Moving right along.

A special thank you to those who took the time to review. Much love to Diana for her help in making this fic what it is.

Please bear in mind this fic was started prior the release of Order of the Phoenix, so some elements are out of canon. Sirius is alive, Arabella Figg is not a squib, etc.

WARNING: Descriptions of violence and non con. Not graphic, but detailed enough.

Thanks for your continued interest.

Chapter 34 – Not in Vain

"Are any of you familiar with Muggle poetry?"

It seemed an odd way to start this conversation with the group situated in front of her. She looked around at the apprehensive faces. They did not know what to expect, so they were all a little afraid to talk. Sophie understood. Her first request was already a little disarming for them all.

She remembered her last conversation with Severus very clearly.

"Are you sure you wouldn't want to discuss this a little more privately?" Severus didn't want this to turn into a spectacle.

"No, Severus. Many people are going to need to hear this and I only plan on telling this story once. After I speak, I hope to never discuss it again. Some parts we will need to go over and I am prepared for that, the bulk of it will be presented, and then discarded into the past where it belongs."

She was still in the infirmary, still in her hospital gown. It had barely been a day since she regained consciousness, but she wanted to do this and do it quickly. There was so much to tell, so much to prepare.

Few in that room wanted to be there. Severus Snape, Remus Lupin, Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall all thought this should have been done in private. Arthur, Bill and Charlie Weasley all felt they would be a little more comfortable if they heard it from someone other than Sophie. They did not know her as well as the others, and they couldn't help but feel it was an intrusion. Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron and Ginny Weasley felt that they did not belong at all, although they were just as curious as everyone else. Draco Malfoy was pretty sure he knew what she was going to say, but he was not sure he could listen to it without falling to pieces. He found himself doing that a lot lately.  Neville Longbottom, who also had some first hand knowledge of the work of angry Death Eaters, was thinking the same things. No, only Sirius Black, Poppy Pomfrey and Arabella Figg felt that they should be there. Sirius, because he felt responsible for failing her; Poppy, because she felt Sophie needed her support; and Arabella because she needed to know what Sophie saw.

Though it seemed like a good idea at the time, looking at a room full of people while divulging her inner most secrets and anguish was going to prove to be a daunting task.  Even for one who usually had so much to say.  It was too late to turn back now.

She continued to speak, her voice cracking and uncharacteristically soft. "I know starting this conversation talking about Muggle poetry seems incredibly absurd, especially when you think about what we are here to discuss. But, you see I read a lot as I have some trouble sleeping sometimes and...when I get nervous or…lines of poetry run in my head," she finished with an awkward smile. "The past few weeks were no exception. Maybe I was trying to make it less real, I don't know …I guess …I guess I should just start at the beginning." She let out one last sigh of frustration and began.

"I went shopping. I was looking for something in particular for a friend. It was important to me, so I left right away and I really didn't tell anyone where I was going. I went to a few stores before I found what I was looking for. As I was heading back I looked up the street and saw a face I was hoping to never see again. It was Aaron McNulty." Severus tightened at the reference and shut his eyes. Sophie noticed his reaction but continued anyway. She had a long way to go. 

"He was a Death Eater that had convinced the Ministry that he was under the Imperious Curse and was not a follower of Voldemort. I was in charge of questioning him, trying to get information on Death Eater activity and his involvement. He was less than forth coming to say the least. I insisted he was lying and was almost successful in getting him sent to Azkaban.  Lucius Malfoy, however, had more influence than I and got him acquitted. When I saw McNulty on the street, I knew he would recognize me, so I ran.  Probably not the best course of action, but even I am prone to my impulses and baser instincts." She sounded apologetic and had to pause for a moment to rememerb her place. 

"I ran down an alley only to find a dead end. I turned to get out and he was right behind me. I'm guessing that I fainted because the next thing I remember is being in a dark room on the floor. I don't know how long I was out. My clothes were torn, I had none of my things, and I had a splitting headache. There was very little lighting the room so I had no idea of what time it was or even the day. I saw a chair, a cot and a lavatory in the room, nothing else. After what seemed like hours the door opened and McNulty walked in..."

