Benedict stood in front of the mirror, naked. She was staring at her reflecting, measuring every inch of her face, standing on her tip toes to have a better view of her body. She had changed, a lot. Hearing the door open to her room and her name called out she didn't react. The sound of someone walking through the room didn't made her avert her eyes nor reach for some clothes, he had seen her naked before.

Her hair was longer, her eyes darker, both in colour and surrounding. Her cheeks was sunken, her shoulder bones prominent, she could see the indentations of her ribs down her chest, or rather what was left of it. Moving closer to the mirror she could see her stomach and the top of her thighs. Nothing much left there either.

Hearing the door being opened to the room she kept starring at the mirror.

"Ben… what are you doing?"

She didn't acknowledge him so he took a step into the room, eyeing her closely. She had changed, she was growing old, almost from day to day and getting thin, too thin. Being a healthy size when she arrived at the Manor she surely was a shadow of her former self now. If he was to guess she had aged 10 years in the 10 weeks she had been there. He really wished this would be over soon.

"I wanted a family… a husband, children, a house, white picket fence and a garden…"

He hesitated, he didn't know what to say to that nor what she wanted him to say.

"I thought I had a future!"

He chewed his lip, this was a potential dangerous road to venture down.

"Was I born a weapon of mass-destruction?"

She looked at him, he was eyeing her nervously

"Once you're done-"

"I'm dead!"

He cleared his throat.

"Not necessarily"

She returned to look at the mirror

"You think I would have ever found someone?"

He walked over, placing himself behind her

"I mean, if you guys hadn't found me"

Her eyes gleamed dangerously but Marcus just pushed her hair of her shoulder, kissing the soft skin there.

"I still think you have a future"

Catching his eyes in the mirror she narrowed hers.

"No one survives the Nemesis Curse"

"No one documented"

She cocked an eyebrow and he continued

"You honestly think that anyone who survived when the curse was triggered would tell about it?"

She locked eyes with him

"To tell someone about being dangerous, out of control and even destructive, it's not something you want to start out with telling when you meet someone new"

Subconsciously chewing her lip she nodded as he ran his hand through her hair, catching a small stray and pushing it behind her ear. Placing another light kiss on her shoulder he continued.

"So yes, you can have it all and when this is over and done with I will do my very best to make that wish come true"

Noticing her cheeks flushing he smiled while trying to hide a chuckle.

"I'm not offering to marry you, I am sure once done here you will never want to know of magic ever again"

She faded a bit at his reply but he knew he was right and so did she. He looked at her through the mirror for the longest time, she saw the sand running though the hourglass, saw the tare the curse did on her, her mind and body. He had been ignoring it up until now but no more, seeing her like this opened his eyes, so to say.

"Get dressed, Mister Malfoy is expecting you. We have a visitor"

Taking a deep breath she grabbed his wrist and pointed at her hair with the other hand. Marcus smiled, he got the hint so pulling out his wand her hair was pulled up in a ponytail with a twist in seconds. No stray hairs. A second later her make-up was done as well. Giving him as much a smile as she could muster she spoke lightly.

"You're getting good"

Marcus laughed

"Yeah, never thought that would be one of the spells I would master"

Pulling her clothes on she slipped her feet into the black flats she was required to wear, she hated them but to be honest, there was a lot of things in her existence she hated. Following Marcus down the stairs she watched as the doors opened to the study and immediately spotted the two figures sitting by the fire, recognizing both of them. Grabbing Marcus by the arm she whispered

"What's he doing here?"

Feeling him shrug his arm out of her grasp she knew this was not a social visit. What now? Both men got up, Lucius more relaxed and with a slouch, he despised her, thought little of her, Severus Snape on the other hand…

"Miss Adams, nice seeing you again"

Benedict eyed the dark haired man with caution, The Potions Master was an intimidating man and capable of intolerable cruelty. As he walked over she stood her ground, back straight, chin up and eyes averted. As he grabbed her chin, eyeing her in the light of the fireplace she avoided his gaze.

