hello my pretty...[Leander]

[stefancartwright]

Stefan was bored!

Bored, frustrated and stuck in this God forsaken hell hole, all of which made a deadly combination. A bored Stefan was someone you had to look out for, as he'd find a way to cause trouble, even at the expense of hurting someone else. Though for a while he was going to have to be careful in regards to his, extra curricular activities, at least for now. Some of his fellow house mates had foolishly gone after some other students, lured them to the forest and attacked them...not that he was against that, but their work had been sloppy...now all of them were having to stay on their guard so they weren't found out.

Clasping his hands behind his back, he idly walked along the grassy terrain beside the lake, his eyes scanning the deep black abyss laid out in front of him. It was the weekend and usually he'd be out of here, not that the teachers knew...no Stefan and a few of the others had their way of getting in and out of the castle grounds undetected. Due to the Auror's that had been placed on the grounds however, slipping out just wasn't as easy, again he'd have to wait and find something else to occupy his time and distract from his imprisonment.

Then as if on cue he spotted the distraction.

A sly smile spread over his rugged features, and he began to move towards the figure quietly. A red headed girl, he recognised instantly as a Gryffindor, probably younger than him by far but Stefan didn't think on that. He was simply looking for a bit of fun and he usually managed to freak the younger students out, he got a kick out of making them uncomfortable. Quietly he moved behind her, only stopping a mere inch away, he leaned in close making sure not to touch her or alert her to his presence until he whispered, "Hello beautiful..."

[notalice]

Leander was enjoying a peaceful, calm afternoon near the lake in one of her favorite spots. She'd been helping out over at Care of Magical Creatures for a while and now she was actaully glad to get some time to herself.

There had been a lot of questions and rumors flying around since the day that the potions were stolen from the potions store cupboard in the hospital wing and Leander had been feeling a little paranoid around certain professors. Professor Kettleburn had been questioning her about the missing potions every so often and had asked if she was responsible. It had taken a ridiculous amount of effort to keep the guilty look of her face. She might not have been the one who originally stole the dangerous potions, but they were now in her possesion. No matter how much she had wanted to confide the truth to her favorite professor of what had taken place that afternoon, she just couldn't bring herself to do it. There was too much on the line. Bellatrix wouldn't let her off easy if she had told.

Usually Leander loved helping with CMC but this afternoon she let out a hige sigh of relief at finally being alone and away from the questioning gaze of Kettleburn. Closing her eyes she let the cool wind brush over her skin and ease her mind, focussing solely on the steady, rhythmic sound of the lake rippling as she stood at the waters edge.

She was so caught up that she paid no attention to whatever else was going on around her at the time. So, she also didn't hear the approaching footsteps of someone behind her. The words passed over her unheard but the voice, clearly male and intent on scaring her, made her spin around sharply. The motion set her off balance and before she had time to realize what she was doing she was grabbing out at the person in front of her to stop her fall into the water.

Even as she grabbed at the unknown person before her she could still feel herself falling backwards and closed her eyes tight. Oh please don't letter her pull this boy in with her! Even though she thought it, she just couldn't force her fingers to release him in those brief few seconds as she teetered on the lakes' edge.

[stefancartwright]

Surprising her had been exactly what Stefan had intended and he chuckled and the red head spun around. Though quicker than he'd realised she lost her balance and began to topple back dangerously over the Lake. Her hand reached out gripping his strong arm tightly as if to stop herself and as tempted as the Slytherin side of him was to just let her fall, the gentleman inside of Stefan relented and reached out to grip her waist, pulling her back upright.

"Don't go hurting yourself..." he chuckled, practically lifting her slightly off the ground, turning and planting her feet firmly on the ground once more. For a few long seconds he didn't remove his hands, instead let his fingers tighten somewhat around her small waist. There was no deny she was an extremely pretty girl, albeit probably a little too young for him, but didn't mean he couldn't appreciate it or have a little fun, "Falling for me already...that was quick." he teased, letting his hands slide down from her waist, before crossing his arms over his broad chest.

