Disclaimer – Not mine

Chapter Ten

Sirius cried out, torn from his thoughts as the Unforgivable curse struck him, his eyes widening in shock at the sudden wave of excruciating torment. It was worse this time, if that was possible... Shit. Oh fuck... it was so much worse than last time, magnified, it seemed, by his already weakened state. Blinding agony tore through every fibre of his body - sharp, biting. A million creatures clawing through his insides. The pain from each and every wound that adorned him was suddenly amplified, elevated to a point at which it merged into a torturous whole. He could hear his own screams echoing in his ears, the noise sending shards of ice searing through his brain.

Fortunately it didn't last for long, but even those few, short minutes were enough. Enough to leave him in a heap on the floor, every muscle convulsing in pain. Enough to set the world reeling around him. He hadn't even noticed the point at which his knees had given way. Only when the pain finally subsided did he regain his hold upon physical reality and realise that he was curled, womb-like, on his floor.

He was alone again. His mother was gone, his door closed behind her. He hadn't noticed her leave.

Tibby was dead.

With his one good hand gripped tightly into the covers of his bed he finally managed to drag himself upright and onto the mattress.

She was dead...

No. No! It wasn't true. It just couldn't be true... She was lying! She had to be lying. She was just trying to get to him. It wasn't true...

He buried his face in his pillow, his every breath catching painfully in his throat. Merlin... Oh Merlin. Despite his frantic denials he knew - it was true. She was dead. Gone. She was gone. He bit down on his lip, fighting back against the tears that burned behind his eyes.

He had known – had always known – that someday it would happen. The instant a house-elf grew too old to carry a tea tray... His mother was... She had always showed an unnatural enjoyment in the process. He had always known that it would happen. But not yet. Why did it have to happen now? He had always placed it as an event that would occur in the far distant future. Not yet. He still needed her...

He couldn't take it any more. Curling into a ball on his bed - lacking even the energy, the will, to drag the covers over his chilled body – Sirius wept. He couldn't stop himself. For the first time in over ten years he let the tears flow down over his cheeks. He wept for Tibs – for sweet, loyal Tibs, who should not have died yet. Who would not have died yet, had it not been for him. He wept for himself – trapped...

Why? Why did he have to suffer through this? Why did he have to be born into a family of dark wizards? Had his actions in some past life been so bad that he suffered now as punishment? Some people believed that such a thing occurred... Or maybe it was the Fates' way of punishing him for the crimes of this life. Maybe this was his punishment for his betrayal of Remus. Maybe he deserved everything he got. Maybe... Maybe there was no maybe in it at all.

Finally his sobs subsided and he lay, staring vacantly up at the dingy ceiling above him. He hurt. Everywhere. He couldn't move; he couldn't breath - he couldn't even think - without random spasms of agony shooting through him. He wanted nothing more than for it all to end... one way or the other. He wanted nothing more than to close his eyes and leave everything behind him...

He shook his head, jolting himself out of his dark musings. No, he thought vehemently. He would get through this. They would not break him. He'd survived them this long; he would keep on surviving. He would get through this!

He pushed himself to his feet, struggling to ignore the pain that the movement sent jangling along his nerves. He had to think of a way of getting out of this place. If he had to stay much longer... well, he greatly doubted that he'd be in much of a state to do anything at all. But how could he escape. His options had been limited back when he'd had the possibility of regaining possession of his wand. That possibility was now well and truly dead...

Dead like Tibs...

No! He wouldn't think about that. He had to think positively. He'd never find a way of escaping if he thought about things like that. Struggling to follow his own instructions, he cast his eyes around the sparsely furnished room. But there was nothing. Nothing at all that could help him. He couldn't get through his doorway and his window... Even if he could have opened it more than an inch, he wouldn't have been able to do much other than fall to a rather painful death on the hard pavement below. It was useless. He was trapped in a room with absolutely nothing that could help him get out of it!

No! Positive. He had to think positively! What about his trunk? Was there anything in his trunk?

Lowering himself carefully to his knees before the large chest Sirius lifted the lid and began to rummage through the jumbled contents. There had to be something in there that could help him, something that he could use! But, despite his hopeful thoughts, he knew deep down that there would not be. And he was right. All he could find were clothes and a few books, and some bits of unfinished homework.

He had never trusted his family enough to bring anything that held any value to him back during the holidays, anything that might now have been of any use. Even over the summer months he refused to risk the chance of any one of them getting their hands on anything, and would usually either stash things in Gryffindor tower or give them to his friends to look after. The only thing he would usually bring home was the two-way mirror. He hadn't seen much point in that this time, though – after-all, the only person he could have contacted with it was James...

