I unfortunately don't own the world of Harry Potter. J. K. Rowling does.

Thank you to my wonderful beta, clovetf!

Just a quick thanks to meandthedoctor, JuicyLucy921, xXMizz Alec VolturiXx, translucent steeds, TheEmeraldDoe, culdrencakeaddiction, mehouston2, Allen Pitt, Phi Flower Princess, Cereah, Fourmille d'idees, LoveTheNyah, xSingerDream, Crystal - Cola, HiddenDemigod, The Dark side of the Mind, and DJDvampgirlp227.

Just so you know, I'm writing 6 other stories as well. Thanks! :)

Chapter 61:

Obeying Multiple Masters

Once again, Ariella found herself on the ground at the feet of her master.

"Get up," Lucius ordered coldly, not even giving time for the sting of the summons to wear off. As quickly as she could, Ariella struggled to her feet, her head spinning.

"Don this and follow me. And don't be insubordinate," demanded the oldest Malfoy, tossing her a dark cloak.

Quickly, Ariella shrugged on the heavy, black cloak and, throwing the hood over her head, followed him down the long hallways of the manor. Just outside two large mahogany doors, he stopped.

"You will be respectful. Kneel or bow and don't speak unless spoken to. Am I understood?"

"Yes sir," she replied, bowing her head, Draco's orders from weeks prior forcing her obedient act even more.

Without further warning, the doors opened and Lucius strode forward. Ariella trailed him, nervous. The room was dark and she couldn't see anything as her eyes followed the pattern of the floor.

Suddenly, Lucius stopped, shocking her as he bowed.

"Milord," he said. "I have brought the girl, as you requested."

"Good Lucius. Now get into the ranks," a cold voice sneered, before the person turned to her. Remembering her master's orders, she bowed before the creature as he had.

"You wished to see me, sir?" she asked, refusing to call him her lord.

"Yes. Girl, you are in Harry Potter's year, are you not?" he questioned, eyeing Ariella with amusement and interest.

"Yes sir, I am," she replied, puzzled.

"I want you to get to know him; let him tell you his secrets. You are to report your progress at the Winter Festivals in two weeks time."

"Yes, sir; I understand and accept my task," she said. Lord Voldemort smirked.

"Good. You are dismissed," he declared, and Ariella, keeping her eyes downcast, straightened form the bow and left the room.

Once outside, Ariella rushed away. What had she just agreed to? But then, did she have a choice? Lucius had told her that she must obey the Dark Lord.

Sighing, she settled into a chair in the living room to wait for her master. Slowly, as her mind wandered, her eyes closed as she pictured a different life.

"Wake up, girl!" a voice ordered harshly, jarring her from her sleep. Ariella awoke, startled, to find Lucius leaning over her, a menacing grin upon his face, his eyes cold with anger.

"Get up," he said, grabbing the back of her cloak and throwing her from the chair. She landed on the hard ground, knowing bruises would appear later.

"You did well enough I suppose. Though next time, all you need say is Yes, milord, unless he asks for more."

"Yes, sir," she replied, kneeling, head bowed, in front of him. Lucius smirked, knowing she had finally been broken. Still, just to make sure…

"Crucio!" he shouted, almost lazily as he pointed his wand at his servant, making sure she got the point. After only a quarter of a minute, he released it, but Ariella's hand was upon her mark.

"Sir, your son is calling. May I go?" she inquired, practically begging.

Eyeing her critically for a moment, Lucius raised his hand, dismissing her condescendingly. And, once more, Ariella found herself being whisked away through the air, landing again at her master's feet for a second time that night. She panted, still not yet recovered from Lucius' use of the Cruciatus only moments prior.

"Where were you?" he demanded to know immediately, not taking in her current state.

"Wi – with you – your father," she stuttered out.

At once, Draco's anger and current mood evaporated. He knelt, trying to meet her eye. Instead, he now saw her slumped posture, her lack of breath, and a semi-defeated look upon her face.

"Come," he said, standing straight, holding out a hand for her.

Gratefully, she took it, but still found it hard to rise, just barely quieting her hiss of pain. Hiding his grimace, Draco brought his other arm around her back, helping his servant to her feet. However, Draco didn't miss the pained look she wore while his hand lay on her back.

Finally, they reached a deserted room wherein a couch and a lounge chair resided.

Draco led her to the couch, before sitting down across from her.

"IF you can, tell me what happened," Draco requested, his eyes not wanting to believe what she looked like; so vulnerable and frail.

"I – I was summoned. Your father had me put on a dark cloak. He led me into the parlor. The – the Dark Lord wanted to see me. He – he ordered me to – to get to know and find out the secrets of Harry Potter. I was then di – dismissed. Your father came out then, and gave me a – a – reminder of – of my place. That was whe – when you summoned me," she explained, refusing to meet his eye.

