HOGWARTS OVEREXPOSED - SALAZAR'S RETURN
"Has Tony visited to see the baby?" Emily asked, flopping down on the couch and watching Timmy and Caitlin.
"Amanda hasn't heard from him all summer," Jamie answered dismally. "She doesn't know if it's his doing or if his parents are preventing him from contacting her. She is really downhearted."
"Hi big guy," Jamie said pleasantly as Ben opened his eyes and looked up at her.
Suddenly there was a loud pop, followed without delay by two additional pops. Three extremely unwelcome guests had just Apparated into the room.
Chapter Seven
Innocents All
The girls all instinctively reached for their wands, but their reactions were too slow and they were hindered by their
physical situations: Jamie holding Ben, and both Caitlin and Emily lying prone.
Hooch had Apparated with her wand at the ready. "Accio wand! Accio wand!" She repeated rapidly, pointing her wand at Emily and Caitlin in quick succession. Their wands flew toward her and she grabbed them deftly in her left hand as without the slightest hesitation she pointed her wand toward the apparently unarmed Jamie and cried, "Expelliarmus!"
Jamie was thrown violently backward against the wall, her head colliding with it harshly before she fell unconscious to the floor. Ben was ejected from her arms by the force of the impact and landed a few feet away, screaming. Timmy sat petrified, too terrified to even cry.
"You bitch," Emily yelled, running toward Hooch, her fists clenched. "I'll kill you with my bare hands, if you've hurt either one of them."
"Ridiculous little girl," Hooch snarled. "Crucio!"
Emily's legs buckled as she fell to the floor in pain, excruciating pain the likes of which she had never experienced; her blood boiled; her bones were on fire; she screamed with agony; she wanted to die so it would end.
And then suddenly the pain was gone. She lay in the fetal position on the floor, her body covered in sweat. But she wasn't alone. Caitlin had evidently tried to aid her by sharing the pain and now she too was reduced to a quivering pile of bones.
"So, my sweet petite Caitlin is the healer that the prophecy refers to," Madam Hooch said smugly, walking over to the blonde girl, "And not just an ordinary healer, but quite a bit more, a Hyperempath. How noble and righteous you have become, wanting to share your sister's agony. But you are no longer an orphan that must share with the other girls. You should experience the full pleasure on your own. "Crucio!"
Every part of Caitlin felt like it was being pierced again and again by red-hot daggers, but instead of sweat, blood seeped from her pores. Hooch ended the curse, but only after Caitlin had passed out.
"Interesting," Hooch said, running a finger across Caitlin's motionless body and studying the blood it amassed. "I've heard legends about Hyperempaths sweating blood if they were in agonizing pain, but until now I thought they were just fairy tales."
"Begging your pardon Madam, but shouldn't we be more protective of the innocents?" Goyle asked fearfully.
"I agree with Goyle," Crabbe muttered. "The Great One will be elated that we've happened upon all four innocents when our mission was only to kidnap Slytherin's heir, but she'll have our heads if any harm befalls any of them before they can serve their purpose."
"How dare you impudent, good-for-nothing, ne'er-do-wells have the cheek to tell me what I shall or shall not do?" Madam Hooch bellowed.
They both cowered as she turned toward them, her wand still in hand.
"We'd never be so bold," Goyle explained, shaking nervously. "It's just that… Well, the Great One was very clear that no harm should come to the Weasley brat. Would not the same hold true for the other innocents as well?"
Hooch studied Goyle intently and then surveyed the room. "Perhaps I was a tad over zealous," she reluctantly admitted, pocketing her wand. "You are right. The Great One will be extremely pleased. She was troubled as to just how we would go about seizing the other innocents while the Hogwarts' wards protected them. It was extremely accommodating of them to come to us."
"Will someone shut that damn baby up?" Hooch shouted. Emily had already edged over to Ben and was trying to quiet him, but to no avail.
"Jamie or Hermione generally takes care of him," Timmy whispered timidly, as he crawled over next to Emily, clutching his crayons and colouring book possessively.
"Caitlin, put your abilities to use; see to her," Hooch ordered the now stirring girl.
Caitlin detested following Hooch's orders, but in this case was grateful to be permitted to tend to Jamie. Although still weak from the effects of the Cruciatus curse , she managed to stagger over to Jamie.
Caitlin stroked Jamie's head for a few moments; after a bit, the older girl slowly opened her eyes. "You'll be all right," Caitlin said reassuringly. "Just a slight concussion."
Jamie ignored Caitlin's cautions as she struggled to get to her knees and then finally stand upright. As soon as she was on her feet, she hurried to Emily and they transferred the bawling Ben. The baby, once in Jamie's arms calmed and soon stopped crying.
"Well done Miss Zacherley," Hooch said. "I think you may have just won yourself a postponement of your execution."
