So just a note: There are typos and errors throughout the story; the chapters are messed up; the beginning is very predictable and not very original. I have noted all of this. I have not gone back and corrected for the reason that I like to see where I came from. I also am not going back because I have a vision and I'd change things in the beginning that would affect chapters later on.

That being said, I love this story and have written many future chapters. I know there are long waits, but Real Life has to come first. Thank you so much to everyone who sticks with the story. I do appreciate you all!

Happy New Year and enjoy the newest chapter!

Chapter 84:

Missed – Communication

Ariella ran her finger down the table of contents of the book she was looking at. Finally, she found 'enchanted objects' and quickly turned towards the correct page. However, just as she began to turn pages, a voice interrupted her. "Ariella?"

Her head shot up. "Can I join you?"

"Of course, Theo."

He sat. Ariella bookmarked her page and closed the book. "Why didn't you tell me to back off the other day?"

"Sorry?"

"Why didn't you tell me to back off? Malfoy told me that he had to…forgive you because you answered my questions on the train."

"I didn't realize it until after I'd already told you. Why does it matter? It was minor and Draco understood and forgave me without a fuss."

"Please Ariella; don't patronize me. I don't want to be the cause of you receiving punishment or reprimand. I know you're being hurt; I don't want to add to that."

Shakily, she nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Theo. I appreciate it and next time, even if it's an afterthought, I'll tell you."

"Thanks. What are you looking up?"

"Just something for Draco. I can't say more, so please don't push it."

"Understood. What's…I don't know if you can answer, but when you do disobey, what does it feel like?"

"If it's minor, it stings. The bond mark, I mean. The longer I avoid getting help, the worse it'll get. If its outright disobedience, especially if I'm fully aware of it, it'll creating this burning, searing sensation. The bond itself is…almost living and it reacts to everything I do, everything the Malfoys do…it's hard to describe."

"Yes, I would imagine it is. Thank you for telling me."

"Of course. I – I promised Malfoy the same thing I'll promise you. Anything I can do to help, I will."

"Thank you," she whispered in reply.

The bell rang, signalling the change of classes. "I have to go, but we'll talk later, yeah?"

"Good luck in class. Thanks, Theo."

"Of course," he repeated before leaving. Ariella watched him go before turning the book open again to enchanted transportation.

Enchanted objects for transportation are limited due to their danger. Among the most dangerous are Vanishing Cabinets. Considered unstable under the best of circumstances, while very useful, are also subject to malfunctions on a regular basis. To provide a full connection, all pieces of each separate cabinet have to be put together precisely in order. The magic has to flow smoothly throughout the Cabinets themselves before the magic can be expected to flow smoothly between each other. The passageway formed between the two cabinets is supposed to be fluid, surrounding the passengers with smoky magic in order to secure them.

"Ariella?"

The servant's head shot up quickly as she slammed the book closed. "Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you. Were you all right this summer?"

"I'm all right, thanks Harry. Look, I don't mean to be rude, but I should probably get back to Draco. I'm sorry. And before you ask – I can't tell you anything."

Harry nodded, albeit puzzled. Ariella scooped up the book, heading towards Madame Pince to check out.

"Ariella, I didn't mean to – "

" – I know. I just…I can't chance it. Not now."

Without waiting further, she left the library, heading towards the Slytherin Common Room. If there was any where she could escape, as odd as it sounded, it would be there. She didn't know why she was avoiding Harry…maybe so as not to say the wrong thing and anger Draco further, or maybe because she just…didn't really want to deal right now with the Order's view as well. She just…Draco's task was taxing enough. She didn't think she could handle much more.

Quietly, not seeing a friend, she went directly towards the fifth year girls' room. She hadn't been back all that long, but she was beginning to feel the exhaustion of how this year would be going all the same. Still…she supposed anything was better than being at the Manor. "Lyons. I've been meaning to talk to you."

A voice said as she entered. "What do you want, Parkinson?"

