My first fanfiction, I'm feeling rather nervous :]
I set this during the War, before the final battle.
Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing Harry Potter.

Chapter One

I was in my own personal hell, suffocating on the very air I breathed, my body refusing to move no matter how much I willed it to. My ear's felt as though they would bleed, my mind was numb from it all, I tried with all my might to completely shut down and embrace some sort of empty serenity. Yet, her screams echoed through me relentlessly, tearing every sense of sanity I had into shreds. The sounds shattered me internally, I would gladly endure death then to have this. . .torture, continue.

"Poor little mudblood." I could hear my aunt giggle in delight, showing no sign of stopping her actions any time soon.

I was going mad, absolutely out of my mind; Lovegood was the most sane person on Earth compared to me at this moment. My Aunt Bellatrix was now shrieking with laughter, so loudly it penetrated the walls of our Manor's dungeons and filled the entire house. My eye's shifted around the room, but no one other then myself seemed to be effected by what was happening. I felt disgusted, I should be as relaxed! I should feel as. . .pleased, as everyone else, why the bloody hell did I have to be different?!

"Where are those stupid, little friends of yours mudblood?" Bellatrix taunted viciously, "Or do you think they finally realized that associating with a repulsive thing like you is foolish?"

"SHUT UP!" Granger had finally spoke, to my dismay.

"What did you just say to me you filthy mudblood?" Bellatrix snarled, I mentally cringed for Granger's sake.

The dungeon was quiet for only a moment, the Death Eaters here in the sitting room continued to chat in whispers with each other. I couldn't believe that everyone was able to just stand there civilly, chattering back and forth as if everything was just innocently dandy. I wanted to erupt on them all, curse each of their arse's back to their makers, but I would never be able to. The next thing I knew, her earsplitting screams returned, wrenching my soul open agonizingly; I composed myself as best I could, and fled to the gardens.

I felt nauseous, my head in a tizzy, as if the ground would collapse beneath me. I fought the bile that threatened to surface, attempting to take in as much fresh air as possible. I was without question disgusted with myself, however I wasn't sure the exact reason. Because I didn't bask in the torture that Granger continued to suffer through? Because her screams didn't fill me with joy? Because I wasn't one of those people, no, those murderer's? But wasn't that what it was all about? Being a Death Eater, pleasing the Dark Lord, killing mudblood's and blood traitor's alike? It was certainly what was expected of me, but I never truly asked for it, my father being the infamous Lucius Malfoy seemed to have just secured the 'Rite of Passage'.

I knew I didn't want to be a Death Eater, I can't remember ever wanting to be one in fact. But I certainly didn't want to align with the likes of Potter and Weasley. Their cause was, yes, something I agreed with; however the thought of standing along side them, angered me. Potter and his hotheaded fame, one good little deed after another, and everyone loved him. Weasley, always tagging along, hoping to get a taste of the affection the world held for Scarhead. But Granger? She was the brain's, that was no secret. They would be lost without her. . .as they probably were now.

Speaking of which, where the hell were they? If they were any kind of real friends, their pathetic arse's would have been here and had her safe, Death Eaters or not. I know damn well that they have a clue where she is, Gryffindor students were suppose to be the bravest and noblest of them all. Granger is doing her best to maintain her courage, enduring, Merlin knows how much torture, in the name of protecting those she cared for. Though her bloody stupidity and pride, got her captured. What was she thinking? Spying on Blaise and Theo? Alone no less! They wanted this, they loved this, they took her in without hesitation, earning an excited squeal from dear Aunt Bella. The Dark Lord ordered Bellatrix to get information about the Order, a task she accepted too happily.

"Draco." My mothers cold voice felt like poison in my veins, I reluctantly faced her. Her appearance was aged, hair turning an ashy grey and expression weary.

"Yes?" My tone surprisingly firm as I answered.

She replied uninterested, "Your aunt is looking for you". It took all my power not to gulp, I simply nodded and stalked back into the Manor.

"Draco!" My aunt's voice shrilled eerily, causing me to involuntarily twitch. "My favorite nephew." She seethed.

"Yes, Aunt Bella?" I tried not to let my discomfort be known, remembering to also be respectful as to not earn her wrath. Though she was hardly ever easily angered after killing or torturing a mudblood.

"It's a bit of a mess down their," She motioned toward the dungeon, "Do your dear auntie a favor and clean it up."

With that she strutted up stairs, earning a few following gazes from the men around us. My heart sank deep into my chest, I wasn't sure what to make of her comment. But I was beginning to fear the very worst, and soon found myself praying that the possibilities that were echoing through my thoughts weren't reality.

In an almost dead-like trance, I ascended the stairs to the dungeon, slowly making my way toward Granger's cell. The scent of blood flew into my nostrils, making me want to stop dead in my tracks. I was scared at what I might find, actually scared wasn't even close to the right word, but my body proceeded anyway, betraying me for the twentieth time today.

"G-Granger?" I stammered in a low whisper. . . receiving no response, "Alohamora."

I reached her cell, and could've sworn I was about to faint. Her body was sprawled across the stone floor, that wild mane of hair curtained her face, but it didn't hide the blood that was starting to pool. Without thinking I dove to her side, frantically pushing the hair away from her face. There was a deep gash across her cheek, cuts across her forehead and chin, and a swelling bruise on her upper lip.

I felt the color drain from my own features, "Granger, please."

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A/N: Though she's evil, I really do love Bellatrix. Any who, please review, or comment, or whatever you like :]