She could see him struggling to keep his composure and smiled slightly, which only angered him more. She kept her gaze even, watching him decide what to do with her. Murmurs rose up around them the longer he didn't respond. Perfect.

Suddenly he seemed to decide what to do and turned to his seat, tossing his robe to flow around him. Harry was right, he really is the most. Once back in his makeshift throne he grinned to his followers. He waved an arm out among them to get their attention.

"Death Eaters, the person to entertain me most will get the mudblood. Do with her as you please." He grinned as realization dawned on Hermione and she struggled to compose her expression.

"I have some lovely new curses…" A slimy voice came from behind her and she felt sick. The scar that marred her torso ached in memory. Dolohov. "I would love a.. Human subject to test them on." She could hear his approaching steps and startled when he pulled at one of her matted curls. She turned an angry glare onto him and sneered.

"Touch me again and you'll lose that hand, Dolohov." She hissed the threat, and he seemed surprised enough to drop his wandering hand. Instead he turned to his Lord to continue his description of what he'd do to her. She tried to tune him out when a snarl interrupted his musing.

"The mudblood is mine!" Greyback interrupted from the crowd. He was wholly uninterested in harassing her, instantly standing next to Dolohov to make his claim. "Lestrange was going to give her to me! When she was here last."

"But you let her go, so she's free game." Dolohov teased with a childish air.

"You've already had a prize, wolf." Another voice came from behind her. This time she didn't have to train her face, she had no idea how to react to the sound of Draco Malfoy as he brushed past her with a sneer, not even meeting her glare. "And Dolohov can experiment on anyone."

"And what, my boy, would you do with the mudblood?" Voldemort asked, his interest piqued. Hermione couldn't help the grimace of disgust. As if.

"Remind her of her place. It seems she still thinks she's the golden girl." Malfoy shrugged a bit. "And as the Death Eater with the longest history with her, I promise I have the biggest grudge to beat into her."

"Ha!" Dolohov tried to interrupt but a glare from Voldemort quieted the older wizard. Malfoy pushed his way past the other two, placing himself at the front of the group.

"When I grow bored of her, I have no problem sharing." Hermione felt her stomach roll. "I think that's fair."

"You don't have the balls." Hermione snarled from her place behind them. The men turned to look at her, except for Draco, who kept his eyes on his master.

"Well, Draco," Voldemort smiled at the current opportunity. "Put her in her place." Hermione watched as the muscles in Malfoy's back rippled with tension. When he turned on her his eyes were telling her something, but she couldn't decipher the message.

"Imperio." The sudden calm that settled over her was alarming, but she couldn't outwardly react. Then she felt him in her mind.

Just play along, Granger.

"Kneel." She fought a moment before she let her body be commanded, kneeling down. It made her sick.

Fuck you, Malfoy.

Do you want to live? Then don't fight it.

"Bow your head, mudblood. To the ground, where it belongs." She let her body move without fighting the curse this time.

Just play along.

"Lick the floor." She felt sick, but she could feel the persistent press of his mind against hers.

If they think I can make you obey, he'll send you with me. Trust me Granger."

No.

Then die at Dolohov's hand.

She grimaced internally, but she did as he commanded. She could hear the delighted laughter of his lord. The taste made her sick, but not as sick as the act of licking the bloody floor made her. She could hear the shuffle of feet, Malfoy checking if he should command her more.

"Alright, your point is made, Malfoy." Voldemort said. "You may take the mudblood-"

"My Lord!" She heard Dolohov interrupt but he was stopped quickly. She felt the imperius drop its control.

Fight back now.

She quickly stood, coming face to face with Malfoy, who only sneered at her. She spit in his face without a thought.

"Hope you like the taste of floor, ferret." She snarled at him. His face said he wasn't expecting that. He sighed and wiped off his face. His eyes seemed a little entertained, though he kept his mouth in a firm line.

"My Lord, I'd like to be released for the day." He didn't look behind him when he asked, his eyes were on hers. "She still has too much fight in her. I'd like to get started."

"You're free to go, boy." Malfoy grabbed her arm violently and pulled her along, ignoring that she stumbled and nearly fell behind him. She heard some laughter around her and her cheeks burned, but she understood what was happening, at least a bit. She let Malfoy lead her out past the wards.

When he passed the wards, he pulled her into his chest and apparated away.


A/N: Blech~ I'm sorry, but it worked, okay? Lmao I struggled with this chapter, so let me know what you think!