Chapter 9

Alicia was suspended from ceiling in metal shackles. Blood ran down in small rivets from her wrists down her arms where she was shackled. Her feet were also shackled to the floor so she could not move even if she wanted to. She heard the sound of the metal bar door to her cell swing open, lifting her head she looked at her visitor.

"You get prettier every day" Dolohov said as he flicked a wand the cell door closed. He licked his lips as he circled her.

Alicia remained silent she had not spoken a word since her arrival and that was how it was going to stay. She would scream, cry but never beg and never give up any information no matter how inane or useful it could be. She would die before she gave the Death Eaters anything.

"Did you miss me? I missed you I can't wait to taste your blood, your pain" He cooed, he waved his wand over her and she whimpered as the chains dropped her to the floor hard. In a second, the chains at her feet wrapped themselves around her legs up to her waist strangling her legs until she couldn't move as the chains at her wrist magically extended and pinned her arms to the floor. She started to hyperventilate knowing exactly what was going to happen next.

Dolohov proceeded to straddle her on the ground she could only see him out of the side of her eye as she was lying face down.

"So pretty" He breathed as he ran his hands up her back and then down feeling the 'mastery' of his work as he liked to call the scars on her back. He stroked her hair and made soothing noises as she tried vainly to pull on her restraints whimpering at the metal of the chains was immovable and hitting already bruised flesh.

"Shhh my little pet, shhhh" he whispered, Alicia whimpered and she saw him unsheathe the dagger he always used, he saw her expression and licked the edge of the blade while smiling manically at her.

"Just hold still wouldn't want to mess up all my beautiful work would you?" he asked as he leaned over her and brushed her hair off the back of her neck. He then proceeded to lick the back of neck where he had branded her weeks ago with the hilt of his dagger. Alicia remembered the scolding pain and the smell of burnt flesh. Involuntary tears ran down her face as she wished to be anywhere than she was.

Dolohov leaned back making himself comfortable groaning in pleasure as he change his grip on the dagger. He then leaned over her, Alicia tried to calm herself knowing the pain that was going to come as soon as the dagger's edge hit her skin. It didn't stop her screams, he smiled and gasped in joy as blood began to seep from her back. He started whispering in another language Alicia had never heard as his knife carved its way down her spine. She screamed in agony over and over as her blood felt like it was boiling and the dagger continued slowly in the same path over and over down her back.

It felt like hours had passed before Dolohov paused. He licked the blood off the blade of the dagger.

"Mmm you have the most delicious blood I've ever tasted which amazes me since you are a blood traitor" Dolohov told her, Alicia had lost her voice from screaming, her energy drained from her useless efforts and blood loss.

"No man will ever touch or want you after I am finished because you will bare my mark forever" He took a deep inhale and then gave a sigh of utter contentment and then began to stroke her hair "You are so pretty and best of all… mine"

Alicia woke with a start and tried to sit up as she found herself tangled with Warrington. She choked on a sob as she hated the emotions the nightmare brought out her. No matter how infrequent the nightmares were she never could handle them. She usually told herself it was just part and parcel everyone had nightmares from those dark days.

Warrington held onto her and rubbed her back while mumbling calming words to her. Her heart was still hammering in her chest as breathed in deep slow breaths. She couldn't believe that Warrington was holding her as she cried. He held her tightly she felt herself calm through his quiet strength and support.

"Alicia, are you ok?" he asked, by his voice it sounded as though he had been awake for hours.

"Yeah, sorry bad dream. What's the time?" she asked, the room was pitch black for which she was grateful as it gave her some privacy.

"Early, do you want to talk about it?" he asked.

"About what?" Alicia asked being obtuse as she really didn't want to talk about it. She didn't understand everyone's predilection to talk about things that happened in the past. She shifted uncomfortably as Warrington's hand touched the scars on her back it made her remember the reverent way Dolohov would rub his hand like it were an artwork.

"The dream" he stated loosening his hold on her.

"No" She said pressing her forehead into the crook of his neck for a second before giving a reluctant sigh as she moved to lie by his side resting her head on his shoulder. She was too tired to move further.

"You can talk to me" he told her.

"I have never spoken to anyone about it. What is the point? I get enough pity and sympathy just having my scars and my spell damage status just another helpless and poor war victim. It's like no matter how hard you try people will never see you as anything than that" Alicia said with a frustrated sigh.

"I can imagine that is frustrating for you"

"Why did you go abroad?"

