The End Is The Beginning Is The End

Screams and cries of pain echoed from within the forbidding stone fortress.  It was a rehabilitation facility, one of many, designed to provide treatment for individuals suffering from illness.  The most common malady 'poisoning of the mind'.  This occurred when one was of the opinion that muggles could in fact practice magic.

It was a deadly illness, and one that was the basis for centuries of conflict among witches and wizards.  At last the correct side was winning, and so purebloods made a priority to ‘cure’ blood traitors and muggles of their illness.  Unfortunately, if an individual could not be cured then death was the only alternative--the better to protect the rest of the world from contamination. 

Blood traitors were treated by Flora Carrow while her twin, Hestia Carrow, was in charge of the muggles.  In the past three years they developed a very efficient and successful manner of treatment.  Lucius was visiting the facility in what had become an annual custom of sorts.

The girls were both very solemn and respectful, walking him through the various areas in which their staff were hard at work.

‘We were very pleased to see that of the one hundred patients admitted, eighty percent were successfully cured.’  Flora held a book to her chest, ‘I have the figures to personally show you, My Lord.’

Lucius was not interested in the truth; he trusted the girls.  They had proven remarkably useful in his campaign, while at the same time weakening his competitors. The Lestrange's and almost everyone else wanted to commit an act of genocide.  Lucius found that unneccessary. 

Not for moral reasons, of course.  That would be laughable.  No, it was purely for practical reasons.  Each 'cured' patient served a purpose.  A muggle was a potential slave, and if they proved exceptional, a low-ranking foot soldier.  And a 'cured' blood traitor meant a potential marriage partner.  As much as he detested them, Lucius would even put the Weasley's through this facility.

And this facility was quickly becoming the key to his success.

‘The mortality rate is an area of concern,’ His voice was low, purposely so in order that all attention was focused on him and what he chose to say, ‘I am not pleased.’

Hestia exchanged a glance with her sister before clearing her throat, ‘We were able to successfully deliver over sixty-five slaves in addition to thirty-five purebloods.   In addition to this, I am told that a new shipment of potential patients is expected next week, giving us the opportunity to prove to you our commitment to helping others.’

Lucius raised an eyebrow but did not say anything.

The girls continued their tour, showing him the latest and up-to-date techniques employed to cure those admitted. 

‘This is a former classmate, Cordelia Gifford,’ She showed a young woman with short black hair, fastened to a chair. 

‘Cordelia has shown a great deal of improvement, perhaps because of her Ravenclaw background.  She is very open to suggestion and has been here only a month.  The electric shock therapy has proven to be especially useful for her.’ 

Hestia turned to Lucius, ‘Unfortunately, My Lord, the highest mortality rate is in my area, with muggles. I have been finding that combinations of behavioral and psychological therapies work best.  For instance,’

She led him down a few twisting halls, to a cell where a young man was sitting.

‘And why am I here?’ He dryly asked, holding a cloth over his mouth and nose to block out the scent of feces and urine.

‘I will be quick—This is Justin Finn-Fletchly.’  She paused for breath, ‘He has been claiming since admittance that he is indeed a wizard, however…’

Hestia came closer to the mudblood, and asked slowly, ‘Where did your magic come from, Justin?’

‘I stole it,’ He stared off into the distance.

‘From who?’

‘A wizard.’

‘What wizard?’

‘I don’t know his name.  But I stole it.’

She returned to Lucius, ‘We used water-therapy in addition to providing him with a great deal of information and one-on-one sessions.  I am pleased to see that this took only a couple of months.  We hope to see him placed as a slave, but if his moments of violence continue, he may need to be euthanized.’

Lucius left the room, ‘Very good.  Please continue the excellent work, and if a POI arrives [person of interest] do not wait,’ He smiled slightly, referring to the incident when Bill Weasley was admitted, ‘I would not like to see a repeat of that.’

Hestia visibly paled, but nodded, ‘Yes, My Lord.’

Last time he had been forgiving.  He only tortured the girls, but next time…

Any information on the Weasley’s was vital to finally ending this war.  Any information at all.