Optionless with Draco Malfoy

9. The Task

Juliette

I stormed down the stairs with anger. This fire was burning inside of me. First of all, my parents were the ones who screwed me over into this mess. Then, there's my friends who will never look at me the same. And of course, the dark mark imprinted on my arm will never go away either.

As I marched down the hallway, I stared straight ahead like a soldier. I have never felt less like myself in my life. I shoved past Malfoy, colliding our shoulders together. I continued to walk forwards while he stopped and turned around. "What's your deal, Trails? What's the matter with you?" he scowled.

I stopped and turned around to face him. I glared into his grey eyes and said nothing. I was too angry at everything else in my life and didn't realize that I was mad at Malfoy for no reason.

"What? Because you were the one who came to my room the other night. You interrogated me. And if it's about that Legillimency thing, I don't care about it. I have no clue why you're so pissed off right now because you got to go through my brain and memories as well. But you know what? Forget it. Act however you want, Potter won't be there to save your ass!"

That's it. Instinctively, I pulled out my wand.

"Watch your mouth Malfoy, before I hex you, you ferr-"

"What's going on down here? Juliette! Back off of Draco," a voice called from downstairs.

"I will get you Malfoy! One day!"

"I'd like to see you try Trails," he snarled, which only tempted me to wipe that smirk off of his face.

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Time passed since, and we were all seated in the grand dining room. The Dark Lord entered the room with Nagini, the doors closing behind them.

"Settle down!" He said loudly, grabbing everyone's attention. "As you all have noticed, Juliette and Draco are here to join us again. They have gotten their marks and are officially one of us." Nagini slithered along the table and examined Draco and I.

Yaxley eyed down Draco and I, and then began to yell, "Isn't it unwise my Lord to trust such youth? They may not be ready or handle-"

My father quickly rose from his seat and cut him off-"I'll have you know, Yaxley that both Juliette and Draco have finished top of their class, and unlike you, they have had no reason to be untrustworthy. If you have a problem with my daughter or Draco, Yaxley, come talk to either Lucius or myself."

"Settle down, Yaxley and Mason," said Voldemort, who seemed amuse of the entertainment. "I trust Mason and Lucius, that their own children know the consequences if I am betrayed."

Hearing this, made me feel sick to my stomach. I sat in the chair in a puddle of guilt and betrayal. I did not even want to be a part of this. I've been friends with Harry Potter for heavens sake. I was betraying him and he would never forgive me.

I kept my face expressionless and continued to listen to the Dark Lord, "As the two of you know, a new year at Hogwarts begins soon. I expect the two of you to fix the vanishing cabinet in the castle. I acquired my sources and have gathered information. And if I am not mistaken, the sister if the one in Borgia and Burke lies in the Room of Requirement. Is that correct, Severus?"

"Yes, my Lord," Snape answered. So, if we didn't complete the task, we would die? I thought to myself. So, this was the task? Fix a broken cabinet? It couldn't be that simple.

"When you have repaired it, I have decided that Bellatrix, Yaxley, Fenrir, Narcissa, and Lorie will go through it once you have repaired it. From there, Draco or Juliette, either one of you will kill Albus Dumbledore. Once you have done this, both of your loyalties will be proven to me, and you and your family will be rewarded."