The Dragon's Child Bride

A/N: Well, here it is. After many, many, many months, here is chapter 33. I am very sorry it took so long, there were lots of reasons, but I'm sure none of them interest you. I will try to be better at this updating thing; I swear I'm not doing it one purpose! Thanks go out to Atreyu Jones for her reminders that someone did care whether I posted or not.

As a last note, this version is unbeta'd, so there will probably be some corrections and edits posted in the coming days.

And now without further ado...

Chapter 33: THE BEGINNING OF THE END


She lay on her side, looking out at the cloud-covered moon through his small window.

Draco had returned much later than he’d said; it was nearly eleven when the bedroom door had swung open, and he carried a multitude of bags with him. He’d given her a gruff ‘hey’ and shoved his packages and parcels in the wardrobe, sealing it shut.

He’d turned back to her with a sigh and a wane smile. “Hi Princess. Sorry I’m late.”

“It’s alright.”

“Was dinner alright? Did Dobby bring you everything you asked for?”

“Dinner was fine.”

“Did you finish your plate?” She ducked her head, focusing her gaze on the parchment in front of her.

“Most of it.” She’d heard him sigh and a sound that could only be him dropping heavily onto the bed.

“Well, we’ll have to do better than that tomorrow.”

“Alright.” Laylani had pushed the parchment she’d been working on aside and curled up on her side on the floor.

“Tired, love?” She could hear him kicking off his shoes.

“A little.” Without his shoes she hadn’t heard his footsteps pad softly toward her, hadn’t known he was behind her until his hands slipped around her. She started.

“Sorry.” He’d said softly, masking his offence. He’d lifted her up carefully and carried her to the bed. She’d lain still, not making a move to help him as he pulled off her shoes and pulled the blanket up around her. He placed a soft kiss on her cheek. “Go to sleep, love. I’ll watch after you.”

She breathed a gentle sigh without responding, focusing on the moon.

They were quiet for a long stretch of time. Draco had almost been certain she was asleep.

“Laylani?” He was surprised when she answered.

“Yes?”

“Can I ask you something?” She rolled over towards the sound of his voice.

“Mm-hmm?”

“In your room today - Where did you get the alcohol?” The faint light of the moon did little to hide her blush.

“I got it from the same place you do,” she said quietly, “Your father.”

“My father? Why would he send you alcohol? Why would he send you so much?”

“Because – Because I asked him to. I was drunk and I sent him a letter saying that I would forgive him for – For what he did if he sent me alcohol every week.” She ducked her head in shame.

“How long has this been going on?”

“Just a couple weeks. Since the Quidditch cup.” She could hear the frown in Draco’s voice when he spoke next.

“That’s a long time. Why Laylani? Why would you do that?” His voice was accusing.

“It was – We were so happy that night and your father- Your father had been trying to buy me off all damn day with his money and his charm. I just wanted us to be happy.” She sighed.

Happy.

Right.

She rolled back towards the window.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

It was just before seven. Draco’s alarm would go off any minute. Laylani had been watching him sleep for the better part of five hours. He’d been restless throughout the night, his face contorting and grimacing as he slept as if in struggle. Somehow she knew it was her fault.

She hadn’t slept at all that night. She’d feigned sleep, her back to him as she watched the moon drift by through the small window. She’d listened to him shift and pace, muttering quietly to himself in words she couldn’t make out. Finally she hadn’t been able to stand it anymore and had rolled over, telling him to get some sleep, that she wouldn’t sleep anymore that night.

She watched the readout of his clock alternate between 6:57 and ‘Almost Time.’ Getting up from where she sat, she crawled across the bed to where he lay and lay down beside him, resting her head on his chest and listened to his heartbeat. His hands come up to stroke through her hair.

“Hey.” He said quietly. She looked up to see him opening his bleary eyes.

“Hi.” He gave her a sleepy smile, pulling her body closer against his. ‘This.’ He thought. ‘This is it.’ These moments of sanity, however brief they were, when all seemed right in the world, was what he was working for. This was what he was trying to keep, what he was planning for. This was why he wouldn’t, couldn’t give her up.

“I love you, you know.” She smiled against his skin and placed a kiss over his heart

“I know.” He cringed as the alarm at his bedside went off. Releasing her, he leaned over to the night table and shut off the alarm. Draco stretched and got up, heading towards the bathroom.

“Draco?” He turned around to face her, leaning against the door frame.

“Yeah?”

“Are you...Mad at me?” It took him a moment to understand she was referring to the alcohol he’d asked her about the night before.

“No. I’m not mad.”

“Oh. Okay.” Another wane smile and a nod as Draco turned and stepped into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him, leaving Laylani alone in the dark of his bedroom.

For a moment she was unsure what to do. Did Draco want her to stay and wait for him? Or did he expect her to go back to her room and get ready?

She shook her head. Why was she looking to him for instruction? He was her fiancé, not her father. Although it might be fair to say it didn’t always seem that way. She sighed, resting her head in her hands. She had to admit to herself that often now she found herself a bit lost without his direction. She heard the shower turn on in the distance.

If it had been a normal day, even any day before yesterday, she might have snuck into the shower with him. But it wasn’t. She didn’t want him to see her naked. She was afraid to be vulnerable like that with him. Despite all he’d told her, the words of his doppelganger still rang clear in her head.

