A.N. I finished another assignment so I thought I'd treat you to another chapter! Enjoy! Mistakes are my own!

Chapter: Christmas Presents.

Aria Potter in one word was formidable. Draco savored the moment, taking in her sleeping form, Aria had crashed out on the desk next to him, just a few hours ago whilst they were doing their potions homework. The Christmas break had now arrived, not that it felt much like Christmas with Voldemort still ruling his home. However, Draco would take the small victories. They had a plan to harm the Carrows just enough so that they would never roam the halls of Hogwarts in any way ever again or at least he hoped the plan was underway. Aria was certain that by now someone in what she called Dumbledore's Army had worked out the coded messages. Rays of the morning sun peeked through the open windows, illuminating Aria and making her look like a goddess. Draco allowed himself the freedom of brushing her fringe back from her scar. His intended. The crazy plan muttered and agreed by with his mother in the darkest of the night to keep Aria safe. There was a time he thought he would not have cared. Now he can't stand the thought of losing her.

Aria was a force like no other. She barely slept, being kept so busy. Running around forming a secret Army. Training Crabbe and Goyle to defend her, well enough so The Dark Lord could be pleased with their progress but also enough that students could defend themselves from Crabbe and Goyle. Aria Potter should have been in Slytherin. Draco closed the curtains with a flick of his wand when he noticed her nose started to twitch. The offending sunlight kept at bay. Draco hoped this would allow her to sleep longer.

His fingers intertwined themselves further into her hair until he was stroking her head. Until she was subconsciously leaning into his touch, sighing sleepily. Happily. He had never seen her looking this at ease. This content in his presence before. She looked so young as she slept, her features relaxed and settled.

He wanted this moment to last forever. More than anything he wanted to keep her safe. He spent most of this war worrying that she would end up dead. That he would lose her without ever really having her. Draco's fingers tightened around her curls almost on instinct as the sinking feeling settled around him. He would not have much longer, he would not have a choice. It disturbed him knowing what was coming, would Aria trust him afterward. Grant him the small mercy of falling asleep in his presence and allow him to be close to her, just as he was now.

"What are you thinking about so seriously?" came a small murmur.

"About how I will not be able to refuse this time." Draco gulped. "Sorry I woke you."

"I forgive you." Aria yawned, stretching slightly. She reached out placing a hand on top of his, biting her lip. "I know." Her soft reply along with her starling green empathetic eyes said it all. She did not wish this upon him, she wished there was another way. "But I can't see you die."

Draco's heart warmed. She was too forgiving. He did not deserve such an intended, but he had her. He would do his best to keep it that way.

Draco placed Aria's sleeping form into his arms. They had spent the day avoiding The Dark Lord by trying to study. Though Aria kept getting distracted by the gardens. She had a wistful look on her face every time she looked out of the window. He carried her along the corridors of the Manor, towards his suite.

The Dark Lord had been waiting.

"You have been studying much lately."

Draco knew that was an accusation when he heard one, especially when it came from The Dark Lord. "We've been completing our homework, it is NEWT levels we're studying for, I wish to be prepared. Aria accompanies me -"

"Aria, is it now?" he said sternly. "tell me the truth. The use of her first name makes me wonder if you've grown attached."

"She is my friend," Draco said.

"And yet you carry her."

Draco lowered his head, and muttered in an ashamed tone, even though he was not. "I have grown attached, My Lord."

"Does this make her happy?"

"Not entirely. She looks outside like she misses the fresh air as though she may never feel it on her skin again." Draco said. "We study, for our NEWT's. For I mainly use it as a distraction My Lord."

"She flies extremely well, does she not."

"She does."

"After your marking. You will take her flying. The wards are strong enough that even brooms cannot break through. You will keep her completely safe. Do you understand? Not a bone, not even a hair out of place."

"I understand clearly."

Draco does everything in his power to stop his trembling form. Kneeling at the feet of The Dark Lord on Christmas eve. He waits for the command, extending his arm. Pain like no other serges through him. It is by sheer will power Draco does not scream. He thinks of Aria the whole time.

Christmas day at Grimmauld Place was dark and dismal. But even Sirius's old house seemed better than Hogwarts at the moment. Upon Dumbledore's death, they had to place several of the Order's homes under The Fidelius Charm, they even had to redo Grimmauld Place because it had become so vulnerable due to having too many secret keepers upon Dumbledore's death.

For the moment Ron was in the kitchen, alongside Fred and George. trying to make sense of the package he had just been given.

"Hermione gave you this?"

"Like we told you, yes."

"Before she went into hiding, we reckon. Came through the fireplace and disappeared two-"

"Maybe three minutes later. Verity caught a glimpse of her, but she was gone once we got there. Just this package in her place."

"But it's full of DA coins. Why would Aria leave us more DA coins?"

"The coins aren't for you." came Sirius's voice from the doorway. "The coins are meant for us. For The Order."

Ron thought about it. It made so much sense. Aria had realized that Voldemort would go after The Order members. None of The Order members close to Dumbledore were working now. And the ones that were, couldn't send messages via Patrnous's freely.

"She truly is spying for us." Ron sighed in relief.

"I'd rather have my goddaughter back and out of Voldemort's slimy hands," Sirius said. "I don't get why he hasn't killed her. What made his plan change. So with this new form of communication-"

Ron looked down at the coins. Christmas day had just got that little bit brighter. "Best Christmas present, she's ever given me."

"Suppose we better say, then Sirius-"

"Welcome to Dumbledore's Army."

Sirius looked bemused, but Ron laughed. There was a plan. Aria was spying and Dumbledore's Army was reinstated. Ron's coin went warm in his pocket. He grabbed at a quill and ink. Scribbling down the message.

"It was from Aria."

"What did it say?" Sirius demanded.

"Merry Christmas. AP."

Merry Christmas, Aria wherever you might be, stay safe. You utter genius.