Chapter 13

Threats

There was something about changing a king size duvet that belonged to a nine year old child that brought a grumbling irritation out of Hermione. With a slight frown and thin lips she shook free the dirty cover and began the difficult task of replacing a new clean pink sheet over the white duvet. With a satisfied sigh she threw the duvet onto the bed and began the chore of doing up the buttons. It was mundane work but it gave her time to think. She should be grateful that Mae after her initial panic had re-allowed her access back onto the floor, even if she was only allowed in Abigail's room. It opened her to opportunities she knew would be useful in the future, she just had to remain calm and bid her time until Mae did not watch her like a hawk.

She had of course gone back to the small library the following night of the incident but had found the room to be locked. The moment had been an anti-climax considering it took her the entire evening to psych herself up to actually leave her room and check the door. Three days had passed since then and now the adrenaline had begun to ebb as she realised planning an escape would not be like it appeared in muggle entertainment and take only a day, luck on her side as a perfect plan magically appeared.

During her quiet moments her mind had begun questioning events of that night that until now had not been a concern. Thoughts that had made her blood run cold. Mae had wanted to know how she had gotten into the library believing that she had used magic to open the door, with a wand that clearly rested somewhere in this house. Most likely on the floor she was currently on. Yet she had not used magic to open the door it had been open when she entered. This was what frightened her.

Mae gave her the impression that the door was only open if someone was in there to begin with. Someone who held the Zabini name. The room had seemed empty when she had been there but had it actually? She had never explored the second floor of the library, what if someone had been hiding there?

She swallowed the thought as she changed the pillow cases, if someone had been in there they surely would not have let her continue nosing through the books. They would have made themselves known, punished her for what she had done. Surely?

She placed the pillows into position before replacing the many smaller pink and white pillows of various shapes and sizes. When she had finished the task her mind fighting against her rising thoughts she bit her lip nervously as another thought entered her mind, more invading and nearly as tempting as escaping.

With a small guilty smile she gave into the urge and turning against the bed she fell against it allowing herself to sink into the think duvet and soft mattress. She couldn't deny the long sigh that escaped her lips as she ran her hand against the soft material shutting her eyes to the world. Having spent only a couple of seconds upon such a comfortable bed she wondered how Abigail could even face getting up every day never mind leaving her room. She wondered if every Zabini slept in a bed like this. The thought brought her back to reality with a painful thud.

She sighed once more this time in anger content in cursing the Zabini family and all who had hurt her, all Voldemort's followers and the Dark Lord himself as she stared up at the drapes that hung regally along the bed posts. She wondered if she would hate them less if she was given a bed as comfortable as this.

"I wouldn't let anyone catch you slaking on duty if I were you" a voice said breaking her from her evil brooding. Her body froze and in the seconds that followed she was unable to decide whether to sit up or stay stone still. She swallowed the urge to be sick as she sat up scrambling to her feet in what she wished was but knew was not to be a graceful action.

Blaize stood leaning in the doorway a small amused smile on his lips as he unfolded his arms slowly and pushed himself away from the frame. He took a couple of steps into the room looking around as he did so, Hermione standing silent, her wide eyes never leaving his form.

He was still wearing a long black coat, custom tailored and expensive. She could see his initials embroidered on both sides of his collar in silver. A dark leather satchel was over his shoulder while under his right arm he held an exquisite porcelain doll. He turned to look at her and his smile faded, his jaw tightening. He did not look like a Death Eater in that moment, just rich she thought.

"A present for my sister" he said coolly placing the doll down on her desk. His lips went thin for a moment as he looked severely at an area of the room, lost to a thought. "I thought they would be back by now" he finished.

Hermione simply stared at him, unsure if she was expected to speak or perhaps slowly edge out of the room. How were servants supposed to act around their masters? Especially when that master was a man she knew from school, had been in her rivalled house and was a known well established member of the Death Eaters. The man was completely unfathomable. One moment he was looking and talking to her as if she were simply an old school friend, the next as the captive war victim she was. She had no previous relationship with this man, knew very little about him. A part of her wished now that she had made the effort back in Hogwarts, anything just to gage a little of who this man was.

