Trigger Warnings: Aftermath of Torture

Chapter 93

Concerned Prodding

"Draco, would you like me to rewrap those for you?"

Her master's head shot up and he realized he'd once again been rubbing at his bandages through his shirt. It had been almost a month since "the incident", two weeks since he had been released from the Hospital Wing.

Slowly, he nodded, removing his tie, and shirt, laying them aside. He had been careful to avoid questions from his peers…even more so from Pansy. He didn't want to answer to her right now, didn't want her to see. He didn't want anyone to see; Ariella, of course, being the exception. So he had taken to, well…practically hiding, seeking solace in "Ariella's Room". He was grateful she was letting him, though he wouldn't say so aloud; technically, what was hers was his, after all. Nott was the only other person outside of staff to have seen; he wasn't thrilled, but he wouldn't complain about his classmate.

He began unwrapping his old bandages, wincing as he did so. "May I?" she asked, her hands coming to his, startling him. Slowly, he nodded. Leaning back so that she could take over; it felt odd, letting her do so.

She was careful and gentle with her movements. Despite it being a month later, he was still healing; that was a dark curse Potter had used. Even with Severus' knowledge of the counter curse and Madame Pomfrey's medical knowledge, it was a slow process; his body wasn't responding all too well to treatment, though why, no one could say. Both staff members noted he should have been fully recovered by now. But he wasn't.

"How are your scars feeling?" he asked as she took care of his own.

She briefly looked up at him, before continuing her job. "They're okay. They still hurt of course, but having them not always being reopened or added to helps," she replied matter–of–factly.

He snorted, grimacing at the motion. "I would imagine so. Do you need me to redress them?"

"I – I think I'm okay at the moment. I'll let you know."

He nodded curtly, watching her carefully as she finished treating him. She stood up, moving to throw out the old bandages and put away the balm when the door opened. Both heads snapped up, bodies stiffening; Draco immediately grabbed for his wand.

Theodore stopped short as he saw both of his friends staring at him. His eyes widened as he took in Draco's wrapped torso and the mess of bandages and balm in Ariella's hands.

"Bloody hell, Malfoy. Still?"

Draco tensed unconsciously, even as he put his wand back away, but nodded curtly. "Still. What did you need?"

"Snape's looking for you. Something about an advising meeting you missed. And – er – I wanted to talk to Ariella."

Draco cursed under his breath. He didn't want to face his godfather right now; though he had truly forgotten about the meeting. He reached next to him, shrugging on his shirt with minimal difficulty.

"Draco? What do you need from me?"

As he buttoned his shirt, he looked up at his servant, trying to ignore his classmate's hardening gaze. Her voice was careful; he knew she was worried.

"Nothing at the moment. You can stay here and talk to Nott; you can go around the school, get dinner if you like. I'll be back later; if I need you specifically, I'll…send for you," he replied, not sure how else to phrase it, especially with Nott present.

"Malfoy, can she answer questions about the bond for me?"

He nodded slowly, rising, shrugging on his robe. "Ariella, you're aware of your boundaries. If it becomes a problem, ask me later and we'll see."

His friends just nodded. Nott looked a bit nervous to him, but frankly, he didn't have time to worry about it right now. "Ariella, take it easy."

She nodded, giving him a slight bow of her head. Both boys stiffened at the clearly submissive movement.

Draco left, moving stiffly as he hid his pain as he had been trained to do. Theodore took a seat at the desk as Ariella sat down again on her bed. "What did you want to talk to me about?"

"Er – two things. First, how are you feeling? After…well, all that's been happening."

"Fine. I'm fine, I promise," she paused, putting the balm away. "Theo…I don't want to overstep, but what's bothering you?"

"I have to ask you a personal question. About the bond."

"Alright. Ask away."

"Is the bond…is Malfoy…is he forcing you?"

"What do you mean? Of course the bond forces us."

"No. I mean, does he force you to serve him? Does he…it…?" he stuttered. Nott paused, trying to get his bearings. This only unnerved her more; he was normally so composed and level–headed and sure; for him to be this anxious wasn't a good thing.

"Theo, what is it?"

"Nevermind. I – I don't…I don't know how to ask."

"Theodore?"

"Please don't push me. I'm sorry I started to ask. I…it isn't my business."

