what he was about to do, but not nearly enough to keep him from doing it.

"Imperio," he whispered.

"I'm sorry sure, I didn't catch—" the man stopped abruptly as the spell hit him squarely in the face.

"You going to give me that ticket," Draco ordered quietly. "Then you're going to take a fag break."

"Here you are, sir," the man said blithely as he handed Draco his ticket. "Enjoy your trip."

"Thanks," Draco breathed, relieved.

The man had already wandered off.

When he was gone, Draco consulted his wand before practically sprinting to the platform. He arrived to find the train hadn't left yet, though the platform was deserted save for a lone figure. Draco jogged along the train towards the man, whose back was turned. He wore a smart navy suit, and Draco assumed he was the conductor. The figure turned when Draco was a few feet off, and he stopped dead in his tracks and immediately drew his handsome Leonardian wand.

"You alright, mate?" Adrian said affably, arms crossed casually across his chest. He too, held his wand, though his pose was too casual for a duel. For a man facing down a formidable adversary, he was the very picture of calm.

"How the fuck did you find me?" Draco snarled, casting a Sectumsempra Adrian deflected with alarming speed.

"You know what really hacks me off about you lot?" Adrian snapped, sounded irritated now. He cast a dark jinx at Draco, forcing him on the defensive. "You never give credit where it's due. You think you're so bloody clever, but the truth is you're predictable and brash, which makes outmaneuvering you pathetically easy."

"Yeah?" Draco sneered, casting a Cruciatus that went slightly too wide. "Go on then, maestro, tell me how it's done."

Adrian had always had a weakness for showing off, and Draco's best move was to rile him up then catch him off guard.

"Simple," Adrian said, reverting to an irritating calm. He even gave a cocky little smirk. "Knew where you flat was because a little birdy told me, and knew you wouldn't be able to resist ripping down that stupid poster because well," he paused as the grin widened. "You're you."

"Fuck off," Draco said, casting another Sectumsempra that Adrian deflected.

"Didn't your mummy ever tell you not to touch things if you don't know where they've been?" Adrian pressed, grinning like a schoolboy.

"Get out of my way," Draco snarled, patience spent. "Or I swear to Merlin I will kill you right now."

A flash of nervousness glinted in Adrian's eyes, though it was gone in a moment.

"Go ahead and try," Adrian sneered, merriment quickly fading. "But know that I'm not alone."

"Is that supposed to frighten me?" Draco spit contemptuously. "Because it doesn't. Not even in the slightest."

He cast a more powerful Sectumsempra Adrian only barely managed to deflect.

"Perhaps it ought to," Adria countered, deflecting another nasty hex before drawing a small paper songbird from his interior jacket pocket and blowing it in Draco's direction.

It fluttered gracefully towards him, and when it touched his palm it fell open, sending a handful of red-tipped yellow rose pedals and a small photograph tumbling out.

Draco bent to retrieve the photograph before straightening and studying it. The first thing that caught his eye was a flowerbed directly under a large picture widow on the second floor, in which were planted the same yellow roses.

The window, like the house it belonged to, was impressively ornate, and the tracery at the top featured a dragon rendered in brightly-coloured stain glass. It was not a generic Welsh Green, and Draco recognised it's distinctive shape at once.

The curtains were partially drawn, but Draco could still see into the bedroom beyond.

After a moment Leolin emerged from what must have been the adjoining bathroom, dressed in an unremarkable pair of bra and knickers. Still, he felt his mouth going dry at seeing her taut stomach and the swell of her breasts. She plucked a thin silk dressing gown from the black of the door before easing it onto her shoulders. She didn't bother to tie it as she sank down at her vanity and began braiding her long hair over one shoulder.

It was here she seemed to realise she'd left the drapes undone, and she crossed to the window with robe still undone, glancing out onto the grounds for a moment before pulling them closed.

It was obvious from her actions she thought she was completely alone.

Draco crumbled the photo, trembling with fury.

"She really is incredibly beautiful, isn't she?" Adrian taunted, gold eyes flashing greedily. He was as composed as Draco was shaken, giving him the distinct upper hand.

"Where," Draco snarled. "Did you get this?"

Adrian rolled his eyes to indicate he found this question a stupid one.

"I think you know where I got it," he countered fiercely. "And I have more. More of Leolin and those perfect tits, and more of Adrien and his wife and those three darling boys of theirs."

"I don't believe you," Draco snarled. "Even if this photo is real—"

"It is," Adrian snapped in annoyance. "You know it is. But if you're so bloody sure you're right, go ahead. Call my bluff. I dare you."

"I will kill you, you sick bastard," Draco snarled, casting an Avada Kadavra this time.

It was way off the mark, and Adrian cast a Cruciatus that Draco had to physically dodge.

"Go ahead, then," Adrian repeated, opening his arms. "Give it a go. Just know it won't solve your problem. Even with me out of the way, you'd never get to her in time. And what about the children? Can't imagine Lai would be too pleased if you got them offed."

Draco clenched his jaw, fighting to surf a swelling riptide of panic and anguish. With a flourish of his wand, he cast a string of beautifully dark spells. However, in his state Adrian was finally his equal, and he avoided each curse with ease.

"Enough already!" He snarled, deflecting a final crucio and bearing down on Draco. "You can't curse your way out of this one, Malfoy. You want to protect Leolin and her family? You're going to have to play by my rules."

He gave a sharp whistle and a handful of his crew appeared, surrounding Draco.

"Expelliarmus," Adrian snapped, grabbing Draco's wand.

"What do you want?" Draco grit out, watching in dull dismay as the train to Wales pulled away from the platform and slithered off.

Adrian raised his eyebrows, tucking Draco's wand into his jacket pocket.

"I want to tell you a story," he said cryptically, folding his arms across his chest. "And it starts on the day you were supposed to marry Leolin."

Draco feel dizzy as he watched the past six years knit together with blinding clarity. He could hear Leolin's voice echoing inside his mind. She'd been trying to tell him the truth the entire time; he'd just been too thick to truly listen. His head spun as he tore back through their conversations.

"The truth is that I loved you desperately, Draco, and the day I left you was the worst day of my life."

"If there was any way I could have stayed, I would have."

"You know I still love you, right? I never stopped."

"I left because I had no other choice!"

"Don't go! Please. I love you. I always have. I always will. Till the sun rises in the West and sets in the East."

When Draco looked back up at Adrian, his gold eyes gleamed like a trophy as he raised his wand and pointed it directly at Draco heart.

"What do you say, Malfoy? Would you like to hear it?"

---

Ginny and Blaise were still at Draco's flat later into the afternoon, and they were growing increasingly impatient.

"I can't take it anymore," Ginny whined. "Just bloody floo him already!"

"If he hasn't called, he has a good reason," Blaise said. "Maybe he's busy getting his brains shagged out."

"Or something went wrong," Ginny urged. "Or the stupid sod is pissed in some pub instead."

Blaise rolled his eyes, even knowing his wife was right.

"Fine," he said in resignation, flipping the floo open.

It issued smoke for several seconds before Draco disembodied voice floated up from it.

"Hello?" he said, voice flat.

"Drake," Ginny chimed. "What's going on? Are you still in Wales?"

"No," Draco said, and there was silence for a moment. "I never left London."

"Why the fuck," Ginny snarled. "Not?"

"I couldn't," Draco said. "Quinn, another."

"Excuse me?" Ginny snapped.

They could hear glass clinking.

"Oh mate," Blaise pleaded. "Please tell me you aren't at The Em right now."

"I told you," Ginny hissed at Blaise. "Draco Malfoy, you have twenty seconds to explain yourself before I come over there and beat you to a bloody pulp."

"I'm marrying Gen," Draco said flatly in reply.

"Are you mad?" Ginny demanded. "What about Leolin? I thought you said you loved her!"

"I do love her!" Draco burst somewhat drunkenly. "So much that I can't be selfish with her, even though I want to."

"What does that mean?" Blaise said, growing fretful now, too. "What the Hell happened at the train station that has you so worked up?"

"I have to marry Gen," Draco repeated quietly, speech pattern betraying the number of drinks he'd had. "It's the only way to protect Leolin."

"Why?" Ginny begged. "Drake, what the Hell is going on?"

"I was selfish, and a coward," Draco continued in soliloquy. "And now I have to face the consequences of my actions."

His ice clinked as he took another sip.

"Drake!" Blaise demanded. "Talk to us!"

"I—" Draco choked, fending off a sob. He managed to swallow it, and he cleared his throat, his voice low and hollow. "I have to go. I'll see you tonight."

"Draco Malfoy," Ginny bellowed. "If you hang up this floo, you don't deserve Leolin."

"That's exactly the point," he replied sadly. "We all know I never really did. If you see her, please tell her much I'll always love her."

With that, he rang off.

"Fucking coward!" Ginny screamed, chucking the floo across the room.

"Gin—" Blaise began, but she shook off his arm.

"I hate him," she choked. "I hate him for what he's done, and I hope he burns in Hell!"

"Ginevra," Blaise said gently, folding her into his arms. "Listen to what you're saying. Draco is our friend, and he needs us. We can't abandon him now."

Finally she nodded, resting her head on his chest.

"We have to work this through logically. Think about what Draco said. He had to marry Gen because it was the only way to protect Leolin. The only reason he wouldn't have gone to Wales," Blaise pointed out. " is if he felt he was putting Leolin in specific danger. And there's only one person who has the influence to make that kind of threat."

"You think Adrian's back."

"Adrian, and maybe even Lucius. Who else has the resources to leverage Drake like that?"

"But how did they find her?"

"Adrian always been a brilliant chess player, and it clear that all of this is part of some master plan. What if he set tabs on the manor knowing McAngus's death would likely drive her back there and into a trap? I bet they haven't found a way into the house, but if she comes out, she'll walk right into his snare."

