Mortala

Chapter 9 The Innocence Is Gone

TW

Torture
Death of a child
Dissociation
Reference to past murder
More death (no one you know, don't worry)

Ophelia was exhausted, annoyed, and angry.

She was exhausted because of the heap of magic she had to use to return back the Manor, only to not be able to rest. She was annoyed because it wasn't Voldemort calling her back, it was Bellatrix. She was angry because she was being forced to take on a task when she would rather much like to go to Germany and find the Bloodbound Grimoire.

"The Dark Lord believes you have potential," her aunt said as they exited the Manor. "This will determine if you're good enough. I do hope, little niece, that you won't disappoint.

"What exactly is this task that I'm proving myself with?" Ophelia said, rolling her eyes.

Not like I've done other things to prove myself, Ophelia thought to herself. She had killed Dumbledore. Went on an escapade with the Muggles in London. What else did she need to do to prove herself?

"The Dark Lord has ordered us to take care of a little problem he has with one of the Ministry's officials," Bellatrix said with excitement as they neared the gate. "The Muggle kind."

Ophelia rolled her eyes once again, knowing what she meant. Ophelia would rather not be anywhere near a Muggle after spending two days in a Muggle village. But Ophelia isn't given a choice to deny it because when it truly comes to life or death, she would have to do it.

Ophelia never truly hated Muggles. She had largely considered them second-rate citizens. Closer to something like livestock than people. So killing a few Muggles wasn't a problem for Ophelia.

But.

There's always a 'but.'

Ophelia and Bellatrix Apparated to a house in the middle of London. Night had fallen and the nip of autumn could be felt coming. There were no wards or protections around the house so Ophelia and Bellatrix were able to slip in silently. Bellatrix had claim over the mother, which made Ophelia wonder if her aunt had mommy issues. She was about to throw out the joke as Bellatrix pushed the mother through insurmountable amounts of pain and torture when there was a small voice from behind them.

"Mummy?"

Ophelia whipped around to see a small boy appear at the doorway with giant tears rolling down his cheeks.

"Ophelia, you know what to do," Bellatrix said over her shoulder dismissively.

The boy's eyes widened and before Ophelia could take a step forward, the boy dashed away from the doorway, taking her by surprise. Ophelia eventually raced after him managing to corner the boy in his bedroom.

"Hey, I'm not going to hurt you," Ophelia said gently as she moved toward him slowly and carefully.

The boy's entire body was shaking with fear. He was huddled in the corner, a small stuffed teddy bear clenched tightly against his chest. The small whimper the boy let out caused Ophelia's stomach to twist uncomfortably.

"My name is Ophelia," she smiled softly, bending down to be at his level, quickly stowing her wand back into the inside of her sleeve. "What's your name?"

"Henry," the boy quivered.

"Hi, Henry, it's nice to meet you," Ophelia said softly.

It was a jarring thought just how much the little child seemed perfectly normal. He's a Muggle but as she looked him over, Ophelia realized that he couldn't be different than her when she was his age. That thought that sprang to the forefront of her mind was enough to cause her blood to run cold.