Previous / Return to Scene List / Next

Title: One by One Before the Dark Lord

Contributors: eternalriddle, dm_fugitive, seviesnape, bellatrixx_l, lucius_malfoi

Edited by: Carla Lute

Posted: 2006-01-19 to 02-03

Game Date: September 8^th

Disclaimer: No one at Levicorpus owns Harry Potter, the world or its characters. We just like to play in J.K. Rowling’s world.

* * * * * * *

Lord Voldemort sat in a comfortable chair in the dark, stroking Nagini gently as she coiled about him. He smiled to himself, the time was just right, the pieces all falling into place. Trelawny now belonged to him. Dumbledore was out of the picture. The smell of chaos was on the wind, if ever so subtle...

He had been enjoying a game of late, commanding Wormtail to remain in his rattish form until needed, enjoying the look of fear in his eye whenever Nagini strayed too close to him. He snapped his fingers and heard the scuttle of little feet and the gentle tugging sounds of him climbing up the side of the chair.

"Summon the following to me, Wormtail. Snape, Young Malfoy, Belletrix, and then Lucius... whatever order you can get the first three in will be fine, but make sure Lucius knows his current status."

He looked on the arm of the chair, seeing Wormtail still sitting there, with a yell of anger he whipped his hand and sent the rat flying across the room, hearing a pitiful squeak and hingered scuttling out of the room.

"It's time..."

Wormtail found Draco first, because he knew he was working with Franklin on the wireless. Malfoy gave him a look of disgust. "What is it?"

"The Dark Lord wishes to see you," Wormtail said, trying to sound important.

The boy gave him a cool glare. "What about?" he asked getting to his feet.

"He didn't imply that I should tell you," Wormtail said, hoping to give the impression that he knew what the meeting was about and simply chose not to say.

"Vermin," the boy hissed below his breath, but Wormtail had exceptionally good hearing. He twitched but ignored the comment...for now at least, and rubbed his silver hand. Dark Lord never gave him anything he told himself.

Draco had brushed by him and pulled out his wand. "Accio robes." A few seconds later, a black swirl of robes came rushing at him. He caught them out of the air and pulled them over his rather Muggle looking clothing. "Okay, lead on."

Voldemort sat in his chair, facing away from the door as there was a hint of a knock.

"Let the first enter Wormtail, then go fetch me the next."

He smiled to himself as he heard Pettigrew run off, and soft footsteps enter the room.

"My ears tell me it is Young Draco, do close the door and step forward before me... I have much to discuss with you."

Draco stepped closer to the voice in the darkness. "Yes, my lord," he said, squinting to make out the Dark Lords features.

Voldemort inhaled a bit, a wheezing breath but exhaled slow and stead, smelling the air. He leaned forward fast and waved a hand off to the side, the room filling with a bright light as he grinned menacingly at Draco.

"Is this more to your liking, young Malfoy?" He chuckled and sat back, relaxing and pausing, as if in thought. "You know, despite your problems, fears, and difficulties, you have been most loyal. So much so that I'm going to let you in on a secret, but if you hear the secret, there is a price, a favor that comes with it. Take the risk and gain knowledge, or remain safe in your responsibilities and be ignorant. Make your choice."

He folded his hands and watched Nagini slither over to Draco.

"She likes you, by the way, finds you full of endless entertainment."

Draco raised his hand to shield against the sudden light. After he had blinked a few times to let his eyes adjust he dropped it back by his side, though his shoulders still felt tense. He had just gotten them to start relaxing when Nagini slithered towards his feet, and his leg muscles tensed.

He had read a little of that book last night, and this was how it had begun. The snake offering the fruit of knowledge. He wished he knew how the story had turned out. He had fallen asleep reading.

"If my knowing will benefit you, my lord, then I should like to hear this secret."

Voldemort grinned and sat up, he stared at Draco, as if he were trying to stare into the deepest blackness of his soul. He drew himself up and stood before Malfoy.

"Draco Malfoy, you know you remind me so very much of your father, but a bit more thoughtful. Right now..." He began to walk around the room, stretching his muscles, Nagini slithering here and there around Draco before resuming her spot on the chair.

"Right now your mind is afflux with emotion, you are trying to find ways to bend it to your will, but it is a most troubling beast." A chuckle escaped his lips.

