Aria walked into the barn with Percy behind her. The walk was silent, and awkward silence. Aria felt as if Percy was staring at her, expecting her to freak out or make a wrong move.
"So how did you end up at the top of the hill?" Percy asked when they reached the barn.
"It's a long story," Aria answered.
"I have time,"
"Well, I was running away. I road the whole night from where I was running from, the last thing I remember was seeing a house and then sliding off my horse," said Aria petting Scarlette.
"Why were you running?" Percy asked.
"I was being forced to marry a guy I barley know and don't like at all,"
"Why would your parents force you to marry someone you don't like at such a young age?"
"They aren't my parents, I'm adopted. But they still run my life. Their son got everything he wanted and got to do everything I couldn't. They taught me how to dress, act, who my friends should be," Aria said before walking out of the stables.
"That's horrible," said Percy catching up to her.
"Yes it was, but I ran away from all that," Aria looked down.
"Why don't you look at me when I talk to you?"
Aria looked up. "That's what I was taught, never look a pureblood man or boy in the eye. It's considered disrespectful."
"No need to worry about that. Here your as equal as I am," Percy said with a smirk.
Aria smiled. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure," said Percy.
"Your parents, what do they know about my last name? Your father was going to say something but your mum told him not to with her eyes,"
"You noticed that?" Percy asked.
"I did. I'm great at reading people. Like right now you're trying to avoid the question with another question because the question I just asked you makes you uncomfortable," said Aria matter-of-factly.
"It's a long story," said Percy.
"I have time," said Aria.
"Well it started-" Percy started but was cut off by someone screaming Aria's name.
"Oh no!" Aria said with a small jump.
"What's wrong? Who's screaming?" Percy asked, obviously confused.
"Lucius Malfoy,"
"What does he want with you?"
"I'll explain later, right now I need to hide," Aria said frantically.
"Scarlette lay down girl," Aria said and Scarlette obeyed. Aria quickly covered Scarlette with a blanket and some hay. "Be quiet girl. Don't move or make a sound." Aria scanned the area, searching for a place she could hide. She then found a ladder and climbed up. The area was so small, she barely had space to hid herself. She noticed that there was big chance she could fall and get really hurt. Aria saw Lucius storm up to Percy.
"Where is she, Weasley?" Lucius asked Percy.
"I don't know what you're talking about Mr. Malfoy," Percy said politely.
"If I found out you hid her from me, you will live to regret it," Lucius said before Apparating out of the barn.
"Aria! Why would you go up there? You could fall and break you head!" Percy called.
"Is he really gone?" Aria asked.
"Yes he is," Percy said more calmly.
Aria carefully climbed down the ladder.
"Well, he'll be back. I know he will," Aria said brushing hay off her dress.
"By the time he returns, we'll be in Hogwarts safe and sound and Dumbeldore won't let him touch you. Just promise me you won't go up that ladder ever again?"
"I promise,"
"Now you have got some explaining to do and not just to me," said Percy walking towards the house.
"That's for sure," Aria replied.
?￢ﾝﾤ️? ﾟﾒﾚ? ﾟﾒﾜ?￢ﾝﾤ️? ﾟﾒﾚ? ﾟﾒﾜ?
Aria spent hours telling the Weasley's everything she could remember.
"Wow. You've had some life, Aria," said Ron.
"Wealth isn't everything. You have to have a good image at all times and be friends with people who make you look good. I probably wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy," Aria explained.
"Well, you won't have to worry about Malfoy while we're in school," said George.
"Thats right, we won't let him lay a hand on you," said Fred agreeing with his brother.
"Thats really nice of you, but what if I'm not in Gryffindor? What if I'm in Slytherin?" Aria asked worried.
"You've been very brave, Aria. I highly doubt you won't be in Gryffindor." Mr. Weasley said.
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," Aria said with a weak smile.
"Well, that's enough talking for one night. You all have to be up early to go to Diagon Alley." Mrs. Weasley said standing up. "Off to bed all of you," Mrs. Weasley lead the kids to their rooms and made sure they were all in bed before going back downstairs.
"Aria, can I ask you something?" Ginny whispered from the bottom bunk.
"Sure," Aria answered.
"Will you write to me and tell me how Hogwarts is?" Ginny asked.
"Of course I will. Everyday, if I can. And your dress should be finished before Christmas," Aria smiled at Ginny even though Ginny couldn't see it in the dark. It was nice to know that Aria had a real friend.
"Goodnight Ginny," Aria said before closing her eyes.
"Goodnight Aria," said Ginny.