A few weeks passed as the couple ran about their day to day lives in synchronicity. Every morning they ate breakfast at the bakery down the street. Their days were spent with Fred running the shop, and nights were spent cuddled together in front of the fire until the heat between them built into a blaze. They would try and remember the living room was off limits, but from time to time Fred would have to remind them. The hardest part was once a week Ary would leave him to go to Voldemort's side. He always argued with her that she didn't have to do that anymore. That now Harry knows they could just send owls or Snape. They would always end up fighting before she left because she would yell at him for not listening to the point. This would only spur Ry who was always fired up when she was released. Both would apologize when she returned, but it always took a little while to get back in the swing of things. A few hours at the most but the awkward tension was palpable.

With only a week left until school Ary managed to get out of her weekly visits and stayed by a very happy George. They fell asleep hold each other that night like every other night, but this one was different. Ary woke up screaming from her dream.

"Aryanna! What is it! What happened?!"

"Severus! I need Severus! Where is he?! Severus!"

George leapt from bed and turned to see Ary curled on the bed rocking back and forth. When he opened the door, Fred was already standing with a wand at the ready about to barge in.

"What is going on? Why is she screaming?"

"I'm not sure…where is Nico?"

George whistled and watched for the falcon to come down from the rafters; Nico and Lucinda had become friends and slept most nights together somewhere in the attic. The bird came to his side quickly, but very irritated.

"I know boy I'm sorry. I need you take something quickly to Severus Snape. I'm not sure where he is so check the order first."

George quickly jotted down, Ary needs you immediately. In my Apt. above the shop. Please hurry. Nico took off like a bullet from the window towards London. Fred had already begun to brew tea for the shaken girl which made George very grateful. George took the cup to their room trying to coax Ary into talking.

"Love, I have some tea."

"Tea won't help George. I need Severus."

"I owled him already babe. I sent Nico to the order. They will track him down."

Ary wouldn't look at him but she took the cuppa from his hand. The door flung open as a disheveled Snape walked in. Her uncle pushed George out of his way and dropped to the bed in front of Ary.

"What's wrong? Why do you need me at 4'oclock in the morning?"

Ary started to open her mouth, but stopped and looked at George.

"How about I give you two some privacy? Ya?"

Ary tried to smile but the frown was plastered on her face. Knowing her intentions, he just winked and began to shut the door behind him.

"It's my father. He knows what Dumbledore is doing. He knows there is a spy in his ranks."

Severus's face went white as she spoke quickly. He took a look behind him realizing the door was open a crack still.

"Ary…I wish you not to say anything else."

"Don't stop her just yet Severus…this is getting interesting…"

Ary looked around her uncle to see George was standing hand still on the nob. It was a dark voice that she had never heard before.

"George this is no time for your childishness. Come Aryanna we have things we must attend to."

Severus pulled her from the bed quite firmly as he tried to leave. George stuck his arm out to stop their exit from the room.

"Your father is supposed to be dead Aryanna…You promised me the truth."

"I said my father died in the first war. I never lied to you George."

"If your father is dead then how can he have ranks?"

She stood tall not cowering this time. Ary knew there was no reason to hold back.

"My father is Tom Riddle."

"You mean Voldemort…"

"Yes."

"This is what you refused to tell me?"

"What I couldn't tell you yes."

Her strength was faltering as he glowered at her. Could he not turn his gaze?

"You are the daughter of the darkest wizard known to man?!"

"Yes, but that does not make me like him George. Please remember that."

"You can't change blood Aryanna."

His voice was sharp and pained as he spit the sentence out. Ary hung her head forcing the tears back.

"So be it…"

Severus grabbed her arm and apparated them back to his flat outside London. As feet touched stone her knees collapsed beneath her. There was nothing for her to grasp on but the pain inside and Ary blacked out.

"Ary, please wake up…. please my dear."

Her eyes fluttered open to see her uncle kneeling over her and she could feel the damp of her shirt where the tears had dripped.

"Uncle Sev?"

His face spun to hers and she saw relief spread across his pained face.

"Oh dear…my dear girl. I thought I had lost you. You collapsed right after we landed and I thought something had gone wrong."

"I'm sorry. It was too much. I couldn't handle what happened just yet. My body gave out on me."

