I tossed and turn in my bed as I felt pain shoot thru my arms.

"No." I grumbled.

"You're a fighter! I have to say no one not even Longbottom lasted this long! I'm gonna break you, one way or another."

"No... shut up...." I mumbled in my sleep.

"When I come back, I'm going to kill you in front of Harry. That way... he losses the last family he has."

"Leave me alone..."

"You know we tried to recruit your mum. But she wouldn't join us. Loved your aunt and uncle to much, loved you too much."

I trashed around on my bed. I could feel his hands on me. I could feel the knife he used on me as I laid past out in that chair. My hands clawed at my arms trying to stop the knife, but I couldn't.

"Now look at her, a shall of a woman, how I wish I could torture her. But I guess you will work.... Just like you."

"No!" I yelled as my eyes shot open.

I gasped for air as I set up in bed. I looked around and saw that I was alone. The door was slammed open and I saw my nurse burst into the room.

I continued to search the room until she walked up to me.

"It's okay, you're okay." She shushed as she rubbed my back.

"Can't..."

"Do you know where you are?" She asked as she set on the edge of my bed.

I closed my eyes and nodded my head, trying to catch my breath and calm my breathing. I slowly opened my eyes and turned to look at her.

"Hosp... Hospital!" I gasped out.

"Yes, and you are safe. He can't hurt you." She said as she rubbed my back.

I let out a sigh and laid back on the bed.

"I felt him... he was.."

"He isn't here. You are safe and sound, I promise. That monster is dead and you are alive." She said taking my hand and squeezing it.

She said I was recovering fast, that unlike most people I talked about the incident. Unlike most people I could close my eyes and fall asleep, even if for only a second.

The days I had nothing planned I'd read and I'd put my brain to work, I found it was the best way to keep him out. To not think of the months I was in that trunk, my only companion Moody, the face of the man who tortured me.

I don't blame Moody, but I couldn't stand to look at him. Visions of that night would instantly come back and I go back there, climbing out of that trunk.

My nails never fully grew back, not all of them at least. My middle finger was partly grown and my pinky finger was completely broken off. They told me that it would probably grow back, but it had been damaged badly.

Sometimes when I couldn't focus, I would visit my mother and sit and talk with her.

"Hey mom, today is better... I think. I haven't seen him. Remus and Tonks stopped by. You'd like Tonks, she is sweet and funny. Still haven't seen anyone else, but I got a letter from Harry. He actually got his first kiss, lucky dog. Proud of him." I said as I set on her bed.

She stared out the window and I let out a sigh.

"It's my birthday tomorrow, Remus and Tonks said they would stop by.... might bring Padfoot, though I don't expect it to happen. He seems busy with Harry more and more these days. Though I understand, Harry needs all the friends he can get." I said sadly.

"Ebony, you have a guest." A voice said from behind me.

My head shot up and I saw my nurse. She sent me a smile and I quickly stood up. I gave mum a kiss on the forehead and then left the room, curious to who would be visiting me. Upon seeing the familiar red hair and glasses, a smile spread across my face.

"Percy, it's really good to see you." I said as he pulled me into a hug.

"How are you? I just learned you were here." Percy said pulling away.

"Better, I think. I still have spells but, my nurse said I should be out soon. Though I'm still not allowed at school, Dumbledore's orders." I explained.

"I'm actually a little glad about that." He said shaking his head.

"Me too, heard the new DADA teacher was a bitch." I mumbled as he put his arm around my shoulder.

"That I can agree to. Ebony, I talked to the minister and he said that at seventeen you can take the final, so if you want you don't have to stay at Hogwarts next year either, you can graduate a year early." He said softly.

"Seriously?"

"But only for you. I showed him your scores and test grades and he said you would be perfect for an Auror. But if you want to finish-"

"No! No I would love to graduate early. Get me out of there. To be honest, I don't want to go back. Hogwarts... just.."

"Feels unsafe?"

I nodded my head and we set down on my bed.

"And lonely. Use to I had your family but now, they haven't even visited me once. And I miss them. I miss how it use to be."

"I know the feeling.... I actually punched dad." Percy said with a frown.

"You're joking."

He shook his head and I let out a light laugh.

"Never thought I'd see the day, Percy Weasley punched someone.... I have a new found respect."

He let out a laugh and rubbed my back.

"Happy early birthday. I used some of my money to get this for you." He said handing me a box.

I gently opened it and saw a blanket inside.

"To keep you warm." He explained.

"Thank you." I mumbled as I wrapped it around me.

He let out a laugh and moved some of the blanket away from my face.

"I'll visit you every chance I get. I love you." Percy said kissing my forehead.

"Love you too." I mumbled as he hugged me.