Anything you recognize belongs to the wonderful J. K. Rowling.

Chapter 82:

Darkness Descending

Draco had been a mess recently. More than once, Ariella had seen him staying up late, reading, and trying to find a way to complete his mission.

He had become more reclusive. Ariella was…scared to approach him. Currently, she was cleaning his room while he was…doing something for the Dark Lord. Despite technically being a Death Eater, she wasn't permitted in the meetings or events unless specifically summoned…which was fine by her.

Strangely enough, he had also been making quite a few trips to Knockturn Alley. She wondered what that was about, if he would tell her. While he had never been truly open with her, he had now completely shut her out.

Ariella was positive that the lessons with his aunt weren't helping. She was…psychotic and hurting him. That much was plain to see. To be honest, she terrified Ariella.

Ariella was trying to stay out of the way when completing her tasks. She didn't want to draw any attention to her that was unneeded. She heard someone behind her and stilled.

"Ariella. Join me," a voice instructed her.

Slowly, she turned, trying to steady the basket she held. She didn't know whether to be more or less nervous at Draco's instruction.

He was already holding the door open to his room, waiting for her. He looked worse for wear – exhausted and worn. She was worried, but knew better than to question him on it.

The servant closed the door behind her. Draco was sitting on his bed.

"I need to update you. Do you know what Vanishing Cabinets are?"

"No, sir."

"They transport something or someone between two places when they are both in working order. I have found a pair, but one of them is broken, thus, the connection is broken."

"You're going to try to repair them."

"Precisely. I need to make another trip and soon. I want you to accompany me on that trip. You are to stay close and out of the way."

"Of course, sir. When is the trip?"

"Tomorrow afternoon."

"I'll make sure I'm there."

"Good."

There was a silent pause, before Ariella dared to speak again. "Dr – Sir, can I help you in any way?"

Draco's head shot up. "I just told you, or were you not listening? You are to accompany me tomorrow to Knockturn Alley."

"I know – I didn't mean that. You – you don't look well, and I – I'm worried. You – you're coming back from these meetings and lessons worn down and…you have this haunted look. I wanted to know if there was anything I could do to help."

Draco just regarded her for a moment. Even if he wouldn't admitted, it did touch him a bit that she had not only noticed, but that she was worried – worried enough to want to help.

"I'd like some of the salve that you made for your bruises. Other than that, there's nothing you can do. I'll let you know if there is…but thank you," he replied carefully.

"Of – of course, sir. Would you like it now?"

"You can bring it to me tomorrow. No need to waste a trip upstairs."

"Thank you."

Draco just nodded once in return. "I don't need anything else tonight. I'll meet you in the foyer at noon tomorrow."

"See you then, sir. Have a good night."

"You as well."

Promptly at noon the following afternoon, they left for Knockturn Alley. They quickly moved through the dark paths until they reached Borgin & Burkes. Silently, they entered. Draco immediately went to speak with the owner.

Ariella looked around; this shop was filled with dark items; she remembered her instructions from yesterday and made sure she stayed off to the side. He was examining a large cabinet. Ariella could only assume this as one of the duel cabinets he was telling her about yesterday.

He had a dark look and a firm tone – he had certainly learned a few things about intimidating people from his father and the Dark Lord. The owner seemed…nervous around Draco; scared almost. She had also noticed that he seemed to be holding himself differently – dressing more formally and holding a lot more in. He – he was acting more like a Pureblood Elitist Heir and less like a student, if she were being honest.

Suddenly, Draco was coming towards her, a stormy look on his face. Ariella knew better than to ask him any questions. Instead, she simply followed as they went through towards Diagon Alley. As they passed the shops, Ariella gasped – a large joke shop had been set up…and she would bet it was the Weasley twins', if their history was anything to go on. Shaking her head, she continued following her master.

Only once they were safely in front of Gringotts did he speak. "Go on."

"Pardon?"

"The joke shop. I have other errands I have to run, but I can see you want to visit your friends."

"You're sure?"

