Trigger Warnings: Torture

Chapter 89:

Hogsmeade Setback

Packing her bag, Ariella realized this was the first time in a long time she would be able to have a sense of freedom outside of the castle. Walking up to the mostly empty Common Room, she greeted Draco with a nod, falling in step behind him as they made their way towards the front gates.

"Hold," Filch said. "You're not on the list," he jeered at her.

"I'm giving permission for her to attend today," Draco said coolly from her side.

"It doesn't work like that. She needs a parent or guardian's signature – "

" – And I am one of her guardians – "

" – since when does an underaged boy count for – ?"

" – that will do, Argus. Miss Lyons, you may go; Mr. Malfoy's permission will suffice," interrupted a stern voice. Both turned to find Professor McGonagall standing on the top of the steps. Ariella nodded her thanks and followed Draco, pulling his old cloak around her body as the chill set in.

Very quietly, Draco pointed his wand at her body, muttering a warming charm, before doing the same to his own person. She glanced over at him, lowering her head briefly in thanks. "Do you need me to stay with you today?"

"For a bit, yes, but not for all of it. When we get there, you may go off on your own, if you wish. Meet me back by The Three Broomsticks at 12:30."

"Understood."

They paused, watching as others around them made the same journey. Something was off. "Draco, what's – "

"Malfoy, have you – Ariella!"

Both turned to see Theo Nott coming up beside them. "You're…allowed today?" he asked cautiously, glancing at his roommate, who curtly nodded once.

"Malfoy, Parkinson's looking for you. She's rather angry you didn't wait for her."

"I'm sure. Thanks for the warning. Ariella, 12:30. Don't be late."

"Of course. I'll be there," she promised. With a nod, he left them alone.

"What's at 12:30?"

"Dunno. I'm meeting him at The Three Broomsticks, so I'll assume lunch. Beyond that, I haven't got a clue."

"In the meanwhile, why don't you tell me what's been going on?"

"Nothing much. I'm helping Draco. That's all I can say."

"Are you feeling any better? I know earlier this week you weren't…in the best shape."

"I'm fine. It wasn't a harsh punishment and it needed to be done. Thank you. For…for helping, I mean. I know you probably don't like it."

"I hate it. I don't understand how it could…how anyone could be…but if it'll help you, I won't to refuse. You can tell that to Malfoy."

"I do appreciate that, Theo. It helps."

"That's all I care about. Now, I do have a question, but stop me if you can't answer it."

He waited for her to nod before he continued. "How do you know you need to be punished?"

"The bond itself. It's…powerful. I don't know how to explain it, nor do I want to push it."

"Understood."

"How is your cousin doing?" she asked, changing the subject as they reached the village.

"Kira's doing alright. Her work place has been attacked a few times, so it's been a fright, but she's safe. She's pureblood and carries the Nott family name, so they aren't targeting her directly. I hope they never do."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I'm glad she's safe."

"You and me both. We're close; I don't know what I'd do if I lost her."

"I can only imagine."

Nott paused for a moment, before daring to speak again. "I don't want to think like this, but if the Malfoys die in this war, what happens to you?"

The servant froze, her whole body tense. "I don't know, to be honest. It's possible I'll die, too. It's also possible the bond will either force me to find a new master or else attach me to one itself. I don't want to think about it, but I do know it's something I probably should keep in the back of my mind. But it's not a question I can answer."

"Well, I hope whatever happens, you'll be safe."

"Thank you, Theo. Same goes to you."

Draco stood just outside The Three Broomsticks. He saw his friend and his servant approaching, their cheeks flushed from the cold. Draco tensed, but said nothing as Ariella bowed her head to him.

"How'd you get rid of Parkinson?" Nott asked.

"Told her I had business to attend to. I'll see you back at the castle later, yeah? You can ask me whatever you want to then," he replied stiffly, knowing the look on the other man's face well.

"I'll catch you later, Ariella," he said, placing a brief hand on her shoulder before turning away.

Draco then led her inside, choosing a corner booth by the far corner. Close to a door, she noticed. Just in case. "Do you want anything?"

"Yes, please. Sir," she replied, shedding her master's old cloak.

He left her seated at the table and Ariella took the time to look around. It was a nice place. Cosy, especially given the weather.

