Hey everyone, I decided to be kind and give you all the last 2 chapters now. I was going to wait until after the weekend but I felt like being nice. Enjoy them for they are your last. Love you all. Xxx
All thinking is put in brackets.
Long Time Love
Chapter 10
It took several hours for Kate to wake up but when she did she would have given anything to be able to slip back into unconsciousness. She hurt all over and felt stiff from sleeping on the cold hard floor. She tried to sit up, finding it a little difficult as her wrists were bound. Her hair still damp from the rain was hanging in her eyes. The room she was in was pitch black but even though she couldn't see anything there was an unmistakeable presence. One that she didn't like the feeling of at all. She moved to her knees as she heard footsteps nearby, slow and even.
"Who's there?" She asked into the darkness.
"Ah, finally you're awake," a voice replied. It wasn't very deep but it was definitely male. There was also something about it that sounded vaguely familiar.
"Who the hell are you?" she asked again.
"Now now Kate, that's no way to speak to an old friend is it?" The voice said.
An old friend? So she did know him.
"You didn't answer my question," she said with more confidence than she felt.
The silence was deafening as she waited for him to reveal his identity to her. Suddenly she heard the word lumos muttered and had to bring her hands up to shield her eyes. After a minute she slowly lowered them and gasped as she saw the hooded figure before her. She saw chubby fingers rise to push back the hood that was covering his face.
"You?" she cried. Her eyes were wide open now.
"In the flesh," he replied slowly and deliberately. One side of his mouth lifted in a smirk.
"What's going on Peter? She whispered. "What am I doing here?"
"You seem a little confused Kate," he said. "Allow me to educate you. It was me that came for you. It was me that blasted your boyfriend across the field."
"I figured that much out for myself," she said becoming angry. "What I want to know is why?"
"You really need to control that temper of yours Kate. Especially when I take you to see the Master. He doesn't tolerate such behaviour," he sneered.
Kate froze. The Master? Surely he didn't mean Voldemort? She then took in the black robe he wore and it all seemed to click into place.
"How long have you been working for him?" she asked.
"Not that you really need to know but 5 months." He answered.
"But you were our friend," she said. "How could you do this?"
"Come off it Kate, we were never friends. I was the punch line of practically every joke. I was tolerated. I never really fit in. You know that as well as I do. The Master? He accepted me when no one else wanted me around. He told me to keep up the pretence of being a Marauder to learn more of your secrets and to keep your trust so that I could tear you all down one by one. That was my prize for serving him. He even allowed me the honour of collecting you myself, and it was worth every second to see the look on that werewolf's face when I took you down. I have to go now. I've said enough and the Master needs to know you're awake."
"Going to get your orders are you?" she said looking up at him through her hair. Her eyes flashing with anger and hate.
"It's not like that. He doesn't give me orders, he advises me."
"Don't kid yourself," she threw back.
"Just for the record," he said with a grin. "I wouldn't expect your wolf in shining armour to come charging in to rescue you. He's dead.
And nodding in satisfaction as he saw Kate lower her head to her hands he closed the door behind him leaving her in darkness once again.
Why was this happening? She was being held against her will. Remus had been killed. Merlin only knew what was going to happen to the others. She had never felt so helpless in her entire life.
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Peter smirked as he strained to hear the sobs coming from the other side of the door. He then went to report the news of her being awake.
Entering Voldemort's chambers he went down on one knee and lowered his head. "My Lord," he said. "I have brought news. The woman is awake. I have informed her of the wolf's demise. Also the small matter of preventing the wolf from finding his mate has been dealt with. There is no way he would be able to sense her now."
"You have done well my friend," the slow rasping voice said. "I am pleased with you."
"Thank you My Lord," Peter grovelled.
"Bring her to me." He ordered.
"Yes My Lord," and he scampered off.
Unlocking the door he threw it open letting the light wash over Kate, who turned her head sharply to the side. He strode over to her and pulled her sharply to her feet by her arm.
"Where are you taking me?" She asked trying to struggle out of his grasp. Peter didn't answer her. "Answer me damn you." She yelled.
"You were right Wormtail, the woman has spirit."
