Chapter 7 – Coming Undone
Good week snuffle puffs! I hope you are having the time of your life =) This week lyrics are a lot longer than usual but I searched for the perfect song for a very long time and picking only one stanza was too hard! Also, you may not get an upload for some time (study + exam week). Enjoy! I will be back shortly =)
Keep holding on
When my brain's ticking like a bomb
Guess the black thoughts
Have come again to get me
Sweet bitter words
Unlike nothing I have heard
Sing along, mockingbird
You don't affect me
That's right
Deliver it to my heart
Please strike
Be deliberate
Wait, I'm coming undone
Unlaced, I'm coming undone
Too late, I'm coming undone
What looks so strong, so delicate
Wait, I'm starting to suffocate
And soon I anticipate
I'm coming undone
What looks so strong, so delicate
I'm trying to hold it together
Head is lighter than a feather
Looks like I'm not getting better
Not getting better
Coming Undone – Korn
I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something he will die for, he isn't fit to live. - Martin Luther King Jr
Disclaimer: I do not own the lyrics, the tittle, the quote or Harry Potter
The week had started on a better note than the week before. Even though she still feared crossing his path, Rosemary held her head higher. She was the one to have power over him. A seventh year student would not kill her family, who was she kidding. Dressing herself in her school uniform, Rose went to the common room. Theodore, an early riser, was sitting on the couch. Looking up, he seemed surprise to see her.
- I feel better now, she simply stated.
It was all the explanation he needed. Together, they went down to the main hall and ate a peaceful breakfast. She was joined by many of her friends. Pansy was in a bad mood now that Malfoy and Acacia were officially going out together. Even with what had happened to her, she still could feel the sting from her friend's betrayal and took a fancy in egging on Pansy. When she entered her potion class that day, it was the first time she had smiled in a long time. Snape on the other dared not look at her. He wrote the potion on the board and put them to work. Rose quickly made her potion with Malfoy, trying to be as cordial as possible. Still with a smile on her face, she made sure to be the last to exit the class finally crossing his eyes and smiling even wider.
The rest of the day had gone just as smoothly. It was night and day for Rosemary. She could once more concentrate in her class and gained a lot more points for her house. Even if she felt better, she still wasn't in a forgiving mood and placed herself either with Theodore or Pansy when working in pairs. Rose knew that Acacia felt bad, she knew what she had done to her friend, but Rosemary was determine to let her rot in her misery just a little more.
After a lively evening supper, Rose got up to go to her private special class. Knocking lightly on the door, she heard her teacher telling her to come in. His face was just as guarded as this morning.
- Good evening, she politely smiled.
- Here is your potion, he said. The ingredients are in the cupboard.
- I thought we were going to do Dark Arts tonight, not another unexplained potion like today, she complained.
Still, his face stayed placid. Sighing, she knew he was hardheaded and talking to him would not change anything. She went up to the cupboard to get her ingredients and started her potion. The two were not talking. When it was time to add the newt eye, she had forgotten to grab some from the cupboard and went in. She had not seen that her teacher was already getting some ingredients and bumped into him. She was about to fall on the floor when he caught her, their eyes locking once more. The space between them closing, they started kissing feverishly like the night before.
- You are making a habit out of falling Rosemary, he smiled.
A beautiful smile she had never seen before was on his lips. When he said her name, it sent sparks flying to the small of her back.
- I plan on continuing if I get this good of a reward each time, she responded.
A genuine laugh escaped him urging her to kiss him once more. When they broke apart, she could see worry sketch on his face.
- What's wrong?
- Rosemary, I am your teacher, you are my student. Nothing is supposed to happen between us. You… he trailed off pensive.
- I just went through a rough patch, she paraphrased her past, and I do not plan on getting serious with someone but you and I, we connect much more than others in my year. I don't know where this will lead us Severus but right now, this is what I need.
She could see that he was a little surprised by her using his first name and holding his hand but only responded by kissing her on the lips. Their passion overtook them once more. Grabbing her by the hips, he sat her on his desk so they were looking at each other eye to eye. She was beautiful with her piercing green eyes looking at him so intensely; he was sure she saw his soul. Their kissing resumed and this time she was the one to deepen the kiss by demanding the entrance to his mouth. His hand was rubbing her thigh as they kissed. They kissed until all of a sudden dark dense orange air surrounded them.
- My potion, cried Rosemary.
She had forgotten about her newt eye.
- I think we should call it a day, he laughed clearing both cauldrons.
With one last kiss, she was off to her common room. She knew this was a touchy subject because they could both lose a lot if whatever this was was discovered. Of course, this did not really bother her because no one dared going close to Severus Snape's office without the fear of getting cursed and neither him nor her would speak about it. Her stomach was still filled with butterflies when she woke up the next morning with a smile on her face. It was also her last day at school before the Christmas day. Her godparents would be taking her tomorrow to get her apparition licenses. Eating was still out of the question but the bags underneath her eyes were slightly smaller. Theodore was waiting for her once more and together they went for breakfast. Practically no one was up yet, only a couple Ravenclaw studying for a test. Losing the appetite she hadn't had, Rosemary came face to face with Ianus at the Slytherin table. She felt herself become weak.
- He should fear you Rosemary, coaxed a reassuring voice in her head.
She turned to look at the teacher's table and Snape was looking directly at her. Gathering all her courage, she went by him like nothing had ever happen, raising her nose in the process.
- Good job, he coed.
- Thank you, she tenderly said. Now leave my mind alone! If you have something to tell me, just come to the table.
- You should be the one coming to my table.
- Ohh you wish, she giggled.
She discreetly winked at him and turned to her other friends who were arriving at the breakfast table.
