Eleanor Snape- Book 2

Father's Addvice

The last day of school, thankfully, came quickly. What was two day felt like two hours. In that time I barely talked to anyone, not even Draco. I couldn't help but feel that Cedric's death was my fault.

I even stayed silent through Dumbledore's speech about what had happened. It wasn't until we got on the scarlet steam engine that I finally spoke.

"What is wrong with you?" Draco asked, putting my bags in the overhead compartment. "You've been so quiet..."

"I've just been, um, tired." I lied, watching the rolling scenery out of the window.

"How? All you've done for the last two days is sleep."

"I don't know! Maybe I'm getting sick of something!" I replied, a little more viciously. Why wouldn't he just drop it?

"Yeah, but-"

"Can't you leave her alone?" Vince snapped. Draco sneered.

"Fine," He turned to Gregory, who was also unusually quiet. "So, where's Dumberland?"

"I don't know... I haven't seen her since she ran out of breakfast this morning."He murmured, half-halfheartedly.

"Yeah. What was up with that? That Fudge guy went after her, didn't he?" Gregory remained silent. "Hey, maybe they have a thing! They are always together, aren't they!"

"They're just friends."

"Yeah, but-"

"Just friends."

"Geeze, you can't even joke here." Draco leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms.

"This isn't a time for joking." Vincent dropped his voice to barley a whisper. "If Potter's story is true, You-Know-Who is back. No one said anything." That means we'll eventually have to take sides."

"Ha!" Draco laughed, making everyone jump. "There's no deciding about it. Join Him. What were you thinking?" He glared at Gregory for support.

"I'd join him." Gregory weakly put in. They both glared at Vincent.

"Okay, okay.  I guess I would join Him."

"What about you, Ellie?" Draco asked. They all turned to me.

"I'd join him." I didn't even hesitate. I had to do what my father had said; and that was to service the Dark Lord.

"What are we even talking about! We don't even know for sure if he's back!" Vincent lighted the conversation. But he was wrong, and I knew it. I had to hold my tongue.

"Yeah. I guess no one will know until You-Know-Who wants us to know."

The rest of the train ride drifted into more silence. Everyone was anxious and tired. When we finally got to Platform 9 3/4, we all murmured byes to each other and got off. Draco wordlessly carried my bags to where Uncle Severus was standing, kissed me, and left. My uncle raised an eyebrow.

"That was odd. Have all of you been that quiet?"

"Yeah. I guess we are all just tired, and want to go home. It's been a long year."

"Yes, it has." Uncle Severus picked up my bags as I grabbed his hand. "And I have a feeling next year will be even longer."  I shook my head, silently agreeing. With one final look around, Uncle Severus Disapparated, bringing me back to my home.

................................................

It didn't take long to drift off to sleep when I got home. My bed was warm and inviting after the long train ride. As soon as my head hit the pillow I drifted out of consciousness and back into my basement. As expected, a single light was hitting my Father in the middle of the room.

"Eleanor, come closer." He greeted me warmly, almost lovingly, which was odd. I didn't say anything back, but did as he asked. If he was actually happy, I didn't want to ruin it. "You are starting to make me proud. I actually have half the mind to claim you as my daughter." 

I couldn't help but smile. I had been waiting for him to say that for 14 years. I was accepted! He cared for me!

"Wipe that smile off your face. I want you to train."

"Train? For what?"

"The Dark Lord is coming back. Joining him will not be enough. You have to impress him. Show him you have some sort of potential. Do you think every Death Eater is rewarded? No. He has favorites, Eleanor. You want in his closest inner circle."

"How am I suppose to train...I'm out of school. I can't use magic without the Ministry for Magic..."

"That's why I will train you. They can't detect you here I will teach you to be the best Death Eater he has... and so young."

"But this is just a dream....you aren't real."

"Silence!" He yelled. I drew back. "You know nothing..."

"So...it is really you?" I couldn't imagine that this was all true.

"Yes."

"How?"

"I can't tell you my ways, and you can't tell anyone about me anymore. You're already risking it.   If I did I would be found out eventually. If my source is taken away, I will have to, er.... go on."

"Oh..." I looked down.

"No more questions! Let's begin. Pull out your wand."