Chapter 105:

(Un)Welcomed Back

Draco only just schooled his features in time as he leaned back against the seat of the Hogwarts Express cabin. "I don't want you coming to the welcome back banquet."

"I can handle it."

"I don't doubt it. Regardless, I don't want you there. Things are going to be far different. The less the others see of you, the better. Whether that be Death Eaters, classmates, other professors... If you need…outside help," he said, pausing for a moment to both take a breath and think what he was about to say through.

"If you need outside help, besides myself or even Nott, go to the professors you know…we know…we can trust in this. They'll protect you best they can; possibly better than I can. McGonagall, Sprout, Flitwick; they've at least all had you for a brief while. I would even go so far as to add in Hooch, Sinistra, and Vector. Visit Madame Pomfrey as much as you need. I'll give her all the permission I need to for you to be properly treated."

"Thank you, Sir." She hesitated, before continuing. "And Snape?"

Draco looked up at her sharply. "What about him?"

"I know things have been…rough for you. Especially with him. But can we trust him?"

It took him a few minutes before he responded. "If you need to go to him for help, don't hesitate. Especially as it may pertain to privacy for the bond or escaping the other Death Eaters. But try not to share details about…me, about us, with him."

"Yes, Sir. Understood."

"Be careful who you associate with. There will be eyes everywhere. More so than in the past."

"I gathered as much, Sir. I'll be careful. I promise."

He just nodded once curtly in response.

"I know I have to be careful. That I have to treat them with deference, even if we don't like it. I'll try not to get into more trouble than is bound to happen. But – I know I have to act…more "servant–like" to you than in the past at Hogwarts. But to what extent? I'm sorry I keep asking, but I don't want – "

Draco stopped her with a simple raised hand. " – I understand. I'm not angry with you for double checking. We'll be reassessing once we see what the climate at Hogwarts is actually like. For now, just show…mild deference. Don't use my name if others are around – Nott being the exception. If you're unsure, more formal is better. At least for now."

"Yes, Sir. Thank you. Where do you want me to go instead of the banquet?"

"The girls' dormitory. If I need you afterwards, I'll let you know. Otherwise, plan to…meet up tomorrow. Just unpack and be prepared and rest. Have a house elf bring you dinner. Do what you need to do."

"Yes, Sir. Thank you."

"I'm surprised to see you here, Lyons. Didn't think you'd have the guts to show your face this year."

She stiffened but didn't turn around, didn't want to respond. It wouldn't do any good anyway.

"Too scared to speak?"

Ariella simply closed the curtain around her bed. Not that it would act as much of a deterrent if the other girls, Parkinson specifically, really wanted to get to her, but it was better than nothing. She wasn't sure what else to do, but she knew ignoring it seemed to be her best bet.

Sure enough, it swung open. Ariella did not turn around.

"I was talking to you."

"I know. But I don't want to talk to you," she replied over her shoulder, already silently cursing herself for provoking the other girl, who's eyes narrowed, lips curling up in a sneer. Ariella could feel eyes raking up and down her form, daggers glaring into her back. And then she was hearing the curtain snap closed again. She was confused, but wouldn't question it, instead letting out a brief breath of relief.

"Good Morning, Dr – Sir. I hope I didn't keep you waiting long."

Draco's gaze snapped up as he heard the quiet greeting.

"Good morning, Ariella. Not at all. How did things go last night?"

"Nothing unusual happened, Sir."

"What does that mean, exactly?"

"It means I was…antagonized a bit, but nothing further, Sir."

He didn't need names. He could picture what had happened.

"What do you need from me, Sir?"

"I'm not sure yet," he admitted.

"How was the feast?"

Draco stiffened unconsciously and leaned back, quiet for a moment in the seat. He gave a curt nod to a few housemates as they passed through the common room, but didn't otherwise acknowledge them.

"There have been some staffing changes you need to know about. Major ones. Snape's become headmaster. The Carrows have taken over for "Muggle Studies" and Defence Against the Dark Arts, though now I'm sure it's just going to be Dark Arts."

"Oh. That's...not good."

Draco snorted in response.

"I meant for you. I mean...last I checked, the Carrows don't really like you, especially after...well, after last year."

"No. No they do not. Another reason to stay out of sight. If they think they can use you against me, they will."

"Phenomenal," muttered Ariella, before something else occurred to her. "Dr – Sir?"

He just raised an eyebrow at her.

"Am I going to be…used as demonstration?"

"It's a possibility. It's one of the reasons I want you to stay out of sight. If…when they ask, I want to know about it. Every time. It also wouldn't shock me to see other Death Eaters brought in as…guests," he said, spitting the last word.

"I also anticipate being called to other meetings, whether it's here or at the Manor. If my father begins summoning you more often, especially if he's using you as…as a buffer or a bribe, I want to know about it. Be alert. I'm going to be on edge more so than usual. There is so much more at stake. I do not want that to stop you from coming to me."

Shakily, she nodded, swallowing hard. "Yes, Sir. I understand. Thank you. I do appreciate all of it."

"I know," he replied, his voice low and serious as he met her eyes evenly. She held his gaze for a moment, before dropping it again.

"Do you want to take breakfast in the Great Hall or in your room?"

"What do you want me to do?"

"Your room it is," Draco said decisively. "Just give me a moment; I've forgotten something in the dorm."

She nodded as he walked swiftly away from the table, grateful when he returned not even five minutes later without incident.

They walked to the room, quietly as they could. Draco placed his hand against the keyhole, letting them into the private room.

"I'm going to secure the wards on this room further. Stay here as often as you wish. The castle should be able to provide...proper accommodations. If it can't, be careful when going and coming."

"Of course, Sir," she replied without much thought, jumping as a house elf arrived with food. She nodded her thanks at the small creature.

"One more thing before Nott hopefully arrives. Keep this on you," Draco said, drawing a familiar box from his bag. "Use it when you need to. Just remember what I've said."

"Thank you, Sir. And I - I don't think I could forget. Not with...with how much is at stake."

"I'm not worried about you forgetting so much as trying to fight what they do," admitted Draco. "You have a history of doing that," he continued, somewhat wryly.

Ariella flushed and bowed her head. "I suppose I do. I - I'm sorry. I promise you, I will try my best not to put you in more danger. To follow your instructions and orders."

"Of that, I have no doubts."

Leaning over, in a rare and brief show of emotion, Draco closed his hand over hers as she gripped the wand box. For the second time that morning, she dared to evenly meet his gaze and nodded, hoping her body language and expression would communicate what she couldn't.