"She has gotten thin, have you forgotten to feed her Lucius?"

Benedict strained herself to not roll her eyes, she knew that action would not be accepted nor forgiven.

"It's the Curse…"

Severus nodded

"Perfect make-up and perfect hair… almost if done by magic"

Feeling her cheeks run hot Benedict swallowed hard, she did not know if such things were allowed, knowing the twisted mind and thoughts of the two men she knew that they could think of anything as an excuse to punish her.

Seeing the ink bottle fall, as if in slow-motion, Benedict held her breath. As it broke against the stonefloor and splatter stained the hem of Lucius' robe she felt her blood run cold, his eyes gave her a dangerous look.

"Marcus – The Room!"

Benedict screamed in anger as the dark-haired man grabbed her and pulled her towards the descending stairs and within a few minutes she found herself in The Room again and the door was shut. The darkness was suffocating, it crept around her and weighed her down like a thick blanket. Lying flat on the floor she ran her finger tips over the stone surface, resting her cheek against the cool surface, soon the voices would come…

All alone…

"Stop it!"

It's a small room…

"It's big enough"

Is there enough air

Are you going to suffocate…

She breathed deeply, barely feeling the air filling her lungs

How long this time

Will they even come get you?

They will forget about you

You will be stuck here – together with me – forever…

"A treat I guess…"

Severus walked around the young woman

"And you claim to have broken her?"

Lucius nodded as a reply, Benedict avoided looking at him. Severus looked from one to the other.

"Interesting, I bet she still has her fighting spirit…"

Lucius cocked an eyebrow at the Potions Master, what did he have planned?

"Indeed, something tells me that she is merely behaving in fear of what could happen not from pure fear of you…"

Without warning he pulled out his wand, aimed it at Marcus and the man dropped to the floor in a heap. Benedict screamed but as she threw herself towards him Severus grabbed her around the arm, something he quickly wished he hadn't as blue flames engulfed his hand, letting go with a howl he waved his hand and red ribbons snaked out, wrapping themselves around her wrists, neck and waist… but only for a second then they too had burned away. Turning she looked at the Professor, her eyes ivy green. Severus shot a glance at Lucius who was leaning against the wall casually.

"Benedict!"

His voice was firm and echoed around the room as she spun around, her eyes wide with fear. Looking at the silver haired man she held her breath and her anger died as the first tears escaped her eyes and ventured down her cheeks. Time seemed to be standing still for the longest time and the silence was deafening.

"Sit down!"

Benedict felt her core shake as she did as she was told, moving over to one of the chairs by the fireplace she sat herself down, her back half-turned to the two men and to Marcus. Severus waved his wand and the younger man coughed before rolling over and struggling to get to his feet. Glaring at the Professor as he got up, he saw Benedict stealing a glance from her place in the winged chair, she seemed to sigh from relieve.

"Completely uncalled for!"

Severus ignored the younger man before saluting Lucius.

"You were right"

The Malfoy gave half a nod before adding

"Next time, don't test her in my study, most of these books cannot be replaced nor replicated"

Severus smiled, Lucius had done good, the girl was terrified of him and could be controlled via that fear. Something told him that the Dark Lord's plan could be set into action soon. Marcus rubbed his shoulder while eyeing the two men.

"Am I needed more tonight?"

Lucius shook his head and dismissed the boy with a wave of his hand, watching him leave the study but before he had closed the doors he called him back.

"You forgot something"

Giving the silver haired wizard a puzzled look Lucius nodded towards Benedict

"We're done for tonight"

With a nod Marcus went over and tapped her shoulder, gesturing for her to follow, something she did gladly. As the doors closed behind them she threw herself in his arms, wrapping her own arms around him tightly. Marcus gently padded her back, knowing that this was not the time nor the place for affections, both the Professor and Lucius would frown upon such actions, especially considering what she was and who he was. Releasing her embrace Marcus ushed her towards the bedrooms.

