Chapter 6. Lily Potter.
Sit, calm down, think.
Isn't this what Scorpius told her to do, many times? Not to rush into decisions, to think carefully, to look for proof. And so, she sat down, with her eyes closed, although her mind was still reverberating with the slight rustling sound of the door closing behind the hastily retreating metamorphmagus.
And so, the first point: he told her about his shape-shifting abilities, voluntarily. That he had assumed the identity and appearance of Marcus Devereaux. And if so, why couldn't he take on the appearance of someone else?
For instance, that of Greg Gregory…
Lily balled her fists, trying to meticulously restore that moment in her memory: when the unfamiliar face faded, to reveal a familiar one… the face of Greg, a Slytherin boy, one year ahead of her in school.
He liked her, for sure. And he and Malfoy vied for her attention, for a short while. Yet, that time at Hogsmead, when the werewolves used Greg to get to her, to Lily, put an end to the story, before it could turn into a story of love.
So, is it Greg Gregory? This was the puzzle that Lily had to solve, because she periodically could sense a gentle penetration into her thoughts.
Xenia is well, of course, although she is likely not free, either; yet, she was trying to get through to Lily, to read her thoughts. Did Lily have the moral right, the confidence to tell – show – the healer the face she had just recognized?
Four years with Malfoy had not gone in vain… Lily was growing more and more doubtful that the face of Greg Gregory was the true visage of Marcus Devereaux.
Too hasty was his departure, as though… as though it was physically difficult for him to keep up this appearance. And Lily glimpsed drops of sweat that gathered on the metamorphmagus' forehead. And a quick twitch of his hand. Was he trying hard? But at what, if he were truly Greg?
Besides, this man's story did not match that of Greg Gregory. Lily recalled meeting a former Hogwarts schoolmate, who told her of being invited to Gregory's wedding. Lily was certain it was to be at the end of June. Very recently…
But why? Why did this man use Greg's face? If she believed that, if she was now to think that it was Gregory who kidnapped her, to spite Scorpius… what would it have changed? After all, he did not know about the mental link between Lily and Xenia that would allow her to communicate the kidnapper's name… Why then would he show her this face?
To get revenge. Not only on Malfoy, but on Gregory, too. For what? It stood to reason that this man knew both chaps rather well.
A Slytherin? Or someone from high society circles? Or both?
Lily got to her feet and began pacing. This reminded her of Malfoy's lessons, when he would give her a problem to solve, and she had to use logic to find the answer. She hardly ever succeeded, but Scorpius was always very encouraging.
Yet, how can this harm Greg? Think, Lily, think.
It seemed to her that, should she find the answer to this question, she would be able to deduce what lay in store for her.
Still, he cannot simply let her go, can he? If he is counting on her to tell someone about Gregory, then it is a possibility, no matter how slim…
Or maybe it is simply important to this man that Lily thinks that Greg is to blame for all this. So that she would hate him, fear him. Why? Again – Gregory would not be likely to find out.
Still, maybe it is enough for the kidnapper that she knows about it, that at least someone believes in Greg's lack of decency and honour? A small underhanded blow. A passing pleasure at his expense.
Yet, why would he tell her his story? Because he does not fear that anyone else would find it out?
So many questions, and no answers forthcoming.
Lily sat back down, staring at the opposite wall. Somehow, she has to convey all this to Xenia – the next time she feels the touch to her mind. Her sister-in-law must learn of this strange man, who leads a pretend existence and ruins the lives of other people.
Marcus Devereaux.
Who is this girl that Malfoy had toyed with? Lily did not know much of Scorpius' past – before he became a part of her life. She never prodded either her brother or her husband (husband…) with questions about their antics at school. She knew quite a bit, and had no desire to learn more, especially of the girls in Scorpius' life.
Who had he dated? Who had been his dance partners? She couldn't recall…
She now knew her kidnappers story. What for?
There was only one logical answer, but Lily was afraid to dwell on it. Perhaps this man is tired, and wants to be caught, to be stopped? Perhaps he wants for Malfoy to find him and to look him in the eye?
Yet, that would be suicidal, and the kidnapper cannot help but realize it, well-acquainted as he seems to be with Malfoy.
Merlin, I cannot understand this, it is too complicated! I cannot figure out this man's motives and actions!