"Is this all because of that Weasley?"

"Not now Severus…"

Ary had come to her senses and begun sitting up straight.

"We need to find Dumbledore. My dream is much more important that what just happened."

I told you he would leave…I told you all you will ever have is me…

Ary shook her head clear and pushed her body up to stand as Severus stood beside her.

"I think I know where he is…"

Ary found herself sitting alone on the train to Hogwarts the next week. Severus had spent the rest of summer break bringing her to and from meetings with her father and Dumbledore. Only with luck Ry had managed to turn her father's attentions to other matters if only to save her own life. She had a new mission this year, and it involved Draco. Allowing the remainder of Ary one last time for pity she had taken shelter in an empty train car. Only moving when it began to fill.

Are you sure you can handle this big 'ol task all on your own dear girl? You could always let me out you know…

Ry was being much less naggy lately. She claimed it was because Ary's love sick heart had poisoned the body making her weak, but Ary knew that the pain she felt was only making her stronger. The will to kill her father and end this wretched war was at its peak. Collecting her things Ary found her way to the Slytherin portion of the train where all eyes were bored into her.

"What the fuck do you think you are looking at? I don't think I gave you permission to stare."

Most of the eyes went back to face the people nearest them; all but a select few.

"Hello my lovelies…miss me?"

The Slytherin group was flustered to the point of breaking and she even though she heard Millicent gulp.

"What happened to the snake in Gryffindor?"

Blaise asked nonchalantly since he was the only one with balls enough to talk to her.

"Well…daddy dearest decided that I was needed elsewhere. In fact, dear Draco…I have been assigned to you…"

She purred at him as she slipped fingers in his hair much to Pansy's dismay.

"You are back? In Slytherin?"

"Is that a problem Pansy?"

She felt the venom in her voice as she spoke and watched the girl flinch.

Well done…maybe all you needed was to lose that Weasley boy to grow a spine.

"She's just worried you will steal her spot as Princess of Slytherin."

Blaise said lazily as he offered her a spot next to him. Ignoring the space, she perched delicately on his lap letting him wrap an arm around her waist.

"You can't steal that which was always yours…The Princess has returned Pansy so be ready to abdicate."

Taking the opportunity, she kissed him hard on the mouth making him jump in surprise. Their lips melded as Blaise pulled her in closer. The train was quite as everyone watched the couple snogging in the corner. None more surprised than the Prince of Slytherin himself. He glowered at his friend who had explicitly warned him not a year ago to avoid the Vela, and now he was practically fucking her on the train bench. The two finally came up for air and Aryanna address her "subjects"

"So…what did I miss while I had to slum it with the Gryfindorks?"

The rest of the train ride was filled with either Daphne's incessant babbling or Aryanna's tongue down Blaise's throat. When they reached the station, Draco excused himself from the group muttering something about unfinished business. Blaise slipped his arm around Aryanna's shoulders as he led her to the carriages. Not waiting for the others to climb in her ushered the thestrals forward with a little magic.

"Want me all to yourself, do you?"

Ary tried acting shy and cute but it didn't feel right.

"I want you to tell me what is going on…"

This took her by surprise. Blaise sat there staring at her waiting patiently as he lounged against the seat across from the girl.

"George broke up with me…"

"Why?"

"Not important. What is important is everyone think I broke it off with him."

"It is important Aryanna…"

"No! Now drop it!"

"I am not one of your father's followers Aryanna…I'm not going to tell anyone. I know there was more there than just a job."

Ary looked up at him and saw the sincerity in his eyes, but it didn't change anything.

"Like I told him…it is not my secret to tell."

"So, he found out you were lying to him…"

"Basically…"

"I see. Most men do not like secrets."

"And you?"

"I was born an aristocrat Lady Aryanna. We are made of secrets. You will tell me when you are ready, but for now we have two options."

"That is?"

Blaise raised his fingers and counted off the short list.

"One we act like a couple in public, but nothing more can come from that. Or two we actually become a couple in either case my previous requirement stands…"

Ary leaned back and thought hard about the options.

"I'm still in love with George."

"Yes, I know that. It will never change, but one way you have someone for more than visual support."

"If we became a couple my father would want your allegiance."

"I would deal with that should it arise."

