Chapter 94:

Guards Up Without Defense

Draco closed his trunk.

"Is there anything you need from me while you're home for break?"

"Recover. Research if you want. Be prepared for me to summon you."

"Yes, Sir."

"I want you to have this while I'm gone," he said, holding out a familiar wand.

"Draco, I can't."

"And why not?"

"You know why I – "

" – have a right to defend yourself."

"What if someone catches me? He may be in Azkaban, but your father's orders still hold."

"Once you return to the Manor, I'll take it back from you."

Shakily, Ariella reached out to take her wand. It gave her a shock of magic. She dropped the wand as though burned.

"Ariella?"

"I – I can't. thank you, but I can't. it won't let me."

"In that case, please watch your back very carefully. If you need me, just ask for it. Don't worry about whatever the bond wants in return; I'm ordering you to ask for me if the situation arises." They had the hated bond; might as well use it.

"Can't I just come with you?"

"Do you really want to?"

Slowly, she shook her head.

"Then stay here until I call for you. You have permission to use of all the facilities sixth–year students can, unless the bond or a professor tells you otherwise. I only request you don't leave the castle or its grounds."

"Yes, Sir," she paused. "Thank you, Draco. I do appreciate it."

He nodded at her. "You're welcome."

Ariella sat in her room, making more salve. The rate she and Draco were going through it was quicker than usual. It gave her something to do, since both Theodore and Draco had left the previous day for the holidays.

Reaching over to grab the next ingredient, she winced. The reminder punishment she had received before Draco's departure had not been pleasant…but it certainly wasn't as bad as it could have been. After all, it had simply been a reminder, as opposed to a full–blown punishment.

She was worried, especially given how long Draco had been taking for this task. She knew it wasn't going to be a pleasant time, given how little patience the Dark Lord had. She almost wished she had gone with him, to see if she could have taken the punishment for him. But she knew why he wanted her to stay behind, and she couldn't blame him; it wasn't like she wished to go back to the Manor.

"Why have you not yet been successful?"

"It's taking longer than expected, My Lord."

"Clearly. Was I wrong to believe you could accomplish such a task? Are you a failure like your pathetic father?"

"N – no, My Lord. I will succeed. I'm almost there. I just need a bit more time."

"Pity."

"My Lord, I swear it to you, I will complete this task for you."

"You had better."

Ariella felt her bond sear. She understood and immediately responded; it wasn't like it was unexpected, afterall. She fell to her knees, unsurprisingly, in her Master's room. "How can I help you, Sir?"

"Get the salve."

She just nodded and rose. Only when she turned back, salve in hand, did she get a good look at her younger master. She gasped. He was pale and a sheen of sweat coated his brow.

"Draco?"

"Get me out of these robes," he gritted out between his teeth. "Get me to the loo."

She just nodded, moving to his side. She offered her arm to him. He took it and leaned heavily on her body. She was now supporting him, helping him over to the edge of the tub. She then began taking off his heavy robes and shirt.

Bruises were beginning to bloom all over his skin. She stayed silent, simply wetting a wash cloth, and beginning to clean his skin, wiping away dirt, sweat, and specks of blood. She then exchanged the cloth for the jar of balm and began spreading it over his torso. He winced, but otherwise, he stayed silent as well; he refused to show such weakness. He knew she wouldn't judge him, but it still wouldn't do; it wasn't the Malfoy way, after all.

"Sir?"

Her voice was tentative. He looked up.

"Do you want a pain potion?"

He paused, before shaking his head.

"What can I do to help?"

"What you're doing is helpful enough. I just need to find another way."

"I understand. Just…please, let me help."

Slowly, he nodded. "Of course I will."

"What else can I do for you tonight?"

"Just help me over to the bed in a bit. Leave the salve. In the meantime, just clean up in my room."

"Yes, Sir."

She left, and Draco let out the breath he was holding. He appreciated her assistance, but he need a little bit of space. To work through his pain, through his thoughts, through everything. Tonight had been painful and humiliating and he knew he wasn't handling it well.

Swallowing hard, he rose and changed into his sleep clothes; Merlin did it hurt to twist his body to do so. He cast a medical stasis spell on his torso, so the salve wouldn't come off on the sheets when he lied down.

He opened the door and immediately, his servant came over to assist him. He leaned on her, more so than he wanted to admit. She didn't say a word about it though, simply assisting him over. While he knew she wasn't judging him, per say, it still stung to have to rely on her so much.

"If you don't need anything else, I'm going to head upstairs," she said quietly, breaking the silence. He looked up at her, stilling, before swallowing hard, summoning some courage, and replying.

"Would you be willing to stay here?"

"What?"

"Would you be willing to stay here? Just in case."

"I don't understand; you can always summon me. Why would it matter where I am?"

He could see her point. But, as much as he hated to admit it, it would make him feel better if she stayed. He had felt…more comfortable when they were sharing 'her' room back at school.

She seemed to sense his hesitation and moved to sit in his recliner, curling her feet underneath herself. If she were honest, she was grateful not to have to make the trip up there tonight. Draco reached for his wand once more and transfigured his desk chair into a cot. "It's not great, but it's something. I'm afraid I can't do more right now, unless you want to share my bed."

"It's alright. Thank you, I appreciate the cot; it's better than what I have upstairs," she said, before her eyes widened. "Not that I'm complaining – "

" – it's fine; I know what you have. You may use the extra blankets or my robe in the closet if you wish."

She rose, getting the recommended amenities, wrapping them around her body. She took a pillow from the recliner and curled up as he extinguished the light.