He nodded, before handing her a purse of coins. "I need you to get me some of the Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder. It'll look suspicious if I buy it, but less so if you're in there, buying it. And purchase something else – I don't care what – just so that it looks like a normal purchase," he instructed.

"Alright. Where should I meet you when I'm done?"

"Floo back to the Manor, then go straight to my room."

"Yes sir. Th – thank you."

He gave her a quick nod, before strolling down the main stretch of Diagon Alley, leaving Ariella to herself.

She quickly turned back in the way she had seen the colourful joke shop, stepping inside. She was amazed at what was happening here – she was happy for them; they deserved the success.

"Ariella?"

She turned to see Harry looking at her curiously. She smiled. "Hi Harry."

"You're actually allowed out?"

"Yes – Draco had some errands to run, so he dragged me along. Doesn't need me right now, so I figured I'd check out the shop, perhaps make a supporting purchase."

"It's good to see you. Are you doing well?"

"As I can be. Things are… chaotic currently."

"I can only imagine. Fred and George should be around here somewhere if you need them."

"I do actually; thanks."

"I think I see George right over there," he said, pointing towards a man with bright red hair and equally bright magenta robes.

She nodded her thanks once more to Harry, before heading towards the older wizard.

"Congratulations George; it looks fantastic," she said, causing him to turn.

"Ariella; er – thank you. How are you?" he replied hesitantly.

"Fine, thank you. Can I help you get anything?"

"Er – yes, actually. Instant Darkness Powder, for starters."

"Sure," he said, leading her away. Ariella could tell she was making him uncomfortable, though why she couldn't place it. Suddenly, he stopped turning to her as Fred approached.

"Look, we just wanted to say we're sorry. We didn't know – "

" – neither of you did anything. You were protecting your family because you didn't think I was telling the truth. I can't blame you for that. It's not like you ever bullied me. There's nothing to be sorry for; but I appreciate it," she said, her words coming out quickly as she cut him off.

The twins seemed to relax a bit. George reached behind her, grabbing a dark box. "Here you are. Anything else?"

"Do you have protection gear?"

"We've got Shield Cloaks if you want one. It won't protect against darker magic, but against lighter spells – "

" – that could help; thank you."

Fred nodded and went to grab one. George eyed the box in her hands. "Look, it's not that I don't trust you, but – "

" – things are getting worse at the Manor. I just want a way to hide if I need an escape. Something to feel a bit safer," she explained. Ariella felt horrible lying, but it wasn't necessarily a lie – it was for her safety…just not in the way she said.

"Right. Well, that plus the cloak will be eight Gallons," Fred said, rejoining them.

"Excuse me. I see Ron trying to take some stuff," George said, leaving her alone with his twin as Ariella took the proper amount from Draco's change purse.

"Thank you," she said.

"If you need help and we can – just let us know," he said in return, taking the money.

"I appreciate that. Thank you."

Fred nodded towards her, before moving to join his brothers.

Ariella took one more look around before moving towards the door.

As she looked down Diagon Alley, she realized how dark everything had become; shops were closed down and windows were broken. It looked – gloomy and foreboding. It just affirmed that things were really getting bad, though no one needed to tell her that – not with Death Eater Headquarters taking up the Manor.

She moved towards the nearest floo point, allowing herself to be engulfed in green flames. She stumbled out into the foyer of the Manor.

However, as she made her way to the staircase, a man stepped in front of her.

"I don't believe we've met. I'm Fenrir Greyback; and you are?"

"Ariella Lyons," she replied, knowing she didn't have much of a choice.

He sneered, and Ariella noticed he had elongated teeth. "I just want to pass."

"You don't want to have some fun?" he taunted, taking another step towards her and gripping her arm tightly. Ariella cringed as he leaned forward, almost as if he was sniffing her. The look he was giving her terrified her – it was as if she were his prey.

"Greyback! Step away from her," a firm voice said.

"If it isn't the young Malfoy brat. I didn't realize you were in a position to give orders," the man snarled, turning to face Draco, who stood stoically just outside the fireplace, bags still in hand.

