Gypsy

Chapter Twenty Six

"Now, I believe that they refer to you as Antoinette, correct?" The question came from a man on my left, it was hard to hear him through his face mask. I nodded and did my best to not have a complete panic attack, this room reminded me far too much of things I had witnessed at the Camp. "Excellent, please make a note that Creature 1403 is complying so far."

A woman to his left nodded and wrote something down.

"Now, this is simply a meet and greet so to speak, for us to gain a better understanding of your kind. You might not be aware but you are the first Nymph to manifest in many centuries, we find ourselves very curious about your kind." He made a motion for me to have a seat on the table, reluctantly I did as asked, there was no way I could fight off an entire Ministry of Witches and Wizards. The table beneath me was cold, I could feel it even through the slacks I had deigned to wear.

I swallowed my nerves, and pride. "You called me Creature 1403, why? I grew up at Hogwarts, I was a student there." My voice began to raise, I took note of the two people posted at the doors removing their wands.Calm. "I mean, I dont understand what is going on? Last time I checked the Ministry had no right to label creatures like they are less than human, or has something changed since I have been asleep."

"Ahh yes, your coma. That was originally when we detected the differences in your anatomy to other normal humans. And as to the Ministry having rights to label you, I regret to inform you that much has changed these last few years, since your Mate Minister Riddle came into power." The man got a glazed look I knew all too well, Riddle has fans everywhere. "Minister Riddle has ensured that all pure and halfblooded wizards and witches return to where they belong."

Oh god, "and that is?"

"Why at the top of course. And as youre now awake and available for processing, you will be officially given your number and we will decide if your existence is a danger to those of more pure upbringing."

New plan, kill Riddle and restore balance to universe. "I see." I nodded as if it all made sense. "How may I be of assistance then? Do you require my blood?"

The man smiled and removed his face mask, he looked normal, which was surprising considering what a monster he was. "As you are cooperating, I do not believe that the mask is necessary. And as to the question of blood, no we do not require it. We do however need to process and label you correctly, and ensure that Minister Riddle and Lord Malfoy are quite capable of controlling you." Walking over to me, he took out his wand, ignoring how I stiffened he took my hand and flipped it over. The tattoo on my arm was clearly in view of all in the room, he frowned for a moment and looked almost uncomfortable. "I am afraid that we are required by law to place and identification on you, it will not hurt but it will allow for the pure in our society to easily identify you. Normally this mark is placed somewhere on the face or neck, I have been informed by Minister Riddle that this is not acceptable for you, so I will be placing it on your arm above this old one."

I was shaking, attempting to not shove this mans wand through his eyeball was possibly the hardest thing I could do, but I needed to control myself. I had been down this route before, witnessed those who refused to be marked get beaten and killed for the trouble, I must get through this. Drawing out a desperate breath I nodded, pointless because he wasnt asking for permission, but I would not behave like the monster they expected me to.

"Excellent, please inform Minister Riddle that we will be done soon". Before I could blink, the man had pressed his wand to my arm. Instant and hot pain shot up it, and I could smell something burning. For a moment I thought it was burnt toast, then looking down I realised it was my arm. The letter N has appeared on my arm, it might as well have been branded and that was probably the point. It was bright red, like a neon sign that instantly identified me as different. "There all done, not so bad eh?" He removed his wand and smiled, suddenly the smile dropped and he looked behind him. "Healer Jenny come here please." A short woman walked over, her eyes were downcast like she was scared to look at me. "Please remove your mask. She did so and I couldnt help but gasp. Underneath this womans eye, was an angry looking scar, it made the letter M. "Healer Jenny here is a Mudblood, and apart from that mark she is not so different from you." He made a tisk noise with his hand and she pulled her mask back on and walked back. Not before looking at me, I knew that look in her eyes, it was pure rage and I was sure I would match it before the day is out. "Now I am assuming that Minister Riddle and Lord Malfoy will inform you of your new status, it is unfortunate that they are tied to one such as you but rest assured if there is a cure for your poison then I will find it." How is this man still smiling, must not realise he is a sick prick. "There will be further testing, but for the moment you may return to Malfoy Manner with your Mates, or Masters whichever term you prefer. I will see you soon Creature 1403."

He clicked his fingers and everybody but the one holding my chain filed out of the room, including Healer Jenny who shot me a look of pity. For a moment I just sat on the table, mind trying to process what was happening. Two familiar Wizards entered the room and my chain was handed off.

"Antoinette?" fingers moved in front of my face, Malfoy. "Are you alright?" Fingers clicked and I didnt flinch. "Jesus Tom, you broke her, I told you that decree about magical creatures would bite you in the arse."

My arm was gently flicked over, a breath was hissed out. "I told them not to brand her, look at this?" Riddle waved his wand over my arm, the pain disappeared and I regained a little bit of thought. Must kill Riddle.

"That woman, Healer Jenny, she had a M on her face." Riddle froze at my voice, perhaps sensing my fury. "You have destroyed peoples lives, Lord Voldemort," I spat out the moniker, "you disgust me." My teeth slid down in fury, desperate to rip out his throat even though I could still feel the Mate bond. Riddle seemed surprised at my anger, like his giant and all powerful brain hadnt predicted this.

"Antoinette," Malfoy went to admonish me, I interrupted.

"Do not speak my name," I hissed at him, righteous fury fuelling me. "You can refer to me as Creature 1403," they flinched. "Take me back to that prison you call a home." Standing from the table, I glared at them both. In their stupor they had dropped the chain, snarling I leaned down and grabbed the end of it. Both tensed, expecting me to run. Instead I glared up at Riddle, got as close as possible considering the height difference and pressed the end of the chain into his hand. "Take-Me-Back".