When I woke up I realized I was still in my dress. I got out of bed and changed into some sweats, and then took off my old makeup. Walking down the stairs, I smelled bacon swirling through the air.
"Good morning dear, how was the ball?" mum asked.
"Got lowkey assaulted," I shrugged.
"By who?" she asked angrily.
"It was just Alex Carrow. Draco took care of him," I comforted.
"Of course I did," I heard Draco say from behind me, and I turned around to see him leaning against the wall.
"Thanks again," I smiled and he smiled back.
"No problem." he said.
"So what are we doing today?" I asked.
"Thought we'd spend it getting to know each other," mom smiled and I nodded. This was going to be a great day.
***
December 29th
"Pansy!" I yelled up the stairs.
"What?" she snapped.
"Give me my wand!" I called back. It almost stabbed my eye out as she threw it at me.
"Gee thanks," I said sarcastically. She didn't answer and I grabbed my bags from the bottom of the stairs.
"Off to the Weasley's?" Draco grimaced.
"Ugh, yes," I nodded.
"Can I take you, please?" he begged.
"I don't think they'll like that," I said. He sighed and nodded.
"Oh, I'm gonna miss you!" Pansy squealed, running downstairs. She hugged me and I laughed.
"I'll see you in three days!" I giggled.
"Yeah but you'll be with them," she sneered and mom walked over.
"Oh take care of yourself in this tournament, Leah!" she clung to me tightly.
"I've survived so much this far, I promise I'll be fine," I smiled, hugging her back.
"I love you so much," she whispered and I felt myself becoming emotional.
"I love you too, mom," I said calmly and then turned to Draco.
"Don't miss me too much," I winked and he rolled his eyes.
"I'll try," he smirked and I hugged him.
"Okay, see you guys soon," I smiled, and then Mikey ran in.
"Wait! Leah, I hope everything goes well at Hogwarts. Looks like it's changed in the short year I've been gone," he laughed.
"Yeah, tell me about it. It was really great meeting my half brother," I smiled and he hugged me.
"I'll miss you kiddo," he said.
"Bye Mikey," I smiled and then apparated to the Burrow.
I was on the outskirts of a field with tall grass and what seemed like small little ponds. In the middle, I saw a tall house standing proudly and I sighed, knowing this must be the burrow. I saw Alisana soar overhead and watched her perch on the window. I walked up to the door and knocked three times. I heard voices and the door opened to reveal a flustered Mrs. Weasley.
"Oh, you must be Leah!" she smiled and I smiled back.
"Yes ma'am," I nodded.
"Oh come in, come in! Welcome to our home," she said, ushering me inside.
"Your house is so cute," I smiled and Mrs. Weasley patted my shoulder.
"Oh thank you, dear," she said and then walked off into the tiny kitchen. This place reeks of bad blood.
"The boys are out practicing Quidditch, but Ginny and Hermione should be down soon," Mrs. Weasley called from behind me.
"Okay, thank you," I said politely.
"You're welcome. I hope you don't mind dearie, but we're having a big family dinner tonight, along with some friends. We figured it'd be a warm welcome," she smiled and I forced a smile.
"That's brilliant," I nodded. Then the door opened and in walked a red-headed boy who looked about twenty-five.
"Mum?" he called, looking at me cautiously.
"Yes, dear?" she asked.
"Who's this?" he asked, glancing back at me.
"That's Leah, Ronnie's friend. Leah, this is Bill," Mrs. Weasley introduced, still cooking away.
"Hey, I'm Ron's older brother," Bill smiled, holding his hand out.
"Leah Loveland," I introduced myself.
"Nice to meet you," he said and then sat on the couch.
"Sit down," he said and I placed my bags on the floor next to the couch before sitting down. Footsteps thudded down the stairs and Ginny ran by.
"Mum, I want to play Quidditch," she sighed, and then she turned to see Bill and me.
"Leah, Bill!" she smiled, hugging the both of us.
"Hey Ginny," I smiled.
"How's it going little sis?" Bill asked.
"Oh, they'll all be so happy you're here!" she said to us.
"Hermione, come here!" she called, and then ran outside. More footsteps came down the stairs and Granger appeared, looking around in confusion.
"Leah!" she smiled, seeing me finally.
