The bed felt so warm and cozy, the duvet so soft, that Rose wished she could stay there forever. Her husband left her alone immediately after he had consummated their marriage but she hardly noticed his departure. She had been so exhausted from earlier fear and tears that she fell asleep almost at the very moment the door had closed behind him. Now that she was awake, she lied still in the bed, afraid to get up in case someone (her dear husband for example) would hear her and enter the room.
She was alive and that was good. He didn't beat her, torture her nor did he curse her. It had been very painful, what he did to her last night, but to be honest she had expected it to be far worse.
'I was sure that he would be brutal and cruel, when he looked at me with that mad expression. And that tongue tic...He looked like a lunatic back there', she thought.
Surprisingly, he wasn't brutal. He didn't need to, really, Rose hadn't put any fight, paralyzed with fear she was just lying there, letting him do what he wanted and he was almost gentle when he had taken her. She was astonished that Crouch didn't use his chance to torment someone, which was very odd for a deranged psychopath like him, but the girl decided not to ponder over it any longer. Most likely, he had been in a 'merciful' mood last night and who knew what he will do to her when he sees her again.
At that thought, Rose felt her fear rising anew. She cursed herself silently for being such a coward. If Hermione was in her place, she would claw out Crouch's eyes before he'd manage to touch her. Rose felt ashamed for not being able to do the same. She has just permitted a Death Eater to rape her, to use her, in fear of being tortured. What was the matter with her? How could she be grateful that he didn't treat her worse? He still forced himself upon her. Tears started to flow on her cheeks and she was sure that her face was already swollen from earlier crying. She was alone in this house, alone with a murderer who would occasionally take advantage of her, until she gets pregnant.
Rose wanted nothing more than a long bath, to wash away Crouch's scent and reduce the soreness in her body, but she was too scared to move. From where she was lying, she saw a wooden door, probably leading to a bathroom, but she feared that he would hear her and come for her. So she lied there, weeping quietly, praying that someone from the Order would rescue her from this hell.
'But what if they learn about my cowardice? That I gave up so easily? I didn't fight him, I just couldn't...'
Her whole body shook from sobbing. She imagined the faces of Mad-Eye Moody, Sirius and Harry when they find out that she submitted to the Death Eaters like a frightened child. All those brave Gryffindors will look at her with pity, maybe even disgust.
'But they are all men. Mad-Eye, Sirius, Harry, Dumbledore...they wouldn't understand what women suffer at every war, even a Wizarding one. They have no right to judge me, as they will never experience this kind of pain and shame', Rose thought angrily.
Rose wiped away her tears and at that moment there was a quiet knock at the door. She froze.
"Mistress! Is Mistress awake? Winky has come to help!", came a thin voice from the hallway. The girl was silent but after a moment she decided to respond.
'As long as it's not Crouch, it'll be fine', she thought.
"Yes, please, come in!", Rose called. The door opened and a small house-elf entered, wearing a tea-towel draped like a toga. She was certainly a female. Winky bowed before the girl, nearly sweeping the floor with her ears.
"Master Barty told Winky to help Mistress with everything," she squealed. "Winky is to tell Mistress about the rules binding in this house."
"The rules? What rules?", asked Rose uneasily. Crouch knew the meaning of a word 'rules'? That one was certainly unexpected.
"Yes, Mistress is to eat her meals with Master in the dining room. Mistress is expected to be downstairs at 8 o'clock. Master told Winky that today was an exception as it is 9 o'clock already and that next time Mistress is late, he will punish both Winky and Mistress.", the house-elf seemed unconcerned by the fact that her precious master was threatening to punish her for something she wasn't culpable of.
"Mistress must get up now, take a bath and dress, because Master Barty is waiting. Mistress can go anywhere in the house and gardens, but it is forbidden to go outside the manor. Mistress is not to enter Master's bedroom nor his study. Winky will show Mistress where they are. If Mistress needs anything, Winky is most happy to help!". The house-elf then gave the young witch a silky, green robe to cover her naked body and hurried to unveil the curtains of the windows.
Rose tried to control her panic at the thought of having to eat with her 'sweet' husband. He had been waiting. Which wasn't good for her. She slowly got up from the bed. When the girl turned to make the bed, she let out a small cry.
The sheets were stained with blood. Winky, who was now collecting Rose's wedding gown from the floor, came quickly to her side.
