Chapter 31
The Order meeting had been some what productive. The group had managed to get a general idea of where the old Riddle house was. The only thing left to do was create a plan on how to get Harry safely out of there.
The Weasleys' were ecstatic to have Ginny back. The only thing that dampened their mood was the fact that Harry had not come back with Ginny. None of the Weasleys', save Ginny, understood why Harry had chosen to stay behind. In fact most of the Order didn't understand Harrys' actions. The only person who truly understood Harrys' decision was Lupin.
It had been decided that Lupin, Tonks, Mad-Eye, Kingsley, Zombini and Dumbledore would go on the rescue mission. The mission would take place in one days time when, on information given by Snape, there would be the least amount of Death Eaters.
Dumbledore had tried to convince Lupin to stay behind, but Lupin had flat out refused. Dumbledore had tried to explain that after what had happened with Sirius a year ago it would not be good if Lupin to die after Harry had started to let him in. That didn't change Lupins' mind and Dumbledore gave up trying to change it.
The Death Eaters were having the time of their lives torturing Harry. He was under the Cruciatus Curse or some other painful spell most of the day. Still Harry stayed firm. The only thing that seemed to be troubling the Death Eaters was the fact that Harry wasn't begging for mercy yet.
Harrys' mind, which was wandering around in some of his happier memories, was quickly pulled back into the here and now. It took a moment for Harry to remember why he had left the happy corner in his mind to come back to all this pain. Then it hit him like a ton of bricks. There was not just one drawling voice but two.
"I think this is your opportune moment to get back at Potter, Draco." Lucius Malfoy said. "Just don't disappoint me."
"Don't worry father. I only let Potter attack so as not to raise suspicions." Malfoy Jr. drawled.
Harry let out a snort of laughter. Immediately three heads looked into Harrys' cell. Two of the heads had blond hair, while the last had greasy black.
"Do you find something funny Potter?" Malfoy Jr. spat.
"Yeah I guess I do." Harry responded.
"Care to enlighten us?" Malfoy Sr. asked.
"If you insist. You see your son wasn't even able to draw his wand before I had my wand under his throat. Even if your son was trying to lie low, you'd think he would've drawn his wand." Harry finished.
"I would watch what you say Potter." Snape said. "You wouldn't want to cause yourself more pain. Although considering who I'm talking to you probably would." Snape finished in his usual tone, even though his eyes showed concern.
"You'd be right in that assumption, Professor." Harry replied making Snape even more nervous.
"Crucio!" Draco Malfoy screamed.
Harry had been waiting for this and quickly focused all his energy on putting up a shield. The shield which, was courtesy of his defensive magic, was just barely strong enough to withstand Malfoy Jr.'s curse. Harry and Snape both were well aware of that but that didn't stop Harry from gloating.
"What kind of Death Eater can't even produce a proper Cruciatus Curse." Harry said. A moment later Harry realized that he shouldn't have.
"Severus, hold Potter still." Malfoy Sr. said.
"Why don't we just stun him like we do with the rest?" Snape asked in an even almost careless voice.
"Because I want to make sure Potter feels the pain not only after but during the process. Draco I want you to do the honors." Malfoy Sr. said.
For the first time Harry started to get scared. His body was already in bad shape from all the curses. His mind was also starting to break. The shield had taken more out of him then anyone realized. Harry felt himself being thrown against the wall.
"Look what you've done now Potter." Snape hissed in his ear.
Harry looked through the door where Malfoy Jr. had exited. When Malfoy Jr. reentered the cell he was carrying what looked like a branding iron used on cattle. Harrys' stomach lurched when he saw what shape the iron was in, the Dark Mark.
"Maybe I shouldn't have said all those things." Harry thought to himself. "To later now."
Harry was scared and everyone in the room knew it. Malfoy Sr. was laughing and pushing his son forward. Harry could feel the heat from the iron coming closer and tried to free himself of Snapes' grip only to realize that even if he managed that he was still attached to the wall.
Malfoy Jr. pushed the iron into the skin right at the base of Harrys' neck. For the first time Harry screamed. Draco kept the iron pushed into Harry for about thirty seconds longer then necessary to make sure it left a deep scar.
Harry was panting heavily as the pain slowly subsided from his chest. Just to make sure Harry didn't get to comfortable Lucius repeatedly used the Cruciatus Curse on him. As they were leaving his cell Harry heard Lucius say that the Dark Lord would be pleased that Potter was almost broke.
A/N Thanks for to the few people that reviewed last chapter. I will post the last four chapters tomorrow. See you then. Padfootgurl89