Heir to Riddle

Chapter 18

"Draco Malfoy, do you swear loyalty to Lord Voldemort?"

"I-I do," Draco swallowed, steeling his face so no emotions showed.

"Do you swear to never turn your wand against your master?"

"I do."

Hayden watched with a harsh gaze, unnerving Draco more by accident. He hadn't had to vow anything, but he knew that others did have to.
Severus Snape and Narcissa Malfoy watched from the side, their faces marred with worry.

"Morsmorde," Voldemort hissed, and Hayden pressed against his cheek as he watched the Dark Mark shift into Draco's skin. The blond whimpered, squeezing his eyes shut. He tensed, barely visible to anyone. Hayden tore his eyes away from Draco's arm, instead looking around the place. It was an odd store, with plenty of odd artefacts and books.

"Hayden, go and change," his father hissed quietly, startling him from his thoughts. "Be quiet and don't let anyone see you until I call you." Hayden flicked his tongue against Voldemort's cheek so he knew he heard, before making sure that nobody was looking at him before sliding under his father's outer robe.

He slid onto the floor, and luckily everyone was distracted by Draco's gasp of pain as the Dark Mark finished burning itself onto his skin.

Hayden quickly slithered into a different room, making sure he was alone before shifting back into his human self. He stood in front of the broken mirror, making sure he looked ready, prepared, and confident enough to stay by his father's side without scrutiny.

Much scrutiny, at least.

He took a deep breath when a soft chime sounded in his head, and he adjusted his mask one last time before he stepped out of the room.