"I need more than a stand-in Blaise, but I'm not sure if I'm stable enough for more…"

"You are the controller here. We go as far as you want. The only difference is one is for looks and one will allow you the intimacy if you need it."

"If I get to choose, I will decide on couple."

Blaise smiled at her and she tried to smile back but it hurt to think of how quickly she has fallen.

"You can put the wall back up. I know it's easier."

Ary nodded and smirked at him playfully. When they reached the castle, she saw the group she once called friends openly standing in the entry way watching her leave the carriage with Blaise. Hermione was the only one who acknowledged her with a slight smile while the rest turned and walked away. Blaise saw the interaction and swept and arm around her waist and an anchor. Leaning in he whispered in her ear.

"You can still find a way to talk to them."

Ary just nodded and leaned into his chest. Blaise obviously knew more than he let on, but she wasn't going to push it right now. The carriage behind them held the rest of the group, minus Draco who was still not there, and they scolded them for leaving in a perfectly good carriage. Daphne only cooed about how great a couple they made ignoring all the glares sent her way. Blaise never left her side that night much to Ary's pleasure. Anytime someone began to focus on her too much he would begin kissing whatever he could get ahold of to draw her attention. This would bring their conversation to a halt allowing Ary to get away. They were alone in the common room by the end of night and Ary had her head rested on his shoulder. Blaise never tried encouraging a conversation from her only physical interactions in public.

A month had passed since she arrived at Hogwarts and most of her time had been spent crying on Blaise's shoulder. She was supposed to be this hard ass now that she was alone, but Blaise let her do whatever she needed when no one was around. Finally, she felt he needed some type of explanation for her madness, but she wasn't sure how far she could go. This past month she had earned her Slytherin Princess crown just by doing what she was trained to do, be a bitch. Much to Blaise's surprise her royalty status had even extended to making him the prince and not Draco. It was a sharp blow to the poor boy's ego, but Aryanna had to figure out some way to keep him on track. When he had his posy around, he was all too keen to just pick on Harry. Her biggest problem was if he succeeded or failed Aryanna lost. Hermione had been the only one she could talk to out of the group since Slughorn "forced" them to sit next to each other in class, and of course at his various dinner parties. Ary finally got to explain herself to Hermione one night in the library.

"So how is it dating Blaise?"

"Not sure…all we do is sit in silence when we are not around anyone."

"I've seen you kiss. It seems pretty heated."

"All for show; when we are alone, he is just attentive."

"So, nothing more?"

"I'm still not over George Hermione…. I don't know if I will ever be."

"You may need to. This isn't like last time Ary, he won't even hear your name without leaving the room."

"I don't even know why you are talking to me to be honest."

"Why would I not?"

"You know why Hermione…"

"Because your mother slept with the wrong person? I hardly think that is your fault."

"Is that why Harry won't talk to me?"

"He is actually trying to protect you…He's been having dreams again…he's afraid Voldemort will see you in his mind."

"And Ron and Ginny? What about them?"

"Ahhh…the famous Weasley siblings…"

She looked pointedly letting her know that was her answer. The two sat in silence staring at the books they were supposedly reading.

"You need to try and become happy again Ary…unless you want her out…"

"I don't think I can…not without him."

"Why don't you give Blaise a shot? He's a good bloke from what I can tell. May help ease the pain; if it doesn't you can always hex me in public."

Ary smiled down at her book letting out a chuckle.

"I will try for your sake Hermione. Oh…and thank you for being my friend."

"Any time love."

Later that night her father summoned her to his home along with Draco. Severus walked with them to the edge of the school property before they apparated out.

"Why hello there precious…"

Ry smirked at Bellatrix as she pushed Draco in front of her.

"'evening Bella, Kill any muggles lately?"

"Not enough…"

Bella cackled evilly but Ry followed suit. She could feel Draco flinch at the sound as she looped her arm through his. They enter the grand hall quickly, wanting to get the visit over with.

"Welcome daughter and Mr. Malfoy. Glad you could take time out of your busy schedules to visit."

"Not like we really had a choice did we father?"

"Now now…you act like you don't want to see your own blood."

"Not an act…could we get on with this please I need to get back to the castle."

"Ah yes…for your Zabini boy. I hear you found a new play thing."