It happened during her afternoon class with Professor Binn. Rosemary was playing with her quill while he was going on and on about something irrelevant and uninteresting. A knock at the door made students wake from their stupor. Filch handed professor Binn a letter.
- Ms Magnar, you are summoned to your head of house's office, right now.
Incomprehension flowed in every students facial features including in Rosemary. Picking up her stuff, she quickly left the classroom and walked down to the dungeons. Knocking on the door, she promptly entered.
- You now Severus, she laughed when she had found the man pacing around the room, if you want to make it subtle, this was defiantly not the way to do it.
He looked at her with apprehension in his eyes. Something was defiantly wrong. When she approached him, she could feel him tense. Before she could even try kissing him, he stopped her.
- Rosemary, you never told me your godparents were Erzebeth and Samael Branwen.
- Well it just never came up, she admitted. Is it a problem?
- Yes, yes it is! He responded leaving her stunned. They are on their way right now.
Her mind was racing. What difference did it make who her godparents were? And why were they on their way right now? How could they know about her and Snape so fast? It was impossible. Approaching his tense body, she lifted her hands and rubbed both of his arms at the same time to relax him. Tenderly, she approached him and kissed him passionately. He responded to her kiss and deepened it but too soon broke it off. He was holding his left forearm once more.
- Rosemary, he whispered in her ear. We cannot do this. I am sorry.
Before she could say anything more, he moved away and the door opened. Both her godparents were standing in front of her; both had solemn faces.
- What's wrong? gasped Rose.
Taking his wand out, her godfather closed the door and soundproofed the office.
- We need to talk, said her godmother summoning three chairs. Snape, you may stay only upon agreeing to never talk about this!
With a quick nod of the head, he disappeared in a dark corner of his office making himself as sparse as possible. Her godparents sat in front of her while her godmother reached to hold her hands.
- What is going on, Rose demanded, you are scaring me!
- Rose, started her godfather. We have bad news. There was a home invasion in Salem. Your parents' house has been attacked and your parents have been killed.
Shock was etched upon her face. Her home in Salem was protected by many powerful spells; only powerful wizards could take down the wards.
- There is no good nor easy way to tell you this darling, continued her godmother but this is not all. This is sooner than we had hoped for but we must now come clean with you. I am sure you have already heard about the wizarding war that happened fifteen years ago. This was a time when the Dark Lord was at his full glory; he wanted to eradicate all muggles from earth. Keeping the blood as pure as possible.
- I went to school with the Lord, said Samael. We were friends back then and this is why we chose his side when the war came. Our blood is pure, purest of them all. We became part of the Death Eaters but unfortunately the war was lost. We had been spies during the war because of our employment at the ministry and were untouched by the trials. Nothing could point the aurors in our direction. We kept our job and continued getting more and more influential. We have never lost faith in him, and once again, our Dark Lord has risen. A new war is starting. It is our duty to be by his side.
Still shocked by her parents death, Rosemary could barely comprehend why her godparents were telling her about the Dark Lord. She knew they had been involved with dark magic and just like every pure blood, their blood purity was something that defined them but where were they going.
Showing her both of their Dark marks on their inner left forearm, Rosemary immediately made the link with Snape. She looked around the class to find him.
- Your right, continued Erzebeth. He has it too. I went to school with Severus and he was loyal to our lord in the first war and I hope he will continue as such in the second.
She had never seen her godparents so stern and without emotion. Snape nodded and he looked back at Rosemary, his piercing eyes starring at her.
- What we really are saying darling is that during that war, continued her godmother, I was pregnant. We did not want the baby to be harmed or discovered if ever our cover was blown so we decided that the best way to protect her was to send her away; a place where no one would know about us, where our angel would be safe no matter what. That baby, Rosemary, is you.
A gasp escaped her lips.
- I don't believe you, she said.
- Take off your charm necklace, said her godfather.
Summoning a mirror, Rosemary looked at herself. Her hair was in disarray because of the kissing earlier. Taking off her necklace, she transformed into someone else. She was the exact copy of her godmother. Her brown hair flowed down her back and her high cheeks were slightly blushed. The only thing that did not change was her green eyes, her shockingly green eyes. Her gaze locked with Severus' reflection in the mirror who quickly looked away.
- We were friends with your guardians, actually, your real godparents; they too were part of the war. They had been charged to rally people in America if ever the war traveled to the other continent. By that time, we would have been able to create a safe home for you here and would have taken you back but it never happened. We did an unbreakable vow with them to protect you no matter what and they kept their promise.
- This is why we went to visit you at every possible occasion, continued her newfound mother. We knew you were safer where you were but we missed you so much. We wanted to wait until you were legal before telling you but unfortunately, we were not able. We are just glad to have gotten you out of that house before anything happened to you.
- So what you are telling me is, that my parents, I mean my godparents are dead. That I am not their daughter but I am your daughter and that you are all Death Eaters?
Both of them nodded waiting for her reaction. In truth, she did not know how to react. She was so shocked by everything that she could barely even comprehend the lost of her parents…godparents…guardians. Severus Snape, on the other hand, was now whiter than he had ever been. She put on her necklace and transformed back.
- We have charmed this necklace to stay on you until your 17th birthday, to protect you from people looking for us.
Suddenly it hit her. If there had been an invasion in their house and her ...parents…real godparents…family members had died, someone powerful had been in there, someone had killed them. She wanted justice.
- Who, requested Rosemary.
Both of them had a puzzled look on their faces.
- Who killed them, roared Rosemary.
- Black, Sirius Black, her newfound father spat like it was venom.
