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

Thank you to my wonderful beta, Book. Freak112233 !

Just a quick thanks to muggleonaholiday, TheEscapeFromReality, Readergirl99, translucent steeds, Allen Pitt, xXMizz Alec VolturiXx, Loonynamelass, iluvcheer18, Cathie Cathie, Love the RUSH, Heiwa-San, Redvines. FavouritefoodofHP -RW , animefreakiscool, xxxBriar-Rosexxx, TykiPyon, Teddy-Flys, cubaluv, Not So Sirius, Shiawase Lover, JustBeCarefree, NZfangirl, GurlNextDoor447, Book. Freak112233, maryn90, niteowl924, MythicalGirl17, PeriwinklePapaya, ImaWake05, dreamsmadereality, and Readergirl99.

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

Chapter 64:

Treading on Porcelain

Throughout the next few weeks, Ariella was very slowly recovering from her illness. It was taking nearly all her strength just to complete the most simple chores, but she had to do them; Mr. Malfoy was still angry with her for sleeping in Draco's bed, and for falling ill. He was being even harsher and more demanding than ever, especially since she had missed four and a half days of work and service whilst she was asleep. Lucius' use of the Cruciatus directly after she had awakened certainly hadn't helped either.

Sighing, she wandered into the parlor room. Narcissa was to have guests over that evening, and as such, the room needed to be perfectly spotless. Ariella hoped the Lady Malfoy wouldn't ask her to serve refreshments that night. She was tired and sore and wished more than ever that Winter Break would just end already. Since she didn't have to attend classes, she could ask Draco if he wouldn't mind if she just slept during that time instead of having to wait on him in between classes. As much as she despised asking him for things – it was almost a rule that you were not to ask your master or mistress for things – Draco had been nicer…more lenient…with her lately, at least at school, and she therefore wasn't quite as scared or nervous about asking him. Quite being the operative word.

As the young witch went to move a purely decorative black and dark green glass and porcelain vase, she forgot how heavy it actually was. She was too weak and exhausted to adjust quickly enough to its weight. She felt it slipping out of her grasp before she could do anything about it, watching in horror and slow-motion as it fell to the floor, about to shatter.

Then, from out of nowhere, a pale hand shot out, catching the vase from underneath.

"Careful," the voice cautioned, placing the Slytherin–painted porcelain on the table.

"Hey…are you alright?" he asked then, seeing the exhaustion and state of shock within his servant's body. When she didn't respond, he slowly brought a hand to her shoulder. However, the minute he made contact with her, she reacted…and not well.

"Ple – please sir, I– I was doing my work. I – I don't know what happened, it – it just slipped. I – It's not broken though, see sir? There – "she stuttered frantically, falling to her knees, her tangled and messy brown hair falling in front of her face as she pointed to the table, her body shaking with sobs.

Startled, and not that he would admit this to anyone, scared. She had always been strong, at least from what he had seen, but this year especially…she had begun to act more submissive…a lot more submissive, as though she was terrified of them all. Had his father finally broken her? Personally, Draco desperately hoped not.

Sighing, he knelt, cautiously bringing one hand to her right shoulder, and putting two fingers under her chin. Tilting it upward, taking note of how she flinched and tensed, but didn't move away from his touch.

"Ariella, it's just me. Draco. My father's not here right now. It's just me," he said, trying to keep his usual coolness from his voice while trying not to sound to "soft" or caring at the same time. Merlin only knew what his father would do if he found out his son was acting simply like this.

Slowly, Ariella lifted her brown eyes, relieved when all she met were Draco's grey ones, her eyes grazing over his face. She took a shuddering breath, pulling away from him at the same time, allowing herself to sit back against her heals, her head and upper body still bowed slightly.

"I – I'm sorry, Draco. I – I don't know what's going on with me lately," she admitted, rubbing her marked arm absently through the shirt. It had been bothering her since the night she had met with the Dark Lord. Draco noticed this, and his brow furrowed.

"It's bothering you again, isn't it?" he commented, his voice so quiet so his father wouldn't hear if he was around.

"It's nothing," she replied absently with a slight shake of her head.

"No, because I know you disobeyed me at one point…recently, too." Draco retorted, causing her to look at him again.

"I – the meeting with the Dark Lord. He made me open up my mind to him. Your orders helped, but he still saw some images," she explained in realization.

Immediately, Draco understood, bringing his hand to her arm, slipping it under the carefully concealed slit, touching her mark, watching as she bit her lip in pain, and he forgave her silently before removing his hand.