"I'd better go unpack" he said aloud not looking at her before sombrely striding from the room giving no notice to her. She didn't risk sitting back down on the bed encase he came back but she couldn't deny the weakness of her knees as she held to the bedpost for support. She had been dreading a reunion with Zabini but she never believed it would have turned out like that. At least he didn't seem the sadistic violent type like his father, punishing her for lying on the mistress's bed. She just had to wait the return of senior Zabini. She knew she would have to face them at some point after the events she had last seen them and she had not been looking forward to it. Blaize's reactions towards her since her arrival had been so bipolar that she realised she didn't know what to expect from him.

It seemed strange that such a, she almost thought normal but decided against it, that such a man could be held in Voldemort's ranks. It scared her that the Death Eater lurked just under the surface of his persona, just waiting to be unleashed. She remembered Lucius Malfoy's warning just before she left Azkaban, well she considered it a warning, Malfoy however probably did not think it so.

'He's as merciless as the Dark Lord himself'

His behaviour towards her, now she thought about it had been mostly kind, in an odd way. He had rescued her from his father, saved her from Azkaban and lost a laughable amount of money. As she rid the bed of the creases she had made and gathered the dirty bedding she shivered. Despite all he had done in her mind she did not doubt for a second Malfoy's warning and she did not know why. Blaize had been gentlemanly in his odd humoured way but she knew any man who was as close to Voldemort as he was said to be, did not get there without stepping over a few dead bodies on the way.

She stopped halfway to the staircase realising in exasperation that she could not use the main stairs now one of the family was home. A small defiant act that had brought her a small comfort. Just before she turned back she heard Mae's voice.

"Master Zabini, I did not expect you back today, let me take your coat"

"Thank you"

Stepping to the staircase rail Hermione sneaked a peak over at the party below. Blaize was just taking off his coat, his suitcases at his feet. If she had not just seen him she would have just said he had arrived. She wondered how often he was at home when in fact he was believed to be away. It was a big house and he seemed very apt at appearing quietly when he wanted to.

"Has my father returned?" he asked Mae, Hermione knew he already knew the answer.

"No, I haven't heard from him" she replied taking his coat. He passed his satchel to a modest but pretty brunette who was wearing the same garb as Hermione. This she assumed was the woman Mae was training, she didn't realise Blaize took her with him when he travelled, though it seemed obvious considering she had never actually seen her. She wondered if the rumours were true about the pair's secret love affair. Neither showed the slightest hint now however. She seemed a nice girl but impressions could be deceiving.

"How's everything been?" he asked, his voice continuing in the same cold manner so different from when she saw him only minutes ago. What was he playing at? She thought.

"Fine" Mae replied, her own voice taught.

"Good"

Hermione turned away seeing no point in snooping, she doubted she would gain any useful information that would be worth the risk of being caught.

"Have you told them yet about Saturday?" she heard Blaize voice echo up. Hermione froze.

"No. I did not think it worth causing unnecessary stress this early" she heard Mae, the house keeper's voice softening. She did not hear a reply from Blaize.

What was happening on Saturday?

"When is my mother home?" Blaize spoke once more after a moment.

"Tomorrow sir, your mother decided to stay an extra day, your aunt refused to let them leave without a formal goodbye"

"Sounds about right" Blaize grunted, I imagine it had nothing to do with the final gala and exhibition"

"I was told it would be an opportunity not to be missed"

"I wish I could have gone, Venice would have been a nice break after this week" Blaize replied, tiredness leaking into his voice.

Hermione forced herself to continue down the hallway the conversation she had been so interested in having clearly finished. Whatever was occurring Saturday was clearly important. And stressful. That was not a comforting thought.

Dinner was a quieter affair than usual, the master's return hanging over the heads of all present. Hermione was finally introduced to Kate and found her to be a nice, if not slightly nervous young woman. Once dinner was underway she seemed to relax and no longer remained silent. She wondered where Blaize had taken her and what he had done. Despite the threat, it would have been nice to leave the confines on the house. Already the large house seemed smaller every day; especially when one half was cut off from you.

She wondered if she should ask Mae what was occurring on Saturday. Did it even involve the house staff anyway? Perhaps Zabini had meant his family.

