Author's Note: I usually don't add author's notes before the chapter but in this case I think it may be necessary to point out some possible triggers coming up. I just want to warn that there is discussion of an attempted rape that a character reveals and at some point after that there is an actual act of attempted rape/non-con situations.

Please be safe and heed with caution! Do not continue reading if you are sensitive to these topics.

Chapter 49: Dictation

Neville woke up in a fantastic mood and was ready to face the day as positively as he could muster. So far things had been fairly routine and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Neville was now in the greenhouse after just having finished lunch and was furiously working away with his plants.

"I don't understand..." he muttered to himself, as he pushed his glasses back up his nose. "You should be near full bloom by now."

He sighed and rolled up his sleeves as he submerged his hands into the soil so he could inspect the plant closer.

"Hello."

Neville jumped straight out of his stool and immediately grabbed his wand.

Luna Lovegood had managed to sneak into the greenhouse undetected and whispered straight into his ear.

"Luna you scared me!"

"Sorry. I did not want to disturb you."

Neville wiped a hand across his forehead which left a streak of wet soil behind.

Luna giggled.

"I'm relieved it is you. It could have been a-anyone," began Neville slowly. "I get so focused in here that I would never know if someone entered..."

"That is an unsettling thought," she replied.

"What are you up to?" He asked her. "So you and Dean huh? Where is he?"

Luna's face lit up.

"We are meeting up later. Dean and I are very happy. I would have never imagined myself with him and I am sure he feels the same. Funny how certain experiences bring two completely opposite individuals together."

"And what might that have been?" asked Neville with a wink.

"Well after the battle at Hogwarts...I feel like I lost tiny pieces of myself- everyone did. It was very difficult to cope with afterward but during the battle I was inside the castle most of the time- I was trying to help the younger students get to safety. I remember that I was attacked. A death eater caught me off guard and stunned me- then he began to drag me away. I had no clue where to but I was terrified he was going to kill me. He continued to drag me out of sight and..."

Luna paused and Neville could see tears gathering in her eyes.

"He began to undress me but he did not get far because Dean came running up and blasted him straight away. Dean saved me- he never left my side for the rest of the battle. He was very supportive afterward as well and we just got to talking and found we actually do have a few things in common."

Neville pulled Luna into a hug and squeezed her tightly.

"I'm glad Dean was there."

"Me too," she replied.

"If you ever need to talk...you can always come to me," offered Neville. "About anything."

"Thank you Neville."

He finally released her and smiled.

"I would consider you my best friend, Neville Longbottom..." began Luna softly. "I hope we do not drift away from each other again. It was very lonely."

"We won't. That's a promise."

Neville remembered Luna revealing to him that she had liked him as more than a friend at one point. While he was flattered he could never see himself with Luna Lovegood. She was a beautiful girl, so that wasn't the reason- her long blonde hair and exuberant blue eyes were quite charming but she was a little too dotty for him but he had gotten used to her quirkiness and found it increasingly endearing.

"I have a really bad feeling that I can not seem to shake off," said Neville. "I just- I feel like something is about to go down."

"Trust your intuition," began Luna. "And skyhalops."

"What are skyhalops?"

"You can not see them but they are tiny little creatures that surround you to try to lift your mood when times have been rough- just to make it easier to brighten your path through the darkness."

"Oh," replied Neville with a lopsided grin. "That seems legit..."

"You look well," began Luna, observing him closely. "You do not seem quite as lost. Your eyes are bright again. It is nice to see the old you coming back."

Neville sighed.

"I know you mean well," he began. "But the old me is who I don't want to be- the old me was a fat, nitwit and very disgraceful and clumsy. I-I like the new me- I mean I still have qualities of the old me you know but I do not want to go back to what I was. I have grown for the better."

Luna remained very quiet.

"Why did you never come to me Neville?"

"What do you mean?"

"While you were struggling? I was very lonely and you must have been too. I would have listened and we could have been there for each other. You and I grew very close during the D.A.- remember?"

Neville looked away with guilt.

"I'm sorry, Luna. I-I just...I know we drifted apart but we have each other now, right? And I never really talked to anyone about my problems- which is why things got so bad. I didn't want anyone to know what I was doing. It was this secret that I carried with me- I was proud of it. I thought it made me stronger...but really all it was doing was killing me."

"My cousin is the same way," began Luna. "You know her- Mary-Sue. She has been ill since we were children. Always in and out of hospital. It is a sad way to exist."

"Honestly Luna...I wasn't a good person to be around. I was in a very dark place. I was paranoid all the time and angry if someone mentioned something about my eating habits or my weight. I was moody and always snapping at people- pushing everyone away. Be glad you didn't have to deal with me. I hurt a lot of people...all because of this stupid illness. It was the only thing that mattered. If Ginny's brother wouldn't have intervened and told everyone else what was really going on I don't even know if I would be here talking to you right now."

"You have me now," assured Luna.

"Thanks. It sucks though because while I am happy that I am getting better I really don't want to put on anymore weight. The fact that I don't have control over that is driving me mad."

"You are still quite thin," she assured him. "Just not so that you look like you are dying."

"I feel far from thin."

"But how do you feel right now?"

"I feel good- other than you know that weird feeling I have."

"Just focus on feeling good."

"Right."

"I am happy for you."

"Luna you have always been a good friend to me. I'm sorry I wasn't the best to you in return..."

"I wish I could have helped you. I did not see you enough to know what was going on. I occasionally would speak to Ginny and she would tell me her concerns but I could only look at you and see sadness. I did not know you had an eating disorder. I could relate because of my cousin."

Neville gave her a tiny smile.

"I still feel sad a lot. Not quite to the degree as before but I know how to cope now."

"How did it all begin Neville?"

"I dunno. It is almost like a switch in my brain just clicked on one day. I was tired of being invisible- of being everyone's fat, annoying tag along..."

He paused.

"Gran never liked that I wasn't taking proper care of myself. I had horrible eating habits, snacking between meals, multiple portions. I would eat anything she put in front of me and as a result I got fat. I guess you know- it began innocently enough. I cut back on food...began working out. Eventually it got to the point where I cut out so much food and was so hungry by the days end that I would gorge on anything I could get my hands on...then came the guilt..."

He sighed heavily and continued.

