Warning for every chapter: Slavery. Dubious consent. Violence. Mentions of rape. Death. Assault. General gore warnings. Please read responsibly.
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters and no money has been made from this.
Enjoy...
Chapter Twelve
Sometimes, Hermione wished she could tell people no, that she could have turned round to Lady Malfoy and said no. No, she doesn't want to make this stupidly hard potion that she has never heard of. Nor does she was to spend her whole day in front of a cauldron following the extremely detailed and odious instructions.
Nevertheless, it is not her position to say no, especially to the sister of her mistress. One potion down, Hermione is halfway through the next, it's nearing eight pm, she has been here all day. Leaving only to tend to her mistress as she prepared to leave for a hunt. The Dark Lord had secured some entertainment for his guests. The hunt was on, followed by a party where every one of them would boast about their slayings.
Through the arched window, Hermione sees the flare, shoot into the sky, the signal of the hunt beginning. In the light of the moon, she can see the figures riding off on brooms. "Muggles, they're hunting muggles." The soft voice speaks the very thought running through Hermione's mind. "May I join you, I need to brew some Skele-gro."
"Of course," Hermione nods.
Setting down her ingredients, yellow passes on the show, different to that from Hermione's. Only allowed entrance to the potions room nothing more. Hermione pass gets her free roam for most of the castle. Smiling, Charity Burbage organises her ingredients, before summoning a cauldron.
Hermione knows Snape has purple passes; it makes her wonder if the reason Charity only has a yellow is that she can't be trusted. Or if it's because Snape is trying to ensure she does not cross paths with the Dark Lord.
"Did you wish to speak to me?" Charity asks, preparing her potion.
"I did, yes,"
"You should know better than to send your servant Theo to speak with me."
"What he said I don't know, all I needed was an ingredient I knew you would have," Hermione responds with a shrug. "It's a difficult potion."
"You've grown bolder since you first arrived, it is nice to see. As for the potion, it is difficult, I'm surprised, you've managed it."
"The instructions are very detailed."
"They are yes," she nods. "Snape is very meticulous when it comes to potions."
"What is this potion for?" Hermione asks.
"I don't know," Charity shrugs. "It is his creation; I have never seen him use it but he keeps them in stock. This is not why you asked to speak to me though, is it?"
"No," Hermione agrees, reaching for powder.
She scans the room, wondering if the potions room is a replica of that at Hogwarts, it looks like the drawing in the books Hermione has read. By the door a wizard one of the Dark Lords stands observing ensuring no one is misbehaving. Creating something they shouldn't be. There are a few others crowded around tables, taking the opportunity while their masters are away to teach fellow servants.
"Is this similar to Hogwarts?" Hermione asks, dropping the powder into the potion.
"Identical." Charity confirms, looking around the room. "The only real difference is the sleeping quarters. At Hogwarts, they have houses, as you know. Here half of the castle is designed to house nearly an army should it need to."
"I'd love to see Hogwarts," Hermione mutters.
"It is beautiful." Charity agrees. "A home for everyone. I wasn't very popular in school, but it always felt like home. Can you pass me the red spider please?"
Handing the ingredient to the witch, Hermione takes a second to just imagine she was a student at Hogwarts. That she was in a lesson, learning about potions. Working towards her NEWTs or OWLS. Would she have friends? Would shebe a loner? Would she even pass any of her exams or would she be just average? Would it matter if it meant she could go to Hogwarts as a normal student?
"Your smiling," Charity comments.
"I… just daydreaming, apologies."
"Don't apologise." Charity replies, stirring her potion. "Sometimes that's all we have."
"I just wanted to talk to you about Lily," Is it her imagination or did Charity nearly drop her spoon. "You knew her before she moved from Snape's household."
"Why?" Charity asks not looking up from her potion. "Why do you want to know?"
"I miss her," Hermione answers honestly. "I just want to know more about her."
Sighing, Charity moves from the table, searching the cupboards for some unknown ingredient. Perhaps, Hermione is being foolish, playing in dangerous territory. She doesn't know Charity that well, would she inform Snape of their improper conversation.
Placing a plate on the table, Charity returns to her potion, staring deeply into the bubbling cauldron.
"I suppose you heard the rumours," Charity sighs. "They're not true, for the record, for what it's worth."
"What rumours?" Hermione questions, almost missing a step in her potion.
"You haven't heard them? Well regardless, they weren't true, so it doesn't matter."
"It does," Hermione interrupts. "Please, I just want to know."
"Stir anti-clockwise," Charity instructs nodding to the boiling potion. "That's it. Look, the rumours were foolish, it doesn't matter."
"Charity, please. When have I ever asked for anything?"
Biting her lip, Charity risks a glance at the guard at the door currently distracted by other tables bubbling over the cauldron. Closing her eyes, she returns to Hermione, those grey eyes, full of so much remorse.
