| Jarvey
Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Orlando, FL
Posts: 666
Hogwarts RPG Name:
Melina Morninglory- "Glory"
Second Year |  WizWorld Universal / Tom Felton for President
How does Draco handle his experience with the Cruciatus Curse? How is Hermione surviving? And why is Bellatrix so bleeping bizarre?
The chapter that starts off all the action to come!
Chapter Twenty-One: Pride and Purpose
Draco didn’t remember how he got back upstairs and into his bed. He grunted softly and tried to open his eyes but decided it wasn’t worth the effort. He felt his mother fussing over him, brushing the hair from his forehead and propping him up on his pillow. As the fog in his head started to lift, he listened to the harsh whispers exchanged between his mother and his aunt.
“He’ll be fine, Cissy! Stop babying him! He was magnificent down there; none of us realized the kind of power he has.”
“That’s all well and good, Bella, but he also fainted down there- I think that’s enough use of his power for tonight.”
“Do you know what this means, Cissy? Once we perfect his skills he will be an extraordinary wizard . He can restore the Dark Lord’s favor to your family, and Lucius’s failure can be forgiven!”
“I know what it could mean, but only if Draco is protected. It will not be at his expense!”
“Oh, cut the cord, Cissy! He’s not a little boy anymore. At this rate, the Dark Lord will brand him before the month is out!”
Draco eyes snapped open. What, that soon? Everything was happening so fast. Too fast! He realized his mother was talking to him. “-you feeling, darling? You look pale.” He frowned at her: “I’m always pale.” His aunt chuckled. “See, he’s fine! Draco, tell your mother you’re fine.” “I’m fine.”
He sat up, but immediately felt the room start spinning and, with a groan, flopped back down. “Oh yes, quite fine,” his mother replied scathingly, “Now not another word.” She picked up a vial of sleeping draught that lay on his nightstand. She uncorked the vial and put it to his lips. “I can do it myself,” he snapped, harsher than he meant to. He took the vial from her hand and drank it down. “Thanks mum,” he said gently as he handed it back to her. The hurt on her face softened into a smile and she leaned over to kiss his forehead. “Sleep well, darling. We’ll talk in the morning.” The edges of his vision were darkening already as the women left his room, and in moments he was sound asleep.
******
Sometime in the middle of the night, she came to. Her head throbbed terribly and she felt stickiness on her neck. Her arms ached more than her head, if that was possible. The weight of her unconscious body had pulled hard on them as the shackles held her wrists to the wall. They were stretched to their limit and felt agonizingly close to snapping. She was surprised that her shoulders hadn’t popped out of their sockets, but was afraid that that one wrong move would make it happen.
She worked slowly, inch by inch, to move her feet under her. She needed to support her body and take the strain off her arms. After what felt like hours, she managed to plant her feet on the floor and push herself upwards a few inches. The motion set off a chain reaction of sharp pains throughout her body and she let out a loud cry. Her voice echoed off the cold stone walls, and she realized how alone she was. Why? she thought, as bitter tears ran down her face. Why me? What have I done to deserve this?
She prayed, prayed with all her might- for strength, for protection, for deliverance from this nightmare. She thought of her parents, her friends, all the things that were dear to her, and wondered if she’d ever see them again. It made her cry all the harder , but it also strengthened her resolve. She vowed that she would keep fighting to survive and to find a way back to everything she loved. Her effort sapped what little strength she had left and she passed out, exhaustion claiming her again.
*******
Draco awoke the next morning to breakfast in bed. Mimsy had brought up a tray of crepes, poached eggs and fresh fruit. He ate heartily, refreshed from his deep sleep. He sat back in his bed with a full stomach, and replayed the events of the previous evening. He remembered the mind-blowing feel of the power within him; it was better than flying full speed on his broom or getting high off of euphoria potion, even better than the best climax he’d ever had during sex. What did Aunt Bella say? An extraordinary wizard? I can’t wait to hear what Dad has to say! Not once did his victim cross his mind, he was so wrapped up in his accomplishment.
As if granting his wish, his father appeared in the doorway. He looked as though he would burst with pride. Draco stared at him, determined to commit to memory the look on his dad’s face. He smiled triumphantly as Lucius approached him. “There he is, my tremendously talented son! I wish you could have seen yourself last night, Draco. I am so proud of you.” Draco’s heart stopped. There they were, the words he had waited to hear for 16 years. He felt involuntary tears spring to his eyes and quickly looked down. When he spoke, his voice was heavy with emotion. “Thank you, Dad- I’ve only ever wanted to make you proud.” “Well you have, son,” Lucius put a hand on Draco’s shoulder. “I always knew you would.” Draco wanted to put a bubble around this moment, to freeze time, to bask in the glow of his father’s approval. He had done it- he was everything his father ever wanted him to be. He was finally worth something.
“Come, get dressed- you have more to learn from your aunt today.” Lucius gave his son’s shoulder a squeeze and then stood up and left the room. Draco threw back the covers and practically leapt out of bed. He put himself together and came to the dining room, striding in with his head held high. His mother was there; she looked tired, as though she hadn’t really slept. But his aunt was full of energy, fidgeting in her seat and looking as though she could barely contain herself.
She jumped up from her seat and put out her arms. “Draco, Draco, Draco- the family’s new star,” she drawled. She embraced him and then, without warning, kissed him full on the lips. Draco jerked backward reflexively, but she held him firmly for another moment. Finally letting go, she grinned at him as he took several steps back from her. She giggled and licked her lips. “All grown up now, darling,” she sing-songed. “Come along- we’ve lots of fun in store today.” She turned on her heel and walked toward the dungeon steps, leaving Draco frozen in place. Um, what the hell just happened? He looked slowly at his parents; Lucius rolled his eyes and Narcissa put her head in her hands. Still in shock, and more than a little grossed out, Draco followed his aunt down the steps without a word.
Last edited by steflegan; 04-13-2011 at 07:36 PM.
Reason: v. minor rewrite
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