Allow me to take you back to a world that lived long ago. A world that had such cruel segregation that children of unwanted traits were treated no better than abused animals, doomed to only know the dark existence of slavery. Slave shops loomed on every corner, selling the innocent for work, sex, pit fights, or anything the master wished them to be. In this realm, those born with magic in their blood were considered people, but those unlucky enough to be born muggle, were worse than dogs.

The story I am about to tell brings us back to a muggle girl better known as Sami. Her name is pronounced Sah-mi. We find her locked in a dirty cage at the far reaches of a slave shop. The girl had recently been sold from an abusive owner, who had bought a new slave to take her place. Sami's pale and scared skin reflected the type of life she had lived. On her was nothing but a pair of dirty shorts three sizes too big, only held on by a slim strip of cowhide tied through the belt loops. On her upper half was a ratted, white t-shirt that had seen better days. The girl's hands were cuffed behind her back as she lay helplessly on one side, eyes closed. Little did she know, this day would change the rest of her life.


Riley, a woman in her early twenties entered the shop, pursing her lips some. She'd wanted to come here for quite some time, but never had the opportunity until this moment. Slowly she glanced through the cages examining each slave for what it was worth. Many were beaten, for these were second-hand slaves, and the life seemed sucked out of them. A few mumbled to themselves and others sat looking dully ahead. None of which held her interest.

Nearing the end of the shop, Riley's hopes began to sink. She rested her eyes on a younger slave who was laying down, eyes shut. Was she dead? Riley hoped not. She tapped lightly on the cage to see if the slave would respond.

At the sound of tapping, the slave opened her eyes and glared up at Riley. She bared her teeth in a dog-like manor keeping her brown eyes locked on the shopper. She was obviously full of life and the price tag next to her cage proved to be so.

At that moment a large greasy man stepped out from the back and hobbled his way over to the two. The wand on his side was tattered, as if he had tried to carve it himself. "Is there anything I can do for ya mam?"

Riley took a slight step back in disgust of the newcomer. "How is this one?" She motioned to the slave. "If I can, I'd like to purchase her." Riley was in no mood to have her time wasted and this slave interested her highly.

The man distastefully scratched his rear while answering, "Well then miss, if yer thinkin' 'bout gettin' this one you might want to sleep on it. It's a troublemaker that one. However, if yer lookin' for a cook it's quite experienced for the job. Although... as an indoor pet, yer gunna want to keep it busy, anything to keep its energy low."

Riley eyed the slave again in curiosity. "Trouble maker, eh?" Letting out a dry laugh, she waved her hand and dismissed the comment.

"You can take it home today if you want, for nine-hundred galleons that is." The man gave a chuckle, obviously doubting Riley could afford such a high price.

"I'd like to purchase her right now. Let's say I give you one thousand, a tip as thanks for your wonderful services." There was a slight tone of sarcasm, but Riley doubted the shopkeeper picked up on it.

Kneeling down, Riley addressed the slave. "Do you have a name?" She couldn't help but notice the scars on the girl and winced at how she'd gotten them.

When the slave was silent, the shopkeeper answered for her. "Naw, that thing hasn't a name. You'll 'ave to name it yourself. Just write me a check and I'll give you the key to its cage. I'll also throw in a free whip if you feel the need to punish the kid." The shopkeeper was more than willing to throw in an assortment of free things at the generosity of the woman's offer.

"No name?" Riley was almost surprised. Surely everyone deserved a name. She stood back up, pulling out her checkbook and began to write the check, signing with her wand. "No beater will be needed, I assure you." Riley smiled kindly, handing the shopkeeper the piece of paper.

The slave, now in the process of being bought, looked more intently at her master-to-be, analyzing every feature on her face. What kind of master would this woman turn out to be? Would she be like the last one?

Turning back to the cage, Riley frowned at the girl. "We need to find you a suitable name," she stated to the slave. "But first, I guess I should introduce myself." She smiled, brushing her bangs back some. "I'm Riley. How about we get you to speak first, eh? What do you like to do?"

The shopkeeper greedily took the check and pocketed it quickly. "Good luck getting' it to talk miss. It hasn't said a word since it got here two months ago. I couldn't even get a word outa it with a good beatin'. Although, it does talk in its sleep some." Fiddling with a handful of keys, the man finally decided on one and poked it into the lock.

"She hasn't talked at all?" Riley was beginning to have doubts, but brushed them aside. This girl interested her greatly and Riley knew that regret would come later if the slave was not bought. And besides, she could bring the slave back if it was of no interest to her.

Riley sighed, hoping to make the girl talk sooner or later. Even just a head nod or shake would do, anything that would allow the slave to communicate with her.

The shopkeeper nodded his head, "A'righty then. It's all yers." Turning the lock, the shopkeeper opened the front of the cage and grabbed the slave's arm, pulling her out roughly. The slave wasn't about to resist, after all the cage was too small to stretch out fully, but standing up so quickly sent a rush to her head.

The shopkeeper handed Riley a small device. "This is how you track it down if it tries to escape. It's wearin' an indestructible bracelet that won't come off. Top of the line magic. So ye shouldn't have no doubts about it running off." Looking the slave in the eye, the greasy man continued, "This hur is your new master. Obey everything she says or she 'as the right to rip you to shreds." Showing his dirty teeth in a brute-like smile, the shopkeeper nodded goodbye to the two and started to head back into his office, happily pocketing the thousand galleon check.

Riley watched closely, wanting to catch the slave if she lost her balance. She knew the cage was small; and the girl probably hadn't had a lot of time to stretch out until now. She offered a small smile, beginning to walk ahead. "This is probably a huge blur to you, and I understand." Riley casually glanced at the girl, as if she was a good friend. "But try to cooperate as best as possible for now, alright?"

Would the girl even respond? She hoped to rid this habit of silence within the next few days, even if she had to beat the slave. Though this thought pained her and she attempted to avoid it.

The slave watched Riley, but did not immediately follow after her cue. It was as if the slave was contemplating her odds. With slow steps she began to follow Riley, but at the distance of about five feet, making sure to walk behind and not next-to. After all, next-to would signify an equal. The slave did not say a word as if sworn to silence. Her head remained bowed, eying the floor that her bare feet walked upon.

When no response came, Riley felt defeated. She'd hoped; and the gods had let her down. She came to a sudden halt, turned around, and in a swift movement, lifted the slave's chin with one hand.

Studying the girl's face, she frowned. "Will you not speak?" Riley didn't want to get angry, but knew her temper would flare soon.

The slave answered with disgust. "I only speak when I find the need. Not when any master tells me to." The slave's voice croaked a little, after not speaking for so long, but it was understandable.