A/N: Hope everyone had a great weekend! It looks like we're coming towards the end of the first part of Mia's journey, but it's definitely not the end of this story. Updates might take a tad bit longer, just because after the next chapter or two I haven't quite planned out how I want the pacing to go and how I want certain things to happen. I'm probably going to start re-editing previous chapters for any spelling or grammatical errors I may have missed the first go around. I have also been thinking of breaking this into a series of stories rather than one long multi-chapter story. If you have any suggestions or comments or if there is something you want me to write about, please let me know in the reviews or PM me!

Chapter 15: Black Bird of Hope

Cold, hard wood. That's all I was able to register from my senses. I opened my eyes, and realized I was sitting in a wooden chair, my hands bound at my wrists and my feet bound at my ankles. I tried to loosen the ties, but all it got me was a red, burning sensation and what felt like the rope getting tighter around me. I looked around, trying to figure out where I was at. I didn't recognize this room at all, but I'm guessing it has something to do with Lucius.

As I turned to see him walking into the room, I felt a sudden jolt of agonizing, searing pain course through my body. My back arched, trying to make the pain go away. The fact that he had me bound made the pain feel like it couldn't escape, so it swirled in my muscles. I screamed as I convulsed, feeling warm liquid run out of my nose. I looked down at the dark drops that landed on my jeans. Blood.

Painful sobs emanated from my chest. "Why?" I asked, hoarsely. I looked at him, pleading to let me go. Just show me mercy, just this one time.

"Isn't it obvious?" he countered, standing in front of me. He took a handkerchief out of his pocket and dabbed the blood away from my nose. "I always get what I want. And, quite frankly, it's been quite lonely here in Malfoy Manor. It's nice to share the space with someone else."

"Even when they're here against their own will?" I asked, hunched over, trying to fight the pain still coursing through my body.

I could feel him staring at me. I needed to find a way out of here, even if that means dying in the process. I'd rather let my body rot than being under the same roof with him, ever again.

"I think in due time you will warm up to what I have to offer. It's just a matter of having you realize how beneficial it will be for you to be here." He grabbed a fistful of my hair and yanked my head back. I cried out in pain, tears falling down my face. "Until then, you better make yourself comfortable in this chair." He let go, the force of his release throwing my head back and hitting the back of the chair, and he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Crying. That was all I was capable of doing. I wasn't sure how long I cried for, but it was enough to swell my eyes shut. I couldn't sleep. Between the pain that came and went, and the panic attacks from not being able to move, there was enough to keep my brain up and running, even if my body said otherwise. A few times I let the pain take its full course through my body, letting it suffocate me into passing out, and I was able to get some rest. Sometimes I would catch the sun rising in the room. Three times, I've counted.

Several times an elf, Dobby, would pop in to try and offer me food, but I always refused. Who knows what he could have done to that food? I didn't want to risk it. May be I would die of starvation. He can't do anything else to me once I was dead.

At some point, I was falling in and out of consciousness when Lucius decided to visit me again. I was tired, starving, and angry. I needed to get out of here. He summoned a chair and sat in front of me. He leaned back and looked me over, as if he was looking over a work of art. I could feel my blood boiling.

"Have you had enough time to consider my offer?" he asked, tapping his wand in his hand.

"My answer will never change," I said, mustering up all the energy I had left. I wasn't sure how long I would hold out like this. My only way out was death, and it couldn't come fast enough.

He stared at me for a moment, pursing his lips. He shoved his wand back in his pocket as he walked out of the room again.

Darkness welcomed me again.

This house seems oddly familiar. I walked through the hallways, staring at the pictures hanging off the walls. They were moving, like the ones I've seen in the photo album. The photos are of me and my parents.

The house suddenly whipped around me, and I landed in a different house. I was in a room with a tree painted along the wall. I noticed burn marks, and walked up to the wall to take a closer look. There were various names written on the wall, some with faces, and some with the burn marks, as if someone blasted the picture off the wall. At the top of the tree was a banner that read "Ancient and Noble House of Black" and the leaves silently rustled along the wall.

I walked out of the room and down the flight of stairs and into the library. There seemed to be no one else in the house but myself. I ran my fingers along the spines of the books, watching the dust lift as my fingers passed by.

"Disgrace to the family!" I heard someone screamed. In a panic, I whipped out my wand, ready to fight whoever it was.

"Disgrace! Blood Traitor!" they screamed again. It was hard to pin point where it came from.

The room swirled again and I found myself in the middle of a patch of grass. A deranged laughter came from the distance, and I could slowly see a lady skipping her way towards me. I kept my wand out, not really knowing what is going to happen next.

I really wish Severus was here.