"One night I ate so much that I got sick- after that I felt better and it just kind of stuck. Then you know as people began to catch on I began to restrict but then as people began to notice I wasn't eating it got harder to hide and then I just became so angry and defensive. I was a miserable git. I wanted people to forget about me and ignore me like they used to so I could just wither away in peace but that never happened. Hermione caught on quickly- I was so awful to her and then as Ginny caught on I was really in deep trouble..."

"It felt good to have control. Yes?" asked Luna.

"It did...but eventually it gained control over me and that is when it stopped being manageable. I couldn't control myself or my emotions. It was scary at times. My uncle didn't know what to do...gran was proud of me until she was informed on what I was really doing and then she blamed herself."

"You are one of the strongest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing," began Luna. "To have gone through all of this and you are not even eighteen yet. It will only get better. It is harder for others- like Mary-Sue. Deep down I do not think she wants to be better, which is why she has not recovered. I truly believe that you have it in you to get better. I will always be here for you."

"I appreciate that Luna. Same goes for you. Don't be a stranger."

"I better go. It has been nice talking to you."

"You too. Bye Luna."

000000

Remus and Sirius were chatting when suddenly the werewolf paused mid sentence.

"I smell blood...I'll be back."

He quickly made his way upstairs on knocked on Draco's door.

"Go away!"

"Draco- It's Remus. May I come in?"

"I'll be right out!"

Remus went against his better judgement and slowly opened the door to enter despite Draco's reluctance.

The werewolf frowned- he knew what to expect but actually witnessing Draco in the act of hurting himself was a different story.

Draco was sitting on the edge of his bed- his left sleeve was rolled up and his arm was covered with bloody slashes.

The blonde glared at the older man.

"Did I give you permission to come in?"

"I apologize Draco. I smelled blood and just wanted to make sure you were okay."

At this Draco broke into a soft chuckle and then his face suddenly fell with anger.

"I have a fucking bloody razor blade in my hand- do I seem okay?"

"May I have a look?"

Draco scoffed and stared at his former professor nastily.

"Might as well. Not like you will listen to me if I tell you to fuck off."

Remus took a seat next to his former student and began to inspect his wounds.

He whistled lowly.

"These are pretty deep, Draco. You are playing a dangerous game."

Remus began to heal his arm.

"Would you like to talk?"

"Not particularly," snapped Draco.

Suddenly Snape appeared outside of Draco's now open door.

"Draco I need you to-"

He halted mid sentence as he observed the scene before him and immediately his face contorted with rage.

Draco and Remus both looked up.

Snape entered and slammed the door shut behind him.

"I could smell blood from downstairs," admitted Remus. "I just wanted to check on him and make sure he was alright..."

"Stupid boy," began Snape with venom, his black eyes flashing. "One of these days you will cut too deep and there will be no one around to help you!"

"Maybe that's what I want!" snapped Draco.

"This has gone too far Draco," continued Snape.

"I quite agree," added Remus. "I think it is time we get you some proper help."

"I don't want help. You can't force me."

"I gave you a chance to prove you could be a man and handle this on your own," hissed Snape. "Obviously I was sorely mistaken to even consider this."

"Severus- I think maybe we should let Draco speak."

"I think I am ready to get the fuck out of here."

"I highly recommend revising that decision Mr. Malfoy," began Snape with warning.

"All I want is for all of you to leave me alone!"

Remus shot a look of desperation to Snape.

"I think maybe we should all just sit down and discuss this for a minute..."

"There is nothing to discuss," argued Draco. "I want to leave."

"You are not leaving!" shouted Snape.

Draco glared at the raven haired potions master.

"Watch me."

He stood up but Snape grabbed him firmly under his elbow and shoved him back down on the bed.

"There are people after you- who want you dead."

"And?"

"We are the only ones who can protect you," added Remus weakly.

Draco sighed.

"They are after me to kill me- which would be a blessing at this point."

Snape stared down at his former student with such anger that Remus quickly began to grow uncomfortable. The former death eater's black eyes bore into the blonde with such ferocity that even Draco seemed to squirm under his glare.

Suddenly the silence was overcome by the sound of Snape's hand connecting with Draco's cheek. The boy slowly brought a hand up to the affected cheek and his mouth fell open.

"Have you learned nothing boy? You are alive for a reason! You ought to be grateful! Do you know how many people who lost their lives in the battle would trade places with you if given the chance? Instead you choose to be a selfish and worthless little shit who would rather stay locked in the past than to move on with his future. It makes me sick. All of the potential you have to become the opposite of what your father wanted- to become something extraordinary and to finally become who you want to be...wasted!"

Snape glared at the boy who in turn quickly glanced away- guilt written all over his face.

Without another word the black haired wizard stormed out of the room and slammed the door behind him once again.

"Wow," was all Draco could say.

"Severus really believes in you. I do too. We all do. It is incredibly frustrating to see you not measure up to what you are worth."

Draco remained silent as Remus cleaned up the rest of his wounds and summoned bandages from his wand which wrapped neatly around the blonde's arm.

The werewolf then exited without another word.

000000

Neville was still in the greenhouse when he heard footsteps behind him.

He turned but no one was there.

"Who's there?" he asked, pulling his wand out.

He turned back around and was startled when Snape appeared right before him.

"HOLY SHIT!" shouted the boy as he jumped straight out of his stool for the second time that day. "What is it with people sneaking up on me today?"

"I am disappointed that you are not more on your guard Mr. Longbottom."

"I will be after this!" He promised.

"I have come with a warning. Jessica has escaped from Azkaban. She wants revenge."

Neville's pulse began to race.

"I've heard."

"You and Mr. Malfoy are in serious danger."

Neville sighed.

"Will there ever be a point in my life where I am not in danger?"

"Doubtful," answered Snape. "You will always be a sore subject for the dark wizards since you go against everything they believe and destroyed their lord. You may need advanced means of protection for the remainder of your life."

"Wonderful," began Neville. "Just when I thought my life was starting become a little less chaotic."

"All qualities of life can stand a little chaos Mr. Longbottom. It is all about how you manage it that truly matters."

"Am I safe here?"

"I have informed the healers and they have St. Mungo's on high alert. I do not want you to leave under any circumstances. Try to stay in groups when you are commuting within. The mediwitches have been ordered to take turns standing guard in your room every night until further notice. This is very serious and I need your full cooperation."

