Chapter Five

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Sorry for posting one day late, we were rather busy with studying. Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Before Ginny knew it, Tuesday came and went and soon it was her second free period. The past day was filled with homework, and Ginny now knew why they gave the sixth years' two free periods—otherwise the homework would never get done. She already had two rolls of parchment for Transfiguration, a dream diary for Divination, and one roll of parchment for Potions.

Ginny checked her watch; it was 5:55, she had five minutes until her detention. She hurried down to the Defense Against the Dark Arts—no sorry, the Dark Arts—room.

As Ginny walked into the pungent classroom, she was mildly surprised to find not one, but both of the Carrows, both eagerly turning their heads at Ginny's entrance.

"You're late, Miss. Weasley. I'm disappointed by you. But then again, who isn't?" they both cackled.

Ginny scowled hatefully. "Just get on with it already."

"Now, let's begin—the earlier you start, the earlier you leave; I don't want you messing up my classroom." Mr. Carrow remarked. Then why is he scolding me for being late, Ginny thought, already wanting to leave the foul place.

Mrs. Carrow turned to the door, raising her wand.

"Insulato!" Ginny recognised the soundproofing spell, although she was curious to know why they would need it for detention. Like I'd suddenly start screaming.

The Carrows turned to Ginny, a gleeful but menacing expression on their faces. What's going on—

"Crucio!"

Ginny had a high pain tolerance. She'd broken her arm once, and barely shed a tear.

This made a broken arm seem like a paper cut.

She screamed. The sound tore out of her mouth, as if a dementor was sucking out her soul. Pain, deathly pain, shot down her spine. Her burning skin felt like it was being peeled off by the Carrows, who were gleefully laughing, laughing, like Ginny's agony was the funniest thing in the world.

She sobbed. Her whole body screamed with protest.

Everything went black; she could feel, hear, see nothing but pain, so much pain…

It felt like a thousand years.

When whichever one was casting the spell (Ginny couldn't tell, she couldn't tell anything then) finally, finally stopped, Ginny collapsed onto the floor, bones turning to rubber. I need some Skele-Gro, she thought giddily.

"Now, wasn't that fun? I think you've learned your lesson; you should know better than to mess with us."

Ginny, still panting, spattered across the floor, snarled. How is it possible to hate someone so much? You should meet Umbridge; she would love you guys.

"Oh poor, poor Miss. Weasley. What would your friends think if they saw you lying on the floor in despair? What would your parents think? Where is that famous Gryffindor courage? Isn't that what they'd say?"

"Yeah, and we do know that you had a little something with Mr. Potter," sang Miss. Carrow.

"Oh yeah, some little info for you, in case you'll need it. We really, really dislike you. Or maybe you could use the word hate," said Mr. Carrow.

"Right back atcha'." Ginny sneered.

Miss. Carrow frowned.

"Now, you should be leaving now, I presume? And close the door on the way out."

"And don't you even dare telling people about this. I don't think you want another detention, do you? Especially after the one you'll have tomorrow."

Ginny didn't say anything. She pulled herself off of the floor, wincing in pain as she stood. Both the Professor Carrows were looking at her, with vile smiles on their faces. She sent out a glare. If looks could kill, they would've died a hundred and one times already. Ginny limped to the door, head high; her pride was more wounded than her physical self, and on her way out, she slammed the door so hard, the hinges rattled and wood cracked.

She was a flurry of anger, hatred, rage, and through that storm, a sliver of sadness and fear rolled down her cheek and splattered on the cold, dark floor of Hogwarts.

"SHE DID WHAT?!"

Ginny flinched. Neville was positively spitting with rage. I knew this was a bad idea…

"I'm fine, Nev—"

"Shut the hell up. You are most definitely not fine. A crucio? A CRUCIO?! That's not-I can't even-what the hell-" Neville sputtered, red-faced. "I'm gonna go tell McGonagall, she'll know what to do with those-those BITCHES" Neville made a move to get off the bed they were sitting on.

"Neville, no!" Ginny gasped. This was exactly what she had been afraid of. If they told McGonagall, she would protest against the Carrows to Snape, and then she would be hurt because of it. They couldn't afford to lose another Professor. (Not a good one, at least.)

"Oh YES!" Neville shouted, and jumped off the bed. "In fact, I'll do it right now!"

