The Plays the Thing/Night of Torture
It had not been a slow lesson learned, but the circle of Death Eaters were still learning the depths of the lesson. When Raya had been in the circle initally, she had been an exceptionable Death Eater, following the Dark Lords orders, even to the point of sharing the man’s bed. An honor Bellatrix would surly kill for. When it had been Raven alone in the circle, her loyalty had been tested, being Dumbledore’s granddaughter she was suspect at best. She had kept her sister’s secrets from outside the circle, yet she had fallen. With the disappearance of Severus, she had been broken, led astray, and throughly humilated apon the man’s return, or so it had seemed. With Raya’s kidnapping, and return to the circle, a light was sparked between the two girls. There had been whispers that in their final years of school they had dubbed themselves the Slytherin Marauders, and followed in the footsteps of the most hated bunch of Gryffindors. It seemed the two witches couldn’t contain themselves while together, and their antics inside the Death Eaters circle continued to esculate. It had been a little while since there last uprise, and with the revel coming to a close, several of those present were wondering how much longer before they did something else.
Moral was down within the Death Eater circle, the last couple raids had not gone well. Despite the Order (seemingly) losing it’s leader, they were still persevering. With this thought in mind, the two witches wanted to do their part. Closing the revel with blame hanging on some of the Death Eaters for not pulling their weight, Voldemort was about to retire, sending the group home. Instead, Raya and Raven made their way to the middle of the cirlce, removing their hoods and masks. Raven was almost sure she heard a frustrated groan escape Severus as she and her sister made the announcement. “We’re going to put on a play!”
“Raven will play the part of noble, brave Harry Potter!” The collective group of Death Eaters turned their eyes apon Raven. ~I lost the coin flip.~ Pushing aside her purple locks, a lighting bolt had been carefully placed, resembling The-Boy-Who-Lived scar. “And I,” Raya continued, “will be our humble, Lord and master.” The witches grey eyes going to Voldemort, whose hand was wrapped tightly around his wand, his displeasure already apparent.
Glancing around the group, Raven’s eyes flickered over Bellatrix. “Since Bella doesn’t want to play nicely with us, we have no Lily Potter, or James Potter, so we’ll be improvising.” The aforementioned witch glared at the younger girl, hissing at her. Raven just smirked in return, as she sat apon the floor, taking on her role as Harry the baby.
Pulling her hood up over her head, Raya withdrew her wand, as she stepped twords Raven. “I will kill you, Harry Potter!” The older witch hissed, attempting to sound like the Dark Lord. Sitting on the floor, Raven blinked up absently at her sister as her wand was pointed in her general direction. “Avada Kedavra!”
The green sparks flew harmlessly over Raven’s head. “I deflect your curse, cause my mommy loves me!” It was all the witch could do not to crack up laughing delivering her line.
“I’m melting! I’m melting!” Raya cried out, sinking to the floor. ~You watch too much television, Miss Jacy.~
A moment passed with no one sure of what to do next, though Raven was sure some of the more sensible Death Eaters were wishing they had been told to leave already, if only to escape whatever would come to follow. “No one wants to play Hagrid or Sirius.” A pout played on the witches lips as she scanned the room, catching a glare from Severus. ~Does not like to hear that name from my lips, I’m sure.~
“Then, we’ll more right along to our next act, the Chamber of Secrets, during Potter’s second year!” Raya exclaimed, a leather bound book taking the place of her wand.
“Nagini can play the rold of our Basilisk.” Raven’s eyes shined maliciously as the serpent continued her rounds along the outside of the circle.
“Again,” Raya began once more, “Raven will be Harry Potter, and I, Tom Riddle.”
Another pout came to Raven’s lips. “Why do I always have to play Potter?”
“At least you don’t have to die every time!” Both witches, despite the obvious ire growing within the Dark Lord, couldn’t contain their laughter.
Voldemort’s voice was like thunder, echoing through the house. “SILENCE!” Immediately Raven and Raya’s laughter died, and they cautiously stepped back into the ranks of the circle. “You two, stay! The rest of you may leave.” The air was suddenly filled with the sounds of Disappating Death Eaters, none cherishing the thought of witnessing what was sure to come. Peter became a rat, scurrying for the nearest hole in the wall. Aside from the two witches, Coleridge still stood next to Raya, and Severus lingered as well. “Coleridge,” Voldemort turned to the man beside her sister. “My ruthless friend, why not stay and enjoy the after party?” ~And who says the Dark Lord doesn’t have a sense of humor?~ Despite the flippant thought, a shudder ran the length of her spine.