"And just so you know, you might be the worst fuck ever.”

That had hurt. Draco was her first and she had intended him to be her only; sex with him had always been fantastic for her, he’d made sure of it every time. What if she had been terrible in return?

The polyjuiced Draco had seemed to know a lot of things about them. What if he knew that too? She shuddered, trying to push back the thought of just how he might know.

The bathroom door opened and Draco came out, towel wrapped around his waist.

“Your turn.” He said casually, leaning over her to press a kiss to her forehead. “I was hoping you might’ve joined me.” She smiled nervously.

“Not today.” She stood quickly, crossing into the bathroom and shutting the door.

Later as she dressed with her back to Draco, she couldn’t keep her uncertainties quiet.

“Draco? Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.” He turned to face her back as he slipped on his robe.

Laylani was annoyed to find herself flustered. It was sex; if there was any topic she should be comfortable with, it was this. But somehow, this wasn’t the same.

“Are you - Are you pleased with me?”

“Of course, love.”

“No, I mean, when you and I are, were together, do I- Were you satisfied?” Turning his head up from the clasp, his brow furrowed.

“I’m not sure I understand what you’re trying to get at.” She sighed, smoothing out her shirt and turning around.

“Never mind. It’s not important.” Maybe she didn’t want to know.

“Alright.” He couldn’t be bothered with unimportant things now; he had too much on his mind. He looked Laylani over, making sure her buttons were done up properly and her clothes were neat. Dissatisfied with what he saw, he drew his wand.

“Hold still, love. This will just straighten you up a bit.”

Laylani turned around, not understanding what he meant when she felt a rush of magic come over her.

“What was that?”

“Just a freshening charm for your clothes.” He said casually, stuffing her scrolls into her pack. Handing it to her, he hoisted his own schoolbag over his shoulder. “Let’s go; we don’t want to be late.” He grabbed hold of her hand and began towards the door.

“Why would you do that if I’m just going to change?”

“Lani, we don’t have time for that. We’re going to miss breakfast and you need to eat.”

“But Draco, I – I haven’t even brushed my teeth!”

“Well you should have thought about that before you took a twenty minute shower.” He drew his wand, whispering another spell. “Dental charm.” He said.

“Stop doing that!” she snapped, trying to pull out of his grasp.

“Doing what?”

“Casting spells on me. I don’t like it. I don’t-" Laylani cut her words short, not wanting to admit that she didn’t trust him not to do anything harmful. “Just stop it.”

Draco frowned, annoyed. “Fine.”

Breakfast nearly made Laylani sick. Draco had insisted that today she eat ‘real food,’ and real food meant greasy sausages and pancakes smothered in butter and syrup.

Her plate was less than a quarter full when Laylani put her foot down.

“Draco, no more. Please, I’m going to be sick.” He gave her a long look of appraisal before relenting with a disappointed sigh.

“Alright, love. No more.” She dropped her fork with a clatter and pushed away from the table. She grabbed her bag and bolted for the door. Sighing, Draco grabbed his things and followed, gesturing for Crabbe and Goyle to stay behind.

He exited the Great Hall in time to see her dart around the corner.

"Don't run!" he shouted irritably. Quickening his pace to a jog, he chased after her, coming to a stop just outside the girls loo.

“Damn it.” He breathed. Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the door.

“Laylani?”

She was leaning over the sink gagging, her eyes watering. She glanced over at him quickly before shaking her head and waving him away. Frowning and silently willing her not to be sick, Draco dropped his bag and walked up behind her. Rubbing her back with one hand, he used the other to grab a handkerchief from his pocket and turn on the tap.

As Laylani took several deep breaths, Draco pressed the dampened cool cloth to her face. “Alright?” he asked.

“Yeah.” She breathed.

He didn’t know what to do. He wouldn’t say he was sorry; she needed to eat.

“Good. Are you alright to go to class?” Taking another deep breath, Laylani managed a weak smile.

“I think so.” Draco nodded and picked up both their book bags. Taking her hand in his, they walked back out into the hall and towards her first class, Transfiguration. He left her at the classroom door with an encouraging smile.

She crossed the classroom quickly, taking her usual seat by the window. She dug through her bag, pulling out her scroll, slightly bent. Unfurling it, she tried to smooth it out before Professor McGonagall started the class.

As her hands smoothed over the paper, her eyes wandered over the words she’d written the night before, checking it one last time.

***

'All animangi are required to be registered with the local magical government. Any witch or wizard who desires to become an animangus must first receive proper licensing before training begins…'

***

Wait a moment.

That wasn’t her writing. The ‘before,’…and ‘begins.’ She hadn’t written that. Leaning closer to the page, she could see the faint traces of the words ‘after’ and ‘completed’ nearly erased, hidden beneath the forged ink. Leaning even closer until her nose was nearly pressed against the page, she could see it elsewhere to. Someone had changed her paper!

Professor Mcgonagall stepped into the classroom, closing the door firmly behind her, and the few remaining straggling students took their seats. She took her place behind her desk.

“Assignments on my desk please.”

In a near unison motion, the class rose to their feet and lined up to file past the professor’s desk, dropping of their scrolls as they went. It was easy for Professor McGonagall to spot Laylani, still sitting at her desk, frowning over her parchment.