Kate stopped when she heard the voice and looked over in the direction it came from. Fear stopped her from moving her head too quickly. This was it; she was going to see him. Her chest was heaving from anticipation mixed with the effort of trying to get away from Peter. She stopped breathing for a second or two when her eyes met his face giving Peter the perfect opportunity to throw her to the floor.
He wasn't at all what she was expecting. Not that she was at all sure what she was expecting. She thought he might be partially hidden by a hood, red eyes glowing out of the darkness. Long fingers like claws or talons ready to tear her to shreds. What she really saw stopped her in her tracks. His face, pale in sharp contrast to his black hair that hung past his shoulders, wasn't grotesque by any means. It was painfully thin but that only served to enhance his cheekbones that gave him a sort of feminine beauty. He didn't smile but his dark eyes flashed in amusement at Kate's reaction to him. She let her gaze fall to his chest and arms, then down to his hands that were interlocked before him. He was leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. They weren't at all claw like. His fingers were long and elegant. He brought his hands up and touched his thumb to his lips forcing her to make contact with his eyes once again.
"What do you want with me?" she asked in a low voice to keep it from trembling. "Why have you brought me here?"
"I'm glad you asked me that question," he said standing up to pace the floor in front of her. "See, Wormtail here was feeling neglected by the ones he thought cared for him, namely you and your friends. I have brought you here to teach you that that was not a wise move, not a wise move at all. Your werewolf friend, he was the first. Because of his transformations every month I knew that he was used to physical pain, I had to hurt him in a way that he could never imagine. The last thoughts and feelings he had before he died were the agony of heartbreak. You should have seen him. He looked as though he had had his heart ripped from his chest. It was magnificent."
"You monster," she screamed at him. "You evil bastard."
"Such Spirit. Such great inner strength. She will be fun to break do you not think my friend?"
"Oh yes My Lord," Peter said gleefully.
"You will not lay a finger on me," she said, teeth bared with rage.
"Now, we will just have to agree to differ on that one wont we?" He said crouching in front of her and running a finger down her cheek. Seeing her flinch away from him he leaned in and whispered in her ear, "it appears I have proven you wrong already."
Before rising he snaked his tongue out and trailed it roughly up her cheek. He then stood and walked back to his chair. "Take her away Wormtail, I am finished with her for now."
With a grunt, she was lifted to her feet and dragged back off to her prison.
"You will get what's coming to you Peter, make no mistake about that."
Peter ignored her comment but stated simply, "I suggest you rest. You are going to need your strength." And with a smirk he closed the door.
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The first time Kate was summoned she screamed the entire time. He hurt and abused her, doing things she never dreamed were possible. She returned bloodied and bruised. She never slept that night, only sat rocking herself, her arms around her legs and her eyes wide open, fixed on the place where she knew the door was. Once a day a tray of tray of food and cup of water would re-fill its self, and every time she would find the ribbon she had hidden and tie a knot in it so she wouldn't forget how long she had been there for.
She had been there for about a month when she was summoned once again.
"Playtime," Peter said.
"Fuck you," came her reply.
"I already have, remember? He said with a grin as he pulled her to her feet.
"How could I forget?" she spat. "You were the worst I've ever had. Now get your filthy hands off me.
"I didn't hear you complaining yesterday," he said turning her to face him and leaning in until their noses were only inches apart.
"I would never willingly let you touch me," she said bringing her knee up swiftly to meet his groin. The impact wasn't as solid as she would have liked due to her growing lack of strength, but it was satisfying enough to knock him off balance for a moment.
"Like I said, don't fucking touch me," she hissed at him.
"You will pay for that," Peter said dragging her out of the door and towards what had been christened the playroom.
"I'm glad you decided to show," Voldemort said as he saw the two enter. At seeing Peter limping slightly he smirked. "Had a bit of an accident did you my friend?"
No more than he deserved," Kate snapped.
"Shut up bitch," Peter said giving her a slap that sent her to the floor.
"Your presence is no longer required Wormtail," Voldemort said, the tone of his voice leaving no room for argument.
"Yes My Lord," he said with a slight lowering of his head before slipping from the room.