"We've already spoken on this"

"Well you said you had your reasons besides not believing in the fight"

"I will tell you if you tell me what happened to you"

"Why do you want to know?" Alicia asked she listened to the steady beat of his heart wishing she could calm her own.

"I want to know because it's something that has affected your life dramatically. It has shaped the way you are today how can I not be curious?"

"And?"

"Malfoy Senior piqued my curiosity tonight when he spoke about you"

"I can only imagine the disdain he has for me"

"Actually quite the opposite, he appreciates your strength he didn't go into detail-"

"I can't believe he didn't tell you" Alicia said cutting Warrington off as she was shocked that Malfoy senior would keep quiet about her. But then he had been repairing his family's reputation since the demise of Voldermort.

"Well all I know is that you were captured while gathering intelligence for the Order. Then you were held captive for while which I now know you were held at Malfoy Manor. Why did you not tell me?" he asked.

"What difference would it make?"

"A big difference I'm not a cruel man" Warrington told her.

"I was fine tonight, the Manor has changed since my last visit and anyhow we skipped the dungeons and study so it's not like I had the chance to reminisce"

"Still, you should have told me"

"I refuse to be coddled and it is just a house! It's the people who tortured me and maimed me who deserve the hatred and disgust. The only blessing is that they are dead and never coming back."

"True"

"Your Grandmother wanted to know what happened"

"Yes I know. She said you told her nothing"

"She is-"

"I know, normally she is far more caring but we caught her on a bad night" Warrington said cutting her off.

"Right I'm sure that's it." Alicia said dryly, Warrington chuckled. They lapsed into silence Alicia enjoyed the comfort of his arms around her and in lying with him. It had been a long time since she had such comfort. She really didn't want him to know about her time as a prisoner. They had a delicate balancing act and she didn't want him to become like her friends looking at her with that pity. Carefully watching her every move for the slightest tremor before they took over what activity she was doing and telling her to rest.

She wanted to be desired, beautiful and cherished just how she had felt tonight in her gown standing next Warrington. Even though it was spoiled for just a few hours she had been Cinderella. Hot tears stung her eyes as she remembered the dream, the memories she fought to keep in a box were now invading her thoughts.

"Please don't ask me to tell you what happened. I don't want you to look at me as the others do" Alicia breathed as her emotions overwhelmed her. She felt Warrington's arms pull her in closer.

He said nothing which suited her as she laid there with him. She listened to the steady beat of his heart and slowly drifted back to sleep.

The next day, Alicia was soaked to the bone when she opened the door to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. She was late thanks to Warrington she couldn't stop the cheshire smile on her face not even though the rain could sour her mood.

"Whoa slow down there! You look like a drowned kneazle" Fred said in a jovial tone as he stopped her at the door. He pulled out his wand and used casted a drying spell. Alicia closed her eyes as the charm blasted hot air from the end of the wand. After a few seconds Alicia was completely dry and warm she ran a hand through her hair pushing it back into a ponytail as she didn't want to know what it looked like.

"Thanks" Alicia said.

"No problem, you're late" Fred said with a smile.

"I know I'm sorry I'll stay back to make up for lost time" Alicia said.

"All good. Did you have fun last night?" Fred asked as they walked further into the store past customers.

"Yeah it was fun" Alicia said not wanting to really do a post mortem on the evening with Fred or any of her friends. She really wanted to saviour the night and kept it to herself. It had been perfect in many ways or as close to perfect as Alicia felt she could have and she did not want her friends tearing them to pieces and examining everything said and done.

"You did look beautiful" Fred said.

"Don't I always?" Alicia half joked not entirely paying attention as she missed his tense of 'did'.

"True but last night wow!" Fred said smiling an appreciative smile. Alicia looked at him oddly.

"How would you know how I looked last night?" She asked she didn't remember him being around when she was at the apartment getting ready nor at the function.

"You made the social page of the Daily Profit" Fred said pulling out the Daily Profit. He opened it to the page and held it out in front of her face taunting her.

"How did they get this?" Alicia groaned as she snatched the newspaper it was a photo of her and Warrington. In the photo, they were standing intimately close looking into each other's eyes and smiling like they were sharing an intimate moment.

"With a camera, next time try to get us some free advertisement." He said.

"Yeah I'll remember that next time" Alicia mumbled as she read the small article. The whole page was dedicated to those who attended last night's function as there were photos of Ginny, Harry, the Malfoys all gracing the page but Warrington and Alicia's photo was prominent one.

"The surprise of the night was the Attendance of Lord Warrington who has returned from the continent apparently he is here to claim more than his inheritance."