“Miss Stanners, your assignment please.”

“Just – Just a minute.”

“Now, Miss Stanners.”

“I just-"

“Did you do your assignment, Miss Stanners?” McGonagall asked sternly.

“Well, yes, but-"

“Then I suggest you hand it in.”

“But…I don’t… I just-”

“Miss Stanners! Please give me your assignment!”

With a resigned sigh, Laylani rose and crossed the classroom to reluctantly hand over the scroll. Professor McGonagall snatched the scroll.

“Thank you.”

Laylani returned to her seat.

The lesson began, but Laylani could not focus. What had happened to her paper? Who would bother to change-

And then it hit her.

Draco.

A heavy glower settled over her features.

Draco had changed her paper. How dare he? How dare he change her paper without even consulting her? The nerve of him!

She spent the rest of the class fuming, not bothering to take notes. The hour passed like mere minutes and when Professor McGonagall dismissed the class, Laylani was first on her feet and out the door like a shot, not hearing Professor McGonagall’s request that she stay behind.

It took a moment for her to find Draco in the busy hall. Her eyes meeting his and she stalked towards him, pushing past those who got in her way.

“Did you-" she sputtered, jabbing him in the chest with her finger. “Did you correct my paper?”

“Yeah.”

“Why the hell would you do that?” Draco shrugged.

“Because you were wrong.”

“So? That’s certainly no business of yours!” Draco’s brow furrowed.

“But…you were wrong.”

“Well, it’s not your job to correct it! You have no business double checking my work! My work has always been impeccable and you know it. My grades are better than yours!”

It took her a moment to realize she’d shouted that out loud in a hallway full of students. A small laugh ran through the surrounding crowd. Laylani blushed.

Scowling, Draco grabbed her wrist in an iron grip and began practically dragging her down the hall.

Laylani didn’t know what to say. She’d just humiliated him in a hall full of his peers, people that he had worked hard for seven years to gain their respect and admiration. And as much as she hated to admit it, even to herself, he’d only tried to help.

“Draco, I’m-"

“Save it.”

“Draco, I’m sorry!”

“Good. You should be.” Laylani frowned. She could say nothing to that. She hung her head in shame. He continued on, pulling her behind him.

They arrived at Charms just shy of being late. Draco pulled Laylani into her seat and sat down heavily next to her. She tried to catch his eye while they unpacked their things but he steadfastly refused to look at her, scowl anchored firmly on his lips. Not knowing what else to do, she turned to the front and tried to focus on the lecture and taking notes.

Draco, on the other hand, chose to fume silently. How dare she humiliate him like that? Of all the unmitigated gall! After everything he’d done for her, and all the things he was doing, where did she get the nerve to embarrass him like that? Shaking his head, he tried to follow the lecture but his mind kept returning to what had happened. Damn her!

Suddenly, Laylani sighed angrily and shoved away her parchment, resting her head in her hands. Draco cast a furtive glance to her, and then her parchment. Her notes were written in a shaky hand and there were several words scratched out. Intrigued, Draco stealthily pulled the parchment closer to himself.

***

‘…and useful against I’m sorry incapacitating larger creatures such as trolls and giants. Pronunciation is I’m sorry key in the execution of this charm. I’m sorry Incorrect enunciation of vowels can result I’m sorry'

***

Draco arched a brow. That was certainly interesting.

Laylani pressed the heel of her hands hard against her eyes until she saw stars. Damn, this was frustrating. She couldn’t think straight, and now it was translating into her notes.

With one last sigh, she raised her head and reached for her notes. Seeing them under Draco’s hand, she slowly raised her eyes to meet his. Draco slid her notes across the table towards her.

“It’s alright, Princess.” He said grudgingly. “I’m not angry.”

“You don’t mean that.” She sullenly replied. He sighed irritably.

“Yes I do.” She rolled her eyes. “Fine, I am angry. But you don’t need to upset yourself over it.”

She silently took her notes and turned back to her parchment. Annoyed, Draco grabbed her hand and she turned back to him. He brought her hand up to his lips and kissed her palm.

“It’s alright Princess.” Laylani nodded.

“I am sorry. I just – I didn’t know what I was saying.”

“Or that you were saying it so loud.”

“Ahem.” Both Laylani and Draco turned to the front of the class, where Professor Flitwick stood, tapping his foot.

“Mr. Malfoy, Ms. Stanners, if you are both quite done, may I resume the lesson?” Draco frowned and Laylani blushed.

“Of course, Professor.”

“Sorry, sir.”

Professor Flitwick resumed his lesson and Draco and Laylani resumed taking notes. Casting a furtive glance to those around him, Draco slipped a hand onto Laylani’s knee and squeezed lightly. She looked up and he smiled reassuringly.

The class ended. Their things packed, Draco grabbed on to Laylani’s hand and led her through the crowded halls to her next class.

“I’ll pick you up after class alright? Wait here for me.” She nodded, her gaze cast down.

“Alright.” With furrowed brow, he gently cupped her chin in his hand, tipping her face upwards to look at him.

“Hey.” He grinned and she gave him a weak smile. “That’s my girl.” He leaned down for a quick kiss. “I’ll see you later.” He gave her a gentle nudge in the direction of the classroom. He waited until she was through the classroom doors before leaving.

