Chapter 140:

Accusational Questioning

Astoria braced herself as she entered the family sitting room, finding both her parents waiting expectantly for her.

"Astoria. Come, sit, dear."

She obeyed, seating herself on the single plush seat across from her parents.

"What's this we hear about you spending time with the Malfoy boy?"

"It's nothing. He's finishing his NEWTs, so we've been studying together."

"Anything else?"

Astoria tried to fight the flush she felt rising. "What if there is?"

Her parents exchanged a look before her father answered. "While they may not be in as high esteem as they used to be, the Malfoys are still a traditional, pure-blood family."

"I – I don't care about that. That isn't why I started – "

" – but it is important, Astoria. For your future, for your children's future. To have that heritage alive," her mother interrupted. "Now, is there or is there not something more going on between the two of you?"

Swallowing hard, Astoria nodded. She saw her father stiffen. "I'm not a little girl, Father. I can date whom I want. He's kind to me."

"For now, I'll allow it. We've all had a trying past couple of years," he replied, not quite able to contain the shudder that ran through him at the thought of his own time in Azkaban. "But keep in mind – though we're allowing you to finish your studies, you should be preparing to find a husband, settle down soon. The world may not like our traditional ways, but they are still present and important."

"Yes, Sir."

Astoria knew better than to try to argue with her father on this topic. Especially if he was already at odds with her over something else – in this case, her friendship with Draco Malfoy.

Draco startled as the floo bell went off, alerting him that someone without immediate access wanted entrance into his home. Wand raised, he allowed it, less surprised than he ought to be when none other than Harry Potter came through his floo.

"Potter. What do you want?"

"I'm sorry for just barging in, but I was given the afternoon off unexpectedly and I jumped to take it."

"Why are you here?"

"Ariella," he replied simply.

Draco nodded; he should have known. In fact, he was surprised this conversation hadn't happened earlier. He led his guest to the study, gesturing to the chair across from him as he took a seat behind the desk – his father's seat. It still felt odd, but for this conversation, it was important. Especially given how tense things still were between them.

"What do you need?"

"Information and compliance. Or rather, your permission."

"This is going to take a while, isn't it?"

"It might," Harry conceded.

With a small sigh, Draco summoned two cups of tea and a plate of biscuits. "Do you want her here for this?"

After a brief pause, Harry shook his head. "No. Not now, at least."

"Right then. What do you want to know?"

"A few things; the first being: due to the bond, can she live elsewhere?"

Draco's gaze narrowed. "Why?"

"I wanted to invite her to stay with me – us – for a few days."

"I can give her permission to do so. If she wants to."

"Would I have to do anything?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary for a guest. I'll give her and you the correct allowances needed. What else?"

"Can I heal her?"

"No. Many of her injuries are cursed, so don't. try. You'll only cause her further pain. Especially as you aren't one of her masters."

"She's mentioned punishment. Scratch that, I've seen it. why is it frequently needed?"

"Besides when she disobeys frequently? It's just the way the bond is designed."

"So she's considered just property until it's convenient for you? Then she's someone your family can use as a tool to – "

" – watch it, Potter."

Harry conceded, knowing he was overstepping, especially with the man in front him, at least from what Ariella had told him. If he really had an issue such as that one, then it was Lucius' fault, not Draco's.

"Potter, what do you really want?"

"Besides for her to stop hurting and be free? To be able to be a friend to her. To be able to have her over or go out with her without her consistent fear and worry about receiving reprimand for her every move or word from her bond to you."

Slowly, Draco nodded. "I'll allow it from time to time. You can tell Longbottom the same. For her to go to one of your homes or out and about with you. If you wish to give her something, I don't have much of a problem with it. Just know that I will see it and that by law, it isn't technically hers."

"Fair enough. Is there anything I can do to help her?"

"Nothing that you'd want to or approve of."

Harry's bright eyes narrowed. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"Exactly that. There's nothing much even you can do to help her and what there is, you'd be disgusted with a majority of it."

"Malfoy, I know we've had our differences, but we are – "

" – I'm aware that Ariella is friends with you. I've been aware of that for years if you'll recall. And we both appreciate what you – and Longbottom – did at our trials. It doesn't change that you can't do anything, not even with all of your fame. If there was, you can be damn sure I'd either have mentioned it prior or would be telling you now."

"I'll do what I have to if it'll help her, even if I don't like it. Just tell me what I can do."

Draco realized he wasn't going to back down…the stubborn git…and conceded. "If you can help, I'll inform you of when and where. Provided she consents."

"Thank you."

"What else?"

"What would happen if you were to transfer the bond?"

Draco raised an eyebrow, but wasn't surprised…not really. In fact, he was more surprised Potter hadn't asked him before now. "To you, you mean? So that you and your family would be her keepers? Her owners?" he clarified, stressing the last word, taking a little, not-so-guilty pleasure in seeing Potter's grimace at it.

Slowly, Harry nodded.

"Nothing good. it's better she stays as is."

"Better for you or for her?"

"Both. I know you worry for her, but I can assure you, it's best to leave the situation as is."

"What could possibly – "

" – NO! absolutely not. That's final."

"So that's it then. You have no desire to let her be free."

"Don't you dare!" Draco responded, rising, and bracing himself to keep from lunging at the hero. "You know nothing, Potter. if you've got no more actual questions, get out."

"That's hardly fair," Harry retorted, rising as well.

"Get out of my house."

"No. Not until you explain. I'll admit, perhaps this isn't your fault, but your father's, but that doesn't change that she is bound to your whole family. With your father locked away in Azkaban, that must grant you some extra rights." He took a seat again, making a point about staying until this was explained.

"Some yes. Complete, no." Draco said, swallowing hard and sitting back down himself. Taking a sip of his tea, he continued, even as he silently cursed himself for letting Potter continue to get under his skin.

"Until his death, my father still holds the ultimate authority. Even imprisoned."

"Would you though? If you could?"

"Would I what? Exchange her bond to another? Sell her?" he was semi-pleased to see another minor wince from Potter at the reminder of exactly what they were taking about, even if he hated it himself.

"No. Absolutely not. What little information there is suggests it is far better for her sake for things to remain as they are. Would I free her if I could?" he paused only for a moment, things getting more intense than he wanted the