"Do not worry, I am not prying into your mind. Believe it or not, I do have a sentimental side. I expect absolute loyalty from you, do not misunderstand, but I too remember your age. Now then," He turned, and in an instant was nose to nose with Draco, grinning with his thin lips. "You should be honored that you are the first to know that we will be returning to Hogwarts. I am going to remake it to it's true potential, how Salazar Slytherin saw it. You will be playing an integral part, you have been keeping tabs on your friends I hope..."

He sat down, Nagini sliding out of the way and returning to his lap.

Draco took in a deep breath as Voldemort came close, but again refused to let himself retreat. "I have, my lord," he said simply.

Voldemort nodded, not letting any feeling of pleasure or otherwise cross his features.

"Do not mistake what I am about to say, child. I'm sure many of them want to be let in the fold, several are children of our current ranks. This will be a test for them. You will orchestrate ways for us to enter the school, it is defended well, even with Dumbledore out of the picture I want it to go over well. Tell me, what have you learned from your friends about the goings on of the school as of now?"

He leaned forward, resting a elbow on his knee and leaning in, honestly interested.

Draco quietly took a deep breath. Sorry, Luca, he thought behind his mental walls. But someone has to be sacrificed. "Bit of excitement already. There's a gypsy boy, Luca Moonstone, who's trying to make himself a player. He inadvertently caused an explosion that sent Ginny Weasley to the hospital wing for a few days. Sadly I hear that she's recovered. He offered to deliver Potter to us, but I have my reservations about him. My friends tell me he has been cozying up to the Gryffindors as well, so perhaps he is simply hoping to lure me out...or trying to play the two sides against each other. He speaks about his family as though they are a third faction."

He paused, searching his mind for other relevant information. "Nymphadora Tonks has resigned as an Auror and taken the Defense Against the Dark Arts position. And my friend Blaise was made prefect in my stead."

Voldemort thought a moment and smirked.

"I expected as much for Nymphadora, honestly. Had they not given her that position I would have been almost disappointed. One does like to make sure the enemy is at least as well prepared as they can be. Even I and Potter bowed before our duel those years ago..." His fist clenched, blood dripping from the bottom of his hand, his nails having broken skin.

And if you hadn't wasted time playing, you might have managed to kill him. Draco was ever so thankful for his mental walls as the thought came unbidden. Sometimes, I feel the only adult around here...thank you, brain. Do shut up now.

"Mr.… Zabini, yes? Good, see what you can do with him. As for your Gypsy problem, this may be a blessing in disguise. Your idea of the clans and families being a third party in this is not so far from the truth, dear boy. However they are masters above all others in their arts, even the greatest of Aurors never stand a chance at tracking them down. Bring him closer, see what you can discern. Remember the old stories in ancient times the laws of darkness were enforced by them when the Dark Lords of the past dealt with other matters. They aren’t to be trusted, but the power they wield is not something that should be tossed aside due to fear. Now then, for your personal duty to me, are you ready to hear?"

He grinned a broad wicked smile, he was going to savor the look on your face.

Every instinct Draco had was screaming that it was a bad idea to get involved with the gypsies, but he pushed that down and locked it up too.

"I am, my lord," he said with the appropriate amount of brightness and reverence.

"Your father, he has not being doing so well of late has he? Getting himself into Azkaban, escaping and the Ministry on his tail... not the esteemed Lucius Malfoy I knew, not the loyal servant who claimed death before dishonor, not the man who sits out there fat with riches because he believed me dead! Draco…do you know where your name originates from? It was the name of the man who enforced the first laws in ancient Athens, he wrote many laws, and his punishment was severe and true. The term "Draconian punishment" and "Draconian measures", they originate from your namesake. Think of this like history repeating itself."

He leaned back, to watch Draco's reaction.

"If your father continues down this current path, and you are NOT to tell him I have ordered this, or for him to improve, he should know me by now. If he does not start showing better loyalty, it will be YOUR duty, and YOURS ALONE, to kill him. You will do it before me, as a test of your undying loyalty to me. Maybe even you will get something special from it, and I am not referring to your father's position either. I am not without pity for you, Malfoy. What you will earn in exchange for your fathers life will be equal if not more than your loss."

He stared ahead, watching every feature on your face.

Draco forehead creased lightly as Voldemort made his request. He felt oddly calm, supernaturally so. He looked away and then back, his eyes bright and sure the Dark Lord could see he was fighting a smile. "I am yours to command, my lord," he said with a short bow.