His pace brisk, he strode quickly in the direction of the third floor to the statue of the Humpbacked Witch. He glanced to his watch; he had maybe ten minutes until he was to meet Blaise’s father at the Hog’s Head.

He ducked behind the grotesque statue and moved quickly along the dark corridors that would take him the Hogsmeade. Arriving from the tunnel, he made his way through the streets of the town towards its darker corners where the Hog’s Head was located.

Draco pushed open the heavy doors, surprised to find a few customers already at the bar despite the early hour. He found Mr. Zabini in a dark corner of the Hog’s Head, nursing a mug of hot coffee. The man was incredibly out of place, clean shaven in fine robes, seemingly impervious to the filth around him. Draco strode purposely towards him, the man standing up upon his approach. They shook hands.

“It’s good to see you again, Mr. Zabini,” The man smiled warmly.

“Please, call me Nico.” The man spoke with a rich Italian accent.

“Nico.” Draco amended as he sat.

“So you are the one who wishes to purchase an island. I have to say, I’m surprised. That’s a rather large investment for such a young man.”

“I’m getting married soon. I thought it would be a nice surprise.”

“Ah, l’amore. I should have guessed. Still, an island seems a bit much.”

“Nothing’s too much for her.” He said sincerely. Nico grinned broadly and nodded.

“Of course.” He pulled a roll of several parchments from his robe. “Now for the formalities.”

They two men spent the next forty minutes working through the extensive paperwork, Sales contracts, bank forms, approved vault access, title exchanges, it seemed to be endless. Draco’s hand had cramped near the end.

He was still trying to shake out the residual discomfort in his hand as they left the Hog’s Head for the post office to forward the paperwork to the appropriate offices. As the last of the owls flew away, Nico handed Draco a wooden box containing the portkey to his new property. Draco carefully tucked it into his robes and the two men shook hands.

“It was nice meeting with you, Draco. I hope you and your new wife enjoy your purchase.” Draco gave him a grim smile.

“It was nice meeting with you too, Nico. It’s a shame I have to do this.” Nico frowned in confusion and Draco drew his wand. “Obliviate!”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Laylani waited by the doorway like she said she would as the students filed out of the classroom. She kept her eyes down and her bag clutched close, as if it would protect her should anything happen. The hall was slowly emptying as the students moved on to their respective classes. Where was Draco?

The hall was now completely empty and she wasn’t sure what to do. Her next class would be starting soon. Should she go if he didn’t arrive? It was then Laylani realized that she wasn’t sure what her next class was. She closed her eyes as she struggled to remember. Today was Thursday and it…it was coming into third period. Yes, of that she was almost certain. Thursdays, third period, the class she had was…was… She grit her teeth, trying to force the information to come. She’d just come from History of Magic; she’d already been to Charms, before that Transfiguration, so next she should go…go to…

“Come to me.” Immediately, her gaze snapped upwards, sweeping over the length of the hall. It was empty and still.

“Come to me.” She swallowed hard, subconsciously backing herself up against the wall. She wasn’t hearing this. This wasn’t happening. It was just her mind, her mind playing tricks on her.

“Come to me.” The whispered voice grew louder, more insistent. Dropping her bag, she slapped both hands over her ears to shut out the words.

“Come to me.”

“No.” she whimpered. “No, no, no. Stop, please-“

“Come to me.”

“Please, please stop. Stop.” A strong hand wrapped around her wrist and she let out a small scream.

“Laylani! Lani, relax. It’s only me.” It was Draco standing above her; she’d somehow become crouched, nearly to the floor. Draco pulled her up quickly, leaning her against the wall as he wiped away stray tears she hadn’t known were falling. “What happened, Princess?”

“Voices.” She said softly, “One voice. Whispering. Calling me and no one’s there. I don’t- I don’t-" She hiccupped a sob as she cried against his shoulder.

Voices. The word was mulled over in Draco’s mind. Whispered words that only she could hear. The Dark Lord was calling for her.

He’d seen all the signs. He had watched her deteriorate in a matter of weeks. And yet somehow, the knowledge that Voldemort was well and truly calling her made it real. Almost too real.

She’d stopped crying, he noticed, or in any case had become quiet. She looked up to him, traces of her earlier tears visible in her eyes.

“When you take care of this, when you take me away – The voices are going to stop, right? It’s all going to stop?”

There was a moment’s hesitation as Draco deliberated what to tell her. He didn’t know. He knew he shouldn’t lie to her. It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her the truth. Then his eyes met hers.

She wasn’t looking for honesty. She was looking for reassurance. Maybe she wasn’t aware of it, but she wanted him to lie to her.

“It will stop.” He said firmly. “I promise I will make it all stop.” She smiled the first true smile he’d seen from her in days and it warmed him inside. Draco placed a soft kiss on her forehead. “Are you alright now?” She nodded.

“Yeah.”

“Come on then.” He said, slipping her hand in his. “You don’t want to be late for Herbology.” She grinned.

Herbology. Of course.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Despite the short, concise lecture in Herbology, Laylani had been unable to pay attention. Her only saving grace had been that she was partnered with Neville, whose fervor for the subject had him doing all the work without her having to ask. She tried to take notes as she watched him work, hoping to feel like she wasn’t completely useless.