Alicia rolled her eyes as that one line reminded her why she didn't read the Daily Profit. She continued to read and gagged at the allusions made of her character in the paper.

"It makes my life sound like a soap opera" Alicia exclaimed as she smacked the page when she was half way finished.

"It gets better" Verity said giggling with Fred as they watched Alicia's face for her reactions.

Alicia rolled her eyes as she skimmed the rest of the article stopping at the final lines "Apparently the couple have been spotted around Diagon Alley for the past week looking quite taken with one another. I also spoke to a source close to the couple who relayed to me that the two have been secret lovers for nearly half a decade. *Sigh* Can anyone say romantic? I think I hear the sound of wedding bells for these two"

"Geez now I know why I don't read the Daily Profit. It reads like a teenage girl's diary. I can't read anymore of this trash" Alicia said folding the paper up and handing it to Fred.

"Because it's true?" Fred asked innocently he flattened out the paper.

"What are you doing?" Alicia asked him.

"I'm saving the photo to put it on the bulletin board. Don't avoid the question" Fred said Alicia looked at him blankly.

"Is there going to be a wedding?" Verity asked.

"No!" Alicia said a little defensively.

"No? you two have been together for while don't you want to get married?" Fred asked looking like he was confused.

"I don't know you and Angelina have been a couple for a lot longer when are you going to get don on one knee and give the girl a ring?" Alicia asked throwing his question back at him. He blushed at the question which meant he probably been having that same thought for a while himself.

"This is about you and Warrington not me and Angie. So will there be wedding bells?" Fred asked. Alicia rolled her eyes.

"No"

"No as in not at all or not yet?" Verity asked.

"Not yet? what's with the spanish inquisition?" Alicia snapped.

"Just Curious" Verity said.

"Hey are you feeling ok?" Fred asked he felt her forehead for a temperature until Alicia smacked his arm away.

"I had a rough night" She said. Verity and Fred exchanged knowing looks before smiling at her.

"Oh yeah" Fred said with a knowing smile. Alicia blushed as she picked up the newspaper and smacked him on the head with it.

"I was unwell you idiot" she half lied. She had been unwell but she had woken up for the second time wrapped in Warrington's arms feeling not so refreshed but better than most days. They ended looking at one another before making out like a couple of horny teenagers it didn't go any further than heavy kissing and hands roaming and what not. But it was definitely hot and very satisfying. Just thinking about it made her blush deeper and wish she was still in bed with him. Well that and it made her body hum with anticipation for their future encounters.

"You do look a little flushed" Fred remarked.

"Is that a hickey?" Verity asked pointing at Alicia's neck. Her reflexes kicked in and her hand flew up to cover when she realised they had tricked her.

"Nice, you got me" Alicia said admitting defeat.

"Thank you I work with the best" Verity said smugly with a little curtsey.

"I see a customer waiting to be served" Alicia said pointing behind the two of them.

"Fred be a peach and cover the register I have to talk to Alicia… you know birds and bees talk" Verity said pushing Alicia towards the lab.

"I thought I was the boss here" Fred said as he threw up his hands in defeat before turning to smile at the customer.

Hours later, Alicia was standing in the lab with several bubbling cauldrons. She had remained perfectly tight lipped about her relationship with Warrington when Verity tried to pry. She was also paid a visit by Katie and Angelina who had seen the Daily Profit. Katie's Curiosity was piqued especially about Warrington's physique and his abilities in the bedroom. While Angelina was pissed off that Alicia hadn't owled that she was going to spend the night out. Angelina had truly fallen into the habit of trying to be Alicia's mother.

They had ended up having a huge argument that ended with Angelina saying 'He's a snake and don't expect me to console you when he is finished using you'. The words had stung especially after everything that happened over the years their friendship would be so affected by one man.

Alicia gave a sigh as she checked her progress it had truly been a long day. At least the new potions Warrington gave her worked better than the McCallum's potion.

It was a definitely nice having her morning seizure experience cut in half and having half the hangover from potions and the feeling of being completely drained.

She looked at the clock on the wall and calculated she had another 2 hours before she was finished. Alicia moved to her desk and sat down to do some paperwork when the door opened she didn't bother to look up knowing it was probably Verity, Fred or George.

"I'm won't be finished for another 2-3 hours and I'm not telling you about last night" Alicia said not looking up.

"That's a shame"

Alicia looked up at Warrington who was leaning against the doorway of the lab. He was dressed fashionably as always in a tailored black suite with a grey shirt with a slim black tie. It made her feel woefully underdressed in her grey skinny jeans and black long sleeved v neck top with knee high baggy boots.

