Chapter 138:

Reaching Out

A sharp rap on the window caused Draco to look up, both annoyed and relieved to be interrupted from the tedious Ministry school work. He didn't recognize the owl requesting entry, but he obliged nevertheless, taking the scrolled parchment from the owl's talon.

Draco –

It was good to run into you the other week. I do hope you are doing well. I heard you're working on your N.E.W.T.S., too. If you want to study together, we can always meet up during a Hogsmeade weekend.

Good luck.

– Astoria Greengrass

He wasn't expecting that. Not at all. But it was a welcome surprise, nonetheless. Especially given everything. He knew he and his family weren't welcome anymore. At least not in most parts of "respectable" society.

He walked back to the desk, letter in hand, digging an owl treat from the desk draw as he did so.

He picked up his quill when another rap – this one on the door – interrupted him again. Hanging his head for a moment at the uncanny timing, Draco flicked his wand, opening the door.

"I'm sorry to interrupt you, Sir. I – "

" – what do you need, Ariella?"

From the corner of his eye, he saw her flinch at the bite in his tone. This wasn't her fault.

"I thought you'd want to know. I received a letter from Harry and Neville."

"Took them long enough," he muttered. "Right. Let me see."

As she came forward, she noticed the owl and newly unscrolled letter on his desk.

"You also received one?"

Quickly, he moved fresh parchment over the letter. He wasn't ready for her to know yet. "I did. Just not from them." He held out his hand for the other new letter, but kept his attention on her. "What did they want?"

"Just to invite me over, to catch up. But I thought that even if I didn't need permission for Theo, I definitely did for them."

He nodded. "You're correct. I want to know if they give you anything. If they invite you to stay, you may, but I'd like a floo first."

"Yes, Sir. I understand. Thank you."

"When and where do they want you?"

"Next Saturday, at Neville's place."

He raised an eyebrow, surprised Longbottom was willing to give out his address to him, if indirectly.

"You can go. I won't forbid you from speaking about the bond, as I know they'll ask, but keep it generalized."

"I understand, Sir. Thank you."

He nodded once. "Was there anything else?"

She shifted, crossing her right arm across her body. That wasn't good.

"Let me guess. The bond?"

She nodded.

"Let me get through this work. We'll handle it tonight or tomorrow. In the meantime, you can reply to Longbottom and Potter, let them know you'll be coming."

"Yes, Sir. Thank you."

"And Ariella?" Draco waited for her to turn back to him, to look directly at him. "We've been through this. You don't need to hesitate when asking after the bond's demands. I know it's coming."

Shakily, she just nodded again. "Yes, Sir."

The following Saturday, Ariella dressed in the same transfigured blouse and slacks that she'd worn to meet Grant in. She met Draco by the floo.

"If their heroics get to be too much, you send a request for me or floo me. I don't mind taking the fall."

"You shouldn't have to – "

" – it doesn't bother me. They already don't think highly of me or the bond. I know you are friends, but not all that close. If you need an out, you use the bond." It's got to be good for something.

"Thank you, Sir. I – I do appreciate it."

"Of course."

Draco watched as she disappeared through the floo before grabbing his own cloak and following her through the fireplace, albeit to a different destination.

"Thank you," said Ariella, taking the warm cup of tea and sitting on the plush chair.

"We weren't sure he'd let you come," Harry said quietly, placing a plate of biscuits on the table.

"He's grateful for what you've both done for us."

"I'm sorry we couldn't reduce your sentence further."

She shrugged, looking down at her mug as she replied. "It isn't your fault. You tried and you bargained for far better than it would have been otherwise. For both of us."

"How are you adjusting?"

"It's odd. Especially seeing the sudden change towards Draco, towards the Malfoy family. It hasn't been much different for me, though, to be honest. But what about you? Your life has to have changed in the past year and a half."

The boys shot each other a short look before nodding. Harry started. "I've been in Auror training. It's…not hard, per say. Tedious though. Especially considering what…real threats we've faced."

She nodded. "I can understand that. They're still making you go through training?"

"It's a faster track, given my history and how many people were lost. I'm at the end of the program. I expect to be officiated within the next few months and jump a few ranks."

She nodded. It made sense.

"I've been taking classes to work towards becoming a Herbology Master. I'm about half–way through the program."