Slowly, she nodded. "Al – alright, if you're sure. I appreciate your concern. But I have to serve him…them…I'm their property. They can do as they wish with me."

"Surely you don't think of yourself like that."

"Legally, I am. They can do as they like with me. I can't really do anything to stop it; I'll be hurt if I do."

"But you aren't! You're a – "

" – a piece of property. Please, Theo. I know you mean well. I appreciate it, I do. But I am their property."

Slowly, Theo nodded hating that this was the reality he was living in – that his friend(s) were stuck in.

"I'm sure you can always ask Draco if you have further questions. He doesn't particularly like it, but he trusts you. I know he does, as do I."

"I'm aware…but it's good to hear nonetheless."

"Was there anything else?"

"Hmm? Oh, er – no. I just…wanted to make sure – "

" – I don't know what it will want from us in the future. But it isn't your responsibility."

"I may not be bonded to you, but that doesn't mean I have to ignore what's happening."

"I…I'm grateful to you, but truly, it doesn't change anything, Theo."

He nodded slowly, understanding what she was saying as he crossed his arms over his chest.

"How is Malfoy holding up? I can't believe he's still…"

" – he's holding up. I – I'm helping him as I can."

"I'm sure you are."

"I think the bond…or the Dark Mark…something is interfering with his recovery. Besides the fact that he isn't exactly taking care of himself, I mean. He shouldn't still have bandages at this point. But he…he's getting better, but he still needs them."

"I see. Are you…you aren't required to give some of…your magic to him, to help heal him, are you?"

She shook her head gently. "I was compelled to do so when he was first injured, but not now. It might ask in the future, but I think it's only for emergency situations, or else if he asks it of me."

"Thank you. For telling me."

"You stand by me…us…despite the bond and its complications; the least we can do is tell you about it as we're…well, I'm allowed to."

She paused for a moment, before continuing. "I know he may not say it to you, but he does value your friendship."

Nott gave a small, smile towards her. "And I his. Thank you for saying so, even on his behalf."

"How are you feeling, Draco?"

"Fine, Sir."

"Draco, you've barely been attentive in classes, you've all but quit the quidditch team; you clearly aren't sleeping. I'd hardly call that fine."

"It's not your concern, Professor. I'm handling it."

"Remarkably, from where I stand," his godfather replied dryly.

"Is that all you wanted? To lecture me?"

"I'm trying to help you. I promised your mother – "

" – that doesn't mean I have to accept your help. I'm better without you," Draco interrupted, his tone cold as he stood as tall as he could, ignoring the pain that shot through his chest.

"Draco, I – "

" – are we done here?"

Snape stiffened. "Yes. We're done. If I receive further notice of your…insolence, I will act accordingly, as your Head of House and your godfather."

"Yes, Sir."

"Ariella?"

"Yes, Sir?"

"I may have to go back for Easter break."

"I was going to ask you about that."

"You – you'll be staying here."

That got her attention. "What?"

"I don't want you going back to the Manor. If I need you, I can always summon you."

"Draco, I – is that even allowed?"

"I can just order you to stay behind. Simple."

"But I – why?"

"Why? Because you're in more danger there than you are here."

"Well, yes, probably, but I – I'm supposed to serve you, supposed to accompany you – "

" – do you want to come to the Manor, then? To face my aunt and Greyback and all the others for the whole of break?"

He watched as she visibly, if unconsciously, shrunk back from his words and harsh tone. "I just don't wish to further anger the bond," she replied timidly, causing Draco's gaze to soften ever so slightly.

"I understand that, truly I do. But if I request it, if I tell you to stay here, it shouldn't."

"May I – can I ask something of you then?"

He nodded at her. "What is it?"

"Will you…can you…give me permission to use the castle's resources and…er – "

" – Ariella, I'm not in the mood. What do you want from me?"

"A punishment."

"What?"

"Punishment. Draco, we both know the bond…likes it when you punish me. Will you do so before you leave? It might appease the bond until you get back. Or summon me, whichever comes first.

Slowly, he nodded. "I'll deal with it right before I leave next Friday."

"Yes, Sir. Thank you."

She paused and Draco began fishing in his bag for something.

"How likely is it that I'll be called to you?"

"Very likely. But if you can avoid even a few days there, then it's preferable."

"Thank you, Draco. Truly."