This was too much for her. Rosemary stood up and ran out of the room. She ran through the halls and even when she passed Theodore, she did not stop. She ran to the Entrance Hall and without caring about the snow outside, she continued running in the cold. She didn't know where she would end up but right now, her aim was the forbidden forest where no one could find her; where she could set her mind straight on all the information she had just learned. She got at the entrance of the forest, took a deep breath and ran in. She was getting deeper and deeper; running to her favorite spot. Suddenly she had an uneasy feeling. A group of five grown men were in front of her. She didn't have time to slow down and make no sound. They had already heard her.
- Well, well, what is a beautiful young girl like you doing in the middle of the forest at this time of day? Said one of the men.
- It isn't any of your business, snapped Rosemary who knew better than to respond rudely but could no longer control her mouth or her emotions.
- Feisty isn't she? I like girls like you, they're the best in bed, honey. The more they struggle, the more I have fun, it turns me on, another man responded with a cruel laugh.
- You actually think you could do something to me? She said glowering at the men.
- Well either you're stupid or simply blind to talk back like this to us, responded the third men.
All of sudden the forth man tried to pull out his wand and cast a spell on Rosemary.
- Accio Wand, Petrificus totalus, responded Rosemary with reflex.
- Well isn't she a quickie. Let's see what you have then honey said the third man.
The man raised his wand and said a spell, which engaged a series of spell between them.
- Tarantallega, said the man. Rosemary had time to jump and avoid the spell.
- Fiendfyre, said another man.
Rosemary had practice many time the counter spell for that exact spell, which she could do it easily now, childishly countering it. The men were momentarily stunned by her avoiding the curse so well, but didn't lose a minute to strike again.
- Crucio, said the second man.
This time the spell passed so close to Rosemary that it left a small cut on her right arm.
- Sectumsempra, screamed Rosemary. It was a spell Snape had taught her and she knew it was deadly. The man had tried to harm her and if ever she got caught, she would suffer much more than she had with Ian.
The spell hit the man directly in the chest. It was so strong that he flew back against a tree and fell screaming on the ground. He was grabbing his stomach where the spell had hit him and was twitching in every possible way. He let out a final scream and fell silent, lying on the ground, dead.
She hadn't really tested the spell on anyone yet and was pleasurably surprise to see how strong it was. The other men seemed taken aback from her spell. They didn't seem to think she was capable of any dark magic.
- Imperio! Cried the first man that reacted, who also happened to be the fifth and final man who hadn't said anything yet and seemed to be the leader.
Rosemary didn't have enough time to react to the spell and it hit her hard in the leg. Her eyes were becoming glassy but her mind was still sharp and trying to defeat the imprisonment. She had trained so much to block out the spell that her mind wouldn't admit defeat. The laughing of the four remaining men could be heard in the back of her head. She could feel an urge for walking up to them but she knew it was only the curse and fought it off. It was hurting really bad. All of her muscles and bones were tugging her to go but her mind was much too stronger. Soon, she was completely free of the curse, to the amazement of the four men.
Rosemary quickly got back to her senses and was already doing another spell. This time it was a powerful spell that was nonverbal. A man fell on the floor and once against screamed to the top of his lungs. He was twirling in every way trying to find a way to stop de pain.
Rosemary was so mesmerized by the effect that she didn't see the two men disarming her and grabbing her arms. She tried to defend herself but it was no use she had let down her guard and got caught.
- Well, we've got you now. I'm sure our master would be happy to see what feisty little witch we've caught, crowed the fifth man.
- I hope we get to keep her as our pet. She is very hot, said the other while touching her hips and thigh suggestively.
Rosy was completely disgusted, lost and worn out by all the fighting but she couldn't just give up. It wasn't like her. She felt the familiar thug of an apparition and closed her eyes.
- Wake up witch! Said one of the men. Behave yourself in front of our master because he won't be as clement as we were to you.
Rosemary let out a small chuckle.
- Clement? You weren't being clement. It's only a reason you're giving yourself because you couldn't beat a witch who is probably the third of your age.
- How dare you speak to me like this you filthy little witch!
The man's face became red as fire and his eyes were like slits. She could see it in his eyes that his only plan was killing her as quickly as possible.
- Dolohov! Boomed a voice that Rosemary identified coming from the two big oak doors they were standing in front off.
The fifth man, called Dolohov, grabbed her arm as hard as possible leaving bruises behind and took her in the room. The room wasn't brightly lit but Rose could make out some of the decoration. Luxuriously decorated, the room was silver and green everywhere, which she suspected was real platinum and emerald. There were two rows of people lined up against the wall. She could hear them talking as they walked up to the middle of the room. There was a gigantic silver thrown. It was gorgeous, silver and full of minuscule details. She could see two silver snakes twisting to become armrests. On the chair, a man with red slits was resting. He looked like a snake and wasn't as half exquisite as his room but still held a strangely powerful aura.
- Master, said Dolohov bending on one knee in front of the man.
- What do you bring me Dolohov?
- Master, my men and I were in the forbidden forest to spy on Hogwarts when she appeared.
- Get to the point, said the man who didn't look happy by getting his time wasted.
- She killed one of our men and injured another very severely.
The man on the throne snickered.
- You're telling me that you were put to the ground by a schoolgirl?
Rosemary could feel that Dolohov's posture wasn't as confident as it was when they were in the hall. He was slightly slouched forward and looked like a beaten dog.
- We'll see at least what she's capable of before I punish you for being so weak. Crucio, screamed out the snake-like man.
The spell hit her as fast as anything she had ever experience. She knew how much you needed to mean it when you did unforgivable spells but she had never felt something so strong before. She struggled to hold her scream inside.
- Crucio, cried the man again.