Ginny, out of her panic, jumped forward and tackled Neville. She winced, but was able to hide it. He shouted, and flailed his arms wildly.

"Will you just listen for a second! If I could, I would tell McGonagall as soon as I can. How could I not! But I can't. And you need to know why. So shut up and listen!" Ginny said through gritted teeth. Slowly but surely, Neville lowered his arms and sat back down on the bed, arms crossed and scowling.

"This better be good." Oh, it is.

"Ok, Neville. Listen. If you went and told McGonagall, she would definitely go protest to Snape. Have you seen what happened to her lately? The exhaustion? Merlin, I don't even want to know what kind of hell Snape's putting her through these days. If McGonagall protests to Snape, he'll kill her, or worse." Ginny drew in a breath and slumped her shoulders, ranting finished.

There was a long pause.

"So," Ginny finally said. "Is that a good enough reason for you?"

Neville sighed.

"I suppose it is. But how do we stop this without telling anyone?" Suddenly, Neville's eyes lit up. "This is why we need Dumbledore's Army back! If no one will help, we will!"

Ginny thought for a moment. It did make sense. At first she was skeptical, but after this detention, Ginny realised that if someone doesn't stop this, they'll continue torturing students like they did to her.

"Yeah… we should."

Neville grinned.

"Yes! Finally!" he yelled, pumping his fist into the air.

"With one exception."

"Shoot, I knew there was gonna be a catch!" Neville sighed dramatically. "State your demand, Your Highness."

"Me, you, and Luna. The three of us only. It's too dangerous. You know that." Neville's eyes darkened a bit as he remembered how Ginny got tortured.

"Yeah, yeah… fine." Neville said, dragging out the fine.

Ginny smiled.

"So let's go get Luna, and Dumbledore's Army will be back and running!"

"Watch out, Carrow! Watch your back, Snape! 'Cause we will destroy you guys, just you wait and see! Don't let the door hit your arse on the way outta Hogwarts!"

The next morning, Ginny awoke with a start, her hair spattered to her face, sweating from nightmares of the Carrows and Crucios. Dread settled in her stomach when she realised she still had yet another detention to go. What will they do to me? Ginny wondered fearfully. The Imperious Curse? She closed her eyes, taking a break from the world.

"Morning Ginny! Another new day!"

Luna. Ginny reopened her eyes, blinking; sunshine was flowing into the room. Luna sat at the end of Ginny's bed, almost touching her feet. Her eyes shone with happiness and a small smile graced her face. What is Luna doing here? Isn't she supposed to be in the Ravenclaw common room?

"Wait, Luna, how did you get into the Gryffindor common room?"

"Oh, yeah! Neville told me the password. Rather interesting one too, danger in Latin," said Luna, almost in a daze. The look on Ginny's face must have looked odd, because Luna continued on.

"Your common room password, I mean, it's danger in Latin. Almost as if Hogwarts knows what's going to happen," she said, the last sentence mostly to herself.

"Oh yeah! I almost forgot!" Luna suddenly said, sitting up straight. She reached into a pocket and handed her a newspaper with the title 'The Quibbler" on it. The headline said, Harry Potter: Not A Criminal. Ginny stared in awe. Who has the guts to write this? Ginny scanned the paper until she found what she was looking for—Written by Xenophilius Lovegood.

"Merlin's beard! Luna, did your father write this?" asked Ginny, astonished. Luna nodded with a proud smile on her face. Just then, Ginny remembered her detention. She didn't want to break the happy mood, but she had to tell Luna. She was her best friend. And they would need Luna for D.A. Ginny tucked the newspaper away in her robe—she would read it later, when she needed a picker-upper. But for now…

"Um, Luna… I have something to tell you—about my detention last night," Ginny said apprehensively. Luna nodded brightly, encouraging her to go on. "OK, so for my detention, they didn't make me write lines or anything like that. The Carrows used the Cruciatus Curse on me," Ginny said, her voice getting softer as she spoke on.

Luna's jaw dropped open.

"They—did—what?" Luna yelled. Ginny placed a silencing charm on the door, so no one could hear their conversation.

"They used the Cruciatus Curse on me," Ginny said, her voice becoming more sure. Luna stared out of the window, expression unreadable.

"Did you tell Professor McGonagall?"