Neville gulped but quickly nodded with agreement.

"How is Malfoy?"

He almost regretted asking as Snape's face took on an entire new level of disgust and anger.

"Mr. Malfoy can not seem to appreciate the blessing of which he is alive when he should very well be dead. At this point he is digging his own grave."

Neville's face fell with worry.

"What do you mean exactly?"

Snape pursed his lips.

"Mr. Malfoy has a problem with self-injury."

"Oh," replied Neville quietly. "Yeah I knew about that..."

"It appears to me as though you have gotten a handle on your own little problem?" asked Snape, as an inky brow began to raise high while he observed the boy closely.

"Er yes sir," mumbled Neville as he felt his cheeks fire up with humiliation.

Had Snape just called him fat?

Snape noticed immediately that the boy had filled out and no longer appeared as though he were on death's door. He was still thinner than he had started the school year at but he was not thin enough to indicate that something could be wrong.

He could see the boy's wheels turning and easily used legilimens on him- just as he had the night Neville planned to commit suicide. All at once the boy's thoughts began to seep into his mind and overlap his own.

'Fat! Fat! He just called you fat!'

'Gross. How can you stand yourself right now?'

'Pathetic. You are such a loser!'

'I told you you would beg for me to return! I can get us right back to where we started! I promise you in no time you will have back the body you have always wanted! You can't get rid of me that easily! I am here to stay- I will wait as long as it takes.'

"Neville..." began the former potions master quietly.

The boy turned to look at the man with surprise as anytime he heard Snape say his first name it was strange and unexpected.

"My words are not intended to insult. I do apologize if they came off that way."

"N-no not at all profess- I mean sir."

He knew the boy was lying.

"I um have worked really hard while I have been in here to get well and I intend to keep it that way. Which also means not letting what people say to me get misconstrued or affect me negatively."

Snape stared at the boy without speaking.

"My healer thinks I have made great progress and hopefully I can get out of here soon."

"The thoughts are still with you though aren't they?" asked Snape. "You are still fighting them."

How in the hell had Snape known this?

"Um well yes sometimes I still have the thoughts-"

"More than sometimes," argued Snape. "This only means when you are released you will fall back into your old habits and be no better off than you were at your worst point."

Neville shook his head furiously.

"No! No- I have been trying really hard. I have willed these thoughts away on my own!"

Snape observed the boy carefully.

"I am here to warn you of what is still to come. This war isn't over yet."

"Where is Francis? Why didn't Francis come?"

"He is a little preoccupied at the moment."

"I knew it wasn't over," muttered Neville under his breath.

"We have endured the worst of it," began Snape reassuringly. "Now we must finish what is left. It will not be easy and I am sure there will be more lives lost but my job is to make sure yours isn't one of them at any and all costs."

"Thank you sir. I have come too far to die now. I wish Malfoy would see it that way..."

"I wish he would as well."

There was a moment of silence.

"Sir- I have had a strange feeling all day today. I can't seem to shake it."

"Always trust your instincts Mr. Longbottom. Usually they do not lie."

Neville took a deep breath and held it in.

"Have you thought anymore on my offer for the herbology position?"

"I have..." replied Neville.

"Do you have an answer?"

Neville mulled it over for a few minutes in his head.

"I would love to accept your offer."

Snape's expression did not change.

"Excellent Mr. Longbottom. You will not regret it."

"I hope not."

"I need to return to the order. Remember what I have told you. I will be in contact soon."

With a swift whip of his cape he was gone just as quickly as he had appeared.

Neville allowed his head to gently fall onto the work bench.

He was exhausted. So much information had been given to him and he didn't know how to process it all. That strange feeling he had experienced all day was growing stronger by the second.

Out of nowhere a shiver went down his spine and goosebumps began to sprout over his entire body.

He figured he should take Snape's advice and head back inside. He began to clean up and place his plants back in their designated spots. As he headed toward the door he saw a shadow lurking outside.

Neville halted in his tracks and his heart skipped a beat. He gripped his wand tightly and took a step back. The shadow grew closer until the doorknob slowly began to turn. His heart was beating a million miles a minute now. The door opened and he had his wand pointed ready for attack.

He waited anxiously for the reveal.

"Mate you've been out here like all day. When are you coming inside to join the rest of us?"

It was Gene.

Neville released his breath with much relief.

"I know. I was just getting ready to come inside."

"Hurry up! We are all getting ready to play some games."

"I'll be right in."

Neville considered asking Gene if he could wait for him so they could walk in together but he didn't want to sound like a sissy so instead he remained silent and watched as Gene ran off.

He had enough for today. He was ready for it to be over.

Just as he began to make his way toward the door he heard the unmistakable sound of footsteps behind him and froze. Could it be Snape again? Returning to test him on his ability to react?

Neville turned around and no one was there.

His heart began to race again.

Could it be Gene messing with him with a rather cruel joke?

"Gene if that's you then you can stop right now! I've had enough unexpected frights for today..."

Neville slowly walked the area of the greenhouse and found nothing to indicate that anyone else was inside with him.

Maybe he was just psyching himself out. After all his nerves had been in overdrive all day.

He finally began walking toward the door when a strong pair of arms came out of nowhere and grabbed hold of him from behind.

Neville began fighting to get loose with all he had.

"Give it up boy! I'm not letting you get away!"

Neville tossed his head back as hard as he could and felt as he connected with his attacker's jaw. It was enough to momentarily distract the attacker so Neville could scramble away. He turned around and was now face to face with him.

The man had dark blonde hair with a scraggly long grey beard and small black eyes. It was Thomas- one half of the duo whom had failed to capture Draco Malfoy a few mere days ago. Jessica had given him another chance and he was not about to fail her twice.

Neville pointed his wand and was just about to fire when the death eater violently knocked the wand out of his hand. He grabbed Neville and threw him into the work bench. Neville groaned as the hard granite connected with the small of his back. The pain jolted down his spine but he tried not to let it slow him down as he swung his arm and felt it connect with the death eater's nose.

"FUCKING BASTARD KID!"

