Leila Thorton

Ravenclaw | Advanced Class

[shatteredwitch]

stardustedmalfoy

Peaking her head inside, Vasilisa cleared her throat, smiling apologetically for the interruption, “I’m sorry, I need to search for something inside of this room. I’ll be gone before you know it.”  Elizabeth lost one of her favorite dolls yesterday and spent the whole night crying and refusing to go to sleep without it.

She needs to find that doll if she ever wants to get a good night of sleep again.

Her voice silenced at the interruption, Leila glanced up shyly. Her faith was something she'd never really shared with anyone, despite growing up in a convent. "It's quite alright." She insisted when the young woman apologised. "Can I help you search for whatever it is you've lost?" Leila offered, rising from her kneeling position. "I don't mind." She added with a little smile.

[bimorgana]

Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice (2005)

[shatteredwitch]

bellabruxa

“You can. If you want to.” her quick tone was replaced by something softer, kinder, “there is nothing wrong with kissing girls.”  she knows that not everyone shares her opinion, but at least here inside of the castle she hasn’t had any problems.

“You can also kiss George.”

If it hadn't been for the potion, the voice of the nuns that still echoed too often in Leila's head would have objected to the idea of kissing girls. The Bible said it was wrong. "I tried kissing George, but he pushed me away. Said it wasn't right, that it was a mistake."

[shatteredwitch]

sgiobalta

“Well if we went to France or Egypt, the spells would be a little different. The common ones would be in French or Arabic, and the higher ones would likely still be in Latin, though I’ve been told that in Egypt there are spells from the ancient language.” She said enthusiastically. She was happy to discuss this topic with Leila even if she already had the bulk of the knowledge. “Why are you apologizing?” She said, surprised, “You are clearly a very focused young woman! I’m happy to discuss this sort of thing with you whenever you want!”

"It would be fascinating to learn ancient Egyptian. I'm already studying Latin and Greek." Leila admitted. She often read more than was strictly necessary for her studies, but that was how she'd learned at home. Two decades of learning by herself, she'd gotten to research some obscure areas. "It's just a habit." She was always apologising. Leila was always afraid someone would get upset with her, so she tried to avoid it. "I don't mean to take up your time."

[shatteredwitch]

thatsyourbadluck

Felicity stepped forward and began to undo Leila’s braid. It would be so easy to sink her teeth into her, but she should probably start slow. “How would it be improper?” She said, like the devil to Eve. “We’re both women.” She reached forward, snaking her arms around Leila’s waist and untying the laces of her dress without looking at them. “What naughty things are you thinking about?”

Her cheeks darkened. "It's not like that." She didn't know how to react, frozen in place as Felicity's arms went around her waist. "I'm not. It's just -" She couldn't think of a response, flustered. This was too much for her to handle, especially while drunk. The dress fell to the ground, Leila crossing her arms over her chest. "I should sleep." Turning back around, she blushed more. "Oh. That's not my bed."

[shatteredwitch]

lucyinthewest

“I’m not saying this to make you feel guilty. I’m just trying to help you understand.” Lucinda put a hand on her shoulder. “If he doesn’t feel that way about you, then you lose nothing by apologizing. It is the right thing to do either way.” She let her hand drop, “Maybe it’s okay if it isn’t like it was. Maybe things will be better. Either way, the worst case scenario is that the two of you don’t talk and that’s already what’s happening. What do you really risk?”

She knew Lucinda was right, apologising would be the best thing to do. But it didn't make it any easier. "I can't do this. I made a fool of myself, and I hurt his feelings. I don't deserve his forgiveness." It hurt to even think about George, the idea of talking to him just made her feel frozen in place. She was a coward. "I don't want to talk about this anymore. I came to Hogwarts to focus on learning, it was silly to get distracted from that."

[holdempuff]

December 31st, 993, Sunday

A letter written to Leila ( @shatteredwitch ) from Holden.

Dear Leila,

I would like to wish you a happy new year, and I hope that you are doing well. I’m afraid I must be brief with this letter, as there is a lot to be done. I am writing to inform you that I will not be returning to Hogwarts the coming year. I will be traveling east, to continue my research on my sister’s illness.

Thank you for all your help while I was at Hogwarts. You were the first person I had persuaded to help me out in the hospital wing, and you clearly did not have to accept. I appreciate it. Though I know there was the incident where we have disagreed, still I believe that you have a lot of potential to be a great healer. So do continue to learn and study with everyone. I have asked Eleonora to care for the hospital wing, but I am also leaving it in your capable hands. 

