Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, it is the property of the brilliant J.K Rowling. This story is the product of her marvellous characters and world and my imagination.

Any constructive criticism or reviews are very welcome. Enjoy

Exploring the Manor

Ginny awoke to the sun streaming through her window and sat up, yawning widely, her smile at the lovely weather quickly vanishing as she remembered what had happened to her the previous day.

Sighing, she checked her watch to find it was 9 in the morning. She realised that Tom would probably call her for breakfast soon and decided that she better get dressed as she didn't really want him seeing her in a nightie.

She hauled herself to the bathroom and after a quick shower, washing away the tears that had started falling again at her situation, she managed to hold in her tears and get rid of her red eyes. She was shocked to find her wand by her bedside table and used it to perform a drying charm on her hair, leaving it wavy and loose, before making her way over to her closet room.

She picked out a pair of dark blue jeans and used a colour change spell on a green and silver striped top to turn it red and gold, just to piss Tom off she thought with satisfaction. Slipping on a pair of red ballet flats she made her way to the armchair and sat to await Tom's inevitable arrival.

She didn't have long to wait as he arrived barely ten minutes later, not bothering to knock of course. He gave her the once over and raised his eyebrows at her t-shirt, "Gryffindor colours Ginevra, I'm sure we'll cure you of that soon." She gave him a sweet smile, "you can try Tom, but I'm loyal to my friends, unlike some."

He merely shook his head and pulled her up, linking his arm with hers and leading her out the door and down the hall. A few flights of stairs later and they reached a small, yet elegant, dining room, thankfully free of any other death eaters.

Tom took a seat and motioned for her to sit opposite. Though she was tempted to sit as far away as possible from him, she sensed that it would be a bad idea and so took the offered seat.

A huge selection of breakfast foods arrived and since she hadn't eaten since lunch the previous day she was rather hungry. While she ate her way through bacon, eggs, sausage, toast, croissants, yoghurt, a muffin and two cups of hot chocolate Tom explained the 'rules' to her.

She was allowed anywhere in the mansion that was situated on the floor she was staying on or the floors below. She guessed this meant that death eater activities happened on the floors above and that the cells must be magically concealed. She was allowed on the grounds, but only when he was with her. This comment had her thinking she would probably try to avoid going outside.

He also told her that any attempt at escape would result in punishment and from the tine of voice he used, she knew that this punishment wouldn't be good.

She questioned him about being allowed her wand and he smirked widely, "ah, very good, I had hoped you would notice that Ginevra. Your wand will perform all spells for you, except any very dangerous ones. It will also not work against myself, couldn't have you trying to hurt me could we now. Also, any escape attempts are futile since the manor is incredibly well protected, including guards and anti-apparation wards. So just don't try it darling."

Ginny glared at him, he appeared to have thought of everything. "So, you've set out the rules and all, can I go now?" He smirked, "why Ginevra, anyone would think you didn't want to be here." She rolled her eyes, "yeah, I'm just dying to stay in a room with the insane psychopathic murderer who kidnapped me and is trying to kill my friends and family."

His eyes went cold and he waved his hand, "you may go if you wish, but remember Ginevra, I'll be watching you."

She could feel his eyes on her as she left the room as quickly as humanely possible. She didn't feel like going back to her room so she decided to explore the manor. She just hoped that she wouldn't meet any death eaters along the way.

She knew she was on the ground floor and a quick look round found a larger dining room, games room, bathrooms, entrance hall and two lounges. She also caught a glimpse of the house elves working in the kitchens. Nothing there really interested her so she decided to go looking for a library. Her room had books, but the collection wasn't too large and she wanted more choice.

While not a complete bookworm like Hermione or Remus, she was always appreciative of good literature. The thoughts of her friends made her a little sad, she hoped she'd be able to see them again soon.

She wandered round the first floor, but found only what appeared to be empty guest bedrooms and a study. She went up another flight of stairs and after a bit of searching she found the room she was looking for. She was just about to enter when she found her way blocked by a tall figure in imposing black robes.

She looked up to find Lucius Malfoy in front of her, with Bellatrix Lestrange just behind him, a feral look upon her face. She gulped, these were two of the most feared death eaters and she was stuck with them both - alone. Just fantastic.

Lucius regarded her with distaste, "what is a blood-traitor brat like you doing here?" Ginny rolled her eyes, "you know, I don't want to be here anymore than you want me here. I didn't ask to be kidnapped by Lord bloody Voldemort. If you want to know then ask him."

Bellatrix hissed at her words, "you dare to speak the Dark Lord's name, you filthy blood-traitor." She stepped forward menacingly with her wand out and just when Ginny was sure she was about to get cursed, the wand flew out of its owner's hand and into pale fingers, which twirled it round elegantly.

She swivelled round to see Tom standing there, a cool look on his face. "Bella, Lucius, play nicely now, this is not how you treat guests." Lucius tried to look collected at the thought of a Weasley being a guest in his house, but Bellatrix looked both horrified and angered at the idea.

"But my Lord, the brat is …" She was cut off by a sharp look from Tom, "do not question me Bellatrix. You will not touch Ginevra here and you will inform the others not to either. If I find any of you have so much as touched her, and I will know, then the consequences will be severe."

He turned to go, but at the last minute he twirled round and flicked his wand at Bellatrix, causing her to fall to the floor and writhe in agony. For the minute he did this Ginny was horrified at the brutality, though she couldn't help but be pleased at Bellatrix getting her comeuppance.

When he finally stopped he dismissed them with a wave of his hand and they both bowed low before disappearing with a pop, although Bellatrix shot Ginny a very dark look before she left.

With his two death eaters gone, Tom turned his attention to her, "I apologise for that Ginevra. My death eaters sometimes have moments of incredible stupidity, even those most intelligent and loyal to me. If any of them bother you again then you are to tell me immediately." She nodded, still a little shocked by her encounter.

He inclined his head, "I have business to attend to, I shall leave you to your books and see you for dinner this evening." Another nod from her and he was gone.

She shuddered at the thought of the business he had to attend to. She hoped he wouldn't expect her to dress up for dinner, but had a feeling that it would be mandatory. Groaning internally at the thought she stepped into the library.

She spent a few hours there, reading up on defence and attack. She had decided that she would train herself as she would have been trained in the Order. After all, this was war and if there was going to be a battle she wanted to be prepared, especially if she may end up having to fight to escape Tom.

She hadn't practiced any of the spells she had found yet since she wanted to know more about them first. Many of the tomes in the manor library were dark and no matter happened she would never use dark magic. She had to be sure that the spells were light spells or in a grey area.

At 4.30 in the afternoon she headed back up to her room, thankfully avoiding any death eater confrontation and waiting for Tom's instructions regarding dinner. Half an hour later a house elf popped in informing her that dinner was to be at six and that she should wear one of the dresses in her closet. She supposed it had been too much to hope for to just be allowed to wear jeans and a t-shirt.

She sighed audibly, she really wasn't looking forward to this dinner.

As always, the next chapter should be up in a few days.