Crabbe and Goyle looked questioningly at Madam Hooch. "But our orders were to kill any extras," Crabbe blurted out.
"Our orders were also to just bring back Slytherin's heir," Hooch retorted. "What do you suggest we do with the other innocents? You must learn to fine-tune your orders to the situation at hand. We will soon have all four innocents in safekeeping, but it is over two weeks until the new moon and the time of their sacrifice. I, for one, do not intend to spend that time as a nursemaid to these brats. Which of you two wasters wants to take care of that insufferable infant; feed him, change his nappy?"
Both buffoons aggressively wobbled their heads to say no.
"We'll take her back with us," Hooch decided. "She gets to play nanny for the next two weeks as an alternative to us. When all is said and done, it will just mean disposing of one additional corpse."
Crabbe and Goyle's heads bobbled in agreement.
Jamie, Emily and Caitlin had all paid attention as the followers of the Great One had opening discussed their ultimate fate. They now all remained silent. Emily actually seemed to be trying to keep Timmy's attention by drawing in his colouring book.
"We've wasted enough time jabbering," Hooch finally said. "Let's get them back to head quarters, where Damien and the Great One can congratulate us on our good fortune."
"Should we go put clothes on?" Jamie asked, most cooperatively. Her foremost reason for asking was the hope that she could get out of view long enough to draw her wand from its invisible sheath and catch Hooch unaware. She knew that if she could just incapacitate Hooch, she would be able to handle Crabbe and Goyle easily.
On the other hand she was concerned about Crabbe and Goyle. Since things had quieted down, Goyle hadn't taken his eyes off her. She felt as if he had mentally violated her multiple times and it was only a matter of time before he got around to trying to do it physically. Goyle, however, didn't bother her nearly as much as Crabbe. Crabbe might be the dumber of the two, but he was also categorically the more lecherous. He seemed to be practically salivating as he ogled Emily and Caitlin.
"That would be a waste of time," Hooch said with a chortle. "You will be transported using a Portkey similar to the one used to get hold of your dear, look-alike, professor two years ago. It's good that you all enjoy being unclothed because that's how you'll be spending the remaining days of your lives."
"That lady just said that we could stay nudie for the rest of our lives," Timmy said elatedly to Caitlin and Emily.
"Isn't that great," Caitlin said giving Timmy a reassuring hug and purposely not explaining the true meaning of the ex-professor's remark.
"But what about the baby?" Jamie asked concernedly. "I need his diaper bag and the remaining packets of breast milk.
Hooch thought for a moment before answering. "Goyle, you Apparate ahead so that you are there to meet them on their arrival. Crabbe, you and I will see them off then I'll Apparate with the baby's immediate needs. You will make a side trip for diapers and infant formula."
Crabbe gave Hooch an insolent glare, but knew better than to question her orders.
"Benjamin doesn't take well to canned formula," Jamie advised. "He prefers breast milk."
"Well isn't that a pity," Hooch screeched uncaringly. "We don't always get what we want in life, do we? I'm afraid he'll just have to become accustomed to formula or go hungry."
Hooch observed the girl carefully as Jamie gathered Ben's belongings together. "What about Timmy?" Jamie inquired. "Should I collect some of his toys?"
Hooch looked disbelievingly at Jamie. "I'm sorry if I've given you the wrong impression," she bellowed. "You are not going on vacation and The Great One does not run a day care centre. Damien does, however, have a number of unique toys that I'm sure he'd be happy to demonstrate to all of you. That is enough of this pointless chatter. Goyle, go prepare for their arrival."
Without so much as a glance or any question, the corpulent wizard Apparated with a loud pop.
Hooch removed what appeared to be a deflated children's pool float from her pocket. "Each of you grab hold of a bit of this," she ordered.
"You had better hold the baby tightly to you chest." She advised Jamie commandingly.
They all put a hand nervously on the Portkey, having no idea to where they were about to be transported. Hooch counted down from three and then they felt the, by now, all too recognizable jerk as though a hook located just behind their navels had suddenly jerked them irresistibly forward. Jamie held Benjamin tightly against her breasts as her feet left the ground; she could feel the others on either side of her, their shoulders banging into hers, Timmy yelling gleefully as Ben cried incessantly. They were all speeding forward as though stuck to the Portkey as it pulled them magically onward and then__
Seconds later, they slammed to the solid ground. Jamie struggled to maintain her footing as first Emily and then Caitlin knocked into her.
Timmy was on the ground in front of her screaming ecstatically, "Again, again, me loves Portkeys." Ben was just screaming, obviously not sharing Timmy's bliss.
"Enjoy the trip?" Goyle uttered wickedly as they struggled to get their bearings.
Then with a soft 'pop' Madam Hooch joined them. She tossed Ben's diaper bag at Jamie, who let it fall to the floor; her arms already occupied, trying to calm the distressed baby.