"The filthy Black has returned!" she screamed, circling around me. My eyes never left her, following her every move. Her mess of black curls on top of her head and her pale face just made her look ghostly, but the fire in her eyes very much reminded me that she was very well alive.

She continued to circle and laugh at me never taking her fiery eyes off of my frozen body.

"Now, now, Bella," a familiar voice said.

I whipped my heard towards the direction of Lucius' voice, watching as he approached us.

"That's no way to treat my pet," he said, running his finger down the side of my face.

I slapped his hand away as hard as I could. "I am not your pet." I could feel the anger teetering over, almost ready to leave my body. He looked at me with angry eyes, ready to punish me for my disobedience. He flicked his wand toward me and I could feel my body burn. My wand flew out of my hands and disappeared into dust.

This isn't fair, he shouldn't be able to have so much control over me. My legs buckled from the pain, forcing me to land on all fours onto the grass. Once I was able to catch my breath, I realized the lady named Bella and Lucius had made their way to me, standing toe to fingers with me.

I could feel it, it's right there. My magic is building up, but I had no way of letting it out. I didn't have my wand on me, and I wasn't quite sure yet how I managed to do what I did back on Halloween. I couldn't take this anymore, I needed a way out.

Suddenly, I felt Lucius lay his hands on me, and screamed as I saw a bright, white light.

I was still stuck in this room, tied to this chair. I don't know how many times I've seen the sun rise and fall. I was at the end of my rope, but I have already accepted my fate. I just wish I was able to say goodbye.

My breaths became shallow as Lucius entered the room for the umpteenth time. I could tell he was aggravated, the way he bursted in and plopping himself onto the chair.

"You are wasting my time," he said, fire in his eyes.

I mustered up the strength to smile. "Good. Then you'll be furious when I'm finally dead."

Without any hesitation, he launched himself off of the chair and towards me, grabbing my neck, cutting off air. We were face to face, his breath flowing all around me. "You're not dying on my watch, not right now," he whispered.

"Get your filthy hands off of me," I managed to squeak, feeling the anxiety rising because of his proximity.

"To be quite frank," he said, kissing my cheek. "I miss being all over you." He continued to plant kisses on my face, slowly letting his grip go from my neck.

I couldn't take it anymore. His hands and lips all over me keep bringing back flashbacks of when we used to live together, and how miserable I was. I've been through it once, and I didn't feel like going through it again. I tried to push him away, but I had no strength. I tried to turn my face but his hands were too strong. Hot tears began to run down my face, mentally throwing the white flag to surrender.

He finally let me go, and started pacing around the room. After a few minutes, he stopped in front of the window, then flicked his wrist. The binds that kept me sitting to this chair loosened then disappeared. He flicked his wrist again, and the chair I was sitting on vanished, sending me right for the floor. I was sitting for so long, I wasn't able to straighten my legs right away. After a few painful pops of my bones, I was able to stand, albeit hunched over.

"Are you letting me go?" I asked him, trying to steady myself from the dizziness.

He turned to look at me. "From that chair, yes. You will remain here with me until you finally agree to what we have discussed."

I balled my hands into fists and closed my eyes, breathing in and out through my nose. "I guess I'm finding another way out then." I started to walk away when I felt him try to turn me around. On instinct, my fist flew up and met with the side of his face, knocking him over.

I guess those few self-defense lessons didn't go to waste after all. Feeling some energy (and possibly adrenaline) come back, I took a more defensive stance, knowing he would try to come at me.

"You wench!" he said, rubbing the side of his face.

He lunged at me, and my arms flew in front of me to stop him before he could get a good hold of my body. We struggled for bit, but his strength was too much, and he ended up turning me around. I jabbed him in the side with my elbow, feeling some of his weight come down on me as he tried to stay upright. I sunk my nails into his arm that was around me as I tried to wiggle free. He hissed at the pain before shoving me away and throwing me onto the floor. I wasn't fast enough in bracing myself, resulting in shooting pains running up from my wrists to my elbow, and a throbbing pain in my head from hitting the floor. I was dazed for a moment until I realized he was on top of me. He continued to try and keep me down, but I wasn't going to let him. The pain in my wrist got worse, but I had to fight through it.

"Why can't you see that this is where you belong? With high standing people like me?" Lucius asked through gritted teeth. "You are a Black, you belong with your own people, and people just like you!"

"I don't care what I am," I said, trying to catch my breath. "But my people, the ones that are like me, are at Hogwarts." I took another breath, trying to keep him off of me. "You are not a part of that group of people. You will never be!"

A familiar feeling emanated from my body. Energy suddenly exploded from my body, but I was very sensitive to it this time around. My anxiety, depression, panic, even my magic… I could feel it all mixing together and leaving my body. My arms flew to my sides while Lucius flew up and away, landing well across the room and hitting the wall, knocking him unconscious.

