Always

Chapter Twenty One

"Maia."

Looking up from her book, Maia saw her dad walking towards her. She looked at her two friends and started cleaning up their study materials.

Harry reached them just as Maia was turning to leave. "Hi, girls. I'm going to borrow Maia for a minute."

"Okay, Professor," Siebel said with a smile, ignoring the glare she got from Maia.

Maia allowed her dad to pull her into an outer corridor that opened onto the path to the Quidditch Field.

"What?" she asked nastily as she raised an eyebrow.

Harry sighed. "You can stop the attitude anytime now. Save it for when you are older, right?"

"Fine. Can I go now, Professor?"

Harry pressed his lips tightly together before speaking. "Look, Maia, I know you are angry. I know that you blame us for every evil that has ever befallen you and that what we have given you or done for you means nothing in your eyes right now. But I need to talk to you. So if you'll just hold the attitude for a brief moment, I'd appreciate it."

"If this has something to do with school, fine. But if you're here as a parent then you need to make a visitation appointment with the Headmaster."

Narrowing his eyes, Harry grabbed Maia's arm and pulled her further outside. "You know, I am really tired of your mouth. You are not quite grown up enough to talk to me like that, madam."

"Oh, is one Subicio not allowed to talk to another like that? So, if I were like Father, I could talk down to you all I want?" Maia asked while trying to tug her arm free.

Harry let her go.

"Maia, you had better listen to me and listen well! I know you are angry and frightened at all that is happening. I've been in your shoes. I know what it's like. Believe me, I know."

"No, you don't!" Maia snapped and turned down the path away from Harry. He came right after her, pulling her around to look at him.

"Yes, I do! I have been exactly where you are! You are watching everything you had planned on disappear. You are angry that someone you barely know has the ability to control you. It sucks. It's awful. And there is nothing we can do about it." Harry cupped her cheek. "I know, Maia. I know."

Glaring, Maia pulled away. "There is nothing to do about it?" she asked accusingly. "Oh, yes, there is! I may have been given fewer options, but I'm not conceding without a fight! Or, at the least, a treaty!"

"Maia, listen to me," Harry pleaded. "You don't quite understand what it is you are going up against. There isn't any fighting. This is about who we are, what we are. I was a bit more prepared for such a demanding position and I kick myself for not preparing you. But you have to listen to us."

"How can I when all you are telling me to do is run and hide?" Maia demanded. "For Merlin's sake! Father was going to have us hide in our house indefinitely! How ridiculous!"

"That was planned if you and the boys were smaller," Harry explained in Draco's defense. "And no, it wasn't the best plan, but that is how much your father loves you. He wants to protect you."

"He wants to control me! And I will not be controlled!" Maia turned and stomped away and again Harry was after her.

"Damn it, Maia! Could you drop the 'Malfoy Pride' crap! It's never done anyone any good!" Harry shouted as he walked behind her.

Maia stopped and spun around. "Now you want my name and pride, too? Was this the plan all along, then? Make me believe I was someone and then rip it all away from me? Gods, I hate you!"