"These are your quarters," she said with a snicker. "I advise you not to lay a hand on anything. Damien does not tolerate anyone touching his playthings. What's more, some are extremely sharp and dangerous. You'll be fed in the morning, if you're lucky." She turned to leave, Goyle at her side, his eyes still fixed on Jamie's glistening nude body.
"But where are the beds, blankets and pillows? Caitlin inquired. "And I need to use the bathroom."
Hooch and Goyle exchanged depraved smiles before breaking into uncontainable cruel laughter.
"You're standing on your bed," Hooch laughed. "As for blankets and pillows, I'm afraid you'll have to use each other for such luxuries."
"That sewer grate is your bathroom," Goyle chuckled. "The hose pipe just to the left is your drinking water supply and may also be used for bathing if desired. One temperature fits all purposes."
"Get to sleep," Hooch ordered. "Remember, don't touch anything!"
* * * * * *
Saturday, August 20, 2005
"Sam, wake up," Ron said, cautiously shaking the sleeping panther.
The panther growled sleepily and then transformed into his charming wife. Sam gave Ron a kiss on the cheek and then looked about the cell. Evidently she had been the last to arise because Harry and Hermione were already engaged in an animated conversation as they both paced back and forth in front of the dungeon cell waiting for Snape to arrive and unlock the chamber.
"Is something wrong?" Sam questioned apprehensively. "Why do Harry and Hermione appear so worried?"
"It's probably nothing," Ron said reassuringly. He seemed to be trying to persuade himself as much as Sam. "Hermione tried reaching Caitlin telepathically this morning when she awoke and was unable to."
Sam's face paled as she shook off Ron's embrace and hurried to Hermione's side. "Has this ever happened before, you not being able to contact her? Sam asked.
"No," Hermione answered, "but then we haven't been away from each other a great deal to methodically test it. Most of our contact by telepathy has been from one part of Hogwarts to another or sometimes Hogsmeade. During holiday we communicated from ship to shore and, of course, from our arrival point to that car park when those hooligans kidnapped the girls."
"But you never had any problem reaching each other before? Maybe she is asleep or the Hogwarts wards are interfering," Sam suggested, hoping for a logical and calming solution.
"We've both managed to invade the other's deepest sleep," Hermione replied nervously. "Thus far the only thing that has impeded our thoughts from reaching each other has been distance and plate glass. Our thoughts were not the least bit hampered last evening and circumstances this morning should be identical."
"Here he comes," Harry yelled, as he saw Snape turn the corner. "Ginny and Draco are with him."
* * * * * *
Ginny had pressured Draco into offering his assistance with the moving task. It actually hadn't taken that much
coercing once he was guaranteed that he wouldn't have to do any physical work.
As soon as Hermione had alerted Severus, Ginny and Draco to her uneasiness, they too decided to make the trip to Sam and Ron's apartment. The group wasted no time. As soon as Severus finished the unlocking charms on the dungeon cell, they rushed up to his office and then used the floo network to go directly to the apartment.
The ominous silence that greeted them instantly confirmed their most dire fears. The innocents, along with Jamie, were gone.
"This doesn't make any sense," Snape said, his voice filled with annoyance. "No one intending harm to the occupants should have been able to commit a breach of the wards that protected your home."
Ron's face flushed suddenly in horrified comprehension.
"Weasley?" Malfoy questioned, finding it unbelievable that anyone could have been so dim-witted. "You had Ginny remove all the charms and wards on the apartment so that your landlord could show it to a potential tenant, didn't you? Please tell me that you didn't neglect to restore them before allowing those children to spend the night here."
Sam looked at Ron, her face wearing with a terrible expression. "You never told me that the wards were removed." She looked at Hermione and Harry apologetically, shaking her head despondently. "Please believe me, I never would have suggested they stay here if I had known they were completely unprotected."
"I had anticipated restoring the charms on our return," Ron declared disconsolately, trying to defend himself. "I didn't expect to be drugged out of my mind."
"It will not benefit us to bicker and try to place blame," Severus warned them. "All that will do is cause division between us at a time when we need to all work together.
Harry began to walk across the room, stopped abruptly, leaned over as if to pick something up and then continued toward the table. "Wherever they are, they're unarmed," he said, picking up Emily and Caitlin's wands off the tabletop
"Maybe Jamie still has hers," Hermione ventured hopefully. "It wouldn't be seen in its invisible sheath."
"No, but it evidently wouldn't transport along with her," he said, pulling Jamie's wand part way out of the sheath he had almost stepped on. "Evidently they used a Portkey programmed in a similar way to the one used to steal you away from me two years ago." He reached out and grasped Hermione's hand.
