Nicole Stevens: Roses and Mistrust

Nicole Stevens: Roses ad Mistrust

Chapter 13: The Castle of Hell

I saw Lucius step towards me, and knew instantly that I needed to run, and quickly. I turned and dashed out of the trees towards the castle. I stumbled and fell into the snow. A woman's voice asked, "What iz going on 'ere?"

Professor Delacour.

I heard a spell shoot over my head, and something heavy fell to the ground. I pulled myself up and strained to keep running. I tripped over a rock buried in the snow, and I fell to the ground. I couldn't have done any more. I was exhausted.

Lucius Malfoy's wand was jabbed into the small of my back and his voice rang through the night,

"Get up girl. Now!" I groaned and pulled myself up out of the snow. When I turned around and looked up into the black eyes of Lucius Malfoy, I saw only cold hate. He gestured for Draco to come forward. Draco took out his wand and used a binding spell on my wrists. As he did, I whispered,

"What have you done?" He flinched and stepped away. Lucius came forward again and ordered,

"Follow him, girl." I smirked and replied.

"Well, what else would I do? I have ties on my wrist, and you have a wand." Come to think of it, I had a wand too.

The man turned to me and in his eyes I saw fury. Cold, blinding fury. He shoved me from behind and I tumbled forward. Draco caught me before I hit the hard ground. It was the wrong move. Lucius' temper rose, and he snapped,

"Draco, take her to the carriage. NOW!" Draco nodded and helped me to my feet. He took my wrists and led me down to the front gates. I tripped a couple of times, before we had finally reached the stone lions that guarded the entrance. One of the lion statues growled in its sleep and I paused to consider yelling for help. Draco saw me stop and seemed to realize what I was thinking. He shook his head 'no' and continued to lead me off the Hogwarts grounds. I followed grudgingly, and scowled when I felt the magical aura that covered the school fade as I went.

With no magic, the air around me felt empty and lifeless. My skin had started to tingle as it attempted to adapt to the foreign atmosphere. I had not experienced this strange sensation when I'd gone to Hogsmeade. I wondered at this, but pushed that thought to the back of my mind and tried to cope with the current situation.

The emptiness had not left me by the time we reached the carriage. I shrugged the feeling away as a footman opened the door and Draco stepped in. I followed reluctantly behind him.

The coach was extremely extravagant inside. The seats were deep green velour with gold trim. The sides were wood-paneled, and the floor was black velvet. There were two windows; one on the door, one on the opposite side. It had to have been magically expanded, for it could have comfortably seated four people on each seat. There were two silver lamps hanging from the ceiling, which was higher than normal.

I sat on the same seat as Draco, but I sat next to the window while he sat next to the door. It was not necessary for me to be close to him. In fact, I wanted to be as far as possible from him.

I stared out the glass window at the moon. It was a beautiful crescent of creamy white. There was a solitary star directly underneath it. In that huge expanse of blackness, the only things to be seen were the moon and star. It was somber, yet unimaginably stunning.

Only when I heard Lucius say to the driver, "Go," did I understand fully what was happening. Subconsciously, I had known, but now the full impact of the situation hit me like a brick. I was being kidnapped by the person who said he loved me. Him and his insane father. Oh, wow. Lovely.

"So, I suppose that since you couldn't get me to be your girlfriend the usual way, you decided kidnap would be the next best option," I addressed Draco, still staring broodingly out of the glass window. I somehow knew what I'd said wasn't anywhere near the truth.

No answer came from either of them. I tried to make my face expressionless, like I wasn't going crazy trying to figure out the reasoning behind this sinister deed.

Okay, let's be reasonable. Why would they want to take ME? Me, of all the people at Hogwarts. I just don't get it. Aren't Death Eaters supposed to come up with plots against Harry? I'm just going out with him, what would I be worth to anyone?

Well, you certainly aren't worth anything to me, my conscience stated loudly.

And you don't do me any good, either. All you do is tell me that I'm stupid and fat and ugly, and I'm tired of it. I want you to go away.

I've never said any of those things--

Yes, you have. You made very indiscreet comments about my mental health, and my capability. Could you for once, just this once, give me a good, useful piece of advice? I pleaded.