Stars flooded my vision as I sat up. This was my chance.

I need to get out of here.

I walked over to Lucius, making sure he wasn't going to regain consciousness anytime soon. He was out cold, not responding to any of my nudges. The stars began to fade away as I went in search for the photo album. I remember glancing at it, and saw that it stayed in the exact place where I had seen it before. Picking it up, I ran with this new energy towards the door.

"Damn it!" I cursed, jiggling the handle. It wouldn't budge. I was stuck in here. I started to panic again, trying to think of another way out. I started crying, realizing there was no other way out. I was destined to be stuck here with Lucius. I sunk to the floor, hugging the photo album to my chest, sobbing heavily.

I was never going to see Auntie Minnie again. I was never going to see Severus again. I'm sorry, to both of you.

Tap tap tap!

I looked towards the window. There was a black bird sitting on the outside windowsill, tapping on the window.

Tap tap tap! Tap tap!

The window!

I stood and walked over to the window, looking out at how far my fall would be. The bird continued to tap on the window as I put my hand on the glass, it didn't feel thick, and with enough force I should be able to run through it.

The bird was still tapping as I started to back up to the other side of the room, getting ready to run towards the window.

"Better move bird," I said as I started my run towards it. When I was close enough I jumped forward, throwing my whole body into the window which effectively shattered. Shards of glass stuck to me as I felt like I was falling in slow motion. I clung to the photo album for dear life, hoping I would survive this fall. May be I miscalculated and I'm much higher up than I thought. Before I lost consciousness again, I saw the black bird, staring at me.

"We must hurry, we don't know what injuries she could have obtained while at Malfoy Manor," a muffled voice said.

"I ensured Poppy will be ready for her, you know she will be in good hands," another voice said.

I didn't have the strength to open my eyes, but I could make out some of the conversation that was going on, but not enough to know who was there with me.

My head felt like it was spinning before I lost my ability to hear.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

That blasted beeping was giving me a headache. I tossed and turned, wincing at the pain throughout my body. "Fuck me," I cursed, hoping it would make the pain run away.

"Merlin, Mia! You're awake!" I looked to see Auntie Minnie's tired eyes looking at me, tears on the verge of falling. "Please, try not to move until Poppy has seen you."

I nodded as I tried to get comfortable, waiting for Madame Pompfrey.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

I looked around to see the beeping was coming from a floating picture of what looked like a heart monitor. The beeps came in time with the beating of my heart. On the nightstand next to my bed, there was a tray full of vials, a small bouquet of flowers, and the photo album I was able to get away with. Madame Pompfrey came bustling in, standing on my side, opposite of Auntie Minnie.

"This will only take a moment, dear," she said as she waved her wand over my body. She studied the figures that appeared before her for a few minutes before waving them away.

"Besides your obvious malnourishment and your broken arm, you seem to fine. Sounded like you took a nasty fall, but those cuts will heal soon enough. Try not to move your upper body, you also have a few broken ribs. We will mend your broken bones, but you must stay here until you're back to perfect health."

I nodded as I looked over to Auntie Minnie. "Who brought me back here? I didn't think anyone knew where I was," I said, holding onto her hand a little tighter.

Auntie looked over to Madame Pompfrey, who nodded and left the room, giving us some privacy. "Severus figured it all out, and he came to me asking for help. My dear, for as calm as he projected himself, I have never seen him so panicked since he was a student here." She paused for minute, thinking about her words. "The headmaster and I came to find you, but the house looked so quiet on the outside, we weren't quite sure where to start, until you jumped out that window."

I tried to turn towards her, but the pain in my rib stopped me from turning all the way. "Thank you for coming to look for me. I was ready to die in there," I said, trying to hold back my tears.

"Mia," Auntie Minnie said, letting her tears fall, which lead to mine falling as well. "You are too strong of a witch to talk like that. Don't you ever talk like that ever again." She rose to kiss my forehead. "I must be going, it is getting late. Try and get some rest, yes?"

"I'll try, I'm still in a lot of pain, though," I said, trying to get comfortable.

"I know, I'm sure Poppy will have something for you if the pain becomes too much. I will see you in the morning." She gave me one more kiss before leaving my room. I heard her calling for Madame Pompfrey as the door to my private room swung to close.

I closed my eyes for a few minutes, trying to not think about the pain I was in. Madame Pompfrey came whisking in a few minutes later, and took two vials from the tray next to me. "Here, dear," she said, handing me one vial. "This will help ease the pain, and this one," she said, trading vials. "Will help you sleep. Pleasant dreams, Mia."

"Thank you Madame Pompfrey."

