The Taste Of Revenge

11

"She's here?" Kingsley shivered, eyeing the dark, brooding  structure with a degree of mistrust, "Where?"

"Cellars probably." Remus barely even noticed the words leaving his mouth, his lips were so numb and his emotions so dry.  He had never wanted to return to the Torre di Lupi, least of all on a rescue mission for the most wonderful woman in the world.  Built by an Italian merchant, the castle was once a beautiful tourist attraction.  At least until the wolves claimed it as their territory.  It had been in the hands of ferals since before even Fenrir was but a cub, "That's where they keep them.  I know I ought to warn you now, it won't be a pretty sight.  If this isn't a trap, she may not even recognise us.  There no telling what the filthy bastards have done."

"Shall we wait until sundown?" Mad-Eye asked loudly, turning away from the wolfish hideout and wrinkling what remained of his nose in disgust, "Surprise the buggers under darkness."

"Yes." Kingsley agreed quickly, "We ought to plan our movements though.  We can't go in there without any idea of what to do."

"I suggest for today we rest." Remus began to make his way back into the cover of the forest, "Its almost lunch and we can get our strength back before we attack tonight."

"Could they have turned her already?" Together, the three of them began to head deeper into the forest, following the small track to where they were camped out.  At first they had walked in silence, until the question that had hung in the air was finally said.

"I wouldn't be surprised if they had." Remus sighed in defeat, "Any age over four, its possible to survive the bite and transformations.  And if Greyback does decided he wants her 'permanently'," he spat the word in disgust, "After changing her, he could force her to be his mate and bear him children.  Or give her to another wolf as a present."

"Vile bastards." Alastor muttered to himself, resisting the temptation to turn back and go rushing into the prison where they held his girl captive, "We have to get her back.  She probably thinks we've given up on her, three months and we still ain't any closer to saving the poor lass."

"We will be." Kingsley answered his quiet murmurings, but the uncertainty in his voice proved to be no comfort to his fellows, "Nymphadora is a brave girl, and she's loyal.  It would take more than them to break her."

"Don't be so sure of that." Remus added bitterly, "I've seen them break some of the strongest women in the pack in a matter of days.  Anything you can think of, he'll have done it to her."

The three men emerged into a small clearing, where their bags and provisions were kept.  The portkey, a tattered, old book, was set aside from the rest of the items, waiting until one in the morning, when it would return to Grimmauld Place.  Hopefully, taking all four of them back.