chapter 2 CONFRONTATIONS
The moment she realized she wasn't on the battle field anymore, Hermione pushed the man away from her and stumbled a few steps before falling on the floor. Her fingers touched the solid cold floors and that told her that she was in a house. That fact worried her the most. Why would a Death Eater bring her to his house? What was he planning on doing with her?
"Stand up, girl,"he ordered in a cold voice.
Hermione did not want to obey him, but being on the floor in front of him was not her wish either. So she took a deep breath and managed to get up without tripping over something. She still wasn't used to the darkness surrounding her and she was having trouble keeping her balance.
"Good girl. Now look at me,"he ordered again and Hermione found herself wondering where did she hear his voice before. It seemed so familiar, but she couldn't recognize it.
She blinked a few times, turning her head in the direction of his voice.
There was a complete silence for a few moments, before he snapped:"What is wrong with you? Look at me."
Hermione felt the absolute terror flood her veins and breathing became an almost impossible task. She gritted her teeth in anger. She couldn't look at him, she didn't even know where he was standing.
"Are you mute? Answer me or do I've to give you a taste of the Cruciatus Curse?"
She wanted to shout at him, tell him that she hates him, that he should be dead with the rest of the Death Eaters, that they are monsters and that she would kill him if she had the chance, but the words seemed to be stuck in her mouth. She could tell he was becoming impatient, so she licked her lips hesitantly and answered:"I-I can't..."
"You can't what?"he asked, amusement clear in his cold voice.
Hermione could tell he was enjoying her fear, so she decided to keep her mouth shut and not answer his questions anymore.
She hugged herself tightly and moved her head down as if she was looking at the expensive marble floor. She could almost see small red blood stains on the black surface, her blood, blood that was still dripping from the wounds on her body. She found herself hoping to die from a bloodloss.
Then she felt a grip on her chin and her face was forced up. She didn't even try to struggle, it was pointless.
He was holding his breath, she could tell, because he was standing so close to her. Almost too close.
His eyes were observing her face and then he let out the breath he'd been holding.
"You are blind,"he stated calmly and released her chin:"That makes things more difficult for you."
Hermione took a few steps back until her back hit the wall.
"Who was it? Who spoiled my fun and made a scared little girl out of you?"he asked and Hermione noticed how silky his voice was and the elegant way in which he spoke. Death Eaters were not supposed to talk like that, it didn't suit them. Their voice should be rough and rusty.
She almost whispered:"I don't know who was it."
"Pity,"he said with false sadness,"I could make him pay for taking the fun out of it."
"Who are you?"she asked when she finally gathered the courage.
He was quiet for a moment before laughing a dark, dangerous, joyless laugh:"I assumed you recognized me. I guess I overestimated your intelligence."
His words struck her like a slap across the face, but she kept her mouth shut.
Then she heard him approaching until his hand brushed across her cheek:"One would think you would recognize my voice. People say it's quite like my son's and you've known him for six years."
All air was pushed out of Hermione's lungs at his words. Lucius Malfoy. He was the Death Eater that took her. A cruel man who hated muggles, who despised everything that was different, a man who loathed Harry and his friends.
"Are you afraid, girl?"he asked calmly, his mouth only one or two inches from her ear.
Hermione wanted to push him away, he was too close for her liking, but her whole body was paralysed with fear and shock.
All she could manage was a slight shake with her head, even though she knew it didn't look convincing.
"No? Well, I guess I will have to do something about that, won't I? Soon you'll fear me more than the devil,"he threatened and Hermione knew he meant everything he said. She was at the mercy of a merciless man, she was lost.
She took a deep breath before finally asking the question that was on her mind ever since she was chosen as an award:"What are you going to do with me?"
She was surprised at how strong her own voice sounded, even though it was all just a mask.
"That is for me to know and for you to wonder. All I can tell you is that you would be better off dead," he said, emotionless.
Hermione's heart seemed to burst out of her ribcage from the panic that filled her. Then she could breath again as Lucius backed away from her.
"You are disgusting. As much as it displeases me, I will have to heal your wounds, because you will be here for quite a while and I don't want you to bleed on the expensive blankets," he explained and grabed her by her arm, pulling Hermione away from the wall. He murmured an incantation and moved with his wand over her body, closing all the cuts and wound on her skin.
But Hermione couldn't feel any relief, the words that left his mouth only seconds ago, were stuck in her mind.
'I don't want to you bleed on the expensive blankets.'
Blankets? As in blankets on the bed? Why would she be laying on a bed? Unless he wanted...no, no, no...
Lucius suddenly grabbed her hands and moved them to her sides. Hermione struggled with all her strength, but his grip on her wrists only tightened: "Stop your struggling," he hissed, but Hermione wasn't capable of listening anymore. She was panicking, all she wanted was to get away from him. She needed him to leave her alone and she was prepared to do what it takes.