"No, and you can't tell either. Promise me you won't tell. I'll tell you why after, but just promise me that you won't tell Professor McGonagall anything," Ginny said solemnly. Luna nodded.

"Handshake. Promise me." Luna and Ginny did their secret handshake; they had made it when they'd first met. It seemed childish now, but Ginny needed a true promise from Luna. Not that she breaks her promises anyway.

"OK, you cannot, cannot, tell Professor McGonagall about this because then she'll go protest to Snape—"

"Then Snape will punish her. Yeah, You're right. She looks like hell these days. Like you!" Luna joked. Ginny laughed, despite the serious topic.

"Alright… but tell me if you need anything; I'm here for you, okay?" Luna said gently. Ginny nodded. She had to pull herself together, she thought, as she began to get out of bed. She wobbled a bit and Luna grabbed her hand.

"I'm here for you, OK Ginny? You don't have to do everything on your own," Luna reminded. Don't worry, Ginny lectured herself. Luna's with you. You'll be fine.

As Ginny walked out of her dorm, she checked her schedule, and her heart sank. Professor Carrow. Then, his sister. Merlin, why must this happen to me? Her mind flashed to yesterday, the agony, the taunting. "Where is that famous Gryffindor courage?"

Her jaw set. It's right here. She had to be strong. She could do this. Ginny held her head high and walked into the classroom.

Almost immediately, the smell assaulted her nose. Ginny continued walking to her seat, ignoring the odor and the horrible memories it brought back.

Mr. Carrow's face brightened as he noticed Ginny stride in. His mouth curled into a nasty grin.

"Good morning, Miss. Weasley. Did you sleep well?" He asked in a sickly-sweet voice. Merlin, you should go and marry Umbridge. You would be perfect for her.

Ginny growled. It took all her willpower not to lash out at him. Instead, she answered:

"I slept like a hippogriff baby, Professor Carrow. Thank you for asking," using the same voice he did.

Ginny noticed Professor Carrow frown, as if wondering how Ginny could have slept at all. He obviously doesn't have the brain cells to know I'm being sarcastic. Ginny turned away from him and started towards her seat. Great. Slytherins. Thankfully, she didn't get any jeering. Probably because I look like death. Good thing she does, too. If Ginny had gotten any more trouble, she'd snap.

The class went on, with the same old useless crap, and Ginny was on the verge of dozing off when—

"The Cruciatus Curse. One of the Unforgivable Curses. Can anyone tell me what this curse does?" Ginny's head snapped up at Cruciatus Curse, still terrified of that very word.

She realised, with a burst of anger, that Professor Carrow was looking specifically at Ginny, noting her reaction. He looked pleased at Ginny's fear.

Ginny's will hardened. She wasn't going to let him play her like a pawn. She raised her hand.

"Miss. Weasley?" Mr. Carrow asked, in more of a confused manner than actually calling on her. Nevertheless, Ginny answered:

"The Crucio, also known as the Cruciatus Curse, is a tool of the Dark Arts and one of the three Unforgivable Curses. It is one of the most powerful and sinister spells known to wizardkind. When cast successfully, the curse inflicts intense, excruciating pain on the victim." Ginny stated. "Believe me, I know." Merlin, I'm starting to sound like Hermione.

Someone started clapping, but stopped when Professor Carrow glared. He looked surprised, but tried to compose himself.

"Yes, of course, Miss. Weasley. You would certainly know."

Normally, Gryffindor would've gotten at least five points for that. But with the Carrows, apparently not. Ginny thought darkly. God, she hated them so much, it was becoming numb.

Much sooner than Ginny had expected, the clock struck 12:00 for lunch. Ginny ran out of the disgusting classroom as fast as she could without limping to the common room. She dumped her things onto her bed and rushed down to the Great Hall. Once again, the warm buzz of chatter was there and it felt warm and cozy. Ginny found her friends waving to her; saving her a seat. She sat down beside Lavender. She saw Luna quietly slip to the Gryffindor table and Ginny acknowledged her with a nod and a smile. Ginny turned her head to Lavender.

"How was your day, Lav?"

"Great, but probably only because I didn't have Defense Against the Dark—sorry, my mistake, the Dark Arts. Stupid idiot. The Unforgivable Curses are great ways of Dark Arts, and plus, you can defend yourself!" Lavender mimicked. "Why don't you try defending yourself from stupidity?" Ginny laughed. Lunch rolled on with Ginny and her friends joking about the Carrows and Snape.

