Chapter 2: Outside

Harry stared up at the white ceiling. He hadn't been allowed outside in weeks. Harry of course knew why, he had spat in Voldemort's face, but he still wished he could go out. He missed the fresh air and wind running through his hair. Harry lifted his hand to his hair. Maybe he could try to get scissors so he could cut his more than normal unruly hair. Maybe a shaver too he thought as his hand brushed his cheek. Harry had lost the privilege of having scissors or a shaver months ago.

First was the shaver, it barely worked, but it was better than nothing. Harry had pulled the electric shaver apart and tried to use it to pick his lock. He had wondered why an electric shaver, but quickly decided it was probably Voldemort trying to mess with him. A few weeks after that he had grabbed a pair of scissors and charged at Voldemort with them. Voldemort had blasted him against the wall. Harry only knew that from the pain his body was in when he had woken up the following morning.

Harry sighed, he knew he wasn't going to get those items and his pride wouldn't let him ask to have someone else shave and cut his hair. Harry rolled over and lay his head on his crossed arms. Maybe he could get outside. Maybe ask for a daily walk, that way he could escape this hellhole of a room and maybe, just maybe, find a hole in the perimeter. Harry knew that dream, was probably nothing but a dream, but it was the only thing he clung to. He had always believed that Ron would try to come for him, but that was impossible now.

Harry didn't know how long he lay there on the bed. He thought plan after plan to get outside. He refused to admit that even if he didn't escape he would just be happy to be outside. Soon his heavy eyelids won the battle and Harry fell asleep.

~*~*~*

The next day Harry swung his feet off the bed, he ignored the bangs the chain made as he walked to his bathroom. Harry pulled his clothes off, leaving them on the floor. He didn't know what spell allowed his clothes to move through the chain, but after months of studying it, he no longer cared. Harry stepped into the shower and let the warm water run over him. The warm water felt wonderful as it dripped under his shackles. His ankles were raw from the daily rubbings of the medal chains. He turned his back to the rest of the bathroom so when the house elf took his dirty clothes he would only have his back exposed. When Harry had first come to his new "bedroom" he had tried to use the shower curtain to escape. Voldemort had them removed quickly and Harry had not had curtains since. He had excepted that and was just happy he still had access to a shower.

As Harry ran his hands through his hair, he heard a pop from behind him. The house elf was grabbing his clothes and leaving clean ones. After the second pop, Harry leaned against the shower wall and lowered himself to a seated position. He lifted his face up to shower head. With the water thundering on his face and around his ears he did not hear the door open.

"Enjoying ourselves are we." Harry's heart rose to his throat. Simultaneously he whipped his eyes open and pulled his knees up, trying to cover his exposed body from Voldemort. He opened his mouth to make a snide comment, but closed it as remembered what he wanted.

"Can you pass me the towel?" Harry avoided eye contact as he asked Voldemort, who stood over him smirking.

"Forgetting our manners I see." Anger shot up Harry's spine and his nails dug into his hands as he pulled his hands into fists.

"Can you please pass me the towel?" Harry refused to make eye contact, he tried to stare passed Voldemort's face. Voldemort chuckled as he threw the towel at Harry. That sound might be one of the things he hated most about this place.

"Hurry up." With that Voldemort turned from the bathroom. Harry could hear the creak from the leather seat. He stood up and pushed the bathroom door shut. He wished it had a lock, but the only things here with locks were escape exits or places he couldn't go.

Harry sighed as he saw the clothes left out for him, a tight black v-neck shirt and skin tight jeans. Was this supposed to be part of his punishment? Voldemort had seen him before, he knew he'd never wear clothes like this.

Harry stood at the bathroom door. Voldemort had either chosen to ignore him or had yet to notice him. He watched Voldemort stare into the empty fireplace, clearly deep in thought. As he watched him, Harry tried to think of how he'd gain back the privilege of going outside again. After a moment he had a plan and he hated everything about it.

He walked quietly across the room, noting that Voldemort had now turned to face him. He ignored him, keeping his eyes on the floor. Between Voldemort and the fireplace was a circular rug, Harry knelt on the edge farthest from Voldemort.

"Sir." Harry kept his eyes to the floor by Voldemort's feet. He had tried to keep his tone calm and sarcastic free, but had failed a little. Harry heard a chuckle. He did his best to ignore it and ran his fingers along the rug. Every few inches the texture of the rug changed. Harry began playing with a few hardened bristles. He did this to both distract himself and remind himself why the rug's texture changed. He did not want to add any new spots with his dried blood.

"What do we want Harry?" Harry still didn't look up, but he could hear the amusement in Voldemort's voice. He bit his lip, to prevent a scold.

"May I make a request?" Harry was pleased with himself for keeping his voice calm and steady. He heard the leather creak again as Voldemort crossed his legs and leaned back.

"You may." Harry closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He hated the smugness in Voldemort's voice.

"I would like to be able to go outside - again." A silence fell over them. Harry reviewed his words in his head. He was unsure if he should have added "again". Would it remind Voldemort of why he wasn't allowed outside anymore or would he grant him permission because he had once before. Harry was so deep in his thoughts he didn't hear the chair creak as Voldemort moved.

"And what may I have in return for letting you have this privilege back?" Harry lifted his head slowly. Voldemort was now leaning forward, clearly intrigued by the idea.

Author's Note: Please review!!!