Look out for those who frequent the hospital wing, as you know that the students’ care and safety are very important. I wish you the all the best, and should you ever need any help, do not hesitate to write to me. I will try my best to help you in any way I could. 

Take care of yourself, Leila. 

Best regards, Holden Hufflepuff

[shatteredwitch]

She almost hadn’t come back to Hogwarts. For all that Leila had loved it at first, being brought out of her shell had only brought her pain. Knowing Lucinda would be hurt if she tried to hide again, she didn’t actively avoid anyone, but she’d withdrawn within herself just as she had when she first came to Hogwarts. While at home, she’d visited the convent that had been her prison during her early years, for the first time since her father took her away. It was safe to say the visit hadn’t gone well, but after everything that had happened, magic no longer seemed consolation enough. Her faith had been renewed, more a penance than anything else. 

Shut away in a room, Leila’s voice was soft as she read aloud the Bible that she had memorised years ago, using the familiar patter to drown her fears. 

[shatteredwitch]

bellabruxa

“You wanted to kiss them?” that was a drastic evolution from the sweet and shy Leila she first met! She was really proud of her. “They don’t know what they want and their minds can’t process things fast. Girls are so much better.”

“I wanted to kiss George.” Even though she’d threatened to find someone else to kiss, she didn’t mean it. “Why can’t I want to kiss girls instead?” Other than that it’s a sin, the traitorous part of Leila’s mind added, but she was ignoring that part. “Girls are so pretty.” 

[shatteredwitch]

lucyinthewest

“Leila!” Lucinda frowned, “You did say things that hurt me. In fact, they broke my heart, because they were true. But the only thing that kept me going was knowing that underneath it all was still my friend.” She took her hand, “You hurt me so much more by avoiding me. And I only pushed past it because I knew it was all my fault. Can you imagine what Holden and George are thinking? That their friend has completely changed for no reason and hates them.” She sighed. “If you avoid the people that love you they really will be mad. Are you really avoiding George after you kissed him? You’re probably breaking his heart.”

"I'm sorry." Leila looked away, filled with guilt. She'd never hurt anyone any other time, it'd all been the potion, but her fears afterwards had too much sway. "They weren't true at all." She didn't want to be hurting anyone else, but when it came to George, she couldn't bring herself to say anything to him, even in a letter. "He doesn't feel the same about me. I'll write to Holden, but I know I've ruined everything with George. Even if he could forgive me, it wouldn't be like it was."

[shatteredwitch]

thatsyourbadluck

“That’s how it’s supposed to feel.” Felicity said, putting her hand on Leila’s lower back. She brought her down to the basement to the Slytherin Common room. It wouldn’t be hard to create a reputation after this. Leila falling over herself and ending up in the room of a friend…Felicity smiled as they entered her empty dorm room. “Why don’t you undress and lay down, you’ll feel better.” She said, still lingering very close to her.”

Leila didn’t even notice the difference in common rooms. Nothing was familiar, but nothing registered behind the fogginess. Her body felt heavy, fingers fumbling as they tried to undo the braid in her hair. “I can’t undress in front of you.” She mumbled, her hair tumbling as she managed to dislodge the pins keeping it neat. “s’not proper.” Since there seemed to be a logical solution, she turned around. “Don’t look.” 

[shatteredwitch]

sgiobalta

Rowena sensed a saddness in Leila that had not always been there. Despite being in her house, Rowena hadn’t had much of a chance to get to know her. She sat down next to her, peering over her shoulder. Maybe it would be good to give her a little more attention. “Really?” She said, looking at the books Leila had scattered before her. “There certainly is, you see, a spell, like a wand or a potion, is merely a conduit for our abilities.” She pushed a lock of hair behind her ear, “Many early spells were merely commands ancient wizards used. A very skilled magic user can make spells in a similar fashion.”

"Yes, that is understandable. I simply meant, well, many spells that are of common use, they are based in the Anglo-Saxon language. Those of higher magic, they use Latin. However, Greek is much rarer, and seems reserved mostly for healing magic. It is just interesting how it has all developed." She flushed a little, sure that she wasn't telling the woman anything she didn't already know. "Sorry. I've just always liked patterns. They make sense of the world, and if you understand something, you have more control." It had always been her approach to magic, ever since finding out she wasn't devil sent.

