"Yes, I am Dana Emrys.
You dragged Sally Avery and John Flint into my home, demanding that my mother and I take the blame for Gai Avery. You slapped my mother multiple times, kicked her to the ground, and threatened my life to force her into submission. You lied, promising Galleons for treatment of her illness, while secretly coveting our fortune. You even dispatched assassins to kill me after I escaped from Azkaban.
You've done a lot. So—now I'm here."
With each accusing sentence, Dana's eyes grew redder. Recognizing this, he waved his hand. The rough stone floor of the cell transformed into a mahogany sofa and tea table, complete with an elegant tea set. Calmly, he arranged the utensils without regard for Donna Avery's shifting expressions—first shock, then confusion, then realization, then resentment, then fear.
"So it was all you!" Donna hissed, her eyes burning with anger. "You conspired with Gilderoy Lockhart! I believed his sweet talk, and now I'm trapped in Azkaban!"
Dana allowed her to speak, then merely pointed. Thick vines erupted from the floor and walls, binding Donna's limbs and suspending her in the air.
Donna cursed, struggling to break free, but Dana began to boil water for tea.
He watched the kettle's steam with a composed expression, his red pupils gradually fading to a calm lake-green. He needed to control himself—he couldn't repeat his mistake of letting Sally Avery die too quickly.
I regret how easily Sally died, he thought.
He methodically warmed the pot and cups, rinsed them, brewed the tea, and poured a cup for himself. Bringing it to his nose, he savored the scent and finally relaxed.
"Donna Avery," he said, sealing her mouth with a spell. "Why am I brewing tea here?"
Donna's muffled cries and frantic gestures went unnoticed as Dana sipped the tea.
"I'm afraid," he continued softly, "if I let my anger take over, I'd kill you instantly. That would be too easy. Sally died too easily—and I regretted it."
He looked at her coldly. Donna, struggling to speak, froze at the mention of Sally's death.
"I won't kill you outright," Dana said slowly, "not yet. For you, for Olymbos Avery, for Cornelius Fudge, Barty Crouch Sr.—I want you to suffer. The more, the better."
Donna's eyes widened—had Dana investigated everyone involved that year?
Then, softly: "Crucio."
Donna convulsed violently, roaring like a beast. Dana calmly observed.
"This," he said, "is the Death Eaters' favorite torture. But this physical pain is primitive. It stops when the curse is lifted. If you become like meat—broken, unresponsive—then there's no revenge, no satisfaction."
He lifted the curse and set his teacup down. Standing, he waved his wand, drawing runic patterns in the air. They etched into the floor, walls, and ceiling.
"Do you know what I'm doing?"
Terrified, Donna shook her head.
"This is a Confundo array," Dana revealed. "The Confundo curse causes confusion. In an array, it lasts longer—around three hundred years. It hides the cell from perception. Even Dumbledore or Voldemort wouldn't notice it unless they inspected every inch. In other words, this will be your home for life."
He smirked. "But don't worry—Azkaban's system will still send your food and water." He removed the tongue-sealing and throat-locking spells.
"Speak now," he said. "This is your only chance."
Donna, broken and terrified, whispered hoarsely: "I'll tell you everything!"
Donna's Confession
At first, she confessed, she had no clue why John Flint targeted their tapestry. But after following him, she discovered that an organization called Avar Coven was offering a reward for Merlin's Secret Treasure. Flint found the tapestry ten years later and realized it was in Dana's mother's possession. So they partnered up—he'd take the treasure, leaving the rest for her.
Dana frowned. "Is that all?"
She swallowed, tears in her eyes. "The Coven started it all. If it didn't exist, Flint wouldn't have come for your family."
Dana sneered. "You think that absolves you? It's not even certain the Coven exists."
Donna trembled. "I have more secrets!"
She blurted: "My uncle was desperate to save Gai. He contacted Dumbledore, who arranged for a replacement!"
Dana froze. "Dumbledore?"
Donna shook her head. "I don't know why he helped a Death Eater!"
Dana's mind raced. In canon, Olymbos Avery was a Death Eater and friend of Voldemort; young Avery was also a Death Eater and friend of Snape. Could Gai be that Avery? A Dumbledore agent within the Death Eaters?
A twisted smile formed on his lips. "Dumbledore…"
Donna panicked. "I've told you everything!"
Dana nodded. "Excellent. You've served your purpose."
Her voice pleaded, "So will you let me go?"
Dana smiled kindly. "Of course not."
Instantly, vines forced Donna's mouth open. Dana drew his wand and branded her tongue—silencing her forever. He applied a clotting powder to stop the bleeding.
"You thought I'd keep my word, enemy?" he smirked. "Well, I didn't say I'd let you live."
He waved again. Her limbs snapped—arms, legs—breaking free from the vines as she fell.
Dana applied more healing powder. Then he summoned his Inferius, John Flint.
"Take care of her," he ordered. "Feed her thoroughly. If she can't chew, do it for her. Force-feed it."
The Inferius growled in acknowledgement.
Dana took a final glance at Donna's broken form. "Goodbye, Miss Avery. Perhaps after you bear a child, I'll visit again. Enjoy your time."
Donna screamed in pain as Dana left. The cell fell silent, her cries echoing into his departure.
End of Chapter 92
For more chapters
patreon.com/Liamlivingstone