This time the spell made her fall on her knee's but still no scream escaped her lips. She didn't want to show a glimpse of her weakness.
- Well, well, I'm surprise to see someone so young and in so much pain not letting out a single cry. Not even the third of my man can achieve this self control. Now tell me Dolohov, how many were you when you fought.
- Four of my men and me sir.
The man snickered again.
- She has a strong will power but five against a single little school girl! Crucio.
Rosy quickly tried to escape the spell, not wanting to be in an excruciating pain anymore but soon realized that the spell wasn't meant for her but for the man who had brought her here. He fell to the floor and she could hear him whimpering.
- You may go take your rank but be sure that you are leaving with clemency. If our guest wasn't here, you would have suffered much more.
The man pulled himself up and went in one of the two lines of people against the wall. Rosemary was left in the middle of the floor, alone.
- Stand up.
Rosemary immediately stood up. She didn't know if it was because of a spell that was being cast on her or simple her brain that was working in a defensive mode to get the less possible injury.
- Bring her to the dungeons. If anyone harms her, I will punish you myself.
A man apparated beside her and took her arm while they apparated somewhere else. The place was dark and the air was moist and heavy. She was thrown into something that looked like a cell and was locked up. The place was pitch dark so it was no use to move. Sitting down, a single tear slipped down her face when she began thinking of Audrey and Donovan, her now deceased were heard but like the other times, it stopped before her cell, torturing some else. Feeling lost, alone and sleepy, she laid down on the hard, moist floor and slept.
- What were you doing in the forbidden forest? She heard a dark voice say.
Could she be already dreaming?
- Crucio, she heard him spit out. This time the pain was too much for her to take and she let out a cry. Answer me when I talk!
Rosemary opened her eyes to find a dimly lit small cell. It had an old rotten mattress in the corner and didn't have much more. The man, who looked like snake, was in front of her. He was wearing a nice greenish black robe that flowed to the ground and had a snake that was twirling around his feet. She immediately stood up.
- I…I… was running, she finally stuttered to say.
- Running from what?
She didn't want to tell him she was running away because she didn't want to explain, well everything. It hadn't completely sunk in yet so how could she talk about it. She was trying to invent something to say before her thoughts were cut by another voice.
- She's lying, said the snake to his master. She's making up an excuse. Torture her so we can get a bit of fun out of this girl.
Due to the lack of sleep, Rosie's mood was flaring.
- Shut up you stupid snake, snapped Rosemary. She immediately regretted saying it.
The man eyes were threatening. He was glaring at her like no one had ever done so. She could feel herself shrinking in the ground.
- It seems you are a Parselmouth.
- No way!
- Crucio!
Rosemary fell to the ground but quickly got up.
- A Parselmouth is a very unusual gift to have. Only a select few are able to do so. Now, what were you doing in forest?
- I told you, responded the hardheaded girl. I was running. The rest isn't anyone's business and I'm not going to tell you.
- Crucio! Dolohov wasn't wrong when he said you were feisty.
The attack had hit her directly in the chest and had cut her breath short. She fell to the ground on her bleeding knees and stayed seated because she was more than certain her legs would give up once again.
- Let's try an easier question then! What is your name?
Seconds passed and she didn't give him an answer.
- Answer me, stupid girl! Crucio!
This time, Rosemary couldn't fall but her scream was piercing. But still, she didn't respond. She wanted too but didn't know what to respond. Was she supposed to be telling the truth or making up a story to protect herself? All of a sudden she could feel someone trying to enter her mind. She tried her best to resist but all the events of the day had left her weak and was unable to do so very long. Her last moment with her newfound parents in Snape's office came back to her mind.
A very hard laughed escaped his lips as she felt him exiting her memory. Terror washed over her. She saw it in his eyes, he knew them.
- Isn't that funny! Travers! Called out the man. A man had appeared beside her. ''Go get me both Branwens. Right now! They should be quite interested by what we have found.
All of a sudden every pieces of the puzzle seemed to be put together. She knew were she was. She knew who the man in front of her was. She knew exactly why her family name had been spoken. She was standing in front of the Dark Lord.
- You called upon us master, said familiar voices that had just apparated beside Rosemary.
Before he had anytime to response, her mother and father turned their heads and saw exactly who was standing beside them. Their only daughter.
- Yes, I did Samael and Erzebeth. Some of my men were in the forbidden forest when they found this person. I believe you know her. She injured and killed two of my men. I knew you had had a child but this is not how I expected to meet her and so soon. You have done a good job training her even if she could use a bit of obedience.
- Thank you milord, was all they could say. Rosy saw concern in her mother's eyes but nothing more.
- She will be tested tomorrow.
Three gasps were heard before the Dark Lord disappeared.
It was early morning when they arrived home. Her parents had already picked up her things from Hogwarts. Even with the days' event, it was easy for Rosemary to find sleep. Walking up only to do her apparition test, which she aced, in late afternoon. The rest of the night was used to talk about everything that had happened the day and night before. They had stayed up very late and now everything that she needed to know about her past, she knew. Her parents were proud of her actions and, although shocked because of her age, were even prouder that she was being tested so soon. Of course, their plan had always been for her to be tested when she could legally do magic outside of school.
The next morning, they all ate breakfast together before sitting once more in the parlor.
- We'll wait here until someone comes and gets you, said her father.
Not a word was said after that. She couldn't find the courage to open her mouth and speak about the test she would have to do. A pop was suddenly heard in the living room and Rosemary and her parents looked up. A man was standing in the middle of the room.
- It's time. Follow me.
- We will be right along, go ahead. We will meet you at the castle.
- Don't make our master wait.