With a dejected sigh, Sirius swung the lid of the trunk back down. Even if he had brought the mirror home with him he doubted whether it would have been any use. Would James have listened to him long enough for him to ask for help? Would he have even answered his calls? If he had, would he have cared enough to actually help?

Probably not.

There was no real reason why he should have, after all. James had been right, as had his mother. Sirius was a worthless bastard. He was nothing but a traitor. He had betrayed their friendship. He had proved that he was no different to the rest of his family. He didn't deserve an ounce of care from any one of them. He didn't deserve an ounce of care from anyone at all. The only one who had cared about him was now dead. She was dead because of him...

With a sigh of defeat, and with exhaustion – both physical and mental, dragging at him, he finally climbed back into his bed. His hopes were a barren waste of time and energy. There was no point in continuing his search. There was nothing in the room, nothing at all, which could help him. He had to just accept that fact. He lay back, a heavy weight seeming to rest on his chest. Time ticked slowly past.

For a while he must have drifted into sleep, for the next thing he knew the sky was beginning to grow dark again. A quick glance at his watch told him that it was nearing four o'clock. Snow was again falling. Merlin, he was hungry. Sirius lay unmoving for several long moments, his eyes fixed blankly on the window, before his brain finally processed the noise that had awoken him. Footsteps, growing steadily louder. Someone was coming up his stairs.

He scrambled quickly upright - abruptly, piercingly, wide-awake. His heart pounded wildly in his chest as he stared, wide-eyed at the doorway, his good hand clenching tightly at his blankets. Oh shit. Oh no. Just go away. Please just go away...

With a disconcerting smile adorning his face, his father entered the room.

For a brief second Sirius let his eyes drift shut, a sense of despair washing over him. What now? What did he want now? Why couldn't they just leave him alone...? He opened his eyes, resolutely fixing a careful, emotionless mask upon his face, as he looked at the older man.

"I hear that house-elf of yours is dead," his father suddenly said, breaking into the silence.

Tibby...

Almost immediately his mask threatened to slip. Sirius bowed his head slightly, locking his eyes on the small stain on the neckline of the man's robe, unwilling to let him see the true levels of his distress. Unfortunately even that small, evasive movement seemed to give away his feelings to the older, far too perceptive, man, and a smirk twisted his lips.

"Is poor little Siri all upset?" he sneered. "The little house-elf's head is now mounted... Would you like to see it?"

He couldn't help but flinch at the thought. No, he very definitely didn't want to see it.

His father laughed. When he spoke again, however, his voice, although still holding an amused edge, was more serious. "I've been rather busy in my workshop, Son," he said. "You might be interested to know that your little act of vandalism was not quite as successful as you might have hoped."

The smile that the older man gave him caused a shiver of fear to course through his body, and Sirius huddled further back onto his bed, his eyes fixed again on his father's face.

"For starters - the scrolls that you saved. Well, they have proven to be most useful. More so, in fact, than any others you could have chosen to keep."

The scrolls... Sirius bit down on his lip. He should have guessed that really. Why had he not guessed that? The whole reason he had kept those particular ones was because the information that they held was the most damning he could find. He really ought to have guessed that they were also the ones that would be most useful to his father. But... their very existence had actually fled his mind with everything that had since then happened to him.

"Several cauldrons were," the older man continued, "by some miracle, still close enough to their original, intended format for me to recreate them." With a smirk, he added, "One or two of my completed projects also managed to survive."

"These little things..." the man mused, producing two small vials from within his robe. "These..." He tossed them carelessly from hand to hand. "Protected by a simple unbreakable charm – I never would have guessed just how thankful I would be for choosing to cast it."

His eyes suddenly locked onto Sirius' – cold, unforgiving.

"That does not negate the fact that your destruction has cost me dearly, has set back my work by years!"

A sudden, overwhelming jolt of fear – of terror – shot through Sirius, as his father advanced on him. He couldn't stop shaking. Why couldn't he stop shaking?

"On your feet!" the man ordered.

His eyes widening as a sense of panic gathered, with his heartbeat thudding wildly in his chest, Sirius hurriedly obeyed.

"We're going for a little walk, Son. I'm in need of some... help... in my workshop."