The class ended and she trudged back up to the castle for lunch. Laylani hesitated outside the doors of the Great hall, dreading to be put through another forced feeding. In fact, why should she? She was an adult, or nearly so. Draco had no right to make her eat if she wasn’t hungry. Besides, she was certain she’d consumed enough calories at breakfast to justify skipping lunch. With a defiant grin she spun on her heel and headed in the direction of her dormitory.

Draco found her nearly half an hour later, half out of his mind with worry. He breathed a sigh of relief to find her on her couch, thumbing idly through a magazine.

“Laylani, what the hell are you doing here? It’s time for lunch.” She didn’t look up.

“I know.”

“Well, let’s go then.”

“No.”

“Laylani, I’m not asking.” She finally looked up at him.

“Draco, I’m not going to lunch.” She turned back to her magazine. “And you can’t make me.” She added in a sing-song voice, giggling.

Brow furrowed, Draco took a step forward, able to see the opened bottle of firewhiskey on the floor next to the couch.

“You- You’re drunk!” She giggled.

“Not yet, no. But I’m well on my way.” She laughed again as she picked up the bottle. “You sound so surprised.” She took a long drink.

“Laylani, stop that.”

“Stop telling me what to do!” she snapped. She took another drink. “I’m perfectly able to take care of myself.”

“Oh, is that what this is? You’re taking care of yourself?”

“And what if I am?” she said angrily, clumsily rising from the couch. “What’s wrong with a little self-medicating?”

“A little?” he exclaimed. “This doesn’t happen ‘a little!’ Ever since you came to Hogwarts it’s like the only way you deal with problems is by running away and getting pissed!” He rolled his eyes as he dropped heavily onto the couch. “It’s just my luck.” He muttered. “I wait all my life for you and now I’m marrying an anorexic drunk.”

“I haven’t married you yet, Malfoy so watch your fucking mouth!”

“Goddammit Laylani, after all I do for you I deserve better than this.”

“Well you can help yourself to ‘better’ at any time, just say the word!” she cried, throwing her arms in the air in exasperation.

“That wasn’t what I meant and you know it.”

“Oh? Then what exactly do you mean?”

“I mean that for the amount of time and effort that goes into taking care of you, I deserve a lot less shit!” Laylani stiffened.

“Well, you know what? You don’t have to take care of me anymore.” She jerked awkwardly at her hand as she wrenched her engagement ring off her finger.

He sighed. “Laylani…” he said irritably. She shoved the ring into his hands.

“Consider yourself relieved of duty.”

The ring felt surprisingly cold in his hand as he watched her stomp out of the room.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Five seconds.

It had taken him five seconds to pause and collect himself, to understand what had just happened. After five seconds he was on his feet, ring still in hand, chasing after her into the hall.

It was five seconds too late.

She was gone, out of sight. The only evidence she had ever been there was the angry echo of footsteps in the staircase.

“Laylani!”

His voice echoed to no reply. Draco dropped down hard on the top stair and looked at the ring in his hand.

That had not just happened. She had not just taken off her engagement ring; she had not just called off their marriage. Laylani had not just left him. No. That was too hard to believe.

In a small part of his mind, he tried to rationalize that this same thing had happened only yesterday to no major consequence to their relationship. He felt no comfort with that. Then she’d been tricked, then it hadn’t been him. Then he’d had the truth on his side, then he’d been able to prove to her that it hadn’t been him to hurt her. Then he’d been able to fix it.

Then she’d kept her ring on.

As he turned the ring in his hand, he marveled how it had come to mean so much to him that she wear it. After all, she’d worn her union symbol for nearly twelve years. But this, this was her engagement ring. The ring he’d thought about since the moment he saw her. The ring he’d spent the better part of two weeks scouring the jewelry stores in both England and France for. The ring that had taken all of his courage to offer her. The ring she had accepted to wear because she wanted to be his wife, because she loved him.

He stood up, sliding the ring in his pocket. He would fix this. He had to. There was no other way.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Laylani marched blindly through the hallways, face steeled in a firm scowl. She moved gracelessly across the foyer in front of the emptying Great Hall, ignoring the protests of those she pushed past along the way, coming to stop in front of Hogwarts grand front doors.

She pushed firmly against the door only to have it stay shut. Frown deepening, she shoved harder against the door, throwing her weight into it to no avail. All at once it seemed she was pounding on the door, screaming at it incoherently, tears streaming down her face. Oh gods, what had just happened? What had she just done?

“Laylani!”

She looked up; she was surrounded by gawking students, at the forefront of which were Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny. Gasping for breath, she tried to wipe away her tears before giving it up as useless and sinking to the floor, sobbing softly.

The four Gryffindors closed in on her, surrounding her and blocking her from view of the other students. Turning for a moment, Hermione primly informed them that if they do not disperse immediately, thirty points would be taken from each house for blocking the halls. Waves of grumbles and whispers moved through the crowd but Hermione wasn’t known for making idle threats, and the students began to drift away. Ron, Ginny and Hermione crouched down around her while Harry stood by awkwardly, looking uncomfortable.

“Lani, what’s the matter? What happened?” Ginny asked softly. She set a gentle hand on the crying girl’s shoulder.