Neville pummeled into the death eater with as much force as he could and knocked him back, causing him to lose his balance as he collided with the wall but he quickly regained his composure and grabbed Neville by his collar, easily lifting him as he threw him a good couple feet. Neville felt the hard granite of his work bench once again as he went over it backwards and crashed into his wooden plant holder which collapsed into pieces after he flew into it.

The death eater slowly approached Neville who had just had the wind knocked out of him. He attempted to crawl toward his wand but the death eater stepped on his outstretched hand and easily lifted him off the ground.

"You are messing with the wrong man you stupid boy. The name's Thomas..."

The death eater placed both hands around Neville's neck and began slowly choking him. Neville watched as a sick grin grew among his demented features.

"I would love nothing more than to finish you off myself and deliver your lifeless body to Jessica but I promised her I would bring you to her so she could do the job herself."

Neville couldn't breathe. He struggled for air and was just about to give up hope when Thomas finally released his hold.

Between large gulps of air, Neville glared hatefully at the death eater.

"How did you find me?"

"It's no secret you were here boy. It was actually quite a simple task- made easier by you for isolating yourself out here!"

"You won't win you idiot!" shouted Neville. "The order of the phoenix will be on your heels faster than you can count how many chances you have left with Jessica! It looks to me if you fail her again you will be the one in deep shit!"

The death eater began laughing darkly, it emitted a low rumble that seemed to shake the greenhouse.

Neville shuddered.

"So fucking naive!" Thomas taunted. "It's all over for you boy. I would start saying your prayers now."

"Only if you do first!" shouted Neville, as he kicked the death eater as hard as he could in the shin which brought him to the ground beside him. Neville crawled toward his wand, quickly grabbed it and summoned his mimbulus mimbletonia- which flew right into his arms.

Thomas was severely pissed off at this point and Neville knew he had to act now. He kicked the death eater as hard as he could in the face after he made several attempts to grab Neville by the ankle.

He screamed with fury as Neville was not making capturing him an easy task.

Neville held the plant in front of Thomas and it suddenly emitted stinksap from its pores which went right into the death eater's face- clouding his vision.

Neville grabbed a stool and slowly pulled himself up and limped away.

"YOU ARE DEAD BOY!"

Thomas jumped up and was about to attack Neville- who was prepared- and smashed an empty pot against the side of the death eater's head. He immediately hit the ground and began moaning with pain as blood gushed out of the nasty wound.

"FUUUUCK!" he screamed in agony.

Neville used this time to sprint toward the door but to his horror found that it was locked. It would not open. He used his wand to disarm the lock but it did not work.

Thomas began to laugh once again.

"Not so smart now are we!" he bellowed, as he slowly stood up and began to close in on Neville. "You are going to pay for this," he continued- as he pointed to the large gash at his temple which was still gushing blood.

As soon as he had Neville backed into the wall he punched the boy hard in the stomach which dropped him to his knees.

"Ooof!" exclaimed Neville.

"Let's see how you like having a pot smashed against your face!"

Before Neville could throw his hands up to defend himself the sharp pain of the pot shattering against his jaw and neck was overwhelming and he instantly felt blood begin to pour down from the wound. He became woozy and collapsed all the way to the ground.

His vision was becoming foggy and he was beginning to feel disoriented. He imagined this was due to the blood loss. He could feel Thomas pressing his knee firmly against his back to ensure he wouldn't escape although Neville wouldn't have been able to even if he wanted to. He was too weak.

Thomas quickly tied Neville's hands behind his back and pressed the injured side of his face into the dirt which stung like hell and Neville could now taste dirt in his mouth. He sputtered and coughed.

The death eater grabbed a handful of Neville's hair and lifted his head up so he was looking directly into his black eyes.

"You better start getting used to this face," he threatened. "It will be one of the last ones you ever see." He then violently slammed Neville's head onto the ground which knocked him out cold.

000000

Nelie knew exactly where to go if she wanted answers as to where the death eaters hung around. She poised her posture to be straight and confident as she walked through knockturn alley. Her long black leather trench coat flowed behind her with ease and as she crossed each alley gave off the appearance of one bad ass witch you didn't want to mess with.

It was like Snape had told her the previous evening- she had to look at it as though she were playing a part and in order to do that she had to look the part. And Nelie was rather proud of the look she had come up with.

She had gone to visit a close friend of hers who pierced her nasal septum, her right eyebrow and two snake bites on each side of her lips. If only Maitland could see he would have beamed with pride that she was taking after him with his various piercings. While she normally did not wear make up she did her eyes with a smokey black shadow and wore bright purple lipstick.

Her normal pixie cut- which had grown out considerably- she styled into a punky faux hawk in which the sides were a fiery red while the hair standing up was a bright purple which matched her lips. She had on a black leather skirt to match her trench coat with a chain belt that hung down and clinked lightly against her legs as she walked. She had on a pair of black steel toed boots that came up just below her knees. Francis surely would have thrown a fit at the sight of her which is why she made sure to assemble the look after she had already left grimmauld place.

No one she passed by glanced at her as though she seemed out of place which was the plan. She had to look as though she belonged in these parts of the alley. A few wizards cat called her as she walked by but she kept her composure and continued walking forward.

Finally she reached her destination.

Knockturn Tavern.

This was a sleazy bar where some of the darkest wizards came to have a drink and cause mischief. Death eaters had been known to compile meetings in here and it wasn't uncommon for younger wizards to be initiated as death eaters with the official branding of the dark mark while inside.

She and Maitland had been inside to have drinks a few times while they were in training as aurors but they never stuck around long enough to get to know the bar's true origins or patrons.

She opened the door, walked up to the bar and took a seat.

The bartender glanced her up and down and licked his lips. He looked as though he could have been around her age. He had black hair shaved to a low buzz and hazel eyes.

"How goes it miss? What'll ya be havin'?"

"Two shots of fire whiskey and a black boot."

The bartender stared hard at her and eventually his expression grew with disbelief.

"You sure?"

"Did I stutter?"

"Sorry miss- just for such a little lass as yourself that is quite a large drink order. Some of the broodiest men that come in here can't even handle the black boot let alone with two fire whiskey shots before hand."

"Do I look like I give a fuck what anyone else can accomplish? I came here to drink and if you do not intend to serve me then I will go elsewhere."

The bartender stared at her in awe. He was quite impressed with her ability to hold her own.

