Chapter 146:

Showing Care

Still seated at her desk, Ariella startled when a knock sounded at the door. Puzzled when it didn't open following the technically unneeded knock, she rose, opening the unlocked door.

"Theo. What in Merlin's name is that?" she asked in surprise, noting the monstrosity that he carried.

"It's for you," he replied, entering her room, and setting the…thing down on the bed with ease. "I've already cleared it with Malfoy, but just in case, you have my permission to accept and use this gift."

"And what is it exactly?"

"A body pillow."

"What made you think of it?" she questioned, turning to face him, even as her hand roamed over the plush cover.

"I visited Kira over the weekend. She's recovering well, but she had one of these things in her room. She said it was helping her to be more comfortable when trying to sleep with the chronic pain left over. I thought it might help you, too. Especially since…well, I know you have another visit coming up soon."

"Thank you."

"I hope it helps. How are you feeling? Malfoy said you had to deal with the bond yesterday; it's why he asked me to wait until today."

Her gaze shot to him, slightly startled. "Did he? I hadn't realized. Sorry. Er – I'm fine. It was minor. Routine."

"Don't placate me. I've seen what routine looks like, what you consider minor. I don't need details, just to know that you're alright and if you need help, so I can offer it."

Sitting down, Ariella pulled the top part of the large pillow towards her, hugging it comfortingly. "I'm fine. I'm not even sure I can lie to you anymore, but either way, I'm not now. You could've even come last night."

Theo didn't respond verbally, (making a mental note to ask Malfoy about the lie comment,) but took the time to glance around her room. "I'm glad he moved you in here. You deserve it. If you need me to pick anything up for you, say the word."

"Thank you. I have been meaning to ask: you've had to step in more often recently with the bond. Does that bother you? Do you want out?"

"I want you out of the bond," he replied immediately. "Of course it bothers me that I have to say anything at all; you should be free to speak and act as you want." He paused, adjusting his position against her small dresser.

"That being said, if it allows you to feel safer, allows you some degree of freedom, then no, it doesn't bother me to be able to help you in that capacity."

"I do appreciate you staying connected to it."

"Certainly. Now, onto better news: Grant asked me to place a second order with Malfoy. He's almost out."

She looked up at him in amazement. "Really?"

Theo nodded. "Do you feel up for it?"

"Of course. It's helping; not just others, which is fantastic, but here, too."

"I'm glad."

"How is he? Grant?"

"Doing well. We're moving soon to a joint flat."

"You're not staying in Nott Manor?"

He shook his head. "I'll always be able to return there, but for now, it's best to move on. Get away from some of that baggage. Start someplace new for both of us."

"I'm happy for you."

"You and Malfoy will both be welcome. We'll connect the floos once we're settled."

"Can I ask – how is he taking all of…well, this?" she asked, gesturing to the bond, to the room in general. "Now that he's had a moment to take it in."

"Coming to terms with it. Still doesn't fully understand the bond."

"Because we do?" she muttered, causing a sting, even as Theo nodded his head in concession.

"It's an…odd adjustment for him to get used to. As is working with Malfoy."

"I'm sure. Especially considering what few interactions they must have had at school couldn't have been pleasant."

"Er, no. They weren't the best," Theo admitted. "I think you've helped with that, honestly."

"Glad to have been of service," she replied with a half-smile.

Without fully meaning to, he grimaced at her words, but nodded.

After lunch, at which the boys grudgingly allowed her to serve them, Ariella showed Theo to the lab.

"Draco? We're almost out of jars and arnica," she mentioned, pointing to the limited supply stations.

"I can pick some up after work, if you'd like," Theo offered, before Malfoy could get a response in. Even if they didn't talk about it much, he knew Malfoy still hated public appearances. "Just tell me where to go and how much."

"That would be appreciated," he said after a moment. "Thank you."

"Of course. I – "

Nott was interrupted by the sound of the floo chiming. Draco scowled. "Bloody Gryffindors," he muttered, causing his friend to shoot him a puzzled look.

"Stay a moment?" Malfoy requested, glancing between the two friends, before leaving the room.

"Do you know what that's about?"

"Not sure. Neville stopped by recently and I think Harry spoke to him, but I don't know."

"He told me about Longbottom, so that I can be another intermediary if need be. Not Potter though."

"I appreciate your help. We both do. To – to help with – "

" – I understand. Grant and I both do. Between the Malfoys' new…reputation and the bond…" he trailed off, but the meaning was clear.

She gave him a small smile, turning as the door opened again. "Potter's here. Again. Wants to speak to you directly this time."

"Er – alright. Where is he? If I…if I have your permission…?"

"Sitting room. Nott and I will be in the hallway. Call if you need us."

Leading the way, she greeted her friend, who relaxed slightly upon seeing her.

"You're alright then?" he asked.

"Fine. Are you?"

"I wanted to – has Malfoy said anything about my last visit?"

Ariella shook her head, taking the seat diagonal from his. "What happened? I feel like I'm missing something."

