Tom's Light and Darkness

Chapter 1

Sitting in the main part of the room, Abraxas Malfoy brooded silently. The howling wind and crashing thunder outside mirrored his internal storm. He had come as Tom’s second-in-command, his presence commanding respect and fear.
Abraxas, with furrowed brows and clenched teeth, loathed the chaotic atmosphere. He cast a cold glare at the Death Eaters, the incessant chatter grating on his nerves. He scanned the crowd, his sharp eyes finally fixing on a figure he didn’t recognize. Rising with a dark aura, he approached the stranger with a predatory grace.
“Who are you?” Abraxas demanded, his voice cold and his eyes piercing.
“James, sire,” the young man replied, fear evident in his voice.
Abraxas studied him, his expression softening briefly before hardening again. “What are you doing here, James?”
“I’m confused, sire. Isn’t this a meeting for Death Eaters?” James asked, his voice trembling.
Abraxas’s gaze hardened. “Yes, but you don’t seem to belong here. Do you have the Dark Mark?”
James shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper. “No, sire. My father won’t allow me until I graduate.”
“Your father?” Abraxas’s eyes narrowed. “Who is he?”
“Um, why, sire?” James’s fear was palpable.
“Are you here alone?” Abraxas pressed, his frustration mounting.
James teared up, his voice tight. “Yes, sire. He sent me in his place.”
Abraxas assessed him with a critical eye. “You’re no older than my son. Come with me.”
Leading James through the parting crowd, Abraxas brought him to his son, Lucius. “Who is this?” he asked Lucius.
“Nobody important, Father,” Lucius said, glancing at James with curiosity.
Abraxas turned back to James. “Your father sent you here in his place, correct?”
James nodded. “Yes, sire.”
“Who is your father?” Abraxas inquired.
“His name is Fleamont Potter,” James replied, his voice shaking.
Abraxas blinked, his surprise evident. “We have a Potter in our ranks?”
He turned to Tom. “Do we have a Potter among us?”
Tom nodded. “I believe so.”
“Summon him here. I have questions,” Abraxas commanded.
Tom sent the summons. Moments later, Fleamont Potter appeared, bowing deeply.
“My Lord, you called for me,” Fleamont said.
Abraxas’s eyes were icy as he addressed Fleamont. “You’re Potter, James’s father?”
“Yes, sire,” Fleamont replied, his voice tight with tension.
“Why is James here alone?” Abraxas demanded.
“I sent him in my place to report,” Fleamont explained, his voice wavering.
“Don’t let it happen again. Do you understand?” Abraxas warned.
Fleamont nodded. “Yes, sire.”
Turning sharply to James, Abraxas said, “You can stay or go home, your choice.”
James hesitated, then asked, “May I stay, please?”
Abraxas nodded. “You may. Follow me.”
Abraxas led James and Lucius away. To Fleamont, he said coldly, “If I see him here again without you, you will be punished. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sire,” Fleamont replied, his eyes downcast.