"Hey, what do I owe the pleasure?" Alicia asked as a smiled graced her lips.

"I came to deliver your potions to you. Freshly brewed today" Warrington said as he walked up to her and placed a wooden box on the desk. "I also spoke with Master Shikai. He shall be available to do your treatments three times a week at your own convenience" he added.

"Mmm you know how to spoil a girl. Have you read the Daily Profit yet?" Alicia asked as she opened the box looking at the vials inside before closing the box.

"Not yet I was thoroughly occupied at breakfast" Warrington said a smug smile played on his lips as Alicia lightly blushed.

"What did you do with the rest of your day?" Alicia asked innocently.

"Spoke with Montague and we will be taking a trip to the Ministry in the next few days to find the Dagger. Then I suffered a floo call from my grandmother and then occupied myself with work before coming here"

"How's your grandmother?" Alicia asked she didn't care but asked to be polite. She took a turn around the room looking at some of the cauldrons checking on the potion's statuses.

"She is well and she reminded me that my presence is expected for brunch at the Greengrass Estate this weekend"

"Oh yeah?" Alicia asked.

"For a brunch to celebrate Draco and Astoria's engagement"

"Congratulations to them"

"Yes, it is about time. Would you like to join me?" he asked as he looked into a couple of the cauldrons he had no clue what she making but then Potions was not his best subject.

"I don't know, your grandmother would prefer I remove my 'claws' from you and find another man to support me and my medical bills" Alicia said dryly, Warrington laughed at the statement knowing Alicia was saying the censored version of what Aleksandra had said to her.

"Well like I said she does not control my life and she knows nothing about you"

"I like how you're the innocent one and I'm evil one" Alicia said.

"Of course you are I'm her grandson. Now the brunch is from 10-12pm this Saturday. I would like your company unless you have to work?"

"No I can make it. Saturdays are my half days I work from 1pm til around 11pm" Alicia said as she turned off several burners to allow her cauldrons to cool before placing the contents into vials to be saved for packaging or further later use in other products.

"Long hours" Warrington said.

"I have more energy in the evenings" Alicia said with a shrug.

"You surely don't walk home alone at such a time?" Warrington asked he looked angered at the thought and concerned it annoyed her slightly but she soon realised it more about her personal safety than her inability to take care of herself. As far he knew she was helpless and for most part she was but she had learned some muggle self defence arts so she could fight when it became physical. Not that she had the opportunity to use it but it was a comfort to have some knowledge of how to defend herself without magic.

"No, I usually crash on the couch upstairs since Angelina and Fred are in the apartment having physical relations." Alicia said cringing at the words 'physical relations' made her sound like her grandfather when he tried to talk to her about boys and sex. It had been an awkward conversation for both parties.

"Well they tend to get carried away into other rooms of the house. It's just safer for my sanity to stay away than be blinded by the sight" Alicia commented shaking her head as she remembered the countless times she had caught the two with their pants down. Warrington chuckled at the comment and her obvious discomfort.

"I do not want to imagine that" Warrington said.

"Oh if I could obliviate myself I would. So this Brunch you have invited me to. Any kind of dress code?" Alicia asked as she turned off the last burner. She turned and moved toward Warrington closing the space between them.

"Smart Casual" he told her as he closed the gap between them. He snaked his arms around her waist pulling her body flush to his. She placed her hands on the lapels of his suit jacket.

"Your people never go casual for anything do you?" she asked as she pulled on his lapels lightly to emphasise his business attire.

"My People?" he asked with an amused expression.

"The filthy Rich Slytherins. Seriously do you have jeans and a t-shirt? Sneakers?" she asked in a teasing fashion.

"Sneakers?" he asked it only led to her giggling as he looked completely lost. She flattened his lapels out with her hands.

"Shoes you wear when you run" Alicia said.

"I do not own such shoes"

"Then how do you stay fit?"

"I hike and rock climb among other activities" He told her. She looked surprised.

"Seriously? You go out and climb mountains and hike through forests?" she asked sceptical that he even would venture out into the wilderness if he could help it. Apparently she was wrong.

"Yes, not every day but at least twice a week or so depending on how busy I am. I enjoy the exertions and fresh air" he said.

"I never suspected you as an outdoors man."

"There are many things you don't know about me" he whispered in her ear, he felt her shiver in his arms as her arms wrapped around his back leaning into him. She looked up at him as he moved to kiss her. Sadly he was stopped when the door to the room opened and a Weasley twin walked in with a hand over his eyes.