Come to think of it, he was sure this was the girl Bellatrix had been talking about, she'd pointed her out a couple times. Those stolen potions she was the one Bella had planted them on, it had been the source of much amusement between the Slytherins. "Stefan Cartwright..." he introduced himself, wondering if she'd use the same name she'd given Bella, sure Stefan didn't know her actual name but last time he checked there was no Alison Smith in Gryffindor, and he made it his buisness to know names.

[notalice]

Leander kept her eyes squeazed tightly shut, waiting for the moment of inpact with the water but, to her surprise, it never came. Arms wrapped around her waist and her feet left the ground. Her grip on the strangers shirt tightened as her eyes flew open again.

Her legs felt shakey when they were back on solid ground again and she didn't let go of the boy. Even before her heartrate had returned to normal her eyes were travelling over the body before her, taking in the details. Strong arms were wrapped tightly around her waist keeping her a little too close for comfort with someone she didn't know, and she was eye level with a strong, hard chest. Her eyes rose upwards, following the curve of broad shoulders, a sturdy neck, and chizzled jaw line.

Her eyes widened as she stared up into the face above her and she could feel the color heating her cheeks. Good looking didn't even begin to describe him. Handsome didn't do him enough credit either. Usually, Leander didn't react this way to the sight of a good looking guy, but maybe it was something to do with being to close that had her really noticing what was in front of her.

When he talked her eyes were drawn instantly to his perfectly sculptured lips and she found it hard to focus on his words. "Falling?" Her mind struggled to keep up with what he had said. Something about falling quick?

Color raced through her cheeks when she felt his hands slide down her waist and it was only when he released her that she realized she still had her grip on his shirt. She let go quickly and took a small step back, putting some distance between them adn letting out a sigh of relief.

Why was he talkign to her? She had no idea who he was or what house he was or anything, but she was sure he was older. Probably several years older than her. 6th year? 7th? What was he even doing here? Usually, she was left alone. She was particularly attractive, she didn't think and she sure wasn't flirty and girly like most of the others around Hogwarts. So... what was going on?

He introduced himself and Leander took a few seconds to let the name repeat in her head. Stefan... Nope - definitely not one she'd heard of. Then again, she tended to keep to her own business and stay out of other peoples. It took several attempts of looking and feeling like a bit of an idiot before she could respond. "Leander.Urm - Spicer."

[stefancartwright]

Stefan wasn't stupid and couldn't fight the satisfied smirk when the girl in front of him struggled to take in what he'd said to her, and he definitely hadn't missed how her eyes seemed to take him all in. It pleased him, and not to sound to arrogant but he expected it, girls found him attractive, it worked in regards to getting him what he wanted easily, even from the older female population, not only did he have his looks but Stefan had a hell of a way with words.

When she finally spluttered out her name, Stefan's grin widened, this was definitely the girl Bellatrix had been talking about but his suspicions about her name had been right. Not that he'd let Bella in on that little secret, no he'd keep it to himself, "Well it's a real pleasure to meet you Leander..." he said, keeping his eyes focused on her as he lifted her small hand with his and placed a kiss over the knuckles, lingering for a seconds before gently lowering her hand back down, only letting go after a couple of seconds.

"What's a beautiful little thing such as yourself doing out here all alone..." he asked, his hands sliding into his pockets as he regarded her, awaiting her answer. He hadn't been lying when he'd called her beautiful, she was, incredibly so which simply made this little chat all the more interesting.

[notalice]

He kissed her hand.

Weak kneed. Heart racing. Face flushing.

Butterflies!

Did those lips really just touch her?

What was going on? This wasn't like her... Where was her head?

Was really thinking he was... hot?

Yes.

She couldn't even think in full sentences anymore. Her head was a dizzy mess.

Who did he just call beautiful? Her? No.

She looked over her shoulder. Who was he talking to? Not her. She wasn't beautiful. But why did he look at her and say it? Who wasn't she seeing?

Words. She couldn't even think them let alone say them...