- I won't. Now go on Avery, forcefully said his father.
Another pop was heard and the man was suddenly gone from the living room.
- Honey, we just wanted you to know that… Her father was trying to say but it seemed to come out wrong.
- I know, responded Rose. I love you guys too.
They all hugged each other, lifting some of the weight off of her shoulder. It had been so long since they had been able to express their feelings so openly.
- I love you, Rosemary. You will always be my baby girl no matter what, he said while kissing her on the head. Well let's go.
Rosemary, her mother and her father apparated in front of a big oak door that she had seen a few nights before. The entered the room but this time Rosemary didn't feel lost, even thought she did feel a bit scared, she felt at peace and happy. What her parents had told her made her feel like she was exactly where she needed to be. She was only continuing her parents' legacy. The room was completely empty except for Lord Voldemort, her parents and Avery.
- Welcome back dear Rosemary, said a cold voice sending chills down her back. Yesterday, you have proved your power but before you can become part of this high-class group you will have to prove the extent of your talent. You will be dueling with your wand right in the middle of this room. Your first adversary will be Avery.
The battle wasn't very hard since the man had under estimated the girl and he seemed to think he had a lot of power when he didn't have any. Rosemary won by tying him with invisible ropes and taking away his wand, all in 20 seconds. The man was then dismissed.
- Very well, you seem strong but Avery isn't the best of our fighter. Let's make this more interesting. Branwen you're up next.
Rosemary couldn't believe it when he had said her father's name. She wouldn't fight with him, she couldn't.
- Lord, I can't.
- Now, Now Branwen, would you want to make me mad?
- No master but…
- No buts. Get going and fight
He stared at Rose directly in her eyes, his exact eyes.
They stood in a duelling position and he threw her a small hex. She had seen the spell come and was easily able to avoid it. He threw her a couple more but again she was able to avoid them. She was only standing there and moving slightly to avoid the poor hexes her father was trying to send her.
- Aren't you going to fight stupid girl? Said Voldemort in a cold voice.
- I can't, whispered Rose more to herself than for him to hear.
- Branwen, stop faking it and fight or would you rather be punished?
Her father knew his master's temper was flaring.
- You will answer me when I ask you a question. Crucio! Said coldly Voldemort.
Rosemary saw her father fall to the floor but like her, not a single noise came out.
- Stop! Shouted Rosemary while her mother remained placid even with horror in her eyes.
- Well, you finally decided to say something. To bad it was to say such things. Crucio!
She waited for the spell to hit but it hit her father once again. She could see the pain that he was in. He was struggling not to let out a word. Rosemary was getting madder and madder. No one was allowed to touch her family.
Voldemort was also getting mad that his spells wouldn't make the man scream in pain. He sent one last spell but instead of hearing a deep scream, he heard a carnal one, frantic and wild. He had a split second to react and avoid a spell that was coming his way. Elegantly moving to avoid her spell, she could see both her parent horror stricken.
- It's time you finally decide to show what your really worth but you'll have to learn that no one is allowed to send me a curse and not pay for it.
- I don't care. Make me pay but leave my father alone. No one is allowed to touch him!
- Let's duel then dear, said Voldemort's cold voice.
This time she knew she probably would have to truly give all she had. She would be lucky to stay alive. He sent her hexes and curses with a speed she had never seen. Some got her hurt but she was insanely mad at the man and nothing could make her stop. She tried to send him some spells but every time he was able to avoid them.
- Crucio! Yelled Rosemary pissed.
This time the spell did hit its target. The curse didn't seem to have done anything; he merely absorbed. The Dark Lord didn't move, he didn't scream, he didn't even look the tiniest bit hurt. This let Rose very stunned by how he had reacted. She had never seen anyone act like that. Her parents had taught her how to react but nothing she had every seen came close to that.
- Imperio! Said coldly but calmly Voldemort.
He was trying to control her. She had a sense of deja-vu but this time, the amount of power was very hard to resist. When she finally felt the curse lift off, she was standing closer to the man then she intended and knew she had lost most of her power. Her faith was now in the hands of Voldemort and it didn't seem to have a happy ending. In a split second, he had taken her wand away and she was left with nothing.
- Fiendfyre!
She knew how to do wandless magic but she never had tried with such a big curse. Even thought she had lost most of her force, she knew this spell and how to counter it. If she failed, she would be burned alive in front of her parents. She screamed with all her will the counter-spell inside her mind letting her mental guard down to concentrate only on the spell. She saw her life flash back inside her mind. She saw Malfoy and Acacia kissing, the Gryffindor smacking her butt and Ian abusing her at the shrieking shack. Then everything went black.
She woke up and felt herself burning, stinging and felt like she was being pulled apart. She knew she had failed. She was on fire but too weak to move or do anything about it.
- Honey, she heard the calming voice of her mother say. Don't try to move until I have given you a potion.
Wasn't she dead? Was it truly possible that she could still be breathing? Someone, most likely her parents, had probably done something so the fire wouldn't kill her. She could feel a hot liquid slide down her throat. The taste was horrible but she didn't have enough energy in her to even move. As soon as she had drunk the thick liquid, she felt a burst of vitality through her and finally was able to open her eyes. She was lying on a bed. She couldn't recognize the black room. Laying in a intricate four-poster bed with a nice white draping, it looked like an angel in the middle of an abyss. Her father was sitting in a chair beside her while her mother was sitting beside her on the bed. They had a worried expression that seemed to calm when Rosemary opened her eyes and looked at them.
- Don't move honey. You will probably be sore from all the fighting.
