Chapter 137:

Slow Steps Forward

Slowly, they settled into a routine. It was hard to adjust back. It wasn't the same place as before. Not to mention, for the first time in years, they wouldn't be returning to Hogwarts.

There were courses set up through the Ministry to help those whose education has suffered due to the war and Draco had already signed up for them, set on receiving his N.E.W.T.S. and having something to do to help pass the time; make the transition easier. Even given he was now a year behind – at least, in terms of the program – it was still better than nothing. He was just grateful the Ministry was willing to accept him into the program.

A knock at his door had him looking up, wand automatically sliding into his palm as he walked to the door, swinging it wide open.

Ariella's eyes immediately caught on the wand, her breaths speeding up minutely despite knowing it wasn't a threat directed at her.

"Sorry to interrupt you, Sir."

Draco simply stepped aside, letting her in and sheathing his wand.

"I had – have – a favour to ask. Two, actually, and I know they're a lot and I'll take the consequences, but I need – "

" – what are they?"

"The…easier one, first. Theo invited me to spend some time with him – and Grant – alone."

"You hardly need my permission for that, given Nott's tie, but I'll give it all the same. Just let me know when and where. If he invites you to spend the night, the answer is yes, so long as I'm made aware."

She nodded. "Yes, Sir. Thank you."

"What's the second favour?"

"I know you're going to be taking classes to finish your N.E.W.T.S. I also know that I can't ever sit for any exam and that I can't have my wand in the Manor or use much magic, especially against someone, but I wanted to know if – "

" – Ariella, just spit it out."

" – would you teach me?"

"Teach you what, exactly?"

"Just…more magic. I didn't get very far in my education and even when I was paying attention, I wasn't able to fully grasp it. I was hoping you would be willing to teach me some spells that I can use."

Draco was silent for a moment while he considered her request.

"First, let's see about lifting the Manor ban on your wand usage. Then we'll talk."

"But that's – "

" – my father's doing, yes. I'll look into that first. Then I'll see about the rest."

She nodded quickly. "Yes, Sir. Thank you."

"Now I have two questions for you."

"Of course, Sir."

"Do you have more of the balm and if not, do you have what you need to make more?"

"I believe I still have some left and I'll check on my supplies, Sir."

"Good. Second, have you heard from Potter or Longbottom since our release?"

"Not directly. According to Theo, though, Neville did come into Olivander's once to ask after me, though."

"If you want to, you have my permission to reach out to them."

She nodded. "Thank you, Sir."

"You came? He let you?" Grant asked in lew of a traditional greeting as Ariella approached the table. She nodded, taking a seat across from the couple.

"He isn't cruel."

"What do you want? Our treat."

"I can – "

" – we want to. And before you ask, no, you don't owe us for this," Theo said, cutting off his friend.

Grant shot his boyfriend a curious look.

"Everything has permissions and consequences tied to it," explained Ariella. "Theo's trying to head off the bond's insistence or request for it."

"I see. Theo mentioned you came to Hogwarts mostly to serve?"

She nodded again. "I was never sorted. I was initially allowed to attend classes, if only to help protect the…anonymity of the bond. It isn't something that is popularly in use right now. The professors were all aware of what I was…am, rather. However, as the years progressed and we moved on from simpler magic, it wasn't seen as instrumental, nor helpful, for me to continue my education. I could best serve the Malfoys by not going to class. It wasn't right for me to be learning as an equal."

"Why did Mr. Malfoy allow you to get a wand in the first place? To learn at all?"

"Partially to keep up appearances, I suppose. Partially so I wouldn't be completely magically inept. I never got an answer, but I'm not going to fully question it. I'm grateful for the chances I have had to learn."

The boys nodded.

"So, did you want anything?" Theo asked again, nodding towards the counter.

"A warm butterbeer, please."

Immediately, Theo went to place her order while Grant looked over the young lady in front of him.

"Are you working now, too?"

Grant nodded. "At Quality Quidditch and then during the summer, I ran a Quidditch camp."

"Nice."

"And you? How's your adjustment going?"

"It's an adjustment," she admitted. "A bit lost, but nothing some more time won't fix."

"Understandable.

"How'd you end up together? If I can ask?"

"I've been interested in Theo for a while now if you recall. After the war ended, I reached out. Asked to meet for tea. From there, things progressed."

"And it doesn't bother you? Me, I mean?"

"What about you?"

"That we're close friends. That he sometimes has to help me out in ways…I mean, with the bond, it isn't…the bond makes it complicated."

"No and partially. It doesn't bother me that you're friends. It does somewhat bother me that he has to help with the bond nonsense, that he may be asked to do more than is strictly fair, but that's hardly your fault."

Grant glanced at the counter, making sure Theo was still out of range before leaning across the table a bit.

"Theo confided in me that you fear he'll abandon you. I won't be the reason for that. Him and I dating – it's a step in the right direction for him, but it doesn't mean Theo will stop caring for you any less just because I've now entered the picture. I'm not that type of partner."

Ariella gave a shaky smile and nod as their mutual friend returned with mugs for all of them.

"Everything alright?" he asked, setting down the three mugs of butterbeer.

Ariella glanced quickly at Grant before nodding. "Thank you. For the drink and for inviting me out. It's nice."

"Our pleasure."