Was he really talking to her? "Fishing." What!? "No! Swim - walk. I- ARG!" She spun around quickly and covered her face with her hands. What the hell was that!?

Come on brain, work!

[stefancartwright]

Stefan watched with mild amusement as Leander grew increasingly flustered, and that was just after a kiss on the hand a few charming words...it made him wonder what she'd react like if he pushed things a just that little bit further. After all he was bored, frustrated a little lonely, perhaps getting this flustered girl on side could work to his benefit and not just now, if he could get her on side, her alliance with him could perhaps benefit not only him but the Slytherin s too...after all she'd already fallen prey to Bella.

They could use someone like her, not only someone in Gryffindor itself but someone who at least in the eyes of the teachers, could do no wrong. She was the perfect scapegoat, helped that she was incredibly beautiful too...that simply made Stefan all the more happier to get her on side. Leander could give no coherent reply as to why she was here, and let out a sound of frustration at her failed attempts before turning her back on him. The older Slytherin let out a soft, husky chuckle before taking a step forward so the entire length of the front of his body pressed against her back.

Slowly he let his hand slide around her waist till they splayed over her stomach as his other brushed her hair back, so he could lean in to whisper in her ear. "Walk with me..." he said, it was neither a question nor a request and that was evident in his tone. Not only that he made sure she listened to him, by letting his hand slide down her arm from her shoulder, taking her hand in his large one and taking a step back tugging her with him. As he walked back a few steps, he lifted her hand to his lips again though instead of kissing her knuckles, he turned her hand so his lips grazed the soft skin of her wrist, his eyes fixed firmly on her before he smiled and turned to walk leisurely but surely towards the forest, with her at his side.

[notalice]

Of all the reactions, she didn't expect his. He was quite clearly several years older than her and she had no doubt that it was obvious to him that she was younger then him. For that reason, she was surprised that he wasn't rolling his eyes at how pathetic she looked at a complete loss for words and acting like a bit of an idiot.

Why she couldn't even begin to think straight with him around her she didn't know. It wasn't like she'd never been around guys before. Hell! She was best friends will one. Danny was good looking and tall and an all around charmer, but she had never been at a flustered loss of words in all the time that she'd known him. And then a few weeks earlier - she'd spend quite a while with Lachie and Trent and she hadn't been a flustered mess around them, and they certainly weren't bad looking. So what on earth was going on here? She couldn't remember a time that she'd ever acted like this before.

Turning away in frustration at how pathetic she must look - and how childish too, she waited to hear his footsteps retreating. She didn't expect to hear his soft chuckle, and she certainly didn't expect to feel a hand wrap around her waist and splay over her stomach, her body pulled back to press against his firm one. Her eyes nearly bulged out of her head and she could swear she stopped breathing. Her automatic response to suck in her stomach and hold it. Her thought went wild as she realized how close they were.

She couldn't even begin to get her head around the sudden closeness before she felt a hand on her hair and he whispered in her ear. The warmth of his breath send a small shudder down her spine and she fought to remain on her feet, knees threatening to buckle. No, she definitely had never been affected by anyone in this way before. What was in about this strange boy that was so... alluring?

She felt his hand run from her shoulder, down her arm, and his fingers wrapped around her own. Goosebumps rose where he made contact. She let herself me moved backwards, nodding once, as her feet moved automatically with him. It was like she was on autopilot - or completely transfixed in whatever spell he had cast on her. But he hadn't cast one, had he... she was just a little more than slightly enchanted by this new and handsome boy.

She watched as he lifted her hand in his and turned it so that he could graze a kiss over her wrist. Her eyes shot to his and she felt herself being pulled in, trapped there. When he turned and began walking, her hand still surrounded by his, she followed willingly, her eyes on him, not paying attention to where he was leading her.

It was only as they neared that she looked around her and noticed that they were getting very close to the forbidden forest. Her steps faultered slightly as regained a little control of her mind. She remembered the attacks that had taken place in that forest only a few weeks earlier.

Why here?