"Still a feisty young witch aren't you?" he bellowed. "I thought that you would have broken by now. Actually I'm quite impressed you've lasted this long."
Suddenly he charged up to her and pinned her roughly to the floor by her throat, hitting her repeatedly in the face with his free hand.
"Haven't you learned by now not to fight me Miss Parker?" He yelled at her.
Kate's breath was coming in short gasps as he still held on tightly to her throat. She flinched as he ran a finger down her cheek.
His voice softened when he said, "It would be so much better if you didn't fight me. I always get what I want one way or another."
Feeling the pressure ease she filled her lungs completely with fresh air before turning to face him.
"I will never stop fighting you," she whispered.
"Oh yes you will," he growled before proceeding with his cruelty once more.
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It only took her one more week until Kate's spirit was finally broken. She learned that it was always slightly easier to bear if she co-operated. There was no more struggling. No more screaming. No more fighting. Whenever Voldemort or Peter took her she would lay there like a rag doll. Wherever she was lead she would go without resistance. She didn't know how long she had been captive for and she no longer cared.
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Days became weeks, which in turn became months, then years. Before she knew it 2 years and 4 months had passed. One day Peter came to see her. He didn't touch her, not that she would have had the strength to stop him anyway. He just sat there with an insane grin on his face. Finally he spoke.
"I have a secret," he sang. "You remember James and Lily don't you? Your friends?"
She didn't answer, not that he expected her to.
"They had a baby a year and 3 months ago. His name is Harry. Stupid name if you ask me. Anyway, there is a prophecy. It says, 'The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches, born to those that have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies.' It's Harry Kate. We can't let that boy grow up. He must die, along with James and Lily. The time has come. The master has told me to be patient; he said he has been waiting for something, and now it's here. They have gone into hiding to protect their son but guess who was made their secret keeper? We leave this evening, All Hallows Eve, appropriate don't you think? After this the only one left is that mangy dog. But don't worry about him; he won't be left out. We will be back tomorrow, don't miss us too much will you."
And with that he grabbed her roughly and kissed her on the mouth, allowing her head to fall onto her chest as he let go of her. After he had gone Kate lifted her head again.
"James? Lily?" She vaguely remembered those names.
"Who is the mangy dog?" She sat and thought for a moment.
"Sirius." She finally remembered.
"Peter, James, Sirius… Remus." As she said the last name a choked sob escaped her throat. Why didn't they just kill her? Didn't they think she had suffered enough? Little did she know that from that night on she would be alone. Peter would no longer come to get her; Voldemort would no longer lay a finger on her. She didn't know which was worse, the violent torture or the permanent solitude. Her food continued to magically appear, silently mocking her, reminding her every day that she was still alive. She thought about starving herself, but she only managed a couple of days until she gave in. She took to talking to herself, creating friends that at first she could neither see nor hear. It didn't take long before her imaginary companions began to take shape. 16 long years she was there for, 14 of which she was alone. One day the door opened. Kate froze then darted out of the light like an insect when you lift a garden stone. She pressed herself as close to the wall as she could.
Then she screamed.
A figure dashed across the room and clamped a hand over her mouth to silence her.
"Shh," the figure said. "I'm not going to hurt you. But you have to be quiet."
Her arms flailed wildly trying to get away from him making him lose his hold on her mouth. Strange words ripped from her throat that he didn't understand. He had to get her to be quiet somehow. Although he had no choice in the matter he still hated himself for what he was about to do. He placed his hand around her throat and squeezed gently. Gradually increasing the pressure until no more sound escaped her lips. He leaned back slightly to take in her dishevelled appearance. Her face was dirty and achingly thin. Her black hair was thick with knots. Her eyes were open wide as she shook with terror. He knew there was no point in asking her any questions; her mind had left her a long time ago. He knew the signs.
"I have to go now," he said, not really sure that she would understand him. "But I promise you I will be back and when I do I will get you out of here, I swear. I just need a couple of days to think."
And before he could be discovered, he rose to his feet and had swept out of the room locking the door behind him.
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2 days later and good to his word the door opened once again and in walked the stranger. Kate was asleep. He walked over to her and shook her gently to wake her. Snapping to attention she sat up and tried to get away from him but he held her firm.