Help. Sirius shuddered. He had no illusions as to what the man meant. He had 'helped' him before. More times than he cared to remember. He wasn't going to be scrubbing cauldrons, that was for sure. To 'help' most likely meant that he was to be used as a test subject. Almost involuntarily he began to back away as his father moved closer – but he had nowhere to go. All too soon he felt his back connect with the solid barrier of the wall.

With a cold sneer his father suddenly grabbed hold of him, his hand gripping down tightly on Sirius' broken arm, tearing it free of the makeshift sling. The world darkened, swaying around him as pain swamped his senses. He would never be sure what kept him on his feet – mainly, he supposed, the knowledge that if he fell his entire body weight would be hanging on his arm.

"Listen carefully." The words were snarled in his ear, cutting through the haze that surrounded him. "Try anything – anything at all – and I won't hesitate. You are living on my whim now. You won't get far. Understand?" For a moment there was silence. Sirius frowned as the meaning of his father's words slowly trickled through to his brain - on his whim? What did he mean, on his whim...? "I said, do you understand?"

Finally realising, as the older man's fingers tightened around his forearm, that he was actually expected to answer, Sirius hurriedly nodded his head. "Yes," he gasped. "Yeah... understand..."

"Good."

With only a quick, muttered word at the door – removing the seal, Sirius' mind groggily supplied – his father dragged him out of the room. The trip down to the study had to be one of the most unpleasant experiences of his life. Several times he tripped, his legs giving way beneath him. His father simply kept on, his grip unwavering, forcing Sirius to quickly scramble to regain his feet in order to ease the blazing agony as he was dragged downwards.

By the time they reached the study he was hanging on to consciousness by a bare thread. He couldn't afterwards remember passing through to the inner room. The next thing he knew he was being shoved onto a familiar, hard, wooden chair, and his father's grip was finally, blissfully gone. Sirius slumped against the chair-arm, fighting to regain a sense of stillness from within the tumult that claimed him. Slowly, very, very slowly, the room came back into focus.

His father was standing before the store cupboard, rummaging amongst the items within. His back was to Sirius. The route to the door – the open door – was clear. Sirius' eyes narrowed, flicking between the opening and his father's back. Could he make it? Could he get out of the door before his father realised what he was doing? Could he get out of the house? It was worth a try... Anything was worth a try to get him out of this place. It might be the only chance he'd get. Gathering every shred of energy that still resided in his body, he pushed himself to his feet.

Moving slowly, cautiously, careful not to make any sort of noise that would draw his father's attention, Sirius edged across the room, forcing himself to ignore the pain that grew with every step. His pace speeded a little as he realised that it was working. His father had not noticed him. He was nearly out! Only a few steps more and he'd be into the study. Once there...

"Incarcerous!"

Thick ropes suddenly twined around him, sending him crashing to the floor as they caught at his ankles. He twisted, desperately trying to keep his injured arm from taking the impact. But it was no use. A harsh cry of pain was torn from his throat, darkness momentarily claiming him, as he struck the ground.

So close... He had been so close...

"Wingardium Leviosa!"

He was lifted until he hung before his father, his feet several inches off the ground. "I warned you," the man said, "My whim, remember?" He paused. "Hmm, what a familiar little scenario this is. Does it seem familiar to you?" With a small smile playing around his lips he began to idly sway his wand back and forth, setting Sirius' bound form swinging before him. "Shall we play that game some more?"

Sirius choked back a strangled cry, struggling to draw a breath. Not this! Oh shit – not again! A sense of fear fixed a choking grip around his chest as he stared at his father's face. Amused – the man actually looked amused!

"Please... don't... Father, please..."

"Silence!" The smile left the older man's face as his hand lashed out, striking Sirius across an already bruised cheek. "I did not tell you that you could speak!" Sirius closed his eyes, preparing himself for more – but none came. "Enough of this. As enjoyable as it is, I have work to do."

Sirius reopened his eyes, half-afraid of what he might see, as the older man turned and strode across the room. As if drawn by an invisible thread he trailed along behind until, with a flick from his father's wand and a murmur of "finite", he found himself dropped back onto the chair. The ropes wriggled around, twining along the chair-arms, binding him in place. All chances of escape were now well and truly gone. He dropped his chin to his chest, closing his eyes again as he fought to steady his rapid breathing, fought to regain some sort of composure. He had been so close...

His father's fingers suddenly fastened around his chin and Sirius flashed open his eyes, a jolt of fear running through him as he felt cold glass pressing against his mouth. He shook his head, clamping his lips tightly closed. Merlin, no! He didn't want to... He really didn't want to. The hand moved to his nose, closing off his airway until he was forced to open his mouth to draw a breath.

