Chapter 152:

Following Up

It took until the following afternoon before Draco sought them out with an explanation. As he stepped though the floo into the Nott-Page residence, he didn't miss how once again, Theo took a step in front of her. Just in case.

"I'm fine. Though I am sorry about yesterday."

"It's fine, sir. I understand," Ariella replied, tugging Theo back down next to her.

"First things first; yes, you still have to attend one more Azkaban session in a few weeks. There's no stopping that, even with his early release."

Both boys immediately noticed the nervous fidgeting pick up.

"What was yesterday about? You were in a right foul mood," asked Theo.

"I was summoned to the Minister's office to receive more information about my father's probational release. He then allowed me to look at some of the restricted texts in the Ministry's library. There are a few ways I can become the head master of the bond, but I don't know if they're possible."

"I don't understand. I thought the only way for you to gain that position was for him to die."

"That is the most common way," Draco acknowledged. "Another is legal disownment. Legally exiling him from the family. I know what's he's done is horrid, especially to you, but I don't know if I can do that," he admitted. He didn't need to say he wouldn't murder his own father – they already knew that.

"Are there any courses of action we can take?" Nott asked.

"No. The only other ways for me to become head master is through an irrevocable life sentence punishment or for him to willingly relinquish the position. Not his tie to the bond, of course, simply formally acknowledging me as the head of the family."

"Which we all know he isn't going to do. He's not going to give you that position. Especially with how often you've disagreed over…well, me," Ariella said, speaking aloud what they all knew.

"So what happens now?"

Draco gave a cut off sigh. "Until he's released, we continue as we have been. Once he's back, we'll readjust once again." Turning towards Theo, he continued. "I wouldn't advise you popping in as often or unannounced. It will be his house once again."

A shudder ran through Ariella. Her fidgeting grew worse.

"What can happen at anytime before he returns, though, is the official removal of your name from the bond," continued Draco. "Since I'm the one who added you and it isn't through blood or marriage, it should be an easy enough process. Especially since we aren't cutting all ties with you."

Theo's gaze darted between his friends. "Are you certain that's a good idea? Given what we now know?"

"Yes," Draco replied firmly. "In fact, it may be better. Less for my father to be angry about when he returns. He's already not…thrilled by your attachment to the bond. Removing you might…lessen his anger."

"When?" Theo asked, turning back towards Ariella.

"I don't…I'm not sure…"

" – Ariella," Draco said, his tone firm and even. "You will be fine. We will both make sure of it."

"Would you be wiling to…to wait a little longer? Just…just until after – after my next – "

" – yes. Of course," interrupted Theo without hesitation.

"Do we need to take care of anything now?"

"I don't think so, sir. But thank you."

"Ariella."

"I'm fine, sir. Just…nervous." She paused, before glancing up suddenly again. "Sir, what about Grant? And – and the products?"

"Grant will be fine," Theo said immediately. "You will still be able to come visit us. We'll be careful."

"As for the product…," said Draco, jumping in. "…we'll be even more careful. We are not going to stop just because he's coming back. I would advise reaching out to Potter and Longbottom. Tell them not to come by anymore. I'm going to advise Astoria to be more careful…especially directly after he comes home."

"How do I…I mean, how do we proceed once he's back?"

"We'll figure that out in a bit. Not now. Breathe," he instructed. "Breathe. Nott and I will not let you drown."

She nodded shakily. "Thank you, sirs."

"I'd like to run an idea by you," Theo said that evening, joining his fiancé on the couch. "Neither of us want a big wedding as is. What about getting married in a month or so?"

Grant turned to him, shock and confusion clear on his face. "Did I miss something?"

"Lucius Malfoy's sentence is being adjusted."

"Seriously? He was a full-fledged bloody Death Eater for two wars. How – "

" – right now, it doesn't matter. What does matter is that it's going to impact them – and us – moving forward."

"Explain. Please."

"Once he returns, I wouldn't pop over unannounced to Malfoy Manor. We'll also have to be much more discreet about the healing balm."

"I understand what you've said so far; makes sense to me. I have to say though, I may be willing to give Malfoy – Draco, that is – a shot, but I'm not ready to extend his father the same courtesy. Not after all I've heard he's done. "

"No one's asking you to. In fact, the more you can avoid the man, the better."

"Right. That still doesn't explain why you suddenly want to move the wedding up. Not that I'm complaining, but – "

" – because the bond works according to hierarchy. Once he's back in the picture, Mr. Malfoy will have more authority than Draco. If he were to get wind of them planning to attend, he could forbid her from attending. Or have her serve in an over-the-top manner. Or concede but punish her extremely. If we marry before he gets out, he may not be happy if he finds out she attended as a guest, but by then it's over and done with," Theo explained.

"I see. Alright. Let's do it."

"Really?"

Grant nodded. "Do not tell him this…but Malfoy – Draco – is growing on me. He's not the complete…jerk I thought he was."

Nott laughed lightly. "He can be. Trust me." He paused. "You're really alright with having a quick wedding?"

"Yes. Especially if it means the safety of our friends, absolutely. Besides…it'll be nice to beat Draco Malfoy in something for once."

Theo chuckled, kissing his fiancé in a show of appreciation.