"Even if that's true," Ginny said. "Drake would never just accept that. If Adrian was threatening Leolin, Drake would kill him."

"But then what?" Blaise pointed out. "Adrian is just the head of the serpent. Cut it off and two more will grow in its place. If he knows about the manor, he essentially has Drake backed into a corner. Look, if there's one mistake we always make, it's underestimating Adrian. If Drake backed down, you know if was because he had no other choice."

"Fine," Ginny said resolutely. "Adrian might have Drake pinned down, but let's see him keep tabs on all of us. If Drake can't go to Wales, then I'm going for him."

"What," Blaise said protectively. "Alone? And pregnant? Absolutely not. I'm coming with you."

"No," she said, "Drake needs you here. And besides, I'm not going alone." She crossed to the floo and cast a handful out powder into the flames.

"Palazzo Borgia," she announced, and the flames roared blue before fading back to order, at which point Xavier appeared, looking fierce as always.

"Zabini," he said, eying her coolly. "What can I do for you?

"I need to talk to Severina immediately."

"About?" he replied. "She's currently indisposed."

It never cease to annoy Ginny how flippant and disdainful Xavier always insisted on being. Severina had come to understand and embrace how much and Ginny and Blaise loved Leolin, and she had Ginny had formed a tight bond because of it. Her husband, however, continued to treat them with a barely concealed mistrust.

"I don't have time for your bullshite today, Borgia," she snapped. "It's about Leolin. Get Severina now."

His expression changed immediately, his eyebrows synching together as his obsidian eyes teamed with concern. She could see on his face how much he loved Leolin.

"Rina Mia, ven aquí."

"Estoy con la niña," she called. "Qué está pasando?"

"Es Ginevra. Le necesita."

Severina appeared, waist length hair unbound as she fed Sonia. When she saw Ginny, she knelt down, Sonia still effortlessly suckling at her breast.

"Ginevra," she said softly, adjusting Sonia slightly. "What's going on, cariño?"

"I—" Ginny said, eying Sonia. "I'm sorry to take you away from your family. But I need you. Leolin needs you."

"What's happened?" Severina said at once.

Ginny glanced back at Blaise, and he put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"We think Adrian's back, and we think he knows Leolin is in Wales."

"How?"

"We're not entirely sure, but Draco was supposed to go, but he mysteriously flooed hours later saying he had to marry Gen to protect Leolin."

"Why does Pucey want Draco to marry her so badly?"

"Who knows," Ginny said. "But he's tipped his hand. Whatever's he has planned, it's going down tomorrow."

Severina nodded in comprehension.

"We have to get her to safety tonight," Ginny concluded.

Severina looked longingly down at Sonia, who'd begun to drift off.

"I know it's a lot to ask," Ginny said softly. "But will you help me?"

Severina stroked the baby's head before looking up at Ginny, dark eyes churning with something snarling and complex.

"Of course," she murmured. "You don't have to ask."

Ginny exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

"But are you sure you should be going, mija?" Severina said, indicating Ginny's belly, which had just recently begun to swell in earnest.

"She's right, Gin," Blaise interjected. "It's too dangerous."

"I don't care," Ginny said. "If someone happened to Leolin and I wasn't there to help her, I would never forgive myself."

"Gin—"

"Listen to your wife, Zabini," Xavier commanded, reemerging and giving Blaise a solid look. "She's tougher than you think, and she's right. Hers is one of the first faces Leolin is going to want to see."

"Then I'm coming with you," Blaise said automatically.

"No," Ginny said gently. "You need to look after Drake. He needs you, and if Adrian really is having him watched, he's going to expect you to show up. If you don't, he might get suspicious."

Blaise clenched his jaw but nodded, brushing an affectionate hand across the back of Ginny's head.

"I'm off, then," he said.

"Wait," Ginny said, struggling to her own feet.

He helped her right herself before pulling her into his arms and kissing her.

"You promised me you wouldn't die in this war," he said solemnly. "Don't you dare forget that tonight."

"I love you," she said in reply, kissing him.

He knelt placing both hands on her stomach and kissing her belly button.

"I can't lose either of you now," he said.

"You won't," she assured him. "I'll see you at the party tonight."

He nodded, addressing the Borgias now.

"Take care of her," he said.

"Like she's our own," Xavier assured him.

Blaise considered this answer before turning back to Ginny a final time.

"See you in a bit. Give Leolin my love."

With that he disappeared, and Ginny turned back to Severina. Sonia was quietly snoozing now, and Severina tucked her breast back into her silky brassiere and continued to rock her.

"Who will watch the girls?" Ginny said softly. She felt guilty for taking Severina away, especially considering how fiercely she obviously wanted to stay.

"My sister Belén is staying with us," Xavier said. "She will look after them. Lena!"

A few seconds later a young girl around twenty appeared, frowning slightly. She shared many of her brother's features—his strong nose, large eyes, and full lips—but her face was much less guarded.

"¿Qué está pasando?" she demanded, looking confused.

"Severina and I have to leave. We need you to watch the children." Xavier turned to his wife, touching her shoulder gently. "Rina, give the baby to Lena. We need to go. Anselmo, mi abrigo y verita."

Severina didn't immediately do as she was bid, and Belén glanced at her in bemusement before turning back to her brother, frowning as she watched him shrug into a dark jacket his manservant had just offered him.

"I don't understand," she said in a thick Castilian accent. Unlike Xavier, she's clearly attended university somewhere in Spain, most likely Salamanca or Seville. "What's going on?"

"There isn't time to explain," Xavier said, accepting his wand and slipping it into a holster at his belt.

Belén watched him for another moment before finally glancing at Ginny.

"And who are you?" she asked.

"Lena, this is Ginevra Zabini," Xavier said. "Zabini, my youngest sister, Belén."

"You don't look like a Zabini," Belén told Ginny candidly.

"It's my married name," Ginny replied.

Belén considered this, studying Ginny's flaming hair before nodding.

"You're Ginny Weasley, Leolin's friend. How is she?"

"In trouble, I'm afraid," Ginny admitted.

"Severina," Xavier said softly, crossing to his wife. "Dame el bebé. We need to go."

Finally Severina acquiesced, allowing Xavier to ease the sleeping Sonia from her arms before unabashedly dropping her dressing gown so she could step into trousers and boots instead.

Xavier pressed a kiss to Sonia's soft head before handing her to his sister. Belén accepted the toddler even as her brows knit together in another confused frown.

"When will you be back?" she asked.

"Tomorrow evening," he replied. "Some time after sundown."

By this time Severina was fully dressed, and she accepted her wand from another servant as she quickly braided her long hair down her back.

"And bring me a gown," she told the woman.

"Which one, Doña?" the woman asked.

"My favorite," Severina replied, seeming more her usual self now. Even still, her eyes flicked continually to Sonia. "With the crystals."

"What do you need that for?" Ginny said, watching Severina strap a small, slim stiletto to her thigh.

"We're going to need a way to get Leolin in to see Draco," she replied. "I have a plan."

She was finally ready, and she crossed to Belén, accepting Sonia back so she could properly kiss her goodbye. Ginny's heart ache dully as she watched Xavier cross to do the same. She didn't want to admit it—none of them did—but if things when badly, Severina could be away from her children for far longer than a single night.

"Cuidales, Lena," she commanded softly, begrudgingly giving Sonia back. "Please."

"Of course," Belén said, accepting a salutory kiss from her brother. "Te veo pronto, tesoro."

"Tell Isa and Angelina to be good," Xavier reminded her. "Tell them I will know if they aren't, and they will have to deal with their mother when she gets back."

Belén smiled.

"I will give them your love," she replied.

"That, too." He smiled, though Ginny could see that he too was pained, and she touched her own belly protectively. It was true, what Grace had said about having children. Loving them changed you. Finally he turned back to his wife, placing a reassuring hand on her back. "Andiamo, Severina."

"Good luck," Belén said. "The girls and I will be waiting for you."

Severina nodded stiffly, trading a look with Xavier before accepting the gown she'd requested and stepping through the flames into Draco's flat. When they were both through, she turned to wave a final time before casting floo powder into the fire and extinguishing the connection. When Belén and the palazzo had faded completely back into orange flame, she turned to Ginny.

"Ven, tesoro," she said to Ginny, extending a hand. "It's time."

"Vaminos," Xavier agreed, drawing his wand.

"No," Severina said. "You need you to go to France. If Pucey threatened Leolin, he probably threatened the Lefevres as well. It's imperative we know they're safe, and at this point we can't trust anyone else."

Despite what he'd told Blaise about Ginny, Xavier was immediately shaking his head.

"It's too dangerous, Rina."

She came forward, pressing a hand to his cheek.

"You've never won an argument with me, mi amor. That's not going to change today."

"Severina—"

"No," she repeated more firmly. "Tomorrow we may very well be dining en infierno. I for one refuse to sit down to banquet knowing there was more for Leolin we could have done."

Xavier clenched his jaw.

"Besides," Severina said gently. "This is something Ginevra and I need to do alone."

Finally he nodded.

"Keep your floo close, cariño. I want regular updates."

She nodded, kissing him passionately.

"Claro," she said.

"I love you," he said, gripping her silky hair and kissing her again.

Despite everything, Ginny still got the distinct impression that part of them yearned to simply tear one another's clothes off and make love on Draco's kitchen floor.

"Bene," she said. "Let's go."

She jerked her head to indicate she and Ginny leave.

"Severina," Xavier said sternly, clearly intent on at least having the final word. "Now is not the time for foolish bravery, and I will not lose you. Your children still need you, and so do I. Do what needs to be done and come back immediately. Ginevra," he continued, and Ginny felt a bit like a child getting a lecture from her father. "Stay close to Severina. If there are risks, let her take them. Capisce?"