Xenia, where are you? How are you? Can it help you if I tell you everything? Can it help me? If only it is not too late already…
Should she tell Xenia about Greg, or should she conceal this face and this name deep within her mind? What would Malfoy do?
He would demand that she tells them everything she knows. Every detail.
But then, if he finds out, he will kill Greg.
Although this would also give them a better chance of finding her. Before this man kills her.
Lily shrank back from that thought: it was the first time she dared to admit this possibility. Otherwise, why would her tell her so much about himself?
Could he have lied? No, not likely; too many details to fabricate…
Her head was splitting with pain; she was feeling very tired…
Sleep took her by surprise, like a wave – mind-numbing, cold, unwanted, but necessary.
Peace eluded her even in her dreams. She was wandering in an empty, completely empty, grey room, unable to find an exit. It was unpleasantly chilly. Still empty. Grey, non-descript walls.
She walked on, for behind her crept darkness. She did not know why, but she feared it, clasping her cold hands to her chest. It was warmer this way, because inside her a speck of warmth still lingered. Even heat. But it was such a tiny speck that the creeping darkness threatened to overtake it, trample, erase, destroy. And Lily huddled tighter against this darkness, pressing her hands harder to her chest, to protect the speck. And she walked on, peering ahead, into the grey gloom… Behind her was nothing by darkness.
And only deep inside her something still glowed, giving her hope.
"Mama," her lips whispered of their own accord, calling a loved one to the rescue. For some reason, she felt as though only her mother could lend her a helping hand in this gloom – like when she was a child, when she shielded Lily from night terrors. "Mama…"
And she responded, maybe because Lily so badly wanted to hear her. Even if not to see – just to hear. And in the flash of red hair she recognized her, Mama, lost so long ago, but saved forever deep inside – where she still felt warmth.
Red warmth. Silver warmth. Green.
"Mama…"
She couldn't make out the words, but she was oh so happy to hear them. She lurched forward, bumping into grey walls. She searched – she knew not for what.
"What matters most is inside you."
She understood that; she heard her mother.
"But what is it, inside, Mama?"
"What you are searching for. The answers."
"But…"
"What matters most – is inside you, it is eternal," the voice repeated, and Lily believed it: everything would be fine; the fire inside will persevere and lead her out of here.
Her mum promised.
She woke up abruptly, as though from a sudden fright. She sat up and immediately spotted a tray at the bedside table.
Yes, she felt hungry.
The girl walked to the table and picked up the apple, biting into it. The strange dream still lingered in her mind. Everything about this was odd; everything.
If they are feeding her, then they are not planning to kill her. Although… What about poison?
Lily even snorted at the thought – even to her ears it sounded silly and overly dramatic. Scorpius would be rolling with laughter for hours. Only he could laugh so hard…
Lily stumbled and sank onto her bed. Silly? She no longer thought that, because sickness was now washing over her, sharp and unrelenting…
There was no pain, no blood – only a cloud that was slowly covering her, making her lean further onto the pillows.
"Don't fret, I did not poison you…"
She tried to turn her head towards the speaker, but couldn't. She wanted to close her eyes. She couldn't do that either.
She felt paralysed.
He leaned over her himself, so she could see him, eyes wide-open in terror. His breath touched her cheek, scalding it.
"I don't know whether this is painful… It probably is, but at least I shall rid you of this tumor… I shall rid you of this worm that is gnawing at you from the inside."
Lily could barely breathe; the fear urged her to squeeze her eyes shut, push him away, do at least something, but she couldn't. All she could do was gasp for air.
"Don't worry: I have pretty much achieved perfection at this. I had a wonderful teacher – my adoptive daddy. Only a few minutes, and you will be rid of the life where you are Malfoy's puppet. You will be free. Shall we call it starting your life over with a clean slate?"
With a grey slate, a thought broke into Lily's mind through the overwhelming panic. She saw her kidnapper – his face now the same as when she first saw him, which made her think that the game of pretending to be Greg Gregory did not work out for him – take out his wand.
And she suddenly understood – everything. She understood why she told her so much, why he held her here. She understood why he kidnapped her.
To cause Scorpius the worst pain imaginable…
Xenia, can you sense my terror?
He raised his wand, smiling. He looked on her almost reverently, as though he truly believed he was about to save her from a terrible fate.
"Farewell, Mrs. Scorpius Malfoy."
She couldn't close her eyes, but she fainted – from the pain that exploded in the back of her head, then poured into the front.
This must be what dying is like…