Harry stared right into Ariana's eyes, committing the flicker of life deep in those dysfunctional orbs to memory. He knew she was concerned for him, but to him it was not quite necessary. After what the family had done to him, he was ready to give nearly everything for them. And he knew they would likely agree to receive less, because…
He could not say it, even to himself.
But action spoke louder than words, people said, and he intended to prove it now.
Stifling his discomfort as best as he could, he reached out towards the tendril of awareness touching his spirit. Then, as a part of their souls mingled, he resited his oath in his mind, as his spirit poured forth senses of concepts and self into the words. `I shall keep any information about this family to myself. No one, human or otherwise, shall get it from me by any means.`
Ariana then piped in in the same manner, `I shall relinquish you from your obligation when the family deem it safe to do so. Meanwhile, we shall do our best to protect you against all that intend to threaten you – body, mind, spirit and being.`
`So mote it be.`
And on that identical declaration, a barely-perceptible tie linked their souls to each other. Harry reeled and shivered. The theories were definitely too dry and skimpy for the real experience. But the newly-opened, semi-permanent awareness of Ariana in his own spirit was worth the feelings of high discomfort and disquiet evoked by the ritual. He might miss the twins – and even their rigorous training – sorely at Hogwarts, as much as his boyish pride would deny it; now he would not have to rely on the oft-missing blue stone for that.
"Thanks," he breathed, deliberately pinning his gaze on the frothing-and-bubbling surface of the small pond below the freshet. He reasoned to himself that, since Ariana was blind, she did not need the eye contact. Simultaneously, he ignored his heart's whispering that he just did not want to look into her eyes after such an intimate moment.
Now, though, it was time for answers…
"Where's Ardila?"
Oh, he had not expected that question himself.
Ariana shook her head. "You'll know soon enough."
– But he did want to know… Oh well.
"Will you take me to Kings' Cross for school?"
Awwh! Why did he ask that? It sounded pathetically needy.
Ariana did not have to smile teasingly like that too… Gah.
Blushing red, Harry opened his mouth to amend his question. But before he got out even the first word, she said, "We shall, Harry. At least you can count on me and Dila. We'll all be disguised, though. You'll lose that disguise once you've entered the portal."
That sparked another question… "Where are the others?"
Unexpectedly, Ariana fell silent on that.
Oh. Ah.
Guilt twinged on Harry's heart. That must be a sensitive – if not sore – subject for her, and perhaps for Ardila too. How to mend that?