An evil grin spread over the man’s lips as he pulled his mask off, bowing his head to the Dark Lord. Tension filled Raven’s body, horrid memories coming swiftly to her mind. Severus moved as if to approach the frightened girl. “I think, Severus,” Coleridge’s cold tones seemed to echo, as he stepped in front of Raven, cutting off the other wizards movement. “The Dark Lord told you to go. You will not save the girl this time.” Raya and Raven huddled together, terror threatening to grip them as Severus was forced to depart. Raven’s heart nearly collapsed with the pop of him disappating, as Voldemort and Cole turned in unison to face them. ‘I won’t let Cole hurt you, Raven, I promise.’ She knew her sister would do whatever it took to spare her, which only served to break her heart more, as she didn’t want to even imagine Raya facing such an ordeal.
A cruel grin snaked across Voldemort’s lips. “So good of you to stand so close together.” He raised his wand, “it makes it so much easier. Crucio!” The curse tore through both witches, agonizing pain shooting through their limbs, forcing them to collapse to the floor. With another motion, the curse was lifted, Raya and Raven struggling to recover. “Thought you would have a little fun, did you?” The red snake-like eyes burned into the two witches, as the man circled around them. “You shall learn tonight what happens to those who are disobedient.” This was followed once more by the Cruciatus Curse, leaving the two witches feeling weak and disoriented. “Take her,” Voldemort indicated Raya as he addressed Coleridge. “I have some things to discuss with Miss Pegasus.”
[To Be Continued]
The girl’s were seperated after the inital bout of torture, Cole dragging Raya off to parts unknown. Voldemort’s red snake-like eyes focused on Raven. She swallowed hard, awaiting what was to come, the man pacing around her slowly. After what seemed like an eternity of silence, his voice hissed once more. “Wormtail, I see you hiding in the shadows. Come forth.”
The rat scurried from the corner, transforming back into a man. “Y-yes Master?”
“My dear Wormtail,” the Dark Lord reached out, caressing the side of the man’s head as if he were a pe
t. “Do you know what would hurt our dear Miss Pegasus more than if I set any number of curses on her?”
Raven’s blood ran cold. “No!” She made to run twords Peter, but was sent stumbling back with a wave of the Dark Lord’s hand.
“Crucio.” The witch knew she had no need to fear as the word was spoken, it was not her that would be the curse’s victim this time. A pained expression crossed her face as Peter fell to his knees, the agony of the curse spreading through his limbs.
“Stop it!” Upon regaining her footing, Raven threw herself down beside Peter, attempting to comfort him even as he writhed painfully due to the Cruciatus Curse. After what seemed like an eternity, the Dark Lord released the man from the spell. “Oh Gods, Peter…I’m so sorry.” Tears filled her eyes. “Please, do whatever you will to me,” her arms wrapped protectively around her friend. “Just leave Peter alone…Please.“
The Dark Lord circled around them, Raven doing her best to cover Peter’s body with her own in order to shield him from anymore attacks. “Wormtail,” Raven could feel Peter tense as he was addressed once more. “I do believe you were dismissed earlier. I suggest you leave, now.”
“Y-yes, M-master.” Peter got to his feet with Raven’s help. His eyes held much sorrow when he looked at the witch. ~I’ll be okay. I promise.~ She forced the thought into his mind, hoping it would offer him some comfort. A sad smile reached his lips, but the pain was still in his eyes. ~We went too far this time.~ Raven thought to herself. ~We’ll be lucky if we survive the night.~ Dropping his head, Peter finaly made himself turn away, slowing heading for the door.
Raven stood watching the man go, waiting for Voldemort’s next strike. “Miss Pegasus.”
“Yes my Lord.” She attempted to sound humbled, and to a degree she was. She and her sister had already endured pain this night, as had Peter, just for being her friend, but she knew it wasn’t over. What would of been the Imperius Curse, had it the ability to work on her reached her mind. It was the Dark Lord’s subtle way to remind her she was suppose to do as she was told. Turning around in answer to the suggestion, the witch came face to face with the Dark Lord once more.
‘Remove your robes.’ Raven’s eyes widened at the mental request. “Do not worry Miss Pegasus. I harbour no such desires as our dear friend Coleridge when it comes to matters of the flesh.” ~Didn’t stop you from sleeping with my sister.~ An amused sneer snaked along the man’s lips. “Your sister is an extraordinary witch. I do regret that the heir was a false one. To possess a body that possessed such potential for power.” He let the statement linger a moment before continuing. “The robes, now.”