Ginny blushed. She generally found Xavier to be a cold and perplexing creature, but for the first time, she could see what Leolin and Severina so loved about him.

"Yes, I understand."

"We're wasting time," Severina said. "It's nearly dusk already. We only have a few hours before the party starts, and it will be suspicious if we are late."

They made for the door, but suddenly the fireplace flamed emerald, and they all three drew their wands. However, the newcomer immediately held up his hands in surrender, even backing away a step as Rodames began to bark and snarl.

"It's me," he said, eying the dog warily. "Don't shoot."

"Chaisson," Xavier said as he lowered his wand. His tone was incredibly cool again, and his expression was one of mild but palpable distain. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm looking for Malfoy. Where is he?"

"Long story," Ginny admitted. "What's going on?"

In response Felix drew a large, heavy chain about the size and weight of a python from the bag slung across his body.

"Is that—" Ginny began, and Felix nodded.

He nodded.

"I finished it last week."

"We need to get it to Leolin," Severina said. "She needs to break it immediately."

"I tried that three days ago," Felix said.

"And what happened?" Ginny pressed.

Felix rolled back his sleeve, wincing as he revealed a nasty burn that ran the entire length of his forearm.

"Oh my gods," Ginny said, grabbing his wrist gently so she could further examine the wound. "How the hell did you get this?"

Felix gave a faint smile.

"Crazy girl has a Hybridean Black guarding the house, and it's none too friendly."

Xavier smirked faintly, too.

"She would."

"Did you see anyone when you were there?" Ginny pressed. "Any of Pucey's crew?"

Felix frowned in confusion, and Severina added, "We think he's been watching the house. Was there anyone else there?"

"No," Felix replied. "Not that I saw. But to be fair, I was pretty preoccupied with the thirty foot dragon."

"We thinking they're waiting to smoke her out," Xavier said. "Pucey's intent on making sure Malfoy marries Genevieve, and he can't risk Leolin messing that up."

"Why does he care so much?" Felix asked.

Ginny shook her head. "We don't know. But it doesn't matter. We need to get to Wales immediately. Are you with us?"

Felix exchanged a look with each of the women.

"You know I am. Toujours."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Severina snapped. "Let's go!"

She headed for the front door, but Ginny grabbed her wrist.

"Wait," she said. "We still don't know how Adrian found Draco at Euston Station. It could be they're watching the flat."

"Stay here," Xavier instructed. "I will find out."

He drew his wand, flicked it at the back door, and swung open. Staying inside the flat, he cast a burst of light down the dark alley, which whistling through the darkness before swinging back like a boomerang. He held it up and looked at it.

"This place has been compromised," he concluded. "There are four of them waiting out there."

"Great," Felix huffed. "And now they know we're here."

Xavier gave him a dark look.

"They already knew, berzotas," Xavier snapped. "That's why they're watching the house."

"Who cares how they got here," Ginny said. "How are we going to make it out?"

"You go," Xavier said. "I will stun them and modify their memories. They're think we stayed until the party, and they followed us here."

"Está peligroso," Severina said, surging forward to grip Xavier's shirt.

"I'll be fine," he assured her. "Go on my mark."

She nodded, and he swished his wand several times, preparing himself.

"One," he said, taking a deep breath. "Two. THREE!"

He swung into the alley, casting a spell that created a bright flash and a deafening bang. Just as he did, the other three grabbed hands and disappeared into the night.

They arrived outside a large wrought iron gate several minutes later and found themselves looking up at the ancestral Madoc manor set a fifty or so yards off the fence.

"What's the plan?" Felix asked as they all peered through the well-worn gate and onto the sprawling estate.

It had fallen into slight disrepair since Leolin's grandmother Sian had died four years before—Ariadne had been too heartsick to return and set the grounds and manor in proper order—but time and the elements had hardly managed to tarnish the estate's formidable beauty.

The once manicured garden was slightly overgrown, the topiary bushes have grown out and transformed into lesser tamed beasts. The colossal stone manor looked lonely and somewhat bleak amongst its wilder surrounding, though Ginny could still imagine what it must have been like on one of the nights of Sian's famous parties, the gardens glittering with guests' gowns and fairy lights, and the main house bursting with laughter and light.

At the present, it was completely dark save for a small pinprick of light in a window on the third floor. Ginny's heart fluttered. That must have been Leolin.

Without thinking, she reached forward to push open the wrought iron gate, swearing when it zapped her and sent an unpleasant jolt up her arm.

"Merlin," she said, partially chiding herself. "Chaisson, was this here when you came before?"

He nodded.

"I—ah—circumvented it." He paused, as if stricken by something mildly painful. "McAngus showed me how. He was dynamite at confunding protection charms."

They all bowed their heads for a moment before silently agreeing to forge on. Severina, who'd said nothing to this point, drew her comely aspen wand and flourishing it. It sent out a light which swept across the grounds before bounding eagerly back to her. She caught the small orb with the tip of her wand and ficked her wrist up so the light dispersed to reveal a detailed map.

"You were the only one who found a way around it," she said solemnly, indicating three silvery dots strategically positioned to cover each of the major exits. "You were right," she breathed to Ginny. "Pucey's been watching her."

"Why are they so far off, though?" Ginny asked, indicating the space between the dots and the dark shadow that represented the Manor's outer wall.

"That's why," Felix said, pointing to a hulking mass curled around one of the Neogothic spires that jutted up from the facade.

At first it was too dark to make out, but when it shifted, giving a large exhale, slivers of smouldering light were visible through its furnace gills, and even from a fifty yards off, they could see the waves of heat rolling out. It was a truly massive Hybridean Black.

"Merlino," Severina breathed. "Where did she get it?"

"I have no idea," Ginny replied, slightly awed.

She'd seen her fair share of dragons in her life, both through her brother Charlie's work in Romania and during the Triwizard Tournament. However, the Black looked nearly twice the size and length of the common Welsh Green Fleur had faced Ginny's third year, and judging by the nasty burn on Felix's arm, it didn't seem any friendlier, either.

"I thought the McFusty's were the only ones who still them."

"Who cares where she got it?" Felix said. "We need to figure out how we're going to stop the damn thing."

In answer Severin drew the sword Tizona from an invisible sheath. It gleamed just as it had the last time Ginny had seen it in Audige's makeshift court.

"This sword is goblin-made. It can absorb dragon fire, and pierce armour, if need be."

"So, what? We're going to kill it?" Felix asked dubiously.

"Not if we can help it. It belongs to Leolin, after all. Besides, I'm afraid it may be linked to the magic protecting the house."

"Ginevra's right," Severina agreed. "One of us should distract it while the other two take out Pucey's matones. Once they're out of the way, we'll figure out a way to subdue the dragon and get inside."

"Not much of a plan," Felix admitted.

"Do you have any better?" Severina snapped, and he shrugged, eliciting an irritated growl from her.

"Even if all that works," Felix said, sounding extremely dubious. "We have no guarantee Leolin's going to want to come with us."

"One thing at a time," Ginny said gently, inserting herself between them as Severina prepared to say something hateful.

Felix nodded, bowing his head to silently indicate his defensiveness was merely an expression of concern. Severina softened as well.

"So how are we going to distract this thing?" Ginny said. "Any ideas?"

Felix looked at Severina, and she had the decency to look mildly sheepish.

"I hadn't gotten that far."

"Well I have an idea," Ginny said, drawing her wand. "But I'm just going to warn you right now, it's a bit mental."

"What choice to do have?" Felix said in response.

Ginny nodded her agreement and raised her wand.

"Accio broomstick."

For a long moment nothing happened, and Felix rounded on Ginny.

"Are you mad?" he demanded. "You can honestly expect us to let you ride that thing!"

"Of the three of us," Ginny said, sounding oddly calm. "I'm the only one who's played professional quidditch. I'm hands down the best flyer."

"Yes," Felix said. "But of the three of us, you're also the only one who is pregnant!"

"Chaisson is right, tesoro," Severina said. "It's too dangerous."

Ginny opened her mouth to argue, but suddenly they heard a distant crash and a saw small, dark meteor hurdling towards them. It zoomed over the roof, gliding through the jutting teeth of the Gothic facade and plummeting towards them. Unfortunately, it seemed to have come a little too close to the sleeping Black, which stirred at once, violet eyes blinking open and two jets of smoke streaming from its flared nostrils. It rose, tossing its spiked head back to reveal an impressive array of razor sharp teeth before bellowing. The sound was guttural and snarling, and it bounded menacingly off the stone walls of the manor.

"Do you have a better idea?" Ginny screamed over another deafening roar.

"I'll do it!" Felix said, but it was too late.

The broom was within reach now, and Ginny grabbed the handle deftly and leapt atop it mid-air.

"Find the others!" she cried, rising out higher into the air. "I'll distract it."

"Zabini!" they cried in harried unison, but she was already off, laying flat against the broom and zooming into the night towards the agitated Black and trying to form a gameplan.

She swung wide around the house to get accustomed to the broom, which was late model Phoenix like the one Leolin had ridden at Hogwarts. The Razor had since fallen somewhat out of style in the professional world—it's handling charms had been rather cavalierly designed—but it was impossibly fast, and Ginny had a feeling that was likely going to matter most in a fight with a dragon.

She made another lap, trying to remember how Harry had defeated the Horntail during the Triwizard Tournament her third year, but in truth, she didn't remember much. It had been nearly fifteen years ago, and at the time she'd been too busy worrying her one true love might die to pay proper attention.

Swinging as close as she dared, Ginny arched across the roof, dodging a jet of flames the Black bellowed at her. For such a massive creature, it was alarmingly quick, and all too soon it was in flight, pursuing her with a fury.

