"I think what we wish for most
is to join the stories
and be with those we love.
That's why I'm here."
REQUESTS IN HIGH DEMAND ⋆ MESSAGE ME YOUR REQUESTS TO KEEP THIS BOOK G...
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The only sounds that could be heard were the wicked cackles of Bellatrix LeStrange and the strangled breaths of Arabella McBeth as she lay, sprawled out on the floor of the Malfoy Manor. The room was empty, save the two witches, and Ara's presence was thought to have been gone, previously, but how the house's occupants were incorrect. She was the only who had not been able to apparate out. The girl's chest was heaving with strain, and no other movement transpired upon her body. Her hazel eyes held only a faint sparkle of life, and her cheeks were flushed. Earthy brown hair lay in spilled, tangled waves around her pale face.
Bellatrix stood over her like a twisted shadow, grasping a new wand in a white hand, as she grinned madly down at the girl. She raised it once more, but was halted as a whisper echoed within her head.
"Prepare the girl," The voice of Voldemort hissed mentally to Bellatrix, and a wild smile lighted her face. She savagely whipped her new wand through the air, and Ara was painfully wrenched from the floor and positioned upon her knees, head bowed down. Hair covered her contorted expression like a wavy curtain, just as the doors opened slowly. Voldemort himself tread softly into the room, black robes billowing behind him, as he grasped a new wand as well. Numerous Death Eaters filed in after their master, the first three to be Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco Malfoy, who stood close to the large windows as other characters clothed in black stood about the room. Bellatrix bowed jerkily, retreating to the corner as Voldemort stepped up to the kneeling Ara, a slight smile alighting his snake-like features.
"The girl I've heard so much about," he murmured slyly. "The brilliant Arabella McBeth, closest friend to Harry Potter." A snicker passed through the Death Eaters, just as Draco's eyes went wide. He craned his neck to look towards the center of the room, just as Ara raised her fair face upwards to look at the Dark Lord. Her expression held defiant, although all energy had left her.
"When I heard you had come to us for a visit, I simply had to see you for myself, and compare you to ... well, her," Voldemort taunted. Ara's brows creased.
"Compare me to who?" she rasped indignantly, and the Dark Lord laughed. He lowered his face until it was very close to hers.
"Your mother," the man whispered.
Ara went silent, and she pulled her in any emotion that had suddenly flared up within her. Her mother was dead. Voldemort was only toying with her. Her face became deadpan, blank. Voldemort looked taken aback, as if he thought his comment would have infuriated her, and felt irritated towards the girl, if he hadn't already. "Well, since you remain silenter than those already greeted to this house, I believe a little trial is in order," he murmured cunningly, his eyes traveling to Draco Malfoy. He reached a bony hand towards the boy, gesturing smoothly for him to step forward. The boy's pale eyes looked at him uneasily, his heart still pounding after seeing Ara. He silently walked toward Voldemort, his brows creasing nervously.
Voldemort stepped back, moving his hand to make an indication to Ara. He circled Draco, murmuring into his ear, "Torture her."
Fear blazed in Draco's chest, and he tried to keep his face expressionless. His eyes lingered on Ara as her chin tilted upwards to look forward at him. Her eyes lightened with a spark of hope, and she looked at him pleadingly. Though no sound came from her mouth, her lips formed one word repeatedly: Please.
Draco's hands were shaking violently as his fingers pulled out his wand forlornly. Trembling, he directed his wand straight at Ara, just as a few tears threaded down her cheeks. Her trust in him was once undeniable. She trusted. She understood his demons. She whispered once, and only once. "Please."
Clenching his jaw, tears threatening to fall, he whispered only one response, feeling himself breaking as he did.