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Chapter 53:

Umbridge's Reign Begins

Sure enough, Ariella's prediction came true within the week. After their first (semi-disastrous) Defense lesson, Umbridge asked for her to stay behind. Warily, the girl approached the desk.

"Yes Professor?"

"Correct me if I'm wrong dear, but you are the Malfoy's servant?" she asked, her voice sickeningly sweet.

"Yes ma'am, it's true," Ariella replied.

"And you've been allowed to attend classes for all these years as an equal?"

Ariella just stared at the woman – she knew there were people out who wouldn't like her for her status; she had just hoped she wouldn't run into any of them in her lifetime.

"Well, I daresay it's time for a change. I'm very sorry to do this dear, but you are no longer allowed to attend your classes. If you are needed to carry books, you will arrive at the beginning and end of the classes, but you will go back to your dormitory for the hour of class in the middle. Do you understand me?"

"Ye – yes, professor. I understand," the young girl said, barely stuttering out her reply; her throat was burning as were her eyes.

"Oh, and if you disobey, I will get Lucius involved. And we don't want that to happen now, do we?" Umbridge asked, her voice still so sweet it made Ariella want to gag.

"And one more thing dear – may I have your wand?"

"What?"

Ariella stared in shock and disbelief – was this woman seriously taking away every sense of freedom she had here at school? Apparently, as she gazed into the outstretched hand of Umbridge…no, Umbitch was more like it. Reluctantly, Ariella gave the woman her wand. A satisfied smile came onto her professor's face as she left.

Ariella made her way back to the Common Room slowly. That hadn't just happened. She couldn't have just lost everything…could she? Chocking back tears, she wiped furiously at her face before entering, thankful that the room was dimly lit. though, of course, the only people who were there were the seventh years who had a free period.

After returning her no longer needed belongings to the dormitory, she sat down in front of the fire, a small drink in hand, still trying to process what had just happened.

Did she really have the power to do that? Ariella hated that she had been right about Umbridge – that, between the servant spell and now this vile woman, she had gone from limited rights, limited freedom, to none at all. It just wasn't fair! But then, what in her life was fair? With all these knew thoughts in addition to the warmth of the fire, found herself drifting in and out of sleep.

And this was exactly how Draco found her a few hours later. He had found himself wondering what had happened to her. But when he asked Nott, the other boy seemed to know as much as he himself did. So he was rather confused when he found her in the common room.

"Ariella..." he said quietly, tapping her on the shoulder. She bolted upright, her drink spilling in the process. She groaned. Great, just more work to do.

"Where were you?" he demanded to know once she was awake.

"Here," she said, not meeting his eye.

"Why though? You didn't finish your classes for the day," Theo said, coming up behind her.

"Because I was right. Umbridge said that because I'm a servant I shouldn't be attending class like an equal to everyone else. I'm no longer allowed to go to my classes. And…Draco, she took my wand as well."

When Ariella finished her explanation, she was rather surprised by the responses she got. Theodore cursed under his breath, but for once she didn't bother to reprimand him. But Draco…he just stared at her for a moment before speaking.

"What if I ordered you to attend classes with us? Umbridge should know that you're not allowed to disobey a direct order," he suggested, but Ariella was already shaking her head.

"She threatened to bring your father into the picture if I didn't listen to her. I'd rather not have him involved thank you very much."

Draco sighed, momentarily letting his guard down a notch. He looked up at Theo suddenly, a spark both boy's eyes.

"Couldn't we still teach her? You know, have her help with homework so she doesn't get too far behind for the O.W.L.s?" Theo asked his roommate. Ariella looked between the two boys and suddenly stood up.

"No. no way, absolutely not," she said, her voice suddenly strong for a moment.

"Ariella, you have the exams coming up. You can't fall behind – "

"Theo, that doesn't matter. Don't you understand? The only job I'll ever have is being a slave to his family," she said, desperation in her voice as she pointed at Draco.

"Even if Lucius allowed me to apply for a job, which is highly unlikely, no one would accept me because of what I am. Not to mention anything I earn wouldn't really be mine, now would it?"

"Please…both of you…just drop the issue. I have plenty to do as is, without the added pressure. Thank you – but no."

She finished, trying to figure out why, for the second time that day, she was holding back tears. But as she went to brush past them, Draco grabbed her wrist.

"If you – "

"Draco, come on. What's taking you so long? And – oh, it your fault again."

Pansy had come up behind her boyfriend, her winy, high – pitched voice annoying Ariella, especially when she was trying to sound intimidating. She just found the thought of Parkinson actually trying to threaten her absurd…and so, she did something totally unexpected…she laughed.

"Are you seriously trying to intimidate me? You're not doing a very good job. But I'll give you props for trying," she said, not knowing where this new found courage was coming from – and neither did Draco.

The girl bewildered him. She was quiet and submissive, thoughtful too. But then she crossed someone like Pansy and she had courage – she spoke up knowing full well of her station. He sighed again…what was wrong with him? He shouldn't be caring this much about her. She was his servant and only that…wasn't she?

"Pansy, I'll be there in a moment. Nott, could you please escort her away?" he said. Nott nodded, eyes narrowed. He didn't like being with the other Slytherins that much but in this situation he thought he could manage.

"Just let me know if you do want to learn, that's all I ask," he then said, his usually cold voice just a bit softer.

Ariella looked up then and her light brown eyes met his grey ones. The minute they met however, she bowed her head, bringing her hand away from Draco's grasp.

"Thank you," she whispered, before hurrying out of the Common Room.

For now she just needed to be away from everyone else. There was a lot she had to deal with right now…or rather, quite the opposite, considering how free her day was to be without classes.

As she reached her private room, she collapsed onto the bed. Why was it, just when she thought she had something, it was taken away from her?

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I'm so sorry for the wait! I had mid-terms and some other crazy stuff going on the past few weeks. Thank you for sticking with me!

Anything you recognize is from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Thanks to all who are reading and enjoying this story. If you have any suggestions, (i.e. would like to see something happen, etc.) questions, or comments, please feel free to private message me. Thanks! ~ Leanora