"Hi Mione!" I smiled.
"So good to see you," she laughed and I laughed too. Oh god, I have to be like this for three days. The door reopened and Ginny walked back in, followed by Potter, Weasley, the twins, and another redhead who was shaking his head in what seemed like disapproval.
"You are all so barbaric," he said primly.
"Oh come off it Percy, we're just having some fun," Weasley said, rolling his eyes.
"He secretly wanted to join us," George said.
"Yeah, he was dying to," Fred laughed.
"Oh, you are all so rude, we have a guest," the boy, who must be Percy, said. He looked at me with a slight smile and inclined his head.
"Hello, you must be Leah," he said formally.
"Yes, hello," I smiled.
"Leah!" Weasley smiled, rushing over to hug me.
"Hi to you too Ron," I gasped out as he crushed me.
"Ron, she can't breathe," Potter snorted, and then he pulled me into a less bone crushing hug.
"Hey Leah," he smiled, and then the twins tackled me.
"Leah! How are you?" they asked and then sat in front of me.
"I'm good, and yourselves?" I laughed.
"Brilliant, we were actually wondering," George said.
"If you'd try something for us," Fred finished.
"No, you made me faint last time," I frowned and they shared a smile.
"Barbaric," Percy repeated and I giggled as he sat next to me.
"Well, how was your break so far? Did your mom yell at you for what happened at the Ball?" Granger asked.
"No, she wanted to kill Alex," I smirked.
"Really? She doesn't mind that you got detention?" she asked in surprise.
"I'm always getting detention," I shrugged.
"What happened once you went back to the Malfoy's?" Potter asked, narrowing his eyes.
"I didn't go back to the Malfoy's, I was with my mother," I said. Fred snorted and rolled his eyes.
"Why would she go to the Malfoy's?" he asked.
"Her parents sent her there over Holiday," Granger said.
"I'm so sorry," Bill said seriously.
"It wasn't too bad since our parents are good friends," I shrugged.
"Mm, and you and Malfoy are as well?" Weasley asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Get over it," I said. He glared at me, but didn't say a word.
"Leah's decisions aren't your concern, Ronald!" Granger huffed.
"Are you siding with that git now?" he asked angrily.
"Of course not, I'm just saying it's her choice!" she defended.
"Guys knock it off!" I snapped and they shut up.
"Let's all calm down," Mrs. Weasley said, walking in.
"Yes, yes leave this talk for later," Percy said and I sighed.
"I'm sorry," I apologized.
"Oh not to worry, dear," Mrs. Weasley smiled. The door opened once again, and an older man walked in. Mr. Weasley perhaps?
"Arthur, this is Leah," Mrs. Weasley said once he was in the door.
"Good to see you," he smiled brightly, shaking my hand.
"Good to see you, too," I said politely.
"Oh, Remus and Tonks are here!" Mrs. Weasley said, looking out the window. I tilted my head in confusion and Weasley smiled at me. A weary looking man walked in, along with a woman who had pink hair.
"Wotcher," the woman said, walking into the living room with a smile.
"I haven't seen you before," she said, looking at me.
"Oh, Leah Loveland," I smiled, holding out my hand.
"Tonks," she smiled.
"This is Remus," she said, pulling over the man.
"Hello," I said.
"Lupin is our old professor," Potter explained.
"The werewolf?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. A blanket of tension fell over the room, and Granger looked at me cautiously.
"Yes Leah," she said softly. I glared at him and he narrowed his eyes.
"Leah, we won't have prejudice in this house," Mrs. Weasley said quietly but sternly.
"Mum, she's sort of got a really great reason, it's not just because she hates half breeds," Weasley said.
"What's her reason?" Lupin asked, still looking at me.
"Fenrir Greyback killed her sister and they think he attacked Leah also. We aren't sure, she doesn't remember much," Weasley said.
"That's quite a valid reason, but you must know I will not hurt a fly," Lupin said softly.
"I believe you, I just have a bit of trauma regarding werewolves," I said. I cannot believe they're making me eat dinner with a half breed.
"I understand."
"I'm sorry I'm being so rude," I sighed.
"No, you have a good reason. I'd feel the same, trust me," Remus said, and he sat in a chair on the other side of the room.
