The Journal of Regulus Arcturus Black

Chapter 5. Draco's official stance

I don't think that people realise what it entails to be a Death Eater. How you have to drop everything that you're doing in order to return to the Dark Lord when he calls for you. I suppose I must have it easy now that I'm back in Hogwarts. When the Dark Lord calls for his Death Eaters, they must leave whatever job they are doing and attend to follow His orders. When I feel the burning of the Dark Mark on my arm, I can at least be rest assured in school.

I used to think that Hogwarts was a safe haven away from home. That no one could really ever attack me here, but then I became a Slytherin. Even trying to put my head down didn't matter because wearing green meant that I was sure to get hexed in the corridors. I am also a Black and that demands attention too.

When Sirius left home, I started to see Hogwarts as just another place that stole my brother from me. Now that I've seen what Death Eaters do under the orders of the Dark Lord, I've decided that Hogwarts is not safe. Not really. How can it ever be safe when it's only temporary. At some point, I will have to leave this school and I will have to do what He wants of me.

Just listen and take in the orders of those that hold authority over me. The Dark Lord. Mother. Father. Sometimes I look at Hogwarts and I try to calm my racing heart. To know that even if temporarily, this school will protect. At least for a little while whilst I try to ignore the ache that pulses through my forearm.

R.A.B.

***

Draco was called into Dumbledore's office which was... surprising to say the least. In all the time that Draco had ever been in school, he had never actually entered the headmaster's office, finding that he was never actually 'in trouble' to ever garner the old man's attention. Draco shouldn't have really felt much anxiety when he stood outside of the office, facing the gargoyle that protected his office.

"Sherbet Lemon," Draco said, looking down at the slip of parchment he was given as he stood outside. The gargoyle spun around and revealed a doorway that held stairs leading to the headmasters office.

Draco sighed heavily and tried to calm his racing heart as he started the walk upstairs. He knocked on the large doors and opened only a tiny crack. Peering in slightly, Draco looked around the office. The place was decorated to the brim with different artefacts, and on one of the shelfs, Draco recognised the Sorting Hat.

"Hello," Draco politely greeted the hat, not waiting for an answer as he walked around the room. He looked around at the different portraits that aligned the walls, gracing the paintings of the many different headmasters of Hogwarts.

"Headmaster Phineas Nigellus Black," Draco greeted, looking at his very, very faint relative.

"Who are you boy?" the man said.

Draco straightened his back and sneered at the man, "Draco Black. Lord Black now," he said.

"Ah Draco," the voice of Dumbledore greeted softly, from behind him. Draco spun around to face the current headmaster of Hogwarts. "I see you have made acquaintances with Professor Black."

"Hardly," Draco said, turning to glare at Headmaster Phineas Black. "Pleasure to meet you."

"I don't hold the same sentiment."

Draco gave a fake smile, "I care."

Professor Dumbledore chuckled in the old man way he would. Draco almost wanted to roll his eyes but found himself taking a seat opposite the mans desk, watching him slowly descend onto his own throne-like chair. Yikes to that power imbalance. "How are you Draco?"

"I'm good," Draco replied, looking around at the many magical objects in the room. His eyes were trained on the Headmaster's phoenix, looking at the bird with intrigue. Draco hadn't seen many phoenixes in his life, or any that were close in proximity to him. "Is there any particular reason for why I'm called into your office, Headmaster?"