"Ariella, do whatever you must. But first, tell me how you are feeling," Draco said after a moment's pause. Ariella's head shop up in surprise.

"You – you care? And you're okay with the order?" she asked.

"Of – of course! You can't go against the Dark Lord and my father! And as for you…you don't see how you look every time you come back, do you?"

Ariella looked at him, puzzled. "I don't know what you mean," she said, and Draco sighed.

"You come back, worn and defeated. Ariella, when you come back, you don't look like yourself," he told her, his voice uncharacteristically quiet and serious, secretly wondering why in the world the Dark Lord was giving her orders when she wasn't one of his followers

Ariella lowered her head, bowing her head.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize what was happening to me; I guess I just accepted it and moved along," she replied.

"Now…how were you able to defend yourself from the Cruciatus?" questioned Draco.

"I – I don't really know. I suppose I've just gotten used to it. Not to mention your curse wasn't all that strong," she answered, slightly more confident, though definitely still tired.

"You've – you've gotten used to it?" he repeated, incredulous. Inside, he was horrified.

Slowly getting up, Draco turned to face the wall, taking a deep breath, replacing his concern with a well-practiced mask.

"Are you alright, Draco?" she asked softly, trying to rise to her feet. However, she stumbled, falling to the thinly carpeted ground, still weak from earlier.

Draco turned, immediately coming over to her, helping his servant back to the couch.

"I want you to stay here tonight. Rest, regain your strength. I'll come back to get you tomorrow," he told her, his voice unusually calm, a glimmer in his eyes that showed he seemed to actually cared – something Ariella found odd.

"Alright," she replied, confused but too exhausted and worn to argue.

Almost as if it heard their words, a bed appeared in the far corner, a closed door about two yards away. That was when Ariella realized they must be in the Room of Requirement.

Awkwardly, Draco bid her good night and left the room, but not before giving her one more glance that Ariella was sure held pity within in. And pity was something she certainty did not want.

Mid-morning the following day, as promised, Draco came to retrieve her. To his surprise, Ariella was still asleep in the large bed. It was ten-o'clock for Merlin's sake, and as far as he knew, she was usually up long before then.

Coming to the side of the bed, he briefly wondered why he cared so much but quickly dismissed the errant thought; nothing – not even a simple friendship – could ever come of it. (Not that he wanted a romantic relationship with her, mind you.)

Draco placed a hand on her shoulder, gently shaking her awake. She stirred slightly, and he backed up a step.

Suddenly, Ariella's eyes shot open. Her eyes landed on her master…and then her body and mind reacted. The girl sprang up and away as quickly as she could, putting the bed between them, eyes wide, head bowed.

"I – I'm sorry, sir. I don't know what came over me. It – it won't happen again, I – I promise, sir," she pleaded, while Draco just looked on, dubious and shocked.

"Ariella, it's just me," he said softly. Her head shot up, their eyes met.

"Oh. I – sorry," she apologized immediately. Shaken, Draco simply nodded once.

"I've brought some food for you. You may eat here before we head out of here."

"Draco, thank you, but I – I'm just not hungry," she replied.

"Ariella, when was the last time you ate?" he inquired skeptically.

"I – I don't remember, but I'm not lying" she persisted. Doubtful, Draco beckoned for her to follow him.

"You're feeling better this morning?" he asked, and she nodded.

"Thank you."

Her master stopped, startled, before giving an odd, noncommittal jerk of his head in acknowledgement.

"Draco?" she said suddenly in the midst of the silence. He looked to her.

"I'm sorry if I offended you with my words yesterday. I know you're not like your father. I just – "

" – needed to make me angry. I know. Apology accepted," he interrupted, his voice curt.

"Draco, I – I never meant to hurt you," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. Draco stopped, sighing as he turned to face her.

"I know," he muttered.

"Spend today gathering up your strength. Even with a decent night's sleep, you must be drained." He ordered.

"Thank you," she said, albeit surprised that he was giving her the entire day off. "Ar – are you sure you don't need me to do anything?" she asked cautiously, earning a slight grin from her master.

"I don't need you for everything, you know," he replied wryly. She chuckled slightly.

"No, I suppose not. I – I'll see you later, then," said Ariella, and at his nod off consent, began to walk away, trying desperately to hide her pain.

Draco watched her go, watching her mask the pain she was quite obviously in very well, unable to figure out how she did it. Then he realized something. For her to be used to the Cruciatus meant…that it had to have been used on her, excessively. Shaking his head, Draco found himself dreading winter break more and more. Perhaps Theo was right after all…someone was most definitely hurting her…and unfortunately, though he didn't want to believe it, all the signs were pointing straight to his father.

Have a fantastic holiday and a Happy New Year everyone.

{Hope this makes up for the delay. (And I'm working on the next chapter now!)}

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