He walked over to her and knelt down to her face. He held his hand to her face and stroked her chin. "I knew we would meet again," he said, coldly. "I can't tell you how much I am going to enjoy this." He ran his hands down her front and traced his finger over her breast. She automatically slapped his hand away. With a cruel sneer on his hateful face, he raised his large hands and struck her across her face. He leaned down so they were nose to nose. "I am a patient man. I have waited a long time for this and I plan to enjoy it. I will, however, have to wait my turn. But trust me you bitch ,you'll never forget it."

He got up and left her to the darkness again.

"More time passed before someone else entered. It was a girl; she had to be in her twenties. She didn't look at me; she just brought in some food and water, never saying a word. I could tell she was scared out of her mind."

"Who are you?" She didn't answer, so Sophie lowered her voice and said more softly, "You aren't one of them are you? You are like me. Am I right?"

"She went to leave and Sophie grabbed her arm. "Please…." The girl looked at her and just shook her head, "I'm sorry," was all that she said.

"It went on like this for days; she would come in once or twice and give me some food or water. Each day I talked to her a little more trying to build on her sympathies. I would slowly get information from her. She was a squib, not a Muggle. Her name was Ellie. She was a daughter of one of the Death Eaters. Her father offered her to Voldemort as a servant because she was useless otherwise. I thought it was cruel, but then I realized it was the only way to save her life. At least that is how she saw it. She wouldn't tell me about where I was or who was there or about anything other than the few tidbits I could get from her. I could tell she was terrified. It was after a week or so that I realized she was scared for me.

"Shortly after that, the interrogations started." With a tight swallow and a quick scan of the room , she continued.  "When the door opened, I expected to see Ellie, but a man I didn't recognize came in and told me to get up. I did not accommodate as quickly as he liked, so he kicked me and told me to move. I got up as best as I could at which point he grabbed my arm and dragged me down a long corridor. I was instructed to sit in a chair in the middle of a room where about four men stood. I recognized McNulty and Malfoy, but not the other two. Lucius seemed to be in charge and started to ask me questions."

"Dr. Young. I can't tell you how pleased I am to see you after so long. It has been years hasn't it." His voice was smooth and sultry, his movements languid and graceful. "You were quite a thorn in our side, Doctor. I lost more than a few friends to Azkaban because of your meddling. You can only imagine my delight when the Dark Lord informed me that you were mine to play with. I have some wonderful plans for you." Sophie didn't say a word; her mind was spinning. Fear. Anger. Escape. Death, Severus. Remus. Draco. Ellie.

Lucius sensed her fear as it swelled thick in the air, and he inhaled deeply, savoring it. He licked his lips and looked at her. "Let's begin with a few questions.

"He seemed to know why I was around and that I was at Hogwarts. I am sure a few children of the Death Eaters mentioned it. He asked who I was treating and what the Weasleys were doing here; he asked why Remus was back. He did not mention Snuffles at all, so I can only assume he has no idea about him. He tried to get information about our plans, about Dumbledore, but he seemed most interested in Harry. He wanted to know what he was doing, where he went, what he was studying. I got the idea that Harry was an essential whatever his plans were."

Sophie gave one last quick look to Severus whose eyes remained shut.  "At first they would just hit me or slap me around. As the days passed it got more …..Well, it was just more." She looked at the faces around, hoping they understood. She did not want to go into the details of the beatings or the "more," which entailed being brutalized by Lucius repeatedly in front the others. She could still feel his hands on her body; she could still smell his cologne and his sweat. His laughter ringing in her ears with his words of seduction and anger; his mocking as he forced himself on her. She could still taste him, the blood in her mouth; sometimes hers, sometimes his. Stone grey eyes, without the slightest hint of remorse or compassion,  would be forever burned in her mind. Her only comfort was that Lucius didn't plan on sharing her with the others. Not even McNulty who was chomping at the bit for a chance.

She reminded herself she was safe, she was home.  These people would not blame her , they would not judge her. And though she found herself believing her own assurances of security, she still needed to keep some details to herself. She hoped they understood.