"Then they're all naked and totally defenceless," Hermione cried. "Little Benjamin doesn't even have any diapers or… Harry! Ben won't drink manufactured formula. It makes him gag and vomit. He has to have breast milk."
As Harry and Hermione talked, Sam and the others looked around the apartment in an attempt to discover any clues.
"Your diaper bag isn't here anywhere," Sam said observantly, "but how would it be possible for that to transport and not Jamie's wand?"
"Perhaps one of the kidnappers took it with them," Draco suggested. "I doubt they would use a Portkey that rendered them naked. They probably Apparated after sending the others off."
"That's not much conciliation," Hermione whimpered. "I only left Jamie with four units of breast milk. She's probably used at least two of them already. Ben will die with nothing to eat."
"No one is going to die," Severus said reassuringly. "We'll find them, all of them. I'll owl the ministry at once."
"You can inform those bureaucratic do nothings if you desire," Harry shouted, "but I'll be damned if I'm going to sit back idly and wait for them to find the kids. They were of absolutely no help when Hermione was kidnapped and I anticipate little more from them this time around."
Draco nodded his head in accord. "I'm glad that for once we are in agreement, Potter. Under Minister Wrong's administration the Aurors have become indolent and ineffective. They've made utterly no progress in the last two years toward eradicating that blot on the wizarding world known as the Great One."
"Harry, do you think it's him? Do you think the Great One has the children?" Hermione asked trying to maintain a semblance of control over her distraught emotions.
"Who else?" Harry answered. "The Great One wants to rule the world. He has shown himself to be ruthless, cunning and a tad psychotic. Anyone trying to resurrect the dead has to be crazy, especially when you're talking about a wizard that was as evil and monstrous as Salazar Slytherin."
"Then you believe the kids were taken in order to fulfil the prophecy?" Ron asked.
"Why else?" Harry said. "What possible other reason could there be for kidnapping a baby, a toddler and two young girls?"
"You forgot Jamie," Ginny said.
"I didn't forget her," Harry said, his voice cracking and practically choking on his own words. "Actually at this point in time I'm most concerned about her because she could be considered unnecessary and therefore expendable."
Everyone stared at Harry, but Severus was the first to offer a rationalization for his comment. "If someone is indeed going to attempt to restore to life Salazar Slytherin, they will be using some of the oldest and darkest magic known to the wizard world. Magic that is forbidden and the use of which is considered a more heinous crime than any of the forbidden curses.
"Such magic takes months of preparation and can only be attempted under prescribed conditions. One of those conditions is that the rebirth must coincide with the birth of the moon."
"By birth of the moon, are you referring to a new moon?" Ginny inquired.
Severus nodded. "Since we are now experiencing the full moon, we have two weeks until the new moon, September third to be exact. That is the earliest that the Great One can attempt the restoration."
"Then the children are safe until then at least," Ron said, sounding at least somewhat relieved.
"To an extent," Harry replied despondently. "They must remain alive and innocent until the new moon, but who know what tortures the animals that cage them will inflict. And Jamie…"
"They don't require her at all," Hermione cried, horrified at the thought.
"No," Harry said. "At this juncture we can only be thankful that all signs point to her currently being alive.
Sam picked up Timmy's colouring book and after studying it a moment commented. "We can stop assuming some things," she said. "The Great One definitely has the children and we should stop referring to her as a he."
Everyone looked at Sam questioningly as she passed the colouring book first to Hermione and then it started making the rounds of everyone present. On the open page of the book, someone had hastily drawn a stick figure. Apparently the drawing was of a woman because a triangle representing a dress was drawn over the tops of the legs. 'G1' was scrawled under the drawing.
"It's not a lot of information," Draco declared, "but it's more than the Ministry has been able to ascertain in the last two years."
"We also have a means to locate them," Harry said.
"Harry, if you're referring to Caitlin and my telepathic connection," Hermione interjected. "I have to be within twenty-five miles of her for that to work."
"That means we have to get you within that distance," Harry declared emphatically.
"But Harry," Ginny said, "Great Britain covers nearly 89,000 square miles and we can't even be sure they are still on the island."
"No we can't," Harry admitted, "But two years ago I sat helpless waiting wondering if the woman I loved would ever be returned to me. I'm not sitting idle again."
He looked questioningly at Hermione. "It will be worse than looking for that damn proverbial needle in a haystack," he said, "and all we can do is fly escort, you're the only one with the power to contact Caitlin."
Not once did Hermione think about her loathing of flying. Instead a slide show of memories filled her mind. She remembered sitting across the table from an anxious looking eleven year old...
Hermione pulled a parchment out of her robes and laid it on the table in front of Caitlin. "Please read this and let me know what you think. The decision is completely yours."