"Thank you for understanding," I said, making tears form. Weasley shot up instantly and put his arm around my shoulders.
"Hey, it's okay. We're going to kill him, alright?" he said.
"Sounds like a plan," I said with half a laugh, half a sob.
"Aw, ickle Ronnie has a girlfriend," said Charlie, who was just walking in,
"No actually, I don't," Weasley said.
"Say that out loud and he might be killed," Potter muttered and I sighed.
"Harry he will not be killed," I said.
"Right...well my name is Charlie. We weren't really properly introduced at the first task," he said, shaking my hand.
"You're right we weren't, I'm Leah," I smiled. Everyone was sitting in the room now and I shifted uncomfortably.
"Leah, what exactly is your story?" Bill asked.
"Well...my parents, Clementine and Lamoure, kept my sister and I homeschooled up until this year. I guess for good reason, seeing as my sister was killed shortly after we arrived at Hogwarts. Now it seems like someone might be trying to get me killed by putting my name in the goblet of fire," I smiled tightly.
"And yes, Ronald and I dated briefly, but it was ended because of...certain events," I said and Weasley cut me off.
"I told you I didn't do that!" he snapped.
"I'm well aware, Ronald!" I said exasperatedly.
"You make me sound like such a bad person. Worse than Malfoy!" he glared.
"Aren't you a bowl of sunshine today? Malfoy's not that bad, Pansy is much worse," I said, lying so they still thought I wasn't friends with Slytherin's.
"Pansy isn't as bad" he countered.
"Yeah, she's much worse. But is there a reason you think she's better?" I asked, referring to their kiss. He glared and went to say something, but I cut him off.
"Anyway, after we broke up, I dated Draco Malfoy, but realized it wasn't the best choice I've made. There were some friendship issues that happened, including a huge fight between me and every other Gryffindor," I sighed.
"Yeah, that was hilarious. I found it funny you were crushing on Malfoy, let alone dating him," Fred smiled.
"Hush, Fred," I smirked.
"Once the winter holiday came around, I stayed with the Malfoy's due to my parent's wishes, and then went to visit my mum, and then came here. Before the Ball, I started dating Draco again."
"Yeah, and then she ditched Alex for him. I don't understand why you'd ditch Alex!" Granger said, shaking her head.
"Alex is hot," Ginny agreed.
"Yeah, he may be gorgeous, but you did see what he did to me, right? Now has Draco ever done that? No," I said sternly.
"He wouldn't have done that if you hadn't chosen Malfoy. He obviously wanted to be rude to me the whole time we talked," Granger huffed.
"Yes, but he refrained from saying anything mean," I pointed out.
"To continue, I am now dating Draco again, but it's only for my image," I said.
"Oh, and her fathers abusive," Weasley said and I froze.
"Ronald!" Granger exclaimed and my jaw dropped slightly.
"Uh," I said, looking at all the shocked faces around me.
"Well, he sort of became really angry with me about who I was dating and everything...it's another reason I'm with Draco... I wouldn't say abusive," I shrugged.
"No, he's abusive...what if he sent Fenrir on you and Claire?" he asked.
"He wouldn't," I shook my head.
"Leah, if you'd like, you can stay with us from now on," Mrs. Weasley said.
"Oh, it's fine," I assured them. Before I could say anything else, a man with deep black hair, and a slight beard walked in, dressed in what looked like prison clothes. I gave a shriek of surprise and was going to get my wand when Weasley took my hand.
"No, it's okay!" he assured me.
"What?" I asked, my eyebrows raised.
"He's not a criminal, he's my Godfather," Potter explained.
"Harry Potter has a criminal relative? Interesting," I mused.
"No, he isn't a criminal!" Potter said again.
"It's true dear, he isn't. He's perfectly safe," Mrs. Weasley smiled.
"Ron...when did you plan on telling me this?" I asked.
"Well I mean...I trust you, but...if word slipped in front of Malfoy..." he sighed.
"Why would I let anything slip?" I asked with a frown.
"You aren't the best liar," he said carefully and I laughed. The man looked at me suspiciously.
"So, who are you then?" I asked.
"Sirius Black," he said.
"The one who killed Peter Pettigrew?" I asked.
"No, no, Peter framed me," he said.
"Oh that little rat," I frowned.