"Drink up," his father said softly.

It was then that the potion was poured down his throat.


A/N – I can hardly believe how many more reviews I got for the last chapter. You guys are wonderful! Please, please, keep it up. I love reviews! I need more...

Egwene – Umm – are you going to need cheering up again now? Sorry! This chapter is back to my normal length – which is around 3000 words. The last two have been the odd ones falling at 4100 and then 2300. I'm glad you didn't mind too much, it really was purely a problem of where to divide them. I was actually kind of surprised that no one else guessed Tibby's fate. It seemed the only logical outcome to me, which is why it happened – there was no way she would survive there long. At least you're not telling me there's not enough angst any more. That had me rather worried for a while! As for escape – you'll have to wait and see! I'm hoping it will be credible. Most of its already written – it was actually one of the first scenes I wrote! You're welcome to translate it. As I said to Allacaya, as long as you credit it to me, I don't mind. I'm flattered that people like it enough to want to put that much time and energy into translating it. Anyway, thanks for you're review and I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Allacaya – I really don't know where to start in replying to your review – there was so much to it! – so I think I'll just go through and answer all your questions. Right... Firstly, no, his mother is definitely no Death Eater. I have some ideas on the whole Death Eater organisation thing, which I'll (probably) go into a bit later, so I won't explain it all here. You'll have to wait and see just how he'll escape. I think the window thing was answered in this chapter and his room is on the top floor, which I think has been mentioned in an earlier chapter (possibly Ch.1). As for Hogwarts – I don't think they really know what his home life is like. They know that they're fanatical pure-bloods and all that, but some things are not mentioned outside of the family. If any hint of the true state of affairs were to get out – yes, they are very influential. It would very quickly be covered up, unless it was so bad that it really couldn't be. And Sirius' situation now is in no way the norm. Yeah, I think Tibs would have preferred to have died for a successful theft than a failed one, but you don't always get what you want. Umm – psychothrillers scare me. I'm a coward. I don't watch them. You're so right about the playing with their prey! I can see them both as really satisfied cats, playing with their captured mouse. I don't think Mr Black is going to find out about her crucioing Sirius. He's not going to tell him and I doubt she is, so... No, no row I'm afraid, though I did think about it. You were right – he was moved, but not to somewhere he could really escape from, unfortunately. Hope you enjoyed the chapter. Eek - I can't believe how long that reply has managed to get!

Xaverii Jade – Thanks! I'm glad you didn't mind the length. This one is longer though, and a lot more happens in it.

Cicci Green – Wahey! My first review calling me evil. I've always wanted someone to call me evil! I'm not sure whether this is what you call a quick update, but I try to get a chapter up every Sunday, so this is the quickest you're likely to get.

Willow Ann Rover – thank you very much for your reviews. I'm glad you're enjoying it. Umm... he will get out eventually, that's all I can really say!

Elves of the Moon – I've been reviewed by a fan of Cassia and Sio! I knew as soon as I saw the name that I'd seen replies to your reviews somewhere before – had to go on to your bio to figure it out. Thank you very much for your review. I can't really answer most of your questions, I'm afraid, as it'll ruin the story, but rest assured that he will get back to Hogwarts... eventually. Hope you enjoy this chapter as well - and reviewing is good! Please do it again!

Kangaroo - Sorry about that cliff-hanger, and the one on this chapter as well. I think I'd better apologise in advance for the one that I think is going to be on the next chapter, if everything falls as planned. As for the story, I will be going quite a way with it – after this one is finished there'll be another two following and by the end of it all everyone will be friends again, etc, etc. Please update 'Cruel Kisses'. I enjoyed Ch 1, if I remember correctly, and just want to see what's been happening to Sirius, even if, as you say, it isn't very interesting... Thanks for your review.

Prongs – thanks for your reviews. I'm glad you're enjoying it.

Gohan Hugger – Eek! Sorry! Didn't mean to traumatise anyone! Here's next chapter for you... I hate to think what sort of state you'll be in by now.

A/N – right, um – next chapter may be a day or two late. I usually post on Sunday as it's my day off work and I can spend all day writing, but it looks like I'm going to be working next week. If possible I'll try to get it up early, on Friday (my other day off), but I can't promise anything. If I do have to work the Sunday I should be given either Monday or Tuesday off, so I'll get it up then. Sorry! Oh, and I think I'll be cheeky now and say that reviews do make me write quicker, so if I get lots and lots of lovely reviews off people I might make Friday...

Bye-de-byes

Misthea