The Dark Lord hissed in a breath and pondered for a moment, this was not the reaction he was expecting.

"Severus has taught you well, in more ways than one I am sure."

He sat up, taking upon him a more social and casual air. He looked at Draco thoughtfully and put his hand on his shoulder.

"I know you think me a monster, Malfoy, and do not be mistaken, I am. But I would like, if I may, to…let you in a bit. Perhaps an hour or two of your time alone, a few times a week. I see great potential in you, and would hate to see it squandered by fear, unnecessary fear. You still hold fear within you, do you not?"

"I..." Draco swallowed. "I think only a fool goes completely without fear," he said, letting one of his mental walls slip just a bit to reinforce the worry that he had revealed himself too much. "I would be honored to have your guidance, my lord. Snape has taught me much, but he has his...limits."

Voldemort smiled what seemed to be an honest smile, what could pass as geniality on his changed face.

"You are dismissed. Oh! and Draco, I wish to thank you for the capers. Feel free when next we talk to bring me more, and if you want to have any food yourself, bring that. We shall share a supper and talk you and I."

Draco bowed again, more deeply this time, and walked out. He had resolved himself to few things yesterday afternoon before falling asleep with his book. For one thing, he knew he needed rules for this game, and he had set some. And for another, he had decided that if he must play, he must play to win. And while it brought no smile to his face, he realized the meeting had gone remarkably well.

* * * * * * *

Pettigrew cowered as he mentioned the Dark Lords summons to Severus. Reluctantly, Severus followed him through the manor.

Once they reached the chamber door, Severus sneered at Peter, "Dark Lord only gave you one measly order did he? Maybe you're not the favorite after all."

Pettigrew glared at Severus and scampered away.

Voldemort sat back in his chair, waving a hand and letting the door open, he smiled, having heard the voices outside.

"Severus, come in please."

Voldemort grinned to himself, almost smirking. He stretched out and got a bit more casual in his posture.

Severus stood straight and walked into the room. He stopped before his master, kneeled, and kissed the hem of his robe. "Master."

He stayed kneeled before him, waiting for permission to rise...

Voldemort smiled a bit, enjoying his servants to show the proper respect.

"Rise, Severus. There is much we must discuss. For this meeting I think we should be less... official about things, we are in a war, you know. Formality can be excused one time, yes?"

He smiled and sat back, folding his hands over Nagini.

"So tell me what is going on, spare no detail. I want your opinion on our current situation. I want your opinion on your fellow Death Eaters. I have a vast plan that will be implemented soon. I need to know who is truly loyal, and what fat I have to cut."

Severus stood, he always felt so vulnerable at personal summons. He was sure to keep his back straight, head up, and most importantly, his mind blank.

"Young Mr. Draco is coming along nicely, Master, he will make a loyal... and useful Death Eater soon," he paused, waiting approval, or at least agreement. When he got neither, he continued. "I do believe Lucius is quite content now that he is relieved of his prison, I'm sure he will take any opportunity he can to impress you. I'm sure you heard of our retrieval of Trelawny?"

Voldemort nodded to the question. He appraised the information a bit, and turned his head to Nagini, speaking in parseltongue to the serpent. He grinned wickedly, and returned his attention to Snape once more.

"Has Trelawny spoken much? Has she any requests, I do not want to be known as a ungrateful host you see..." He shifted his position, and drew himself out of the chair, walking around Severus.

"Bellatrix, Narcissa, Franklin, I want to know what they are doing. I feel disorder ever so slight in our group. You follow orders well enough, your raids turn out supurb…but I see no energy expended, no…ingenuity, no initiative. We are living in changing times, and we must not become part of the past. My first reign was a period of darkness the likes people lived in deep fear, but with my return, I'm not seeing the mindless terror anymore. They fear me, but I have been shown to be defeated, I must sink my teeth deeper into their necks, so to speak."

He stopped and stood behind Severus, drawing his wand and tracing the tip over the back of his head.

"Even my most trusted and loyal, once I had gone went and lived quite different lives than when I was around, you think this pleases me? More should have been like Crouch, loyal after my "death" and not thinking it a chapter in their life long past..."

Severus shivered as he felt Voldemort’s wand press into his skull, He found out... after all these years... I'm going to die... he wanted to shrink into the floor, the walls, anything to escape what he was feeling at the moment. Instead, he cleared his throat, and tried to answer all of the Dark Lords questions as best as possible.