She waved her hand in the air, smiling warmly at me. "Please, call me Poppy. I will see you in the morning." She left the room as I could slowly feel the pain disappearing and the lull of sleep take over me.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

That beeping will be the death of me. I blinked a few times, adjusting to the soft lighting in the room. I've never felt so rested and so hungry in my entire life. I was about to move when I realized there was a weight on my hand. I looked down to see a pile of black hair covering my hand and an open book next to said pile of hair.

There was no mistaking that the pile of black hair belonged to Severus. His hair oddly reminded me of the bird that came to my rescue. How long has he been here? He couldn't be comfortable hunched over and sleeping on my hand. I wriggled my fingers, pressing them into the palm of his hand. He began to stir and turned his head towards me.

"Hey there, sleepyhead," I said quietly, smiling at him. Seeing Severus was like taking a breath of fresh air after living in a polluted place for so long.

He finally got up from where he slept and gently kissed my forehead. "Good morning. Are you in any pain?" I could feel his eyes scanning me over, looking at the various cuts and bruises all over my face and arms.

"I think I'm okay for now. Some minor stinging, but I can handle it," I told him, looking at my arms. There were several small cuts where shards of glass penetrated my skin. There was a decent sized bruise on my right shoulder, probably from when I launched myself through the window. "I think I'm ready for some food though," I said, smiling at him. I still felt a little weak, but being able to rest has brought some strength back.

Severus took out his wand and pointed it towards a tray of food that was sitting on the counter. He levitated it over to my lap, then gave a quick flick and the food started to steam, bringing the scent up into my nose. I don't know how long it's been since I've had a meal, but I never remembered soup and bread smelling so good. He motioned for me to eat while he stepped outside of my room. The first spoonful of soup was heaven in my mouth. It was only a light vegetable soup, but I could taste each and every distinct flavor.

I was about halfway through my bowl before Severus returned. He looked at my bowl and raised an eyebrow. "Hungry, are we?"

"Lucius tried to feed me but I refused to take anything he offered. I didn't want to risk him doing anything. I'm not sure how long I was with him," I said, taking another spoonful.

"You were gone for a week before I was able to convince that man to do something," he said, seething. "Had I been able to, I would have attempted to rescue you that very night you left."

"A week?" I said, taking a bite of bread. "I lost track of time while I was there. I didn't think I would have lasted as long as I did." I remembered what Auntie Minnie told me the night before, and I wanted to ask Severus about it. "How did you know that he kidnapped me?"

He came to sit next to me again before beginning. "First of all, I ask that you forgive me for my actions, but I wasn't about to let you have a meeting with Lucius Malfoy all on your own. I knew how much this meant to you to have to do this on your own, so I silently followed you out of the castle, then watched from one of the towers as the both of you talked. The minute I saw him cast the Cruciatus I left the castle to try and help you, but by the time I reached the forest, the both of you were gone."

I looked down at my bread. I wanted to be mad at him for following me out, but a larger part of me was grateful that he did. If he hadn't, I don't think they would have been there as I flew out that window. In a sigh of defeat, I placed my bread on my lap and grabbed his hand.

"Thank you for not listening to me," I said, trying to make a joke. "I probably wouldn't have been here if you had."

He gave a small smile, rubbing his thumbs across my knuckles. "I can rest easy now knowing you are back and safe." He squeezed my hand before leaving my room.

After a couple of days and a few healed bones later, I got the green light from Poppy that I am free to go. Auntie Minnie summoned one of the house elves to bring my belongings to my room as she escorted me back, making sure I made it through the doorway.

"Thank you for walking me back, Auntie. You didn't have to, but I appreciate it," I said, sitting on the couch.

"Think nothing of it, dear," she said, eyeing the photo album that was left on the table. "There is no doubt you have questions about what is in that album. When you are ready, you can always come to me."

I nodded, yawning as I started to make my way to my bed. "May be not today, but I do want to sit and talk about it."

"Very well. Do get some rest, I will come by to check on you after dinner." When I finally heard the door click closed, I let myself fall unceremoniously onto the bed.

There were so many questions that needed answers. But where would I start? I guess I should start from the beginning with my family. Although I made it clear that I wanted nothing to do with that part of me, I still wanted to know what I'm turning away from. Is this even something I can turn away from? Or am I just delaying the inevitable? I must have more family than just my parents, I will have to ask if I have any living relatives that I could go to.

I could feel my head spinning with questions as my body begged to rest. Although all I did was rest in the hospital wing, those beds aren't the most comfortable. My bed feels like clouds compared to what I slept on the past few nights. I looked over to the empty side of bed and thought of Severus. I closed my eyes, thinking about the time he stayed the night with me. Then I remembered what I said to Lucius.

When the time is right, I told myself before letting sleep take its hold on me.