Even though it was Hermione who was suffering physically under questioning, it was just as torturous mentally for the boys to hear her agonising screams echo through the cellar. They could only listen, not knowing whether they'd rather hear her scream as at least then they'd know she was still alive.

Ron had become so exhausted from pacing around he'd had to join the others crouching on the floor, he kept his hands over his ears. He couldn't bear listening to Hermione's pain. Ron wished it was him rather than her.

Harry, however, was listening. He spent most of the past hour pressed up against the cellar door trying to hear what was being said up the stairs. Harry knew this was his best chance of escaping, and he was willing to take any risk this may pose to him.

His face was still deformed but slightly more recognisable than the last time he had been seen. Harry knew that Draco had recognised him, especially because of Ron and Hermione being caught with him, but he was still perplexed as to why he didn't tell the death eaters, who would never be sure it was Harry for definite as they don't see him all the time like Draco does.

Harry could just about make out the muffled voices from above. Bellatrixs powerful and rather terrifying voice was extremely loud so Harry could understand what the powerful witch was so desperate to know. He could also hear a much softer and more quieter voice.

It was Hermione, her voice was weak as she stuttered through gentle sobs of pain. This was followed by the loudest and most excruciating scream. Even Ron with his ears covered stood up in sheer shock, he shot an extremely worried look at Harry.

It didn't take long for Harry to hear another voice in the room, one he hadn't heard in a long time but instantly recognised.

"We could test the mudbloods theory, Bella," said Lucius suddenly, "Seems a waste to spend time searching for answers when we have the means for this in the cellar."

It was odd really as you'd have thought Lucius wouldn't have minded Bellatrix continuing her torture on Hermione. However, it soon became apparent that he only wanted to take the credit for any ideas that could regain trust and praise from the dark lord.

As much as Bellatrix was enjoying her sadistic game, she did agree with Lucius. Lucky for her she had just finished her work before Lucius had spoke out.

She took precious time in gazing down at Hermione and her markings engraved into the girls arm, the dark magic meant it would stay there forever and never fade.

Hermione finally looked defeated. On the brink of consciousness and exhausted from her piercing screams the girl layed out flat on the cold floor. She managed to glance over to her arm which seared in pain. Her heart dropped as she took one look at the bloody mess. The word 'mudblood' was cut clearly and forcefully into her arm for the whole world to see. A single tear fell from her eye.

Dracos face expressed his pure disgust towards his aunts actions, though he had to hide his true emotions from his father who kept looking over at him. Narcissa had taken upon herself to look out of the bleak windows in the room, it was heartbreaking to see the deranged person her sister had become.

"The goblin," said Lucius directly to Bellatrix, "It can prove if the girl is lying or not."

"Greyback! Bring me the goblin, now!" Ordered Bellatrix, she needed answers from someone or another.

Harry had heard their entire conversation. He had a plan.

"Grip Hook," announced Harry. A small and rather frightening looking goblin rose from the other side of the room, not making much effort to make himself known but just enough for Harry to spot him.

"You have to tell them it's a fake," pleaded Harry, "Please, I'll do anything. We owe you everything just do this for me, for us." The goblin had no idea what Harry was on about so stayed silent. Before he could ask...

"Oi Goblin!.." said Greyback as he approached and slowly opened the cellar door, "come with me."

Ron instantly charged at Greyback. All his fury and sadness mixed into one attack, he couldn't stand what they'd been doing to Hermione especially with the thought that Greyback had been watching. But before he made contact, the Werewolf stunned him sending Ron back and onto the solid concrete floor.

Greyback simply let out a chuckle as he pointed his wand towards Grip Hook, who made his way over slowly. As he walked past Harry they took one final glance at each other, this was the moment the trio had been waiting for, an opportunity that had to go their way. Harry hoped that Grip Hook listened to him, it was the only way to save Hermione.

Both the goblin and Greyback emerged from the staircase down to the cellar. The werewolf led Grip Hook towards the centre of the room, towards a menacing looking Bellatrix, dagger still in hand. Greyback returned to his place at the top of the stairs without a fuss.

Bellatrix strutted over to her sister and practically snatched the sword of griffindor out of her hand. Narcissa flinched slightly at the terrifying sight of the her sister raged with such anger. Bellatrixs hands felt colder than ice.

Without releasing the sword, Bellatrix let Grip Hook examine it. She knew he would have the ability to tell the difference between a fake and the real sword, he was a goblin after all.

"Well goblin???" Demanded Bellatrix, "Is it fake?"

Grip Hook did not reply at first. He looked up to the witch and stared at her for a few seconds, as if he were weighing up his options. He knew Harry Potter would owe him a hell of a lot for potentially saving the trios lives but was it worth the risk of lying to Bellatrix Lestrange?

"It's a copy," said Grip Hook clearly, "The real sword remains in your vault at gringots."

Bellatrix was not impressed by the time it had taken him, but she did believe the goblin. A sigh of relief left the witch like a weight off her shoulder. She looked much more relaxed than the on edge and rather deranged character she had portrayed only moments ago.

"So everything remains in my fault, is that correct?" Asked Bellatrix trying to reassure herself, "The children weren't anywhere near it I hope?"

"There is no place safer than gringots." Replied Grip Hook calmly, almost avoiding her question.

Bellatrix glanced towards Greyback signalling him to return the prisoner to the cellar, which he did so.

Even though she was weak and barely conscious, Hermione had been listening in on the whole conversation. She had an idea.

"I can't hear her anymore Harry," said an extremely worried Ron, "what if Grip Hook told Bellatrix the truth, she'd go ballistic."

Almost on queue, the cellar door swung open as the goblin was thrown back in by Greyback, who didn't even bother entering this time.

Harry had been unable to hear the conversation upstairs, as if Bellatrix spoke more quietly on purpose, she was a cleverer which than most gave her credit.

"What did you say to her Grip Hook?" asked Harry surprisingly calmly given the circumstances. The goblin rose from the floor but just before he could speak a loud cracking noise appeared out of nowhere like a bolt of electricity.

Harry and Ron had never felt so relieved to see a house elf before.

Thanks for the most recent review! Im loving writing this and I have so many ideas for upcoming chapters so I hope you all continue reading :))