"Your quiet tonight" Tom interrupted, "Well more than usual anyway" he grinned.

"Just thinking" Hermione replied, forcing herself to smile at him.

"About the master?" he asked her, his warm tone falling. Hermione shrugged. "I suppose this is the first time you've lived with them since…. Well since the argument…" he stumbled off. Hermione noticed a few ears had picked up around her.

She shrugged again concentrating on her food, the staff did not know about what had happened in that room or why she had caused such a stir, and she wanted to keep it that way. Emily glared down at her from the end of the table. Hermione ignored it with a tired sigh, the girl simply causing a wave of irritation now. The girl had yet to cause any harm and Hermione was beginning to feel Emily was all bark and no actual bite.

"Are you done for the day?" Tom asked her, his voice brightening realising the negative reaction his statement had brought her.

"Nearly", the many excited ears and eyes fell back into their own conversations realising nothing would be revealed.

"That's good then" he smiled, picking at his food. "Have you seen the new beds we've just put in?" he asked casually.

Hermione shook her head. Tom broke into a grin. "I must say it's my best work yet. I can show you later if you want, he won't come looking, he's never in the garden on his own" he added in a quieter voice meaning Blaize. "Just be me and you".

Hermione's stomach dropped uncomfortably, she felt guilty as she looked up into his expectant face. He really was a nice guy and she could see why Becky found him attractive. She had come to like him; he was the sort where it was hard not to like him. It had not happened to her often but Hermione knew the signs and he was not looking at her in the same way he looked at Becky and the others. But she was tempted to go outside and look at the flowers, escape from the house a little.

"Why doesn't Becky come to, she has a greater understanding for these things" she lied, "I just like looking at them" Tom's smile fell just a little while Becky looked up from her plate her bitten lip replaced with an inkling of a smile. Her eyes brightening in hope. Tom looked at the pair and nodded slowly his happy façade returning once more.

"Sure. More the merrier" he fell silent after that, while Becky seemed to have found her voice.

Hermione ignored the conversations of the table and wondered where the spare wand was hidden. It couldn't have been locked away too secretly or Hermione would not have been expected to have taken it. She wondered what charm Blaize had used on the bracelet keeping her here. She needed to research and she couldn't do that while the family was at home, it was too dangerous. She doubted she would be able to get back into the small library on the upper floor but the large ground floor library she knew must have something useful. Then she needed floo powder which she hoped was in the small library. But again how was she supposed to get in there? She needed a breaking spell, needed a wand to perform the charm and get into the small library to then find the floo powder and escape. She remembered Lyra's news of Grimauld place and Ron. Thinking of him brought a warm sensation of hope to the gloomy impossible list of things to do. Who knows, if Lyra did escape maybe Ron would soon be on his way to rescue her. To the home of Death Eater's. From Voldemort's favourite. It would be suicide for him.

She resisted the urge to thump her head against her plate and cry. Tom reached out resting his hand on her arm warmly giving it a small squeeze a worried look on his face.

"I'm fine" she told him pulling away, the act of kindness had brought a little comfort to her surprise and she clung to it as she rebuilt her walls.

She walked with Becky to the back door of the kitchen when all her tasks had been completed. Glad she had seen no sight of Zabini.

"Thank you, for this" Becky mumbled as she fiddled with her robe refusing to look at her.

"For what?" Hermione asked confused, wishing the girl would stop treating her like a bomb ready to explode.

"You know, including me… with Tom" she blushed furiously.

Hermione shrugged, realising she was doing that a lot today. "He's a nice guy but even if it was allowed he isn't my type" she told Becky trying to stop the terseness that was attempting to enter her voice. She didn't know why she was getting so riled with the girl; none of this was her fault.

Becky seemed to relax at her words falling into step with her instead of her usual two ahead.

"Hey girls" Tom greeted with his usual grin. He stepped out into the cool air, "we'd better get a move on before the sun fully goes down" Becky hurried to catch up with him, Hermione happy to follow in her own time. Taking them down to the far side of the garden he stepped through an arched trellis work of flowers into the area he had been working on. Hermione looked out at his work surprised and pleased with what she saw. She had been expecting ordered areas of colour and garden species instead the garden was full of wild flowers, a small stone path winding through, a small veranda with a bench over at the far side with nothing to block its view of the woods beyond.