"Mm, a rat indeed," Black said with a humorous glint in his eyes. Of course, I knew all about the Black and Pettigrew story, but they didn't know that.
"So, I think it's time we were introduced properly," he smiled, walking over.
"Hello dear, my names Sirius Black," he said.
"Leah Loveland," I said politely.
"Blimey, Lamoure's daughter?" he asked, bewildered.
"Um, yes," I nodded.
"I heard she was dead...Lamoure's daughter died!" he exclaimed.
"Yes, that would be my little sister," I said calmly. Weasley looked at me, prepared for me to break out in tears, but I didn't.
"He had two little girls? No...I was one of his best mates, he only had one daughter, and her name was Claire!" he insisted.
"Yes Claire was my little sister, but they almost never spoke of me. I'm a disgrace," I lied.
"How are you a disgrace, Lamoure was a very nice man and you seemed to have followed in his footsteps?"
Anxiety settled deep into my stomach. I didn't expect to encounter anyone who actually knew Lamoure.
"Things obviously changed, my father isn't such a nice man anymore. His Slytherin side is more...dominant now. He didn't want a daughter like me; nice and open. He wanted me to be of true Pureblood status, not a Blood Traitor. I was to be a cold-hearted Slytherin...but instead I'm a Slytherin who loves Gryffindor."
"Then Leah tried to fit in with her family by dating Malfoy," Weasley said.
"You're dating Lucius's boy?" he asked in surprise.
"Yes sir," I nodded.
"He agreed to date an alleged Blood Traitor?" he asked, not believing me.
"We set it up so we feed off each other's popularity," I shrugged. Black made a face of disgust and shook his head.
"Hm, interesting," was all he said. I looked away from his deep black eyes, and I knew he had his suspicions about me. The door opened once again and I saw Severus, for some reason, striding in.
"What exactly is this important dinner?" he drawled in a bored tone. As he passed the couch, he knocked over one of my bags, sending the music box Draco gave me tumbling. It opened and sat up right, with the image of us clear for everyone to see. I stared at it, my jaw dropped, and the pictures were scattered across the floor.
"Leah?" Granger asked timidly.
"Hm?" I asked, still staring at the box.
"What is it?" Potter asked bluntly.
"A music box," I whispered. I drug my gaze from the box to Severus who was watching me intently.
"From Malfoy?" Potter asked, and Weasley was silent, his eyes staring at the box with a haunted look. I nodded slightly and felt several people glare.
"Why?" Potter spat and I glared at him.
"It is Christmas," I said with a sneer.
"So he gave you a present with all these oh so happy pictures, and a memory of you two?" he asked sourly.
"I have to have some sort of proof to show my dad!" I said exasperatedly.
"Save it!" snapped Weasley and Ginny bristled.
"Ron, calm down!" she glared.
"Shut up Ginny!" he seethed and I felt an overly heavy tension fill the room.
"Obviously the smiles on your faces aren't an act, and the way you two are acting isn't all pretending either. Don't lie to me," Weasley said, narrowing his eyes. I stayed silent, giving him a deathly cold glare and his eyes wandered to the pictures. I followed his gaze and saw that he was staring at the one under the mistletoe.
"I thought you hated mistletoe," Weasley said with a cool edge to his voice.
"I do," I said stiffly.
"Ron, stop it. Leah can date whomever she wants," Granger said firmly.
"She swore it was all a lie! Look at this, Hermione! Does it look like a lie?" he yelled, standing up in anger. My eyes turned red, I knew they would, and I felt a flushed feeling take over my body. Alisana hooted softly, in an attempt to calm me down, but it didn't work.
"Listen to me, now. You have no idea what kind of witch I am. These pictures are fake. We never took these together, we put them together magically!" I snarled, and I felt even more heated. Weasley's eyes widened and he swallowed roughly in fear.
"Leah, what has gotten into you?" asked Potter in shock.
"All these accusations against me!" I snapped.
"Maybe if you weren't put in Slytherin, things would be different!" he frowned.
"I didn't ask for this Harry!" I insisted.
"Yes you did! When that hat was on your head, I saw you mutter, 'not Gryffindor'. When that hat shouted Slytherin, you sent this bright smile over to Malfoy. I saw it Leah and I haven't said a word because I knew you'd see how awful they really were. I guess I was wrong!" he seethed.