"Coming right up miss."

Nelie swung her stool around and began to observe the bar. Not a lot going on at the moment. There were a few wizards and witches scattered throughout but nothing to go off of yet.

"Here you are miss. One black boot and two shots of fire whiskey."

Nelie quickly downed the shots and took a large gulp of her black boot.

"Stop calling me miss. The name is Francine. If I decide I like you I'll let you call me Frankie."

The bartender gawked at her.

She decided to use her middle name as an alias. Although she was pretty sure no one here would know who she was it was better to be safe than sorry.

"I'm Tim."

"So Tim," she began, making sure to keep up her hard ass persona. "Is it always dead here around this time? When is it supposed to liven up?"

"Why you looking for some fun tonight?" he asked her with a wink.

"I grow bored easily," she replied, taking another gulp of her black boot. "You wouldn't be able to keep up with me anyway."

Tim raised an eyebrow.

"Is that a challenge? Because if it is I accept."

Nelie smirked at him.

"You wish."

"You from around here?"

"I am from around," she replied sarcastically. "Aren't we all?"

"I've never seen you before...is it your first time here?"

"I've been in a few times."

"I would definitely remember if a witch as sexy as you were to grace me with your presence. Usually it is all of my regulars who hang around- nothing too exciting. If you were to stick around until my shift ends I promise I could show you a real good time."

"Is that so?"

Tim eyeballed her up and down again.

"Mhmm..." he replied.

"What makes you think I don't have a boyfriend?"

"Well, for one- a sexy thing such as yourself wouldn't or shouldn't be hanging around a place like this at this time of the day and for two- even if you did...a few hours with me and that bloke would be history."

Nelie couldn't believe how conceited this guy was. She could already tell she was going to have fun playing along with his game.

She took another long continuous chug of her black boot and reached over the bar to grab a cherry. She twirled the stem between her fingers and stuck the cherry in her mouth as she batted her eyes at him.

"So Tim-tell me about yourself. What do you like to do?"

He bit his lip.

"I feel like it would be much more productive to show you what I like to do."

Nelie smirked at him and gulped down the last of her black boot.

"Moving kind of fast there don'cha think?" she replied.

"Not at all. I like what I see- and I always get what I want."

Nelie shook her head.

"Not with me you don't."

Tim narrowed his eyes on her.

"I can't help but get the feeling that you are challenging me with everything that you say. I am very persistent-"

"I can see that," she replied.

"I don't like to be teased so if that is what you are doing I suggest you pay me and head right on out that door. I'd hate to see you go but at least then I'll get to love watching you leave."

Nelie rolled her eyes and snorted.

"Did you really just fucking pull that line on me?"

"How about I get you another black boot," he suggested. "This time it's on me."

"Now you are speaking my language."

"So can I call you Frankie yet?"

"Well you just bought me a drink so I guess I have no choice but to let you," she replied with a wink.

"So my shift is over in about a half an hour. How do you feel about coming to my place?"

"What is wrong with us having a drink here?"

Tim scoffed.

"Love- I am here in this dank, smelly bar enough as it is. I would like to get out of here and go someplace else. Preferably home."

"Sorry but I'm not that kind of girl," replied Nelie.

The more she fed him what he didn't want to hear the more this guy latched on to her.

"We'll see about that after you've finished your boot," he replied staring hard at her.

Suddenly she leaned in across the bar until their faces were inches apart.

"Can I tell you a secret?" she hissed into his ear.

"You bet. It'll be safe with me."

"I'm a death eater. More reason why you can't take me home to mum."

Tim pulled away from her and smirked.

"Well lucky for you..." he began in a whisper. "You are in proper company because I happen to be one too."

Nelie's eyes lit up and she giggled.

"So what do estranged death eaters do for fun around these parts?" she asked softly so no one else could hear.

"I would love to show you."

"I may need to take a rain-check on that. I actually have somewhere I need to be soon. A meeting."

This peaked Tim's interest.

"What kind of meeting?" He asked, raising an eyebrow as high as it would go.

"Oh you know...a secret meeting. If I told you then it wouldn't be so secret."

"What about if you were to invite me to this meeting?"

"I suppose I could..." began Nelie, as she took a gulp of her second black boot. "But I don't want to risk getting into trouble. The people at this meeting are not inclined to strangers lurking where they don't belong. If you know what I mean."

"Who exactly are these people? Give me a few names. I may know some of them."

Nelie shook her head no.

"Sorry. Can't do that."

"There is only one meeting I know of that is going on right about now..."

Nelie's heart began to pound in her chest with excitement. Was he about to reveal her mother's whereabouts?

"You ever hear of Jessica Bloodworth?"

This was it! She had to remember to contain her excitement and keep a straight face just as Snape had advised her to do.

"I've heard of her."

"She's planning an attack- she's got all our men prepared for battle. She has already sent two of them out to capture Neville Longbottom and Draco Malfoy so she can murder them tonight."

At this Nelie's heart jumped up into her throat and then fell deep into her stomach.

"Oh yeah?" Nelie inquired.

"The poor woman must have experienced some temporary brain damage with the solitary confinement during her short stay in Azkaban because she was convinced Severus Snape was dead- which couldn't be farther from the truth. I saw him with my own eyes- alive and well leaving the ministry days ago. I told Jessica this yesterday during another meeting and she has given direct orders to kill him on sight. Then we go after the order and Dumbledore and take them all down one by one."

A sick grin twisted up on his features as he observed her closely.

Her heart pounded faster only this time the initial excitement was replaced with fear. However, she managed to keep her composure.

"Can you take me there?" asked Nelie. "I want to help. I want to join Jessica's army."

"Drink up," he told her. "Then we can talk about it."

Nelie impressively chugged the rest of her black boot and let out a rather loud belch.

"Merlin! I think I love you!" He chuckled. "Well now...look what time it is. My shift is officially over. How about we get out of here?"

Nelie followed him out the back door and was surprised when he grabbed her around the waist and firmly flung her against the wall until he was pressing his body tightly against hers. He began to plant kisses on her neck and crashed his lips against hers as his hands moved from her hips and slinked slowly up until they grazed her breasts.

She broke his kiss and shoved him away as hard as she could.

"What the fuck do you think you are doing?!" she shouted.