She stopped, eyes fixed on the darkness before her. "Ar-are we going in there?"

[stefancartwright]

No. Stefan hadn't missed the slight tremor that ran through her body when he'd held her, or the goosebumps that seemed to erupt at his touch, it gave him great pleasure he was affecting her in such a way. He'd had many women, younger and older so he could practically see the innocence rolling off her in waves, it's what made him certain she'd follow him as she walked, and in her true naive way the red head did just that and followed Stefan towards the forest, quiet and obediently. As expected though he felt the first bit of reluctance to carry on when she finally took note of where they were headed and stopped stock still just outside the forest, staring into it's dark depths.

"Ar-are we going in there?"

Stefan stopped a little ahead of Leander, their hands still linked by their fingers and he gave her hand a small tug. "It's perfectly safe...your with me..." he told her, his free hand reaching out to tuck her hair over her shoulder, his fingers grazing softly over her jaw, dipping to trail down the smooth skin of her through stopping short of the top of her shirt, he tugged at her hand again then let go, taking a step back into the enveloping darkness, his steps leading him back away from her, "But if your too scared Lea...I understand..." he said, turning on his heel and walking a little further inside, once out of her sight he hid behind a tree and waited.

There was no doubt in his mind she'd follow, her naive curiosity would cause her to seek him out, find out what it was he'd wanted to bring her here for and then he'd make his move, his first step in finally drawing her to him completely and helping the Slytherin's take that first step into breaking Gryffindor house unity...

[notalice]

"It's perfectly safe...your with me..."

She looked straight into his face and saw the serious look on it. There was something that hinted on sincerity there, but she still wasn't sure. She had very little idea who he was. She'd never seen him before. She didn't know what year he was. She didn't know what house he was. Hell! She didn't even know whether he was a student or someone who'd snuck in the gates and decided to talk to her. She should refuse, go back, talk to someone...

His hand reached out to brush her hair back and then trailed lightly down her neck and her breathing hitched, and all the thoughts she'd been having previously fled from her. She was once again swept away under his touch.

He tugged lightly at her hand before letting go and stepping away. For several seconds her hand stayed where he'd left it, her fingers appearing as if they were reaching for him. After several seconds passed her hand dropped back to her sides. She searched her mind for something to say but she didn't have to.

If she was too scared?

If she was too scared to go into the forbidden forest with someone she knew nothing about, who had some crazy affect on her thinking ability, into the forest where three students had been attacked less than a month before hand, and just to go in there? What was there to be afraid of? Nothing, her mind answered. He was there. This... strong, tall, brooding boy who could faulter her thoughts and control her with words.

She watched as he dissapeared into the darkness and her mind returned to what he'd said. It had been a while since anyone had called her Lea...

She shook her head. What did she do now? She had no idea.

She turned and looked at the castle behind her. The smart choice would be to run away and to go inside - to hide and hope that whoever he was didn't see her go, and didn't come to find her. But then, he was so handsome and strong and... and he had talked to her. He had touched her. Kissed her wrist. He'd... taken complete control over her actions and left her helpless to protest.

Feet moving without conscious thought, she headed into the darkness, waiting for that moment that the light would be closed out completely.

[stefancartwright]

Stefan wasn't sure how long he waited for Leander to follow him, part of him began to wonder if he'd overestimated her naivety, perhaps she hadn't followed and had done the smart thing and gone back up to the castle. He would admit if she did that it would surprise him, though in many ways he wouldn't blame her. Students of all ages avoided coming anywhere near the forest since those muggle-borns and the blood-traitor had been attacked. Bella and the others had practically ruined things in that respect, though the Dark Lord had approved of their actions, and who was Stefan to disagree.

Just when he was about to give up hope and step out from his hiding place, Stefan heard the familiar sounds of footsteps, and with a smile pressed himself back against the tree. Soon the red head appeared to his right, her eyes staring wearily into the darkness. Another couple of steps and she passed him, that's when Stefan stepped out, and quicker than she could even begin to register, snaked his arm around her waist, his other hand going to cover her mouth. Turning her he spun her again so her back was pressed firmly against the tree he'd hid behind, his figure looming over her as he smiled.