"It's beautiful" she said warmly. He grinned in glee at her praise.

"I prefer this style to the ordered flower beds closer to the house. Theirs a freedom here"

Hermione nodded, "I prefer it to" she began down the path, Tom willing to follow but being held back by Becky and her amounting praise.

Hermione smiled to herself at the couple, Tom soon becoming lost in his growing excitement as he spoke with her. She wanted to sit on the bench but the air was growing chilly as the sun vanished over the horizon. She was unsure what time of year it was but she knew it was late in the day and she realised with spite that she had missed the summer. Azkaban seemed to have its own weather. Cold with a dash of rain.

Enjoying the view a little longer she turned back to the couple. "I'm going to head back" she told them rubbing her arms.

"Can we stay a little longer?" Becky asked Tom. He looked at Hermione conflicted.

"I can walk back by myself its fine" she told him, gracing him with a smile. He nodded putting his hands in his pocket a little to forcefully. Hermione had to admire his manners as he turned to Becky showing no sign of his disappointment.

"Goodnight" Hermione said before making a slow meandering walk to the house. The lights were on and Hermione couldn't deny how beautiful and grandeur it looked in the nightfall. She stopped and looked up at it her arms wrapped around her to keep the chill at bay. It was a gorgeous house; she hoped the inhabitants appreciate that. A dark figure appeared at one of the large bay windows, the light was against them so she could not make out their features but she knew it was Zabini. He seemed to catch sight of her after a long moment and she felt she could feel his eyes on her. She wanted to hurry inside but after the long day she simply stared at the window defiantly. It was to exhausting to be terrified of a man who had yet to show her his evil.

Maybe it was the distance between them, the darkness of the night hiding her but she remained still until she heard Tom and Becky behind her. Tom wrapped an arm around her shoulder in a friendly manner.

"What you looking at?" he asked perplexed looking upwards with her. His arm fell as he caught sight of Zabini. "We'd better hurry back inside" he said to them both, fear in his voice. Becky nodded vigorously refusing to even look in the master's direction. Hermione held her gaze for a few moments longer before finally stepping forward and walking into the house.

"Oh God!" Hermione breathed as she gripped her mouth.

She stood in the kitchen along with the rest of the staff as Mae and Kate stood facing them. Mae's eyes flitted to Hermione's as she heard her outburst but calmly returned to the others.

"It is occurring this Saturday giving us three days to prepare for the event".

A Death Eater gathering or dinner party as it was so artfully put. She wondered if it was possible to throw up and faint at the same time. Her body was certainly giving it ago. The others around her all had similar reactions one even sat down.

"I know none of us find this easy and I will not repeat the speech from last time" Mae said calmly, her rigid body portrayed her own fear for the coming event. "Now duties will be the same as before however Becky you will have to replace David" this time Becky moaned and fell to her knees. Emily although pale, stared at her in disgust.

"I want Emily, Holly, John and Samuel next door with Kate" the older staff that Hermione knew but rarely spoke to nodded, there expressions hard. Hermione wondered how many gatherings they had lived through. "Becky I want you to go with Kate, she will need to explain to you what is required. Tom you and your master will be outside today. Understood?" she warned him as he helped Becky to her feet.

"I'll see to it Mae" Jacob growled his expression sour.

"I'll have the elves prepare you lunch".

Mae finally turned to Hermione as everyone began to trail out a heavy silence suffocating them all. When all was quiet Mae motioned Hermione to the table. She sat down heavily.

"The master wanted me to talk with you" Mae began taking the seat opposite her at the table.

"Which one" Hermione muttered gloomily.

"Blaize"

Hermione remained staring at the table. What horrendous expectations did he expect of her? Was she to entertain the guests as they tortured her with pain and venomous words? What if Voldemort himself was there? That thought made her gag in horror. She clenched her stomach and took a panicked breath. Mae leaned forward in panic at her sudden outburst.

"Hermione"

"If he comes, I will kill him" she cried, her breathing becoming hoarse as she swallowed back nauseous waves.

"Calm down" Mae ordered attempting to grip her hands.