Indeed, the minute she tried to fidget, she felt a sharp pain in her ribs. She tried to open her mouth but it was very dry and she couldn't let a word out. Her father called a house elf to bring her something and she quickly drank a whole glace of cold water.
- What happened? Was the first thing she could think of.
- You don't remember? After the Dark Lord threw you an Imperio, I could see how much you were fighting not to obey him and you succeeded but you were so concentrated that he did a simple spell to disarm you from your wand. He wanted to finish you so he threw you a Fiendfyre.
- That much I remember but after that it's a complete blank.
- When he threw you the curse and you sent a non-verbal counter-curse. We were about to it ourselves to save you but before we had time to react, you countered it. You drained all of your power and fell on the floor. Seeing what you had succeeded in doing, the Dark Lord decided to let you live. He was still very mad after the fight. You are one lucky princess, said her smiling mother while brushing hair of Rosemary's face.
- We'll let you rest. I'll come and wake you when the Dark Lord decides what he wants to do with you, murmured her father. Sleep well.
Rosemary was already drowning in sleep and couldn't respond to her father. She felt him kiss her on the forehead and then fell in a peaceful sleep.
She didn't know how much time she had been sleeping: an hour, a day, a week, maybe more, before she felt someone nudge her to wake up. She still felt sleepy and didn't want to. Her only response was a groan. The nudging continued.
- Father, stop, she mumbled. I want to continue sleeping.
- This isn't a way to speak to your Lord, said a cold voice behind her.
Rose's eyes shot open but her body froze. She didn't know if she should turn around or if she should stand up. She decided to turn around in bed to face him. He was sitting in the same seat her father had been in before she went to sleep. She was going to try and sit up but half way her arms gave in and she fell back on her pillow.
- Don't be stupid silly girl and lay down. Your body is still in need of rest.
- My body isn't usually so weak, she remarked.
- Well that's because you usually don't fight with someone who is stronger than you. I have brought your wand back and this potion made from Snape to make you stronger.
- Thank you my Lord, was the only thing Rosemary could think of saying.
- You are not yet part of my Death Eaters but you passed the first test. Let's see if you can pass the others. If ever you make it, you will be granted with the Dark Mark and a place in my army.
Rose nodded her head in comprehension. He handed her the potion.
- One more thing, he said menacingly. Don't ever try to challenge me. Next time you will pay with your life.
He then walked out. Even thought she was quite awake due to her encounter and the mention of Snape, she felt her eyelids become heavier and heavier. Probably an effect of the potion and fell asleep yet again.
Rosemary had slept for two days straight but waking up was still painful and even more so when her father told her it was the day of her "parents'" funeral. When she had finally dressed in a depressing black dress, her father and mother took her hand and they apparated at the funeral.
Her "parent's" official death was said to be by the fugitive Sirius Black. This had caused a riptide in her hometown; everyone was scared of being attacked by the mass murderer. Their caskets were opened to their peaceful somber faces. Many people had attended the funeral including the new American minister along with other people of the ministry. After being falsely consoled by people she did not know, Rose just wanted to get out but turning around, Rose came face to face with Rosalind and Anna-Rose who hugged her. Seeing them, present, made her heart sink. The reality of it all hit her even harder.
The ceremony was quick and moving. She stayed beside her new guardians, her parents, but none of them were able to cry a single tear. Too much fury surrounding her "parents" death and they would not rest until Black was dead.
Soon after, Rosemary, was sitting on the rock explaining everything to her friends. Of all the secrets they had shared on the rock, this one was probably the biggest. Too soon, they had to say goodbye and followed her parents back home in England.
Yule had been bitersweet. Passing time with her parents and at home instead of being stuck in a castle was enjoyable but opening presents that her "parents" had picked made her heart break a little more each time.
Early morning, a messenger came for her father. The man, Rosemary guessed, was probably a Death Eater. Her father quickly dismissed the messenger and called Rose in his office.
- Your second challenge is now. Are you ready? Solemnly asked her father.
Rosemary simply nodded and both flooed to the Dark's Lord castle. This time, the room was filled with Death Eaters and followers. Each one lined the wall except two who were holding something. Whispers erupted as she entered. They seemed shocked that such a young person was tested.
The Dark Lord spoke and everyone felt silent.
- Welcome to your second test. Do not look so worried young one; you will feel at home, sarcastically said Voldemort. Advance.
She continued to the middle of the room were two people were holding something or rather someone who was tied up and had a bag on top of his head. He was whimpering and his pants were wet. Rose did not know what her second test was but this was beginning to scare her. Two guys lifted him up and took the bag of his head.
She instantaneously recognized him.
It was Ianus Shaqif.
As soon as his eyes crossed hers, his fear melted away and fury was back.
- I think you may know this young man, said the Dark Lord to Rosemary.
How could have she been so stupid as to let Voldemort enter her thoughts; she would have rather died.
- It's your fault if I'm here, he spitted at Rose. I'm should have killed you when I had the chance.
- Shut up boy! Crucioed Voldemort. This young man's family has never proven their alliance with the Dark Arts and therefore makes him your perfect first victim.
It was true she had killed before, but the two other men were for self-defense. Ianus was simply for the pleasure of killing. The Dark Lord knew the difference between the two. Her test was to see if she could kill someone for …fun.
- Maybe you need a little reminder then, cackled his cold voice in her ear. Don't you remember how that boy used you? He kissed your neck and made you love him. He brought you to the shrieking shack to fuck you but when you resisted he beat you up.
He made it feel so much dirty. She already felt dirty after what had happened and bring it back was not helping her stay calm. She raised her head to see her parents in the crowd. Their eyes were full of wrath; they had heard. She could clearly see the spell preventing them from moving unlike the rest of the crowd mesmerized by the action in the middle of the room.