Her friends looked at her with sympathy. Remus spoke first, "We get the idea, Sophie, we can….imagine." He turned reluctantly to Severus who was doing just that…imagining. His face was contorted in a way which sent chills down Remus's spine. At that moment he realized how happy he was that this man was no longer his enemy.

"Thank you," Sophie sighed. At this point Poppy brought her some water and gave her a reassuring smile as she whispered, "You're doing fine, dear." Sophie nodded in gratitude. She sipped her water and took some long, drawn breaths.

"This would go on for a while," she continued.  "I am not sure how long as at this point, as I lost all track of time. Ellie would come to me in the evenings, help dress my wounds, and make sure I was okay. She had tears in her eyes every time she came in and I couldn't help but wonder if the tears were for the torment I had undergone…or… for what was to come."

Her voice now steadier, she pushed on. "I can't tell you how I survived it all. Sometimes I just wanted to give up, but these silly lines of poetry kept running through my head. Growing louder in my mind every time they started in on me. I don't know why but they gave me courage."

"If I can stop one heart from breaking,

I shall not live in vain:

If I can ease one life aching,

Or cool one pain,

Or help one fainting robin

Unto his nest again,

I shall not live in vain."

" I finally remembered it was a poem that I had in my office when I first started treating people. And for some reason, it would not leave my mind. I knew I was going to get out of this. I knew I was going to survive, I just had to endure….Then, things got worse."

"As much as I am enjoying you, my sweet, I am growing a little tired of this game. I see you are a good soldier and for that, I am grateful. It gave me an excuse to have some fun." He stroked his fingers down her abdomen and drew a small circle around a bruise on her hip.

"But it seems I received some information that quite disturbs me so we will need to step things up a bit." Through her haze she tried to focus on his words. She was disoriented, tired, and very weak and she had a bad feeling about what he was going to say.

"It appears that Draco and you are acquainted. Well acquainted.  I am wondering, Doctor, if you care to enlighten me about this or if perhaps we should bring him down here and you can watch as we extract the information from him." His tone was clear to Sophie. If she did not think fast, Draco would be in danger. She had had a glimpse of what these people were capable of and the thought of having harm come to Draco was worse to her than everything she had already endured. Finally able to reply, she tried to sound as revolted as possible "Your son is just like you, you bastard. He is not as proficient, however. You need to teach him some manners."

She hoped he got the message and it appeared he did. Then he started to laugh.

"I see. I guess I should commend him for his tastes." He studied her for a moment and then gave a malicious smile. "I think I just thought of a use for you, my dear." He leaned over her and whispered in her ear, "Though I will miss the opportunity of watching you get your throat slit, I think the alternative can be just as…entertaining." He then ran his tongue down her ear and over her throat before he bit her.  His teeth pierced her skin, drawing blood. He stood open licking her blood from his lips.

"After this, they left me alone for a while a few days at least. The next time I saw them I was….rendered unconscious. I awoke to voices. I was aware that I was almost naked on some stone slab with a blanket or something over me. It was removed and I saw Draco there.

"Sorry she is not untouched, but she put up quite a struggle.  It had come to our attention that you and the doctor here had been spending time together. I knew you must have had ulterior motives for spending so much time with her. You are a Malfoy after all. Though I really couldn't blame you. She is quite…. succulent, is she not?" The others laughed.

"The time has come for you to prove your skills and your loyalty, Draco."

"May I unshackle her? I prefer it if they fight." At this Sophie's heart dropped. 'Dear God. No.'

Lucius's iniquitous laughter filled the room. "You may handle her as you wish, as long as you display your ability with the Unforgivable Curses. And take your time; you will want to savor this."

Draco walked over to Sophie and looked into her eyes. "Well, it seems you are I are going to get a little closer after all." He looked at her, a Lucius like sneer on his lip.. It made her nauseous.  She wanted to cry out to stop him… and then she saw it…. if only for a moment…a flash of something….of hope….of a plan. 'God help us all.'