"They spread rumours, you know how they can be, the servants. They spread rumours that Lily was sleeping with Snape. It couldn't be further from the truth. She liked him, but as a mentor. He is a brilliant potions master. But, she had no interest in him, at all."
"That's not the impression I got," Hermione responds plainly. "My mistress and Lady Malfoy hinted at something else."
"You're on about the bet?" Charity realises. "As to why Snape despises Lady Lestrange?"
"Yes, what happened?"
"Evans had no interest in Snape, it was obvious, she was professional as they come. She had her sights on one, but as far as I knew it never came to anything. The same couldn't be said for Snape, keep stirring. Good, don't forget to add the root."
"Thank you," Hermione replies, adding the root to the potion, she pulls her wand out for the next step. "Snape liked Lily?"
"He was obsessed," Charity whispers, focusing on her potion. "He wouldn't leave her alone, practically glued Lily to his side, chose her sometimes over his Red Kite. A snub if there ever was one. Hence the rumours started. For those who noticed, it was obvious, that Lily wasn't interested. I have never seen a man so obsessed; it was compulsive. She had not long left the institute when he brought her to an assembly. I too came along, not allowed to stay behind, as you can imagine. I think he noticed. Noticed Snape's obsession with Lily, I caught him staring sometimes."
They change conversation discussing dresses as the guard comes closer to the table, detailing different laces. Not wanting the guard to hear their discussion.
"It's when the Dark Lord introduced the game. Strange game played between the Elite, it would introduce betting, money, property etc. Snape played, he won his round, winning property of Goyle, those who win stay until they are knocked off."
"Like duelling?"
"No, a different kind of game. I didn't understand the rules, to be honest. Anyway, Snape seemed to be a whiz at it. He won five times in a row, much to the delight of the Dark Lord, or so it appeared."
"You think he wasn't?"
"I think, the Dark Lord, orchestrated it all." Charity replies with a shrug. "He rose the stakes. The Dark Lord chose next, he picked Lady Lestrange, instructed to bet Black Hollow Estate."
"She wouldn't," Hermione replied instantly. "She would never bet that estate?"
"You think she had a choice? The Dark Lord chose the stakes, she hesitated before agreeing. It's not as though she can say no, is it? He then chose Evans from Snape's side. At the time, Lady Lestrange was opposed to having a Red Kite, Lily was ready for the advance. The Dark Lord was growing tired of Lady Lestrange resisting. It was equally obvious though, for those paying attention, that cards were stacked. Black estate the same value as a servant? I don't think so."
"Depends on how much value is placed on the servant."
"Exactly, Snape was arrogant and greedy, he would be true in his element if he won a Black Estate. Especially Black Hollow Estate. He would lord it over Lady Lestrange for eternity."
"Bait."
"Bait." Charity agrees. "He lost, as you know. Lady Lestrange wasn't kind, he lost quite spectacularly. It wasn't until Evans went to stand next to Lady Lestrange did, I think it sink in."
Absorbing the information, Hermione focuses on her potion. The Dark Lord, manipulated the whole game, to remove a servant from Snape's side? Why, why not just instruct him.
"It's a lot of manipulation," Hermione mutters. "For a servant."
"All about appearances, the Dark Lord, in theory, can not intervene with a household. Regardless, he can orchestrate. If Lady Lestrange lost, it would be a harsh reminder that she must obey the Dark Lord, to ensure that she has a Red Kite. If she won, she received a Red Kite. If Snape won, he would have walked away with a new estate. It would have dawned on him as it did after the game, he had shown he valued his servant equally to that of a Black estate. He should have argued with the Dark Lord, should have bargained Evans and a piece of Land to show equal to that of the Black estate. By not doing so, it was all so obvious to those paying attention. He valued Lily more than anything else he had to offer. Time is getting on, did that answer your question?"
"Yes."
"I feel it may have given you more questions."
"I feel as though it may have opened my eyes."
"Nothing happens by accident," Charity advises, pouring her complete potion into a bottle. "Nothing."
"Thank you."
"She would be proud, Lily, she would be proud of the witch you have become. I wasn't sure when she brought you the first time to an assembly. This shy, quiet girl, I wasn't sure, I thought you'd run. You came back though; she would be proud."
"Thank you."
"Hopefully, we all get to go back soon. Let's not hope this assembly drags on."
"Fingers crossed, have a good night."
Waving goodbye, Charity, leaves with her potion in hand. Sighing, Hermione stirs her cauldron, she hopes the assembly doesn't last too long. So far, the longest assembly lasted a whole month. Normally they last, a few days maybe a week, hopefully, this one will be over soon.