"Well, well looks like I was wrong after all..." he whispered, slowly letting his hand move away from her mouth. His hands were braced either side of her, effectively trapping her between his own body and the tree. "So tell me Lea do you have a boy-friend?" he asked her, his face a mere few inches from her own. He was every inch the predator, Leander was his prey and he was sure as hell going to have a little fun.

[notalice]

How far in could he have gone? Leander's eyes darted wildly in the darkness that surrounded her. It wasn't really dark considering it was still the middle of the day, but there wasn't a heck of a lot of sunlight getting through the gaps in the branches that tower so far above her. What light did pass through created strange patterns and shadows and didn't do much to reduce the fear factor.

Her foot steps kept faltering and it was a struggle to force her feet forward again. At one point, she had actually started to retreat, ready to turn and run back out of the forest and up to the safety of the castle, but then her earlier thoughts swamped her brain again and she forced her feet to continue on forwards. Stefan couldn't have gone that far.

Her eyes searched the darkness, sweeping through shadows and trying to catch a glimpse of where he could be. And looking out for anything that she may not want to meet along the way, too.

Before she had time to think something wound itself around her stomach and pulled. As she sucked in a gasp of air to scream something covered her mouth and she was left helpless, unable for force a sound past the pressure.

She squeezed her eyes tightly closed and her fingers clawed at whatever held her and was moving her.

As soon as it began it was over and she felt her back pressed into something hard and rough. Her head knocked back slightly, dazing her.

Leander's eyes flew open to face just what it was that had caught her and she was surprised to see Stefan against her, smirking down at her, trapping her to the...tree?

The scream that she'd been holding in died in her throat and she let out her breath. What was he doing? He'd terrified her!

Her heart was still racing from everything that had happened and everything that was going on. Her eyes looked to his and a sliver of fear ran through her. His words echoed in her head which still spun slightly from the impact. What had he been wrong about?

Her eyes darted to one side and she found her self searching for an escape route. She knew that closing her eyes wasn't about to make everything go away. Her eyes caught on something beneath the sleeve of his shirt. There was something there even thought she couldn't fully make it out. It looked like... a tattoo?

Her mind raced back to all the stories she'd heard and all the articles she'd read in the Daily Prophet about the Death Eaters having a tattoo on their left wrists. What did they call it? The Dark Mark?

Something clenched in her chest - like ice cold fingers reaching in, wrapping around her heart, and squeezing tight. Is that was he was? A Death Eater? Was he one of them?

A million things raced through her mind all at once. Muggle borns had been attacked by the death eaters right here in this forest.

Her eyes shot back to his face. There was no mistaking the predatory look in his eyes as he towered over her. She swallowed hard. Did he know she was muggle born?

His face was only a few inches from hers. "So tell me Lea do you have a boy-friend?" Her eyes locked to his and her mind went blank. Once again, she lost all reason, all thought, all words. All logic too from the looks of things as she slowly shook her head.

[stefancartwright]

Stefan frowned somewhat, he hadn't intended to scare her as much as it turned out he had. After all he hadn't missed the way he eyes had searched around, obviously looking for a way out or the fact that they'd rested on his arm.

Damn!

His tattoo, it wasn't showing completely but as it turned out the bottom was, he knew without her even saying anything, what Leander was thinking. There'd been a lot of talk in the papers about the mark of a Death Eater, so he knew she'd know the signs, maybe she'd think it was a regular tattoo? Either way he was annoyed with himself. Looking in her eyes he saw she was scared and let his arms drop away from the tree, hoping to make her believe he wasn't indeed dangerous. "I didn't mean to scare you so much love." he said, he had to fix this somehow, even if she didn't realise what he was he had to push her off the scent.