Marcus pushed the door open to The Room, she was lying on the floor in a foetal position, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs and he could see her ribcage clearly through the thin fabric shirt she was wearing. How did it get so far? Walking over to her and kneeling down he scooped her into his arms, her eyes were closed and she barely acknowledged him, there were no tears but by the looks of her there had been, her mouth was slightly open and her lips dry, on the verge of cracking. How long had he kept her without water this time? Getting up he brought her to her room, sending a houseelf for some water which he helped her to drink. As he sat with her in his arms he felt the shakes of her crying for the longest time. Running a hand over her hair he schussed her, he knew it would be a long night, it always was. She needed to shake off the drugs she had been given and the darkness that always lingered in her, body and soul. Running a hand over her hair again he placed a light kiss on the top of her head as he whispered:

"It's ok, I'm here…"

As she woke with a scream around 3 o'clock he sat up straight, reaching for her just as she tumbled out of bed, pushing the sheets of her while starring around the room with wild blind eyes. Scrambling after her he pulled her into his arms, holding on tightly.

"Ben – wake up!"

Her breathing exploded as she tried to fight him off so he released her, getting up and taking a few steps back. Looking at her sitting on the floor, hands buried in her hair and knees pressed against her chest while rocking back and forth, Marcus thought she had finally lost it. Lucius had taken it one step too far. After what seemed like forever she finally calmed down and woke up, giving him a confused look before throwing herself in his arms as he waves his wand and turned on as many candles as he could see around the room. There were quite a few, Benedict had been collecting and asking the houseelves for extras. She had become scared of the darkness.

Eating breakfast Lucius looked up at the younger man sitting further down the table from him, head resting in his head and almost falling asleep. Lucius smirked.

"Tough night?"

Marcus' head snapped up

"I think she's lost it"

Lucius leaned back, drying his mouth with a napkin while chuckling

"Really?"

Marcus nodded

"She's scared of the dark and you need to cut down on the potions you give her while she in The Room, it takes longer and longer for her to come out of it"

Lucius shrugged his shoulder

"A few more days and she's done"

Marcus eyed him

"We have a final date?"

The silver haired man nodded while taking a sip of his tea

"Friday"

Marcus frowned, why did he only get that information now? Pushing his food away he excuse himself and got up, leaving the table under the watchful eye of Lucius Malfoy. Snapping his fingers as the younger man had left the room Ninsy appeared at his side.

"I want a report"

The houseelf nodded and bowed before disappearing with a loud crack.

"Benedict… are you awake?"

The girl rolled over, staring at him from the bed

"I haven't slept"

Marcus entered the room, closing the door behind him

"It's this Friday and then this should all be over"

Sitting up straight she jumped out the bed

"For real?"

Marcus nodded as she rushed over, wrapping her arms around him

"Best news all year!"

Suddenly she released him, taking a step back.

"And then what?"

He eyed her, concern showing on his face

"I don't know, you won't be allowed back into the Manor"

Closing her eyes and smiling she did a small jig on the spot while strangling a squeal.

"More good news"

Marcus shook his head at her. Crazy girl

"Where will you go?"

She laughed

"Anywhere but here!"

He hadn't heard her laugh in ages, it was kind of a relief but it also triggered his guilt, he hadn't been honest with her and this could now catch up with him. Right now he felt he was promising her her freedom but to be honest, he had no idea what the plan was if she was to survive, Lucius was glad to be rid of her so no returning to the Manor but what then? Would Lucius be right in believing the The Dark Lord would kill her off?

Friday came faster than any of the expected, Marcus hadn't slept for days, he felt guilty and nervous, Benedict had kicked the nightmares and finally got a full night sleep, the prospect of freedom renewed her and made her able to relax though Lucius were looking smug every time he saw her, he knew something concerning her that she probably should know but he was not going to put her out of her misery, the shock would be fun to witness.

The silver haired man closed the door to the study but as he turned he was faced with the girl.

"You know better…"

His voice sent shivers down her spine but she knew he needed her in perfect form for the following day so spending the night in The Room was not likely.