She executed a series of zags and faints she'd made famous at Holyhead, but after the Black managed to singe her tailsticks, she took off into the inky night, needing to regroup. She expected the dragon to follow her, but when she looked back she was surprised to find it had stopped, beating its winging as giving a frustrated bellow instead.

She realised, as it belched another large lungful of flame, that there was likely a magical barrier tethering it to the house. It made perfect sense, when she thought about it. Hybridean Blacks in the wild traveled over one hundred miles a day. As of a form of protection, it would be little use if it were halfway across the country when an intruder arrived.

She stayed wide but swung low, forcing the Black off its vantage point on the roof's Eastern turret and back into flight. When it was practically skimming the ground in pursuit of her, she cut up and out, heading for a set of flashing lights on the far end of the back garden. She she suspected, the dragon remained within wingspan of the main house, screaming its frustration as Ginny took off to help her friends.

The garden was a series of terraces, and Ginny found Severina and Felix on the lowest one, dodging in an out of a maze-like hedge and firing hexes at will.

Severina was battling with Tatle Rawle, and Felix stood squaring off with both Teddy Nott and his wife, Astoria. It surprised Ginny somewhat to see Astoria, though she admitted after a moment she didn't know why, and it also forced a twinge of pain. Still, it didn't keep Ginny from rasing her hand.

"Stupefy!" she cried, and Astoria immediately slumped to the ground, unconscious. Teddy, distracted by concern for his wife, had no time to defend against Felix's spell.

With the Notts out of the way, all three of them focused on Rawle.

"Lay down your wand," Severina commanded, firing a curse Tate deflected.

"Over my dead body," he snarled.

"Don't tempt me," Felix snapped back, casting a searing crucio Tate only barely managed to deflect.

He then blocked a similar curse from Severina, but Ginny was still in the air, and in the end he couldn't manage all three of them at once.

"Crucio," Ginny cried, and Tate buckled immediately, screaming.

Harry had told her once that you had mean it, and when she recalled all the horrid things Tate had done, she realised just how much she wanted to punish him. He dropped his wand in agony, and Severina kicked it away. Ginny landed, but didn't relent. Tate screamed louder.

"Enough, Zabini," Felix said softly. "We still need him. Besides—" he indicated her swollen stomach with his eyes. "Stress isn't good for the baby."

Ginny finally released the curse, her chest heaving as she rubbed her stomach. Tate rewarded the gesture with a condescending sneer, and Severina jammed a boot into his ribs. He swore and fell forward, and Ginny pressed his cheek into the gravel.

"That's for Merys Rhydderich, you sick son of a bitch," she said in a deadly voice.

There was certainly more she could had added, but at that moment Tate's floo began to smoke.

"That's Adrian," he grit out, face still half-buried in the gravel. "You lot are fucked."

"Imperio," Felix said, wand pointed at Tate. "Answer it and tell him everything is fine."

"Dream on, you sod."

Severina drew her own wand and repeated the spell, but this time Tate immediately went slack, and his eyes glazed over.

"Do as he says," she snarled quietly. "Now."

Ginny trepidatiously eased her foot up as he reached for his floo. They all held their breath. He certainly appeared to be genuinely imperiused, but he was admittedly not without his talents, and Ginny seemed to remember that lying was one of his specialities. If he managed to warn Adrian, they'd be overwhelmed in minutes.

"Hey mate," Tate said in his usual tone. "Everything alright?"

"Perfect, on my end," Adrian purred. The self satisfaction in his voice gave Ginny the chills. "Tell me you still have eyes on Lefevre."

Severina raised her wand, ready to silence Tate if he made a wrong move. However, he simply said, "I"m looking at her as we speak."

"Ask him about Draco," Ginny hissed.

"What about Malfoy?"

"He's not going anywhere," Adrian said smugly. "Not without her. You haven't seen Weasley, have you? Or Borgia?"

Ginny and Severina exchanged a look. Felix shook his head to indicate Tate lie again.

"No," Tate said obediently. "Why?"

"I just don't want any surprises. And when Landon and Mickey turn up, I want you to meet me in London. I have a task for you there. "

"Of course," Tate replied. "Whatever you need."

"And after?" Severina mouthed.

"And after?" Tate repeated.

"You and I are going back to Wales tonight. I think Geoff Blackburn and I finally figured out a way around the dragon and into the house. We've waited long enough."

"Of course," Tate said again.

"Floo me when McNair and Travers show," Adrian instructed.

"Right. See you in an hour."

When Adrian rang off, Severina raised her wand to Tate's eye level.

"Tell us what Pucey has planned," she demanded, but Tate seemed to have regained some lucidity,and he spat at her feet instead. "Is Lucius Malfoy really dead?"

"Go to Hell," he sneered.

In response, she slapped him soundly across the face, and he winced as his head snapped to the side.

"Keep an eye on this putain," Felix said to Ginny. "Borgia and I will deal with the dragon."

"What?" Ginny said. "No! We've been over this!"

"Yeah," Felix said. "We have. You're pregnant, Zabini. Stop acting crazy."

"Never call pregnant woman crazy," Ginny snapped. "And I'm doing this. You'll not going to stop me."

"Trouble in paradise?" Tate jeered, and Severina silenced him with a flick of her wand. "Enough," she commanded. "She's got a point, Chaisson. You deal with this one and the others. When they come, modify their memories as well."

Felix clenched his jaw, clearly irritated at being so callously treated for trying to do the right thing. Despite his concern, Ginny remained obstinate, hopping gracefully onto the broom and hovering.

"Once you've dealt with them, come inside," Severina said warmly, touching his cheek in an wildly uncharacteristic gesture. "Leolin will want to see you."

He nodded, seemed always dazed.

"Are you ready?" Ginny asked, extending a hand down to Severina.

"Be careful," Felix replied, turning his wand on Tate, who shook his head wildly. "Oblivate."

"You, too," Severina said. "Andiamo."

With that, Ginny rocketed upward.

"Don't suppose you have a plan," Ginny screamed over the howling wind.

"I have some ideas," Severina replied. "You drive, I'll try and take the Black down. Take the sword."

Ginny accepted it, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

"You don't have to do this!" Severina said. "I wouldn't want to, if I were in your shoes."

"No," Ginny said. "I can handle this."

At seeing the broom once again in flight, the dragon took to the air, sending a fiery jet they only narrowly avoided through a well-timed barrel roll.

"We need to get underneath!" Severina said after a minute or two of flight. "The armor on top is too thick!"

"Okay!" Ginny cried. "Hold on!"

The dragon snapped its teeth as it angled its head up to swallow them whole, but Ginny was already halfway through a Wronski feint, diving under the dragon.

"Now!" she screamed, and Severina fired a sedation spell that would have easily felled a giant two times the dragon's size. However, though the spell sunk squarely into the soft scales that lined the beast's stomach, the dragon was undaunted.

"That should have worked!" Severina said. "Something's wrong!"

Ginny pulled up on the handle, trying to move out of the dragon's range again, but it whipped it's spiked tail up at the last minute, swinging it straight towards them.

"Look out!" Severina screamed, jerking the tail of the broom to absorb the blow and protect Ginny.

"Rina, no!" Ginny croaked as she watched the first of the spikes impale Severina directly in the ribs.

She expected to hear crunching bones as the marble marrow of the spike crushed Severina's ribcage, but she realised as she looked back at Severina that the tail had actually passed straight through her, impossible though it seemed.

"What just happened?" Ginny cried as they avoided another very real jet of flame. "You should be dead!"

Severina was laughing.

"What the fuck, Borgia!"

"It's not a real dragon!" she said, still laughing her relief. "It's just a charm!"

"How is that—" Ginny began, but Severina cut her off.

"Give me to sword!" Severina said. "And swing low!"

Ginny did as she was told, dodging this way and and that as Severina positioned herself towards the tale.

"What are you playing at?" Ginny cried. "You're going to get yourself bloody killed!"

"Get above it! Now, Zabini!"

Ginny jerked up faster than the dragon could react just as Severina leapt off the end of the broom, Tizona raised above her head. Her timing had been spot on, and with a war cry, she drove the goblin steel sword into the Black's would-be skull.

With a blinding blaze of light who origin point was the sword, the entire apparition exploded, leaving only black smoke behind. Ginny looked down to find Severina lying flat on her back amongst the wreckage, laughing and coughing alternatively.

Ginny landed, throwing down the broom and practically leaping into Severina's arms just as she rose.

"We did it!" she squealed.

Severina smiled, teeth white against her sooty-tinged skin.

"How do you feel?" Severina asked. "How's the baby?"

Ginny rubbed her stomach affectionately.

"Fine," she said.

"This will be quite the story for them to tell at their first World Cup," Severina laughed. "Shall we?"

She extended a hand to Ginny, who took it, sobering up a little. Her heart was in her throat now, and she could feel its pulsation all the way up the base of her skull. Severina glanced at her, likely experiencing something similar; the truth was they had no idea what could be waiting for them beyond the front door.

"¿Lista, mija?"

Ginny nodded.

"Let's go."

Severina jerked her head towards the house, and they picked their way carefully through the topiary adorning the front garden, both still on edge. Finally they approached the front door, and Severina drew her wand.

"Shouldn't we just knock?" Ginny said quietly.

Severina glanced at her.

"At this hour, I don't think we have the luxury of politeness," Severina admitted.

Ginny was resistant to accept what Severina clearly already had; Leolin might not want to see them.

"Alohamora," Severina hissed, and they listened to the charm slithering up the spine of the door, reversing the lock's internal mechanism. Finally, the chatter of metal on metal ceased, and the door swung in with an ominous creak to reveal the darkened grand foyer of the manor. They exchanged a final glance before Severina took a tentative step inside.