Shag the boy, and see if he'll help you escape.

Maybe some other time. I'll just log that plan away and try to think of one on my own, thanks, I told the voice wearily.

All right, here's another one. What if you bribe Draco and see if he'll help you find a way out of this mess you've gotten us into, it suggested in a helpful, worried tone.

What do you mean us? You mean if I die, then so do you?

Oh, no, dear girl. If you die I move on to someone else. But, I must say that I don't think I'd find anyone other than you nearly as enjoyable. As much as I hate to admit it, I am beginning to like you.

Really? Okay, well I'll think about the bribing plan, but what would I try to trade? I asked. I was beginning to feel more hopeful.

I would have thought that was obvious, dear. Yourself. You offer your love to him, in exchange for help escaping. All in all, it's not so bad once you think of it. Oh, and you might want to consider saying that the trade only lasts a year or two, otherwise he could keep you as his forever, my conscience advised

Um, I don't know if I really want to do that. Maybe I'll think of something else later. I'm so tired.

Don't sleep, dear. Try to stay awake and alert for as long as you can. It could help you find out what their plan is, it said.

Yeah, sure. Thanks.

Any time, my dear.

I looked down at my tied hands. It would be pointless to attempt undoing them. Number one, someone would be sure to notice. And two, what would I do with my hands once I had freed them?

Despite my conscience's warning, I fell asleep with my head leaned against the window.

=============

Someone was tugging at my arm. Why? What was happening?

"What? Go 'way, don wanna' get up. Leave me 'lone."

"I will not." The voice almost sounded offended. "My father told me to wake you. Now wake up!" It was Draco. I sat up straight and rubbed my eyes. I noticed, as I did so, that my hands were free of their bonds.

I blinked once and looked around me. We were alone in the coach. As my eyes swept over Draco, I noticed that he looked tired and pale, more so than was usual, even for him. The boy's eyes were cool, as always, but he seemed more subdued and less self-confident than he normally was. He took my hand and pulled me lightly up. I stood and followed him out of the carriage door.

I breathed deeply, still not at ease. The aura here was like none I'd ever experienced. It was much worse than the emptiness I'd felt when we'd left the school grounds. This was a foreboding type of feeling. It washed over me in a wave, and I stumbled back a couple of steps. Dark Magic. Dark Magic was the only thing that would cause such a terrible sensation. My skin prickled and my hands shook slightly.

Draco looked curiously at me and walked to where I was standing. He put his arm around my waist and helped me walk. Dark Magic was said to be the worst kind of magic to get used to. It took about an hour to adjust, but until the hour was up, you would just have to suffer the side effects (weakness, tiredness, nosebleeds, etc.).

I scanned the area around the path we were walking on. It seemed to be a lawn. There were high pine trees on either side of the trail, and the trail itself was cobblestone. There were odd noises coming from most of the bushes, and I wasn't too keen to finding out what they were. Draco, however, seemed unafraid.

After five minutes of slow trudging, we came in sight of the most magnificent manor I had ever seen. It was made of black stone, and was at least five stories tall. The stone glinted in the moonlight, and the high windows reflected the trees.

"Where are we?" I whispered to Draco. He glanced at me and answered quietly,

"We are at the Dark Lord's castle. I'll tell you more later. It's not safe to talk about it out here."

"Okay." We continued up the dark path. Soon we were standing at the gigantic black doors. Draco raised his hand and knocked sharply on one of the doors three times. They swung open to reveal a large entrance hall.

He looked at me and waved me inside. I walked reluctantly through the doors. Inside it was chillingly cold. I shivered and wrapped my arms around myself. Draco went forward and the doors shut sharply behind us.

The hall was dimly lit. The only source of light was coming from two torches in brackets on the wall.) The floor was made of black stone, much like that on the exterior of the castle. The walls were of polished black wood that made the flickering torchlight even creepier. Ahead of us were two black doors, matching the ones we had just entered. Doors lined the walls of the corridor, identical to the previous ones in color.

Draco nodded at me and we went to the next two doors. He knocked three times again, and they swung open. I resolutely strode through first. It was no use trying to fight the inevitable.