"Lucky me then." he said shooting her a smile when she shook her head in response to his question about her having a boy-friend. Reaching out he took her hand, tugging her away from the tree slightly and a little closer to him, he still towered her but he no longer had her trapped. The option to flee if she wanted was there, having her terrified of him would dampen his attempts at drawing her over to them. "After all you're beautiful...what kind of a fool would I be if I didn't try my luck with you." he said, shooting her a cheeky wink, as he let his fingers trail over the soft skin of her arm. "What about that Halloween party...do you have any intentions to go?" he asked.

[notalice]

"Lucky me then."

Lucky? Leander couldn't help the confused look that crossed her face? How was he lucky? There wasn't a lot of sense to it. But, she stayed silent. She could still see those predatory eyes on her and part of her didn't want to know what he meant by that. The idea of his being a Death Eater was still racing through her mind, as were the memories of the previous attacks here. Lucky him there was no boyfriend to come save her, or to miss her?

Before she had much more time to think he stepped back, and pulled her with him so that there was some distance between her and the tree. Her head spun slightly. A little of the tension in her shoulders released at what little freedom he'd given her, but she still felt trapped. He was bigger than her. Stronger than her. Older than her... He was no doubt both faster than her and also a lot better at magic than her. She was no match to him at all, so she stayed where she was. She wasn't crazy enough to try anything stupid like fleeing. This was what she deserved for following him in here in the first place!

"After all you're beautiful...what kind of a fool would I be if I didn't try my luck with you."

There he went with the beautiful again. Something in her stomach seemed to pull tight. There was no denying that he was talking to her, though she knew there'd been no doubt the last time - she just couldn't bring herself to believe it.

Beautiful... Not her. She wasn't. Why would he say that? Although she usually didn't pay much attention to others in the school, she'd seen enough of the other girls, and even several of the Slytherin girls, to know that they were the definition of beautiful. Perfect hair, makeup, nice clothes, charm and smiles... That wasn't her. Not Leander. She was the opposite to those girls.

She saw the wink that Stefan shot her way and the goose bumps from earlier rose again as his fingers moved over her arm. Leander relaxed further. The look in his eyes had gone - the predatory one, and he wasn't poised like an animal ready to attack its prey. Her eyes didn't stray from him. Why had she worried? He wasn't about to hurt her... look at him...

"What about that Halloween party...do you have any intentions to go?"

Halloween? Of course she knew about the ball but... she didn't really have a reason to go. Leander shook her head. What would be the point in going? She'd end up spending most of the night on her own and feeling more than a little self conscious. She'd tried going to the schools' Halloween Ball in previous years and she'd learnt from experience that such social events were not for her. She couldn't even begin to fit in. She said as much to him "No. I'm no good there. I don't fit..."

It was getting to late to even think about it now. Her room mates had been discussing and preparing their costumes for weeks. She had nothing - and nothing that would work as a stand in. No. She definitely wasn't going... But why was Stefan asking if she was?

[stefancartwright]

Stefan smiled slightly when it appeared she was a little more relaxed than she had been previously. He also hadn't missed the flicker of disbelief in her eyes once more when he called her beautiful, was the girl that dumb? She was beautiful, at least in his opinion she was, Stefan may be a lot of things but an outright liar was not one of them. By now she'd relaxed considerably more, all it seemed to take was a few kind words and a soft touch...

"No. I'm no good there. I don't fit..."

Stefan shook his head, well that was about to change he had asked for a reason. "Well that's not right...you should come. I sure would like to see you there...and I promise to make sure you have fun..." he told her, smiling down at her, letting his hand take a hold of her smaller one, before he placed his other hand over his heart, "I make it my duty to show you a good time..." he told her, there was no doubt in his mind she'd fit...what was she on about!

Halloween, a chance for everyone to become someone else if even for one night. Why wouldn't Leander want to take advantage of that, every other girl did, even the usual quite ones which often surprised every one at these events. "So, what do you say beautiful...shall we make it a date...of sorts?" he asked, his fingers toying with her own as he awaited her answer. He had to remember to let his peers know his plan otherwise he was sure there would be a huge commotion caused over his plans to entertain this young Gryffindor.