"What?" I asked angrily, glaring at him, and by now I felt like I was on fire.
"Holy crap," I heard Tonks mutter, but I didn't pay attention.
"Yeah, you heard me. What are some of your conversations in that beloved common room of yours? How much of a git the famous Harry Potter is? How all Gryffindor's are beneath you? That all half bloods and mudbloods should die?" he asked, spitting out the last question.
By now, he infuriated me to the point of no return.
"Not all, Harry. The Dark Lord himself is a half blood," I smirked with a malicious glint in my eyes. In an instant, Potter was in front of me with his wand at my neck.
"Don't ever speak of him again!" he threatened.
"Lower your wand, Harry. It's no match for mine," I said, leaning in so we were inches apart. In a flash, my wand was in my hand, and I twirled it in my fingers.
"They say the eyes are a window into your soul, Harry. I can tell you're terrified. Back down or I promise I won't hold back. You've seen me when I get angry," I warned. Nobody dared move a muscle.
"What's happened to you?" he asked, and that's at least the third time he's asked me.
"Harry back down," Ginny warned sternly and Granger sighed impatiently.
"Really Harry, if you test her loyalty enough she's bound to snap! Stop pestering her!" Granger said crossly.
"You two are siding with her? She wouldn't hesitate to kill me!" he said angrily. I laughed loudly and it rang off the walls into the silent room.
"She would never kill you, Harry. But she was brought up to be a Slytherin, we can't change that about her," Granger said firmly. Remus said something quickly and there was rapid movement, but no one came to restrain me.
"Let's say the Dark Lord was still alive, what side do you think I'd take?" I asked curiously.
"O-our-" he stared saying but I cut him off.
"Don't lie!" I snapped.
"His side," he said through gritted teeth.
"Wrong," I whispered coldly in his ear, and he gave an involuntary shiver.
"Do you think, after what my father has become, I'd side with the people who made him that way?" I asked harshly and I heard footsteps echo through the room.
"Blimey Leah, what are you doing?" asked a surprised voice. I shifted my gaze to the new addition to our group and saw Draco looking at me in surprise.
"Never mind me, what are you doing here?" I asked, and he surveyed the situation.
"I got a letter from the Dynamic Duo over there saying you were going all crazy on them," he said in a scolding voice and I lowered my wand.
"Your point?" I asked.
"Give me your wand," he ordered.
"As if it mattered," I snorted and he sighed.
"Leah, just give it to me," he said.
"Why?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. He didn't answer and I eventually tossed my wand at him. He gracefully caught it and walked over.
"How do I take off this enchantment?" he asked.
"What enchantment? Give me my wand!" I ordered and he shook his head.
"No. The enchantment you have on your hair, it's freaking me out," he frowned. I felt the fire inside me sizzle out, but my eyes still burned intensely. Draco turned me towards a mirror and I raised my eyebrows. My hair was a fiery red, the same as my eyes, and my skin looked sun-kissed.
"Why am I tan?" I asked in horror.
"Yeah, that's the biggest concern," Draco snorted.
"I look better pale," I sniffed.
"How do you get her to calm down?" Weasley asked angrily and I saw Draco shrug in the mirror.
"The rage burning inside you showed itself on the outside as well," Draco said thoughtfully and I sighed.
"I'm a hot mess," I shook my head. I blinked a few times and made everything turn back to normal with intent concentration.
"Better," I decided. Draco nodded and I turned to the stunned crowd.
"Um, maybe it's best if I leave," I sighed.
"No don't leave!" Granger cried at the same time as Ginny.
"Perhaps Ms. Loveland should leave and spend the rest of break with her mother," Severus said, sneering the word mother. I narrowed my eyes.
"Don't sneer about my mother," I snapped.
"Ms. Loveland you'd do well to calm down," he said calmly. I sighed and shook my head.
"No, I really should leave. I've made such a horrible impression," I said.
"Dear it's okay. From what I've heard, you deserve to be quite defensive," Mrs. Weasley soothed.
"No, I'm so embarrassed," I moaned and Draco was looking steadily at Severus.
"What started this?" he asked, looking at Severus still.