"Where do you think she—" Severina began, but she stopped mid-sentence when a previously immobile suit of armor sprang to life, clamped a hand around her throat, and pushed her against the panelled wall. Ginny screamed as a second suit grabbed her by her wand arm, rooting her in place and rendering her defenseless.

Before either of them could begin to struggle in earnest, a figure appeared at the top of the staircase, wand drawn.

Leolin's dark hair was styled artfully up and away from her face, and she was wore a silk dressing gown and a pair of diamond chandelier earrings, almost as i'd they interrupted her while getting ready for a night out. However, her teeth were bared in a threatening expression, and in addition to the wand in her left hand, she had a holster with three stiletto's strapped to her thigh.

"Lai!" Severina cried, struggling against her confinement. The hand at her throat wasn't over tightly, and she was able to toss her head back and forth.

Leolin didn't relent, pointing her wand more meaningfully at her friend instead.

"The only work of art I refused to steal," she said, voice cold. "What was it?"

"What?" Severina demanded in a strangled voice.

"Answer the question, or I'll kill you," Leolin replied. "You have to the count of three. One—"

"The Canova!" Severina croaked. "Leolin and Leantes!"

Far from being satiated by this answer, Leolin swung her wand to point at Ginny instead.

"And the first thing I said to you on the Hogwarts Express?"

Ginny let out a choked half-laugh, half-sob.

"I hope I'm in Slytherin," she recalled. "That's where they put all the handsome boys."

Leolin lowered her wand and the armour immediately sprung back into place. She covered her eyes and began to cry as Ginny and Severina enveloped her in a warm embrace.

"Gin," she said, smiling despite her tears. "Rina. What are you doing here?"

"We came to fetch you," Ginny said, wiping tears from Leolin's eyes. "You have a party to crash."

"Though it looks like you're way ahead of us," Severina said, tucking a dark curl which had sprung loose behind Leolin's ear and causing the diamond chandelier to sparkle.

"Isn't she always?" Ginny said, squeezing Leolin a little tighter.

"How did you get past the dragon?" she asked, seeming a touch sheepish.

"With great difficulty, I assure you," a fourth voice chimed.

Leolin turned, and fresh tears welled in her eyes.

"Ren," she breathed, flying into his arms and hugging him tightly. "You too?"

"Of course, bichette," he said. "Toujours."

"So," Leolin said finally, pulling away and surveying them each warmly. "Should I be expecting—" she paused, not quite able to keep a soft pleading from her voice. "—anyone else?"

The other three exchanged a glance.

"He wanted to be here," Ginny explained quietly. "But I'm afraid things have gotten complicated."

Leolin gave a soft laugh that barely concealed the pain.

"Were they not before?"

"More complicated, then," Felix admitted, and Leolin solemnly nodded.

"I never expected tonight to be easy,"she said. "Whatever happens, I can handle it."

"I admit seeing you like this is a relief," Severina said.

"We were worried you might be—" Felix admitted, breaking off.

Leolin gave a soft, if not a touch sad, smile.

"I was," Leolin said. "For a long, long time. But then one day about a month ago I woke up and realised I just couldn't be sad anymore.

"Why didn't you come back to London?" Ginny asked, sounding slightly hurt. "Or floo us, at least."

"I wasn't ready for any of that," Leolin explained, sounding sympathetic. "But I finally had the strength the get out of bed again, and I knew I had to try and make a plan."

"What did you come up with?" Felix asked.

Leolin blushed, holding out her arms.

"You're looking at it. I know it may be too late and that I never broke the gag, but Drake's getting married tomorrow, and I'll never forgive myself if I don't at least try and stop him."

Ginny, Felix, and Severina looked meaningfully at one another, and Leolin's face fell slightly.

"What?" she asked, mouth going dry as her stomach clenched. "What is it? They didn't elope of something, did they."

"No," Ginny said, choked up but still smiling slightly. "It's not that."

"Did he tell you about Crist—"

Felix cut her off by drawing the chain from his bag and offering it to her. Leolin drew a sharp, shuddering inhale, and her hands shook as she reached out to touch the heavy iron.

"Is this—" she whispered quietly, lip trembling.

He nodded.

"You finished it?" she asked, almost overcome.

"I promised you that Draco would know the truth before this was all over," he reminded her. "Go on, lapin, take it."

He extended it to her, and she hesitantly moved to accept before recoiling.

"I have no way to break it," she said, sounding dismayed. "I never got that far."

As this, Ginny and Severina beamed at each other, and Severina drew Tizona from it's hidden Scabbard.

"Try this," she said, and Leolin half laughed, half sobbed when Severina offered it to her.

She carefully drummed her fingers along the leather pommel, adjusting her grip.

"Are you sure this will work?" she asked.

"Only one way to find out?" Ginny said, raising her eyebrows.

Leolin nodded, adjusting her grip again as Felix and Severina pulled the chain taut.

"When you're ready, mija," Severina said gently.

"And stay back, Zabini," Felix said. "We have no idea what kind of dark energy this thing might throw off."

Leolin watched Ginny retreat a safe ways up the stairs before nodding and taking a steadying breath. She then raised the sword above her head and brought it thundering down on the chain.

The steel collided with a sickening crack, and Leolin felt the reverberation all the way into her shoulders and back. She knew the curse wouldn't go down without a fight, but neither would she. She swung it again, and the chain gave another cry, an acrid smoke rising from the weakened links. She could feel the magic resisting her, and her arms ached from the effort, but she refused the relent. Raising the sword a final time, she gave a determined cry and brought the blade down on the chain. It snapped with a drum-rattling crack, and the while thing immediately decomposed, first into obsidian gel, then into gray smoke, which hung in the air.

Leolin allowed the clatter from her grip onto the marble floor as she fell to her knees and sobbed.

Ginny and Severina immediately melted to her side, arms enfolding her.

"Shh," Ginny soothed. "You did it. You're free."

Leolin continued to cry, imagining every horrible thing she'd endured under the gag's power and feeling overwhelmed that such troubles were behind her. No matter what happened now, she would at least have Draco by her side. That was, if she could reach him in time.

The clock began to herald the seven o'clock hour, and though Leolin didn't notice, Felix and Severina exchanged a meaningful glance. They could practically hear Mickey Travers and Landon McNair apparating outside the front gate.

"Right," Ginny said, clearly thinking the same. "Let's get you ready. Felix, can you handle last minute preparations?"

Her tone was full of meaning, but Leolin didn't seem to notice. However, he did, and he nodded, drawing his wand.

"And let my husband in when he arrives," Severina said, ushering Leolin up the stairs.

"Joy," Felix said dully, and Severina shot him a dark look. "Fine," he said, forcing a more cordial tone. "Lai, any tips to keep your dragon eating me alive?"

Leolin laughed in bemusement.

"I thought you—he doesn't know?"

"We got separated," Severina said before Ginny could speak. It was clear now that she didn't intend to tell Leolin the house was being watched. Ginny opened her mouth to explain, and Severina shook her head slightly to indicate she remain silent. Perhaps she was right, Ginny thought. The realisation that her safehouse was nothing more than a fishbowl was likely to do Leolin more harm than good.

"Know what?" Felix interjected, and Leolin laughed somewhat sheepishly.

"It's not a real dragon."

"I—what?" Felix stammered, seeming slightly embarrassed. "Tell me you're joking."

"I swear, it's just a protection charm."

"No," Felix said, flushing a little. "No way. It burned my arm!"

"It's designed to detect motion. When it does, it engages with an inferno hex. The rest is just a complicated glamour."

"It's bloody clever," Ginny said admiringly. "Did you design it yourself?"

"No," Leolin laughed. The sound warmed Ginny from the inside. "It's been in my family since the turn of the century. When our last dragon died, the McFustys tried to raise the price on buying a new one, so my great grandfather said 'sod it' and had this charm designed instead. Hell of a lot easier to manage than an actual dragon, but still extremely effective."

"I'll say," Felix grumbled.

"I'm sorry, darling," Leolin said sympathetically.

As if on cue, they heard the roar of the beast, which was surprisingly quiet inside the house.

"He's fine," Severina said. "Chaisson—" she jerked her head towards the door, dark eyes sparkling with concern. "That's probably Xavier. Go help him. Ven, tesoro. We need to get you dressed. We don't have an abundance of time."

Felix drew his wand and disappeared through the door into the inky front garden, and Leolin allowed Ginny and Severina to usher her up the stairs towards her bedroom. When they arrived, Ginny flourished her wand to draw the curtains closed before urging Leolin to sit at the vanity so Ginny could fix her makeup.

"I'm going to get help Chaisson," Severina said, giving Ginny a serious look. "I'll be right back."

"Glacium will stop the charm," Leolin offered.

Severina nodded and smiled before disappearing. When she was gone, Ginny prompted Leolin to turn towards her so she could brush shimmering powder on her cheekbones.

"Wht will you say to him?" she asked finally after several minutes of silence.

"I don't know," Leolin admitted quietly. "I suppose I'll start with the truth and see where that gets me."

She'd begun to grow terribly nervous. For so long, all she'd wanted—all she'd convinced herself she needed—was for Draco to know the truth. However, now as she finally stared down the prospect of telling him everything, she was afraid to face his reaction. What if he didn't want her, after hearing how thoroughly she'd been used? Leolin bit her lip, eyes falling into her lap.

"Hey," Ginny said softly, crouching next to Leolin and catching her gaze from below. "I know you're afraid, but you don't have to be. You two are soulmates."

Leolin nodded.

"I just hope he still thinks so."

Ginny smiled, holding up Leolin's engagement ring for her to put on.

"He wouldn't have given this back to you aftr all this time if he didn't."

Leolin shied away from it slightly, but Ginny held firm.

"What if he can't forgive—"

"Trust me," Ginny said. "And there was never anything for him to forgive. The only thing left is for you to love and forgive yourself. Can you do that, darling?"

