Severus watched from afar as Mulciber and Lestrange worked their magic within the dimly lot dungeon. He was farther removed than the others, carefully observing the two as they toyed with Emmeline, playing a twisted game of cat and mouse. Severus was fairly green compared to his associates, there was much he needed to learn if he was to be held in any regard. Interrogation was an art form and this was an opportunity to watch masters at work.
They showed such finesse, such refinement. It made Severus sick. He was never one for meaningless words, for wasted time. What was the point in prolonging a life which one was determined to end? Why tempt fate and make room for error? Unlike Barty, Severus understood the idea of restraint, so he voiced none of these views. Better to play along, perhaps the reason would present itself in time.
Severus almost felt pity for the girl, that is, until her demeanor changed. The girl had a new fight within her, a sudden flame to ignite her spirit. A fight would have been a welcome challenge had it not been for the familiar air of her newfound vigor. That haughty tone, that bold retort, that hint of a smirk Severus knew all too well. Potter.
Something snapped within Severus. He was no longer a watcher-on to the torture of Emmeline Vance. In fact, Severus forgot her existence entirely. All he could see was Potter in that chair, tied like a pig for the slaughter. All the animosity, all the cruel words, all the petty arguments, all the hate fueled his lust for vengeance, leaving remorse without a another thought. This was no longer a matter of upholding image or initiation, this was about revenge. If Potter couldnāt bear witness himself, his little friend would have to send along the message for him.
Without any word of warning, Severus raised his wand and cursed the bindings around the Ravenclawās limbs. They seared like freshly forged irons, burning white-hot into the girlās wrists and ankles. The wounds that were opened from Mulciberās curse opened yet again as the ropes dug further into flesh. Severus couldnāt help but laugh at her screams of agony, a sadistic glint shining in his dark eyes. This was power, he thought as he entertained himself with her misery. It was a feeling unlike any other
As the heat faded and the girl began to struggle once more, Severus stepped directly in front of her, sneering evilly. He could only see the pain of his archrival and all he stood for, and that was enough to block out any lingering wisps of doubt. Staring into her eyes as he did, Severus brought the tip of his wand to his victimās chin and tilted her head upward so as to fully face him and spoke to her in a cold, cruel voice.
āEveryone has a breaking point, Emmeline. Itāll only be a matter of time until we find yours.ā
Rodolphus was suddenly unable to focus on anything in the room aside from Emmeline, barely noticing the way SnapeĀ sidledĀ up alongside he and Mulciber to put his two cents in, his mind too focused on Vance as she reared back slightly and hocked a large glob of spit right onto his face. With a horrified yell, he stumbled back before reaching up to wipe the spit from his face, eyes burning brightly with anger as they turned back on his victim.
He didnāt care what Snape was doing, didnāt care that Mulciber seemed to want to take his time and draw this out, this little traitor had just spit on him and he was beyond livid as a result. It didnāt occur to him that this was what she wanted, to rile him up, because he was far too gone to think clearly by the time he marched back towards her and shoved Snape out of the way without any regard at all for where he might land. It was Snape, after all. He wasnāt someone they actually needed, at least in Rodolphusā opinion.
āYou disgusting little slut!ā The man roared, shoving the tip of his wand right into her jugular and snarling at her as he moved down to her eye level, his own bright blue eyes dancing with rage. His body buzzed with adrenaline and his brain screamed for him to just do it, to end it here because there was no point in waiting. Heād have more fun gloating to her friends, the Marauders, than he would spending hours letting Snape and Mulciber do as they wished with her. He had never been much for sharing anyway.
Pressing his wand even further into her neck, Rodolphusā lips curled over his teeth and he let out a low, almost inhuman growl. āGive me one good reason why I shouldnāt slit your throat and watch you bleed out right here.ā He demanded, half tempted to just avada her and be done with it. āDo you really think any of them would missĀ you? The girl playing second fiddle to everyone around her, not near exciting enough to ever make any sort of impact. Why do you think your precious Marauders havenāt come for you yet? It didnāt take them very long with Barty, did it? I suppose you mean even less to them than that whore, McKinnon.ā He spat out, jaw tight and face hard before he pulled away and backed up to give himself room away from her in hopes of reeling his rage in a bit. Anger made room for error and he wasnāt going to have this get out of hand on his account.
āOne more outburst like that, Miss Vanceā¦ and Iāll have to pay mummy and daddy a visit.ā He threatened, anger still twisting around in his belly and turning his blood white hot. Turning from her, he sent Mulciber an impatient look, hoping he'd understand that they needed to move this along a bit quicker because he was now in no mood for games. Ā "Crucio!" He cried, wand pointed straight at the blonde as he finally tore his eyes from his housemate and turned on her, watching as she writhed in pain. If this didn't get his point across to Mulciber, he was afraid little would.
"The thing is, little raven, you might think there's hope left, but there isn't at all. Even if you get free of this, by some miracle or otherwise, you won't remember enough to do anything about it and in a few shorts weeks, you'll be right back where you're sitting now, bloodied and broken all over again. So it's really in your best interest to comply. After all, we really needn't involve anyone else in this. As entertaining as it would be to torture your friends until you crumble, I believe we can skip all that... don't you?" He voiced, wand still on her and forcing unimaginable pain to flow through her, like tiny knives cutting right into every nerve in her body. After a moment, he pulled his wand away, ending the curse and looking at her expectantly. "I do hope we've come to an understanding, you and I. If not, I hear Miss Meadowes is in dire need of a bit of... re-education."