Raven removed the black Death Eater robes, leaving her in a skirt and tanktop, allowing her phoenix tattoo to show. Red-eyes fell on the blue and silver bird, anger gleaming behind them. Wand pointed, a cruel grin appeared on Voldemort’s face, “Concido.” The word was spoken with careful deliberation, a slash appeared down the length of the phoenix, blood slowly began to seep from the wound. It wasn’t deep enough to reach the vital veins that rested in that part of the arm, as it was there to make a point, not cause death. Holding her arm before her, Raven watched, almost mezmorized by the crimson river that now flowed from her arm. “Concido!” This time spoke with more force, a cut tore across her left shoulder, this one deeper and as Raven’s right hand pressed against the gash, blood seeped between her fingers. Voldemort continued, circling around her, speaking the curse in varying tones, testing the depths of the spell on her. Whispered, thin slices crept along the flesh, just enough to bring the blood to the surface. Spoken harshly, it tore through the flesh, causing deep wounds that gushed blood. “Have you had enough, Miss Pegasus?”
Raven’s head swam, loss of blood mingled with the painful sensations of the several cuts of varying depths. “Y-yes,” she replied, nearly breathless, from where she knelt on the floor.
“Good,” a malicious grin snaked across the Voldmort’s lips. “Concido.” A slash appeared across Raven’s stomach. The witch’s eyes widened, her arms instinctivly going to cover her abdomen. ~Orion!~ Raven’s voice cried out in her head. ~Be safe my little one.~ A mirthless laugh escaped the Dark Lord, “perhaps I should of cut a little bit deeper.” Taking in a shallow breath, she went to voice her protest, but loss of blood overcoming her, Raven fell the rest of the way to the floor.
The door opened a moment later, Coleridge carrying Raya’s limp body. “I see Miss Pegasus didn’t fare much better.” He commented apon seeing Raven’s motionless and blood covered body. Quite unceremoniously he dropped her sister’s unconcious form to the floor beside her. “Is she?”
The Dark Lord shook his head no in reply. “Come Coleridge,” the man beckoned the other wizard to follow him. “We have things to discuss.” Without even looking back, both men exited from the room. In the shadows, a small figure moved, four furry feet scurrying across the floor. The grey and brown rat transformed back into a man, as Peter looked between the two witches, pain and guilt mixed within in.
[To Be Continued by Peter Pettigrew]
The revel was coming to a close. Peter found himself anxiously holding his breath. Just when he thought it was safe enough to let it out, Raya and Raven stepped forward. What came to follow could of been, in other circumstances, quite amusing and entertaining. Being as it was under the circumstances that it was under though, Peter felt overwhelmed with uneasiness. The two witches indicated they were going to put on a play, then proceeded to take places as Harry Potter and the Dark Lord. Clentching his teeth tight, and closing his eyes even tighter, Peter willed for this to not really be happening. His ears still picking up on the sounds around him told him otherwise though, and then…A most horried sound. The agravated voice of the Dark Lord nearly shook all of Riddle House as he called for silence. As soon as the were dismissed, the Death Eaters Apparated away quickly, none of them wanting to bear witness to whatever was to come. Peter became Wormtail, and scurried for a whole in the wall…From there he watched the next scenes unfurl. Coleridge and Severus had both stayed behind as well. Though inside the circle, it was still thought that Severus and Raven were seperated, he was still protective of the girl. ‘And I am one of the few who know the truth.’
“My ruthless friend,” the Dark Lord turned to Coleridge, “why not stay and enjoy the after party?” Another chill ran down the rat’s spine.
Severus took a step twords Raven, Cole cutting him off. “The Dark Lord told you to go. You will not save the girl this time.” ‘This can’t be happening.’ Frowning, Severus was forced to leave, leaving Raven and Raya in the hands of Coleridge Black, and Lord Voldemort. ‘If only I could do something…Instead of being utterly worthless.’
The Dark Lord took advantage of the two witches huddled together, hitting them both with the Cruciatus Curse. His heart constricted as he watched them fall to the floor. He released them for a moment, hissing at them “You shall
learn tonight what happens to those who are disobediant.” Once more the curse tore through them. The rat closed it’s eyes tightly, hating to be witness to this, yet wanting to be there, in case there came a chance for him to do something, anything, that could help the young witches. The curse was lifted once more. “Take her.” The Dark Lord pointed to Raya, “I have some things to discuss with Miss Pegasus.” Coleridge drug Raya off, not really meaning to, the rat slipped from the hole. “Wormtail,” he cringed at the name. “I see you hiding in the shadows. Come forth.”
