In The Dungeon

Chapter 4

*Draco POV*

I stood, shaking, feeling nothing as one of the Death Eaters finally put the woman out of her misery. I knew that it was going to be difficult, but I didn't expect some of the curses to come so easily. I try to keep the thoughts away, but they won't stop bombarding my head.

I tried not to pull away from Lucius as he dragged me closer to the table. The woman, now that I was closer I could see her better, looked to be in her forties. She could be a wife, a mother, a soon to be grandmother, a sister and she would be missed, and she had the misfortune to have got caught by these horrible people. 

I got pulled out of those thoughts by Lucius grabbing my shoulders in a tight grip from behind.

He leaned close to my ear and spoke, "Show us how much of a man you are Draco. Demonstrate what you have learned from our Lord before he was murdered. Let the woman feel pain, show her how much of a disgusting waste of space she is."  

My wand raised against my will. I didn't want to do this. I did not want to become one of them. I held it there and glanced at the other men. Just from a glance you could tell they were antsy, waiting for her screams and pain. 

"Tsk, tsk Draco. I guess you need a demonstration. Cru-"

I blinked, and the image disappeared for now. Every time I hesitated he would demonstrate, first on the woman that now lie dead on our dining table, then on me. I lost count of how many times I hesitated and how many different curses was used tonight. 

"There Draco, that wasn't so hard no was it? You still need to be taught about your hesitance that will get us nowhere. Now, it has been a while and we are ready to inform you of you mission, at least part of it now. You will be going back to school next week and pretending to play spy for the Light. Remember I have people watching. The other children may not be a part of our main mission, but they will still inform their parents on the goings of Hogwarts won't they gentlemen?" Lucius said as he turned to look at them. They all nodded in reply. "Great. That settles your part for now Draco, leave us."

I didn't say or do anything, I just turned and walked out of the room. I made sure I was a good distance away before I took off for my room. I quickly got into my bathroom and heaved. I don't know how long I sat in there, but I heard a knock on my door before it opened.

"Draco, my son, I am so sorry." I turned my head and saw my mother with tears running down my face. I wanted to comfort her, to tell her it wasn't her fault, but I couldn't make the words come out. I just bringing the image of the woman in my head and it would cause another round of heaving. 

I didn't realize I was crying, or that my mother had approached me, until she was wiping the tears from my cheeks. She gave me a sad smile and I just collapsed. I sobbed for what I had just done and what I will most likely be made to do the rest of this week. I cried for the person I once was, even during Voldemort's reign I never had to participate like I had just done. While the children of his supporters were considered his subjects, he had us doing the spy work from inside, he never made us torture people. It terrified me that I was thinking good thoughts about the Dark Lord. This house is making me crazy. I need to get out of here and I need to take Hermione with me.

"Mother," I said, my voice hoarse from crying and heaving, "We need to make a new plan or do more to put the other one in motion. We can't stay here any longer."

                                        ~DH~

*Hermione POV*

The screaming finally stopped. I do not know for how long they made that poor woman go through that, but the occasional male scream is what worried me. I knew it was Draco, I don't know how I knew, but I could just feel that it was. What were they doing something to him? Were they making him do things to that woman? Why? Draco should be one of the safe ones, unless he was found out. What if it was because of me he is having to do that, being forced to torture someone? 

Crushing guilt landed in my stomach and it made it difficult to breathe. I couldn't be the cause, could I? I had noticed that Draco hadn't come by as much as he used to, but that could just mean that he was trying to stay hidden. Yes, that is it. It wasn't me. It was his cruel father making him do it, making him follow in his footsteps instead of seeing that the world has changed. Now I just had to make myself believe that that is why he hasn't made an appearance.

If I wasn't as worried as I was, I would probably laugh. I have come to depend on Draco. Not just for food or clothes or even saving, no, I have come to depend on him for hope, for peace. He is the only one who is bringing me a semblance of normal in this hell. When, if, we get out of here, I will need him. He is the only one who knows what I have gone through, who will know how to help me when I need it. I am sure of it, because I am not the only one facing hell, Draco is stuck right in the fiery inferno with me. 

                                          ~DH~

*Draco POV*

Mother has started to make a back-up plan for if we need it, but she doesn't think it will be necessary. I hope she is right because getting myself and Hermione out will be a lot simpler if we do not have to worry about anyone spotting us. 

I haven't been to see Hermione in a little under a week because I have barely been able to take care of myself. The after effects of the Cruciatus curse have not left as I have had no reprieve from said curse. It is like a game for them to see if I will be able to detect them and dodge as there is no shield to block it. I haven't been able to eat because I have been so on edge. I can see the weight I have lost. I have no color left in my face, my cheeks have sunken in. If I am looking like this I cannot imagine how Hermione feels and looks. For the amount I am trying to help her it still isn't enough. Nothing will be enough until I get her out. 

I call for Tizzy and ask her to bring a little bit more food than she normally does. She quickly followed her orders and left as soon as she laid the food down. I grabbed the food and a new pair of clothes before I walked out. 

                                       ~DH~

I made it to the cell and I saw that she was in terrible condition. Neither of us can take anymore, I have to get her out. Don't be a Gryffindor I thought If you tried to escape now you would be putting yourself and Hermione in danger. 

I quickly toss the food and clothes in quickly turn so I don't try to speak to her. If I speak it is another step to being caught. 

I made it to the door before everything started going black.

"Well what do we have here?" Was the last thing I heard before I was completely out.

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A/N: And here is 'Chapter 4.' What is going on and who has found Draco? (If it isn't obvious) I am enjoying writing this and I would love to know what you all think so leave a comment down below! 

Wonder what will happen next to our dear characters? I guess we will just have to wait and find out. . .