Chapter Eleven

Enemy Territory

I stumble, falling on my hands and knees, the marble floor cold against my bare skin. Taking a couple of deep breaths, I try to calm my nerves. Panicking is not going to help, not now. I look up, staring into cold grey eyes, so similar to Draco's, but with none of the warmth. Before I can think about moving, or use any of the powers I've been born with, metal bracelets are slapped around both my wrists by two men I didn't notice before. I recognise the bracelets instantly, the terror I've been trying to supress, flares to live, making my heart race and my body shake. The bracelets are designed to stop Wiccan witches and warlocks from using their powers, effectively stripping me of my defences. They have a Wiccan here, helping them, spilling closely guarded secrets. Of course, the Dark Lord managed to get himself a Wiccan. You can't trust anyone anymore. I'm starting to realise that, the world no longer kind and safe. I look up again, the face before me pure evil. How did someone as vile as Lucius Malfoy, have a son as warm and caring as Draco? I'm reminded by Draco telling me that I've saved him. Looking into Lucius's cold, malicious eyes, I know that Draco is right.

I did save him, my love saved him. He is nothing like his father. The Draco that I know and love is kind and loving. "Where is my son?" Lucius sneers, disgust written all over his face. "I don't know," I lie effortlessly, glaring at him. Lucius gives me a cunning smile, resting both hands on his cane. The cane is black, with a silver serpent's head staring back at me, baring its fangs. "Don't lie to me, girl," Lucius warns, his tone sharp. I meet his gaze, refusing to allow him to intimidate me. I'm not going to cower in front of the enemy. It's not how I was raised. My father and Severus taught me better. Caleb taught me better. His betrayal still stings. Oh, how foolish I used to be. "Why ask if you already know," I retort, challenging Lucius. He didn't like that, his nostrils flared, his grip on the serpent's head tightening. I'm punished instantly for my contemptuousness, one of the men behind me, grabbing me by my hair, yanking me to my feet.

I grit my teeth, refusing to give them the satisfaction of knowing that they're hurting me. Lucius's evil snigger gives me little warning, as an all-consuming pain makes me double over and I hit the ground on all fours, an unrecognisable scream echoing around me. When the pain suddenly stops, it takes me a moment to realise the scream was my own. My heart is racing, my skin clammy, as my body tries to find its equilibrium after the pain it has just endured. Lucius bends down, pinching my chin between his thumb and forefinger, forcing me to look at him. "I'm going to enjoy breaking you," he scoffs, the wickedness in his eyes sending a shiver down my spine. "Take her to the boy's room," Lucius orders the two men beside me. I'm hauled to my feet by the man to my right, his grip so tight around my upper arm, I'm sure he's going to leave a bruise. I'm manhandled down a hallway, up a flight of stairs, and down another hallway, before a door is opened and I'm shoved into a cold, dark room.

The door is instantly shut behind me, and locked. I ignore the fear that settles in the pit of my stomach, making me feel nauseas, and look around. The room is familiar, the bed, the sofa, the fireplace, memories of summer bombarding me. I drop to my knees, allowing myself to embrace the dread that's settled over. I'm in Draco's bedroom, the memories of our night together etched into my soul, the reality of the situation I find myself in, a stark reminder of the risk I took falling in love with Draco. Oh, how we've come full circle. My worst fear is now my reality. I get up off the floor, the fear not going to help me get out of here. I walk to Draco's bed, taking a seat. I study the bracelets around my wrist, the metal digging into my skin. I try to pry a bracelet off to no avail. Instead, it digs deeper into my skin, drawing blood. I flinch abandoning my efforts, letting out a frustrated scream. I fall back onto the mattress, staring at the ceiling. I close my eyes, picturing Draco. I replay our night of lovemaking; certain I can feel his fingers and lips on my skin. I smile, refusing to let myself feel defeated.

