Forever and Always - Dramione/Blinny Veela Sequel

Ch. 26

Hermione fell against the wall again, gasping for air as she was released from the Cruciatus curse. The torturing was starting to take a toll on her, and she shut her eyes tight, hoping that she would have enough energy to get her and Ginny out of there.

Alecto let out another raspy giggle from above her and asked, "Wishing for death yet, mudblood?"

Grinning to herself, Hermione looked up and stared Alecto right in the eye as she said, "Your burning parchment was worse."

She got great enjoyment out of watching the anger flash in the redheaded witch's eyes, knowing that she would probably pay for it with another Cruciatus curse. She was proven right and silently suffered through another round of the seemingly endless pain. The only ray of hope that kept her going was the knowledge that Draco and Blaise knew where she and Ginny were and were most likely rushing to them. Hopefully she would've gotten her and Ginny out of there before the boys got there.

The pain released and she collapsed against the wall again, staring up at the ceiling and panting. Alecto let out a huff of disappointment at Hermione's strength and said, "We should probably go torture the blood traitor now. I think she might break more easily than this one."

Hermione waited until their backs were turned before whispering, "Confundo."

The two Death Eaters paused and looked at each other. "Did you hear something?"

Alecto turned back around and stared at Hermione. "Did you just try to use the Confundus charm on us?"

Chills ran down Hermione's spine as she realized with horror that the spell didn't work. "N-no! I wouldn't dare do such a thing!"

Rodolphus pointed his wand at Hermione and sent another Crucio at her, his face expressionless. Hermione screamed loudly as the pain returned for a short period, and when it was lifted she realized they had left the room.

Hermione...I think they're coming for me!

I'm so sorry, Ginny, I thought I stopped them in time!

Ginny's thoughts were cut off by a sudden loud shriek from another room and Hermione let out a yell, pulling against the chains with the strength she had left. She felt completely and utterly helpless in that moment, since she knew that without their wands, they wouldn't be able to fight back properly and wouldn't stand a chance. She couldn't try to initiate the escape plan now, that would be certain death.

Another guttural scream of immense pain filled the room next to her and she felt the tears roll down her cheeks. She had tried so hard to keep them from hurting Ginny, from possibly hurting Ginny's baby. And she had failed this time.

There was silence for a few moments and she thought she could hear Ginny crying. Then there was Alecto's condescending tone, followed by Rodolphus's deep voice. While she couldn't pick up the words, she knew that they were taunting Ginny. Possibly asking her questions like they did with Hermione. When there was nothing, another scream filled the room next to her, this one lasting longer than the other two. Hermione tried to push away the worrying thoughts that were eating away in the back of her mind about whether or not Ginny would be alright, and if the baby would make it through this.

Relief flooded her as she heard Ginny's door open and close, followed by the sounds of footsteps walking back down the hallway. Hermione immediately reached out mentally to Ginny. I'm so sorry, Ginny!

There was silence for a few moments before Ginny responded. If you ever take one of those for me again, I will personally beat some sense into you with a beater's bat.

Hermione couldn't help but grin. Duly noted. Are you alright?

I think so, everything's still aching a bit. I don't know, I'm scared of how it's going to affect the baby.