"I haven't seen Trelawny since she was brought here. I thought you might like to interrogate her, Master. If you wish, I will visit her tonight. The house elves have been bringing her sustenance." Severus got it all out without a single shake, or crack in his voice. Years of practice had taught him to ignore emotions... emotions were weak, and people could read emotions.

"I'm afraid I haven't seen Franklin since he has arrived, Master," he said sourly. "I've only seen Narcissa when contacting Lucius for raids, and I avoid Bellatrix at all costs. I'm afraid I cannot give you the information you seek on those three," he cringed, awaiting the bout of Crucio sure to come his way.

Voldemort leans forward, his rich sweet smelling breath passing over Snape's ear with a hissing whisper. He withdrew the wand a bit, drawing it down over Snape's spine, resting it in the middle of his back.

"There are secrets in the Organization, and I do not appreciate. The young Malfoy, tell me Severus, why is a boy of 17, 18 at most so well versed in closing his mind from me? Isn't he in your tutelage? I remember that time of my life, and I do not mind a young man wanting some thoughts private. But come now Severusssssss, one that young should not be so well at something so difficult to do. I smell and taste deception among those I considered most loyal..."

He drew his head back, poking Snape in the spine a few more times.

"You killed Dumbledore for me, your personal loyalty to me is not in question, Severus, at least not for now. I expect a man to change after that many years among those people. But be warned, either you stop teaching him, or you find out who is and tell them to stop. What he knows is sufficient to mask his…teenage thoughts from me."

He withdrew the wand and returned to his seat, Nagini hissing at Snape.

"I am not pleased with you Severus, but you have done more than most here, and I thank you for that. For now though I ask you, would you like to return to Hogwarts and teach? Did you enjoy that role that Dumbledore fitted you too? If you did I would not be surprised, nor count against you."

He smiled what he could and waved Severus to sit.

"Now please sit, and we can converse in a more relaxed setting."

Severus stiffly sat in the chair Voldemort had motioned towards. "The last I had heard master, Bellatrix was giving the boy Occlumency lessons as well."

He paused a moment and realized the Dark Lord was waiting for Severus to answer his second question. "I would enjoy returning to Hogwarts, but I do believe that is out of the question, Master."

Voldemort smiled, the fear was palpable in the air now, and Snape remembered who was in charge. You cannot kiss the hem of the cloak of the man you plan to disrespect anymore.

"We, all of us, will be returning to Hogwarts. I think it will be a fitting example to all what happens when you defy the Dark Lord. I believe once the gears are put in motion, the school will have no choice but to fall to us. Then we, the Death Eaters, can take those pure of blood and birth under our wings, teaching them the proper ways of magic. What can the Ministry do to us when we have the children of the influential under our tutelage? They can give up this belief of war, that is what. There is no war going on, there are just people too stupid to realize who they obey."

Voldemort leaned in close to see Snape’s reaction, reaching into his mind, the shock of this and of the previous moment may also have caused weakness he suspected. "Tell me what you think..."

"It is a brilliant plan master. I trust you have encouraged Draco to see it through?" Severus said, attempting to keep the sheer horror of the plan from seeping into his thoughts.

Voldemort nodded slightly.

"Some, but only a fool would put a plan like this in the hands of a simpering child. I am sure he hasn't even dealt with his Muggle lover yet. No I told him he will be tapped for this mission, he knows things inside the castle, connections and a better understanding of the social dynamics."

He leaned back and looked deep at Severus, narrowing his black eyes, letting them burn like embers as if trying to see right into the pit of his soul and burn it out.

"You will see to it that Sybil Trelawny is treated fairly. She will have anything she asks for, barring her freedom. She is my guest here, not my prisoner, and any host wants to be generous and kind. Also, let her know that civility and courtesy work both ways." He flexed his fingers and heard a couple pop gently. He twisted his wand wrist a bit to get a crick out and then examined his fingernails, almost dismissively. "Also let her know that someone she holds dear will lose seven bones of my choice if she decides to attempt escape or become too much of a problem."

He turned his attention back to Snape, cocking his head slightly and thought of something Draco had mentioned...

"Severus, tell me what you know of Gypsies..."

"Only that they are untrustworthy and mysterious, Master," Severus shifted slightly in his chair. He didn't know where Voldemort was going with this, and it tended to make him a tad uneasy.

Voldemort looked at Nagini, and seemed in thought, then he looked back at Snape, his ruby red eyes shining in the dim light.

