Entry tags:

!status: complete, ^date: november 16 2003, character: jayne dough, npc: pandora zurlo

Who: Jaynedora, Jacinthe Greengrass
What: Pandora needs another power boost, and seeks out an easy target.
Where: Diagon Alley, Madam Primpernelle's Beautifying Potions
When: November 16, 5pm (closing time)
Rating: Bloody

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It was strange, Jayne found, how when losing unconscious, Pandora had a habit of regaining it before she did. It had only happened twice - the first day she'd put on the mask, and Saturday - but it was already more of a pattern than she'd like. She'd 'awoken' to find herself sitting in the kitchen and drinking a cup of tea, looking through the doorway to the living room and the fireplace where the rug was marred by dried blood.

"He got away on us and I've disabled the floo, so I hope you had no plans on using it. He might have been tracked back to us otherwise. Now keep drinking, I have thinking to do." This had been her greeting upon reawakening and taking back control of her body. Later as she'd worked on cleaning her flat, she'd found the box once again closed but glowing with power from what she guessed was whatever it had acquired from the boy.

It wasn't until nighttime that she truly dwelt on what had happened, brought on by a dream of her torturing the boy. She remembered how good it had felt to bring him pain, and not knowing if it was because of her or Pandora - well, likely because of Pandora, but she couldn't deny the feelings and the possibility that maybe, just maybe, a part of her had truly enjoyed it. Nor could she deny the wish to feel it again. And again, what should have terrified her merely left her inquisitive and wanting.

Over two weeks, and she was already so jaded...

Pandora's mood the next morning had been better than Jayne had ever remembered, and it quickly spread to her as well. Pandora promised her more of that wonderful feeling, and more 'practice', which is what led for them arriving at Madam Primpernelle's just before closing time at 5pm. Pandora had a knack for remembering those she had sensed with her memories, which certainly came in useful at times like these.

The woman behind the main desk was older, but pleasantly mannered and professional in appearance. "I'm sorry, but I'm just in the middle of closing down for the day. Perhaps I could schedule you in for tomorrow?"

"Perhaps," Jayne replied, comfortably leaning against the counter. "Though I would really prefer being done today. Is there anyone else here who might be able to take me? I have a date tonight and really need a manicure before dinner."

"I'm sorry, but everyone else has already left for the day."

Jayne could feel Pandora's pleasure at the perfect opportunity, but she hesitated, not certain if she could do this herself, but not wanting Pandora to just take over again. She wanted - needed - to feel in control of herself for a while at least. She, however, could feel a gentle pressure at the back of her mind, reminding her who was really in charge. With a sigh, she took out her wand and cast a quick stupefy to render the woman immobile. She then went to lock the main door with a spell, then moved around the desk to where the woman lied, eyes wide open. She cast a binding charm, and only once she was certain the ropes were secure did she counter the stupefy, allowing the woman to talk.

"What are you doing?!"

I need to know her name first. I won't do anything to her without that at least.

"You fool, if you insist, then at least cast a silencing charm so nobody will hear her scream."

She did as instructed, again overwhelmed by the many factors she never thought about. It was a wonder she'd ever been in Ravenclaw - but then, intelligence in one subject area didn't necessarily translate into others.

"What is your name?" she asked.

"What are you doing with me? Haven't I paid enough for my husband's sins?"

She knelt down and pushed a fringe of hair from the woman's forehead. "I don't know who your husband is, or what he's done. I just need to know your name."

"Jacinthe," the woman finally replied. "Jacinthe Greengrass. Now please, take whatever money you need and let me go."

"I'm sorry, Jacinthe, but I can't allow that."

Feeling Pandora's encouragement, she stood up, aimed her wand at the woman's chest, and then... nothing.

I can't do it. I just can't!

And that was all Pandora needed to take her over with an air of frustration, but instead of being pushed back like usual, she was now sharing every motion, every thought and feeling, with Pandora. She felt the smoothness of her wand as it was aimed again, could feel an overwhelming sense of hatred and anger gathering until it was about to completely take over her mind, could taste the words avada kedavra as they were spoken, and finally, felt the rush of ecstacy at the kill.

This was... there was nothing like it in the world! It was better than chocolate, better than standing up for herself to Edgecombe... better than sex! This was power, the ultimate power over another person in the taking of their life, and Jayne wondered for a moment how she could have fought for so long against this.

But the feeling was short-lived as her conscience took over, bringing about overwhelming guilt and self-hatred. This time, she was fully pushed aside as Pandora collected the memory in her box, and Apparated them away.

She now knew why Pandora killed, why she tortured. It wasn't because of a sad history, or insanity, or anything else that would make it reasonable or sympathetic. Quite simply, Pandora killed and tortured because it felt good.

Jayne retreated into unconsciousness, never more afraid than she was at that very moment.