"I will kill him, I cannot be so close to him and not try" perhaps this was the reason behind all her suffering. Perhaps all she had gone through was to lead her to that moment, to kill Voldemort. Sure she did not have a wand, but she still had time to find it. She would risk waking Becky at night, risk the family if she had the slightest chance to commit this murder, avenge all she had lost to him. And if that failed she could always take a kitchen knife. She wondered what would be quicker, her hand or his spell cast.

"Don't speak of impossible things"

Hermione fell silent. It wasn't impossible, she could do it, she knew she could.

"Master Zabini does not even know if he will come. He does not come to the gatherings often. He prefers that they to come to him".

Hermione's panic began to ebb. "What is going to happen?" she whispered to Mae.

"That is what I was ordered to talk to you about". Hermione wondered why. "In these situations I usually take it upon myself that a new member of staff is never present at their first gathering. With you however I know things have become more complicated" she paused for a moment before continuing. "Master Zabini… that is, Blaize has told me that he does not want you present at the party"

This surprised her more than anything, "why?" she asked in shock her heavy breathing becoming silent.

"He is not sure what will happen, or how they will respond to your presence"

"He thinks they'll hurt me" Hermione whispered beginning to tremble.

"He said he was not sure" Mae repeated firmly.

"And he doesn't want that?" Hermione voiced finding her courage afraid of an answer no matter what it was.

"Of course not! He's paid half his fortune for you, he won't risk anything happening to you now. The Dark Lord gave you to him, no one in their right mind will lay a finger on you out of fear of the repercussions. However to be on the safe side you are to remain in your room unless summoned"

"You honestly believe they won't want to see me?" Hermione asked, her voice becoming cold.

"They will do what the master says"

"What about his father?" Hermione demanded holding Mae's gaze. "He will not let me remain hidden. He'll parade me like a trophy"

"You don't know that-"

"Then you do not know them" she interrupted. "I've been fighting people like them for years" she shouted pointing at the door, "And they will not let me go" she finished slowly emphasising each word, "until I am dead".

"Then they will have to go through me first" a cold voice bit out.

"Master Zabini!" Mae jumped to her feet. Hermione refused to look at him, loathing that he had caught her twice now unawares.

"No one will lay a finger on you. You have my word". She could feel his gaze burning into the side of her face, his brows creased in anger.

"And what good is that?" she demanded, her knuckles white against her seat as she clung to it, staring at the wall in front of her. His interruption had sparked a rage in her that had spread to cover her fear.

"A Zabini's word is his life" Blaize gritted out.

"What use is that to me?" she turned her venomous gaze at him. He stood strong, his own gaze full of pride and anger. There was no warmth in that gaze now and it infuriated her. Who was this man before her and what exactly did he want?

"Why are you protecting me?" she asked icily.

His eyes narrowed and for a moment Hermione did not think he was going to answer her.

"Because I own you"

His voice had been as slow as hers, laced with as much venom. His words echoed in her ears.

"And I have more use for you alive then dead. Understood?" he growled.

Her eyes became slits, "you will never own me!" she whispered. She slowly got to her feet, Blaize's eyes never leaving hers. She wished he didn't look so controlled, wished he was more like his father so she could understand the danger she was in and what to expect. "You may wish to protect me for your own gains… but if you put me in a room with him, on my word I will kill him or die trying. Understood?"

The tension in the room was unbearable as they glared at each other, Mae staring between them, her face white.

"Understood" Blaize said finally, his tone calmer. Hermione could feel the rage draining from him even if he did not show it. She began to realise every emotion he had shown her before today had been carefully considered. She was only able to scrap the surface of what he was thinking and that was terrifying.

"Just think about what I have said" he told her his voice become drone like as it often did when he was talking to the staff. "Go to your room" he looked at Mae, "I want her there for the rest of the day"

"Yes sir" she replied hoarsely as he left the kitchen without a further glance at Hermione.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter, as always PLEASE leave a review, every single one is appriciated and always spurs me on!

I want to dedicate this chapter to Whipmyhair24 as it was thanks to her reviews that really pushed me into action to finish this chapter. Hope you enjoed it hun, if not I blame the crazy brought on by exam stress :D