Chapter 150:

A(nother) Surprise Visitor

Grant entered the Malfoy residence, taking advantage of his boyfriend's unlimited access. Still not entirely comfortable with Malfoy himself, let alone a place with such a dark history, he kept his wand at the ready. Especially given he didn't exactly know where he was going.

Wandering through the hallways, Grant kept alert. Keeping his cloak up against the mild draft of the old house, he stepped onto the staircase closest to the floo room when he felt a wand at his back.

"Don't move."

He didn't obey, choosing instead to slowly raise his arms.

"Show yourself."

Slowly, Grant turned around. Malfoy couldn't hide his surprise. "Page? What the bloody hell are you doing?"

"Looking for you."

Malfoy breathed in and out, silent for a moment, before finally pocketing his wand. "What did you want?"

"To talk; run a few things by you about the bond, about Ariella."

"Right. This way then," Malfoy said after a moment, jerking his head away from the staircase. Grant was led into the sitting room.

"What did you want?" Malfoy asked again. They may be amicable now, but they were far from friends.

"First, you can not tell Theo about what we're discussing. Not immediately, at least."

Malfoy's eyes narrowed. "And why is that?"

"Because I'm trying to troubleshoot ahead of a surprise to him."

Grant watched Malfoy just watching him, waiting. He had heard how close-knit Slytherins could be, but watching it was different.

"I'm planning on proposing."

It was amazing to watch Malfoy's reaction. It softened, and something akin to a small smile appeared.

"Congratulations, then. What information did you need?"

"Will Ariella be able to come to the wedding? As a guest?"

The response wasn't immediate. When it was given, it was slow and measured. "We can make allowances for the day. It won't be easy, but it should be possible."

"Even with both you and Theo present?"

"Even then. She may have to serve in some minor capacity, but I'll overrule what I can to allow her to…be a participant in the reception."

"What changes will happen? With Theo, with me?"

"Don't know. I doubt it will affect you as Nott isn't tied by blood to the bond. I plan on talking with him soon to weigh our options."

"You've mentioned allowances, punishments…will this cause problems for her?"

"It may," Malfoy answered stiltedly. "But it's nothing she can't handle, nor that she wouldn't take to be a guest at your wedding."

"So, she'll be hurt because of this?"

"Page, the bond is ancient, its rules convoluted. If you're asking if your proposal, if your wedding will purposefully make her be hurt, the answer is 'no'," Malfoy said – though whether it was the full truth or not, Grant couldn't decipher.

"You'll tell me how it goes, yeah?"

"I'm sure you'll hear from him, asking all the same questions within the day it happens."

"Why then come ask – "

" – Because I know how important Ariella – and you – are to him. That he'd want you both there and for her not to feel…obligated to be there nor to serve."

Slowly, Malfoy nodded. "Given how serious you are, I don't mind the questions. Though in the future, it might help not to sneak around a house you aren't at home in. Especially one who's inhabitants aren't particularly well-liked at present time."

Page swallowed. "I understand. I suppose I should thank you for not hexing me on sight."

"I've learned caution and control are often best. You didn't respond rapidly nor with harmful intention, so I reacted the same. Had you, well…Theo would not be happy with either of us."

Grant grimaced, but nodded in understanding.

"Now, a question for you, though I'm fairly certain I know the answer."

"How can I help?."

"If I'm bringing Ariella, will I still be able to bring Astoria as my date?"

Grant's brow furrowed. "Why wouldn't you be able to? Ariella would be getting…" he trailed off in realization, eyeing Malfoy for a moment. "She can't formally receive an invitation, can she?"

It took Malfoy a silent moment before he replied, looking as close to remorseful as Page had ever seen. "Not formally. You can address it to myself and her, but we'd have to be careful with the wording. It may be simpler, in all honesty, to simply address it to myself and allow plus two on the invitation."

"I'm sure we'll figure something out." He paused before continuing. "Thank you. For welcoming me as you have."

"We keep our friends – true friends – close. Their family becomes ours. I suppose I should thank you, both for making someone as good as a brother so happy…and for taking the whole servant situation relatively in stride."

He certainly wasn't expecting that, definitely not from someone like Malfoy. "It's been…an adjustment." Malfoy barely concealed a snort at the understatement. "But it's worth it."

"When are you planning the proposal for?"

"Not entirely sure. Probably a few weeks. Need to iron out some details. But I wanted to check with you. I know how important this is – you both are – to him."

"Thank you."

Both boys' eyes snapped to the doorway, Malfoy's wand already in hand, even though he recognized the voice.

"Sorry for startling you, sir."

"No harm done."

"How much did you hear?" Grant asked.

"Just the ending. I won't tell. Promise."

"One more thing. Malfoy – perhaps you would consider expanding into different size jars? For the balm? I've had coaches asking for larger amounts and parents asking for a smaller size for their bags."

"I'll look into what's possible. Shouldn't be a problem."

"Right. I'll – er – get going then. Malfoy, you'll let me know…"

"I'll be in touch after the official proposal about arrangements, and once I've researched compatible jars."

"Great."

"Page. I don't mind that you used the floo connection to visit. Just – some warning next time would be nice. Or, the very least, not sneaking around with your cloak up?"

Sheepishly, he nodded, heading back for the floo.

"Did he really do that? Here of all places?" she asked once he was out of hearing range.

"Oh yes. Did not think that through."

"And you didn't hex him?"

"I came close."

"How do you feel about what he asked of you?"

"Which thing?"

"The jars first, I suppose."

"It's not an issue. As for the wedding…we'll figure it out. You will be able to celebrate properly with them."

"Thank you. For being willing to make that happen."

"Our normal may be…far from traditional, but I do want to allow you as many more…normal experiences as possible."

"Thank you, Sir. I appreciate – "

" – don't. I know. But I don't want to antagonize the bond anymore than we already are."

"Yes, sir. Still…thank you."