Chapter 139:

Time Blurs, Challenges Remain

Days began blurring together into weeks, and the weeks into months. Without the threat of the Dark Lord or the war hanging over them, things had calmed down. Without worrying about Hogwarts, or even Lucius Malfoy's constant lurking presence, Ariella found herself at a loss. She still had her chores to maintain, but the pressure wasn't as present as before. Foolishly, she finally felt as though she could begin to relax, even with the bond's frequent demands.

Draco had been spending more time away from the Manor, she noticed. She had to wonder why, given the lack of public support his family now had. She knew going out in public wasn't easy for him, so she had to question why he was doing it, especially since she knew the Ministry courses were only three days a week. Still…she knew better than to pry. It wasn't her place and so long as he wasn't coming back injured – which he wasn't – she wouldn't try. If it was important, she hoped he'd tell her.

They both had nightmares, still. They were training themselves to get through them alone, but considering they'd shared a cell for over a year and had lived together for far longer, it was easy to tell when the other had been woken the night before. They didn't often acknowledge the nightmares, but they were another reality of post-war life.

And then the reminder letter came.

She read the letter with shaking hands. It was almost easy to forget she still had to visit Azkaban to fulfil her duties, given how seamlessly Draco had taken over almost everything else. How much of a routine they'd fallen into, even where the bond's stricter requests were concerned.

Shakily, Ariella walked to Draco's room, letter in hand, knocking on the door. But no answer. She knocked again. She then moved towards the study, where she knew he spent much of his time as of late.

Still no answer. And she didn't want to interrupt. Just in case he was in the middle of something important. She interrupted him enough and though he never showed pure disdain at it, she knew it was aggravating to him. Oh, she knew he'd deny it, he'd tell her not to worry about it. That didn't mean she didn't hate it. Hate that she would forever be a burden to him. Even if he told her otherwise, they both knew the truth.

As she was about to raise her hand to knock a second time, she heard the floo activate and not one, but two voices quietly laughing. Quickly, she ducked into the study, but didn't close the door.

Even though it was still his father's, Draco had reorganized it to his liking, making the place seem a little less imposing.

As the voices drew nearer, she hid behind the door, hoping he'd forgive her. The heavy door swung open, hiding her from view.

In came Draco and with him, someone else, though whom, she couldn't say.

"I've rearranged and displayed some of the antiques from both sides of my family. This necklace, for example, was my great grandmother's. Unlike most heirlooms, this was passed down to the youngest daughter, so my mother inherited it."

"It's beautiful," a female voice said from Draco's side. "Thank you for showing me."

Ariella vaguely recognized the voice, but she couldn't place it. She stayed as still and quiet as possible behind the door.

"Good luck on your exam this week," the voice said.

"Thank you," she heard him reply. After a beat, he continued. "Can we meet up again next weekend?"

"I'd like that."

"Thank you. For putting up with me weekend after weekend."

"It's not a hardship. I enjoy spending time with you."

"I do, too." Another pause. "May I?" she heard him ask. She didn't hear a response. There was silence. But she knew they hadn't left.

"I'll see you next weekend then?" she heard the woman ask after a few moments.

"I'll be there. Same as always."

Ariella didn't know who she was but she rarely heard Draco speak in such a soft, sturdy tone. It was nice to see…er, hear.

More silence except for some soft footsteps and then the door suddenly swung open, a wand pointed directly at her. She froze, her breathing immediately growing rapid.

Draco breathed out a sigh of relief, lowering the wand.

"I'm sorry," she said immediately. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop or spy and certainly not to scare you.

"It's alright," he replied. "I suppose I'm still on edge is all."

"Understandable, Sir. Honestly, I hadn't meant to listen in."

"What did you mean to do, then?"

"I was looking for you, Sir. When I heard you coming near with someone, I moved to hide, but I didn't realize you would be coming in here. I was trying to stay out of your way, I swear."

"What did you need me for?"

"I – I received a Ministry letter."

"Ah. A reminder, then?"

She nodded. "I'm scared, Sir."

"I wouldn't expect anything less. Come. Sit," he said, gesturing to the seats. As he summoned two glasses of water, he watched with interest as she curled up in the large study seat facing him; a sure sign she was growing more comfortable even when nervous.

"What's scaring you the most?"

"I don't know how upset he's going to be or what he'll do because of it."

"Understandable. I'll be here. I'll make sure I'm around and just like last time, when he's done, you request me, and I'll bring you back here to safety. Treat your injuries."

She just nodded, playing with the edge of her shirt.

"If you knew I – well, someone – was there, why didn't you do something earlier?"

"I didn't want to put her in harm's way. I didn't know who you were, but I could sense that it – you – weren't an immediate threat. Especially given the strengthened wards."

"I understand. Can I ask? Who was with you?"

He glanced up at her and Ariella was surprised to see a faint blush high in his cheeks.

"Astoria Greengrass." After another moment, he continued unprompted. "She wrote me after we ran into each other at Diagon Alley over the summer. She's in her NEWT year at Hogwarts and we've been studying together."

"Is that why you've been gone more frequently?"

He nodded.

"I'm glad someone's getting you out of the Manor from time to time."

He nodded, revealing a small, slight smile to her.

"Can I help you prepare at all? For…when was it you were summoned for?"

"Tuesday. And I don't believe so, Sir. I don't know what could help."

"Do you have enough balm and bandages for afterwards?"

"I don't think so, Sir."

"Do you need more supplies or simply to make more balm?"

"Supplies, Sir. Especially since…" Draco raised an eyebrow as she trailed off, now markedly refusing to meet his gaze.

"…especially since what?"

"Since I don't have access to Hogwarts' stores anymore."

"Ah." His brow furrowed a bit. "Do you honestly believe I'll be upset with you for accessing Hogwarts' supplies for your healing?"

After only a brief pause, she shook her head. "No, Sir. More like I didn't know if I would be – am – in trouble for it. I hadn't exactly – explicitly – asked to do so."

"No. Not at all. Write a list of what you need and I'll make sure you have it over the weekend to make more."

"Thank you, Sir."

"One more thing. I want you to teach me how you prepare it. It's high time I learned."