He came to stand by my side when the doors closed. I chanced a look at him, and I saw one of the most frightening looks on his face: he was afraid. Draco Malfoy, the almighty Slytherin, was terrified. Of what, I had no idea, but he was undoubtedly frightened.

I heard softly echoing footsteps, and turned to look at where they were coming from. A tall, dark figure was swiftly approaching from the large staircase ahead. His footsteps became louder as he came nearer. I was filled with fear, yet but I tried not to show it. Weakness was best hidden when confronting unknown dangers. The person stopped in front of us, and I saw that he was wearing a hooded cloak that concealed his face.

"Ah, Miss Stevens, what a pleasure to have such a beautiful young lady in my home. I hope you have been treated well?" The man bowed deeply and took my hand, kissing it lightly. I hid my desperate desire to recoil and accepted the Dark Lord's greeting. Draco knelt at Voldemort's feet and said,

"Master, I hope I have pleased you."

"Your service will suffice. Leave, now," he ordered. Draco rose and walked out the door we had just come through. I felt even more frightened without him there, but I did not show it.

"So, Miss Stevens, I do sincerely hope that my servants have treated you with respect."

"I suppose for them it is well enough. Of course, it was entirely unnecessary to bind my hands, but other than that and my complaint that I would rather not be here, I'm just peachy, thanks," I answered scathingly.

"My, my, aren't we feisty? I am sincerely sorry that you would rather be in school than at my home, but it was necessary that I bring you here."

"And why is that? Did you bring me here for some evil plot to get Harry? I am warning you, I don't like you a bit. And I don't serve you, either. I tend to be rude to people I don't like. Don't take it personal. Oh, no wait, DO take it personal." I glared and looked up into his shadowed face.

"I know that you do not serve me, at least, you don't serve me now. That you do not like me, I cannot help that you do not like me, and more importantly, I don't care. Many loathe me, and I have learned to get used to it by now. It is no longer a problem for me. You are here because you have a gift. More shall be revealed later, but until them I would like for you to wait in one of the many guest rooms."

"Guest rooms? You are an evil son-of-a--"

"I give you a warning; name-calling is not a game you want to play with me, because I'll win," he hissed dangerously.

"All right then, how about a different game? Like, I think you are the devil himself, and should be murdered on SIGHT!" I yelled. My voice rang throughout the hall and I smiled. This place needed noise. Lots of noise. Lots and lots and lots of noise.

"Rayne! Would you please escort Miss Stevens to the red room? I grow weary of her presence," he called. Voldemort exited through one of the many doors. A person I had not noticed stepped out from the darkness.

His skin was milky-white, and his eyes and hair were pure black. He couldn't have been much older than me, but his skin had none of the mars that accompanied adolescence. The man, who was obviously Rayne, walked over to me and smiled. His canines were longer than usual, and ended in pointed tips. A vampire. Oh, great.

He waved his hand, indicating that I should go before him. I shook my head and he shrugged. Rayne went up the stairs and I decided to walk next to him. As long as he was not behind me, I could bear it. I went to his side and as we walked, I asked,

"So, you are his servant?" Rayne stopped and turned sharply to look at me.

"I serve myself. Voldemort does not own me. I look after the guests, most of the time. I would be very displeased if you went around telling everyone that I did his bidding."

"Sorry. I was just asking. You seem to be just a bit touchy on the subject. Is there a reason or are you just naturally standoffish?" We had reached the landing. Rayne led me down the right corridor.

"Do you know how old I am?"

"No."

"I am older than you."

"No, ya' think?" I asked satirically.

"I am older than you will ever be. I happen to be seven hundred twenty-one years old," he announced gravely.

"Uh-huh. That's nice. Really great." Rayne managed a grin at my tone.

"If you weren't pretty, I would have to bite you."

"And if you weren't a vampire, I might take that as a compliment." I smiled too. At least there was one person--vampire--with a sense of humor here.

"Maybe it was a compliment. How would you know?"

"Was it? I probably wouldn't know."

"Here we are. The red room, or if you happen to be like me, the blood room."

"Uh, great," I muttered. Rayne opened the door and followed me in. The walls of this bedroom were a dark, blood red. The bed itself was made of shiny wood with hangings and covers that matched the walls.