Caitlin picked up the very official looking document. It already had a ministry seal on it and had been sign by the Inquisitor right next to the signature of Hermione Granger. Caitlin went back to the top of the parchment and began reading. She hadn't made it half way through the document before she realized what it was and burst into tears. "This is the real thing! This is a legal document. Does this mean…? Are you sure? Do you really…?"
Hermione smiled through the tears in her eyes. "It's a legal magical adoption paper. It has already been signed and approved by the court. I have never been surer of anything in my life. Because of your age, all that is needed is your signature and it will be official."
Caitlin was at a total loss for words. She just looked at her professor, soon to be mother, and broke into tears. Tears of joy that she neither could nor wanted to hold back. The food was forgotten as Caitlin sat on Hermione's lap and wrapped her arms around her. They sat like that crying and hugging until Caitlin once more asked, "Are you absolutely sure?"
"Yes, I'm absolutely sure," Hermione said, giving Caitlin a squeeze.
Caitlin slid off her lap and took the parchment over to Hermione's desk. She dipped the quill in ink and signed her name to the document. She no more than finished when the documents disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Hermione looked at her daughter. "It's official. We belong to each other."
Hermione remember lying in the hospital wing just prior to giving birth__
Emily looked from Hermione to Harry and then leaned into Harry. "Dad, when you have a child of you own, will you still love Caitlin and me?"
Harry lifted Emily to him, and held her with one arm while he moved toward Caitlin and put his other arm around her. "If Hermione and I have a hundred children, we'll never stop loving you girls." He looked at Jamie. "You girls mean the world to us. We didn't physically give birth to you, but you are our daughters."
Emily looked concernedly toward Jamie and then at Harry. "Could you make it official? I mean… I know you're not my real parents. I'll never forget them or stop loving them, but I love you and Mum and Caitlin, too." She looked at Jamie, tears in her eyes. "I love you too Jamie, but I don't want them being my guardians anymore; the term sounds cold and unloving. I want to be a real part of the family. I want them to be my Mum and Dad and Caitlin my sister and I want the baby to be my little brother or sister."
Emily's eyes watered and then tears streamed down her face. "I know it's asking a lot, but would you adopt me?" She asked.
Harry squeezed her tightly. "Slytherin, I was hoping that someday you'd ask us that." He kissed her cheek. "What do you think, Hermione? Should we make this little trouble-maker an official part of our family?"
Hermione couldn't answer, she was crying too hard. She reached toward Emily, and Harry plopped the young girl on the bed next to Hermione. They embraced and kissed each other on the cheek.
Hermione remembered almost losing Jamie, a student who had come to mean so much more__
Hermione had been in her office, when a student came rushing in with the news of what had occurred. She silently thanked Madam Pomfrey for letting her know as she rushed as quickly as possible through the halls of Hogwarts. When she arrived at the Infirmary, the look on Madam Pomfrey's face was enough to frighten Hermione to the core.
"I think we may be too late, Professor Granger. I'm hesitant to take her out of stasis. She was in that freezing water so long and she had stopped breathing. I'm not sure for how long. If she lives I'm afraid she's going to lose one leg and there is a 70% chance of brain damage. I don't know what to do."
Hermione looked at her and said all we can do is pray. And so they did. After a few days Pomfrey reported that Jamie wouldn't lose the leg, but as far as brain damage, she couldn't be sure until or if she came out of the coma. For two weeks they took turns sitting with her and praying that she would return to them. Then Headmaster McGonagall housed Jamie's parents in empty faculty quarters. They spent the days sitting with her and Amanda, Alex and Hermione took the nights.
"We really thought we'd never see her alive again, Harry. But then one night, I fell asleep holding her hand, and our prayers were answered." Hermione smiled warmly as she remembered the feeling of seeing Jamie that night. "She looked like the most beautiful Angel in the world, and do you know what she said?"
When Harry shook his head, Hermione continued. "She said, 'Professor Granger, How is the little girl? Did I lose her baby doll?'"
Harry grabbed hold of Hermione's hand and gently squeezed it, telling her, "You're right; she is a very special girl."
And, of course she remembered the birth of her son__
"How do you feel?" Harry asked, as he watched Hermione nurse their son.
"Tired, very tired", Hermione said, "but extremely happy and fulfilled. Harry, I love the girls with all my heart, but this…. This was an experience I'll never forget."
"Nor I," Harry said, looking blissfully at the marvel Hermione held in her arms. "Even though I witnessed it with my own eyes, it still seems impossible that he actually came out of you and that he was formed by us simply making love."
"That's why it's called the miracle of birth," Hermione replied. "Harry, did I say anything cruel or spiteful during the birthing? If I did, I'm sorry. I love you with all my heart, and I've never been happier."
"And I love you Mione. And I love you."
The last picture to enter her mind was very recent, from just a few days ago.
Ron leaped in and began swimming in the direction of Sam, Bonnie on his heels.
