Regulus was frantic.

Each second he had spent with Eleanor not yet retrieved from the Dark Lord's hideout was torture to him. And finding out the reason for his obsession with her made Reg even more anxious about what Eleanor could be going through right then.

He had served under Lord Voldemort long enough to know that the man, if he could still be called that, was no less than a sadistic monster. He took pleasure in draining the life out of those who went against him, bleeding them out till their veins weren't left with a single drop of life.

And considering that Eleanor had gone back in the past to kill him, and almost succeeded even, Regulus was scared of even thinking about the torture he could put her through.

He wanted to get her out of that hellhole as soon as possible but he couldn't succeed on his own and needed the Order's help. Or else he would have dashed to the first right then and there, bringing Eleanor with him so that she could be safe.

He had also found out about the wild fancy had taken for Eleanor bordering on an unhinged obsession. The fact that he could not have her fall in love with him made the monstrous wizard desire her more, thus going to extremes to keep her within his reach. That made matters worse and Regulus knew that his Eleanor would by then be suffering both physically and mentally.

The Order of the Phoenix was also doing its level best to help them. But it was taking time as they wanted to strike the hideout when Voldemort wouldn't be there so that they could easily bring Eleanor back.

After days of carefully planning the strike, the day finally came for the Order to break into that hideout.

Reg had been advised not to go but he couldn't stay back and do nothing. He had to go and help get Ellie back from the clutches of that vile monster.

Even if it was the last thing he would do, he had to free Eleanor from the Dark Lord's grasp.

"Are you sure about this?" Sirius asked for what seemed to be the hundredth time, stormy eyes looking into his pale blue ones in concern.

"Yes," he replied.

"You know it would be better if you stay here safe. They would kill you the second they see you and... And I don't want to lose you again."

He had been about to argue against his suggestion but paused, not expecting that last sentence to come out of his brother's mouth. Ever since he had gotten the Dark Mark engraved on his lower arm and joined the Death Eaters, he felt Sirius would probably hate him for choosing the dark side.

Yet there he was with his eyes pleading with him to listen to him.

"I... I appreciate that you are worried for me," Regulus replied in a shaky voice, "but I can't lose Eleanor either."

"Why don't you trust us? We will bring her back, I swear upon it."

He shook his head slightly, "it's not that I don't trust you, Siri. I do. I just don't think the other members would be so keen as to rescue another Death Eater. I remember how reluctant they were towards me."

"But Eleanor was part of the Order before she got taken, of course, the other members would want her back."

"What are the chances that they won't leave her if it means saving their own people first?" he was frantic and Sirius could see that very well, "I can't stay here. I have to go with you all. I must!"

There was no way he could convince him so Sirius had to give in, "fine. But promise me you won't let them kill you."

"I will get her out of there even if it's the last thing I do," he replied instead, getting ready to leave for the upcoming battle.

***

Narcissa had brought food for Eleanor and she undid the chains that her sister had put her in. She was worried about what punishment the Dark Lord could have inflicted on Bellatrix for that act.

"I am sorry," Eleanor mumbled, her voice taking her by surprise, "I shouldn't have asked that from you."

"It's alright," she replied but she was tensed and Eleanor could sense that, "the Dark Lord wants you to heal soon. He put me in charge strictly so I would look after you."

"I know," she nodded, green eyes looking down in dismay, "I won't trouble you again."

Narcissa did not want to be cold to her but there was no other option. If Bellatrix convinced the Dark Lord that Narcissa could be coerced into helping Elle, it would put both of them in peril.

But then each time she would look at the helpless young woman, she would be reminded of her cousin Regulus and how he would be suffering away from her. She knew he loved her very much and he could be blaming himself for the sacrifice Eleanor had made.

"After you have eaten, let me know," she stood up to leave, "the Dark Lord has ordered your presence at tonight's meeting. he will not take no for an answer."

The blood froze in Eleanor's veins at the prospect of being anywhere near that malicious serpent. But she had no other option.

She was a prisoner and prisoners had no will of their own.

After she had eaten, Narcissa procured a new dress for her and helped her get into it. Thankfully, it covered up all the faded bruises on her body as it was a modest black, cloaking her frail body in a dark veil.

She combed through her long hair too, braiding them loosely and fastening the strands with a clip. Eleanor said nothing to her nor did she ask her why she was paying her so much attention.

But deep down she felt dreadful. She felt she was being dolled up like a cursed little bride given to a monster as a sacrifice.

"Worry not, dear, you will not be alone," Narcissa gently squeezed her hand in reassurance, "it is just a meeting and the Dark Lord probably wants you there because you are a Death Eater too now, the mark on your arm proves that. After the meeting is done with, you can return to your room."

She nodded, hoping it would be just as Narcissa had said. But sitting through a meeting with the other Death Eaters and having to listen to their evil ploys made her sick to the core.

As they stepped out, Narcissa took her hand in her own and draped her arm securely around her back. It almost gave the impression that Eleanor had still not recovered from her injuries.

"Follow along," the woman whispered and Eleanor realized what she was doing.

Even then she was helping her.

Narcissa thought that if the Dark Lord could be given the impression that Eleanor was still hurt, perhaps he would refrain from breaking her further. She hoped it would work.

She gave Eleanor's hand a gentle squeeze and the woman nodded, following her lead.

Deep down, Eleanor was anxious about what was in store for her and she hoped Narcissa was able to help her get away from them as soon as possible. In that dark and dreary place, she could only trust Narcissa Malfoy and that too made her worried sometimes as she didn't want to put the kindhearted woman in trouble due to herself.

***