"Snape knocked over your little Christmas present to Leah, and we assumed things, and she got really defensive...it was a lot of our faults," Weasley admitted.
"You guys should learn not to doubt her," Draco sneered and I nudged him with my elbow.
"You will behave in this household. Especially since they're all against you," I said, raising my eyebrows.
"Oh so you can misbehave?" he asked, his eyes shining humorously.
"Obviously," I nodded and he snorted.
"That's unattractive love," I said automatically.
"Nah, you love it really," he shrugged and I fell into a fit of giggles.
"This girl is batshit," Fred said.
"It's quite funny," George smirked.
"Leah, please stay! We'd hate to make you go back to your family, especially if they don't treat you right," Tonks pleaded.
"Are you guys sure?" I asked.
"Yes!" they all said.
"I'll have to break the news to your mom," Draco smirked.
"She'll be okay," I shrugged and then an awkwardness filled the air.
"Well...I'll see you later," he said awkwardly.
"You might as well hug her goodbye," Granger said exasperatedly.
"See you soon," I said, and he hugged me tightly.
"Not soon enough," he grinned and then took the floo back.
"Harry," I turned to him with a frown.
"Leah you don't have to apologize," he said, looking at me apologetically.
"Yes, I do. I need to control my temper, and I shouldn't get so upset when you guys ask valid questions. I understand why you don't trust me."
"But we should trust you. Being in Slytherin doesn't mean you're a bad person, I need to remember that."
"I'm sure you won't," I joked and everyone laughed, relieved that the tension was gone. I looked around and found that Sirius wasn't laughing, but giving me a suspicious look. I looked away and smiled at Weasley.
"It is a shame you aren't with Ron," Charlie said.
"I know. Ron's a great guy," I nodded.
"You know, it was always Harry who fancied you," Bill grinned. I laughed and then stopped when I saw he was serious.
"Really?" I asked in disbelief.
"Really," he confirmed. I looked over at Potter who was laughing with Hermione, Ron, and Ginny. Ginny was leaning against him, laughing her heart out. He doesn't even realize she likes him.
"No, I'll leave him for Ginny," I smiled, but I knew I could really use this to my advantage. Charlie smiled a little and leaned back.
"So, you go for types like Malfoy?" he asked, making conversation.
"I told you guys-" I started saying nonchalantly but he shook his head.
"I know better," he said quietly so only I could hear him. I looked at him and we shared a look of understanding; he wouldn't tell a soul.
"Mm, I guess so," I nodded, and we were speaking lowly so nobody heard us; as if they would over their own conversations, which promptly started back up once the drama was over.
"Evil, sarcastic, blonde," he rattled off. I laughed and looked over at him again.
"Sincere, funny, would do anything for me," I smiled.
"Doesn't come off that way," he said.
"No, you're right," I agreed, "but, think about it. He cared enough about me to come here, where he knows he isn't welcome, to try and help me."
"Huh, I still can't see Malfoy as caring," he said, sneering slightly.
"He isn't; couldn't be," said Black, making me jump a little. I glared up at him and he gave me a smirk.
"Been here all this time," he shrugged.
"Well, he's quite caring. He wouldn't stop worrying once the first task came around," I said.
"Yeah, maybe, but once something bad happens he's leaving. If you ever got into a terrible situation, he'd ditch you," Black said sternly. I thought back to me killing Claire, and when Fenrir attacked me; Draco was there. I felt a poke at my mind, and instantly put up my occulmency blocks. I looked up at Black and glared.
"Hm, I'm impressed," was all he said.
The room was quieter now as conversations died down slightly. Everyone seemed to notice all together that the music box was still playing. We looked at it, and I shut it with wandless magic.
"Was that at the Slytherin party?" Ginny asked indifferently.
"Yes," I nodded.
"Hm, you can really sing," she complimented.
"You went to a Slytherin party?" Lupin asked.
"She uh, didn't really have a choice. She went to leave and come to our common room, but they found her and they were drunk so she stayed so they wouldn't jump her or anything," Potter said.
"Yeah, it was kind of scary, but I got more comfortable knowing they were drunk and didn't really pay attention to me," I lied.
"Hm...well seeing as you like to sing...how about a little karaoke after dinner?" Mrs. Weasley asked, and I beamed at her.
I love karaoke.