She extended the ring again, and it twinkled in the light. Leolin nodded, slipping it on and growing a bit teary again as Ginny pulled her into a hug.

"No, none of that," Ginny laughed, wiping moisture from her own eyes as she pulled away. "You'll ruin your makeup."

Leolin smiled, nodding as Severina re-entered the room, a resplendent gown over her arm.

"I thought you might need something to wear," Severina said.

Leolin turned, in awe of the gown.

"It's beautiful," she said, watching light dance over the crystal.

"Let's get you dressed, then," Severina said, and she and Leolin eased her into the gown and affixed the back.

It was heavier than Leolin had expected, but instead of weighing her down, she felt pleasantly grounded.

"Go on, then" Ginny prompted, clapping her hands excitedly. "Give us a twirl!"

Leolin did as she was bid, beaming.

"How do you feel?" Severina asked.

"A bit like a conqueress," Leolin admitted, and the other two laughed.

"You look like one. Beautiful and terrible in equal measure."

Leolin glanced into the mirror to find Felix standing in the doorway.

"May I come in?" he asked.

"Of course," Leolin said, smiling softly at him in the mirror.

"Borgia," he said, still drinking in Leolin's resplendency. "Your brute is here."

Severina gave him a mildly sour look, and he laughed.

"Je suis desolé," he said jovially, grinning. "Did I say that out loud? I meant darling husband."

Severina rolled her eyes good-naturedly.

"Come on, Zabini, let's give them a minute. Don't dawdle, though, tesoro; Draco is waiting for you."

Leolin nodded, and Felix moved farther into the room as the other two retreated downstairs.

"So," Leolin said, spinning again. "What do you think?"

"Perfection," Felix said. "Malfoy's a very lucky man."

She smiled, and he approached, proffering a genteel hand.

"May I?"

She laughed.

"There's no music!"

"Who cares?" he demanded, smiling.

She laughed again before accepting the gesture and allowing him to tug her towards him. She pressed a cheek to his chest, and he lay his head gently atop hers.

They stood swaing in silence for a moment before Leolin finally spoke.

"Thank you," she croaked quietly. "I never could have done this without you. You set this whole thing in motion, and you refused to give up on me even after I'd given up on myself."

"It was my honour. And as always, bichette, you don't given yourself enough credit. It was you who got you to this place. No one else."

"I'm scared," Leolin admitted, ceasing to sway so she could look up at him. "I have a feeling everything is about to change."

"Peut-être," he agreed. "But that's all the more reason to enjoy tonight. You've earned it."

"I love you," she whispered, and he pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"A toi aussi," he said, smiling at her. "Now go. You don't want to keep Malfoy waiting too long."

She smiled at him.

"Thank you again, for everything."

"Always, lapin. Just don't forget you promised me a toast at your wedding."

"I haven't forgotten," she assured him. "And I'll be honoured to have you there."

"I wouldn't dream of being anywhere else."

"Leolin?" Severina's voice echoed distantly from below.

"Oh go on, already," Felix said, easing a black mink stole which had been lying on the bed over her shoulders. "And give Malfoy my regards."

She smiled, turning and brushing a hand down his chest.

"Of course," she agreed. "Wish me luck."

"You don't need it," he assured her, kissing her cheek.

"Leolin!"

"Go!" he laughed, and finally she acquiesced, lifting her hem and all but floating from the room.

Severina and Xavier stood inthe foyer waiting for her, and they watched her descend in muted awe. This must have been what Severina felt like all the time.

"Where's Ginny?" she asked, accepting Xavier's proffered hand as she reached the final stair. "And why aren't you dress yet, Ri?"

Severina and Xavier exchanged a look.

"Ginevra's already gone along to be with Blaise," Severina explained. "And I'm not going."

"What—" Leolin began, but Severina held up a shimmering vial of lavender liquid.

"There can't be two of us," Severina said, smiling.

"Why?" Leolin asked.

"It's safer this way," Severina said vaguely. "We can't take any chances."

Leolin bit her lip, and Severina shook her head, indicating Leolin not be concerned.

"It's a small dose, mija," she assured her. "By the time you find Draco, you will be you again."

Leolin glanced up at Felix, who was now standing on the balcony that overlooked the foyer, and he nodded reassuringly.

"Alright," she agreed, and Severina tossed the vial to Leolin.

"Apura las copas," Severina said.

"And confusion to our enemies," Leolin replied, throwing the polyjuice back in a single swallow. Leolin had never been able to identify all the flavors in Severina's brew, but like Severina herself, it was both sweet and sharp. SHe winced a little at the acidic after taste then shuddered as her body began to change. Her waist shrunk an inch even as her hips expanded and she grew taller. Finally, everything seemed to have settled, and she blinked.

"Well?" she asked.

"Perfection," Severina purred.

It was clear that Leolin had grown nervous again.

"Don't worry," Felix said, coming down the stairs to join them. "Everyone's going to be fine."

"But stay on your guard nonetheless," Severina said, extending her wand to Leolin. "Malfoy Manor can be forbidding to the unprepared."

"Borgia!" Felix admonished as Leolin recoiled from the wand.

"What aren't you telling me?" Leolin demanded defensively. "And why are you giving me that?"

Severina and Felix exchanged a glance.

"Pucey is still out there looking for you," she said. "We can't take chances. This way, if you need to, you can prove you're me."

"Will he be there," Leolin asked. "At the manor?"

They said nothing, and Leolin grew more fretful.

"Adrian," she demanded, voice a little strangled. "Will he be there tonight?"

"We don't know," Felix said. "It's possible."

"Please," Severina said, offering her wand again. "We're wasting time."

Leolin looked unconvinced, but it was Xavier who stepped in to reassure her.

"I'll be right beside you," he promised. "But you have to be brave."

Finally, she nodded, handing her own wand to Severina and accepting hers in return.

"And this," Severina said, tugging her ring off and offering to Leolin.

"No," Leolin said. "I can't leave Draco's behind."

"Then put it in your cache," Felix said. "It will be there when you need it."

"Give mine back to Xavy when you're done," Severina said, looking just the slightest touch doleful as she watched Leolin carefully slide the ring onto her finger. "Bene," she said, composing herself. "It's time."

"Doña Borgia," Xavier said, extending a hand to Leolin. "Shall we?"

Leolin smiled weakly and accepted the gesture as Xavier glanced at the real Severina.

"Take care of her," Severina said, pressing her naked left hand to his chest and leaning into to kiss him. It was, admittedly, an odd sight, to see Xavier dripping in versions of his own wife. However, he didn't seem to notice.

"Of course I will," he murmured, kissing her fervently. "Te quiero, mi reina."

She smiled at this nickname, and Leolin turned to accepted a final kiss Felix.

"See you soon, lapin," he said, and she nodded wordlessly, allowing Xavier to guide her to the front door. But Felix and Severina had drawn their wands—or rather, Severina had drawn Leolin's—and they followed, clearly on guard.

Leolin tried not to think about why, focusing instead on the glittering coach which had been parked in the drive. It was darw by four shimmering gray pegasi, who shuffled their hooves and rustled their silver feathers impatiently. Despite everything, Leolin gave a small laugh.

"You're joking," she said as Xavier helped her up the steps.

"You're Severina Borgia, remember?" Severina said, smirking.

"These are Norwegian Granians," Xavier added more prudently. "They are exceptionally fast."

Unsurprisingly, the inside of the carriage was almost sickeningly lavish and nearly six times bigger than it had look from the outside. Xavier climbed deftly in behind her, and Leolin leaned out the window, giving the now empty Madoc Manor a final glance. She wondered the next time she'd be back. Possibly never.

"¿Listos?" Severina asked, and without waiting for an answer, she slapped the lead stallion on its smooth hounch, sending the team off like a shot.

Leolin lurched ungracefully, only managed a final wave before they were tearing up and away into the chilled October night.

"Champán, tesoro?" Xavier asked, popping a bottle and offering her a flute.

She shook her head and he took a sip himself, still watching her keenly.

"How long until we get there?" she asked, conjuring her own engagement ring with a flick and fiddling with it nervously.

"Twenty minutes," Xavier replied. "Are you sure you won't have a drink? It does you no good to be tense."

She considered, watching without protestation as he poured a second glass and offered it to her. This time she accepted.

"Don't look so worried, mija," Xavier counciled, taking her hand. "Tonight is for celebrating."

"I can't. Not until—"

"Please, stop worrying. I can't bear to see you so fretful."

"But if Adrian's there—"

"If he is, then I will deal with him, vale?"

She nodded, but he could tell she felt no better.

"Che cos'è? parla con me."

She didn't immediately respond, but finally she croaked. "What about Draco. What if he doesn't want to see me?"

"Impossible," Xavier replied. "Truly."

At this, she fell silent, leaning back a little in her seat. Xavier, sensing he'd said enough, remained quiet as well, and they spend the remainder of the journey in comfortable silence.

As she stared out the window, Leolin tried to see beyond the task before her and into the future. However, she ultimately found it as dark and indistinguishable as the sprawling landscape below. Some naive part of her perhaps wished she would finally be allowed to go back to the person she'd been on the eve of her own wedding. However, the truth was that that girl was gone, and no amount of longing could bring her back.

This realisation struck an oddly tender place in LEolin's chest. She'd never truly allowed herself to, but as she hurdled back towards Draco and Malfoy Manor—back to where it had all begun—Leolin finally allowed herself to mourn the person she'd been before Lucius had taken it all away.

She had been naive, perhaps, and not nearly as the Leolin of present, but she'd also been happy, and it had been so long since Leolin herself had felt the way that girl had standing on the balcony and watching fireworks with Draco the night before the wedding, she'd begun to wonder if she was even still capable of it. Grief had carved into her a new person, and for the first time since she'd arrived back in England, she worried that they simply might not be enough of her left to love.