"Uh you made it pretty obvious in there that you wanted me. So all I'm doing is granting you your wish."

"You are vile, pathetic and not to mention desperate! What ever makes you think I would give you the time of day? I may be a woman who so happened to serve our dark lord when he was still around but that doesn't make me enough of a slut to go home with the first bloke who thinks he has the charm to woo me off my feet without even having taken me out to a decent dinner first!"

Tim's eyes grew dark with a silent fury as he glared at her.

"You're a fucking tease just like the rest of them," he muttered. "Always come in looking for a good time but then when I try to give one you all get cold feet. I'd imagine it is quite hard to be a whore when you don't properly put out?"

Nelie stared at him with disgust.

"Scumbags like you deserve every rejection you get. Maybe if you had a brain in your head instead of in your pants you would realize that if you knew how to treat a lady and viewed her as something other than a whore that maybe you would end up getting one to stick around? Ever think of that?"

Without another word he punched Nelie in the face and slammed her to the ground. Easily overpowering her and having the advantage that she was slightly intoxicated, he began working on removing her clothing- which wasn't easy.

She began to scream at the top of her lungs which caused him to punch her again. She went still.

"No one can hear you back here you dumb bitch," he muttered as he began unbuttoning her trench coat until he eventually grew impatient enough to where he simply began ripping it open. "That's the beauty of a silencing spell."

"Think I'm going to allow some dumb fucking slut like you to talk to me the way you did?! No fucking way in hell! Now that you've finally shut up I can have a little fun..."

He observed Nelie and began to stroke her face.

"Such a shame...you are so sexy. I wasn't planning on becoming violent- really I wasn't but you've got quite a mouth on you..." he ran his index finger over her lips.

"It certainly got you into some trouble didn't it? That's why I find it best when a girl keeps her mouth shut...unless she is putting it to good use in other ways."

He continued ripping her coat off of her when she eventually began to stir.

"You had me hard from the moment you walked in and sat down..." he muttered, not having noticed that she had regained consciousness.

Nelie slowly and carefully drew her wand out from inside her sleeve and gripped it tightly.

"And you had me vomiting in my mouth from the moment I started speaking to you!"

Nelie kneed him in the groin- she figured he must have been used to it as he hardly reacted- and he quickly slammed her arms down above her head.

"That was a very bad idea," he snarled.

"Yeah? Well I'm full of those!" she spat.

She head butted him and when he let go of her arms she jabbed him in the eye with her wand as hard as she could.

"I'm BLIND! YOU MADE ME BLIND FUCKING CUNT!"

He managed to get one more punch to the face in on Nelie before she took back total control.

"You know what you piece of fucking trash? You are wrong! I am not a CUNT...however, my mother fits the description much better than I do. I'm sure her lovely face would be right next to the word in the dictionary. I'm quite sure you know her as you told me tonight. Her name is Jessica Bloodworth. You ever hear of her?"

She watched as his undamaged eye grew wide with the realization that he had been duped. And by a woman of all people.

She kicked him in the face with her steel toed boot and was thankful she decided to wear them.

"YOU SICK FUCK!" she screamed as she kicked him again- this time in the ribs.

"I'm going to make sure that you never ever do what you tried to do to me to anyone else again!"

She pointed her wand down at his crumpled body.

"DURATUS!"

This spell made it impossible for him to move- essentially freezing him in place.

"I swear to salazaar that I will fucking kill you!" Tim spat at her.

"How does it feel to be lying there helpless? Unable to move? If I have any parting advice for you before I leave...it would be to bite down on this...hard."

She shoved his wand into his mouth and crouched down above his unmoving body.

"I get extreme pleasure from what I am about to do and I hope to serve some justice for any other poor girl you have violated before me..."

"CASTRO!"

She watched as the former bulge in his pants was replaced by a quickly growing blood stain spreading out and traveling down his pants. Tears began to flow freely from his eyes. His chilling screams were muffled by his wand. She yanked it out and his agonizing screams grew louder- echoing off the walls.

"Oh and Tim- I lied...I have one more piece of parting advice and then I'm out. Scream as loud as you want because no one can hear you back here! Who's the bitch now?"

She tucked her wand back into her coat, quickly grabbed his and fled the scene as fast as she could.

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Snape came upon Francis sitting alone at the kitchen table with his head down.

"Has Draco come down from his room?"

Francis lifted his head up.

"I haven't seen him."

Snape approached but did not sit down.

Instead he began to slowly drum his long, slender fingers along the edge of the table.

"I spoke to Neville. St. Mungo's is on high alert. The boy should be well protected."

"Thank you, Severus."

"The boy looks well on the outside but he is still struggling inside. I used legilimens on him. It will be a difficult road ahead of him."

"I feared such," replied Francis with a sigh. "I just hope that it is enough. I have been in close contact with Neville's healer and he has noted the boy's adequate progress. I will always worry for him. I worry that once he is out the reality of his grandmother's demise will set him back. He really hasn't had much time to grieve for her."

"He accepted my offer to come to Hogwarts as the new herbology professor."

Francis' eyes lit up.

"That is fantastic news! He will be kept busy and I can only hope that this will keep him on track with his recovery. I am so thankful to you for considering Neville in all of this, Severus. The boy needs all of the encouragement and guidance that he can get. You have been very watchful of him over the years and I can never repay you for your protection of him. You are a good man, Severus. I am thankful to work alongside you."

Snape nodded.

Francis began tapping his foot lightly on the floor.

Snape knew obviously Francis was worried about his daughter and did not have many words to offer.

The Longbottom patriarch sighed.

"I have utmost faith in Cornelia but I have such a sinking feeling in my gut right now..."

"I just got through telling your nephew to normally trust your instincts as they are usually never wrong but in your case I think it is your nature as a father kicking in. I am sure the girl is fine."

Draco suddenly entered and sat down next to Francis. He was sure to avoid eye contact with Snape.

"Are you hungry, Draco?" asked Francis. "I could whip you up something."

"No thank you," he murmured.

There was a moment of awkward silence.

"What are your brothers up to today?" asked Francis.

Draco sighed.

"Who knows? I haven't talked to either of them today."

"If you two will excuse me I need to speak to Albus."

As soon as Francis was gone the tension left between Draco and Snape was extremely high.

