Chapter 19

Transylvanian Concubine

The averted eyes made me uncomfortable, especially the vast majority of Slytherins. They of course knew certain details about my nights with Voldemort. The students whose parents were Death Eaters were told some things, but were not allowed to talk about it to anyone. No one divulged that I was more than human though. I felt like the outcast that I was and that was probably part of the plan. They let me know that I did not belong here. I found myself relying on the Dark Lord for companionship as well as blood now. He knows what it feels like to be immortal since he has died and resurrected already. He understands my darker side better than anyone. In order to play this role, I felt my soul slipping further and further into the gates of Hell.

Almost every night now, I found my way out of the castle to apparate to him. He would tell me that they didn't know how to accept my power. He said that I was made to rule by his side, not to sully myself with commoners. Purebloods were even lumped into that category.

I've heard part of that speech before, from Michael. Voldemort was right, Michael never understood me. I was only a toy to him. I knew also that I was an instrument to the Dark Lord, but it was still nice to hear these things.

I would kneel between his legs at the base of his black marble throne with my head in his lap as he caressed my long hair. Many nights we would sit like that for hours even in silence, comforted by each others presence.

We had an unsaid agreement that I was to come every night that I could. I would often come every night. I loved the companionship and he liked having a faithful, loyal consort.

When I would return to Hogwarts while the stars were still twinkling overhead and the winter air was biting. I would make my way through the dungeons to catch a few hours of sleep before the start of another boring lonely day.

This night I was caught, "Another night out after curfew, Miss Xavier?" a silky voice asked.

"Back off, Severus."

"Detention, tonight."

I turned and walked toward him. I could tell he was fighting the urge to flinch and back away, but he held his ground. "You can shove your detentions up your ass, Severus."

He grasped my arms looking into my eyes, "Mercy you cannot keep doing this. You reek of him. Are you forgetting your mission?"

"No, Severus. I am not. But it seems you are forgetting your place." I looked pointedly at his hands on me and back to his eyes.

He released me, "What has happened to you? You've changed and it's not for the better."

My eyes narrowed in suspicion. My conclusion was that he was only concerned about himself. "You think I've told him about you, don't you. Don't fear Severus. I haven't and I wouldn't."

"I can't trust that. Not anymore, not after you've been with him so often."

"You're jealous, aren't you?"

"No, I am not."

"Yes you are. Although I don't see why you think you have the right. It was you who didn't want me, remember?"

"I asked you not to hold that against me."

"I remember, but it doesn't change the fact that I do." I turned and left, leaving him in stunned silence.

"I don't know what to do about her, Albus."

"How so?"

"She's become increasingly reclusive. She is isolating herself from everyone and everything but him."

"A defense mechanism, you are no doubt familiar with." Albus looked grave. "Is she still taking the potion?"

"No, not as far as I can tell. She demands more of the Dark Lord's blood. That seems to satisfy her."

"She will have a hard time adjusting when he is gone."

"She may be the only one."

"Do you believe she is becoming a threat?"

"I don't honestly know. I thought in the beginning that she could handle it all. I hate to have her prove me wrong."

"She is loosing her humanity. She is being controlled by two powerful masters. Tom and her inner demons are very seductive compared to the morals of humanity. How would you describe her relationship with Tom?"

"She is his prized pet. She is his preferred executioner. I haven't seen much evidence, but I believe that they are lovers. There has been some talk amongst the other Death Eaters to suggest that as well."

"It seems that Tom appeals to her darker side. He feeds her then rewards her with companionship. Therefore he controls that side of her."

They sat in stillness for a time, contemplating their roles and actions.

"Severus, I need to be blunt with you. I know you were lovers." He held a hand up to forestall any outburst from Severus. "You know another side of her. Where does her humanity fit? Do you still have hope or should we cut her strings to the school and thereby push her to Tom that much faster."

"I don't know. There is evidence that she is still fighting with us, but it is subtle now. She doesn't associate with many students, but whom and when she does, it is Miss Granger. I've seen them in the library sometimes laughing. She doesn't laugh anymore with anyone else. Their associations are rare, but she is the only one I've noticed. She seems to be cast out by the rest of the student body. Draco doesn't even speak to her anymore. He signs what he needs in potions, but does not speak. I'm not sure if Lucius has informed him of any of Mercy's actions. But by his behavior toward her, I would assume so."