Placing two mugs and plates on the table, Draco sat across from her. "Pumpkin juice and sandwiches."

"Thank you, Sir."

"Of course. Please, eat."

"Do I owe you anything?"

"For lunch? Of course not," He scoffed in reply, taking a sip of his own drink before leaning back momentarily, carefully surveying the room, his mask giving away nothing.

"Thank you."

"I do need something from you, however," he countered.

"What is it?"

"I need you to – to give a package to another girl. I'll then have her deliver it to the intended recipient."

"Why not just have me deliver it for you?"

"I don't want you…implicated if things go wrong."

"Draco, I'm your servant. There's always that chance. Why involve others? Besides, you can guarantee my discretion and obedience. Unless you curse or threaten someone else, you can't ensure that."

Slowly, he nodded knowing she was right. "You're sure?"

"Draco, I'm here to help. If there's something I can do, let me do it. Please."

"Okay. You won't like it though."

"Why? What do I have to do?"

"Deliver a package to the Headmaster's office. You need to tell him it's from you or that it was delivered to you and you suspect it's something foul…anything along those lines."

Her eyes widened. "Don't say it, Ariella. You know what needs to be done," he cut across, his tone harsh.

"I'll do as you ask. Just…be careful."

"I will. You do the same."

She nodded, not meeting his eyes as she silently took a bite.

"I don't want to. But you, of all people, know what's at stake."

"I know. And I'm sorry."

"Just don't fight me on it."

She winced, but nodded. Draco's brow furrowed. "What did I say?"

"You said not to fight you, not to contradict you. Sir."

"Ariella, I didn't mean to – . I need to do this, to keep my mother safe and alive. To keep myself alive. You know that, you know what can happen, better than anyone."

"I do and I understand. But with the way the bond works…it begins to become confusing what I am or am not allowed to do. Well, more confusing. And I don't want to disobey you."

"Then just try not to argue with me about my assignment. For both our sakes."

"Thank you. For amending your words, I mean. It does help."

"I told you, Ariella, just tell me if that happens; I don't always realize how my wording is going to sound to the bond, nor do I wish to fully control you."

"I know. I know and I do appreciate that you're willing to adjust so as not to purposely cause me further harm. Speaking of…did you find anything yet? For punishment?"

"No, not yet. I'll keep an eye out, but – "

" – I know you have other things, more important things on our mind right now. I was just curious."

"I understand." He paused. "You know I don't want to punish you, right? You know – "

" – you have to. If you don't, then it – it won't take. The bond, it – you have to want to prove that I'm inferior to you, that I deserve – "

" – Ariella, calm down," he interrupted, his tone harsher then he meant it. The last thing he needed was a scene.

She stopped, immediately pausing in her speech, though Draco could still detect the panic in her brown eyes. "I know. I know that the bond requires that. But I need you to know that I don't relish in causing you pain."

"I - I'm sorry. I just…I can't…thank you. Sir."

"Ariella, you won't suffer needlessly for your disobedience if I can help it."

She just nodded, her gaze down.

"Let's head back. We can talk more at another point if you want, when we aren't in public. Unless you wanted to explore the village more?"

"I'm okay. Thank you for letting me come today, even for a bit."

"Of course."

Draco stood and led the way out. They only got a bit up the road before they were stopped. Ariella closed her eyes in a moment's grimace.

"All done, Draco?" a familiar, but unwelcome voice sounded, linking an arm through Draco's, jostling him and his bag slipped just a bit.

"Yes, Pansy. For now. I thought I'd just meet you at the castle."

"Well why not walk back with me? We can go have some time…for fun now that you're done with your current business."

Ariella tried to keep a straight face. She really didn't want to think about what that meant. Nor did she want to draw attention to herself.

"Perhaps. I'm not quite finished for today."

"But you'll socialize with her?" she scoffed, twisting around to sneer at Ariella.

"She is assisting me. Mind your business, Pansy. You may be my girlfriend, but I do have my own life. It's best you don't know all."

"Very well. Leaves more time for studying anyhow."

From behind them, Ariella could see that something had begun to fall out of Draco's bag, to Pansy's continued jostling of his body, causing the bag to slip and begin to open. It finally did indeed drop and opened. It was a beautiful opal necklace, now half out of its box. Probably for his mother.

