Till Death Do Us Part

02 she's confident

Papa held open the door for me as we entered the meeting room. All eyes went onto me as we walked in. A small smirk formed on my lips as many people stood up and nodded nods of respect to my papa and me.

We took our seats at the center of the table. I ended up with the one right beside Draco.

I glanced over at him. He was sitting as stiff as a board, though his hands were shaking.

I, on the other hand, took the time to talk to those around me. After all, I will be working with these people for years to come.

As I spoke with Alecto, our conversation slowly faded off because the door to the meeting room opened. I felt chills run down my spine as a long snake slithered into the room and around the table.

Nagini. Papa had told me about her. She was Voldemort's snake. Never would he be caught without her.

She slithered by my chair before coming to a stop at the head of the table. Then, we all stood up. I felt my lips curve into a smile as the man who needed no recognition walked into the room.

He was clad in a black cloak, which flowed all around him as he walked by us. His snake-like eyes scanned the room as he went by, glancing at each of us while he walked. I could feel his presence as he walked behind my chair, but did not turn my head. I kept it bowed as a sign of respect, though I was eager to greet the lord.

After what felt like forever, he finally reached the head of the table.

Everyone else began to take their seats, but as my father instructed, we would stay standing.

Voldemort's eyes went upon us, and I felt my lips curve into a smile.

"Sebastian Dumont, it's great to see you again," he greeted.

My father nodded. "And you, my lord."

He then sat down, which left Draco and me to be the only ones still standing in the room.

"And I take you to be Vienna Dumont... and Draco Malfoy." As he said my name, I could not help but smile. This was all really happening.

"Yes, my lord. It is an honor to finally meet you," I said.

Draco said nothing, but what do I care? Better for me if the lord likes me more anyways.

"And you, Miss Dumont. I have heard so much about you. I have been eager to put you to work," he said.

I laughed softly. "Well, I am ready, my lord."

"Very good then. Miss Dumont, Mr. Malfoy, the whole reason we're gathered tonight is for the both of you," he explained.

As he spoke, I glanced around the room. All eyes were on Draco and me. Every single one of the Death Eaters were sizing us up. I stood stronger because I did not want to look cowardly like Draco.

"Before I can discuss the task, you two must receive your marks."

I glanced down at my bare forearm, which was soon to be marked with the Dark Mark. It was something I have wanted since before I can remember. Finally, I was going to receive it.

Many people viewed the mark as horrible. They feared it. Though I looked at it with respect. One should honor the mark, as Papa would always tell me.

"You wear this with pride. It is a right of passage to wear this mark," said Voldemort.

I nodded in agreement with every word he spoke, growing more and more eager to receive my mark.

Finally, he called us over to where he sat at the head of the table. All eyes followed us as we walked to his chair. Already, his wand was drawn.

Draco stood in front of me. He was quiet though I could tell he was freaking out as he shook slightly. How we were so fearful, I haven't a clue. You would think his parents would have better prepared him for this.

"Lift your left sleeve," Voldemort commanded.

Slowly, Draco pulled his sleeve up. I watched as Voldemort pointed his wand at Draco's forearm. Draco grimaced in pain as the mark then appeared on his arm.

When he was finally done, he walked quietly to his seat and sat back down. He held his head down as I stepped up proudly.

"Just like your father. Proud. I know you will do great things," said Voldemort.

I felt myself smile as I held my arm out for him. "Only for you, my lord. I will do whatever you ask of me."

His cold hands latched around my arm and pulled it close to him. "Very good. You should have no issue with the first task then."

Then, the mark began to appear. My arm began to burn but I still could not help but smile because it was finally happening... I was finally living out my dream. This is something I have trained for, and it was now a reality.

The burning sensation soon stopped after the mark of a snake and skull formed onto my arm.

"You will do great things, Miss Dumont, I expect nothing less from you," said Voldemort as I gazed down at my mark, completely clueless of what I was getting myself into.

"Of course," I replied as I bowed my head before making my way to my seat so I could receive my task.

Once I was seated, Voldemort rose once more and began to walk around the table, but he spoke to Draco and me.

"You two are young," he explained. "Maybe you are capable, but you need to prove yourselves."

All the Death Eaters nodded, of course, because in order to keep your spot, you must prove yourself.

That should be easy for me though.

"I only want one of you," he went on to say. "You are competing with one another. You are each other's worst enemy from here on out... because you are competing for not only your lives, but a spot to work for me."

I glanced at Draco once again. He stared straight ahead. He was not still though. He shook as Voldemort spoke, proving that he was no more than a coward and that he was no competition to me. This would be the easiest task for me.

"So," Voldemort went on to say, "I ask that the Vanishing Cabinets are repaired by the end of the school year, but also that you kill Dumbledore. Whoever succeeds will keep their life and a spot with me, so good luck. You will need it."

I smiled and sat back into my chair confidently as the meeting came to a close.

I could already tell this was going to be a start to an easy year for me.