T̶h̶e̶ D̶a̶r̶k̶s̶i̶d̶e̶

The Captive at the Malfoy Manor

Ginny awoke to the cold, damp air of the Malfoy Manor's dungeons. Her head throbbed from the rough treatment she'd received. She tried to push herself up but found her wrists bound by magical restraints. Panic surged within her as she realized the gravity of her situation.

Her eyes adjusted to the dim light filtering through the barred window. She was alone, surrounded by shadows and the eerie silence of the dungeon. Memories of Hermione and Ron flooded her thoughts, giving her a flicker of hope amid the darkness.

Footsteps echoed down the corridor, drawing closer. Ginny's heart raced as the heavy door creaked open. Bellatrix Lestrange entered, a twisted smile on her face that sent shivers down Ginny's spine.

"Awake, are we?" Bellatrix sneered, her voice dripping with malice. "The Dark Lord will be pleased. He's been expecting you."

Ginny's stomach churned at the mention of Voldemort. She braced herself, refusing to show fear. Bellatrix approached, her wand tracing sinister patterns in the air as she cast spells to ensure Ginny's confinement.

As Bellatrix left, the darkness enveloped Ginny once more. Time passed in agonizing silence until the sound of approaching footsteps broke the monotony. This time, it was not Bellatrix who entered but Voldemort himself, his presence chilling the air.

Voldemort's crimson eyes bore into Ginny's, sending a shiver down her spine. "Miss Weasley," he drawled, his voice cold and commanding. "I trust you understand the precariousness of your situation."

Ginny held her chin high, refusing to cower before him. "What do you want?" she demanded, her voice betraying only a hint of her inner turmoil.

"You are a pawn in a larger game, one orchestrated by your friends," Voldemort replied, circling her like a predator. "Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley. They plot against me, and you, my dear, will provide the information I seek."

Ginny's heart raced. She clenched her jaw, refusing to yield. "I won't betray them."

Voldemort's cruel laughter filled the dungeon. "Stubbornness runs deep in your bloodline, Weasley. But rest assured, I have ways to loosen tongues." With a flick of his wand, he sent a surge of dark energy coursing through Ginny, causing her to writhe in pain.

She gritted her teeth, fighting against the torment. But Voldemort's power was overwhelming, and she felt her resolve waver.

"Tell me everything you know about their plans," Voldemort demanded, his voice echoing in the dungeon.

Ginny gasped for breath, struggling against the agony. Her mind raced, torn between loyalty to her friends and the unbearable suffering inflicted upon her. She fought to shield her thoughts, to protect the Resistance's secrets.

Voldemort's impatience grew, his spells intensifying. Ginny felt her defences weakening, the pain searing through her.

Just as she thought she couldn't endure any longer, a commotion echoed from above. Shouts and spells reverberated through the Manor, causing Voldemort's attention to falter for a moment.

In that fleeting instant, Ginny summoned her last reserves of strength. "I'll never betray them," she spat, her voice laced with defiance.

With a final surge of dark magic, Voldemort unleashed one last assault before abruptly retreating, leaving Ginny panting and trembling in her restraints.

The dungeon fell into a tense silence once more, but Ginny's spirit remained unbroken. Though weakened, she held onto her unwavering resolve, knowing that Hermione, Ron, and the Resistance would never give up the fight.

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