It's near midnight by the time she has finished the potion. A bored guard waves her out, she's the last one to leave. Can hear music from above, the after-party in full swing. The hunt must have gone well if the shouting and cheering are anything to go by.
A hand stops her from taking a corridor. Turning she bows her head at the tall broad wizard, with dimples. Soft brown eyes, he seems familiar, but Hermione cannot place him. She knows his name, instantly from the crest on his robes, but he seems familiar. His long brown hair slicked back.
"I wouldn't go that way," He advises nodding to the hallway.
"Sir?" Hermione queries. "I need to return to my lady's chambers.
"Take the main stairs."
"I cannot," Hermione stutters.
"Granger, isn't it?"
"Yes,"
"Your pass, please."
Unhooking her pass, Hermione watches as the wizard writes on the front. Handing it back to Hermione, he ushers her to the main stairs, guiding her by the shoulders.
"They won't bother you," The young man advises. "The guards, trust me, don't go down that hallway."
"Thank you," Hermione replies, glancing at the writing on her pass.
"Longbottom, Neville Longbottom." He introduces, raising his cherry-coloured wand, with a flick he lights the candles. "Have a good night."
Nodding, Hermione heads up the grand staircase, clutching her pass. When she reaches the top, she flinches as light blinds her, and she offers her to pass out. Hoping they won't curse her for using the main entrance.
"Hermione?" The wand lowers, revealing a freckled face and ginger hair. "Hey,"
"Mr Weasley," Hermione greets confused.
"Right! So glad I saw you, I passed. My auror exam, hey, get a look."
She smiles as he flashes his badge at her grinning. His hair is no longer all over the place, but neatly trimmed. Nicely presented, she's glad he passed his Auror training.
"Congratulations," She replies.
"Ah, wouldn't done it without you. I owe you big time!"
"You don't…"
"No, I do," He grins, accepting the pass she's holding out. "Without your advice, I'd still be rolling dough. I crammed for the exam, that book was bloody brilliant."
"Am I okay to pass?" Hermione asks.
"Of course, I'd let you pass anyway," He shrugs handing the pass back to her.
"Weasley, what's the filth doing on the stairs?" Carrow calls marching towards them.
Weasley's hands clench, but he manages to cool his features though, turning to greet Carrow.
"Longbottom," Weasley shrugs. "Sent her up the main staircase, got an issue with that?"
Snatching the pass, Carrow scowls as he reads through the scribbled writing.
"Want me to read it to you, mate?" Weasley asks.
"Fuck off, here." Carrow shoves the pass back into Hermione's hand. "Get out of here."
Nodding, Hermione steps around the wizard, smirking as Weasley continues to harass Carrow. Smiling, she's glad Weasley managed to pass his exams, he looks so much more confident. Happier.
It's a guttural scream that makes her pause, passing the servant staircase. She swallows, a shiver of dread running through her body. Thankful, that Longbottom allowed her to use the main staircase.
Pausing outside the door to Lady Malfoy's room, Hermione knocks, twice stepping back to a respectful distance. A servant appears, smiling.
"Hermione,"
"Hey," Hermione greets handing the potions to the servant. "Lady Malfoy asked for these."
"Thank you. Did… did you come up the servant stairs?" They whisper.
"No," Hermione shakes her head. "I went a different way. What's happening?"
"Crouch," They whisper.
"Junior?"
A nod "And Rabastan Lestrange, they're drunk."
"And dangerous." Hermione summarises.
"They brought some muggles back with them. They're making some of the servants watch… It's. I had to give one a sleeping draught."
"Try to get some sleep."
"Not likely."
Smiling, Hermione moves to Lady Lestrange's room, pressing her hand against the door, she waits for the charm to allow her entrance. She needs to check on Theo, hoping he returned without witnessing any of the events below.
"Granger?" Theo calls.
"Yeah, thank merlin," She breathes, as Theo pokes his head out of one of the conjoining rooms. "I was worried you got caught."
"No, but doesn't matter."
Only, then does she realise he wrapped an item of clothing around his eyes to prevent himself from seeing below.
"You can see?"
"I'm trying not to."
"Here, let me help,"
She guides him to his cot, the room tiny, due to his height, he needs to keep his knees bent to fit on the bunk. Kneeling, she waits for him to get comfy. Pressing her wand to his temple, she helps him fall to sleep, dragging the blanket over him.
Closing the door to his room, she prepares for her mistress's return. Settling on a chair, she waits patiently for her mistress.
Two days later…
The hall is animated, servants stood to the side, quiet. The elite talking amongst themselves, the candles overhead flickering. The tables moved from the room, normally the dinners are held here. Tonight though, the Dark Lord has summoned them to the room.
The servants are also to attend. The previous day was quiet, most of the elite recovering from their partying and hunting. Lady Lestrange arrives at the break of dawn in her room, blood on her dress. Completely wasted. Staggering around the room, demanding a bath.
