"I've got you..." Severus held tight to the girl trembling in his arms. He'd already explained what he was doing. He had thought she'd understood but the way her fingernails were clawing at his bare shoulders led him to believe otherwise.

He'd decided to keep moving forward in her treatment, even though the potion on her eyes had nearly shut her down completely. Time was something he didn't have the luxury to waste. He'd placed a cooling cloth around her head to help sate the burn but there was nothing more he could do for her. Instead, he decided to work on getting her mobile.

"Is the water cold?" Severus took another step into the pool he'd made the other night. Her legs were halfway in the water now, her knees pressed into his waist with his one arm supporting her bum with the other around her back. She had plenty of strength now to hold herself up against him so he couldn't understand why she refused to stand. He'd of course asked her but she hadn't replied.

Hermione shook her head to his question, burying her face deeper into his neck. Being carried had sent her equilibrium off balance and with only one of her ears fully functioning it was rather difficult for her to orient herself. Her eyes hurt but not so much that she couldn't push the feeling aside. She'd already become used to the discomfort, it had just been the initial administration that had sent her reeling.

Severus took another slow step down, the water now at his waist. He'd removed his coat, slacks and shirt leaving him in his modified boxers and tank top. He had removed her dress for a small pair of shorts and a simple tank top. It was easier than creating an actual set of swimming clothes but would keep her from being restricted. It had also given him the chance to assess her weight gain. It hadn't been much but it was enough to hide away some of her bone structure.

"We're in a pool. The water is not deep. I want you to try and stand. Can you do that Miss Granger?" Severus shifted his head trying to see her face but she had turned her head away from him now. Her hold on him only tightened and his frown deepened at her blatant refusal to do as he'd asked.

"Why won't you stand?" His tone had shifted, edged with his impatience.

Hermione made a small noise, pressing her hips into his stomach. How could he not know? How could he understand? Her hand shifted from his shoulder taking the stone for pain into her mouth. She didn't trust her voice, it still hurt too much to form words. Her throat and tongue uncooperative and her brain lacking in the vocabulary that she needed to express herself.

Severus shifted again trying to pry her arms from around his neck. He caught sight of her action before looking down her body, "Where does it hurt?"

Hermione made a face before pressing her hips even further into his stomach. She could actually feel her hip bone pressing into his rib, the discomfort on both ends causing her to pull back again. What if he saw them? What would he do? Would he take the medicine man away? Would he chain her to the tree again? She didn't dare to risk it and locked her ankles.

Still at a loss and becoming rather frustrated with her behavior, he shifted his hands so that he no longer supported her weight. Albus had warned him about telling her too much. That until the man responsible for her capture and subsequent torture was caught, anything he told her could jeopardize his final mission.

A soft sigh left his nose and he moved to sit down on one of the steps. Her boney ankles were making his back pulse and his headache grow. His previous success in her care was losing its power over his decision to continue at all. As he settled down, her tight grip relaxed and he was able to settle her back onto his knees.

"What do you want for lunch?" Severus pushed her hair back over her shoulders when her arms came down from his neck. His eyes searched her face for clues while he tried to think of his next move.

Hermione waffled her head slightly, she didn't want to request the wrong thing. The fact that she was being given a choice at all; too much responsibility. She thought back to what he'd fed her thus far and settled on mashed potatoes. Her head rested on his shoulder back in his direction and she lifted the stone he'd charmed to taste like mashed potatoes.

"Po... potatoes..." Her voice was shy and a bit cautious but was clear.

Severus nodded his head with a soft hum just glad she'd spoken to him at all, "I can do that." Severus leaned back letting her sit up on her own more. His eyes running over her small frame, "What would you say to a proper bath?"

Hermione nodded ever just so, her chin lifting to the sound of his voice. While she didn't feel as filthy as she had previously, it was surely time to be washed again. Her heart fluttered at the thought of feeling his hands and she found herself sitting up a bit straighter. A question, a plea, coming to her tongue.

"You stay...?" Despite finding safety in solitude, the medicine man's continued presence had brought a peace she hadn't felt in a very long time. Every time he was near she felt safe. Hearing his voice only cemented the feeling. She never wanted him to stop, for the silence to fill her mind.

"I will stay, if... you stand for me right now."

Hermione lowered her head, pulling her hands up to her chest while she pondered his words. Thus far she had no reason not to believe that he would stay true to his word. The fear that kept her as she was though still strong eventually gave way to the want. A soft noise left her throat as she shifted her weight.

