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Challenges listed at the bottom.

Word Count: 458

Warning: Torture


Consequences


Astoria bit her lip, but the scream of pain was forced out regardless as the knife twisted in the skin. The cut was shallow, but no less painful for it, and he kicked and fought with all her might to get free, all to no avail.

Bellatrix was just stronger.

"I didn't do anything," Astoria sobbed, when the knife was pulled out. "Why are you doing this? I didn't do anything!"

"Perhaps you didn't, dearie," Bellatrix replied softly, a cruel teasing edge to her tone. "But your father did. And this… this is the perfect kind of punishment for him, don't you think?"

Astoria certainly didn't agree, but she bit her lip, knowing if she said as much, she'd likely be killed.

Bellatrix wasn't exactly known for her sanity, and she was one of the people her father had always told to avoid if possible, and certainly not to anger if contact was necessary.

Sitting back on her heels beside Astoria, Bellatrix seemed to regard her work with a pleased smile. Astoria didn't want to know what had been carved into her skin, she knew it couldn't be anything good.

"I think that will help the message sink in, don't you darling?" Bellatrix asked, pushing herself to her feet.

Astoria realised that she wasn't talking to her, and was actually speaking to Astoria's father, who was tied to a chair across the room. Now that Astoria had the freedom to search him out with her eyes, she could see the tear tracks on his face even through her own blurry eyes.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "Please don't hurt her anymore, Madam Lestrange. I'm so sorry."

She tapped her knife, still stained with Astoria's blood against his cheek. "The Dark Lord doesn't give second chances very often, Cygnus. I expect you to be grateful he told me not to kill your little daughter. When he calls on you for assistance again, you'll do as he says, won't you?"

Astoria's dad nodded, fresh tears falling. He couldn't seem to take his eyes away from Astoria. Suddenly, the ropes around him fell, and he stumbled across the room to her, dropping to his knees.

"You're okay, sweetheart," he whispered. "You're going to be okay."

"You've got three minutes to get out, Cygnus," Bellatrix warned. "Tick, tick, tick, tock."

He spared no time, standing with Astoria in his arms. A quick spell cleaned the floor of her blood, and he sped from… wherever they were, Astoria didn't know. As soon as they hit the fresh air, he was twisting on the spot, and she clung to him as they were sucked into Apparition.

When she opened her eyes again, she was home.

Though… she didn't think she'd ever feel safe ever again.


Written for:

Auction: Day 22, Auction 2: Bellatrix Lestrange

Buttons: C4. Astoria Greengrass