"It's ok," he said to her. "It's only me, remember? From the other day? I told you I would return. I have a plan. Will you cease this flapping woman?"
It was as if she couldn't even hear him. She continued to struggle.
"I need you to drink this," he said. "I need you to drink it now."
He had to be quick. He grabbed her face in one hand and forced the potion past her lips with the other. In seconds she went limp. He laid her on the floor before him and cast a glamour charm on her. He then conjured up a blanket in which to wrap her. Getting to his feet he picked her up and left the room.
"My Lord," he said striding into Voldemorts chambers. "I was looking for the information you sent me for when I came across something rather intriguing."
He walked over to the man sat in front of the fire and placed the bundle on the floor at his feet. Unwrapping one end he stepped back to let him see.
"Is this a joke?" Voldemort demanded.
"No, My Lord. Whoever this used to be it looks as though they have been dead for quite some time."
Suddenly a look of recognition flickered over his face. "My toy," he said. "I had completely forgotten I still had her." He reached a hand out to touch her face but thought better of it at the last moment. He paused for a moment before continuing with a bored note in his voice. "Anyway, we can't have corpses littering the place. Dispose of her Severus. Discreetly."
"Right away My Lord." He said.
And with that he scooped Kate up and with a pop he disappeared.
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The next time Severus saw her he heard her long before he laid eyes on her. She was screaming in terror. The medi-witches were at their wits end. Severus strode up to one of the healers as she was aiming her wand at Kate and grabbed her wrist.
"What on earth is going on here?" He demanded.
"She wont let us near her long enough to get her to drink a calming potion. I was just going to stun her for a moment."
Severus was furious. "Gods woman, after everything she has been through you think that the best course of action is to attack her? And what is she doing out here? I gave you specific instructions when I brought her in that she was to be placed in a darkened room. There is no wonder she is so terrified." He then strode over to where Kate was cowering and ignoring her shouts of protest he placed his arms around her in a silent offering of comfort. Looking up at the medical staff he said in his most commanding voice, "I expect a room for her to be ready in no more than 5 minutes. Do you understand?"
With that they scattered, busying themselves. Not one of them wanting to face the sharp edge of his tongue. They had seen him as a patient enough times to know what his temper was like when he got really angry.
As soon as the room was ready Severus picked her up and carried her to her new room. "Close the door on your way out," he said.
Setting her down on the floor she scuffled away against the wall. She was calmer now and for that Severus was grateful. The room was so dark he wasn't sure where she was at first, until he heard her. Her voice was soft and had a child's quality to it.
"Tay no co back. Tay no co back. Ownay gain. Reem co back. Say may."
Severus was slightly disturbed by the things she was saying. He didn't understand them but he knew it must mean something to her; he just had to find out what. He assumed she had been alone for so long that her version of the English language had become somewhat distorted.
It was several weeks before he saw her again but there was little change in her. She still continued to live in a darkened room. A medi-witch approached him and told him that the results of the blood test had arrived. It was amazing the amount of information you could get from just one drop of blood.
"I'm sure you will understand that I can't tell you everything as her file is confidential, but I can tell you that her name is Katelyn Parker, and she is a half blood. She is currently 35 years of age."
"She is my age," he said almost to himself. Did she attend Hogwarts? He wondered to himself. He couldn't remember her. "Does the record state if she was a Hogwarts student?" he asked."
The witch scanned her notes. "Yes, she was in the Hufflepuff house."
"Thank you," he said and turned his back on her. "Hufflepuff?" He wasn't at all surprised. His mind wandered to 3 Griffindors he knew. Miss Granger? Her search for knowledge surpassed any Ravenclaw. Mr Weasley? He could be just as soft as a Hufflepuff. Mr Potter? There were times he had a sneakiness worthy of the finest Slytherin. It stood to reason that a Hufflepuff could have a heart as brave as a Griffindor. He wondered if the hat actually put any thought into where it put the students.
Deciding it was time to visit her he opened the door just enough to allow him to slip inside. It seemed that she was unaware of his presence at first and he heard her speak like she did the last time he saw her.