The idea stung her eyes, making them water slightly, but as she swept a single, rebellious tear from Severina's cheek, she thought of Draco's face the night of the Embassy, the promise he'd made to love her for whatever was to come, and she felt her resolve hardening. There was no gag now, no Cristian, or Lucius, or Adrian. No Gen, even, as far as Leolin was concerned. It was just her and Draco, and if there was one thing she still believed after all these years, it was that they were meant to be together.

By this time the carriage had begun to slow, and Leolin could hear the Granian's winging beating furiously against the air as they prepared to land. She glanced out the window, eying the grand Malfoy family manor for the first time in over a year. She thought of how she'd felt descending the stairs at the engagement party, and she realised she wasn't that person anymore, either, and somehow—despite all the pain she'd suffered since them—this thought roused her confidence.

"Ready?" Xavier asked, straightening his bowtie and smoothing his dark hair.

"I think so," she said with a deep breath. "How do I look?"

He smirked.

"Like my beautiful wife."

The carriage had finally reached the ground, and the horses trotted gracefully up the curving gravel drive, knickering self-importantly to announce the arrival of their distinguished passengers.

There were dozens of expensive cars and carriages littering the wide boulevard, and the front steps teemed with guests and servants in almost equal measure, though the former largely ignored the latter. As the approached, Leolin realised there was actually a queue forming, and she frowned. She craned her neck for a better look, barely acknowledging the footman as he opened the door and offered her a gloved hand.

"Welcome, Madame Borgia," he said. "Monsieur Boriga."

"What's going on?" she asked imperiously, trying to hide her mounting unease. Severina Borgia was rarely, if ever, uneasy.

"Security, madame," he said, sounding a touch nervous.

Leolin could tell, without even properly looking at him, that he was trying not to gawk at her. Severina very often had this effect on men. Leolin glanced at Xavier instead, who was acting very deliberately disinterested in the footman and the situation in general. In reality, Leolin knew that like her, he was scanning the crowd for threats.

"Shall we, my angel?" he drawled, extending a hand to her even as he gave he footman a look of palpable distain.

"Enjoy the party!" he squeaked as Leolin accepted Xavier's gesture and they started off.

"Something's not right," she said the minute he was out of earshot.

"Relax," he instructed. "No rash moves."

She opened her mouth to argue, though she admittedly didn't know why, it was sound advice, when she was interrupted by a portly woman dripping in rubies, who was complaining loudly to her bird-like companion. Leolin vaguely recognised the former as a great aunt of Pansy's on her mother's side. Like the Madocs and the Malfoys, the Dorrington's were old pureblood money.

"I mean honestly," the woman griped.. "This is simply the height of rudeness! Making one's guest stand out in the cold like this? It's absolutely preposterous. Narcissa never would have allowed this! Or Lucius, rest his soul."

"Excuse me," Leolin purred in Severina's undulating accent. "What's going on?"

The woman eyed Leolin, then Xavier, before readjusting her own voluminous fur coat.

"They're checking wands, if you can believe such a thing. It's beastly, treating us like sticky-fingered mudblood servants! I've never been so insulted in my life."

"There's a murderer on the loose, Rhaella!" the skinny woman pointed out in a reedy voice.

"Pish posh, Suzanna," Rhaella snapped. "That doesn't give that German strumpet the right to keep us standing out here!"

"But they say he's been seen in London, the day before yesterday!" Vera continued.

Leolin could feel her pulse quickening.

"Scusaci, signora," Xavier said, grabbing Leolin by the elbow and skirting around the mass and making his way confidently to the front.

"He's here," Leolin breathed. "I can feel it."

"You don't know that," Xavier said, ignoring protestations as he guided Leolin forward. "It sounds like Lucius's wife is just being cautious."

"Pardon me!" a short, balding man snapped as Xavier shouldered by time. "Can't you see there's a queue?"

"Of course I can see it," Xavier snarled quietly. "No ask me if I care."

By this time they'd reached the checkpoint, and Leolin quickly scanned the faces of the security wizards prowling back and forth. However, she didn't recognise any of them, at least outright. However, as she turned her head, she made eye contact with Geoff Blackburn, and he smiled. He was dressed in all black including a jacket with tails, though he wore only a faded t-shirt underneath. His shoulder length hair was scraped back into a bun at his crown, and he wore a holster at his hip with his wand in it. If he was here, then she'd been right. Adrian was somewhere there, too.

He gestured for her to come forward, and she fixed him with the sneer the Borgia often reserved for unpleasant strangers.

"Severina Borgia, is it? And where is—" he spotted Xavier scowling over her shoulder, and he only smiled. "Ah yes, the matching set. Your wands, please."

Leolin's thought of the role Geoff had played in Sweeney's death, and she grit her teeth, fighting not to draw Severina's aspen wand and kill him where he stood.

"Your wand, Ms. Borgia, if you'd be so kind."

She knew she had to give it to him, but Leolin didn't move, only glowered.

"I was told you'd be difficult," he said.

"By whom?" Leolin snapped. "Adrian Pucey?"

Geoff's eyes flashed, but he otherwise didn't betray his surprise.

"Adrian Pucey is the reason I've been hired to check wands in the first place," he countered finally. "Now give me your wand of I'll have you thrown out."

"On whose authority?"

"Mr. Malfoy's, of course."

"Lucius Malfoy is dead."

"So he is," Geoff said, growing agitated. "However, his son is still very much alive."

He produced a parchment which bore Draco's glittering signature and brandished it at her.

"Rina," Xavier said pointedly. "Dale tu verita."

Leolin felt an arctic shard of fear slithering down her spine, but seeing no other alternative, she sullenly handed it over, forcing herself not to fidget as he turned it over in his hands. Without changing her expression or posture, she erected a mental shield in her mind, lest he got any ideas of trying to dig around. She watched his swish the wand several times, causing it to omit nasty sparks. He swore and scowled at her.

"I tried to tell you," she said nastily.

He frowned but said nothing. Was this routine, or did he know something he shouldn't? She thought of Draco's signature, and she could feel her palms growing clammy. She needed more than ever to get to him and tell him the truth.

After what felt like an eternity, Geoff offered their wands back, giving them a dour smile.

"Enjoy your evening."

Leolin nodded curtly before taking Xavier's hand and sweeping into the bustling grand hall.

"Breathe, tesoro," he said. "We made it."

"Borgia!"

Leolin and Xavier both turned to watch Blaise descend the main staircase, Ginny on his arm.

"Sev," Blaise said, reaching her them first and eying Leolin meaningfully. "You look beautiful as ever."

He bent to brush a kiss on her cheek, whispering in her ear as he did so.

"Draco's upstairs in his old bedroom. Take the servants' stairs, I'm afraid we're being watched."

She pulled away, giving an almost imperceptible nod as she embraced Ginny again.

"You clean up quick," she muttered, and Ginny smiled and winked. "Merlino," she purred. "It's roasting in here. I'm going to take off mi estola. Fetch me a drink please, cariño."

Surruptitiously she slipped Severina's ring off her finger as she leaned into Xavier for a kiss. If someone was watching them, they'd expect it. He pressed his lips to hers, and as she did, she pressed the ring into his waiting palm.

"Of course," he said. "Don't be too long."

His tone was full of meaning, and she merely nodded, leaning in for another soft kiss.

She waved casually to Blaise and Ginny, despite the thundering in her chest, and headed casually in the direction of the back staircase. Practiced after so many years of thieving, she slipped easily into the throng, moving with the throng before disappearing from sight.

Once she was out of the main ballroom she moved more quickly, practically running down the deserted hallway and flying up the spiral staircase that spilled out onto the second floor corridor that housed all the main bedrooms. She could still faintly hear sounds from the party below, but she seemed to be alone.

Drawing her wand, she whispered, "hominum revelio."

A green spell bounded through the space, illuminating the darkness in an eerie flash before disappearing and plunging her back into semi-darkness. She was alone.

She felt both terrified and elated as she approached the door, raising a hand to knock before thinking better of it drawing Severina's wand instead.

"Alohamora," she breathed, and the door unlocked with a soft click.

Holding her breath, she admitted herself and let the door close soundlessly behind her.

Draco was standing at the far end of the room facing a mirror, head bent and hands braced against the the vanity set in front. He was perfection in a midnight blue tux, and despite everything, Leolin was surprised to feel a warm rush of desire pooling in her stomach.

Her resplendent gown twinkled in the low light, and he glanced up at her approach.

"Please Sev," he breathed quietly, temporarily looking down. "I need to be alone."

Leolin opened her mouth to speak, but in a moment straight from the pages of an epic poem, the polyjuice began to fade. When he finally looked up again, an expression of disbelief bloomed on his face.

"Leolin," he croaked, looking as if he'd seen a ghost. "What are you doing here?"

She'd imagined this moment a million times, imagined throwing herself into his arms and kissing him senseless. However, now she felt rooted to the spot, and her eyes immediately blurred with tears. Save for turning around, Draco hadn't moved a muscle.

"I—" she began numbly, remembering how he'd left their last conversation and swiping an errant tear from her cheek. "I'm here to tell you the truth and pray it's not too late."

She took a step towards him, but stopped when he tensed.

"I already know," he bit out, eyes almost fearful.

The words struck her in the chest like an iron fist.

"What?" she breathed. "How?"

He looked down, clenching his jaw and seeming anguished.

"Adrian," he whispered finally, glancing up at her before looking down again. "He told me everything."

At the mention of his name, Leolin felt sick.

"Whatever he told you—" she pleaded, but Draco shook his head, finally taking a step forward.