"Miss Stevens--"

"Nicole," I answered absentmindedly, running my hand along the hangings.

"Nicole, there is a wardrobe of dresses and shoes there," he pointed at it, "and if you need anything else, just call for me and I will get it."

"Thanks Rayne. Would you mind getting me a glass of water? I'm a bit dehydrated. I suppose being kidnapped, tied, and annoyed half-to-death by the Dark Lord will do that to a girl." He smirked and said,

"I doubt that is all that is affecting you. Dark Magic, as you might know, takes a time to get accustomed to. About an hour for most, but for you, more likely two. I would guess that my to charm you isn't helping either." Confusion swept over me as I looked at him.

"What? You've been trying to charm me? Why?" He didn't answer; he just walked to me and pulled my hair back. Rayne lowered his head to my throat and whispered,

"Relax. Relax. This won't hurt. I promise." I felt his fangs press against the tender skin. He pressed harder and blood started to trickle down my neck. Rayne's voice said in my head, Relax. Don't fight me, it will make it hurt more than it has to. Just let me finish. I won't kill you. Don't worry. Trust me. Trust me. It's all right.

Drowsiness passed over me, but I managed not to give in to it. Rayne was using all his vampiric mind-control powers to keep me from lashing out. I finally stopped struggling and let him drink his fill. He had told me the truth; it didn't hurt. Had he not used mind-control, the pain would have been unbearable. I relaxed into his grip. Rayne stopped feeding and pulled away. He looked down into my eyes and said,

"See? I promised you that it wouldn't hurt." I nodded and he let go of me. He had taken a lot of blood. My vision was foggy, and I had to lean on the bedpost for support. Rayne glanced at me and asked,

"Do you need something to drink?" I used the last of my humor and said,

"Yeah, a couple shots of vodka would suit me just fine. Actually, a glass of water and some strengthening potion will be great."

"I can't get you a potion of any sort, but water is attainable. I'll go fetch that, then. Nothing else?"

"No. I don't need anything else."

"All right. I have some other business I must attend to before I can get back here, but it shouldn't take more than half an hour." I nodded. He strode out the door and I collapsed back onto the bed. I was exhausted. How much blood had he taken? I gingerly touched the place where his fangs had pierced. It wasn't bleeding any more, but it was painful to touch.

I suddenly grew tired and fell asleep.

=============

I saw Harry sitting in a cage made of light. He leaned back against one of the bars, and pulled away suddenly. It seemed to have burnt him.

"Harry?" I called, but it seemed he couldn't see or hear me. He lay down on the stone floor and sighed. I noticed his bruised face and arms. Who had done that to him?

A door banged open and I spun around to look. Voldemort had come into the large room. I yelled at him to let Harry go, but neither of them took any notice of me. Voldemort walked over to the bars of light and said,

"Ah, hello Harry Potter. Having a good time?"

"As well as can be expected, I suppose. What have you done with her?" His voice was hoarse with fatigue and worry.

"She is in the dungeon. I am going to keep her alive for just a while longer. I believe that seeing her die will be a good sharp reminder of what life is like. It should be enjoyable, I think."

"What?! You can't kill her! Let her be and take me. Just kill me. She hasn't done anything to you!" His voice rose angrily.

"Ah, there you are correct. The girl has been helpful in catching you, but she is of no more use. I shall bring her here so that you may see her die. It will be a good lesson. Should I tell you how she will die, or should I let it be a secret? Hmm... a secret, I do believe. Yes."

"No! You can't! Kill me and let her go! Anything so long as you don't kill her," Harry's desperate pleas echoed around the hall.

Voldemort started to laugh.

===========

I woke suddenly, and without reason. Upon finding that I could not sleep again, I sat up tiredly and looked in the full-length mirror across from me. I was so pale. My face was almost as white as Rayne's. This wasn't the reflection I'd seen earlier that day. The blue of my eyes stood out brightly against my white skin. My golden hair was tousled and my pants were wrinkled.

I was still a bit wet from falling in the snow, so I decided to change into one of the dresses Rayne had said were in the wardrobe. I made my way slowly over to it. The gold handle glinted in the bright candlelight. I pulled it open and looked inside.

