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 Allen Pitt, xXMizz Alec VolturiXx, slytheringirl22, TheEscapeFromReality, panneler-san, HermioneandMarcus, katchile94, translucent steeds, Introvertedraccoon94, Readergirl99, Lady of the Sirens, Lyla Black13, Trulzxoxo, ajcollins2010, High Reacher, xoJaadiexo, Imustaceyouaquestion, Katya Vladikoff, percyjackson212, Im a Skyscraper, CeliaSingsSongs, and KitKatCyn.

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

Chapter 65:

Fight and Follow Through Fatigue

Ariella stumbled as she came through the fireplace at Platform 9 ¾, the trunk falling on its side at her feet. Hurriedly, she moved to right itself as the Malfoys stepped through the green flames. Lucius grabbed the back of her robe, hoisting the girl to her feet, turning her so that she was staring directly at him.

"I do not what to hear of any more mishaps. For if I do, you will not like the consequences. Do I make myself clear?"

"Ye – yes, sir. As – as always," she replied, and Lucius released her, a look of disgust and loathing upon his face as he took his hand away, as if he had just touched something foul.

"Good. Now go," he sneered, turning up his nose at the witch before turning to his son.

As quickly as she could (which wasn't all that quick) she grabbed Draco's trunk and began dragging it towards the opposite side of the train, where the entrance lay.

Ariella struggled to pick the trunk up; her weakness heightened by her recent ailment.

"Want some help?" a familiar voice asked. Ariella turned sharply to see Harry Potter standing beside her.

"What…Harry, you'll be seen!" she whispered, beginning to panic, dreading to imagine what would happen if Mr. Malfoy found out.

"He's one the other side of the train; you'll be fine," he said, trying to reassure her as he loaded the trunk onto the Hogwarts Express.

Ariella sighed. "Thank you," she whispered.

"Will you come back to the D.A.?" he asked then. She looked at him, startled.

"What? You – you still want me back?"

Now it was Harry's turn to look surprised. "Of – of course! Why not?" he exclaimed in response.

She sighed again. "I – I don't think that's such a good idea. Mr. Malfoy's threatened me with a large punishment if I – if I don't follow the rules." She confided.

"Just try, all right? You don't have to do the magic, but you can still come, can't you?" he said, trying desperately to reason with her. Hesitantly, she nodded.

"I'll see you later," whispered Ariella as she climbed aboard, hefting the heavy trunk once more as she made her way down the aisle.

Peering inside the compartments, she tried to find her younger master as the train whistled, signaling it was time to be off.

"Ariella!" a voice to her left suddenly called in a low voice. Her head turned sharply, and she sighed in momentary relief at having found him. Turning, she followed him back in to the compartment, struggling as she tried to lift the heavy trunk to the rack above the seats. Sighing internally, Draco whispered the levitation spell, making the trunk suddenly lighter. His servant flashed him a grateful look.

"You can stay here, or you can go find your own compartment. We'll talk tonight about a revised schedule, at least for the moment, until you get your strength back," he told her.

"I – I'd rather spend some time alone if that's alright. Your friends aren't exactly the most welcoming towards me," she said, hoping that, though he gave her the choice, he wouldn't be offended by her response. But he just nodded.

"Of course; not a problem. I'll see you in the Great Hall then?" she nodded in response and relief.

"And don't worry about the trunk; I'll take care of it," he told her then, and she looked at him in surprise.

"I mean it," he affirmed, his tone authoritative.

"Thank you," she whispered, ducking her head in short bow, an action that both shocked and angered Draco, though he made sure to carefully school his features as she left.

He didn't blame her for wanting to be alone; she had been under constant watch the entire break, not mention she was right: his "friends" didn't like her. He sighed internally as said friends entered the compartment.

As promised, they met in the Great Hall. And, much to her surprise, he once more told her to eat her fill.

"You need to regain your strength. Eat lightly, but as much as you want," he had instructed her.

Now, continuing to follow through with his own promises, they were now seated in a far corner of the Slytherin Common Room.

"I can take care of bringing my own books back and forth to class, I don't mind," he began.

"But – "

Draco let out an exasperated sigh as he slipped his hand inside the concealed slit to her arm, hearing her hiss in pain as his hand connected with the mark.

"You may interrupt and argue with me so long as we are alone and my father is not around."

He said, fed up with how she couldn't even begin to contradict him without being cut off by the bond. Now, if all went well, she only wouldn't be able to at the Manor or around his Father in general.

"Thank you," she whispered, bobbing her head in a slight bow once more. Though unnerved, Draco decided to let it slide; perhaps it was a part of the bond he wasn't yet aware of.

"Now, what were you saying earlier." He prompted.

"Umbridge will know if I stop serving you before and after class, and she'll tell your father. You heard what he said at the train stop: I'll be hurt more than I already am if he hears of anything less than total subservience to you."

Draco sighed again; she was right.

"I can't miss meals either; she'd notice that too." She pointed out, before taking a deep breath, gulping, and continuing. "Draco, th – thank you for trying to make this work. It – it's more than I thought I'd get. But it's not going to, not if we want to be all right when we return back to the Manor."

"Then at least rest when you want in the evenings and weekends," Draco reasoned, making sure to allow her leeway to do what she wanted.

She sighed, but nodded. "Thank you," she muttered once more.

"And one more thing," he said, causing her to look up at him. "I want you to tell me if something happens, whether it be that all of this become too much for you, or Umbridge or my Father do something."

She looked surprised, but quickly ducked her head to hide it. "Yes, si – Draco," she said, and her young master's eyes narrowed at her correction.

She rose, beginning to walk out of the common room when she stopped suddenly, looking back at him.

"Draco?" she said softly, and he raised his eyes to meet hers. "Thank you," she whispered. Shock shone briefly, before he quickly steeled his eyes once more, albeit softer than usual, and he nodded once at her, watching as she left.

Draco sighed, leaning back in his chair, his face carefully composed, the perfect mask in–place while his mind whirled. He could no longer deny that he cared for his servant. He didn't love her, not at all, but it was almost painful to watch how weak she was becoming. As much as he didn't want to admit it, his father was harming her; badly. But she was forbidden to tell him anything of what was wrong. Sighing again internally, he made his way to the fifth–year boys' dormitory. He hoped she would listen and try to rest as much as possible, for he could see, even now, that it was going to be a long couple of months.

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