[thatsyourbadluck]

@shatteredwitch

Felicity had been pouring drinks down Leila’s throat for the last few hours and was satisfied with the results. She slipped an arm around the woman’s waist and said almost seductively in her ear, “I think the party is pretty much over. Let’s get you to bed.” She pulled Leila out of the great Hall and began the trek up to the Slytherin common room. They definitely wouldn’t be going to Leila’s room. 

[shatteredwitch]

Worried over Luci and George, Leila hadn't protested much as Felicity gave her drink after drink. It hadn't taken long for her to be thoroughly drunk, leaning into her friend for balance. "Okay." Voice slurred, she followed her without noticing the direction they took. "My head feels funny. All... cloudy." She looked over at Felicity with a lopsided smile. "It feels weird."

[thatsyourbadluck]

shatteredwitch‌:

Leila stilled as Felicity reached out, not used to being touched, at least not since the convent, and there, it had been very different. No kindness, only sharp slaps and sharper words. With a hint of colour in her cheeks now, she chose not to address it, her hand reaching up to where Felicity’s hand been a second ago. “I - uh, yes, once a week works for me. Perhaps Tuesday afternoons? If that works for you?” She couldn’t quite keep the nervousness out of her babbled answer. 

Perfect. Leila was clearly putty in her hands, it would be so easy to crush her like an ornament. In a way Felicity had pity for her, if only because Felicity’s plans were in fact disturbing. “Tuesdays sound great.” She stood up, knowing when to leave someone wanting more. “I’ll see you then.” 

[shatteredwitch]

END.

[shatteredwitch]

wizardkniight

“How can I say no to chocolates?” their places were just as they left them. Walking around the table, he pushed the seat for Leila, happy to continue in her orbit. “But, first we should finish this. But, maybe leave the beer tasting for another day. It will taste weird now.”

“I can’t say no to chocolates.” She laughed softly as she settled into the seat he held out for her. It only made her fall a little more in love with him, his gentlemanly behaviour. It was the kind of thing she read about in books, and now she was face to face with someone that could so easily be the hero in any of those books. “You would know better than I. How our roles have reversed, with you the master now?” 

[sgiobalta]

Snuffing out the candles at the end of the day was not something that had to be done by hand. The house elves did it through out the castle, and even then it was only in rooms that weren’t spelled to let the candles out on their own. However, in the Library, Rowena preferred to perform the task herself. Tonight, however, she was not alone.  She smiled at the student with their nose in a book. “While your love of the library is admirable.” She said gently, hoping to rouse them from their reverie. “I’m afraid it is very late. Perhaps you should go to bed. 

[shatteredwitch]

Leila wanted to get in as much reading done as she possibly could before she visited her father for the Christmas holidays. There was a part of her that was unsure she would come back, after all that had happened. She could send letters to her friends to explain why, if she decided, but if she told them now that she was considering running away, they’d try to stop her. The dimming light didn’t bother her, Leila much more comfortable in the dark of the night than she was the harsh light of day, but a soft voice jolted her, dragging her attention away from the book. “Oh.” She looked up at Miss Ravenclaw, a woman she admired so much. “Oh, I’m not tired, it’s fine. I’m researching the language of spells, how many are evolved from Ancient Greek and Latin. I noticed a pattern, it’s truly fascinating.” 

[shatteredwitch]

lucyinthewest

Leila smiled at the confirmation that they were friends despite having already suspected as such, “Leila, do you mean to tell me that if I hadn’t harassed you as I did you would have continued to avoid me?” She frowned, “Do you realize how worried I would have been? I would have thought you hated me! Don’t do this to your other friends, so many people like you, you can’t let your own fears hurt them.” She hoped to appeal at least to Leila’s compassionate, appeasing side. “If you ‘give them time’ as you say, you will never speak to them. And then they will feel hurt that you never apologized. Just one person, it doesn’t have to be George. Who did you embarrass yourself in front of? What if we just wrote out a letter together?”

Leila couldn’t understand why anyone would like her. She was shy, afraid, she had nothing except her intelligence. That was the one thing she was not insecure about. “I didn’t mean to worry you. I could never hate you, I just... I said such horrible things to you.” Under the influence of the potion, she’d tried to hurt her friend so that she’d get distracted and stop trying to cure her. “I thought you hated me.” She admitted softly. Thinking about who she’d offended, Leila bit her lip for a second. “I suppose I should write a letter to Holden. I was very rude to him, and I don’t want him to stop letting me help in the Hospital Wing.”