"You forget; this is my house. Not to mention she is my bonded servant. You touch her again without permission and I'll have you arrested."

"Is that so?"

"Get out; you're not needed anymore today," Draco sneered coldly. Ariella could see that he was tensed.

"As you wish, Master Malfoy," he replied, heading towards the door. Once it shut, Ariella breathed a sigh of relief, even as her mark began to sting.

"Come, Ariella."

She obeyed, not daring herself to speak until they were in his rooms.

"Did he hurt you?"

"No; I'm fine. Thank you for stopping him. Who – who is he?"

"Fenrir Greyback. He's a vicious werewolf who takes pleasure in the animal inside him," Draco explained, moving in front of his dresser as he removed his outer robes and tie.

"I'm sorry I didn't come straight here. I tried, but – "

" – that isn't your fault; Greyback stopped you. I hardly expect you to fight back against him. Is it punishing you for it?"

She nodded, and Draco rolled his eyes, immediately striding over to her and pressing his hand to her mark, forgiving her.

"Thank you. Here's the product you wanted," she said, eyes downcast as she handed him the box.

"Were they suspicious?"

"Yes – but I told them it was for me."

"Good. Now – once we return to school, I expect you to accompany me as I fix the cabinet. It will take a lot of your time; this is important. It's the Dark Lord's wishes for it to be completed quickly."

"I understand. I'll help you, I've told you that."

"There's something else – you aren't to speak to anyone about my task. If they have a problem with it, you can direct them to me. Potter and Nott, but that includes my mother, Snape, and my aunt, too. You can speak to me when we're alone if you have questions – the only exception to that list is the Dark Lord. Am I understood, Ariella?"

"Ye – yes Draco. Of course. Only – "

" – only what, Ariella?"

"You're not of age. Which means your mother still holds a higher rank than you. If she orders me to tell her, I – I can't disobey."

Draco sighed, but nodded, knowing he had to adjust for that. "Fine. You can tell her only if she specifically order you to tell her. Do not volunteer information to her. She and the Dark Lord are the only ones."

"Yes, sir. I swear – I won't tell anyone about what you're doing."

Draco nodded, continuing to change as he spoke again. Ariella turned away, to give him some privacy. "What else did you get?"

"A Shield Cloak; supposedly it's supposed to help absorb and stop minor to moderate hexes. I – I thought it could be useful," she admitted, suddenly nervous; she didn't know how Draco would take the purchase.

Yet, all he did was give a small, dark chuckle. "I suppose it could."

"Dra – sir, I – I have to ask. You said you were going to try to repair the connection between the two cabinets and that I'd be helping you. Are – are you going to use me to test the connection?"

There was silence for a moment. "Face me, Ariella. I won't answer to your back."

She obeyed, but didn't raise her gaze.

"Do you think I would?"

"I don't know what to think. He's – this is a job from the Dark Lord, and I – I know he's threatening your life, your mother's life. I also know you'd do anything to survive, to make sure she survives."

Draco sighed softly, but clenched his jaw as he replied. "Look at me, Ariella."

Only when she obeyed did he continue speaking. "No. The cabinets are dangerous when they are working; when they're not, they're incredibly unstable. I'll be using objects most likely. You won't be out of harm's way – no one is these days – but you won't be used to test the connection. I promise."

"Thank you."

"Go get some sleep."

"Good night, sir," she replied with a small bow of her head.

Sighing, he applied some of the bruise balm she had delivered earlier – when he had been absent from his room. His mark was still bothering him, but he could no longer keep it covered up. Not to mention he had a few sting marks – his aunt didn't like it when he didn't "perform well" in their lessons. This was not at all how he thought this summer would go and quite frankly, he wasn't sure what to make of what a circus his life was turning into.

Hope you enjoyed! Until next time...

~Leanora

P.S. - I have many future chapters partially or fully written already - this fic will be going on for a while. So thanks for sticking with me! :)