Hermione complied, moving to draw a bath, once it was ready, she returned to Lady Lestrange and passed out on the rug. Hugging the bottle of whiskey. Thankfully, Theo had woken by this point and helped Hermione shift Lady Lestrange to her bed. Leaving Hermione to undress the witch as he tidied the room.
They're waiting now, waiting for the Dark Lord to arrive. The servants who have been to the assembly before shared nervous looks. Nothing like this has happened before. It makes Hermione concerned about just what the Dark Lord has planned for all of them.
"She's acting weird," Theo whispers to Hermione.
"Who?"
"Susan Bones,"
Glancing over to Susan, Hermione notices the witch keeps itching at her wrist. Not strange, could just be a reaction to something. She could just be nervous.
"The adrenaline, her heart is doing double."
"Aren't we all?" Hermione ponders.
"No, everyone else is anxious. She's scared."
A coldness sweeps across the room, it sends a shiver down Hermione's spine. In a swirl of black smoke, he appears at the front of the hall. His robes billowing, his hands held high greeting his waiting flock.
"Ladies, Gentleman and Wormtail." He greets as a burst of laughter breaks out. "Welcome."
Removing his cloak it vanishes in a swirl, dressed in a three-piece suit, he pauses at the top of the steps. Black hair, dark eyes, tall and strangely handsome, the Dark Lord grins at his followers. Rolling up his sleeves, his eyes scan the room. Hermione resists the urge to jump as something cold passes over her foot. Nagini, his snake moves through the crowd to join its master on the stage.
"I know, I know," The Dark Lord continues. "Ugh, why another assembly? Why must he bore us so, perhaps I've missed you all? Did you not miss me?"
A chorus of responses, all the elite agreeing, of course, they missed him. How could they not miss him?
"I thought of throwing a ball," A snicker from Crouch Junior. "Careful Barty, I have you know I could throw a fabulous ball. But where is the fun of that, my dear Bella would hex me should I force her in a dress more than necessary."
A nod from Bellatrix, it's true, she can barely contain her hate for normal balls. Laughter from the rest, mutterings between them all.
"And I do not have the figure to pull off wearing a dress."
The doors open, servants appear with glasses of booze, and they move between the laughing patrons. Hermione's stomach curls at the look of admiration that pours from her mistress towards the Dark Lord.
"Did we not all enjoy the other night?" He continues, moving across the floor.
"YES!"
"So, who needs a ball, how else can I reward my most loyal? Would you prefer a ball?"
"No!"
"Exactly, have you enjoyed yourselves?"
"YES!"
He claps his hands, delighted, encouraging them, ensuring the drinks flow. He vanishes reappearing back at the front of the hall. Energised, the room is energised. Dangerous, it's inciting a pit of vipers, evoking them, supplying them with ammunition, fuelling them with booze.
"Unfortunately, all good things come to an end, we must all return to work. But before we do, I thought we could finish on a high. Let's not let the good times end so suddenly!"
This isn't good.
"A game! Who wants to play a game?"
They cheer, minus a few looks passing between a few of them. Still nodding, still cheering, but the look that something is happening. Even Lady Lestrange falters in her cheer glancing over to Lady Malfoy.
"Excellent," He goads, eyes flashing dangerously. "Here I was thinking you all grew boring in your old age."
Holding out his hands, the room falls quiet, minus the drinks passing around. He smiles.
"As you noticed, I asked you to bring your servants."
Swallowing, Hermione glances at the servants around the room. She shifts slightly, sharing concerned looks with her colleagues. Notices the slightest shift in Lady Lestrange's shoulders, uncomfortable.
"A test of abilities," He smiles turning his attention to the servants. "To see which one of you have been truly training your servants, to make sure they are honouring your crests they so clearly wear."
"What do you suggest, my Lord?" Yaxley calls gleeful.
"A duel, between servants of my choosing."
With a flick of his hands, the ground shifts, and two rings appear opposite each other. A force moves them all back, to make room for a duelling area. A cheer from some of the Elite, a shift from the servants.
"To have the best of the best. Now, who wants to play?"
A cheer breaks out whooping and clapping, even Bellatrix is clapping but her posture says differently. She is not excited about this aspect of the game.
"Perfect," The Dark Lord smiles. "A duel between servants. Yaxley, the blonde servant, yes that one. Crabbe, the one who seems lost."
Hesitantly, the servants step forward-moving to opposite rings. They draw their wands, glancing back to their masters, who chug merrily on their alcohol. They wait for the order, wait for the Dark Lord to allow them to start.
"Oh," The Dark Lord pauses rubbing Nagini's head. "I forgot to add, it's a duel, to the death."
"Begin."