Father's Little Deatheater

Official Deatheater

After the graveyard we all apparate back to the Malfoy manor. Where the dark lord is said to stay here with us. Which doesn't sound like it will be fun at all. I try to sneak away up to my room to get away but I'm unfortunately dragged back by my father. "Where do you think your going. The dark lord wants to speak to you." He demands. Oh noo I think to myself as he escorts me over to the large dining table, where everyone is sitting down for a meeting. Father sits me down next to him and gives me his all to familiar glare. The one that means.

Do as your told and don't embarrass me.

Glancing up at everyone I become more aware of my surroundings as I get a gut feeling this meeting's all about me. So I can become a Deatheater. Voldemort sits at the head of the table, his presence forcing everyone to become silent, patiently waiting for him to speak. They discuss the latest plan not going well. Voldemort's tone now sounding demeaning and angry.

I listen contently as they discuss their next move, their voices laced with venomous confidence. Destroying Harry Potter remains their singular obsession. As the conversation draws to a close, Voldemort's gaze falls upon me, a silent demand lingering in the air. "Asteria Malfoy. Is here to join us." He breathes in his demeaning tone. I shake my head ever so slightly.

I cannot bring myself to embrace that path, to forsake everything I have accomplished on my own without any violence. Although I know as much as I try to resist, I know deep down that I have no choice. I take a deep breath, before letting out the words "I'm ready"

"Right this way my dear" He gestures towards the other room. I stand ready, obediently following the dark lord as he guides me to a dimly lit lounge, where a bubbling cauldron awaits. Standing around it are my parents and Severus Snape. Mother wears a look of fear, her eyes wide with dread. "Place your left arm over the cauldron." Voldemort commands. I obey without hesitation. As my arm hovers over the bubbling liquid, It splashes onto my skin, causing an intense burning sensation. I clench my teeth refusing to show weakness in the presence of the Dark Lord. The agony though. I must remain strong, I've been through soo much pain already. This is bearable. When the pain subsides, I turn my arm to behold the dreaded dark mark etched upon my flesh, a grim reminder of my supposed allegiance to the Dark Lord.

"Welcome, new Deatheater." The dark lord declares, met with the enthusiastic cheers from his other followers. My father beams with pride, a rare sight these days. The other Deatheater's disperse along with Voldemort and my father. Leaving me alone with my mother and Severus. Unable to control my emotions any longer I burst into tears. Sobbing uncontrollably. Mother enfolds me in her embrace, offering me words of comfort. "I'm sorry you had to endure that pain my dear." She whispers between her own sobs. We hold each other for a moment before Snape intervenes. "Narcissa would you mind if I have a word with Asteria alone for a few moments. We both break from the embrace, mother nodding and walking into the kitchen.

"Is everything okay" I ask. "Yes I only wanted to offer the idea of staying with me at my home. I could mentor you and possibly teach you occlumency to block communication with the dark lord." I instantly nod me head. "Yes please any chance to get away from my father." I speak up, with a pleased look. I follow him as he walks into the kitchen where my mother is standing waiting for our arrival. "She said yes" Severus tells her. "I soo glad Astra, I don't think its a good idea for you to he in this house while the Dark lord resides here. Plus Lucius might be more violent too." She pleads. "But what about you mother, will you be okay. And what about Draco." I demand scared for my family. "I will look after Draco and I know how to handle your father. No need for concern dear," Mother embraces me once more. "We will come visit once you're settled in" She tells me, pulling away kissing me on the forehead.

******

We apparate to Snape's home on Spinners end in Cokesworth, right under a lamp illuminating the darkened street. His house was at least two stories high, from the looks of the outside. As we enter I notice the living room with very few furnishings, a dim candle-lit lamp hanging from the ceiling and walls full of books. He opens a hidden door set in the bookshelf walls that led to a narrow, ascending staircase that further led to a bedroom, while another led to a storeroom. "This can be your room, I'll sleep on the couch." Snape tells me. I walk into the dimly lit room, placing my things on the bed.

"I have to go back to Hogwarts, would you like to come with me." He asks. "Yes please. My friends will probably be worried about me." I say out loud looking down at the ground. "There is also going to be a funeral of sorts for Cedric at the end of the year. I figure your gonna want to present for that." I nod, tears forming in my eyes, but I blink them away quickly. Snape walks out of the room grabbing a book from the shelf. "Ready" He says holding out his arm. The second I grab onto his arm we apparate to the outskirts of the forbidden forest. As it's the middle of the night we don't see anyone the whole way Snape escorts me to the Slytherin common room.

*****

Dumbledore had cancelled classes for the last week of school so all I felt like doing is hanging around the Slytherin common room.

Friday, 30th of June 1995

I wake up early in my green decorated room in Hogwarts. Grabbing my journal to think of a heartfelt message to write to Atti. But I shrug off the idea as he most likely wont want to talk. Since I'm up early I decide to venture out of the common room. Only to get food from the kitchens, as its not quite time for breakfast, I just don't want to be seen by everyone today.

I begin Sneaking down the stairs towards the kitchens in my leggings and green hoodie. The second I'm about to tickle the pear, the kitchen door comes bursting open. "Fuck" I scream in fright. Not realising id closed my eyes. I open them to see a grinning pair of Weasley twins, most likely just eaten sweets. "Astra" they both say. Seconds before George pulls me in for the biggest hug. "Astra, are you okay, I was soo worried." He pulls out of the hug and pecks me once on the lips then the tip of my nose.

Tears start forming in my eyes, as George wipes them away with his thumb. "It happened didn't it" A nod from me was all George needed to know I had received the dark mark. "What's going on" Fred whispered. "Shall we explain somewhere more private, like the.. Room of requirement" the three of us saying the last part in unison.

I explain to them what happened in the manor that night I became a Deatheater and show them my arm. They don't look too shocked because they knew it was bound to happen at some point. George pulls me into another hug. "Don't tell anyone about this please." I demand. "Never" They both reply in unison. "Wanna come sit with us for Cedric's funeral." Fred asks. "Sure." I say before nodding my head.

***

"Today, we acknowledge a really terrible loss." Dumbledore starts as I look over spotting Atti, from my position in between the twins. I give him a small wave to acknowledge I'm sorry for his loss. He looks at me giving me a small smile, then looks back to the front as Dumbledore continues with a sigh. "Cedric Diggory was, as you all know, exceptionally hard-working, infinitely fair-minded and, most importantly, a fierce, fierce friend. Now, I think, therefore, you have the right to know exactly how he died."

I notice Dumbledore scanning the crowd most likely looking for Atti. "You see, Cedric Diggory was murdered by Lord Voldemort!" Tears start to water my eyes, George grabs my hand and holds it tight. "The Ministry of Magic does not wish me to tell you this. But not to do so, I think, would be an insult to his memory. Now, the pain we all feel at this dreadful loss reminds me, and reminds us, that while we may come from different places and speak in different tongues, our hearts beat as one. In light of recent events, the bonds of friendship we've made this year will be more important than ever. Remember that, and Cedric Diggory will not have died in vain. You remember that, and we'll celebrate a boy who was kind and honest, and brave and true, right to the very end."

I'm resting my head on Georges shoulder now, crying even more as I get a glimpse of Atti balling his eyes out and being comforted by Luna. George continues to hold my hand rubbing over my knuckles as we get up after Dumbledore lets us go to pack for the holidays.