"Just go, Severus, and make sure Bellatrix is summoned before Lucius."

Severus gracefully stood, and kneeled before his master yet again. Grimacing as he kissed the hem of the man’s robes, he backed away in a most pathetic and demeaning manner.

* * * * * * *

Bella was very eager to answer the Dark Lord's summon and hurriedly followed Pettigrew. When she reached the Dark Lord's chambers, she gave Peter a nasty sneer, and he scampered away.

"My Lord..." Bellatrix said, and knelt in front of him with her head down.

Voldemort smiled down at Bellatrix and quickly motioned for her to stand.

"And how are you doing this fine day?"

He grinned and got out of his chair, Nagini slithering away as the Dark Lord stretched, glad to see one of his now favored.

Bellatrix stood up, and nodded to him.

"I am doing very well, my Lord...and how are you doing?" She replied.

Voldemort smiled a cold smile, devoid of any true gesture of pleasure, as he offered Bellatrix a chair.

"Please sit, we have much to discus. First off, I want to know what it is precisely that you are doing to assist me. Even if it is something I ordered you to do, I must have all the facts lined up in my head good and proper for what I'm going to tell you."

He resumed his seat as Nagini coiled around Bellatrix' legs, hissing gently.

Bella took a seat in the chair, and felt Nagini around her legs.

"My Lord, I have gone on numerous raids with the others...killing countless muggles, mudbloods, and bloodtraitors...Surely you heard of our success at Dijon?"

Bellatrix paused for a moment.

"I have also been keeping a close eye on Draco, my Lord. You know, guiding him when he needs it..." Bella suddenly realized that she might sound like she was rambling, so she decided to get straight to the point.

"I will do anything else you require of me- just speak the word," Bella said, and slightly nodded her head.

Voldemort nodded, sitting down, setting his wand across his lap.

"Right now you are among my most favored, if not THE most favored, Bellatrix. Your cunning seems to have no limit, but you do not hide behind veils of deception. There are those who have their own motives, their own side agendas, but you alone have been most straightforward and I thank you."

The Dark Lord grinned a bit to himself, as if trying to find something wrong with the situation.

"But you must admit, you aren’t the Death Eater you once were. Before you were so…original, so…chaotic in your ferocity, it shocked and appalled those who couldn’t see the art in what you do... I want the old Bellatrix back."

"Yes, my Lord. I am sorry for that, but don't worry, the old Bella will be back, I can assure you. I am sorry that it did not come about earlier," Bellatrix said.

He leaned forward. Grabbing his wand and tapping the nearby table, bringing up a bottle of wine and two goblets.

"You will take supper with me tonight, won't you? We can discuss what I have planned for you over a nice meal."

Voldemort smiled and moved the table between the two of them.

"I think you'll like what I have to say..."

"Thank you, my Lord. I would love to, and I look forward to hearing your plans for me," Bellatrix said eagerly.

Voldemort grinned wide as food appeared on the tables, a fine assortment of grilled fish and chicken. He motioned for her to eat after he took the first bite.

"Now then, the Bellatrix I remembered could kill a man seventeen different ways, many of those never seen before, at every raid. But lately it's all been just the same thing. I almost get bored. My duty for you, is for yourself and the rest of the Death Eaters, to invent two new curses with lethal effects on Muggles. You up for the challenge? If you cannot I understand, this is in no way an order, but... I would like to see your artistic side more often."

He took a sip of his wine and enjoyed his meal. "So, tell me what you are thinking, and also your opinions on your fellow Death Eaters..."

"My Lord, I would love to do that for you. I will start working on it immediately," Bella said with a grin.

"Now that I am around all of the others on an almost daily basis, I've gotten to know them quite well. I believe that Narcissa, my sister, is adjusting very well to this lifestyle, and I believe that she'll be ready for raids, et cetera, very soon. I must admit, I was quite surprised when she decided to join us, but I am very proud of her," Bella said with a slight smile. "Also, I am very glad that Lucius is back with us. He's great at what he does..." Bella said with a slight chuckle.

Voldemort scoffed at that, looking coldly at Bella. He rested his silverware down and said simply.

"Lucius may not be under my protection much longer. Add up the last few years, and he is not the man who joined me. I am hoping he will turn himself around, but until then loyalty without success is merely a sign screaming evidence at our cause for the Ministry."

Voldemort continues to dine on the mango duck that he had prepared for the two of them.