This wasn't the way she wanted her parents to learn about it. In fact, she wished her parents had never known it. She felt dirtier than ever. Rage was building up inside her. How dare he make her feel that way? He had no right to control her.
- Avada Kedavra! Screamed Rose at the top of her lungs.
The spell hit Ianus directly in the chest. The two guys holding him instantaneously let him go like they had been electrocuted. His eyes went white and fell face first to the ground. She had finally killed him. The guy she had wished so many times to get revenge from. Her father seemed satisfied with his daughter but she could see pain in his eyes still. The rest of the crowd was quiet. Rosemary did not feel anything. Neither pride nor joy could affect her. She simply felt numb.
- You are dismissed, said Voldemort
Everyone apparated. Her parents joined her and they appeared in the office. No one dared move. Her mother was the first to take a step and hug her. Her father joined them. Rose put her arms around them and suddenly every emotion ran back to her. She started shaking and crying. They held her until she quieted down. She didn't really want to talk about it but knew there was no skipping this conversation.
- Rose, you should have come to us, simply said her father.
- I couldn't. It was too horrible; I didn't want anyone knowing. I wanted to erase it from my mind. He didn't get too far though but I was so scared.
Once again, tears started streaming down her cheeks
- I know you did bunny. You have to control it now and use it to your advantage. This is the best way to create powerful magic.
The New Year had come and past as Rose's emotion. She had finally come to peace with what she had done. In fact, she was actually glad that she had gotten rid of this jerk. She had done the world a favor. Her parents had attended a pureblood ball but Rose had stayed home to relax.
Today, there was a Death Eater meeting planned in her home. Evidently, she had to stay clear which meant hiding out in the library. This did not bother Rose one bit. She would probably have stayed there even without the meeting. She had never realized how many useful books her library actually contained. When she was younger, she was never allowed access to the restricted section but now that she could, there was many books that were hand written by their authors; originals of wizards and warlocks up until the Egyptian empire.
Settled in her big red chair, she was reading a botanical book when she felt a cold breeze in the room. Lifting her head up from her book, she could see the Dark Lord looking at her. Rosemary instantly rose and knelt down on one knee. Even if she still was not part of the Death Eaters, she had to respect her Lord.
- What are you reading he simply said, after he had acknowledged her salute.
- I am ready about the Devil's Snare. Even with the extensive program at Hogwarts, we have learned only a tenth of what are the proprieties of specific plants.
A light flickered in his red slit eyes.
- You are right little Branwen. Hogwarts teaches the good not the useful. Since you seem so keen on learning and your father and mother are trusty followers, once you have finished this library, you may use the one at the castle.
Before Rosemary had time to thank him, he had already apparated. It was the first time someone had actually called her by her birth name. She too was now a Branwen.
- What do YOU want? Rosemary rudely asked Nagini.
- You really think you're worth being a death eater?
- Why wouldn't I be? I passed every test and have proven my powers more than enough!
- You've actually got the real pure blood quality, being a parselmouth.
Rosemary didn't know if it was a complement or not. The snake had been so rude to her that she could barely see if it was real or just a diversion for some bad talk again.
- Thank you, ventured Rose.
- The Dark Lord wants to see you.
Rose instantly woke up. Was this just a dream? She was lying on her bed fully dressed from the night before. She had fallen asleep reading again. The moment her two feet touched the ground, something tugged her and she apparated in front of an unknown room in Voldemort's castle.
Rose raised her hand to knock but it opened on its own. She walked in a beautifully lit room. The room had rows and rows of dark stained wooden shelves filled with books of what Rose was sure were about Dark Magic. Her eyes sparkled with amazement; this was the castle's library. A sitting area was placed at the beginning of the room, two dark green chairs with a dark wood table between the two. No one was seated so Rose decided to continue deeper in the study. As she moved, she could see that some pictures of great wizards were hung between the many shelves. One in particular caught her eye. It was the same exact picture that was on the magical cards she collected when she was younger from the chocolate frogs.
- He was a great wizard, said a voice behind her
Rose had been jumpy because of Shaqif, but now that he was dead, it seemed like her calmness had returned. She slowly glanced back to come face to face with Voldemort.
- We have the same exact picture in our study back in England. My mother told me it was one of her ancestor.
- Of course. The gift you have comes from your mother even though it has been dormant since Herpo himself. You have an exceptional background of pure blood wizard and witches.
- Why do you speak parseltongue? Asked shyly Rose.
- Your parents have shown you a lot in Dark Arts but they haven't told you a thing about me. Am I right?
- Yes, I think they preferred keeping it from me rather than me figuring out everything.
-Therefore your knowledge will greatly improve and I will make sure your learning of the Dark Arts will continue in school.
A quick and swift knock was heard at the door. A man with slumped shoulders walked in.
- Sir, you called me for the Azkaban reunion?
- Yes Travers. Since you have been to Azkaban I want you to explain the architecture and come up with a plan to free all of my men.
- Yes Master. It's an honor Master.
Rose could hear the fear in his voice. The Dark Lord was impressing and surely did not look very forgiving but to make an adult male be so terrified of someone was something to see. Even Rosemary didn't shake as much as he did when she was in his presence.
- Follow him, this will be the last part of your testing.
- Yes master, said Rose
Rosemary followed the man in silence until they reached another big wood door. When Travers wasn't around the Lord, his aura was much more confident. He pushed the door open and entered. Many Death Eaters were seated at an extremely long table. Rose quickly found a place and sat. When she was seated, the man named Travers started talking about the inside of the Azkaban prison. Everyone listen to every detail including Rosemary. His plan was to break up in different teams and enter different part of the prison. One group would make a diversion while the others would free the man. After listening carefully to every detail of the plan, Rose went back to her room to sleep. They were to leave tomorrow morning before the sunrise.
