Disclaimer: Like I said before…

Chapter 2: Punishment

    She never should have done it…she never should have let it slip, but…she did. The moment the young man announced himself as Voldemort, the new Headmaster, Ivy let out a disbelieving chuckle. Fred speedily put his hand over Ivy's mouth to stifle the laughter, but Voldemort had heard her and sent a death glare straight at her. Ivy froze as she met his gaze. "You!" he ordered, pointing an accusing finger in Ivy's direction. "Come here, at once!" Two Death Eaters rushed to Ivy's side and seized her by her arms from behind, dragging her out of her seat. Hermione began to protest, but George and Ron motioned for her to stay quiet. She watched as her friend was dragged( with little ease ) to the foot of the steps leading to the Head table.

    Once Ivy had been brought to the front, she was forced down on her knees. She looked up into the eyes of the young man who claimed to be Voldemort. He glared down at her with a vicious look on his face. "Who are you?" he asked through clenched teeth. Ivy held her head high as she answered, "Ivannah Locke." "Well, Ivannah," he inquired, his voice bitter and calm, "What exactly did I say worth laughing at?" Ivy said nothing. She would probably be killed. "I'm waiting, Miss Locke." His voice sent icy tremors throughout her. "Answer me!" he commanded impatiently. She had no choice but to answer, and could not think of a good enough lie. "Well…….you."

    Voldemort froze. Fury lit his eyes; insanity could be seen dancing in their depths. "You were laughing at me?" He let the question flow slowly from his lips, daring her to answer. Ivy swallowed nervously. "Yes…I was." Voldemort's eyes flamed in anger. "Really?" he said, still calm, "And why is that?" Ivy, again, said nothing. "You will answer my question, Miss Locke!" Ivy's only grew more nervous. She could hear the students at the Slytherin table snickering. "Because you're…young." Voldemort raised his eyebrow questioningly. "Because I'm young?" Ivy fought the urge to roll her eyes. "Well…yeah…Voldemort's…like…a hundred years old or something and you're…just…a kid." Voldemort was, now, even more furios. "You will apologize," he demanded heatedly, his jaws clenched in anger. No matter how scared she was, Ivy did not let it show.

"No."

"No?"

"I will not apologize."

"Then, you will suffer." Voldemort pulled out his wand and cast, "Cruccio!" He hit her with the cruciatus curse. The pain was so sudden, Ivy shrunk to her hands and knees. It took all her strength not to scream. She could hear the gasps and cries coming from the Griffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw students and the laughter of the Slytherin table. What she wouldn't give to slaughter them all. One day, they would regret laughing. No matter what, she would not scream…not for them, not for anyone.

    Though it only lasted 60 seconds, the pain seemed to go on for all eternity. When Voldemort finally relinquished his hold upon her and the curse died down, she rolled over and collapsed to the floor. Ivy felt too numb to move. "You have been warned, Miss Locke," he threatened. "The next time you defy me, I won't be so merciful." Voldemort placed his wand within his robes.

    Hermione, Ron, Neville, Lee, Fred, and George stared shocked and terrified (along with the other Griffindors) at Ivy's limp form. "Is she gonna be ok?" Neville whispered. "I'm sure she's still sane," Lee answered. "Yeah," George agreed, "If her mind went all nutters she'd be acting like a loon right about now." Hermione could not help but roll her eyes. "Well, that was comforting," she muttered. George just shrugged.

    Back up at the table, Voldemort motioned to one of the Death Eaters. The man quickly went to his master's side.

"Malfoy."

"Yes, Master?"

"I want Miss Locke taken to my new office. I have some things to discuss with her when she comes to."

"Yes, Master."

    Lucious walked over to Ivy's body and picked her up, then proceeded out of the Great Hall. "Where's that man taking her?" Ron whispered curiosly. Hermione shook her head. "I don't don't know."