A Pain in the Vein

A Pain in the Vein

It was worse now. The pain had increased over the past few months. It was now almost unbearable. But it wouldn't do to tell - no. What would happen if word got out that the most feared wizard in the world was being torn apart inside?

It was his blood that tormented Voldemort so badly - Potter's blood. At first the blood of his enemy had given the Dark Lord the protection he wanted. He could lay a finger on his cheek, wrap his hands around his throat and squeeze the life out of him, if he so wished. Now however, the blood Voldemort hoped would make him stronger was now sapping his strength. This was exactly what Dumbledore hoped would happen. The deep magic that once protected young Harry was once again causing the Dark Lord pain.

He put on a brave face, letting no one know that his blood was burning his insides. Voldemort knew that this torture could only last so long. Eventually it would kill him. What of his faithful Death Eaters? Would they stay faithful when they learned their master was dying? Or would they seize the opportunity and flee, leaving their master to die alone? None had come to his aid all those years ago, when he had been ripped from his body. No, if he was to die at all, they would all die first.

------------------------------------------------------------------

"My lord, how can this be? Tell us it is not so!" pleaded Bellatrix.

Voldemort looked at the woman kneeling at his feet. She had always been a faithful servant. He was sure she would help him. He stood before his gathered Death Eaters in the makeshift library that had been set up. In this room there was almost every book on the Dark Arts that had been made, most of them banned by the Ministry, but even more the Ministry had no idea existed. He clutched his side in pain. His cloak covered this sign of weakness, for he could not let them see.

"Your master is dying. The very blood in my veins, Potter's blood, is destroying my body." Blood began to trickle from his nose, but he ignored it. "You are here for a reason, as are your brains. Many of you still have twelve more years of loyal service before you can have my forgiveness. Here is a chance for you to prove your loyalty. I expect a solution to this problem, and now."

The pain continued to throb in his body. His eyes burned like hot cinders, he became disoriented.

"What are you still standing around for? Obey my orders! OBEY ME!" He lifted his wand and fired into the blur.

"AVADA KEDAVRA!"

The curse hit Goyle in the chest, sending him slumping to the ground. A panic ensued as Death Eaters rushed to find books that might contain a cure, or some kind of spell. All Voldemort saw was chaos.

"TRAITORS! I WILL KILL YOU ALL! IF YOUR MASTER DIES, YOU SHALL ALL DIE FIRST! FIND A CURE, I COMMAND YOU!"

"My lord, we are searching as fast as we can. Give us time!" cried Rodolphus. Voldemort sent a killing curse at the shapeless blur that was Rodolphus Lestrange. Blood now came spewing from the Dark Lord's mouth.

"Quickly......QUICKLY!"