Laylani shook her head, struggling for a few deep breaths. She wasn’t supposed to tell, she had promised.

“It’s- I – I don’t want to talk about it.” Ron snorted.

“Laylani, you were beating up on a door screaming bloody murder. I think talking about it might help.” Hermione gave Ron a small shove; he could be so tactless sometimes.

Laylani tried to rise. “No, I can’t – I don’t want to talk about it. I have to find Draco.”

Both Hermione and Ron tried to get her to sit down again.

“Laylani-"

“No!” she yelled suddenly, flailing to get away from them and stumbling forward. “I have to find Draco.” She had to fix this. How could she have messed up so badly? “I don’t know where to look for him.” Her eyes began to water again.

Harry sighed heavily. “Well, don’t cry. I’m sure he’ll turn up.” He was surprised when Laylani gave him a dirty look. Quickly, she wiped her eyes.

“I need to find him now.” She turned back to the other three. “Will you help me find him? Please?”

The four Gryffindors looked to each other helplessly. Something was wrong, but none could put their finger on exactly what it was.

Hermione sighed. “Alright, we’ll help you look for him.” Laylani managed a watery smile.

“Thanks guys.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

They hadn’t been looking twenty minutes when Hermione called a halt.

“We have class in five minutes.” Laylani bit her lip.

“B-but we haven’t found him yet.” Fresh tears sprang to her eyes. Quickly Hermione rushed to her friend, placing a comforting hand on her back.

“Laylani, we have Potions next, I’m sure he’ll be there.” Laylani was quiet for a moment before nodding slowly, wiping here eyes.

“It is his favorite class.” She conceded. Hermione smiled.

“Of course it is. Now, why don’t we go get your things?” Laylani nodded again, following Hermione’s lead as the Head Girl guided her towards her room, shooting the others a look that said they had better head towards their next class as well.

Hermione and Laylani crossed the threshold to the potions classroom a hair shy of being late. Snape scowled at them from behind his desk as they took their seats.

“I should expect as Head Girl one would at least try to set an example for her fellow students.” Snape commented derisively. Hermione only blushed, fighting the temptation to talk back and have House points taken away.

“Sorry sir." She said simply.

“Hmm.” He hummed dismissively. He addressed the class. “I will be returning last week’s assignment. Let me tell you now how displeased I am in your utter lack of effort.”

Even before he started calling out names, there was one parchment already set aside. Laylani knew that was hers. That’s how Snape always did it. He set aside her paper first and waited until he called Draco to collect his paper; Snape simply handed him both.

“Hooper!”

“Kirke!”

He picked up her paper from the corner of his desk and placed it on top of the one he held in his hand. “Malfoy." There was a brief pause, and Snape looked up from the stack of assignments to Draco’s empty seat.

His eyes briefly flit to Laylani. Without Draco there to deliver her paper, Professor Snape was at a momentary loss. His features pinched, he set both papers aside and continued calling out names. Laylani frowned. Was she not going to get her paper at all?

“Montgomery!”

“Nott!”

Laylani tried to be patient as she waited for the rest of the class to pick up their parchments. She thought Snape might slip her paper with Ron’s or even Blaise’s. But he didn’t. Her paper still remained on the corner of his desk as the last student collected their assignment.

“Get out your texts.”

“What about my assignment, Professor?” The words were out of her mouth before Laylani had a chance to think. The students surrounding her turned to look at her, and she tried to fight down the urge to blush. She knew she had a point. What about her assignment? She was present; just because Draco hadn’t shown up didn’t mean she shouldn’t get her assignment.

Professor Snape continued, not missing a beat, as if he hadn’t heard her at all.

“Turn to page 347. Montgomery, read the first-"

Laylani stood up. “What about my assignment, Professor?” She’d spoken loudly and clearly, it was impossible for him not to have heard her. Professor Snape stilled for a moment, and Laylani could see his scowl etching deeper into his profile. Still he did not look at her. Exhaling sharply, he began again.

“Montgomery, read the first paragraph beginning at the top of-" Laylani stamped her foot.

“Look at me Professor.”

“Miss Granger,” Snape’s announced loudly, his tone silky and laced with venom, “I suggest you advise your friend-"

“I’m right here, Professor, tell me yourself!” A rumble went through the classroom; the glass beakers and vials shook. A worried whisper rose up from the students.

“-To sit down and quit interrupting my class!”

“I’m right here! Look at me!” The classroom shook again, more violently. A cauldron rocked off the counter, clanging loudly as it hit the stone floor. Someone screamed. Snape’s figure was tense, but his eyes stayed resolutely fixed on the floor.

“LOOK AT ME! LOOK AT ME GODDAMMIT!” A glass beaker flew across the room towards him and Snape jumped to his feet. Whipping out his wand, the beaker stopped, hanging frozen in the air, inches away from the blackboard. Laylani scowled; he might be able to stop one, but he couldn’t stop them all.

The classroom shook again, and all the glass beakers and vials that sat on the shelves in the back of the class flew forward, and the students dropped from their seats to the floor, screaming. The beakers shattered against the blackboard, followed by the sharp sounds of glass hitting the stone floor.

“EVERYONE OUT!” Snape roared. “NOW!”