"Draco, this dropped," she said, kneeling down to pick it up. Draco turned, his eyes widening, emotion breaking through his mask.

"Ariella, don't – !"

Ariella's head shot up just as her hand closed the necklace. Immediately, her body froze. Her arm began to pulse and burn. Her whole body felt as if it was on fire. Her throat felt like it was closing up. She could feel the powerful Dark Magic pulsing through her veins. Part of her body tried to reject it, while part of it…almost welcomed it. The magic – whatever curse this was, it was powerful and was quickly overtaking her senses. She felt it take over and saw a very quick flash of light yellow before her body succumbed to the darkness of the magic.

"Draco, I must ask again. Where did you get that necklace?"

"I don't need your help, Professor."

"I swore to your mother – "

" – this is my task, my responsibility. I have to do this."

"There is no shame in asking for assistance."

"I don't need it from you."

"I – "

" – Severus, if I could speak with Mr. Malfoy." Both men turned to see Madame Pomphrey waiting for them. Draco glared at his professor and followed the matron witch into her office.

"She's been badly cursed. IF she were another student, she would have been transferred to St. Mungo's already."

"And because she isn't?"

"We can't. They wouldn't take her immediately because of her status nor would her care be as extensive. It's the way it is. And you cannot be there to consistently oversee and give or deny permission for her treatment."

"So what happens to her? Surely you're not going to leave her untreated?"

"That depends on you. If you give me your permission to treat her, I can. It will take a while. We also have to consider the bond itself might be affecting or affected by this curse's magic."

"I want to see her."

Madame Pomphrey nodded. "Of course. Follow me."

She led Draco to a separate room he had never before noticed, just behind the far bed. She lay upon the bed, pale and flushed, beads of sweat covering her forehead. Every now and again, her body would twitch, but otherwise, she lay completely still.

"I'll be back in ten minutes."

Draco nodded as they were left alone. Immediately, he went over to his servant and she bucked up as he placed his hand to the bond. He had to force himself steady as the force of magic in her system – dark magic – threated to affect him as well. Was this what he almost subjected the Headmaster to?

But he blinked quickly. He couldn't think about that now. Pushing against the mark further, he realized the bond was…almost receiving the curse from the necklace with…greed. It was using it to punish her body, it was recognizing similar origin magic and connecting with it. Yet, Ariella's own magic was trying to fight the curse. He wondered…

"I order your body to reject the curse placed on you from the necklace you touched."

Her body immediately began seizing on the bed. Eyes wide, Draco stumbled backwards, breaking his touch with her arm.

"What on earth is going on? Mr. Malfoy, do I have your permission to treat Miss Lyons?"

He nodded. "Yes. Keep me updated. Please."

"Of course. You'd best get back to your Common Room. It's almost curfew."

Draco nodded curtly to the matronly witch and obeyed. He got back to the Common Room and he had to work harder than usual to keep his mask in place. Some form of luck must have been with him, because the Common Room wasn't as crowded as it usually was on a Saturday night.

He strode quickly and pointedly through the room, descending into the cool staircase leading towards the dormitory rooms. Entering the room, he realized all others were there. He braced himself and went to Nott's bed, pulling the curtains shut and casting an anti – eavesdropping spell around them.

"Malfoy?" Theodore looked up from the book he was reading, sitting up properly as he noted his classmate's tensed body.

"Ariella's in the hospital wing. There's no telling how long she'll be there."

"What the bloody hell happened?"

"She was cursed. The bond and her body are both reacting strongly. She's hidden away, so as not to draw more attention."

"Would you permit me to see her?"

He nodded, sitting down. "I'll give you a note stating I'm allowing you to see her. No one else should. When I left, her body was seizing."

"Malfoy – " Nott gasped out, horrified. " – what is happening to her?"

"She's been cursed. I thought you should know, given how close you are. Speaking of…of close are you?"

"Nothing like you're imagining. Thank you for letting me know about my friend."

"Of course." Draco paused, before allowing himself the briefest of moment's weakness in front of the other young man. "I'm glad she has you to support her…support us."

Theodore looked up solemnly and nodded in understanding.

wiki/Opal_Necklace