"Her self loathing is the key to Tom's final control of her. We must act swiftly or we will loose her permanently. And loosing her could be the final straw aiding Tom in his takeover."

"Must I return, My Lord?"

"Yes. I want you there to report back suspicious activity."

"I only want to stay with you. I am bored as well as unwelcome there."

"Ahh, my precious pet. It won't be much longer. Then nothing will stop us."

I sat up, "Yes, My Lord. I will do as you wish." I stood to leave but was halted by his hand on mine.

"Stay longer this night, Mercedes."

"Of course." I straddled his legs, pressing my body against his. I felt the vibration of his aura shield as he dropped it.

"You are late pet," he said.

I knelt before him; head bowed exposing the brand on the base of my neck. "My sincere apologies, My Lord," I breathed knowing he wanted no excuses.

"See that it doesn't happen again. Rise and take your place." I rose to take my place at the side of his throne. "Join the others."

My absence last night and my tardiness tonight demoted me. Lucius smirked at me from his position on the other side of the throne. The urge to tear his throat out was almost irresistible.

"Final battle plans are now made to take over and eradicate Hogwarts of its ills. Tonight we celebrate."

The double doors opened and a large group of muggles entered. They were obviously given something to keep them calm. They mingled with the robed figures politely until the first scream rang out.

I went to approach a middle aged man with salt and pepper hair. But a strong arm encircled my waist, his breath in my ear, "None for you tonight." Lucius said, "No, you are just to watch." I stopped struggling and stood with his arm still around my waist.

When his grip loosened I pulled away. He strode away toward a young brunette woman. I stood watching the Death Eaters rape and then murder the muggles with either Avada Kedavra or by brute force.

My veins burned watching the blood spill as my eyes changed. Another man approached me from behind. Without turning I said, "Severus." I acknowledged his presence as he stood beside me. He glanced over and rose and eyebrow when he noticed my present appearance. I closed my eyes and turned my head away from him.

"It seems I am not the only one who forgets their place."

"I don't recall asking your opinion."

He laughed softly, "No I don't believe you did."

"What do you want?"

"Your loyalty has been called into question. Not coming last night was not wise." He looked over the crowd, "Where were you?"

"I don't believe you are my keeper."

"That is exactly what I am."

"Fine, can we not talk about it right now?"

"He wants to know, you will be kept here after the revel."

"I know," I said solemnly.

Later that night when everyone had gone, I was indeed left alone with the Dark Lord.

"Why did you not come to me last night, pet?"

"I was tired, My Lord. Had I known that you wished my company, I would have come."

"These nights are difficult for you then?"

"No, My Lord, it is the day that I have difficulties with. Since you still require me to stay at Hogwarts, I do not wish to disappoint you."

"You realize that you must be reprimanded for that, regardless of excuses. You were still late tonight as well."

"As you wish, My Lord." I knew begging would only infuriate him. Death Eaters do not beg, especially one of my station.

He pointed his wand toward me and uttered, "Crucio."

When the pain stopped, I found myself on my hands and knees, shivering from the aftershocks. "You are to set an example, little one. To make myself clear, when summoned you get here immediately. When not summoned, you arrive every night at eleven o'clock. Is that clear?"

"Yes, My Lord," I said softly still remaining on all fours.

"You may go."

I pulled my wand out and disapparated. When I arrived beyond the gates of Hogwarts I collapsed, still shaking. Strong arms embraced me and pulled me up. I was drowning in the pools of ebony of his eyes. "I…" he cut me off.

"It's okay." We stood for a moment. My head resting on his chest, wrapped in his arms. I allowed my mind to believe that I was safe and there was no more pain.

He pulled away and kept his arm around me, guiding me to the castle.

Severus entered the Headmaster's office, leaving Mercy asleep in his bed.

"Back already, Severus?"

"Yes, sir."

Albus sat waiting for Severus to speak further.

"Mercy is asleep, after a large dose of Cruciatus. I believe we have her back with us."

"You say that assuming she ever left, Severus. Do you think leaving her in your chambers is wise? Tom may not be happy about it and punish her further, or you."

"If bringing her back means that, than yes it's worth it."

"Any news from tonight?"

"Nothing specific, yet. The usual threat but nothing concrete."

