Going Rogue

chapter ix

"Is this her?" Chills went down Asterin's spine as Voldemort waved his hand, her Death Eater mask disappearing. Asterin managed to keep her face blank, her wall continuing to grow higher as she stared at his chest. The little blonde gave a curtesy.

"My Lord. It is a pleasure to see you again," she spoke softly. Voldemort put his wand below her chin, forcing her to stand and look up at him.

"You have grown, child. You're not the same little girl you were just months ago. How has the assignment I gave you and young Malfoy going?" Asterin wanted to look towards Draco, but she couldn't show weakness.

"We have found the correct spell, but we are having difficulty casting it, My Lord. It is a complex spell and takes quite a bit of concentration."

Voldemort narrowed his eyes and released her chin.

"I would like to request more time, My Lord. I would.. hate to disappoint you and I feel we will be successful, but getting it done by the holidays is becoming a task, My Lord." Asterin quickly rushed out, her eyes staring to the floor.

"Very well. As you are about to take the Dark Mark, I can believe your loyalty. You have a year. Let's make it the day you were supposed to get the Dark Mark." His eyes widened as if he found it amusing.

"Thank you, My Lord. I know we will do you proud."

Voldemort cackled and with a sweep of his cape, brought his arm around her back and lead her towards the drawing room.

"Look! Your friends have arrived!" Asterin looked towards her brother and Blaise, only giving them a nod of her head when Snape came through the fireplace by floo. Asterin didn't even have a chance to ask why her parents were not in attendance.

"I apologize for my tardiness, My Lord. I had to oversee the detention for some Gryffindor's," the male sneered as he bowed.

"It is quite alright, Severus. I understand your duties as a Hogwarts professor. Please, take your seat. We should get started!"

Snape looked towards her and gave her a subtle nod before sitting next to Lucius. Draco barely brushed his hand against her back as he sat next to his mother who gave Asterin an encouraging smile.

"Come.. come!" Asterin removed her cape, allowing an elf to hang it up before she walked to Voldemort.

"Scared, my dear?" Asterin shook her head and gave him the tiniest of smirks. The snake clapped his hands and held his hand out, his black fingernails making her almost cringe. The little blonde pushed her sleeve up and offered her left arm to him.

"I am sure Draco has warned you of the... discomfort. Let's see how well you deal with it."

Asterin's eyes flickered towards Draco, taking in his nod as encouragement as well before peering back to Voldemort. He grinned as his wand poised over her arm before he touched her flesh with it. Her hand formed a tight fist as the snake slithered along her flesh before coiling into the symbol. Voldemort's eyes never left hers as he dared her to show a weakness.

Asterin remained blank as she stared back. Telling by the grin on his face, he was quite satisfied. As soon as the mark had finished and was as black as Voldemort's eyes, he finally took his wand away with a laugh of glee.

"Look how strong our new Death Eater is! Oh, I'm so happy. Welcome, young Nott. You have made your family proud! Come! We celebrate! Lucius! Let's have some dinner. Come, Nagini!" Asterin watched with blank eyes as the snake from the shadows to follow its master.

Narcissa walked by - only pausing to put a hand to Asterin's cheek - and allowing her husband to lead her to the dining room. As soon as they disappeared around the corner, Asterin fell to the ground and allowed a tear to fall. Her arm felt like it was going to melt off.