"Tay no co back. Say may Reem. Tay no co back."
Suddenly he heard her sharp intake of breath and he realised she knew he was there.
"Go, go," she screamed.
Severus ignored her and instead of leaving he went to her and getting an idea he took hold of her face in his hands and said, "Tay no co back?"
Kate went ridged. "Tay no co back. Tay go. Tay no co back." Came her reply.
Severus quickly went over the words in his mind. There were three words that he could identify. Go, no and back. Tay go? Could that mean 'they go'? In which case, 'Tay no co back' must mean, 'they no come back'. What else did she say? He racked his brain to remember. She had said 'Reem'.
"Reem?" he said quietly.
"Reem no co back," she replied.
Severus didn't know what she meant by that but he would figure her out if it was the last thing he did.
Once a month they would increase the light in her room slightly. She had been in the dark for so long her eyes needed time to adjust. Severus still came to see her. There was no record of any family so he couldn't just abandon her. He realised that first he would have to gain her trust, so he had let her teach him her language. He then had to teach her the correct way of speaking. He actually found that he enjoyed his sessions with her. It was a long, slow process but she was improving.
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"Hello Severus," Kate said one Saturday morning, still a little unsure. The year was 1998 and Kate had been a resident of St. Mungos for 3 years.
"Goodmorning Miss Parker," he replied. "You are looking well. I was thinking we could do something different today. I thought we might take a step outside."
She looked frightened at once.
"Ok," he said putting his hands up. "I see that was a bad idea. We will talk instead. I have heard you talk about someone called Remus."
Kate nodded. She had long since learned not to cry over him. Crying would not bring him back.
"Who is he?" Severus asked.
"My love," she said simply. "He is gone. He was gone long ago."
"There was a boy in our year at Hogwarts called Remus. Remus Lupin. Am I to take it from that look that that is the same Remus to which you refer?"
Kate nodded.
"I do not wish to cause you distress, but he is not gone." Seeing the look of confusion on her face he went on. "Remus Lupin is alive and well, and working at Hogwarts as the Defence against the dark arts Professor."
"You lie," she said. "You lie."
"I am not lying to you I assure you. He is one of my colleagues. Right now he will be sat up in his office, grading papers and listening to some tasteless drivel he has wrongfully mistaken for music."
"No," she whispered. "Why did he not come? If he is alive, why did he not come?" She demanded.
"That is something which I can not answer," he said placing a hand on her shoulder. "I will leave you now. You need time to think. I shall return tomorrow."
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Severus came back the next day to find Kate deep in thought.
"Miss Parker?" he said. "Are you alright?"
Kate was startled for a second before realising who it was. Standing up she said, "I am ready Severus. If Remus is not gone, I have to see him. I am ready to go outside."
Severus took hold of her hand and with a promise that he would not let go she allowed him to lead her out of the door. The medi-witches gasped when they saw them but the look on Severus' face told them not to say anything. She clung on for dear life, her heart racing, but she was determined that this wouldn't beat her. She closed her eyes to stop the world from spinning and when she opened them again everything seemed still once more. So far so good.
"Take me to him," she said.
"I do not think you are quite ready for that Miss Parker," he replied.
"I have spent the last 19 years believing the man I loved to be dead. Now I find that he is not I demand that you take me to him," she repeated. "
Sighing, Severus looked over to the medi-witches for their approval. Seeing none that objected, he put his arms around her. "Hold on tight to me," he said and apparated them both to Hogwarts.
Arriving outside the gates he lowered her feet to the floor. She opened her eyes but immediately closed them again.
"Come," he said. "I will get you inside." And he helped her walk up to the main doors. He then led her up the many staircases to the DADA classroom.
"His office is just up these stairs," Severus said. "I will not come in with you."
Kate threw her arms around his neck and whispered a thank you before letting him go.
"Do not mention it Miss Parker," he replied.
She then turned to grab the handrail and started to pull herself up the stairs. Stopping at the top she looked down at herself and for the first time she realised that she was wearing a hospital gown. Shrugging, she smoothed her hands down the white cotton and raised her hand to knock at the door.
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To be continued…