"Well then, good night Severus."

I jolted awake, immediately recognizing where I was. I threw the coverlet back. Seeing I was still fully clothed, I silently thanked the Deitys that nothing happened between Severus and me. It wasn't because I wouldn't want to, but because of the consequences of such action. I would be Crucio'd as well as he, but I would get much more.

I was still restricted by Voldemort, although I have cheated with Harry on New Years. I didn't want to chance it. I found my host sitting by the fire, a tumbler of Firewhiskey in one hand and a half empty bottle in the other.

I sat on the couch beside him, looking at the glass as the firelight illuminated the dark liquor.

"Are you feeling better?"

"Yes," I replied softly.

"I would offer you some," he gestured to the bottle. "But you can't, can you?"

"No, I can't."

He scowled and set both the bottle and glass down on the table next to him.

"Why did you wait for me tonight? Does that mean you still care?"

"Of course I do," he looked into the fire once again.

"I thought you had given up on me."

"I have." My heart constricted, that stung. "I had to make sure the Dark Lord's concubine was returned safely." That hurt even more.

Silence filled the air, oppressive. I stood, with tears in my eyes and left him to his drink or whatever. I tried to force myself to cease to care of what his opinions about me, but it wouldn't work. I left his rooms as quickly as I could, regretting the comfort found in his arms earlier this night.

Angry and hurt, I debated on turning him in to Voldemort revealing him as a spy. But upon seeing it as petty revenge and knowing it would not help, I pushed the thought away.

At precisely eleven I was kneeling before Lord Voldemort. I prayed that this night he would feed me. It had been over a week since I fed last, and last night was the night that I was late for a summons. Tonight was a disappointment though. As soon as he acknowledged my arrival, I was dismissed. He continued this for another seven days

I understood that I was being tested. He wanted to see how loyal I would be under duress and how far I could go without loosing all sense. He wanted me mindless and bloodthirsty. To make me into the perfect weapon and it was working.

I ceased my nightly rounds and stayed in my bed all day. My curtains closed and warded. I couldn't sleep at any stretch but I was away from temptation and safer that way. For the most part my dorm mates left me alone after a few carefully aimed hexes.

One evening eight days since my punishment began, sixteen days since my last drop of blood, Severus came.

He evicted any girls who were in the room. He dismantled the wards and opened my curtains.

"Stay back," I hissed. The aroma of him was making me dizzy. I could almost feel his blood pumping through his veins. My hair was disheveled and matted. My skin drawn tight across my body, but he could only see my face and hands. My eyes were in a constant state of dilatation, completely black, no whites showing. My teeth were extended and my mouth was painful from the cuts.

I was a hairsbreadth away from becoming the being parents warned their children of.

If he was repulsed by what he saw, he was careful to hide it. For that I was grateful. I could only assume that from all the time he spent in Voldemort's company before his final transformation he had seen worst.

"This ends tonight," he said pointing his wand at me making me look more presentable. He added glamour to get us out of the common room unnoticed.

"What ends tonight?" I asked unsure of whether he meant my hunger or Voldemort.

"You will see." I shrugged and followed him out of the common room. We entered and empty classroom and Portkeyed to the revel.

I hadn't felt my mark burning. Probably since my skin and insides already felt like I was on fire.

Popping could be heard of Death Eaters still apparating after we arrived. Severus guided me by the arm to the inner circle.

After kneeling and kissing the hem of the Dark Lord's robe, Severus backed away and took his place. After kissing his hem, I remained kneeling waiting for further orders as well as lacking the strength to stand just yet.

"Your obedience shall be rewarded, pet."

"As long as rewarding me pleases you, My Lord, than I am grateful."

"Rise and stand by Lucius, pet."

Standing took an enormous amount of effort, but when accomplished I walked shakily over to Lucius. Surprisingly, he held my arm to steady me. Standing there, keeping my eyes ahead, I muttered, "Thank you."

In my peripheral vision he nodded once. Another set of doors opened, letting in a flood of muggles, just as before. I waited and watched as the prey mingled and upon the Dark Lord's nod of approval I stalked toward the first man as he was speaking to another man.

I approached from behind placing my palm on his chin and another on his hip. I sunk my teeth in immediately feeling strengthened as my parched body absorbed the life fluid. I pulled his chin sideways forcefully and with a crack, breaking his neck and letting him fall to the floor.