"There is no need to worry, miss!", she smiled at the girl. "Every maid bleeds on her wedding night. Master's mother did too. But", Winky goggled at the witch, "Mistress cannot make the bed! It's Winky's task! Mistress must hurry up and bathe."
Rose didn't argue with her, too shocked to speak. She knew that most women bled when they had their first time with a man, but it still distressed her to see her own blood on the sheets. It was a proof that Crouch made her his own and that she belonged to him now. Her first time was with a psychotic murderer, who didn't give a damn about her. Lovely.
Her body was sore, especially in 'that' place and she sighed in relief when she entered the bathtub. She didn't stay for too long, though, for she was afraid that Crouch would get mad. She didn't want to provoke him. Her mind was so blurred from fear that she wasn't fully aware of her thoughts and actions.
'He didn't beat me. He was gentle with me. If I obey, I'll survive somehow'.
She repeated those words in her head like a mantra. When she returned to the bedroom, everything was clean, the bed has been made and her wedding gown and underwear were gone. The girl opened the wardrobe and found out that it had been filled with expensive clothes matching her size.
'Great. Now I have to wear what he picked for me to wear. Like a bloody doll', Rose thought bitterly.
Rose chose a simple blue tunic and black leggings, did her make-up quickly and exited the bedroom. Winky had immediately appeared by her side and led her through the hallway. It was decorated with paintings, just like in the house where she was married, but here the people who were portrayed looked differently. For the starters, they were not as attractive as those in the other manor. What is more, these portraits were alive.
"My, my, what a fine little lady!", exclaimed an old man, dressed in medieval robes. "I daresay that my great great great great great great-grandson has a refined taste in women."
He gave Rose pompous, approving smile and she bit back her laughter. It would be quite hilarious, really, if it weren't for the fact that she had to spend the rest of her life here, with this painting and it's deranged great-grandson, against her will.
"She's too skinny if you ask me", said another woman in a red gown. "Such a common face...I could take her for a muggle!"
"You are a fine one to talk, with these giant ears of yours! I could take you for an elephant!", Rose retorted before she could stop herself. The witch on the painting gave a cry of indignation and her big ears became nearly as red as her dress.
"Such insolence! Where are your manners, girl?"
Rose ignored her and followed Winky, making a note in her mind to avoid talking with those portraits. They seemed to be a bunch of big-headed bores.
"Here is Master's bedroom", Winky squealed, pointing at the wooden door on her right. "And this is Master's study."
Rose tried to remember location of both rooms to steer clear of them in the future. She didn't want to think what Crouch would do to her if she trespassed his personal sanctuary.
They proceeded downstairs and Winky stopped before large entrance which led to a dining room.
"Winky has to go back to the kitchen, now. Breakfast will be ready in a minute, miss!", she said and dissaparated with a small 'pop'.
Rose had no choice but to enter the blasted room. She inhaled and exhaled slowly before stepping into the dining room. It resembled the one where Voldemort have been threatening her not long ago. It was warm there, not like in the other manor and everything seemed to be more cheerful here in general.
'Most likely Winky's work', thought Rose, taking in mahogany wood-panneling on the walls and a beautiful chandelier made of crystal. This place was also decorated with portraits. 'I hope they'll keep their mouths shut'.
At the head of the table sat Barty Crouch Jr, reading a newspaper while sipping a cup of coffee. He didn't spare his wife a glance, when she cautiously took the place on his right hand. He seemed to be totally preoccupied with the Daily Prophet. Rose eyed him warily.
Breakfast appeared on the table and Crouch stopped reading his newspaper. He put on his plate some scrambled eggs and bread. Rose didn't move, watching him like a deer caught in the headlights. Barty was reaching for a salt shaker when he noticed her staring and stopped in a midway with a hand hanging in the air.
"Well? Are you going to sit here all day, gaping at me like that? It creeps me out.", he said with serious expression.
Rose blinked a few times before his words sank.She was creepinghim out?!
The girl took a toast in her hands and munched on it, turning her gaze to her plate. Crouch didn't say another word and they both ate in complete silence. Rose glanced at him from time to time but he didn't seem to notice, or even if he did, he didn't give a damn. When he was finished he stood up, took the Daily Prophet and stalked away. The witch watched his retreating back, not sure if she should feel relieved or insulted by his indifference.
