The Darkness Within

Chapter Twelve - An Uncanny Resemblance

Chapter Twelve

 It had been almost nine hours since Harry was locked in a cell on lower ground of Nurmengard. With each passing minute, the cold seemed to get worse, making Harry shiver uncontrollably. He found sitting was unbearable as the concrete ground only sent the cold deeper into his aching body. He chose to stand, occasionally leaning against the walls for support.

Harry did what he could to keep warm; he pulled at his robes, trying to wrap them as tight as he could around his trembling body. But since his hands were shackled in Kelso cuffs, which had a very short chain between the cuffs, he couldn't quite manage the task. He tried to preserve as much heat as he could by hugging his hands close to his chest. He stamped his feet on the ground, trying to force the numbness out of them that the cold had brought on. Occasionally, he blew on his hands, trying to warm them, noting with dismay that his hands and fingers were beginning to show signs of frostbite. But the only thing that did was make his mouth drier. He cursed himself for ignoring the goblet of water that morning. He had found that no meals or water were sent to the cells on lower ground. The last time he had ate or drank anything was yesterday morning's breakfast at Riddle Manor, so by now, almost thirty three hours later, he was desperately hungry and thirsty.

The air was heavy and sluggish, even though it was so cold, and it made Harry feel light headed. His chest ached with the effort of breathing and he found himself wishing he could just pass out, so time would pass quickly.

He could hear the sound of waves outside. There was a storm slowly building outside the prison and the sound of the thunderous waves slamming against the rocky island that held Nurmengard was unnerving. Harry tried ignoring it but the ominous feeling only continued to grow as the storm seemed to get worse. He could almost make out the sound of the wind, strong and forceful, whistling outside the walls of the prison.

Harry was distracted when he heard a door slamming open before footsteps echoed through the corridor. Harry stayed where he was, leaning against the wall, trying with all his might to stop shivering. Jackson came into his line of vision and he felt his anger peak at the sight of the smirking man.

“So, have you cooled down yet?” Jackson asked.

“You started it.” Harry replied.

Jackson smiled, tilting his head to the side a little to observe the petulant teen.

“Yes, well that was your fault too.” he said. “If you had just answered the questions, I wouldn't have lost my temper with you.”

“I did answer your questions.” Harry pointed out.

“With useless answers.” Jackson replied.

Harry straightened up but stayed where he was.

“Like I said, that's not my problem.”

This time, Jackson didn't get angry. Instead he smiled at Harry, almost as if he found the answer amusing.

“You know, the more I try not to, the more I'm beginning to like you.” he said with a chuckle. “I gotta hand it to you, kid. You have some nerve.”

“I'm touched.” Harry replied dryly.

Jackson gave Harry another unsettling look before he reached into his pocket and pulled out his wand. Immediately, Harry tensed up, staring at the wand before his eyes focused on the man's face.

“Have you had enough?” Jackson asked. “If you want, I can take you out of here and back upstairs to your other cell. At least it's warmer.” he tempted.

Harry stared at him for a minute, trying to work the man out.

“What happened to staying here the whole night?” he asked.