Coming further into the room Wormtail transformed into Peter. “Y-yes Master?”
“My dear Wormtail,” the Dark Lord’s hand reached him, his fingers ‘petting’ the side of his head and neck, ‘Always the pet…That is all I am good for.’ “Do you know what would hurt our dear Miss Pegasus more than if I set any number of curses on her?”
“No!” Raven made to come to his side, but the Dark Lord, with a wave of his hand sent the witch flying backwards.
“Crucio.” Pain seized Peter, and he fell to his knees.
“Stop it!” Raven’s voice barly penatrated the pain, but he sensed her near him, and as the curse was released, he felt her arms wrap around him. “Oh Gods, Peter…I’m so sorry.” ‘No, don’t be…if I could take all your pain…’ “Please, do whateer you will to me, just leave Peter alone…Please.
Peter sensed, more than saw, the Dark Lord as he circled around them. Raven still trying to protect him with her own body. “Wormtail,” he tensed as the Dark Lord spoke, “I do believe I you were dismissed earlier. I suggest you leave, now.”
Raven helped him come to standing, “y-yes, M-master.” Though he loathed the thought of leaving the witch alone with the Dark Lord. He knew it would only mean more pain for the both of them if he attempted to stay. ~I’ll be okay. I promise.~ Her mental words sounded so sure, so confident. Peter only wished he could feel as sure as she did. For her, he forced a small smile, though he didn’t feel it, and it was all too obvious from the pain in his eyes. Hanging his head, he turned away from Raven and the Dark Lord, making his way out the door.
It had been a slow trip up the stairs to his room. Reluctance tugging on him, telling him to go back, do whatever it took to spare Raven the Dark Lord’s wrath. But his pain would be hers as well…She would suffer if he did. Hand on the doorknob to his room, a sigh escaped the man, at least he’d be safe hidden in his room. ‘Safe, while your friends, the only friends you have suffer.’ His heart ached painfully, not even wanting to imagine the horrors that Raya was suffering at Coleridge’s hands.
A hand clamped down on his shoulder. “Wormtail…my dear friend.” Coleridge’s voice was like a dagger being plunged deep within his soul, as Peter’s own eyes fell to his hand resting on the doorknob, the silver shining in the dim light of the hall. ‘Noooo…Don’t be here for that. Don’t be here for me.’ His teeth clentched tightly, his eyes following suit, tears slipping from them, as instinctivly he knew why Cole was there. “Come with me Wormtail, I finaly found a use for you.” ‘I won’t do it. You can’t make me.’ “Oh, but you will, and I can.”
“N-no.”
An amused smirk snaked across Coleridge’s lips. “Come with me, or I go see what’s left of Raven when the Dark Lord is done with her. I’m sure you can imagine what would happen then.”
Hanging his head, Peter let go of the doorknob, and turned to face the opposite direction. ‘Perhaps, I can do something…perhaps it won’t come to…’ Swallowing hard, he clentched and unclentched the silver hand. Cole led him through the hall, to another room. Apon entering his eyes seen the discarded amulet on the floor, his stomach dropped. ‘I’m sorry.’ he mouthed. Next sound was Coleridge’s cold tones, “Imperio!”
“Nooo!” Raya yelled, and attempted to deflect the curse from Peter, but as the Dark Lord had bound it, making it unusable. “Cole! Don’t make him…”
Peter struggled with his own mind, but the curse was strong, already feeling defeated, and with no one to encourage him, he fell victim to the suggestion. Raya’s attempt to persuade Cole from his path fell silent as the silver hand wrapped around her neck, the fingers closing ever tighter around it. The skin under Peter’s hand blistered as silver and werewolf flesh met. ‘You must resist, stop this!’ ‘Give it up Wormtail, this is one of the few reasons they keep you around, to keep the half-breeds in line.’ But… Raya’s cries of agony fell silent, as the pain over took her, and her breath was squeezed from her throat.
“Finite Incantatem.” Coleridge released the man from the spell, a cruel grin playing on his lips.