One handed I lifted the front of my black gown to step over the corpse at my feet and approached a voluptuous redhead that Lucius was entertaining.

When I got closer, Lucius placed a possessive hand on her shoulder. With a gleam in my eye I silently challenged him. I held eye contact with him, entering his mind, 'Do you want to feel her death with me, Lucius?'

His eyebrow arched elegantly then smiled a sinister smile. The woman turned to face me. I looked at her, leaning over I asked, "What fragrance are you wearing?" She leaned forward so I could smell it better. I whispered in her ear, locking eyes with Lucius once again making my meaning clear that I was talking to him, "I want you." She shuddered.

I kissed her ear and below it lightly. Lucius closed in pressing her between us. He placed a hand on my hip and the other on the woman's breast. The feel of his knuckles brushing my nipple hardened it.

I wrapped my arm around her waist and the other on the back of her neck, pulling her closer. I bit in to her jugular. Torrents of blood washed down my throat. Lucius' eyes widened at first from the sensations I felt and was projecting to him by our mind link. The woman moaned softly as she became heavier, her heartbeat slowing. As her final breath neared, the pleasure of her life flowed through me and sent a strong echo to Lucius.

Michael and I killed like this often. We would take turns and most kills ended with both of us taking, feeding on the same victim.

Before the final beat of her heart I withdrew my teeth. I stepped away slightly, removing myself from her body and it slumped to the ground.

Lucius stepped over it, pulling me into his arms kissing me deeply, his tongue tasting her blood still on my tongue. His erection throbbed against my stomach. His fingers laced the back of my head as if he would devour me.

"What a lethal pair," Voldemort said behind me. Lucius broke away from me and bowed.

"Forgive me, My Lord, for my lack of restraint."

"No need Lucius. She can be hard to resist." He paused, "Stay tonight, both of you." He walked away before either of us could reply.

Later that night the three of us were in the suite that Lucius preferred for the Dark Lord, nude. Lucius pulled me toward the bed, he lay in the center. I climbed up and straddled him grinding my hips so his erection rubbed my clit, making me ready for him.

Voldemort climbed up behind me, pressing me down chest to chest with Lucius, with his hands. I felt the cool steel of the blade caressing my back and buttocks, before he cut. I gasped as my loins flooded when he cut first my shoulder, then two slashes across my back and finally one down my arse cheek.

I lifted up so I could impale myself on Lucius and slowly rotated my hips giving us both slow tingles of pleasure.

Blood welling from the various cuts, the Dark Lord smeared my blood over his prick, lubricating it before he pressed into my entrance slowly. He penetrated painfully, and gave a sigh of satisfaction as he buried himself completely. He held my hips halting my movement as well as Lucius' movement.

I groaned between them, both filling me to capacity, now full of blood and men. The thought crossed my mind that this last week of starvation was worth it for this reward.

Our movements synchronized and slow, savoring our own satisfaction to the fullest extent. The Dark Lord's body pressed against my back making the wounds sting pleasantly before they healed. Their alternate penetration was driving me higher and higher. There were no longer languid movements between us as they both speed their thrusts. I could only hold on to Lucius' shoulders as he pumped from below and Voldemort speared from above. I was unable to move unless it was just a slight shift of my pelvis to alter their angle for their movements would become unsynchronized and it felt too fucking good with the pace they set. Like a Heaven I would never ascend to and only echoes of the Hell I was surely to plummet when Death finally captured me. When Voldemort brought the blade across the small of my back it triggered my orgasm and I keened with the overpowering climax. I dug my nails into Lucius' shoulder drawing crescent shaped wells of blood. This only encouraged them to pump into me harder and deeper.

Lucius' movements became more erratic. I knew he was close, I bit into his shoulder, and he peaked. I withdrew my teeth only for him to kiss my bloody mouth.

I pulled away from his mouth and twisted my body so to sink my teeth in Voldemort's neck before he climaxed as well.

The power of his blood as he came was exquisite, the force of the sex and blood, I almost passed out.

We three lay for a few moments, spent, sedated and still connected to each other. Voldemort slipped from behind me and rolled onto his back to my right. I lifted off Lucius disengaging from him and rolled over to my right as well so I lie between both wizards and fell into blissful sleep.

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