Professor Snape and Laylani stood still, muscles tense, eyes locked on one another as the students scurried away to safety. The door slammed shut and sealed. The silence was tense, bearing down heavily in the room, stretching interminably.

“You look just like your mother.” He said finally.

“We were partners. All of sixth year in advanced Potions and Defense against the Dark Arts. Everyone teased her about it. She was beautiful, smart, popular, too perfect to be stuck with greasy Snivellus Snape.” The words were spat out with venom. “And she didn’t seem to know it.” His lips twisted into something like a smile. “I distinctly remember one afternoon in Defense against the Dark Arts when Black tried again to hex me while my back was turned. Layla not only blocked it but shot back one of her own and loudly told him to go fornicate himself. The look on his face was priceless.” The twisted grin grew. “It was then I knew I loved her.”

Laylani’s eyes went wide. Pardon?

His eyes locked on her suddenly, burning into her.

“I trust the Malfoys told you something of your mother?” She nodded

“Everything had come together. She was perfect and I worshipped her like she deserved. It was all so close to falling into place. And it was one single fucking fluke that ruined everything. They’d finally gotten around to approving her request to spend a semester overseas. She’d put in the application two fucking years before!”

“She was supposed to be mine!” he seethed. “She was supposed to love me! One semester, one single fucking semester at the Salem Institute and he was all she could talk about! I was forgotten, summarily dismissed without a word. What could he have given her that I couldn’t? I would have given her everything! Everything and more!”

Professor Snape sneered. “I met him once, your father. Only briefly. It was obvious he didn’t deserve her. More money than brains, thought he had claim to anything he set his filthy hands on simply because he wanted it. He had your mother even in death. I went to her, not long after he was killed, and still she spoke of nothing but him. How she missed him, how she still loved him. What a wonderful husband, what a wonderful father he was.” Snape snorted in disgust. “He was none of those things. He couldn’t even protect his own family. And she died for him, she killed herself for that pompous ass!”

“Shut up!” Laylani snapped. “Don’t you dare talk about my father that way! He died trying to save me, because he loved me.”

“He loved only himself!” Snape retorted. He paused for a deep breath.

“I tried for years to purge my thoughts of her. It was no use. I would never escape the succubus who’d toyed with me for so many years. I had to accept that she would always be with me, haunting my memories… and then you came along.” He sneered at her disgustedly.

“I had done so much, come so far! I’d made some peace with your mother’s memory! How was it I should have to see her every day in you with his eyes staring back at me!” Her eyes went wide before her hands flew up to hide her face. She rested her head in her hands and her shoulders began to shake. Was she…crying for him?

“Don’t bother with tears, I don’t need your pity.” He snapped dismissively. But the shoulder-shaking sobs continued and grew louder. Loud enough that he realized they weren’t sobs at all.

The fucking chit was laughing at him!

Her hands finally dropped from her face. “You - You’re pathetic!” she managed to choke out. “So what? You just stayed here and wallow in the past with memories of my mother who, as it seems, wouldn’t give you the time of day?”

“I- I loved her!” Snape spluttered. “I would have done anything for her!”

“And she didn’t give two shits about you!” Laylani cackled. “You act like you’re the tragic hero when you were really just some loser pining after my mother like a puppy, and you haven’t done anything else with your life since!” Snape puffed himself up indignantly.

“I am a Potions Master at one of the most prestigious wizarding schools-"

“Oh, and it’s so obvious you love your job!” She laughed. She couldn’t stop. This was why he hated her so? Why he refused to even acknowledge her existence? Because he was still nursing some misguided, psychotic crush from when he was sixteen? If he wasn’t such a bastard, this might have been sad, heartbreaking even. But as it stood, he was a bastard, and this was just funny. “So do you walk the halls at night remembering how you followed her around? Daydream about how she put up with you because she felt sorry for you? Are they fond memories? Maybe you sleep in her old bed?” She dissolved into laughter again.

“Enough!” Snape roared. “You’re just like him! Just as pompous and arrogant, ignorant as your father!” Laylani walked out from behind her desk, crossing the floor to lean over the teacher’s desk, encroaching on Snape’s space.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” She said coolly. Leaning in further she whispered “After all, he was the one who got the girl.”

“Alohamora!”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

He’d gone down to the dungeons as a last resort, doubting she’d bother to go to class.

Draco was surprised to find so many students wandering the dark halls, his classmates who should still be in class, wide-eyed and looking frightened. Trying to ignore the sinking feeling in his stomach, he quickened his pace. A knot of dread settled inside him as he reached the classroom door; at least ten students crowded around the wooden door, pushing and shoving one another in attempts to get closer. The Golden Trio stood at the head of the pack, Weasley and Potter shoving anyone who got within half a foot of them, while Granger had her ear pressed against the thin line between the door and the wall, biting her lip so hard it traced a white line around her teeth.

Draco stood behind the swarm of murmuring students, listening silently to snatches of phrases, trying to figure out what in the hell was going on.

“- always knew there was something off about her-"

“- looked crazy, absolutely nutters-"

“- like Snape didn’t have it coming-"

“- can’t believe she threw them all-"

“- did you feel how the room shook-"

“- which one do you think will come out alive?”

This wasn’t good.

He hastily shoved through the crowd, quickly making his way to the door. Potter grabbed him hard by the shoulder, but Draco shoved him off quickly and hastily pulled Hermione back from the door.