Peter’s hand shook as he released the witches throat, tears pooling in his eyes as her seemingly lifeless form collapsed to the floor. “R-raya…” His bottom lip quivered in anquish, turning to face Cole his blue eyes blazed with hatred. “Y-you…”
“Don’t over do yourself there Wormtail,” Cole sneered. “You failed her, and you failed Raven. Just like you failed Lily and James.” A mirthless laugh escaped the man. “Just think how much more the wolf is going to hate you after this one.” Stooping down Coleridge scooped up the unconcious Raya in his arms.
“W-where are y-you t-taking her?”
Cole raised an eyebrow at him, “now that’s really none of your concern, is it?” That said he exited the room, leaving Peter behind.
“W-we’ll see wh-whose concer-rn it is.” He glowered after the man. Crossing to the door, he picked up the disgaruded amulet, then quickly transformed back to rat, and hurried off through one of the many passages that littered the inner walls of Riddle House.
The rat’s nose peeked out of the hole in the wall once more, as the door opened, revealing Coleridge carrying Raya. “I see Miss Pegasus didn’t fare much better.” He dropped Raya’s body down beside her sisters. “Is she?”
The Dark Lord’s head shook, indicating that for the moment, Raven still lived. “Come Colereidge, we have things to discuss.” The two men slipped from the room. Almost as quick as the door shut, the rat was across the floor, and a man once more. Blue tear filled eyes looked back between Raya and Raven’s bodies, pain and guilt tearing at him. “M-must do s-something.” Pulling the amulet from his pocket, and doing his best not to touch Raya with the silver hand once more, he carefully put it back in it’s proper place. Some relief seemed to come to the werewolf once this was done. ‘Perhaps it can help fix some of the damage…The damage that I caused. It was Coldridge’s doing…’
Having stopped by his room on the way back down, he’d procured a burn salve from his robe pocket, and carefully covered the red and blistered marks on Raya’s neck. “Ferula.” Bandages appeared from thin are, carefully winding their way around the witches throat. The older witch taken care of, and easing a bit of the man’s guilt, his red-rimmed eyes turned to Raven. “S-so much b-blood…” Despite what the Dark Lord had told Coleridge before they left, Peter feared the man was wrong. It didn’t seem possible for someone to l
oose so much blood and still be alive, or manage to live. Reaching out he touched her cheek gingerly, “R-raven.” His heart ached seeing her in such a state. Carefully moving her, he examined her limbs. Several cuts, in several diffrenting depths, laced across the pale flesh, that was now stained crimson. Using the Ferula spell repeatedly he bandaged up the witch. ‘She looks like a bloody mummy.’ That thought triggered another, ‘Oh no…’ Was it possible for the baby to surive so much blood loss on the mothers part? ‘I have to get them out of here…have to get them someplace safe.’ It was going to be a task, Peter knew, to Apparate with both witches, and have it all go right…‘Not like I can do them much more harm at this point. Pulling both witches to him, trying to keep them as comfortable as possible, and not to agrivate their various injuries, Peter disappated from Riddle House.
With a loud pop, three bodies appeared in Raven’s room at the Cauldron, the only safe place Peter could think of. He was met with the screetching of Tawny, objecting to the man’s presence. Settling the girl’s on the bed, he turned to face the bird. “S-stop it, p-please.” He looked back at the witches, then back to the owl. “Th-they’re hurt. They n-need help.” Finding a piece of parchment he scratched out a message. “I kn-know you d-don’t like me. D-do th-this for Raven.” He held out the letter. “T-take this t-to Remus.” Tawny snatched the letter, with a loud cry, and took off. ‘Please get here in time Remus…they need real help.’
Sitting on the foot of Raven’s bed, Peter hung his head and waited, a thousand thoughts plaguing his mind. ‘If only I was faster. If only I was stronger. If only I was braver.’ The door opened, he didn’t even make to move. ‘Whatever he does, it’s well worth the price, as long as he saves them.’ “Peter.”
Blue eyes looked up to meet amber ones. “R-remus…” ‘I’m sorry my old friend, for everything I’ve ever done. All the damage I ever caused. For not trusting in friendship. For falling, when I should of stood strong.’ “D-do w-what you want w-with me,” a deep sigh escaped the man. “J-just s-save them.”
Peter filled Remus in on what had happened at Riddle House. The ‘play’ the two witches attempted to out on, and the Dark Lord’s ire. What he knew of what came next. “And if I’m foolish enough to let you go?”
“I’ll tell th-the Dark Lord th-that they’re…d-dead.” It was a way out of the circle for Raya and Raven. If the Dark Lord thought them dead, he wouldn’t look for them. ‘And if he kills me for delievering such news…perhaps it’s what I deserve.’