"No, Leolin, I—" he paused, choking down what sounded like half a sob. "I know. I know about the polyjuice and the LeFay, Cristian, the fake photo in Geneva, the gags..." he trailed off, voice tight with tears. "I know the truth."

The relief she'd expected to feel at hearing those words was dwarfed by dread as she watched her worst fear unfolding. He no longer wanted her.

"Why would he do that?" she croaked at last.

Sensing her despire, he took another tentative step towards her.

"Because he knew it didn't matter. Because my father knew that in the end, I would forgive you anything."

She considered this, trying to internalise and understand it.

"Leolin," he said, seeming equal parts pained and elated. "I love you."

It was the three words needed to break the barrier, and immediately she rushed into his embrace, sobbing as she pressed her cheek to his chest. He buried his face in her hair, holding her as if he never intended to let go.

"I'm so sorry," he said through tears. "How can you ever forgive me?"

She leaned back so she could study him, sobbing again as he stroked her cheek.

"Don't you know?" she practically begged. "I would forgive you anything."

At this he dove in, fingers tangling in her hair as he sought to devour her. She responded in kind, forcing the jacket off his lithe shoulders and practically clawing at the bowtie at his throat. He looped an arm around her waist and hoisted her off the ground, their lips still connected as he deposited her onto the vanity.

She was vaguely aware of bottle of cologne as it thudded quietly to the carpet, but neither noticed. Draco's hands were once again in her hair as Leolin sent his dress shirt fluttering to the floor. He was wearing the falcon medallion, and seeing spurrd her on.

He kissed her neck feverishly as his hands peeled apart the back of her gown, pulling it down to reveal her bare breasts. He paused for a minute to admire them before continuing to undress her. He eased the sparkling garment down her hips, kneeling at her feet as it slipped past her thighs.

When her legs were free, he allowed it to fall into a glittering pool on the floor before tugging her hips to the lip of the vanity and yanking her knickers off.

When she was completely naked, he wasted no time in coaxing her legs apart, urging her to drape her thighs over his broad shoulders as he leaned forward and laved her softly with his tongue. His touch was feather-light and perfectly placed, and she cried out.

His next stroke was more meaningful, and she bucked against him, threading a hand into his hair. He worked desperately against her, and with her, and within minutes she was dying a small death. He'd driven her to the very edge, but she urged him away before she fell, yanking him up and crushing her mouth to his instead and tasting the ripe blackberries on his tongue.

"I love you," she breathed in a girlish whisper, tugging at his belt and unzipping his trousers.

"I love you too," he said, groaning as she wrapped a hand firmly around the base of his shift. "More than ever."

Needing no further ceremony, she sunk down onto his length.

"Fuck," he whined, instinctually grabbing her hips as she moved against him.

He buried his nose into her neck as he slid fluidly in and out, kissing and nipping at the sensitive skin. She drove a hand into his hand and pushed farther forward, eliciting another cry from him. He was quivering now, as was she.

"Don't stop," she begged, ten seconds or less from incredible release.

In response he brushed a thumb between her legs on a particularly deep downstroke, and the orgasm's intensity pushed excess emotion up her throat in the form of a half sob.

"Are you alright?" he demanded, grabbing her face as he ceased moving.

She didn't answer, only pushed against him, riding another small crest. The second wave awoke a long dormant joy, and she laughed softly.

"I love you," she said, driving her hands into his hair again. "I love you."

He was incredibly deep now, almost uncomfortably so, adn in tow thrusts he came undone. She rocked against him as he spilled inside her, and their tongues lazily battled for dominance.

"I've wait six years to do that," she breathed, heart sprinting in her chest.

He licked the sheen of sweat off her breasts.

"And?" he said, taking one of her nipples between his teeth and eliciting a sharp inhale. He then laved in gently with his tongue, and she gave a contented inhale. Draco had always been the master of pleasureful pain.

"Worth every second," she said, smiling.

However, when he pulled away slightly to study her, the expression faded to one of pure wonder.

"I love you," he said earnestly. "Promise me you'll never leave my side again."

"Never," she promised. "Where you go, I go. I mean it this time."

He surged forward, covering her lips softly.

"That's all I've ever needed," he whispered, and they kissed again.

Finally, he pulled away, pushing his forehead to hers.

"I have something for you," he said, sounding almost nervous. "Prodio."

Leolin knew, even before he produced it, what it would be, but this foreknowledge did not staunch the tears that welled up as she watched the shimmering chain materialise in his palm.

"Leolin," he said, taking both her hands. "I know I've put you through hell that I don't deserve you or your forgiveness, but I need you to know that despite everything that's happened, there hasn't been a single moment in the last ten years that I haven't loved you with everything I am." He extended the key so it hung between them. "May I?"

She nodded, tears flowing steadily as she pulled her hair aside so he could affix it around her neck. When it was secure, he leaned back to study her.

He reverently ran a finger down the diamond pin, rememorising the way it looked around herneck.

"You are so exquisite," he said in awe, and she leaned forward, kissing him again.

The realisation that she could kiss him any time she wanted was still sinking in. They stood holding each other wordlessly before seeming to realise where they were.

"We need to leave now," Leolin said, redressing quickly. "Before someone comes looking for you."

Draco was shrugging back into his shirt and shaking his head.

"I have to stay," he said resolutely.

"What?" she demanded. "Don't be mental."

In response, he drew a rose in full bloom from his pocket. She looked at it bemusedly.

"That's from the Madoc manor," she said. "Where did you—"

"Adrian gave it to me this morning. He said if I don't marry Gen he'd kill you."

So he'd been watching her. The fought down the shudder this realisation induced.

"He can't kill me now, though, can't you see? He still thinks he has me trapped at the Manor."

"It's not just about us, though," Draco said quietly, and Leolin felt a pit forming in her stomach.

She'd forgotten about the baby.

"You can't marry her," she blurted. "I won't let you."

"I'm not going to marry her," Draco assured her. "I promise. But I have to go through with the wedding."

"I—what?" Leolin demanded, confusion fueling her agitation.

"Listen to me," he said, taking her hands. "I have no idea what Adrian's up to, but we can't run from this. There are too many lives at stake. We have to let it play out. That' means going through with the wedding."

"Not to sound stupid," Leolin said. "But how is it you plan to go to the wedding but not get wed?"

"Snape is officiating," he explained. "He can help me fake the charms. It will look real, but the magic won't be binding."

"Fine," Leolin said. "Then I'm coming, too."

"Are you mad?" he snapped. "You're not coming within a hundred miles of this place tomorrow."

"I'm not letting you go through this without me," she said. "I'm coming."

"It's too dangerous," he said.

"I can take care of myself," she snapped back, and immediately he softened.

"I know," he said, touching her cheek. "It's one of many things I love about you. But Adrian thinks he has the upperhand here. We have to let him. If you shows and he sees you—"

"Then I'll stay out of sight!"

"Lai," Draco said gently. "Please, do this for me. For my peace of mind. I promise the minute it's over, I will come straight to your flat and we will disappear."

She considered.

"Please," he begged softly.

"Fine," she said. "But just for the record, I don't like this, and if you aren't there by five on the dot, I am coming over here and kicking your arse."

He laughed, and it was a expression of joy she hadn't heard from him in six years.

"Why don't I sweeten the pot, then?" he asked. "The minute I get to your flat, we'll go to Spinner's End and have Snape marry us properly."

"I love you," she said more earnestly, and he stroked her cheek.

"I love you, too. From now until forever."

They kissed softly, and as they did they could hear the soft clink of glasses, signaling that speeches had began.

"I have to go," he said, sounding pained as he touched her cheek. "I'm expected downstairs, and Adrian's having me watched. I don't want to tip him off."

"Don't," she said softly, grabbing his lapels and pressing her forehead to his. "Don't leave me."

He held her cheeks, studying her face and re-memorising her beauty.

"I won't," he promised. "Not ever."

She pressed her face into his chest, and she gently folded her more fully into his embrace.

"It's just one more day," he assured her, stroking her hair. "And then I promise, we'll spend the rest of eternity together."

She nodded finally, letting her arms fall reluctantly away.

"I've waited six years," she said, giving a soft, sad smile. "I suppose I can wait twenty four more hours."

"That's my girl," he beamed, kissing her again.

The din in the ballroom had intensified, and Leolin knew everyone was likely waiting for Draco. She imagined Gen for half a moment, but suddenly she didn't even seem real.

"I'm going to drop the wards for ten seconds," Draco said. "That's all I can do without setting off alarms. I want you to go straight home, drop all the wards, and don't leave for any reason. All right?"

She shook her head.

"Let me stay with you tonight!"

"It's too dangerous," he said, touching her cheek. "And all good things to those who wait. Didn't you tell me that once?"

She had, at their own engagement party at the Em. She gave a grudging smile.

"I hate when you use my own brilliance against me," she grumbled good-naturedly, making him beam.

"I love you,' he breathed, awed. "Merlin, I love you."

They kissed a final time, and Leolin clung to him desperate. She'd never wanted anything less than to let go. Finally, however, she had.

"Until tomorrow, then, Mrs. Malfoy," he said, touching her chin.

She smiled, filled with warmth. She'd all but given up on hearing him call her that again. The smile faded as his fingers slipped from hers, but she forced herself to remain resolute.

"I'll be counting the minutes," she replied.

He'd reached the door by now, and he turned to give her a heart-melting grin.

"So will I. Are you ready?"

She nodded.

"I love you, Leolin Lefevre," he said, and with a snap of his fingers, the wards temporarily fell.

Wasting no time, she blew him a final kiss before disappearing with a soft pop.

EH? EH? TELL ME THIS ISN'T WHAT YOU'VE WAITED TWO YEARS FOR! AND PLEASE REVIEWWWWWWWWW. REVIEWS = FASTER UPDATES. IT'S SCIENCE, PEOPLE.