Disclaimer - I own nothing you recognise.

Written for;

Hogwarts Writing Club, round 6 - Direction.

The Ultimate Hermione Competition, Round 2.

Content

She sits still, eyes trained on the floor of the cellar that has become her home. Her Master and Mistress are here. She can hear them on the steps, though she can never work out the direction they've come from. Not that it matters. She stopped trying to escape a long time ago. They treat her well when she behaves.

She's a good girl now.

It took her a long time to learn the rules, but she is sure that her Mistress enjoyed the training very much. The shrill cackle as the pain ripped through her body told her that much. Her Master is kinder for the most part, though he takes his pleasure from her regardless of whether she is ready or not.

She is their pet.

She wonders, occasionally, what happened to those she used to know. It seems like another life now, running around with Harry and Ron, fighting against evil, putting themselves in life and death situations on a yearly basis. She cannot say she is glad that they no longer have a part in her life, but she is... content with the simpleness of her new existence.

The door bangs open, and she feels a thrill of fear. Her Mistress is angry at something.

"Bella, I really don't think it's that big of a deal," her Master says, and she can hear the boredom in his tone. It is clear that whatever has enraged her Mistress happened a while ago. He usually takes more care when she is so angry.

"Of course it's a big deal!"

Hermione shivers despite herself. She has learnt control of her body, much more than she ever had before, but the sheer hatred in her Mistress's voice is enough to break that control. She knows what coming.

Sure enough, her head is jerked backwards sharply by her hair. Her Mistress is glaring angrily at her. "Your friends have managed to escape. Again. Are you happy for them, you little wretch?"

Hermione doesn't answer, she knows better than that. There is no right answer, and her lack of response will earn less of a punishment. She drifts into her mind, aware of her surroundings but apart enough to be able to manage the pain. This is something else she learnt the hard way. Her Mistress is taking her anger out on Hermione's body, and she knows that she will be in pain for a while from this one.

From the corner of her eye, she can see her Master watching. He seems paler than usual. She hopes he is well. It wouldn't do for the Master to get sick.

"Bellatrix, that's enough."

The words are sharp, and the shock Hermione more than anything that her Mistress has done to her. Even more surprising though, is that the Mistress follows the order.

Hermione can feel the pain coming on as she slips back into full awareness. She is slumped on the floor, and though she wants to sit in her usual place, she cannot move. Her injuries have crippled her.

She keep her eyes trained on the floor, even as she winces when her Mistress strokes her back surprisingly soft.

"You're correct, Rod. I've... Heal her."

Hermione can hear the spells and she feels the pain lessen with each one.

When she is lifted gently to the bed, she lays still, unsure of what is happening. This is different.

Her Mistress lies down in front of her as her Master climbs over her to lie behind her.

"You're a good pet."

"Our pet."

And the contentment settles on Hermione again. As much as she dreads the beatings, she is a part of something here. They... love her. And she loves them.