"I do Sir but I feel you have something to tell me"

He smirked at her, she was not stupid after all.

"I might be withholding some information important to you but that does not mean that I am going to share"

Eyeing him she chewed her lip

"I have done everything asked, I have worked hard and am doing what you ask of me, do I not deserve it?"

He looked at her slender face, her eyes deep set in her face, her cheeks lacking their roundness, her hair pulled back into a tight bun. Marcus had been spoiling her with doing her hair and make-up every morning, Lucius knew they slept together most nights and even though he did not like it, it had only had a positive effect on her, she bounced back after his punishments faster than before and seemed more focused.

"I know you dream of your freedom"

He saw her face light up and her optimism amused him, he tried to hide a smirk.

"If you survive tomorrow you are to return here, The Dark Lord will decide your fate"

Seeing as her face darkened and her eyes go light green he sneered at her.

"Honestly, you are powerful and too dangerous to have running free so either he decides to end your misery or enslave you, keeping you around for future use"

She grew pale and he grabbed hold of her, pulling her close so they were face to face.

"I told you a long time ago that you do not belong in the Muggle world and that we've done you a favour"

Her eyes were cold as she looked him over and a sneer curled her lip

"I will have earned my freedom!"

Lucius laughed before dragging her out the study and down the hallway.

"You might think that but no, not really!"

Trying to keep up as he pulled her down the stairs she knew where they were going and it amazed her, she thought she was home-free. As he pushed the door open to The Room she looked at him for the longest time before he pushed her into the darkness, following her in and closing the door behind them. Lighting a single candle by the wall he turned and looked at her, she was sitting on the floor, on her knees with her hands resting on her thighs. The position every karate lesson had started with, for meditation and for receiving orders or informations, her eyes were following his movements. As he pointed his wand at her, she bowed her head, she knew what was coming next.

Marcus entered the breakfast-room and looked around, spotting Lucius with the paper and a cup of tea he opened his mouth as if to speak but decided against it.

"Yes?"

Lucius placed his cup down, folding the paper in his lap.

"The girl?"

Marcus nodded

"She in The Room"

Seeing the younger man frown and turn to leave, he stopped and looked at the older man for reassurance. Lucius nodded

"Sure, go collect her"

Marcus rushed into the dungeons, unlocking and opening the door. The Room was a mess, ashes everywhere and sod stains on the walls. This one had been a bad one. Spotting the girl in the corner she was sitting on her knees, her front towards the wall and as he moved closer he saw her eyes were closed.

"Ben?"

He spoke softly as he noticed her clothes were torn and slightly burned at the ends. She opened her eyes and they were still poison green, Marcus took a step back as she got up, turning her front towards him but keeping her head down. What a state the girl was in, deep gashes on her arms and torso, several bruises and by the looks of it, Lucius had only used a slow healing spell on the more severe ones while leaving the smaller ones to close up by themselves. Prolong the pain he guessed.

"Come"

He turned and left the room, hearing her soft steps behind him he guided her up the stairs and towards her room, she needed to be cleaned up before they could leave, like this she would attract too much attention.

Motioning for her to go to the bathroom he pulled out the clothes already selected by Lucius, she could not wear her learning clothes, she was too old to pass as a student so a knee long black skirt, a white top and grey cardigan over, black shoes with a bit of a heel and a cloak to wear on top of it all. As she had finished in the bathroom he healed the last of her cuts, covering up the bruises that were showing after she was dressed, her hair was pulled up into a bun, he could only do the two things, a ponytail and a bun but she wasn't complaining. Taking a step back he looked her over, she looked good or at least as good as was appropriate.

Opening the door so she could enter the breakfast-room Lucius looked up at her, she cleaned up nicely though with some help. Putting his cup down he got up, grabbing his cane and cloak before gesturing for the fireplace. Taking a pinch of powder from the box on top of the mantelpiece he spoke out clearly.

"Knockturn Alley!"