"Why don't you just leave Draco alone? He clearly doesn't want you."

Ariella stood facing her bed, trying not to react, though she quietly snorted at the statement. She knew all too well Draco didn't want her, nor would he ever want her. That was a fact – one which she felt bittersweet about. The serving witch had no desire to have that sort of relationship with her Master, ever. But, she also knew that if it weren't for the bond, he probably wouldn't look twice at her. And for some reason, that thought hurt. Shaking her head, Ariella simply shed her…well, Draco's…robe, folding it neatly and putting it aside as she then slipped off her scuffed shoes.

"Can't you hear me? I'm talking to you!"

"Parkinson, what do you want from me?"

"To leave my boyfriend alone!"

This got Ariella's attention. "I'm sorry?"

"He's my boyfriend. I'd like you to leave him alone."

"Parkinson, just shut it already!" she snapped, turning to face the taller girl. "I'm not after Draco to be his girlfriend, I'm bound to him, to serve him, just as you think I should. So shut it already!"

That was when she began to feel the bond begin to sting; just a bit, but the warning was there as Parkinson just stared at her. "Prove it."

"Just ask him. It's not like you'll believe me anyway."

Ariella then turned towards her bed, putting the book safely in her nightstand drawer before sitting down. The witch wished she could lock the drawer, but without her wand…well, she knew that wasn't happening any time soon. She'd show Draco later; hopefully he could use the information she had found.

In the meantime, she had a few hours before dinner and she wished to rest; she was tired of the other girl's accusations and antics. The stinging refused to diminish, but it didn't grow either. Ariella chose to ignore it; she'd have Draco deal with it later.

Pansy simply narrowed her eyes, before heading towards the common room herself.

"Draco, there you are!" she exclaimed, sitting down next to her boyfriend. "Is it true?" she muttered lowly, not wishing others to hear. That you're bonded to Lyons?"

"Where in Merlin's name did you hear that?" Draco asked, eyebrows raised as he turned to face his girlfriend, his voice just as low as hers.

"She said so. Said you would confirm it."

"And what did you say to her?"

"Excuse me?"

"What made her say that to you? I know you Pansy, we've grown up together. What'd you say to provoke her?"

"Nothing, Draco! I just asked why she refused to leave you alone, considering I'm your girlfriend and you aren't interested in her."

Draco closed his eyes for a moment. He liked her, most of the times, he did, but when she did things like this…it was hard to like his childhood friend. "Lay off her, Parkinson. I'm dating you, aren't I?"

"True, very true. But – is what she said true?"

"Yes, Parkinson, it is. She's bonded to my family."

"So she has to serve you? She has to obey you?"

"Yes. Don't you dare go spreading rumours about her. I want it kept quiet."

"Of course, Draco."

"Pansy, I'm quite serious about this. Don't tell anyone about this. And don't taunt her anymore; she doesn't deserve it."

"Draco, she's beneath you; why defend her?"

"She's my responsibility."

"You can take care of her without being so bloody nice. I know that robe she's wearing now was yours. I'd recognize it anywhere."

"So what? I don't need to defend my actions towards Ariella to you. You're my girlfriend. She's my…" friend? "servant," he said after a moment's pause. "You'll never trade places, so why worry?"

"Oh, I don't. I just don't like to see such a pathetic creature hanging all over you. You deserve better," she said, tracing the inside of his left arm, causing him to stiffen.

"Where is she now?"

"Our dorm room."

Draco just stayed silent, nodding once in silence. He knew he'd have to address this with Ariella later, but he couldn't bring himself to call her now. Speaking of…he felt the bond signalling him, saying she had disobeyed in some minor way. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes and to check on her. If she hadn't come down, either she didn't know he was there, or it wasn't urgent enough to need him right away.

For now, though, he let himself lean back against the couch, letting Pansy lazily touch his arm. It felt good, more than he thought it would. Not against the mark – no touch ever felt good against the mark – but her touch in general was…soothing.

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