The Weapon Maker

2

Rigel was in the left corridor of the seventh floor, looking at the tapestry depicting
Barnabas the Barmy teaching trolls ballet.
Tom had sent a letter to be there after midnight.

After New years, they continue meeting in the library. He gave her some instructions and information about the Knights of the Walpurgis that she had to follow and obey.
Today, she was going to be an official member.
She would get to meet the rest of the Knights.

Suddenly, several footsteps echoed on the stone floor.
They were approaching all together with a synchronized rhythm.
Some seconds later, six people were in front of her.
They were wearing the hoods of their school robes, all in black.
She was in black too, another obligation that came with the letter.

Tom was in the middle. He was wearing a black cloak, making him stand out.
No one of them spoke.
Tom waved his hand and motioned her to follow.
She left the tapestry and walked behind them.
Tom stopped, facing the wall opposite the tapestry.
He closed his eyes, and after a moment, a big door appeared, like it was coming inside of the wall.
He pushed her open and entered.
The rest of them followed him inside.

Rigel entered last.
The room was massive. It was just an empty room made of the same stone like the rest of the school.
Only a big rectangle table was in the middle, and thousands of candles were around on the floor.
Tom approached the head of the table, and the others took their places around it.
Rigel didn't know exactly where to stand, so she waited for Tom's signal.

"Tonight, my friends. It is a special night.
We have a new member joining us.
Joining our noble cause." Tom Riddle started.
He turned around and showed Rigel.

"Come, Rigel." he demanded and showed her where to go.
Rigel walked to the other end of the table.
She looked around at the people.
They were all Slytherins, all boys.
She knew them but never had spoken to them.
It was Nott, Avery, Lestrange, Rosier, and Mulciber.
They were all purebloods.

On the table, there was a dagger, and Tom Riddle's wand.
"We all came here tonight for this new addition."
he paused.
He walked around the table and stood next to her, signaling her to fall on her knees.
She was in one knee, her head bowed.
He put a hand over her head.
"Do you, Rigel Acanthus, vow to serve and follow the Knights of the Walpurgis?"

"I do."

"And, do you vow to protect its secrets and your master?"

"I do." her answers were steady and certain.

"From this day forth, you put your faith in me, as I am your Lord and commander.
Rise."
Rigel stood again.
He held her left arm and put forth the dagger.
She rolled up her sleeve.
He put the blade on her forearm.
The cold blade touching her skin made her ecstatic.
He pushed the tip, ripping her skin apart, and warm red blood emerged as he made a vertical line towards the palm of her hand.
She didn't feel any pain.

Then, he put his palm over the blood on her forearm, pointing with his wand on the other hand.
He mumbled an incantation, and instantly, her whole arm started to burn.
She didn't make any sound of discomfort.
It hurt, but she liked it.

He took away his hand, and now there was a mark like a tattoo on her arm.
A black skull with a snake coming out of its mouth. It was moving slightly.
"Welcome, Rigel. Our new Knight."

"Rigel." The other Knights cheered rhythmically like a chant.
"Thank you, my Lord." Rigel bowed her head before him, addressing him as Lord now she officially joined.
Only his followers had the right to call him that.
He was Lord Voldemort.

Lord Voldemort moved back to his place.
"So, my friends. Tell me. Do we have any news?"
he looked around at their faces, now that they had taken off their hoods.
Rosier raised his hand, asking for permission, and Voldemort nodded as a yes.
"My Lord, I have news from my aunt Vinda.
Grindelwald is moving strong still.
But they are afraid of Dumbledore's strike.
He is very unpredictable, but he will strike for sure."
"Thank you, Artemas." Lord Voldemort remained silent for a moment.