"I warned you,"he hissed before he backhanded her across the face. Hermione cried out at the sudden pain, but didn't calm dowm. It just made her more disobedient as she screamed and kicked, hoping to hit him. Suddenly he released her, but his cold laugh told her that she didn't win in this fight.
"Crucio!"
Her legs couldn't hold her anymore and she hit the cold floor hard. It was like her whole body was on fire and she knew nothing but pain and agony. It was as if a bolt of electricity shot through her. Her body shook, trying to escape from the pain, but it wouldn't stop.
And then as she thought she couldn't take it anymore, the curse was lifted off of her.
Hermione was still on the floor, pressing her head into the cold stone. She was shivering, everything was just too much to handle. She curled into a ball with a hope to protect herself. But she couldn't protect herself. Not from him.
"Why am I here? You don't want to kill me,"she stated quietly as soon as she caught her breath.
"Don't flatter yourself by thinking you know what I plan on doing with you," his voice was a bit angrier now,"True, I will not kill you. But believe me, you will ask for death."
His words were so cold and evil, full of hate. Hermione couldn't understand how can a person hate someone just because of their blood status. What did she do to him to make him so angry at her?
"You despicable coward," she whispered and then realized her mistake. She didn't mean to say it, but as always her tongue was faster than her mind and she could feel her lips moving, mouthing the words silently. But he heard it.
Suddenly he grabbed her by her hair and pulled her up from the floor, causing Hermione to cry out. She was then thrown roughly against the wall. Hermione folded her arms over her chest and tried to stop her sobbing.
"Never call me a coward again or speak to me without my permission or your life may end sooner than we would want," he threatened with a very low voice, but Hermione recognized the danger in it.
"You scum," he insulted her,"You will not get any food tonight. And I suggest you get used to it."
Hermione's eyes kept moving, searching his face, but all she could see was darkness.
Lucius continued:"I was going to allow you to clean yourself, but mudbloods like you don't deserve that."
His hand slowly glided over her arm and Hermione sucked in her breath.
"I am tired, so your lessons will have to wait until tomorrow. You will sleep on the floor tonight, next to my bed."
Hermione relaxed at that, it was good to know that he didn't expect her to share a bed with him. He was probably too disgusted with her to want anything to do with her in that way.
"Why are you doing this to me?" she whispered quietly,"I've never done anything to you!"
Her voice was stronger as emotions took over her body.
"I suggest you shut your filthy mouth if you know what is good for you," he was controlling his temper. If Hermione kept asking, it would only be a matter of time when he'd explode.
She felt his erratic breathing and at that moment she was happy she was blind and couldn't see the rage on his face. Still, she wouldn't give up. What was the worst thing he could do to her? Kill her? He would only make her day with that.
"I demand you tell me what I did to you! Why did you choose me?"she forced her words out.
Suddenly he brought his wand to her neck, pushing the tip roughly into her pulse point.
Hermione stiffened and waited for him to continue, but then she found herself unable to breath. She opened her mouth to draw air in her lungs, but it was as if someone took all air from the room. Panicking, she pressed her hands to her throat, trying desperately to breathe but not the slightest bit of oxygen entered her body.
She coughed a few times and just when she was certain she would pass out, her throat was open again and air filled her lungs. She gasped for air, trying to bring as much oxygen as possible into her shaking body.
"Have you learned your place?" Lucius asked calmly.
Hermione quickly nodded, not feeling strong enough to disobey him again.
"Good," with that he grabbed her by her arm and dragged her to the other end of the room. He then released her:"This is where you will sleep. Next to my bed. You better not try anything while I sleep. If anything happens to me, I have arranged everything so you would fall into the arms of the cruelest Death Eaters. Am I understood?"
Hermione nodded and slowly moved to the floor.
"Lie down," he ordered impatiently.
Hermione bit her tongue and layed down on the floor, curling into a ball. She closed her eyes shut, but she was far from sleeping. Luicus walked away from her and started to undress.
Hermione tensed as she heard clothing movement, fabric rustling. Immediately she knew he was taking his clothes off and she tried really hard to not think about that. At least he didn't expect the same from her. For now. She held her breath when she heard the sounds of him undoing his belt.
A few moments later Lucius moved to his bed and rustling of the sheets could be heard, then complete silence.
When she was positive, he would not disturb her anymore, Hermione allowed herself to think about everything that happened. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks as she realized that she would probably never see again. But maybe that was for the best. That way she couldn't see the aristocratic face of Lucius Malfoy. Why was he keeping her at his house? Why had he chosen her? Did he really hate her that much because she was a muggle? Or was there a hidden reason behind his behaviour? She would found out tomorrow. There was no escape, she was his prisoner now. Completely at his mercy.
Hey, guys. Thanks to everyone who reviewed or put this story on their alert. But when you don't tell me what you think of it, I have a feeling there is no interest for my story. And I don't want to abandon this story, because it will get much better. So, please review. It's not that hard, just press that little green button. :)