Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, except the one I created myself. All others belong to J. K. Rowling and Warner Brothers. I have only borrowed them for my amusement and hopefully yours as well.
Chapter 51
Jolicia and Harry were taken to a large room. The ropes that bound them were removed, but the spell that prevented them from speaking was still in place. There was a semi - circle of masked men standing around a chair, silently waiting. She quickly realized that these were Death Eaters. This is what Severus had been doing for years. She wished that he was here now, disguised, waiting to jump out when the time was right and rescue them. A thought crossed her mind – were they here because Voldemort had captured Harry and she just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time or was it the other way around? Had Severus' double life been discovered? Was she the target of Voldemort's wrath? Had she been brought there as a punishment for her husband? She prayed that the former scenario was correct. If it was, Severus might be in the room. She heard someone coming down the hallway. Harry grimaced in pain. Voldemort was coming! She would have the answers to her questions very soon.
The Death Eaters all dropped to their knees and hung their heads. Jo turned to face the doorway and was roughly forced to her knees.
"Avert your eyes, bitch," she was commanded by the Death Eater who had pushed her down. She surreptitiously glanced over at Harry; he was on his knees as well. His gaze met hers; he blinked slowly at her, as if saying 'remain calm'.
Voldemort sat on his throne and surveyed the sight before him. He had him at last! Harry Potter was his to do as he pleased. Sweet victory!
He began to speak, "Well, well. How kind of you to join me, Mr. Potter. And you bring a friend with you as well. Mrs. Snape, I believe."
Harry stared at him defiantly, still unable to speak. He steeled himself and showed himself to be confident, even under such dire circumstances. He sneered.
Jolicia allowed herself to look at Voldemort for the first time. It was a hideous sight! She wanted to look away, to never see that monster again. But, she, like Harry, forced herself to look into those red snake-eyes and appear unmoved. She held herself tall.
"Allow her to speak," he commanded.
"Finite Incantatum," said Kingsford.
"My Lord," said Jolicia, bowing her head. She had decided to play along since she still did not know why she was there.
"Interesting," purred Voldemort. "You refer to me as your Lord."
"My husband is your faithful servant. You are his Lord and therefore mine as well." She dropped her head as a sign of her obedience and respect.
Voldemort mocked, "How touching. Here we have before us is the perfect example of the obedient little wife." He began to laugh and the Death Eaters all joined in, taking their lead from him.
The smile faded from Voldemort's thin lips. There was no time for this ridiculous charade.
"Silence, sow!" he cried. "Your husband is a faithful servant to Dumbledore!"
"Fuck!" thought Jolicia. "I know why I am here. It is me that he was after."
"Please, my Lord," she continued. "My husband is your servant, not Dumbledore's. He speaks to me often of his service to you. It is his greatest pride that is allowed to be your humble servant."
"I told you to be silent!" he sneered. "Lucius!"
Malfoy walked over to Jolicia. He did not need instruction; he knew what was expected of him. He raised his hand in the air and brought it down across her face. She did not cry out. He raised it again and this time backhanded her. He thrilled as she moaned ever so slightly. This was what he wanted to hear. He could have used his wand to silence her but somehow the physical violence was far more satisfying. Confident that he had succeeded, he once again took his place in the circle.
Both Harry and Draco reacted when Malfoy struck Jolicia. Draco's face was hidden behind the mask so that no one could see the sickened look that appeared. He cursed his father silently. He cursed himself for standing by and watching, letting it happen.
All in the room saw Harry's reaction. He was silently screaming. He tried to move forward, but was held back, struggling, by several Death Eaters.
"You didn't enjoy our little demonstration, Mr. Potter? Pity. There is plenty more to come," said Voldemort. "Let him speak."
The spell was lifted and Harry cried, "Let her go. You have me now. I'll do whatever you want but just let her and her babies go."
"Harry, no!" cried Jolicia. She could not accept his sacrifice even if it meant saving her own life.
"How noble, Mr. Potter. I am afraid I can't let her go. There is a debt that must be paid." He turned to Jolicia and said, "Surely you know of your husband's treason?" Jolicia shook her head. "No? Let me see. Legilimens!"
Voldemort began to probe Jo's mind, searching for the evidence against Severus. Jolicia held fast, letting him see only what she wanted him to see. It was the hardest thing she ever had to do. His mind had such power!
At last Voldemort said, "It seems that Severus lied to both of us."
Harry gave thanks; Jolicia was able to keep the evil bastard out. He also prayed that he would not be the next target. He was not so sure he could be as strong as Jo. Unfortunately, his prayers were not answered.
"And what about you, Mr. Potter? Perhaps you can provide me with the information I seek. Legilimens!"
Harry summoned every ounce of strength that he had and channeled it into his mind. He had to keep Voldemort out! This was no time for weakness; weakness equaled betrayal, the betrayal of his friends. He struggled to keep his terror hidden as well. He would never let Voldemort see that.
Behind his shield Harry was thinking, "Please let me do this! Let this be over!" He repeated the words over and over until it happened – Voldemort pulled away! Harry had done it!