"I asked about helping with the bond. With its…requirements."

"He did what?" Theo asked in a low voice.

"That's not all he asked," Malfoy replied darkly, but say more as he wanted to hear his servant's response.

"Harry, I couldn't…you don't have to – "

" – even if I wouldn't like it, if I can help, I want to."

"And if I don't want you to?" she asked slowly.

Draco and Theo shared a significant look; for her to be speaking up like this…her confidence was growing. Not to mention he was a bit glad for it; he certainly didn't want Potter more involved than necessary. They might be more amicable now, but they were far from friends.

Harry reared back a bit as if stung.

"It's not that I don't appreciate the offer," she said quickly. "But it can get rather ugly and the less people involved, the better, at least for the major parts and – "

" – uglier than the Cruciatus?" he bit out in disbelief.

Ariella raised an eyebrow. "You saw my back once and you're asking that question."

He winced at the reminder. "Right. Er – sorry. But what would even – "

" – Harry, please," she interrupted. "I'm fine. We have it under control. We mostly know what we're doing and how to handle it. I'm afraid adding you into the mix might complicate it more. Make it harder to handle in the future."

"I see."

She let him think it through before pressing on. "What else did you say to Draco that other time? Your offer to help alone wouldn't have him at odds with telling me. It's not as if you haven't done that before."

Harry ran a hand through his messy black hair, sighing as he realized he should tell her…and found himself struggling to get the words out. "It was just a thought. To try and help you. Life wasn't always pleasant with the Dursleys and while it isn't the same, I know what's it's like being treated like a servant. So I thought that if I – and I swear, I only wanted to – "

" – what did you say?"

"I asked if the bond could be…if I could – "

" – he asked about becoming your owner," said Draco, intervening as he strode back into the room, an aghast Theo following.

Her eyes snapped to Harry, who wouldn't meet them, even as she jolted back, almost knocking over the chair. "What?"

"I – it's not what it sounds like. I didn't… – "

" – you thought it would be a chance to free her." Theo said aloud, able to guess at Potter's plan.

The Gryffindor nodded.

"I don't understand. Is it even possible?"

"It's possible. Incredibly difficult, but possible," Draco said shortly, arms crossed.

"But Harry, if you know…why would that…I still don't understand?" she stumbled, trying, and failing to sort out her thoughts as she looked between her friends.

"I thought if I could get control of the bond, I could turn around to free you."

"Oh." She paused, before continuing. "I doubt the bond would allow that though. It – well, often it seems to read intention. Would the transfer even stick if that were the intent behind the swap?"

"No," Malfoy replied, his voice harder. "Potter, do you remember what I said to you when you asked?"

"That it's better for her to stay put. You didn't explain why though."

"I don't owe you an explanation, Potter," Draco reminded him sharply.

"I agree with him," Ariella said, taking a step closer to her master. "I meant what I said earlier; we have it under control. I…I appreciate the intention, but I – " she paused, swallowing hard before continuing, trying to untangle her feelings and words. "It's best if left as is."

"Right then. Just – er – just one more question then," he said, rising.

"What could you possibly want now, Potter?"

Harry stood, looking directly at his formal rival. "Will you allow her to come to my wedding?"

At the sudden change in topic, the Slytherins startled.

"Congratulations," Theo said, recovering first and moving to shake the other's hand.

"Thanks. So, will you?"

"Certainly. Owl the details over and I'll make sure you both have all the permissions needed."

Harry let out a brief sign of relief. "Thanks."

With an awkward nod towards a still dazed Ariella, he made his way back out of the sitting room. It was only when they heard the floo activate that the boys marginally relaxed.

"Did he really ask about becoming my – about it being transferred?"

Draco nodded as he watched Nott guide her to sit back down. "He did. I agree with Nott though; he only did it because he's bloody heroic and wants to save you."

"But I had it right, didn't I?" she asked, finally glancing up at him, even while wringing her hands. "If it's even possible, the bond would read the intention and either wouldn't take or would make things worse."

"As far as I can tell from what information is available, yes. Much worse."

She was still shaken; it was obvious to see. So he pressed on. "Even if his intention was noble, I thought it best not to tell you outright. I know, given how things went the last few years of school, you aren't as close as you'd like to be."

"No, it's – it's fine. Thank you for even letting him back here."

"I'm not going to stop you from being friends with him. I do think it's a good idea to have him as an ally. Just in case. I won't stop you from seeing him. But it's on your terms. Understand me?"

She swallowed hard again, nodding rapidly. "Thank you."

"Let's get you a Calming Draught and some rest. You can tell me how balm making has been going if you're up for it," Theo suggested, guiding his friend to her feet with a nod of approval from Malfoy.

As they reached the doorway, however, she turned back. "Draco?"

He looked up, giving a single nod, allowing her to continue.

"For what it's worth, I feel safer here. Under you. Even if I had the option, I wouldn't take it."

Happy Adoption Anniversary to my cat! :)