There were many old-style, floor-length dresses. One had a deep-green velvet skirt and a stiff, tight green and brocade corset. Another one of the same style was in deep blue. So many beautiful dresses, but the one that caught my eye first was the green. I pulled it off the hanger and tossed my other clothes onto the bed.

I untied the back and slipped it on. This dress must have been magically created to fit anyone. It hugged my curves and came just up to my under-arm. The sleeves weren't really sleeves at all, but green ruffles around my upper-arm.

I turned and stared into the mirror. The green looked gorgeous with my white skin and gold hair. It contrasted wonderfully with my eyes, as well. I pulled out a matching pair of shoes and slipped my small feet into them. The dress covered the top of the high-heels, and barely touched the ground.

"If I get out of here, I am SO totally keeping this dress. That is, of course, ONLY if I survive. If I die, then I want to be buried in this," I muttered to myself.

Why would the dark lord have a load of women's clothes? I wondered.

I don't know. It IS odd, though, isn't it? Came the answering voice of my conscience.

You're telling me. Oh, wait. I have a hilarious idea; maybe Voldemort's a cross-dresser.

Not likely.

You do like to spoil my fun, don't you? I asked. I am telling Harry about this when I see him again. He'll laugh his head off. I wonder if Lucius Malfoy knows about his 'Master's' private stores of frilly dresses?

He probably does. Come to think of it, Lucius seems like a bit of a nut case himself, doesn't he?

Oh, yeah. You're right on that one.

"You look very beautiful," Rayne said as he came up behind me and set his hands on my shoulders. My BARE shoulders. His cool fingers sent electricity shooting up my spine, and I tried not to shiver.

"Thanks," I answered. "Will you tie the back?"

"Of course." As Rayne tied it, I said,

"I wonder why Voldemort has a wardrobe full of dresses. Do you know?" Rayne grinned knowingly and whispered,

"These are new. I'm not supposed to tell people about his fondness of clothes." I snorted with laughter and said,

"You're serious? Oh god, please tell me he doesn't--hasn't--worn any of these."

"Oh, no. These are new. He is saving them, but I'm sure he won't mind if you wear them. He doesn't usually wear a dress. His normal attire is a dress robe, or possibly something a little more old-fashioned." I shook my head,

"That is pathetic. The Dark Lord that has kidnapped me is an insane maniac that likes to prance about in extremely feminine clothes. Oh, the cruel irony of it all," I complained loudly.

"I do agree completely. However, it has proved useful to you. At least you have fresh clothes."

"Yeah, but a guy bought them. Voldemort is sick."

"Did you not realize that already?" was Rayne's reply. He handed me the glass of water and said,

"I have to take you back downstairs soon. There is--a fencing match."

"Really? Between who?" I asked as I took a sip of water. It felt good in my parched mouth.

"I can't tell you yet. Now finish drinking and we'll go down." I nodded and drank all of the water. Rayne opened the door and showed me out. He came along behind me and took me down a staircase that led into the second hall.

In this hall there were many doors, all made of wood. In between each door was a moving painting. One was of a tall man, who looked much like Rayne. Another was of four people; two men and two women. The man on the left had silver hair and eyes, like Draco, only he looked to be about twenty years old. The other man had blackish hair, and strongly reminded me of Harry. The woman standing next to the silver-haired man had long brown hair that tumbled in curls around her face and warm chocolate eyes, and who resembled Hermione except her hair was less bushy. The last woman had long golden hair and vividly blue eyes. I tried to shake the feeling that it was me and continued walking with Rayne.

He walked in utter silence, and it seemed that he was upset. His black eyes were pools of shadow, if there could ever be such a thing. Rayne frowned and stopped,

"Here is the fencing room. I suggest you try to save yourself. Don't anger him again."

"But--" Rayne put a finger to his lips and pushed open the door. He bowed me in and shut it behind me. I heard his footsteps die away outside. I felt alone without Rayne there. If only I had actually been. Draco and Voldemort were standing in the center of the room. Lucius stood off to one side. There were a couple of other people in the room, but they all had hoods on their cloaks, so I could not see their faces.