Severus watched her carefully, ready to help her if need be. As she slipped from his lap he brought his hands out to help keep her balance in the water. Her body went low as she came away from the ledge but her legs slowly uncurled. Her head bobbed near the surface as her toes brushed along the bottom of the pool.

"You can do it." Severus wasn't one for encouraging words but in the circumstance, he was sure it would benefit them both. He kept hold as he started to stand himself, pulling her curled form up with him.

Hermione fought against the fear, her senses straining to hear the world around her. Her head turned away from the man before her as her feet settled on the bottom. His hold grew more firm bringing her arms up and she had little choice other than to straighten up. The same phantom pain from before pulsed through her loins before she found herself steadily on her feet. The water helped to keep her meager weight from her frail ankles but the bones did protest the movement.

Severus watched her closely, feeling her fingers holding onto his biceps harder. A small tremor went through her frame and he noticed the discomfort on her face, "That's it."

Hermione shook her a head slightly but didn't try to curl back up. From his hold on her arms, she could imagine just how much taller he was than her. A soft chime jolted her entire frame and she instantly went down.

Severus scrambled to keep her from going completely under and hulled her back up to his chest, guiding her arms around his neck while her legs wrapped around his waist. He turned his head towards the charmed mirror that he'd brought with him to assure himself that should his presence be requested he'd be able to answer the call. A sharp sneer formed on his face as he turned out of the water.

"I shall return for your bath later. I'm taking you to the sitting room, now." Severus cast a drying spell as he walked, the room was warm so he didn't see any reason to change her clothes at present.

He laid her down on the pillows once more, prying her arms from his neck. His skin stung from the claw marks she'd left on his shoulders but it was no consequence. He adjusted her clothes before turning his eyes to her heartbroken face. He couldn't even begin to understand why she was so attached to him but that was pensive for another time.

Hermione felt him move away and listened to the steps leading him away. Each click of his heel lowering her heart. She turned herself onto her side away from the sound and curled herself up as small as she could possibly go. She wanted to believe he would return but didn't understand why he had to go. She'd done as he'd asked but now he was leaving again. What could she do to make him stay?

oOo

"Drippy has found her Master. She is hidden in Hogwarts castle."

"The Dual Dragon?"

"Drippy has not approached. The mudblood is protected inside a secret room. The blood traitor has not left in a while."

"As soon as he leaves, bring her to me."

"Yes, Master."

Marxan grinned darkly watching the elf bow and disappear. He rolled his eyes towards the cage housing his present prisoner. The girl was most fascinating to watch. She didn't cry or scream, aside from her initial question she hadn't done anything else. He'd been very careful containing his lust. His imperio was powerful but he much liked it when his victims were in their right mind. Or rather the remains of it.

"Dux, when was the last time you fed our guest?"

A man who was sharpening one of his knives next to the entrance looked up curiously before turning his own eyes to the weird girl, "Tried this morning. She refused."

"Really now?" Marxan pushed himself up, leisurely moving to the cage. It was bigger than the ones they normally used, allowing her to sit up or lay down. Presently the girl was laying on her side, drawing something in the dirt just beyond the bars, "And why would that be?" He leaned on the cage turning his dark eyes down.

Luna turned her head slightly but didn't give him the curtesy of her gaze, "There were nitwigs in the bread, you shouldn't keep it beside the fire, they really like the warmth."

"Is that so?" Marxan gave a glance to the man in the corner who merely shrugged at the absurdity of her words, "To what then would the princess wish to eat?"

"I'm not a princess." Luna pulled her hand back into the cage rolling her head towards his lecherous stare, "Can I have an apple?"

"Fresh out."

"Mmm..." Luna shifted her hands up under her head as though settling down to sleep.

Marxan shook his head and pushed himself away. If it wasn't the fact that he needed her in the best possible condition he'd have certainly fed her something else. As it was, he had to make sure she didn't die before they had a chance to deliver her.

His services were highly paid for but he wasn't going to move too quickly. It was bad for business if he was too good at what he did. People would assume his job to be easy and stop paying for his services if they believed they could do it themselves. No, she would stay a little longer.

"Imperio."

oOOo

Severus rubbed his brow snarling at the retreating form of Minerva. She had come to express her disgust in private but their conversation hadn't gotten them anywhere. The portrait behind him had vacated it's frame to placate the woman on a warpath. Thankfully, their argument hadn't taken to wands but he was sure that was only because Potter had yet to complete his mission.

A deep sigh filled the room. Never a moment for rest, he pushed himself back to his feet. It was past lunch but his stomach did not remind him. His thoughts solely on another. The conversation had taken longer than he'd anticipated and he was sure the girl was hungry.