The next morning, Rosemary was up early, very early. She washed herself and got dressed in her wizards robe. Her mother and father had always dressed like this on mission. Finally, Rose grabbed her wand and headed for the plotting room were they were all going to apparate together. She was part of the diversion team lead by Gibbon. At 4 am, everyone was ready and they all apparated.
The prison was calm and eerie. Gibbon blew a wall up and entered the prison. As soon as he did, Dementors started flooding in from every corner of the island. Patronus charms were being heard everywhere but none were big enough to crush the Death Eaters. She could hear some of her fellow Death Eaters being kissed by the Dementors. Rose had to find another way to solve this.
Rose thought of her happiest memory ever. Instantly, every Dementor was attracted to her. She closed her mind off of every emotion, leaving the hooded figures hanging in the air. The other Death Eaters had stopped moving. They all wondered why the beasts were acting so strange. Once again, Rose opened her mind. She could feel a Death Eater trying to suck her inside so she closed it off again. She had connected with one of them and telepathically talked to him.
- Tell me why you're still guiding this island for the stupid ministry?
- We told eat souls here, gloomily responded a voice.
- And what if I can offer you better?
- No loyalty anyone. We side change if offer you have better.
Every other Dementor was floating in the air not moving. It seemed that everyone had the same thoughts, as they all seemed to be listening to what Rosemary had to offer. No Death Eater dared move either.
- Go help the others free the men, she half commanded, half screamed.
They weren't too sure if they were supposed to obey her or not but wanting to avoid being kissed, they ran off. Everyone left, leaving Rose alone with the Dementors.
- If you come to our side, you would have much better meals than mass murderers who already have no happiness. We offer you happy living Muggles, Mudbloods and blood traitors. In return, you have to free everyone we'd like to have. This alliance will be kept a secret until we say so but in the mean time we will arrange a method of payment.
The dementors responded positively to this request. Remembering the path Travers had told her yesterday, she moved up the flight of stairs, free from dementors, and went to the gathering of Death Eaters. None had been able to open the magically sealed cells. Tired of their incompetence, she blasted a hole through the cells and let everyone escape. The ministry would soon be here with the Aurors and they needed to leave. Everyone apparated to the safe place.
As soon as everyone had arrived, a cry of joy was heard from the crowd. They had finally freed some of their best Death Eaters. A vile looking lady greeted Rose. Her hair was a mess, her teeth were black and she seemed … absent minded…was a way to put it.
- I don't know where our Lord found you but you're going to make great things for us!
Rose didn't know what to say so she simply nodded. The woman left and she soon hurried for the exit before any other loony could aboard her. She went up to the library to read some more books on black magic and potions. She found a book about dark spells and sat on one of the green armchair. She wasn't half way through the book when the door boomed open. Voldemort came in his robes blowing behind him. His face was distorted in fury. As soon as he saw Rosemary, his already blood red eyes turned murder red. Rose didn't have time to prepare herself from the Crucio he sent her. Her book dropped to the floor and so did she, her arms around herself to try to suppress the pain. Another spell was said to soundproof the library. So many Crucios were sent that Rose could not take it anymore, blood trailed down her nose and ears as she screamed.
- You will never disobey the orders! Am I clear? Spitted Voldemort
- Yes master, obediently Rosemary.
She now understood why so many of his followers were terrified when they were in front of him. She knew she was going to be punished but she hadn't realized it would be so bad. She did, after all, free most of his followers single handedly. She could feel someone trying to enter her thoughts. It was no use of trying to block him. She was too weak and even if she did, she would get punished again. Instead, she fully opened her mind. His searching was directed only to the recent event and did not go furthermore into her memories. After looking at it a couple of times, he seemed satisfied and calmed down.
Rose was still on her knees in front of him. She felt a cold hand take her by her chin and raise her bloody face. Her eyes remained down not to cross his eyes again. He was squeezing her hard looking at every little detail she had on her face. He finally let go of her.
- Go wash your face. You are to remain out of my way until I call upon you once again. Next time, remember to follow the orders.
Rose slowly got up. Every inch of her ached from being tortured. She apparated home, cleaned herself up and slept.
Another dream with Nagini summoning her to the Dark Lord woke her up in the middle of the night just before returning to Hogwarts. Rosemary knew she was already precarious with the Dark Lord so without changing, she apparated to his castle. The castle was dead quiet except the voices filled with agony heard from the basement. Nagini was waiting for her to guide her. This time, she ended before another big wood door but inside was an office. Much like Dumbledore's office, it had a seating area near a fireplace and a desk filled with objects Rose would never dare touch. The Dark Lord was standing beside the fireplace his face weirdly contorted by the light of the flames
- Kneel down before me, he ordered. You are still an underage wizard therefore there is no use in marking you but here is a bracelet you will keep until you are of age. Just like the Dark Mark, it will burn when I summon you.
Rosemary knelt before him. Even though it felt foolish, she was surprised at the honor. When she had disobeyed, she was sure never to be marked. Now that she was going to have the mark, she wondered what she really wanted. It was too late for these kind questions, had she a choice left? Her father and mother had trained her to eventually follow in their footsteps and this is what she was planning to do.
- You may rise finally said the Dark Lord after ceremonially putting the eerily beautiful emerald bracelet around her dainty left wrist.
- Thank you milord, responded Rosemary beaming with pride.
Before anything else could be said, Voldermort wiped his wand and Rosemary was back home, in her bed.
BOUYA! Didn't see that coming did you?