"That's great! I'm happy for you."

"I've also begun seeing Hannah Abbott. She's working at the Leaky Cauldron currently. Do you remember her?"

"Vaguely. Hufflepuff, yeah?"

Neville nodded. "Yeah. She's training under Tom to take over soon."

"Nice. Good for her."

"You're welcome to come over for a drink or a bite if you're allowed."

"I appreciate that," she paused for a moment. "How is everyone else? I haven't heard much."

"Everyone's recovering."

It was a short answer. Shorter than she thought she'd get.

"How is – " Neville was cut off by a bell cutting through the semi-peace. They all jumped, both boys instinctually rising with wands out, even as Harry reached into his jean's pocket, pulling out a device she didn't recognize.

"Excuse me. I need to take care of this."

Once Harry was out of the room, Neville angled his body to her again more directly and lowered his voice.

"I don't know how much he knows, but I did want to ask. How are your injuries? Your back, specifically?"

"I'm okay. They're healing as much as they can. Mr. Malfoy still has some access to me, I still am required to receive some punishment, but they're better than they were. And Harry – he's seen it once. On accident."

"I see. Anything we can do?"

She shook her head. "No. Not for this. Though if you know of any herbs or concoctions that are good for healing, I'll take suggestions."

"I'll let you know if I come across anything."

"Thank you. For inviting me. And for what you did seventh year and during the trials. I know it couldn't have been easy."

"Easier than you'd think. I'd do it again. As far as I'm concerned, you were forced. Are forced," he corrected. "If you need a place to take a break, my door is open."

Draco popped his collar and slipped into The Three Broomsticks, careful to keep as inconspicuous as possible. His presence was sure to garner unwanted attention and possible hostility.

He saw Astoria Greengrass waiting for him in a booth near the door. He was grateful. It would mean he could make a quick getaway if need be.

"Hello Draco."

"Hello Astoria."

"How are you?"

"Fine. Thank you for inviting me. It's a nice change."

"Yeah. Of course. I'm glad you said yes." She smiled shyly. "What are you working on in your courses right now?"

"Protean, Shield, Veritaserum, and Small Animal Transfiguration."

"We've started with Shields, too, though most of us are already pretty good at them for…obvious reasons. We haven't started with Protean or Veritaserum, but we have also begun on Small Animal Transfiguration."

"What are you working on then?"

"Water spells and Polyjuice."

Draco just nodded, his eyes unconsciously sweeping the room again. He noted a few staring, but for now, they seemed relatively safe.

"Did you want anything?"

Draco's gaze snapped back to Astoria's. He raised an eyebrow.

"I realized we haven't ordered anything. Did you want?"

"No. Though If you do, don't let that stop you."

She nodded, rising to go towards the bar.

"What the bloody hell are you doing here, Malfoy?"

Glancing up, he saw someone he didn't recognize addressing him. It had taken under a minute before someone had approached him.

"None of your business."

"You're here with Greengrass. That makes it my business."

"Are you related to her?"

"No."

"Then back off."

"Haslin. Did you need something?" Astoria asked, coming back with two cups in hand.

"What is he doing here?"

"I invited him. Is there a problem?"

"Why would you invite him?"

"I wanted to. Is there a problem?"

There was a curtness to her tone that hadn't been there before. He hadn't realized she had such a spine. He was pleasantly surprised.

Haslin looked between the odd couple, before sneering at Malfoy and turning away.

"I'm sorry about him. We…we were paired off a lot during the war year. We grew protective of our friends."

"Of course. I understand…I'm glad you have someone looking out for you."

"I know you said you didn't want anything, but I got you a water in case."

"Thank you," he said, further pleasantly surprised at her.

Taking a sip, he looked across the table as she retook her seat.

"Why did you invite me? Why did you write me in the first place?"

"We're both studying for the exams."

"I'm hardly the only one taking the Ministry courses."

"You never dismissed me."

"Excuse me."

"I'm your classmate's little sister. But you never dismissed me. You may not have always acknowledged me, but you were ever dismissive; when you did, you were cordial. And I wasn't lying. It was nice running into you a few weeks back."

Draco regarded her carefully over the glass, before setting it down on the table.

"Thank you. It's a welcome change."