"Daddy!" Timmy yelled happily. "Look Mummy! Daddy got nudie and in the pool."
Sam smiled as Timmy madly splashed his way toward Ron and then threw his arms around his Dad's neck.
"He really loves his daddy," Bonnie said, as she settled herself on the edge of the pool next to Sam.
"They're very close," Sam agreed, nodding her head.
"Hermione," Harry called, trying to bring her back to reality. "Are you all right?" Will you be up to that much flying?"
"Those bastards have ripped our hearts out. They've taken from us what is most precious, our children. It's not a question of whether I'm up to it; it's a question of how soon do we get started."
* * * * * *
In twenty-four hours, Jamie had gone from sleeping in a quite comfortable bed on a first class cruise ship, to sleeping
on the chilly stone floor of what gave the appearance of being a dungeon torture chamber right out of the thirteen
hundreds. Sleeping was perhaps not the correct term because she had in reality slept very little during the night.
They had all cuddled together to share their body warmth the previous evening. Jamie had lain on her side with Ben nestled snugly in her arms, Emily facing her in order to help shelter the infant. Caitlin had snuggled against Jamie's back and little Timmy had burrowed between Jamie and Emily, alternately using each girl as a pillow.
With the possible exception of Ben, no one slept contentedly; there was a great deal of tossing and turning. Then just when Jamie had finally drifted off to sleep, Ben awoke, hungry and demanding that his diaper be changed.
It was now a little past six in the morning, as Jamie appraised their prison while the others slept restlessly. She only knew the time because in the quietness of the early morning she had heard what sounded like a grandfather's clock in a nearby room solemnly chiming the hour.
The dungeon seemed to be modelled after those used during the time of the Spanish Inquisition. It was damp and if not for the torches, would have been extremely dark. Fortunately it did not seem to be vermin infested or extremely bad smelling as dungeons of that era often were; at least Jamie had not thus far observed any rats or cockroaches. She trusted that their meals would also be more than the mouldy bread and stale water normally served to prisoners of that time.
Although she had no way of being positive, Jamie suspected that they might be the only prisoners. She had been awake most of the night and had heard no cries or screams, or for that matter any sounds at all, echoing throughout the dungeon walls.
"Wake up!" Madam Hooch screamed as she entered the chamber, Crabbe and Goyle on her heels. Hooch tossed a bag in Jamie's direction. "Crabbe purchased formula and baby bottles."
"You get two meals a day," she shouted as the kids yawned and stretched. "This isn't Hogwarts, eat what you're served without complaint or starve. It's your choice." She waved her wand and four plates and tumblers appeared on the floor.
"Where do we sit to eat?" Timmy asked innocently.
"On your arse," Goyle replied crudely.
Caitlin and Emily both gave Goyle looks of loathing as they squatted Indian style on the floor, Emily demonstrating to Timmy how to sit the same way. Jamie looked about for somewhere she could lay down the still sleeping Ben. She stared beseechingly at Hooch.
"We were all extremely cold and uncomfortable last night," she said. "If you insist that my sisters and I catch pneumonia, so be it, but couldn't you at least give us blankets for Timmy and the baby. I can't lay Ben down on a chilly damp stone floor."
Hooch looked at Jamie as if she were asking for the moon and then gave a sigh of total antipathy. She drew her wand and pointed it at the floor where a tiny padded infant mattress appeared. "For the infant only," she declared. "Damien or the Great One will have to approve anything additional."
"Thank you," Jamie said, but her words of appreciation went ignored. After putting down the sleeping baby she seated herself next to Emily, adopting the same Indian style position the girls and Timmy had taken.
Goyle was carrying a large bowl from which he scooped what appeared to be gooey scrambled eggs, and flopped some on each of their plates. Crabbe, using his grimy bare hands, tossed a sausage patty and a piece of toast on each plate. Hooch placed a pitcher of some putrid looking juice on the floor and then the three turned to leave.
"You forgot to give us eating utensils," Emily said as if to remind them.
Crabbe, turned, held his hand in the air and wiggled his fingers. Then without a word he followed Hooch and Goyle out of the room and slammed the door.
"Somehow I don't think losing the weight I gained on the cruise is going to be a problem," Emily said, looking nauseated at her plate.
"That's an understatement," Caitlin said, taking a tiny bite from her cold rubbery sausage.
"I don't like this," Timmy said pushing his plate away. "I want to go home. I want my Mummy." The toddler started crying.
Jamie got to her feet and picked up the little boy, hugging him to her chest as she stroked his back. "Timmy, we all want to go home," she said, searching for words that he would understand to describe their situation.