Muggle Studies was just as bad. Miss. Carrow smiled politely when she saw her, but there was evil glee in her disgusting dark eyes. Ginny smiled back with rage and a hint of amusement in her own. Well, at least Luna's here.

Alas, no matter how long the day seems, Ginny had to face the inevitable. Standing in front of the Muggle Studies door, Ginny shivered with fear. Get a grip! She scolded herself. You've faced the Cruciatus Curse. You will not back down! Even so, Ginny still shook with the terror of whatever lay beyond that door. She took a deep breath, clenched her teeth, and twisted the doorknob.

The Carrows stood together, wearing matching malevolent grins.

"Well, well, well, look who's here."

"At least she isn't late this time. Learned your lesson, haven't you, you little brat?"

Never. Ginny thought, hatred seeping through her eyes. She forced herself to meet their gazes.

"Now, let's not waste any more time. This'll be fun." Ginny shivered at the word fun, but forced her stare not to waver. I must not show any fear.

Mr. Carrow waved his wand at the door, just like last time. "Insulato!"

Next, Miss. Carrow looked at Ginny, a menacing grin on her face. She raised her wand.

Ginny closed her eyes, bracing herself for the pain, the agony. But nothing came. She opened her eyes.

Or at least tried to.

Her eyes were glued shut. There was a little voice in the back of her head telling her to keep her arms at her side. She couldn't resist. Ginny struggled to move her arms. Nothing. Slowly, it dawned on her. Imperious.

Ginny could hear the Carrows, cackling giddily at Ginny's struggle. Ginny mentally snarled, and beat against the strong, imaginary chains holding her in place. How could Harry resist this? No matter how hard she tried, how hard she struggled, the chains were unmovable. Eventually, Ginny collapsed (not really, of course), and braced herself for whatever would happen.

After a couple seconds, Ginny felt it. Slowly, the little voice whispered for her arms to be raised. Her legs moved in a robotic manner over to the Professor's desk. Ginny's eyes opened. Her arms were opening the bottom drawer.

Ginny's eyes widened. No, please no!

A dagger. Silver and lethal, it gleamed in the light of the setting sun.

Slowly, ever so slowly, Ginny grabbed it with her left hand. No! Stop! She struggled, kicked, screamed; but it was all in her head. Nothing broke through the chains that bound her.

Her arm lowered onto her right hand. The deathly-sharp blade sliced into her open palm. Blood spurted out, and splattered onto the mahogany desk below.

In her prison, Ginny hissed with pain. At least the Cruciatus Curse did me some good. Now my pain tolerance is so much higher. But nevertheless, Ginny screamed when the blade, suddenly, dropped down and stabbed her sharply in the right arm. Blood, so much blood, poured out of her open wounds.

And it continued. Cut after stab, it continued. To the point of when Ginny's arm seemed numb; she had gotten used to it. To the point of fainting.

But just when Ginny was about to fall, just when she was going to drop into that deep dark pit of unconsciousness, it stopped. But the pain didn't. Oh, not at all. Now, with the spell gone, the pain seemed to double in agony, the blood seemed to flow even faster. How? Ginny thought, as she collapsed on the blood-stained floor. How could someone be so cruel?

"Now, now, now, wasn't that fun?" Mr. Carrow's voice pierced through Ginny's muddled mind.

"Don't—ever—mess—with—us—again." Miss. Carrow hissed. "Got it, you brat?"

Tears of anger and pain rolled down Ginny's face and dripped onto the wooden desk, washing away some of the blood. She tried to stand up, but hissed with pain as the blood flow, which had finally shown signs of slowing, started back up again.

"I… hate… you…" Ginny struggled to get the words out.

"Right back atcha'" Miss. Carrow sneered, mocking Ginny. Right there and then, Ginny felt herself falling into a black pit of nothingness.

Severus walked down the long hallway, checking for any students who might have decided to sneak out. Ungrateful brats. He longed to reveal his actual intentions, he had tethered on the edge of just that many times—but no. He couldn't. Not after what Albus had to do.