"Play thing would be the wrong word father. Nott…he was a plaything."

"I expect you to bring him from now on."

"I expect you to get on with this meeting and I will make my decision later as to Blaise."

Voldemort hissed but pressed onward.

"Malfoy, I have yet to receive a progress report on your mission."

"I'm sorry my Lord. I am still working out the kinks in the wardrobe. Nothing crosses un harmed. I will continue."

"You are to try and kill him Draco not bring in my Death Eaters to do it for you. Should you fail I will have you killed is that understood?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Now…for the other matter at hand. You are doing my bidding without a mark. We can't have that now can we…?"

Voldemort gestured for Ry to step into the circle towards Draco. Motioning him to stand Ry placed the tip of her wand to his wrist.

"Do you pledge yourself to me Draco Lucius Malfoy?"

"Yes, my Princess…"

She saw the pain sear his face and the tattoo etched its way in and she was delighted. As they landed back at school Severus replaced the necklace on her he had removed before.

"Are you kidding me Severus!"

Ry screamed as she began to retreat and Ary came forward.

"Thank you…I'm just too tired…"

"Not much longer my dear."

The whispered out of ear shot of Draco who was still rubbing his arm.

"Quit whining. The pain isn't that bad."

Severus scolded him as they walked to the common room.

"Uncle Severus could you stay for a second?"

The teacher froze as she never called him that in public.

"What is it."

"I may need you to perform some magic."

Severus just nodded and followed her to the corner where Blaise sat alone.

"How was your evening dear?"

"I want to know if you are willing to take a vow."

Both men stared at her incredulously. She was asking the world of him.

"Why?"

"You want to know what happened and why? I need a vow of silence over the matter."

"Ary…I think this…"

She raised her hand and silenced Severus.

"I will…"

"Good…Severus…"

The two linked arms and the spell began.

"Blaise Zabini do you swear unto me never to reveal my secrets to anyone who is my enemy?"

"I do…"

"It is done. You are now bound Blaise…I hope you realize the gravity of your decision."

"For Aryanna I would do anything."

Severus just nodded his head solemnly and exited the room. When he had left Blaise turned his attention to her.

"So, does this mean you can finally open up?"

"Not tonight. I still need a little time, but I needed to know if you were willing."

Blaise nodded and kissed her on the forehead before going to bed. He turned with his foot on the bottom step.

"I never needed to take a vow Aryanna. Your secrets will always be kept."

Ary took his words to heart as he didn't wait for her response. That weekend when everyone was at Hogsmeade Ary led him to the shrieking shack and let everything out. Blaise sat there silently as she spilled everything all at once; Harry, Voldemort, Draco, Dumbledore, the order, Ry, and the hardest George. He held her as she screamed and cried the pain over whelming her.

"That was always too much for one person to bare Aryanna."

"I don't have many people who get to know. I have so many secrets Blaise. So many hidden pains."

"I see why you needed a vow. It was for your own sanity and mine."

Ary just nodded as the tears fell. Blaise took her face in his hands and wiped away her tears. Leaning in he kissed her lips softly. She knew he felt the need from her. The need for loving contact. Their lips moved slowly as he tested the waters. This was their first kiss in private. Their first real kiss. Not wanting to stop Ary urged him to continue by licking his lip lightly. Blaise happily deepened the kiss pulling her on his lap like on the train. It was slow and tender as his fingers grazed her hip lightly. Ary moved to remove his shirt but he pulled away making her grimace.

"Not here like this Aryanna. You would regret any intimacy later."

"What if I promised?"

Blaise laughed and kissed her nose.

"You can't promise me something like that. Let's give it a little bit and if you want to try again later, we can."

"It's because of what I told you, isn't it…"?

Blaise gripped her chin forcing her to face him.

"Let's get one thing straight Aryanna. I knew a good portion of what you told me. And not to drive a wedge or give you hope where there may be none; George never knew any of it. Never blame yourself for how other people react."

"You sound like Molly Weasley."

"Then she is a smart woman. Now are you ready to go back inside yet?"

Aryanna needed a little more time away from people and responded by kissing him again. They formed in each other's embrace and she could feel the acceptance rolling off of him. She could also feel the empty space George left getting deeper.