"These are bad people. They've hidden us away from the ones we love. I'm sure that right now your Mummy and Daddy are looking for us along with Harry and Hermione. It's just a matter of time until they find us," she said, trying to sound as convincing as possible. "When they do, these terrible people will be punished. But until they get here we have to all be very good and do everything we are told to or they will hurt us. Do you remember what the evil woman did to Emily and Caitlin last night?"
Timmy nodded his head timidly.
"You don't want them to be hurt again, do you?"
Timmy shook his head.
"Then you have to be big brave boy. In order to do that you have to be strong, and in order to be strong you must eat. They want us all to become weak; that's why they gave us such horrible food. They think we won't eat it. We'll show them, won't we? We'll be big and strong and make your Mummy and Daddy proud of us."
Timmy nodded his head. "Timmy be big and brave like Daddy."
"Let's have a contest and see which of us can do the best job emptying their plate," Jamie suggested.
As Timmy and Jamie started nibbling at the bland food, Ben began to stir. Jamie looked worriedly in his direction. This feeding would finish the last of Hermione's breast milk. What would Jamie do if Ben refused to drink the Muggle formula?
* * * * * *
"Timmy, please stay away from those devices," Jamie implored. "Some of them are sharp and look exceedingly dangerous."
"But I'm bored," Timmy complained. "There's nothing to do here."
"He's just being inquisitive," said the voice of a man who had one way or another, entered the chamber without Jamie's knowledge.
He stared admiringly at Jamie for a few moments and than said, shaking his head, "The resemblance is uncanny. They told me you looked like her, but …"
Jamie shivered as the man stepped before her. Her heartbeat increased and her body became hot and clammy as she felt him violate her with his eyes. He moved closer and she shivered as he stepped into the light before her. His face was sallow and covered in acne. His eyes were gray, but the parts that should be white were a very sickly looking yellow. Involuntarily, she shuddered as he stared at her silently. He took a few steps forward and was now so close that she could feel his breath on her neck. She cringed, but held her ground; determined to not show fear. Besides, where did she have to run?
"My name is Damien," he said, as if this should have some meaning to Jamie.
"Leave my sister alone," Caitlin yelled.
"Yeah, back off pimple puss," Emily shouted.
Damien seemed to ignore the outbursts of the younger girls as he moved even closer to Jamie, his large, oily nose now mere centimetres from her own. He leaned closer as if intending to kiss her, but instead whispered in her ear.
"Your sisters love you and appear prepared to leap to your defence," he said softly, yet in a cold manner, so that only Jamie could hear. "I like that. Since they are so brave, if you fight or resist me in even the slightest way, I'll allow them to pay the consequences."
He reached out his hand and caressed Jamie's cheek with his short rough fingers; slowly he moved them to touch her lips, before descending down her neck to her ample chest. Jamie closed her eyes and bit her lip as his fingers played briefly with her nipple.
Then without warning, he grabbed her between the legs and prodded her roughly with his fingers. Jamie jerked in response, tears coming to her eyes, but she made no effort to stop his invasion. Damien moved away from her, a look of disappointment on his face.
"You're no Hermione," he said, looking at Jamie with disenchantment. "You may have her looks, but you lack her tenacity. At the very least she would have spat in my face."
Damien turned his back on Jamie, as if their encounter had not even transpired, and addressed Timmy. "Would you like me to show you around?" he asked. "Your friends can join us."
Timmy nodded his head, eager for anything to do, and motioned for Emily and Caitlin to join him. Jamie just watched anxiously. Clearly this was where Hermione had been held captive when she was kidnapped two years ago. The memories of that time span still eluded Hermione. Could Damien have been her jailer? Was he the one that smashed the bones in her fingers? What else had he done? Had he possibly raped her?
Damien seemed to be enjoying giving the tour; it was as if he were sharing the results of a wonderful hobby. Emily and Caitlin walked apprehensively with Damien as he pointed out and explained the various implements to Timmy. Fortunately, Timmy was too young to appreciate most of Damien's enlightenment, but from the horrified looks on Caitlin and Emily's faces, they had understood his explanations, all too well.
After he had shown them such devices as The Rack, The Ducking Stool and the Wheel, Damien showed them The Cage. The Cage was rather simple. It consisted of an iron band that encircled the waist at the hips. From this band two additional iron bands were connected at either side in the front. These bands crossed at the chest and then bent over the shoulders again crossing in the back before connecting to the waistband. Wrist cuffs were attached to both sides and a hinged iron band went between the legs and closed at the back. Attachments for chains at the shoulders secured the prisoner to the wall.
After finishing explaining the finer points of the cage, Damien called to Jamie. "This was Professor Granger's home while she was with us. Would you like to try it on?"
Jamie didn't answer, but instead walked over and picked up Ben, who was stirring restlessly. Soon she would know whether or not he would drink the formula. As Jamie held Ben in her arms, Damien picked up the first of many tools lying on a shelf.