“What’s going on?” His tone was flat and harsh and his eyes were nearly black with solemnity. Everything about him told Hermione that he had a pretty good idea what was going on and was now just looking for confirmation of the worst.

“I – I’m not quite sure. Laylani she-"

“Where is she?” Hermione’s gaze turned to the door, and Draco’s heart seized in his chest. He grabbed Granger again, more forcefully this time and shoved her back into Potter and Weasley.

“Alohamora!” Whether it was the fierceness the charm was spoken with or that perhaps Snape used simple locking charms he didn’t know, but the door swung open to reveal Snape and Laylani, each leaning in over either side of the desk, tension thick and heavy around them. Both heads swiveled in the direction of the sudden interruption. Snape’s eyes narrowed angrily.

Laylani’s expression of detached distaste dissolved, giving way to uncertainty.

“Draco?” It was both a statement and a question.

“Come here, Lani.” She took a faltering half-step forward, biting her lip nervously. His features softened slightly at her hesitancy. “Come here, love. You promised to trust me, wholly and entirely, remember? I need you to do that now.” She nodded and came towards him. He wrapped a strong arm around her waist, pulling her close.

“Are you alright?” he said softly.

“I’m fine.” She whispered.

“Good.” He cupped her face in his hand, fingers stroking her cheek. “Whatever happens next, you have to promise to do exactly what I tell you.” She nodded. “Alright. Follow me.” He pulled his wand from the pocket of his inner robes and took her hand in his. He turned them slowly and began down the hallway towards the stairs.

“You knew!” Hermione said accusingly. “You knew there was something wrong and you didn’t tell us. I knew it!” Draco shoved by her, pulling Laylani with him.

“Out of my way, Granger.” He subtly quickened his pace. Laylani could hear the footfalls of her friends as they followed behind them.

Hands grabbed his shoulders hard and Draco frowned, bracing himself as he tightened his grip on his wand.

“We’re going to Dumbledore Malfoy.”

Without warning Draco whirled around, pointing his wand at the group students who’d gathered around them

“Expelliarmus!”

The students flew back, many landing hard down the stone hallway while an unfortunate few flew back into the wall. Draco’s hand latched on to Laylani’s wrist tightly and began to pull her into motion.

“Run, Lani.” He barked. “Run!”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Harry was the first to regain his wits. He leapt on to his feet, firing the first spell he could think of at Malfoy’s retreating form.

“Petrificus Totalus!”

The spell just barely missed Draco, sailing over his shoulder and into the wall as he and Laylani rounded the corner.

“Damn it!” Harry yelled loudly. He turned back to his friends; Ron was helping Hermione to her feet. “Come on!” he shouted, beginning to run after them. His friends followed suit. They ran down the hall and around the corner, up the stairs to the main landing. Draco and Laylani were nowhere in sight, with at least a dozen empty staircases leading off in different directions.

“Damn it!” Harry cursed again. They could be anywhere.

“The map!” Hermione exclaimed. “Harry, get the map!”

Of course! The Marauders Map! Digging through his bag, he pulled the folded parchment from the bottom, being careful not to rip it. Drawing his wand he tapped it to the page.

“I solemnly swear I am up to no good.”

The ink flowed out from the center of the page, tracing black lines into the parchment as it outlined the schools walls. Three sets of eyes scanned the page quickly, searching out the two dots that represented Draco and Laylani. They were rather easy to spot; while most students and teachers were still sitting in classes, they were the only two moving down the hall of the second floor towards the stairway of the third floor..

“The statue!” Hermione cried, realizing they were headed towards the passage to Hogsmeade. “They have to leave Hogwarts grounds before they can apparate!”

The three took off running.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Laylani panted heavily as they reached the third floor landing.

“Where are we going Draco? Why are we running? There’s no one chasing us!” Draco didn’t look back

“I promise, Princess, I’ll explain everything when we get there.”

“Draco,” Laylani gasped. “Draco I’m getting dizzy.” A pained expression crossed Draco’s face, but still he ran on.

“It’s just a little farther, Princess.” He called over his shoulder. “Just a few minutes, I promise. Hold on.” The statue was just around the bend, coming into sight. In just a few moments they’d be in Hogsmeade, he’d be able to activate the portkey and they’d be taken to the unplottable island, free and safe. Just a few moments more.

Dumbledore stepped out from behind the statue of the humpbacked witch.

Stopping so abruptly that Laylani crashed into him, he spun on his heel and began in the other direction, only to have Snape standing there, leveling his wand. Weasley, Potter and Granger rounded the hall, panting, wands drawn.

Laylani pressed closer to Draco, not understanding at all what was going on. Draco wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly, with the painful realization that this would probably be the last time he would get to hold her for a very long while. He kissed her forehead.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered. Sighing in defeat, Draco turned back to Dumbledore.

“Mister Malfoy I believe, as they say, the jig is up.”




A/N: Just a last note, please don't forget to review if you think you have something to share as I continue towards my goal of 100 reviews. It doesn't matter if it's good or bad, as long as it's honest and constructive. And as a side note, I will not hold my writing hostage if I don't reach my review goal. I hate it when people do that. No matter what, the writing will keep coming.