"My dear Doctor, you are looking lovely today." He slowly began to remove the restraints. "You like to tease little boys, don't you?" He paused a moment to lazily run his wand from her neck, down her torso, stopping at the line of her panties before he continued, "You are about to find out what happens when you tease. You have been a bad girl….and you will be punished." He leaned in over her and reached down to bit her neck. He clamped down harder than he intended and her body seized from the pain. She went to lift her hand, he grabbed her wrist and looking into her eyes. "I would suggest you reserve your energy. I have plans for you." His eyes were pleading, 'Trust me.' Slowly she lowered her hands. She realized she was now completely free from the restraints.

He positioned himself next to Sophie. "I think we should begin with a demonstration of one of the Unforgivables." He bellowed to his audience. He turned to Sophie, "Be prepared to do my bidding." This was it -  her cue. It was now or never.

Draco screamed, "IMPERIO!" She was pulled off the table and within seconds they were in a tunnel. She was half walking, half being dragged, only slightly aware of the turmoil taking place behind them as they made their escape..

"The rest was a blur. I think I could hear Draco talking …or something, and I was vaguely certain we were outside. The next thing I remember I was here in the infirmary."

Everyone was silent. Between Draco's version of events and Sophie's, a story unfolded that left all lost in bitter memories of the last war. Arabella Figg watched Sophie through narrowed, probing eyes. She spoke, "There is more, isn't there."

Sophie nodded, "You are perceptive, aren't you?" Arabella gave her a half smile.

"While I was waiting for the last call, Ellie began to speak to me. I don't know why. Maybe after all that time, she finally decided if I died it wouldn't matter, and if I lived I deserved the information.

"Here, drink this."

"Thank you."

Ellie kept stealing glances at Sophie. Sophie picked up the cues. "It must be hard for you here. Watching this day on and day out."

"Hard for me?"

"You do not seem like the kind of person who would enjoy this."

"Well…no...How could I?"

"Why don't you leave?"

"They would find me. They always find me."

"Have you tried to leave before?"

She did not answer right away, she kept dressing Sophie's injuries.

"Yes," she finally said softly.

"I can help you."

"No, you can't."

"You think I am going to die, don't you?"

"You don't?"

"I am not one for giving up. I plan on escaping. And when I do, I promise to help you."

Ellie stood quiet for a while. As insane as it seemed, she believed her. "I think I could help you."

"Escape?"

"No. They watch me too closely, but if you do get out I think I can help you with ….with….him."

Sophie understood what she was saying. It didn't take much to realize who he was. "Go on."

"Well ….I….see a lot…you know? They hardly notice me.  They consider me… insignificant."

"Okay."

"He…. he is really weak. He can't do much. That is why he has been so quiet so far. I think the spell they used to bring him back got was done incorrectly. Either they did something wrong or miscalculated something. He needs something else to gain his full strength."

"What?"

Ellie swallowed hard, "Blood."

"Blood?"

"Harry Potter's blood. It was used when they initially revived him. He needs a continuing supply of Harry's blood to keep him alive. So far he has been surviving on the Death Eaters' blood, but he needs the original blood used in the spell to give him full power. They have been trying to think of a way to lure the boy out without raising suspicions. They are afraid if people find out, they will not be able to capture him or they might be attacked and he is in no condition to fight back. They have been trying to find a way to get him out of Hogwarts without anyone finding out why."

"Are you sure about all this?"

She nodded, "I am the only one, other than Lucius, allowed to go near him."

"Why Death Eaters' blood? Why not bleed Muggles?"

"It has to be a wizard's blood, anything else would be toxic. As it is, wizard's blood is only just keeping him alive."

Sophie watched everyone the room carefully as she told her story.  She set it up as best she could. It was time to act. "That's when I formulated a plan," she stated. "If Severus worked on the Polyjuice Potion to make the effect more long lasting, we could put a Muggle spy in disguised as Harry, and when Voldemort ingested the blood he would be poisoned. Ellie is certain he would die almost instantly.  We could end it.  We could end it now."

"You have someone particular in mind for this spy, don't you." Arabella eyed her keenly.

She simply nodded.

"Like hell!" was the response from several points across the room.

Author's notes – "Not in Vain" was written by Emily Dickinson.