Draco kept his eyes planted firmly on the table.

"I would like to apologize for my attitude lately sir. I will try my best to adjust it accordingly."

The blonde looked up at his former head of house.

Snape nodded with acceptance.

"I reacted rather strongly on my part. I realize your current predicament is not necessarily to your liking but I only wish to see you through this last threat that Jessica Bloodworth holds over you. Then you may go on your way and you will have complete and total control over where you end up. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors Draco."

Draco nodded and watched as the former potions master swiftly exited the room.

Moments later Maitland entered the room.

"I can sense someone else here."

"Draco."

"Ah."

The blonde waited until the older boy sat down.

"Have you seen Valerio or Ignacio around?"

Draco suddenly realized what he had just said but before he could correct himself Maitland smirked.

"Seen? I wish I could say I have- or that I could. I haven't heard a peep from either of them."

The blonde felt his cheeks flush slightly.

"I'm sorry-" mumbled Draco. "My words came out wrong."

"Don't apologize. It is just an expression. I was giving you a little shit. My dad is a mess. He is so worried about Nelie he can't focus on anything else. You missed it but this morning for breakfast he poured gravy in everyone's glasses and drizzled orange juice and tea on our biscuits."

"You both are lucky. My father felt that putting me in danger was a way for me to gain experience and prove my worth. Two completely different parenting techniques and I turned out for shit."

"That is a shame. Sorry mate."

Draco shrugged.

"You get over it," he replied, only he hadn't gotten over it.

"My own mother did this to me- made me blind. You know- one thing I've come to terms with...is holding on to the anger is just allowing her to hold on to the power of what she did to me. I still have days where I struggle with it but I could be dead and I'm not. I'm alive and I just need to try to make the best of it- that is the ultimate revenge right there."

Draco thought long and hard about what Maitland had just said. He was still holding on to his past- of his mistreatment by Lucius and it has turned him into a miserable, self-loathing git who people either feel sorry for or can't stand to be around. He could see now why Snape had gotten so angry with him earlier, he was allowing his father to dictate his life even now after his demise.

Draco sighed.

"My father was a terrible man- it sounds like he and your mother were sickeningly made for each other...and we have the pleasure of dealing with the terrors they chose to breed..."

"Oh they aren't so bad," chimed Maitland. "They just need some proper guidance and they will turn out just fine. It isn't as though they asked to be the product of two of the most twisted people in existence."

Draco groaned.

"How can you be so rational and calm all the time? Aren't you angry about what you've been through?"

Maitland remained silent and thought for a moment.

"I used to be very angry...all the time. I was distant. I rebelled and pushed my dad and sister away. Mum left us when we were just small kids and I never really got over it. I never had a connection with her because she never tried to create one. She never loved us but it made me feel like I wasn't worthy of love. Dad tried really hard to raise us alone but he was always off working so Nelie and I fended for ourselves a lot as we got older. At the time pushing people away was the only option I saw fit in dealing with the pain but in reality it was very lonely..."

Draco nodded.

He understood completely.

"I know some of the others think you're kind of a pretentious git...but I think you're alright," replied Maitland. "Trust me. I've been where you are right now. It does get better if you allow it. Also doesn't help to have a friend or two."

"I've never really had friends..." admitted Draco. "Unless you count Crabbe or Goyle but those idiots were incapable of anything other than cracking their knuckles menacingly and grunting..."

Maitland chuckled.

"You'd be amazed at how your outlook changes when you allow more people in..."

Draco thought hard. As Neville had mentioned to him not long ago he reckoned he may have been the only friend he had. When he was at St. Mungo's no one else except Neville turned up to visit him aside from Francis. Who knew the dumb, clumsy, chubby and practically squib wizard he had met seven years ago would turn out to be someone he could trust and consider a friend.

Only Neville was none of those things- he had truly risen from the ashes and transformed into a force so powerful that even he doubted his own magical abilities in comparison to the brunette's.

"I think I'm going to go pay Longbottom a visit. I'll talk to you later."

000000

Draco apparated to St. Mungo's and swiftly made his way to the ward where Neville was residing. He knocked on Neville's door and waited. When there was no reply he slowly opened the door and his room was empty- bed perfectly made and nothing amiss.

He quickly made his rounds through the hallways checking where he may be when he ran into Zeremiah. The handsome healer looked more tired than usual but he smiled kindly at Draco.

"Pleasure to see you, Draco. What brings you here?"

"I'm here to see Neville."

Draco was rather surprised that he had said Longbottom's name aloud. It sounded strange but referring to the other boy by his first name made it seem more personal and after all he was there to check up on him.

Zeremiah looked deep in thought.

"He has been spending a lot of time in the greenhouse lately. It's good for him. I haven't seen him since lunch. I would bet he's working on his garden."

"Thanks...I'll check."

"How have you been doing?"

"I um...am doing alright," replied Draco.

"I'm here for you too," replied the healer. "Don't ever hesitate to come to me for anything."

Draco forced a tiny smile and rushed to the greenhouse.

"Longbottom!" he called before he walked inside. Again there was no response so he pushed through the already open door and gasped at the destruction he was met with inside.

He knew how obsessive the other boy was with keeping things organized and the entire greenhouse had been trashed- as though there were some sort of struggle. Pots were smashed all over the ground, his mimbulus mimbletonia lay abandoned on its side, his wooden plant holder was busted to pieces along with the plants it had been holding. The thin walls were riddled with tears and his heart skipped a beat when he spotted blood- a lot of blood, splattered among the wreckage but most importantly laying near the debris was Neville's wand.

"Oh fuck," muttered Draco, as he began to panic. "FUCK!"

He snatched up Neville's wand and took off running toward St. Mungo's. He flew into Zeremiah's office so ferociously that the door slammed violently against the wall and the healer jumped up out of his chair and glared at the boy with alarm.

"Draco! What in merlin's name do-"

"Neville's gone! I- the greenhouse...he wasn't there-"

"Slow down..."

"HE'S GONE! The greenhouse was destroyed! I think the death eaters got him!"

Draco watched as the healer's face went completely white. He immediately set off an alarm within the hospital to alert the staff that they were on lock down.

"Draco...do you have any idea of where they may have taken him?!" asked Zeremiah desperately.

"I couldn't be one hundred percent certain. But I know someone who does."