After breakfast, Rose returned to her bedroom, careful to avoid entering a wrong room. She sat in the armchair, wondering what she would be doing for the rest of the day. She checked contents of the bookshelves and discovered with a frown that nearly every book there was about pure blood supremacy. One particular, big tome was encased in green leather. The black letters on the cover said: "Genealogy of The Ancient House of Crouch". Many of other books were just boring bilge about magical law, history of magic and savoir-faire. It seemed that Rose wouldn't die from Crouch's curses. She would die from pure boredom.
Finally, Rose decided to read one of the few novels in the collection. It was a dull story of one witch who had been torn between two wizards and she couldn't decide who she loved more. Bland and clichéd, but that was better than nothing.
Rose have been reading for nearly three hours when Winky knocked at the door and asked if she needed something. The girl was grateful for the opportunity to talk to someone and it was her chance to get as much information as possible.
"Can you answer some of my questions?", she asked the house-elf.
"It depends on what these questions will be about, Mistress.", Winky replied with serious expression.
'Of course', thought Rose bitterly, 'she puts her young master's orders above anything else'.
"Where is my husband?", the girl said out loud. Winky jerked slightly and responded:
"Master is gone to attend some important business. Master is doing that a lot."
"What business?", asked Rose immediately, furrowing her brows.
"Winky is a good house-elf. Winky does not pry into Master's business," the small creature said indignantly.
"Ok, ok, I was just asking," Rose raised her hands in defeat. She wondered for a moment what else information she could draw out from the overly loyal house-elf. It was clear that Winky wouldn't tell her anything that could show Crouch in a bad light.
"Does anyone else live here?", she asked finally.
"No, there's only Master, Mistress and Winky. Guests come by rarely." Rose wasn't stupid enough to ask what kind of guests they had. Probably Death Eaters and their leader. She imagined Barty and Bellatrix sitting in a living room, sipping afternoon tea and eating biscuits. The girl shivered at the very thought.
"What he's like?", she asked quietly her companion.
"Master?", the house-elf's eyes widened. "Master was a very talented and polite boy, Mistress. Best grades at school, always so quiet and shy." She sniffled, before continuing:
"Winky is taking care of her Master, protects him as much as she can. Master's mother loved him very deeply and suffered greatly when they imprisoned him."
"What about his father?" Rose knew that Barty Crouch Sr had put his only son into Azkaban for the rest of his life. She also knew, that his wife persuaded him to help Barty escape from prison and that he had been keeping him in this house for a long time, before Voldemort rescued his loyal follower. Barty killed his own father during last year at Hogwarts. She wondered what kind of relationship they had, before all of this started.
Winky's voice was shaking slightly, when she spoke next words:
"Master Crouch was a good wizard, Mistress. He loved his family in his own way and did everything he could to make them happy. Master worked hard to maintain legacy of this family for young Master Barty." She paused for a moment, her big eyes filled with tears.
"Master's father was very strict and didn't like to show affection. Maybe that's why Master Barty got lost. But Winky is loyal to her Master and she won't let anything bad happen to him! She'll protect him, just like old Mistress would want! Master has done terrible things but Winky knows he is a good boy and won't let them put him in prison again!"
The creature burst into tears. Rose felt pity for her, it must have been very hard to witness the tragedy of this family, her beloved young master killing his own father, whom Winky loved too. She could only just imagine the pain of Mrs Crouch and her great affection for her son when she decided to sacrifice herself in order to make him happy. It was no use. Her good intentions were wasted. Crouch murdered many people including his father. He was nothing more than a cruel criminal now.
"Don't cry, Winky," she whispered. "I am sure that everything will turn out to be okay." It was the only thing that came to her mind to comfort the crying house-elf, even though Rose knew it was a lie.
"Mistress Rose has a good heart," the creature sobbed. "Now Master won't be alone anymore. He will have his Winky and his Mistress. Winky doesn't want Master to be lonely. There is nothing worse than loneliness, Mistress."
Rose didn't say anything. Didn't Winky know that she was forced to marry Crouch and she certainly didn't love him? The girl supposed that the house-elf didn't care, even if she knew. For her, the most important thing was her master's happiness. It was sad that she seemed to actually believe that they could form a normal, happy family, but Rose decided not to prove her wrong. She didn't want to hurt the little servant.