"Thank you," she whispered a moment later. "I – I'd better finish cleaning. I'm in enough trouble with your father as is." She said, struggling as she rose her to her feet.

"Ariella, you need to stop pushing yourself; it's probably why you're not better yet," he said as he too stood up straight, watching her carefully, reading to catch her if she began to stumble or fall.

"But – but if I slack off, your father – " but there she broke off, bending over as her mark seared for contradicting her master. Sighing in frustration and exasperation, Draco removed her hand, replacing it with his, forgiving her once more.

"Then once we return to Hogwarts, use your free time to catch up on your rest. What my father doesn't know shouldn't hurt you," he reasoned, and she nodded, relieved – now she wouldn't have to ask him to sleep and not wait on him…she wouldn't have to ask him another favor.

"Thank you," she whispered, looking down at her feet and, for the briefest instant, Draco's expression softened.

"One more week. That's all. Then we'll be back," he reminded her. She nodded, and giving her one more look, her master swept past her.

Breathing deeply, Ariella continued to clean up the room. Minutes passed. Finally, she sighed, dusting off the last table when a shadow fell over the floor behind her. Gulping, she slowly turned around to find the true master of the house. Bowing her head, keeping her eyes downcast, she whispered,

"Yes, sir?"

"I'm just coming to inspect your work, making sure you're actually doing your job," Mr. Malfoy said, stepping into the room, his usual air of arrogance and superiority heightened.

Nervously, Ariella crept to the corner, hands folded in front of her body, her head down. Finally, Mr. Malfoy stopped, turning to look down upon her.

"Well…it would seem as if you are actually doing your chores proficiently…for once," he sneered. "Dare I hope to say you've finally learned your place?" he continued mockingly. Yet Ariella kept silent.

"Let's keep it this way, shall we?" he whispered in her ear, his breath cold against her skin before he turned sharply on his heal, walking out. Ariella held her position, and only when she could no longer hear his boots clicking on the hand-polished stone did she relax, breathing a sigh of relief. That had been too close of a call for her liking.

Sighing, she made her way to the kitchen. Each time she encountered Lucius Malfoy, she only grew more nervous. It was going to be a very long night…

The following days blurred together, until it was the night before the two teenagers of Malfoy Manor left to return to Hogwarts. Ariella was in Draco's room, re-packing his few bags for their return. Just one more night…that's all. She told herself, just as the door opened, and in walked her master. She could sense him standing tall. Closing her eyes, she waited…

"Is everything set for tomorrow?" the male voice asked. Ariella's eyes flew open, and she whipped her head to see that while she had been correct…her master had entered the room… just not the one she was expecting. Sighing in relief, she gave a small nod.

"Ju – just about," she said.

Draco eyed her for a moment, before going over to his desk, sitting down and beginning to write. A quasi-comfortable silence fell between the two teenagers. Folding the last item, she spoke again.

"Draco? Could you come make sure this is everything?" she requested, her voice quiet and small.

Looking up from his work, Draco stood, walking over to the bed. After glancing at the small trunk, he nodded once.

"Just about. Don't worry about it though, I can finish up myself," he said. Ariella looked at him in surprise.

"There are a few things that I'd like to pack myself," he clarified. His servant just nodded, not sure if she really wanted to know what those things were.

"It's nothing illegal or Dark, I promise," he continued, leaning against the bedside bureau.

His servant simply nodded once again, bringing a hand to her mouth, stifling a yawn.

For just the briefest moment, Draco's expression softened.

"If you're done with everything, try to get some rest. I'll see you tomorrow," he said, making sure to leave a loophole for her.

"Th – thank you," Bowing her head to him before turning to leave the room.

What she didn't see was the look of shock that flashed in her young master's grey eyes, the grimace that crossed his lips at her motion. Personally, Draco couldn't wait for tomorrow could come. He may not know exactly what his father did to Ariella, but what he did know was that the sooner she was out of his constant sight, the better. Of course, there was nothing he could do about his father's summons, but at least she wouldn't be within the same house once back at Hogwarts. The look of pure terror in her eyes just days earlier was enough to convince him that something horrid was occurring to her.

One day, he vowed, one day, maybe they could reach a civil agreement, and perhaps a mutual friendship. True, she was lower in station, but she had fought too much not to have gained respect from him.

Draco sighed as he finished packing. Once more, he wondered what would have happened if she had never become their servant…their slave. It was then he realized, he couldn't think of growing up without her. Something that terrified him greatly.

So I know you don't want to hear it, but I'm going to say it anyway. I'm sorry. School and Life got in the way, but I'm back now! Thank you all for keeping with me. I promise I will see this story to the end!

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