"Step closer to me," he said to Caitlin. "I want to show you how this works. I won't hurt you, at least not at the moment."
He picked up an iron four-pronged implement. "This is called a Breast Ripper," he said, pressing the instrument firmly against Caitlin's chest. "It was often used on women convicted of heresy or adultery. Depending on the mood of the torturer, the device would either be frozen or heated to increase the pain."
Damien snickered as he removed the tool from Caitlin's breast. "It works better on something a bit larger. If you'd like a demonstration perhaps Jamie would be willingly to assist me." He laughed as if the idea of mutilating Jamie's breasts was amusing."
At that moment Ben began bawling and Jamie hurried to get him a bottle of formula. "Perhaps later," Damien said, sounding extremely let down. "She seems to be busy at the moment."
He returned the apparatus to the shelf and was about to pick up the thumbscrews when Timmy yelled, "What is that fancy looking thing?"
Damien patted the boy on the back. "That is one of my favourites," he said smiling wickedly at Timmy. "That is called a Pear."
"Like the fruit?" Timmy asked innocently.
"Yes," Damien said, again patting Timmy on the back.
Jamie listened nervously to Damien chatting to Timmy and the girls as she fed Ben. At least Ben was drinking his bottle.
"How does it work?" Timmy asked excitedly.
"It is forced into the mouth, rectum or vagina of the victim and there expanded by force of the screw to the maximum aperture of the segments," Damien answered. "The inside of the cavity in question is irremediably mutilated, nearly always fatally so. The pointed prongs at the end of the segments serve better to rip into the throat, the intestines or the cervix."
Timmy looked at him uncertainly, not quite understanding, but beginning to realise that these were not pleasant devices.
"How would you like that thrust into your little twat?" Damien asked Emily, maliciously.
"I'd much prefer to see it shoved up your scrawny arse," Emily retorted.
"You have spirit," Damien said, gazing with pleasure at Emily. "It's a shame that I've been ordered not to damage any of you. I think I could have fun with you."
"Go fuck yourself!" Emily shouted, as she attempted to drive her knee in between Damien's legs. She missed her target and Damien sent her sailing across the room where she landed near an eight-foot tall pyramid shaped object.
"Leave her alone," Jamie yelled, running to her sister's side.
"You keep out of this, bitch, and tend to that infant or you'll be the first person to test my Pyramid of Death."
Jamie didn't have the opportunity to comment, because Ben chose that moment to vomit and then proceeded to cry hysterically.
"Shut that spoiled brat up," Damien commanded. "You do understand that little horror is the only reason you're alive, don't you?"
"Enough of this tour," Damien said, growing bored and turning as if to leave the chamber.
"But sir! What is the Pyramid of Death?" Timmy questioned.
"I like you, little one," Damien said, sounding sincere. "It is a misfortune you must die so young." He pointed to the tall pyramid in the middle of the room. "That is the Pyramid of Death. It is my own creation, bringing together the virtues of the Judas Cradle and Impalement."
Timmy, Emily and Caitlin all stared at the pyramid uncertainly, waiting for a further explanation.
"With the Judas Cradle, the victim was hung in the air by various ropes and dropped onto a point, thus completely destroying the genital area," Damien explained. "Impalement was the process of inserting a steak or post through the entire body of the victim, starting at the seat of the body and exiting through the mouth or throat."
Damien beamed in delight as he gave details on his creation. "The point and edges of the Pyramid of Death are razor sharp. The victim is tied and hung in the air over the pyramid in such a way that the arms and legs are in the air and the anus is barely touching the point. When the rope is released, theoretically the weight of the body will cause it to be cut in four pieces with the point of the pyramid coming out through the center of the scull."
Caitlin threw up as she visualized such an atrocity. Timmy started to cry.
"You're mental," Emily shouted. "No one in their right mind could do something like that to another human being."
Damien backhanded Emily so hard that she fell to the floor. "I'll show you mental," he said. Damien looked coldly toward Jamie. "Hopefully they will all have the opportunity to see you meet that fate before they die." Without another word, he exited the dungeon.
"I'm scared," Timmy wailed. "I want my Mummy."
Emily lifted Timmy into her arms and tried to calm him.
"Jamie, what are we going to do?" Caitlin asked, their situation seeming hopeless.
"I don't know," Jamie sobbed as Ben sucked frantically on her nipple, trying to get nonexistent nourishment.
"Jamie, are we all going to die? Timmy asked between his sobs.
Jamie didn't answer. She just held Ben tightly as tears streamed down her face.
End of Chapter Seven
As always, thanks to Amber and Peter for their work on this story, Alison, Don, Dove, Liz and Lucy joined them on this chapter. Welcome to the team.
Please take the time to review.
Want to be advised of new chapters and get to read them first? Join Hogwarts Exposed