"Miss Stevens. How kind of you to join us. If you would, please?" He waved a long-fingered hand at me, indicating that I should come forward.

I remembered Rayne's worried words; I suggest you try to save yourself. Don't anger him again. Deciding to make an attempt at following his advice, I strode to the center. Draco looked apologetically at me and then at the floor. Oh, not again. What had he done this time?

"Miss Stevens, am I correct that you know nothing of the art of fencing?"

"Yes."

"Well then, we must educate you. Draco has learned everything there is to know about fencing. He has kindly agreed to give you a lesson," Voldemort's voice, the voice that had killed so many with a few words and inspired so much fear, chilled me to the bone.

I shivered and looked back at Draco. His eyes were dark and hard as stones. The boy would not raise his gaze to mine; he was too ashamed. And well he should have been. I looked back to Voldemort's shadowed face.

His eyes glowed red from beneath his hood, and his mouth was curved into a twisted smile. He pulled back the hood, revealing his black hair and pale face. Voldemort's skin was paler than either Rayne's or Draco's, which was astounding in itself. I knew that this person--he could hardly be considered a person--had never had an ounce of pity. Nor mercy. And he would not change just for my sake.

He handed me a rapier, and I took it. It felt odd in my hand, and I had no idea as to how I would manage to fight Draco with it. Voldemort smiled and moved back.

"Would you please refrain from beginning until the rest of my guests arrive?" it was posed as a question, but I knew it was an order. I nodded, and took a couple of steps away from my opponent. I wasn't so dumb as to stay near him. The closer I was, the easier it would be for Draco to strike me. Tactics. Step One: Don't get HIT! Step Two: Move your feet. Step Three: Step forward, then back, STRIKE. Step Four: Avoid his advances. Step Five: Don't DIE!

I can do this. I can and I will. I'll prove them all wrong. I won't let Draco win. No way is he going to beat me. I'll kill him. I'll really do it. Oh wait, I need him to get me out of here. Damn!!!!

The door flew open and twenty more hooded figures stepped inside the large stone room. They formed a large circle around us and I looked desperately for a way of escape. No route. There was no possible way for me to break through the circle of Death Eaters. I was stuck here in the Castle of Hell, about to lose at a sword fight. And better yet, neither of the swords was blunt. If he cut me, he really CUT me.

"You may begin. Miss Stevens, you make the first move." I scowled and lunged forward at Draco. He stepped gracefully out of the way and blocked my blow. I attempted another move, this time aimed at his shoulder. Draco raised his rapier and moved swiftly to evade mine. It was so easy for him, but I was struggling to stay on my feet.

He struck my shoulder and drew his blade across, not deeply enough to seriously injure me, but sufficient to cause pain and bleeding. I jumped away and quickly tried to find a way to get him back. Teenage girls don't cry; they just get even.

I brought my sword away and was immediately rewarded with a second slice, this time on my back. Blood began to drip down my shoulder and I cursed under my breath. How was I to manage with two bleeding gashes? This was getting dangerous. No, scratch that, this WAS dangerous.

"Mr. Malfoy, do wait a moment before you begin again. Are you enjoying this Miss Stevens?" Voldemort stepped out of the crowd.

"Does is matter if I am?" I was not having fun. Not one bit. There was dead silence from the throng of Death Eaters. Obviously, they were not used to hearing their 'Master' spoken against.

"Why, this was only a lesson. Mr. Malfoy, would you tell everyone how you learned to fence?"

"I learned to fence in this form," Draco answered. He looked sadly at me. I really did NOT understand him, and probably never would.

"Ah, then is it right to say that this method of teaching does well?"

"Yes."

"Then, Miss Stevens, this is simply the most effective way to train you. If you grow tired of this, then we might move on to the reason I had you brought here in the first place. Shall we?" I resisted the insane urge to say 'go to hell' and answered,

"Let's."

"Good. Then let us proceed to the tower." I tossed my sword at Draco, hoping very much that he caught it by the blade and sliced his hand. Unfortunately, he managed to get it by the hilt. I turned away and the Death Eaters parted to let me through.

Walking quickly, I was soon standing next to Voldemort. He started out the door, and I followed miserably after.