"Egglan."

A small elderly elf popped in directly at his side, assigned to personally see to the Head of the castle he had seen much over his 100 years of service. He held no opinion over the new Master though the younger elves were certainly not as restrained, "Yes, Headmaster?"

"I shall not be joining the others in the hall for lunch. I would like whatever is being served brought here as well as a bowl of mashed potatoes with beef gravy."

"Right away, headmaster."

Severus inclined his head before moving towards the window over looking the grounds. Not much longer now. How could one man be expected to do so much? Play the cards so perfectly. Would his death mean anything in the end? Did he care at all about the world that would be left behind? His regret had led him this far. His lament over the biggest mistake he'd ever made pushing him through the darkest of nights—but was it enough to push forward into dawn?

A noise from his chambers pulled him out if his dark reverie and his eyes narrowed. There shouldn't have been any cause for the sound. He'd expressively forbid any of the cleaning elves from entering his chambers. Both for his personal preference and to ensure the safety of his secret hidden therein.

As soon as he opened the door his wand was in hand. The elf to whom he had startled turning to face him from beside the suitcase at the foot of his bed, "What are you doing?"

The elf jumped and cowered at his sharp question though kept his eyes lowered as he raised his hands in surrender, "I is cleaning, master. Just cleaning."

"I've told your kind before to stay out of my rooms, I do not want nor require your service." Severus narrowed his eyes and kept his wand trained on the small creature. Something about the situation set him on edge, though he wasn't exactly sure why.

"Apologies, apologies. I is new. I go now." The elf bowed his head and quickly vanished.

Severus lowered his wand, his brow ticking at the unhinged latch on the suitcase. He couldn't readily recall if he'd made sure both latches had been closed before leaving the room but his unease about the elf made his stomach churn.

oOo

Luna lifted her head from the small tin cup that she'd been given. It had been filled with an odd tasting oatmeal but she hadn't refused it as the pain in her stomach had grown. It helped to take away the salt that had filled her mouth but only just.

Her eyes widened marginally when she thought she recognized the curled form that the elf had returned with. No doubt the person the man in charge had sent for nearly an hour ago. Their clothes were clean but their body looked frail and thin. It wasn't until they rolled their head in the dirt did Luna stifle a gasp.

"Hermione...?"

Before the elder teen could respond, the door to the tent came open and Luna pressed herself further into her cage. The man in charge, Marxan, grinned darkly in her direction before turning his eyes down. His heavy boots coming to rest just beside Hermione's head before he lowered himself down.

"Welcome back." His large hand came out, taking the girl by the back of her head. Her face twisting in pain as he tightened his grip, "Let's see how well the rat trained you."

Hermione's heart was racing nearly out if her chest. She had been in a light sleep when her world suddenly changed. The sudden smell of earth and familiar sweat causing her to tremble. She couldn't recall the man's voice, having long since blocked out the brief time before she'd lost her hearing when she'd been too much in her right mind. The smell, however, she instantly knew and understood exactly who was touching her.

A soft whimper left her throat, her hands shakily rising to take hold of his belt, hoping to beg for forgiveness. The fear that he would come, having become a reality. She didn't know how or why she had suddenly found herself there only that this surely wasn't a dream. The pain of his hold, the smell of his sweat all to sharp and bold to have been a dream.

Luna watched unable to stop herself as the man pulled her classmate up onto her knees. The elder girl, to whom she had respected for her strength and intelligence, doing nothing more than clinging to his frame. Confusion and concern lined Luna's face as the man started to move forward, dragging her up by her hair like a cat grabbed by its scruff with barely any resistance.

His hand slipped through the waistband of her shorts, his fingers going directly to her core. Hermione tried to part her legs, to show him that she was sorry for standing, internally begging for a swift lenient punishment. When his large jagged nails pushed inside her, she tried to make her whimper of pain sound like a moan but only ended up making an odd noise.

"It's not here." Marxan snarled, sharply pulling his fingers from inside her. He turned his gaze towards the elf who had remained awaiting further instructions, "Find it."

"Yes, master."

Marxan looked down at the girl held partially aloft, her lips were parted smooth and unbruised. Her eyes were just barely open under the red band of damaged skin and her hands were so eagerly pawing at his belt. A slow grin formed on his face as he felt himself filling with pleasure. He pulled her head closer pressing her cheek into his dirty slacks watching with contained glee when her mouth opened wider, ready to take him in. Perhaps he could amuse himself in the time he waited for the elf to return.