Wandering along the seemingly abandoned hallway, Severus's mind wandered. Where was Potter? And his little followers? Severus sneered. Not that I'm worried. If more than anything, he wanted them to struggle. Whatever doesn't kill you, whatever forces you to stand your ground and fight, only makes you stronger. Believe me, I know.

"Oi!" A startled voice jerked him back to reality. Standing in front of him were the Carrow siblings. An idiotic pair. They have less brain cells than an overgrown mountain troll. Not to mention their utter stink. He could barely stand to look at them.

"What are you doing outside of your office? Curfew isn't just for students. I am the only exception." Severus said coldly, lying easily.

The Carrows looked at each other nervously. Miss. Carrow twiddled her fingers. Finally, she spoke.

"We were just, erm, hungry?" Hungry, ha. I saw you gobble down four plates of chicken.

Mr. Carrow picked up immediately.

"Ah, yes!" he stuttered. "We were hungry. Had a small dinner, y'know." he laughed nervously, eyes darting around Snape, every part of him looking like he wanted to escape. Honestly, they lie worse than the students.

"Well, Amycus , you should've eaten more. No exceptions, remember?"

"Ah, yes! Of course, of course! We'll be getting back to our office now, we don't want to waste any more of your time escorting us back." Mr. Carrow looked at his sister meaningfully.

"Hm?... Oh! Yes, yes! Let us go back to our separate offices now, no need to escort us." Miss Carrow repeated.

Severus mentally rolled his eyes. Idiots. He would expose them and jeer, but they seemed to be hiding something important, something Severus needed to know. Especially now, he thought, knowing that Miss. Weasley had detention with them tonight. He put on a sweet voice.

"Hmm… maybe just this once." The Carrows looked at each other, stunned. The sister was the first to respond.

"Thank you, Headmaster! We'll be on our way now, we'll be back in just a minute, thank you!"

As they hurried off, Snape pointed his wand in their direction and muttered Audire—an eavesdropping spell he himself made up. The Carrows' voice rang out, clear as a bell. They seemed to be arguing.

"I'm telling you, it's too risky! Someone will find out!" a female voice snapped.

"Oh, shut up. It's just one night.

"Easy for you to say, it's in my office, not yours."

"But… *yawn* I'm too tired to heal a body. And who's gonna notice she's gone for one night?" a long pause. Then, a reluctant female voice; Miss. Carrow, answered.

"Hmm… fine."

Snape cut off the spell, partially knowing what had happened, and started towards Mr. Carrow's door, but not before muttering another spell.

Zigostia—a spell he made himself, one that made whoever the spell was directed to get hopelessly lost for at least fifteen minutes, depending on their wit. With those idiots, probably a couple of hours, at the very least.

Severus silently strided towards Professor Carrow's office, his robes swishing. The door was locked, but he easily opened it with Alohomora (didn't those idiots think of a spell to prevent doors from it?) As he opened the door, Severus couldn't help but suck in a breath.

Professor Carrow's desk was stained with blood, fresh blood, not completely dried. Lying in the middle of the disgusting, dark, stone floor, a silver dagger was covered with blood. The usually putrid smell of the room was diminished with a musky, coppery tang. It looked like a murder scene.

Severus's eyes wandered over to the trail of blood, hastily wiped off, leading to the closet. Cowards. He walked over to it, and with another Alohomora—opened the closet.

Ginny, her blazing ginger hair falling over her face, spilled out. Her right arm was covered with still-running blood.

Sectumsempra was his first thought. Then, his eyes flicked back to the dagger, discarded on the floor. Imperious. Definitely Imperious.

It took him a minute to think of a plan. Minerva must never know about this. It's already my fault that she looks like hell these days.

He waved his wand over Ginny's arm and muttered Tergio. The blood on Ginny's arm slowly disappeared, but the cuts remained.

Her arm was peppered with cuts and stabs. So many. Snape's hand slowly curled into a fist. I admit it, punishing students is somewhat enjoyable. But this… this is too much.

Ginny's fingers twitched. Severus's eyes darted over to her face; her eyelids were fluttering. Slowly, with surprising gentleness, he brushed a stray lock of hair away from her face.

Suddenly, with a surge of affection, Severus swooped down and planted a light kiss on Ginny's forehead. He shook his head slightly. What am I doing?

"Come on," he mumbled, picking Ginny up with almost no effort.

"Let's get you cleaned up."

Author's Note:

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