I'll survive this, I have to, for Draco, for my family. I kick off my shoes, curling up on Draco's side of the bed. His smell is still on the sheets, instantly calming my soul, giving me the courage, I desperately need to get through this. I'm woken by the sound of a lock being turned, and the door opening. I turn my head, watching a house elf entering with a tray of food. She doesn't make eye contact, as she places the tray on the floor, scurrying from the room and locking the door again. I stare at the food, contemplating my options. I'm hungry, and I need to eat. They're not going to let me go, they want something from me. And it's not Draco. Wanting to know where Draco is, is merely to find him and punish him for disobeying the Dark Lord and his father. They don't want me for his whereabouts. They want me for the powers I possess. I have to remember that. I am only useful to them if I give them what they want. Lucius said he'll enjoy breaking me, I also know that there are members in Draco's family that will enjoy torturing me and killing me.

I get to my feet, picking up the tray and taking it to the sofa by the fireplace. I take a seat, placing the tray of food next to me. On the tray is a sandwich, an apple, and a tumbler of water. I cross my legs, taking the sandwich. I stare at the fireplace, as I eat the sandwich, wishing it was burning. There is a chill in the room, the layers I'm wearing not enough to offer warmth. I finish the sandwich and water, leaving the apple for later. I take the apple and place it on the bedside table, returning the tray to the floor by the door. I get into bed, trying to find warmth underneath the covers. I fall asleep, troubled, my dreams turning into nightmares. I'm woken by the door opening again, the same man that put me in the room, standing in the doorway. I study him, his features familiar. He's the father of a Slytherin student, I just can't place him. "Let's go," he demands, his arms crossed over his chest. He's intimidating, and I don't have the energy to be defiant. And besides, what good would it do?

I get out of bed, put on my shoes and follow him. He walks closely behind me, my obedience meaning I don't have to be manhandled again. He instructs me down the stairs, and down the same hallway, back to the same vast room I landed in. Lucius is waiting for me, a smugness about him that I instantly dislike. I'm reminded of the arrogance Draco had when I first met him. "We didn't meet under the ideal circumstances," Lucius says, as I come to a stop in the doorway. The cruelness in his eyes from the day before is gone, but it's still lurking underneath his cold stare. Mr. Man behind me, pushes me into the room, his manhandling ways returning. I shoot him an annoyed glare, moving forward, "all you have to do is ask." He grunts, signifying for me to keep moving. I take a few more steps, getting closer to Lucius. I take a moment to look around the room, the luxury in the room lost with the impersonal touches. The black leather chairs, massive crystal chandelier, and white marble floor showing that money cannot buy taste. Not that I would say that out loud. I have a feeling Lucius will not take kindly to that sentiment. The room is as frigid as the family that lives in it.

No wonder Draco was so apathetic when we first met. He had to grow up in an environment that had little to no love or passion. I am grateful our paths crossed when it did. It pains me to think of a younger Draco stuck in a house with so little love. I can't imagine how lonely that might have been. But no more, now he has me and I love him enough to make up for the years he went without. "What circumstance would have been better?" I question, finally looking at Lucius. He gives me a smile that didn't reach his eyes, "you and Draco returning to the Manor instead of running away." I smile and nod, "that would've been better for you." My answer frustrates Lucius, and again, my response is met with agonising pain, a scream forced from me. I drop to the ground, catching my breath. My brain and body recognise the Cruciatus Curse, the sting of it still in my bones. Lucius's intent becomes clear, he will torture me until I break and give in to him, and ultimately the Dark Lord.

I smile up at Lucius, refusing to let him get the satisfaction of seeing me in pain. "I'm sorry," I breathe, "was that not the answer you wanted?" I'm lifted off the ground, the excruciating pain once again engulfing all that I am. The pain doesn't stop, a piercing scream wrenched from me, the curse ongoing. Just when I thought it won't stop, I drop to the ground, my body shaking, my skin sweaty, my bones throbbing and my skin sensitive. "Remove her," Lucius order, turning on his heels, his black robe fluttering around his ankles. I'm yanked to my feet and pushed through the Manor back to Draco's room. There I'm left in a heap on the floor, the shock of the pain lingering.