000000

"Thomas! How lovely for you to bring us our guest of honor!"

Thomas tossed an unconscious Neville to the ground and gave a shit eating grin as the death eaters began howling with approval.

"That boy put up a hell of a fight but he never stood a chance."

"I see that," began Jessica, she tsked loudly as she approached him and began to inspect his gaping head wound which was still trickling blood.

"You have proven yourself worthy for bringing him to me. Congratulations Thomas. You shall live to see another day. However...Vladmor you have failed me. You did not bring Draco Malfoy to me."

"Miss-I am so sorry. I ended up at the wrong residence and by the time I came to grimmauld place it was swarming with order members. I could not get by undetected. However I did not arrive back here empty handed..."

At this Jessica's eyes lit up with amusement.

"Oh?"

Vladmor exited the room without a word and returned with Valerio and Ignacio.

"MUMMY!"

The blonde immediately ran and jumped into his mother's open arms. However, Valerio did not move.

"Oh my boys! Valerio aren't you happy to see me?"

"Of course I am mother."

"Come here."

The boy who most resembled his mother slowly approached her and allowed her to pull him into her arms.

"Father is dead," he replied softly.

"I know."

"Why have you brought us here mother?"

Jessica observed her son with narrowed eyes and her expression suddenly turned sour.

"What sort of a question is that? You seem as though you do not wish to have been brought back to me. What is that matter with you Valerio?"

"I'm sorry mother..."

"Vladmor...be grateful that I have taken pity on your wasteful and pathetic existence. If you had not reunited me with my boys I would have murdered you right where you stand."

The death eater gazed down at the floor in shame.

"Oh what a glorious day!" chimed Jessica. "I have my boys back and Neville Longbottom is here for me to torture however I please- and I plan to have him begging for death!"

At this the death eaters all let out vicarious roars of encouragement and satisfaction.

"Where is Tim?" asked Jessica, as she scanned the room.

The death eaters looked around and no one said a word.

"I'll deal with him later," she muttered. "Boys-" she began, redirecting her attention to Valerio and Ignacio. "You are going to get some much needed practice with the dark arts."

"Thomas...rouse the boy. Now."

The death eater began to slap Neville's face, trying to wake him but Neville did not react.

"For fuck's sake, Thomas! I wanted him here alive."

"He is alive- I'm certain of it."

Suddenly the door burst open and everyone stared at the mysterious girl entering their domain unannounced. A few of the death eaters began to whistle and hoot as she walked forward.

Jessica stared at her daughter with genuine surprise.

"What are you doing here?"

"What does it look like? I'm here to join you."

Jessica narrowed her eyes on Nelie and began to circle around her.

"Why should I believe such nonsense?"

"We may not quite have seen eye to eye. You stole my identity and had me captured so I could be tortured and murdered by Draco Malfoy- all crimes in which you will never have to pay. I forgive you. I have always needed you and I have come back to reclaim my faith in you."

Jessica smirked nastily at her daughter.

"What do you think boys?" she asked, turning to Valerio and Ignacio. "Should we allow Cornelia to join our happy little family?"

When neither of the boys answered Nelie continued, her dark brown eyes flashing.

"I will do whatever it takes to prove my worth and devotion to you."

"Is that so?" cooed Jessica, as she continued circling Nelie.

Nelie spotted Neville's unconscious body sprawled on the floor and felt her heart drop. She was only comforted by the slight movement of his chest rising and falling. The entire front of his shirt was drenched in blood and he was pretty banged up.

"Do you take me as a fool, you stupid girl? I see right through your silly games. You were not taught to play with fire very well were you?"

Nelie glared at her mother.

"Have you done a head count of your loyal followers yet? Do you find yourself to be missing someone?"

Suddenly Jessica's eyes darted back toward Nelie.

Tim- the bartender at Knockturn Tavern was one of Jessica's most loyal followers.

"What have you done?" asked Jessica, her blue-green eyes flashing.

"I wouldn't worry too much about it," replied Nelie coldly. "You are better off without the piece of disgusting waste. Consider it a favor."

Jessica pursed her lips.

"Is he dead?"

"Worse..." replied Nelie darkly.

"Do tell," prodded Jessica.

"He's bleeding to death behind Knockturn Tavern. I used a spell to castrate him. No one can hear him scream so I reckon he won't be discovered until some drunk wanders back there for a piss and by then it will be far too late. The poor lad seemed to only think with his cock so since eliminating that problem for him maybe he can think about how he could have put himself to better use."

Jessica stared hard at her daughter.

"Which is why I am here," continued Nelie. "I am offering myself as a suitable replacement."

Jessica's face suddenly broke into a wide, demented grin as she cackled dangerously loud and soon the other death eaters began to join along.

"Do you truly believe it is as simple as that? Waltz in here and just invite yourself to join my army. There are rules and initiations and commandments to abide to-"

"I would not wish for simple means of a formal introduction into your established brigade. I want to earn my place with you."

Jessica's dazzling bright eyes bore into her daughter's. The evil woman smirked and jerked her head toward Neville's unconscious body on the floor before them.

"Strike the boy."

Nelie's heart began to pound as she raised her wand- carefully as not to show her hands were shaking- and pointed at her defenseless cousin.

"CRUCIO!"

Nelie watched as his body jerked off the ground and began to bend and twist against his was beginning to sweat and she honestly felt as though she could throw up but as Snape had advised her she had to keep her composure. She couldn't let Jessica see through her.

Another minute went by and Nelie finally relieved Neville of the curse.

"Wonderful!" exclaimed Jessica. "That is only the beginning. The boy has a long night ahead of him and it will be his last. So I feel as though we should make this memorable. Right gentlemen?"

The death eaters began to cheer.

"What can I do?" asked Nelie.

"First I feel as though I should properly introduce you to everyone. This is my daughter Cornelia. Excuse her if she seems a bit soft around the edges. Her father raised her...he was always so nurturing and overprotective. It was quite disgusting if I do say so myself."

Nelie smirked.

"Just hold on my dear," continued Jessica. "You are in for one hell of a ride!"

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Author's Note: Not much to say other than please be sure to leave a review. (:

Concerns. Questions. Flames.

Send them my way. I promise I can handle it...

Chapter 50 to follow!