The Dark Lord's Bride (Draco X OC)

The Deadly Hollows I

Ariana's POV

Later that night, the three of us-Harry, Ron, and I-engaged in a conversation.

Ron, unexpectedly, handed Harry an additional wand he had pilfered from a Snatcher during his absence.

"We need to discuss something important," Hermione interjected, expressing her desire to visit Luna's father, the one with the peculiar symbol.

Convinced of its significance, we set off for the Lovegoods' residence.

As we walked towards the hill, Harry inquired, "You're not still upset with him, are you?"

"I'm always upset with him," Hermione retorted, and they shared a chuckle, lightened the tension.

"Aria, maybe you should get some rest," Ron suggested, his tone concerned. I regarded him with seriousness.

"Ron, my dear, I can't... I promised Vodly that if I'm caught or Harry loses, I'll marry him. I can't afford to sleep."

"Not to say I fear Vodly might discover Draco and I are together and pose a threat to him."

"I'm even more concerned about my dear snake that I set free to inform my brother of my whereabouts," I admitted, frustration lacing my words.

"The burden of the Horcrux and the accompanying pain from its destruction weighed heavily on me--?!" I realized I was venting excessively.

"In pain?" echoed from everyone, their eyes fixed on me.

'Crap!'

I sighed, acknowledging the truth as I held my head. "Since when? We've already vanquished half of them. Why keep it from us?"

Harry seized my arms, shaking me in his urgency, prompting me to reveal the reality.

"It started when Dumbledore destroyed Marvolo Gaunt's Ring - shattered by Albus Dumbledore with Godric Gryffindor's sword," I began, breaking my silence.

"It's not that I didn't want to tell you, I just didn't want you to worry." I confessed.

"When a Horcrux is destroyed, it inflicts pain, as a part of your soul is lost. Given our connection as, um, soulmates, I absorbed the pain on his behalf."

"I can't believe you've been enduring that pain alone," Harry exclaimed, pain etched on his face.

"I didn't want anyone else to suffer," I replied, a hint of a smile breaking through the seriousness.

"That's what friends are for," Ron chimed in, supportive. "True, Aria. We're in this together," Hermione reassured, determination in her eyes.

With newfound solidarity, we faced the challenges ahead, united against the looming threat of Voldemort and the remaining Horcruxes.

Fast Forwarding

Arriving at Luna's dad's house, we sensed an uneasy atmosphere. Xenophilius appeared disheveled and unwelcoming.

Inquiring about Luna's whereabouts, he vaguely assured she would join us.

"Please let me take a bath, please?" I requested, and he graciously led me to the bathroom.