It was late afternoon when Winky knocked at the bedroom's door again. Rose ate earlier her dinner alone, for her husband hadn't returned home for it. She was reading now the next novel which fell in her hands, nearly as boring as the first one.
"It's time for supper, Mistress. Master is waiting."
Rose got up and went downstairs. Crouch was sitting at the table and ignored her completely when she sat beside him. They ate in silence and Rose wondered if it would always be like this between them. Did his parents act like that too? She could easily imagine the three of them: offish Barty Crouch Sr, his quiet wife and young Barty, sitting in this very room, not uttering a word. The girl glanced at her husband. He looked quite normal, without that evil grin plastered on his face. She felt a sudden urge to talk to him but quickly changed her mind. What they could talk about? He didn't know her nor he wanted to and she was too scared that he'd hurt her to try making conversation with him.
After supper Rose went to her bedroom, read for some time and prepared for sleep. It had been a long, boring day but now she felt her heart quickening again. It was dark outside and memories of previous night returned to her. She changed into her nightie (picked by Crouch, of course, too short for Rose's liking) and climbed up the bed. Time passed and she waited for any sound of footsteps in the hallway. Will he come tonight? What if he will? She tossed and turned under covers, too frightened to sleep but Crouch wasn't coming. Finally, she decided to make sure whether he'll come, or not.
"Winky?", she whispered. With a 'pop', the small house-elf apparated near the doors.
"Mistress called her Winky?"
"Yes, I've been wondering...", Rose paused. What if Winky tells her master that his wife asked why he was not coming to her bedroom? She shuddered at the thought of him being near her again. But she would never fall asleep in peace if she won't know.
"I've been wondering", she continued, "Where your master sleeps?" The house-elf looked at her inquiringly.
"In his bedroom, Mistress."
"I know that he usually sleeps there, but...now that we're married..." she stuttered as Winky was still watching her like she grew another pair of hands.
"You know, Winky, normally, married people sleep together in the same room," Rose managed to finish, glad that it was dark and the small creature couldn't see her blushing. Winky blinked a couple of times, before answering:
"But, Mistress, it is normal for proper wizarding couple to sleep separately. Master's parents did too! Mistress is now living in old Mistress' bedroom. Every witch in this family had her own bedroom, and their husbands didn't sleep with them every night. There is no need for this, especially after birth of an heir!"
Rose was shocked. She knew that most purebloods were conceited jerks, but that was just ridiculous.
"My parents were a proper wizarding couple and they've always slept together! How can two people get to know each other if they're not sharing the same room? Bloody hell, how can a woman ever be happy if she's forced to have sex with a stranger?!"
"A proper witch is happy when she can fulfill her duty to her family. Be obedient to her husband and bear him an heir. It is great honor, Mistress", said Winky with pride. She looked at Rose with wide eyes, when the girl watched her in disbelief.
"But, if Mistress so wishes, Winky will go to Master and..."
"No! No, no, no, I was just asking!", Rose exclaimed. "Please, Winky, don't tell him about this conversation, ok?", she begged. The house-elf shifted uncomfortably.
"I know that you are loyal to him and that's good, but now I am your mistress too, remember?", the girl said, trying to prevent the small creature from running to her dear master and peach on her. Who knew what could come to this madman's twisted mind if he heard about it.
"I'm sure that your old mistress had small secrets too. It's nothing that could harm your master in any way. You are good house-elf and you'll keep your mistress' secrets just as well as your master's, right? "
Winky bowed at her words with a smile. "Winky won't tell a word! Winky promises!"
"Good, thank you, Winky. You should go to sleep now.", Rose beamed at the house-elf. Winky bowed once again, bid the girl goodnight and disappeared. Rose settled down under the covers and sighed with relief. She could sleep peacefully tonight as it was late now and Crouch wouldn't be coming for sure. She thought about what Winky has told her today. Barty's mother must had terrible life, with cold husband and a son who grew up to be a Death Eater. What has gotten into that 'so quiet and shy' boy to join Voldemort? Rose remembered that awful silence during their meals today and Winky's words about a proper marriage life.
'There is nothing worse than loneliness', the house-elf's voice echoed in her mind as she drifted to sleep.
That's it for today :) As always, let me know what you think. Thanks for reviews and alerts, it means a lot :)