"You however, and young Draco show promise beyond his abilities... I do wonder about the boy, though. Enjoy your meal with me, please me and we may do this more often."

Voldemort smiled and took supper across the table from a maniac, pleased with himself.

"Of course my Lord," nodded Bella.

She continued eating with the Dark Lord himself, pleased.

* * * * * * *

The look Wormtail had given Lucius was not comforting. In fact, it had run a chill directly up his spine and as Lucius followed Pettigrew to the Dark Lord's chambers, he wondered what could possibly inspire that little, well, that little worm to give him such a look.

Even after arriving, the glare from Lucius, which usually left even the most courageous wizards trembling, was met by Wormtail only with a look of contempt, before he hurried away. Obediently, Lucius dropped gracefully to his knees, bowing low so that his forehead nearly touched the floor and he crawled reverentially up to his master, kissing his robes before settling back and waiting for permission to stand. "My Lord."

Voldemort looked down at Lucius and grinned wide, giving him no order to rise, instead standing up and walking behind the bent over form of Lucius Malfoy.

"Now then, I'm sure you noticed that I wanted you to come last, Malfoy. Do you know why I would ask such a thing, sharing company with others before you?"

Voldemort took out his wand and pokes the small of Lucius back, prodding him, sending a jolt through it.

"Believed me dead, and grew yourself a fortune in the Ministry."

He drug the wand up higher watching the Death Eater cower. He prodded and zapped again.

"Lost a simple prophesy that could mean EVERYTHING to me."

He slid the wand between Lucius' shoulder blades and held it there, letting the jolts continue.

"Got captured, sent to Azkaban and escaped, putting more attention to me, and never using that brilliant mind to help OTHERS escape!"

Voldemort retracted his wand and kicked Lucius in the face.

"Loyal or not, you have become a liability lately, Malfoy. Such talent and resources WASTED on your own agendas... You have but one more chance, and only because I value what you used to be do I grant you this now..."

Voldemort took his seat. He leaned down at Lucius and grinned, his shadow cast over his prone body.

"Now you may rise and gaze upon me."

Lucius was shocked. He knew the punishment for his failure was coming, but he had thought . . . hoped that the Dark Lord would have noticed his assistance in Adara Weasley's escape and their capture of Trelawney. He had hoped that this recent success would have, in some way, made up for his previous ineptitude. And his escape . . . hadn't the Dark Lord instructed Crabbe and Goyle Sr. to free him?? That's what they had said, at least. Lucius' felt anger swell against his chest and he swore that he would make those two grunts pay. Apparently he still under-estimated his master's anger and as he stood, he tried to keep the flush from his cheeks.

"Of course, Master, I will do whatever you command."

Voldemort looked down, reaching into Lucius mind to see exactly what was infuriating him.

"Crabbe and Goyle setting you free, those two think anything that serves you serves me, and we both know that. They'd be lost without the man who does their thinking for them. As for Sybill and Adara, how much of that really did you have a hand in? I'm sure between Severus and Bellatrix you were there merely for sentimental sake, let us be honest with each other."

He sat back in his chair, Nagini slithering out and hissing at Lucius.

"Let's talk about that boy of yours, his fears of death and killing... tsk tsk tsk. Lucius, I expected you to teach him so much better than what you've done."

Lucius knew Voldemort's powers of Occlumency were strong, and he temporarily regretted his thoughts. He felt a wave of further provocation when the Dark Lord mentioned Draco, and Lucius' eyes narrowed at his words. "I believe it is nothing that a little experience can not cure, my lord."

Voldemort sat back, snarling.

"A little experience? By now he's had a lot of experience, Lucius. A lifetime under your tutelage and raising in the house of one of my former most favored, and he doesn’t have it in him to kill a few bloody MUGGLES?! Is he all talk, like you seem to be now, Lucius? I'm proposing a test of your loyalty, see how strong your stomach is..."

Voldemort drew himself up, almost gliding along the floor in his walking and put his hand on Lucius' should, foring him to kneel. He drew out his wand and slid it over Malfoy's face slowly, drawing it to the tip of his nose and tapping it.

"Train him well, he had a great mind, and I'd hate to lose him to weakness. If he does not shape up, he will be dead. Is this understood? By the way, you will be his executioner..."

Voldemort turned around and dismissed him with the back of his hand.

"Out of my SIGHT."

Previous / Return to Scene List / Next