Leah Riddle: Riddle me This (Book 2)

Chapter 28

"Hello?" I called through the house, but no one answered.

 "No one's home," Draco sighed and he pulled me over to the couch. Pansy sat next to us, rubbing my arm soothingly, and I curled up next to Draco, though I kept a hold on Pansy's hand. 

 "I love you guys," I whispered and Pansy gave me a sad smile.

 "I love you too Leah," she said.

 "I love you, too," Draco said, kissing my head softly. I slipped off the engagement ring and twirled it around my fingers.

 "He never had a chance," I said softly.

 "I can stop hearing the panic in his voice...or seeing the way he neck was bent," I drew in a sharp breath and shook my head. 

 "Leah...what's wrong?" I heard father ask. I looked over to see him by the stairs.

 "Ariana," was all I said and Pansy, along with Draco, gasped.

 "She did that?" Pansy asked, wide eyed.

 "She just pushed him!" 

 "I warned him about her, I really did, and look what happened! That idiot," I seethed, standing up and pacing.

 "Don't be angry Leah, it wasn't his fault," Draco said calmly.

 "You're right...it was mine," I said, coming to a stop.

 "What is going on?" father asked firmly.

 "Ariana killed Alex," I said.

 "Alex Crouch?" father asked. I nodded and father didn't say anything.

 "I was walking back from Severus's office and I ran into Leon and Ariana. Ariana helped me up and told me she was going to get rid of 'the Alex problem.' If I would have walked after her instead of trying to find Alex first, I would've saved him. He would be alive!" I said angrily.

 "Shouldn't you be happy about this?" father asked.

 "Absolutely not! I didn't want to marry him, but I don't want him dead!" I said in surprise.

 "I am very sorry Leah. Someone will have to tell Barty," father grimaced and I sighed.

"I will...it's good to see you," I said, and father moved to hug me.

 "I am so very sorry, Leah," he said. I pulled back, and collected myself, turning off all sad emotions. 

"You guys, we have to start training. She's after you next, Pansy," I said, and she grew pale.

"Oh, and father, I should give this back," I said, handing him the ring.

 "Well, at least you're happy," he said bluntly.

 "Why all the tears?" Barty smiled, walking in. Oh no, I am not ready for this.

 "Barty..." I took a deep breath and looked him in the eye, "Alex is dead."

 "What?" he asked.

 "I saw it happen...I'm so sorry," I said, softening my voice, and I walked over to hug him. He pushed me away.

 "I see," he said stiffly.

 "Barty," I said softly.

"I see," he nodded and then left the room without another word.