Heirs of darkness || Theodore Nott

The Endless Night

It had been over a week since Aurora had been tied to the cold, unforgiving stone wall. The hours blended into each other, stretching into an endless, nightmarish eternity. Her once-bright eyes were now dull and sunken, her body a canvas of bruises, cuts, and unspeakable violations. The pain was constant, a gnawing presence that never left her, but the worst of it wasn't the physical torment. It was the humiliation, the sense of powerlessness as she was used and abused by Voldemort's followers.

There wasn't a day, nor even an hour, when a Death Eater didn't come to torture her. Some used their fists, others their wands, casting spells she had never heard of before, designed to inflict the maximum amount of pain without killing her. Some spat on her, slapped her, or punched her until her vision blurred. And then there were those who took it further, who touched her in places that made her skin crawl, all while the others watched and laughed. Each time it happened, she tried to retreat into her mind, to distance herself from the horrors being inflicted on her body, but there was no escape from the reality of her situation.

Her screams echoed through the dark corridors of the castle, a haunting reminder of the brutality she endured. But it wasn't just her suffering that filled the air; it was the sound of her begging, her desperate pleas for mercy that never came.

In the chambers below, Draco and Theo were also being held captive, though their treatment was nowhere near as brutal as Aurora's. They were kept under constant guard, starved and deprived of sleep, but their torment was more psychological than physical. The true damage was done each time they heard Aurora's screams, each time her voice broke through the walls, pleading for someone to save her. It was a form of torture that shattered their spirits more effectively than any curse or beating could.

One day she heard the familiar clack of Bellatrix Lestrange's heels on the stone floor. She didn't have the strength to lift her head. Her voice is sickeningly sweet. "The Dark Lord has a special treat for you today."

Aurora flinched as Bellatrix grabbed her by the chin, forcing her to look up. Her vision was blurry, her eyes nearly swollen shut from the beatings, but she could still make out the twisted grin on Bellatrix's face.

"Bring them," Bellatrix called out, and a moment later, the sound of heavy footsteps filled the room.

Aurora's heart sank as Draco and Theo were dragged in, their faces pale and hollow, shadows of the boys they once were. Their eyes widened in horror as they took in the sight of her, chained to the wall, barely recognizable beneath the blood and bruises.

Draco's hands clenched into fists, and Theo looked like he was on the verge of breaking down, but they both held themselves together, knowing that any sign of weakness would only make things worse for her.

Voldemort's cold voice cut through the silence. "It's time you proved your loyalty to me," he said, his gaze shifting between Draco and Theo. "Let's see just how far you're willing to go for the cause."

Aurora's breath caught in her throat. She knew what was coming, but she prayed, desperately, that somehow it wouldn't happen.

"Draco," Voldemort said, his voice almost casual, "take this knife." He handed Draco a silver blade, the edge gleaming ominously in the dim light. "I want you to slice her skin, slowly. Don't stop until I tell you."

Draco stared at the knife in his hand, his face ashen. He glanced at Aurora, his eyes pleading with her, begging for forgiveness for what he was about to do.

Aurora tried to smile, to reassure him that it wasn't his fault, but her lips wouldn't move. All she could do was watch as Draco took a step forward, the knife trembling in his grip.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, so quietly that only Aurora could hear. Then, with a deep breath, he pressed the blade to her skin.

The pain was immediate, sharp and searing, as Draco made the first cut. Aurora bit down on her lip, refusing to scream, but tears streamed down her face as he continued, each slice slower than the last. The agony was unbearable, yet Draco's own torment was etched clearly on his face, each cut deepening the guilt and horror in his eyes.

Minutes passed like hours, the room filled with the sound of ragged breathing and the sickening squelch of the knife cutting through flesh. Draco's hand shook more violently with each movement, but he kept going, driven by a mixture of fear and desperation. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Voldemort raised a hand, signaling him to stop.

"Enough," Voldemort said, his voice cold and detached. "Now, Theo. Your turn."

Theo's heart pounded in his chest as he took the knife from Draco, his hand trembling uncontrollably. He couldn't look at Aurora, couldn't bear to see the pain in her eyes, the blood that stained her skin.

But he had no choice.

He stepped forward, his vision blurring with tears as he brought the knife to her skin. Each cut felt like a betrayal, each movement of the blade a stab to his own heart. Aurora's body trembled beneath his touch, and he had to choke back a sob as he forced himself to continue.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Voldemort spoke. "That's enough," he said, a note of satisfaction in his voice. "You have both proven your loyalty."

Theo dropped the knife, his hands slick with Aurora's blood, his entire body shaking. Draco had already collapsed to his knees, staring at his hands as if he didn't recognize them.

But there was no time for relief, no moment of respite.

Voldemort's eyes flashed with sudden urgency as a Death Eater rushed into the room, breathless and frantic. "My Lord," the man gasped, "Potter has been spotted at Hogwarts."

Voldemort's expression darkened, and he turned to the Death Eaters assembled in the room. "We leave immediately," he commanded, his voice sharp and commanding.

The Death Eaters began to move, gathering their things and preparing to leave. Theo and Draco, still in shock, were dragged along with them, barely registering what was happening.

As they were pulled from the room, Aurora was left behind, still chained to the wall, bleeding and broken. The door slammed shut, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, the room was silent.

Aurora's vision began to blur, the edges of her consciousness fading as the pain threatened to overwhelm her. She knew she was alone now, abandoned in this cold, dark place. But even in the depths of her despair, a small spark of hope flickered within her.

Harry was at Hogwarts.

Maybe, just maybe, there was still a chance.

With that thought in her mind, Aurora finally let herself drift into unconsciousness, the darkness swallowing her whole.