Always. (A Draco Malfoy Story)

Marked.

It's the morning of Lucius' trial. Draco and I both decided to get ready at my house, then floo to the Manor to go to the Ministry with Narcissa, together.

I could tell that Draco was nervous. As much as he tells me he loathes his Father, he's still his Father and he loves him the same. Just like I do with mine.

On our way to the Ministry, Narcissa reminds us, "There will be a lot of reporters at the Minstry. Do not be overwhelmed." Draco and I both nod. She goes on, "This will also be the public announcement of your engagement to the rest of the Wizarding World. So, be also prepared for that." We both nod again.
Draco squeezed my hands with every breath he took, trying to keep his cool demeanor. He looked to me and I gave him a reassuring smile. He kissed my forehead before Narcissa informed us, "We're here."

-

The trial was actually very short. Apparently, the Ministry had an abundance of evidence against Lucius that it was hard to get him acquitted.

As soon as we stepped out the doors, new reporters bombarded us. Flashes and yelling of questions overwhelmed us as we were just trying to get back to the car. We quickly made our way into the vehicle and drove off.

"Potter is going to pay for this." Draco scowls and grips his hands into fists.
Although it is my duty to support my fiancée, I'm not sure about my 'hatred' for Harry. With my parents and Draco, I should hate him... but he's actually been really nice to me, despite the people I associate with.

-

We were about 5 minutes away from Malfoy Manor, when Narcissa commanded our attention, "Children, there's something you should know." As the worlds spilled out of her mouth, I began to experience an excruciating headache that cause me to cry out. I shut my eyes tight in hopes that I can somehow push the pain away, but instead I saw a vision:
Malfoy Manor and Voldemort.

I opened my eyes and saw both Narcissa and Draco looking at me with concerned eyes. Draco wiped off a bead of sweat on my forehead, "Are you alright, love?" I returned his glare before looking at Narcissa. I softly spoke, "He's at the Manor, isn't he?" She nods. Draco swiveled his head between his Mother and I, before asking, "He's there?"

I nod, "We're getting marked today."

-

The Manor was even darker than before. Clouds blocked the sun and crows flew over the building. It was too quiet, there wasn't a single breeze that went through the surrounding trees. It was eerie, indeed.

We entered the Manor and saw that all the lights were shut off but one. The  only light illuminating in the whole house was the light we needed to follow. Draco and I looked at each other before Narcissa motioned for us to go ahead of her and follow the light. As we got closer and closer to the light, my head began to pound harder and harder with every step I took. By the time we got to the door of the room, I felt my eyes rolling to the back of my head, on the brink of losing consciousness.

We entered the room. I wasn't familiar with this room in the Manor, but there was a grand table in the center and all of the Dark Lord's followers gathered together. Some looked familiar from my early childhood, others didn't.
I look at each and every one of them, before I see a familiar set of eyes.

"Mother?"

I run to her as she pulls me in for an embrace. My Father clears his throat, as I realize there are still other people in the room. I quickly let go of Mother and turn my attention to the one chair that's facing away from everyone.

"Draco and Joy... I am very excited for the both of you."

The chair slowly turns and showed none other than the Dark Lord, Lord Voldemort in the flesh.
Snape was right, he was getting stronger each day. Since I last seen Voldemort the day that Cedric died, he definitely doesn't look sickly anymore. His grey skin has brightened, and he is standing more tall in confidence. He could've charmed a nose for him to use, but to each their own.

Mother nudged for me to join Draco who was standing on the other side of the table, opposite of the Dark Lord. I quickly joined Draco and had the urge to hold his hand, but remembered that Voldemort does not know about our relationship. I silently gasped at the realization, and slyly removed my ring from my finger and into my pocket.

"My devoted followers- today, we welcome our two youngest to join us," Voldemort floats over to Draco and I slowly, commanding the attention of everyone in the room. He leans over to us both and says, "You two are making the right decision," he pauses, "Of course, you didn't really have a choice, did you?" He cackles and the echo of his laugh bounced off of the walls.

I tried my best to control my breathing, and to remain calm. I could tell my Draco's body language that he's trying to do the same. Voldemort whipped out his wand and pointed it upwards before demanding to us both, "Your arm."
Draco and I both rolled up our left sleeves to reveal pure, empty skin. Somehow the room got even quieter, although no one was making any noise from the start. Voldemort hovered the tip of his wand between our arms before enchanting, "Morsmorde."

The top of his wand illuminated a soft white light, and shot electricity through my arm. The electricity turned into a scorching hot, throbbing pain that would not let off. I began to cry out in agony and the pain just intensified even more and more. I could hear Draco's screams as he was holding his arm in pain. My knees began to buckle but I fought against it, holding myself up. I thought I was going to pass out from the pain, but thankfully it subsided after a while.

I had a moment to catch my breath and traced my fingers along my skin that was once pure and clear. Now, I see the mark that will stay with me forever. I looked to Draco who was also observing the mark on his arm, before looking back at me.

Voldemort began to speak again, "Ah, what a beautiful sight to see... new followers bearing my mark." He glided across the room before taking a seat in his chair again and mentioned, "We will discuss what it expected of you in 3 days time. I will call on you when we shall meet."
Instinctively, Draco and I both responded to him, "Yes, my Lord." Voldemort bore a grin so large it took up half of his face.

He knew what needed to be done, and he couldn't wait to get us started.