Voldemort continued, "It seems that you are ignorant of the facts as well, Potter. Unfortunate." He turned his attention to Jolicia once more. "This does not change your fate, my dear. There are so many things I could do to a Mudblood like you! I have not quite decided what will be the best way to punish your traitorous husband. I grow weary. I will retire for a short period while I ponder your fate. However, before I go, here is a little something to remember me by. Crucio! "
Jo fell to the floor, writhing in pain. Never had she felt anything like this; it was excruciating. She screamed out. Harry screamed as well, begging for Voldemort to stop. Voldemort stopped, not because Harry had asked but because he had just wanted to give her a taste of what was to come. He didn't want her to die just yet. He had plans for her. Jo lay on the floor, panting, semi-conscious.
Turning towards Harry, he said, "Your fate, Potter, has been decided for a long time now. I have been waiting for so long. After you witness her slow, painful death, you shall die as well, by my hand. I promise you, it will be just as torturous. In the mean time, I will leave you in good company. Lucius, I give them to you as I promised. You may do what you will with them, just make sure than no one dies. I reserve that pleasure for myself."
Lucius bowed deeply and said, "Thank you my Lord. You are most kind."
Voldemort and the other Death Eaters withdrew, leaving Harry and Jolicia alone with father and son. Lucius removed his mask and smiled cruelly at his captives.
"Harry, we meet again."
Turning his attention to Jo he said, "And you my dear, allow me to introduce my self, Lucius Malfoy, at your service. I believe you know my son. Draco, come here."
Both Harry and Jolicia watched in horror as Draco stepped forward and removed his mask. He stood silently, scowling at both of them. He appeared as he thought was expected of him, cold and cruel, giving no sign of recognition to either of his friends.
Harry looked at Draco, spat, and said," You fucking bastard. How could you? Traitor!"
Draco smirked and replied, "Had you fooled, didn't I Potter? Gullible git! Did you really think I could be friends with either of you Mudbloods?" He said it with such venom, such disgust, as if poison had crossed his lips.
Jolicia sat on the floor, not believing what she was hearing.
"This can't be Draco talking, can it? He has made too much progress to revert to his old self," she thought. "Or has he?" She didn't want to believe her ears.
She shook her head, trying to shake of the effects of the curse. It had not been on her for long, only a matter of seconds, but it had taken its toll. Jo felt weak and was experiencing a cramping feeling in her belly. She rubbed her stomach, wondering what effect the spell had had on the babies. She prayed that they were unharmed.
Lucius walked over to Harry and slapped him across the face, just as he had done to Jolicia. The impact sent Harry's glasses flying across the room. He continued hitting him until blood began to pour from his nose. Lucius suddenly stopped and moved back into the center of the room. Without his glasses, everything was blurry, but Harry could still see what was happening.
"That was for Dobby," he growled. "I have been waiting a long time for that. This is just for the fun of it. Crucio!"
The curse hit Harry and he screamed out. He did not want to scream, but the pain was too intense; he could not keep it in. Jolicia could only watch in horror. She dared not incur Malfoy's wrath. Another attack might kill her children, even if it didn't kill her. She could not take that risk, as much as she wanted to spare Harry the pain she had suffered. Malfoy sneered as he held Harry in the curse. He would have enjoyed leaving him that way until his life force departed, but he had received his orders; he was not to let either of them die. Harry dropped to the floor as the curse was lifted, still feeling its effects. Every nerve in his body was on fire.
"Harry! Are you okay? HARRY!" called Jo.
He could hear her calling him, but he could not focus his mind sufficiently to answer. The best he could mange was a low moan. Leaving him to recover, Lucius turned his attention to Jolicia. He walked very slowly to where she was kneeling and circled around her, his eyes exploring every inch of her body. He stopped in front of her and caressed her cheek. He let his hand slide down her neck and then to her breast. He ripped the front of her robe exposing her flesh. Jolicia jerked away from him, trying as best as she could to cover herself. Her obvious repulsion earned her another slap.
"How dare you move away, bitch!" He grabbed her chin in his hand and squeezed. "It's a shame that you are so pregnant. You are an attractive woman and I would have much liked to fuck you; fuck you the way Snape does. Did he ever tell you what we do at our little meetings? Did he ever tell you what we do to little Mudbloods such as yourself? Too bad you can not participate; my brothers and I would have enjoyed fucking Snape's whore."
"Don't touch her," came a weak voice.
"Back with us, Potter? Just in time. Stand up!" commanded Malfoy. Seeing that Harry was struggling, he reached over and roughly pulled him up and pushed him back against the wall for support.
"Accio glasses!" Malfoy cried. "Here put these on. I want you to see everything."
He continued, "I have been selfish. I believe that it is time Draco had a turn. Come here, son."
Draco came forward and stood beside his father. He had not said one word.
"This is your chance Draco. Potter is at your mercy. Have a little fun with him before he dies."
Draco looked at his father and then at Harry. He moved towards him, his wand extended. He stood there, not moving, staring into Harry's green eyes. Lucius came forward and positioned himself beside Harry, egging the boy on.
"Go on, son. Do what you have always wanted to do." When Lucius saw that Draco was hesitating, he growled, "Do as I say! NOW!"
Draco swallowed hard, raised his wand once again and cast his spell, just as his father had commanded.