He threw a quick glance towards the girl watching them from the cage, her young frame riling his lust even more. The decision was hardly protested. He pushed the girl in his grip forward delighting in the way she fell to her hands and knees before rising his boot to give her arse a push.

He didn't know if she'd recovered her hearing and he didn't much care. Either way, he was going to take what he wanted. Maybe if she was as good as Wormtail claimed he'd spare her life. The thought of having a little mudblood pet did sound nice to his ears. Without another glance towards the blond, he stepped around the crawling girl pulling open the back of the tent leading to his room.

Hermione was shaking with fear, making her elbows and back weak. The kick to her bum told her what direction to go and she wouldn't stop until his hands came again. Internally, she cried for the Medicine Man, hoping that he would be there to heal her after her punishment was complete.

Luna's heart sunk down when Marxan grabbed Hermione by her arm pulling her halfway up. Their bodies disappeared behind the curtain but she was still able to see the head of the bed. Her body grew tense to his words, filthy and unrepeatable, that were no doubt aimed at Hermione's heritage. A sharp cut-off noise of pain made Luna twitch and she could feel the mystery meal she'd been given rising up from her stomach.

It wasn't much longer before Hermione's head bounced into view, nearly colliding with the headboard. Luna could see the shirt she'd been wearing pushed up under her throat before it was banished away. Hermione's face was pinched in pain, with an odd red coloring around the corner of her lips. Her hands were curled to her sides, not resisting nor trying to push him off. It was almost as though she already knew what was to happen.

Luna couldn't stop herself from bringing her hands up to her ears though her eyes never wavered— locked in place unable to look away by some unseen power. As Hermione's body began to rock with a tell tale rhythm her face, that had been etched with pain, shifted to one of mixed pleasure. Luna couldn't understand why—she hadn't heard any spells. Why would the brightest witch of their age be finding pleasure in something so painful?

It was then her brain told her something that her heart never wanted to hear; this wasn't the first time.

Hermione could do nothing but cling to the air. The small cords that had been summoned to hold her arms in place cutting into her healed flesh. His hands took their purchase on her thighs, his nails leaving ribbons in their wake. His thrusts were hard but slow, dragging out the pain. The potion he'd given her was only partially effective, its true nature being dampered by the antidote that prevented any subsequent use. It was like the ticking of a clock, pleasure, pain, pleasure, pain. The rhythm of which made her heart ache and her entire chest hurt.

She knew she deserved this, that she had broken the rules. Upset the balance. It was her fault for having tried to stand. To believe herself as more than a tool to be used. Her mind drifted, going far away. Her face slowly going passive as her head continued to rock to his thrusts.

Luna watched all the emotion drain from Hermione's face and felt tears of shame rolling down her cheeks. The helplessness of the situation was a heavy burden to bare. Thoughts of escape resurfaced but she didn't know which way to begin. How could she make this stop? Make it end?

"That's it, yes. You like this don't you?" Marxan shifted his hold and reached down to pull her up from the bed, sinking himself further inside, "You're like a perfect little doll." He held her back as he thrust up harder, the angle was perfect and he could feel every inch inside her, "You've finally understood your purpose haven't you?"

His breath was close to her ear, though he didn't care if she heard him. The binds keeping her arms to her sides did not prevent her arms from moving at her elbows and he could feel her desperately trying to take hold of his shirt so as not to fall. His attention turned to the soft roll of her shoulder and his mouth watered.

Thoughts of having a personal cock cleaner, filled his mind as he took a tight hold of her shoulder in his crooked teeth. The fantasy of having her waiting on her knees, mouth open ready for him at any time of the day. Of taking her on the table, forcing her to take him as he ate. Having her in his lap, her tight heat sheathing him. Yes, they were beautiful thoughts.

His hold released when he tasted her filthy blood and he pulled back to drop her back onto the bed, the pleasure was good but the ring of stone was throwing off his game. He pulled back, pushing her knees wider as he aligned himself lower. Yes, she was his. If only for today. He would make sure to use her to the fullest.

Luna could hardly see through her tears, even still, when Hermione's body had bounced back into view she shifted in her cage to see her better. Her face was completely twisted in pain now, soft noises passing her lips with each rock. Suddenly, her arms came up as though released by something she couldn't have seen and a large hand came down between them taking tight hold of her small throat.

Hermione's small hands curled around the tree trunk of an arm while her chest arched to try and bring in air. Deep choking noises filled the tent as the man played with her ability to sustain life. As his thrusts increased so did his hold and Luna felt her heart skipping when Hermione was no longer able to lift her hands. Her chest jerking—eyes lidded and turned towards the sky.