"I'm not looking, I swear!" he said. Alicia stepped out of Warrington's arms and turned to George who was being melodramatic for no reason.

"You can look" Alicia told him

"I'm not into voyeurism" George told her even though he opened two fingers to take a look. Alicia and Warrington waited for him to drop his hand while he mumbled something about being slightly disappointed.

"I was coming in to see if you needed a hand with anything before I pop off to Gringotts" George said.

"No I'm good just letting everything cool. I'll be another 2 hours at least before I head home" Alicia told George.

"Ok" George said he looked to Warrington then back at Alicia "Remember the rules" George said in a very parental tone.

"Yes, Dad!"

"Goodbye kids" George said before he closed the door exiting the room. Alicia turned back to Warrington.

"Where were we?" She asked as she slid her arms around him again.

The following day,

"Maybe you shouldn't go" Angelina said as Alicia slid her feet into her black patent leather Louboutins. Alicia had a particularly rough morning but it was to be expected she drank her new potions and laid on the couch and had a nap with the TV running before Angelina nudged her awake asking if she wanted pancakes. Alicia ate some fruit instead and drank some tea before getting ready.

"Why not?" Alicia asked. She was kind of excited to go to the brunch and watch his Grandmother squirm trying to remain polite even though she clearly disliked Alicia. She also found it cathartic to socialise with people who were too polite to mention the war and anyone's illnesses.

"Because you looked like death warmed over this morning" Angelina said.

"I'm better now" Alicia said which was true. She did feel better.

"After you downed two potions what happened to the McCallums?"

"Montague is my Healer and he recommended a new treatment"

"Montague?" Angelina said her tone said she didn't approve.

"Yeah he's my new healer as a favour to Warrington. I should be so lucky to have him" Alicia said as she adjusted her thin black belt on her waist of her Folklore fin mini dress that ended just below mid thigh with half sleeves and slit shoulders. The harvest colours of peach, yellow, gold, burgundy reds, teal and blacks made suited her complexion.

Her hair hung around in loose waves around her face. She had smoky black eye shadow and a natural pink lipstick so the focus was her eyes.

"Warrington seems to be giving you a lot of things lately. Wardrobe access to healers and potions" Angelina drawled.

"I pay for my potions and Montague is his friend why wouldn't I save a few galleons?" Alicia asked as she put on a gold chrysanthemum bracelet. She really didn't want another argument with Angelina and really wished Angelina would just accept Warrington instead of questioning it especially considering she was now actually dating the man.

"And the wardrobe of clothes?" Angelina asked.

"Well we were invited to a lot of parties now he's back. I can't really go to them dressed in my jumper, a pair of jeans and boots can I?" Alicia snapped slightly as her patience was wearing thin.

"I'm just curious why after 4 years he's finally paying for some things when he's pretty much left you to be destitute"

"Because I'm proud and you know that. Are you upset with me because I lied about Warrington and my relationship?"

"No, it's just that over the past week you seem a completely different person" Angelina said, a knock sounded at the door.

"That's Warrington, I'll get it" Alicia said leaving the conversation as she knew they would get into yet another argument. She practically ran to the door to escape Angelina she pulled it open to find Warrington in a grey suit with a olive green shirt with the top two buttons undone and no tie.

"Hi" Alicia said opening the door. She smiled at his idea of 'smart casual' was him in a suit with no tie.

"Hey yourself" he drawled looking her over.

"You know I'm wondering how many suits you have" Alicia mused.

"Too many to count" Warrington said humouring her. he could get used to her smiling at him like she was for the long term. "Though I confess I do own boots, t-shirts and cargo pants."

"No!" she said feigning shock.

"Of course you don't expect me to go hiking in my suit do you?" he asked.

"I thought you might have on in camouflage" Alicia said mocking him.

"You going to allow me in?" he asked as usually he'd be standing in the living room by now.

"No, Angelina is being disagreeable. Do you mind waiting here while I grab my purse?" she asked.

"Of course not"

"I'll be right back" she said before giving him a quick peck on the lips. She closed the door on him before he could try anything. She ran back into the living room and picked up her clutch double checking its contents before looking at Angelina.

"Warrington?" Angelina asked.

"Yes" Alicia answered.

"We haven't finished our discussion" Angelina told her.

"We'll do it later as I'm out of here, don't wait up" Alicia told Angelina and headed back to the door before Angelina could stop her.

TBC~