-1The FanFiction site would not let email addresses be attached to reviews or be attached to my story. So instead of sending you a link to the missing part, I am just going to give you a warning: These two pages contain disturbing scenes of torture. You don't have to read it to continue with the story. Skip it if you must.

24- Intensity

Bellatrix had no idea her news would effect the boy in this manner. Her laughter rose in pitch to mingle with the boy's frantic cries of horror. He bucked and pulled at the straps that held his wrist bound firmly to the bed, fruitlessly trying to break free. When his cries finally died down to meager, pitiable moans, she leaned in close and kissed him on the lips. She noticed the boy's hands had turned an unsightly tinge of blue from having the circulation cut off due to his pathetic attempts of escape, it pleased her greatly.

"Don't fight against the inevitable destiny you have been chosen to fulfill. With the help of our Dark Lord you could be the most powerful wizard to ever live. If you just accept your destiny you will avoid great pain and torture. Now tell me, Harry, tell me how sorry you are that you killed our Dark Lord," Bella leaned in close to the boy's face. "Be a good boy and say it."

Harry had closed his eyes, had tried to close away the reality that was his wretched life. He could smell her putrid breath against his cheek, feel the pressure on his chest from the weight of her arm. He felt hate course through him, loathing and hate filled his very soul. This wasn't fair, he'd already done what he was supposed to do. This wasn't fair!

He didn't think he could survive having to fight the evil beast out of his life another time. He didn't even know where to begin?

He cringed when she leaned down and began to kiss his face, his ear, his neck. Her lips felt dry as they scraped along his skin. He wanted to sink into the bed every time he felt her tongue flick out to taste him. He turned his head away from her and she took full advantage of his exposed neck, suckling so deeply as to leave an angry raised mark. He felt her teeth sink into his neck, forcing an involuntary hiss to escape from his lips. It had been a mistake to show any signs of weakness for now she began to bite him mercilessly. He remained quiet even though he felt as if he was being branded with each bite.

The metal band around his neck taunted him with his lack of magic as it rubbed against the fresh bruises. When she forced his head back and began kissing his lips once more…he couldn't take it anymore.

All that anger and hate came spilling out of him. In one swift move he caught her bottom lip between his teeth and bit down. At first she made sounds of pleasure but soon those sounds changed dramatically. He bit down until he tasted the sharp metallic tang of blood. It was her blood. He didn't let go, he didn't relent, not even when she began to scream. He reveled in her pain as she tried to pull away, causing her lip to bleed even more. The sounds of her screams made him yearn for more screaming. He felt something inside him take great pleasure in the pain he was causing. Oh Merlin, oh no, he didn't want to become like him. Like Voldemort!

He released her lip, then spit her own blood in her face, not wanting to swallow any part of her. She reared back and pressed a hand to her lip. He wouldn't allow himself to become like Voldemort. He wouldn't revel in anyone's pain, not even hers. He began to occlude, began to close his mind off from whatever the foul witch had planned for him. His mind drifted to happier times, to times spent in the safety of his father's company. Thoughts of their first broom race at the manor came to mind. He immersed himself into that thought.

"You shall pay! You miserable little shite!" Bella screamed, blood dripping down her chin. She lifted her wand, twirled it in the air. Her wand was swiftly replaced by a whip. "I think your uncle had the right idea. Shall we begin your lessons, Harry?"

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Severus fought with every ounce of energy he had to break the spell holding him down. He pushed his very core of energy outward. The spell was too strong and he was too weak.

That piercing scream, that horrible agonizing screaming he had heard coming from Harry had suddenly stopped. Now he couldn't hear anything and that almost scared him more than the screaming had. Was the boy dead? Oh Merlin no! No! What had he gotten Harry into? He was responsible for putting his son into this position.

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The shiny silver knife was exactly like the one Vernon had used for his lessons at Privet drive. Bella methodically cut off each button from the front of his shirt, until his shirt fell open. He felt her long pointed nails rake over the welts he had just received from that loathsome whip. She left behind a bloodied trail. Uncle Vernon used to do that too, followed by the requisite threat of remaining silent.

Now he lay on the bed with nothing but his pants on, the shirt having disappeared when the last button was cut away. Bella had rifled through his memories earlier today, seen his lessons and was now using that knowledge against him. She was even using the same words Uncle Vernon had used during his lessons, right down to the soft touch against his face when she had finished her first round of punishment.

"You must try harder, Harry. You disappoint me with your defiance. The Dark Lord will not be pleased when he returns," Bella said in a falsely gentle voice. Her hand brushed against Harry's face, "Tell me how sorry you are. Beg for mercy, baby Potter."

He had suffered silently through the punishment, never making a sound never asking for it to end. When she had caressed his face he had wanted to vomit. He had to choke back the bile that arose in his throat. How could someone's touch bring back so many horrific memories? He forced his thoughts away from the dank cell and back to the memory of flying with his dad.

Bella took great pleasure in inflicting pain but part of her pleasure had always been in hearing her victim's scream, beg for mercy. Harry Potter wasn't playing the game the right way. He was denying her the satisfaction of hearing him scream. With a swish of her wand she flipped the teen onto his stomach, his hands still tied over his head.

Harry stuffed his face into the mattress, his body tense with anxiety. He felt the hard knife slide down his back, the point being dragged along his spine. Please stop, he screamed desperately in his mind.

"If you beg for mercy I just may grant it to you," Bella said then laughed as if her hold on reality had just crumbled.

It was difficult to think about something else when that laughter demanded to be heard. Harry struggled to remain motionless but it was hard not to anticipate that silver knife. He knew what was coming. His arms were pulled taunt over his head, his legs firmly stuck to the bed, there was no place to go.

He felt the blade break through his skin, push into his ribcage. The pain so overwhelming he couldn't concentrate on anything she was saying. He felt the blood trickle down his side, he felt the red hot pain spread like wildfire over his ribs, across his back. He heard someone screaming. It took a moment before he realized it was him. He tried to stop, he tried to keep his treacherous mouth from betraying his pain but the knife wound brought back too many memories and it hurt. He bucked and pulled against the straps until he could no longer feel his hands.

His thoughts went back to Privet Drive and the dreaded lessons. He closed his mouth, clamped his lips shut, not making another sound. He was suddenly afraid Hedwig might get killed. Oh no, no that wasn't right, Hedwig was safe. His thoughts were a jumble of confusion. It was all too much, all too painful. His mind finally slipped away from this room, away from this torture chamber. It was with great relief that he felt himself begin to lose consciousness.

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Aloha Friends,

Yes, I did tone it down a bit but I don't think it lost anything. As a matter of fact I like it better this way. Hope you did too.

I am posting from Hawaii!!!!! It's raining but promises to be beautiful later today.

I promise to work as fast as I can on the next chapter. I will post as soon as possible, I promise.

Take care,

Rachel