(1) 𝐍𝐄𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐇𝐄 | d. m

Chapter two

Draco's voice was echoing in my mind. Everything he had said to me all those months ago, every moment we had shared up to this point. How I hated him badly, but wouldn't admit to myself that I was... intrigued by something.

The bubble of reminiscence burst and I was back in the woods, with my wand at high point and heart beating faster and faster. I uttered some blocking spells, trying desperately not to get myself killed. At least I had to stay alive long enough to see Draco one last time. That was all that I needed.

"Wohoho! You're quite the witch!", Scorbius shouted. "Too bad I'm quite the wizard", he continued, running after me.

I tried to keep moving, only turning around to cast and block spells. My forehead wet from the exhaustion and my topknot nearly falling out, making it so that my hair landed in my face, disrupting my view while trying to run away from the Snatchers. I didn't know how much longer I would be able to run for, but I kept going. That is until I reached the portkey, an old and ragged-looking boot. I held a firm grip around it, Disapparating away.

Draco

Malfoy Manor was awfully quiet that night. Lucius and Narcissa, my parents, had been sent away along with some Snatchers to catch the golden trio, and I was left to deal with the mess they had created at home. Bellatrix was standing in front of the fireplace in the big hall, wisping away at her wand, her black curls bouncing with every movement she made.

"Draco my dear", she said when she noticed me. "The Dark Lord says you've done well. You should be proud". She cackled, still facing the fireplace. I pretended not to hear her, but it was to no avail, as she stepped closer to me, I could almost feel her breath upon my face. I didn't say anything, wanting to have some peace and quiet for once in my life. My tattoo was still burning, even though I had gotten it quite a while back. I will never ever get used to seeing this on my skin, I thought to myself, zooming out. I will never get used to the idea of not being able to have a normal life. Of not having Lane by my side, without risking her life. Still, I know, that I will never have such a life. At this rate, I would probably die before I could say 'Death Eater'.

I spent that day doing as little as possible. I pondered back and forth in my room, wondering about what to tell Lane. How could I possibly explain to her the reason behind the scar upon my arm? There's no way she would ever understand. My parents were Death Eaters and now, so was I. Lane had come from a family of muggles and purebloods, making her a hybrid- a halfblood. Someone my family would never accept, not fully at least.

I had almost fallen asleep in my bed when my parents Disapparated back. They weren't alone this time.

"Draco, my son. The Dark Lord wishes to see you", Lucius said as I stepped out into the hall. My heart was in my throat and pulse starting to rise. Was this it? Was this the moment that would change it all? I had gotten the Dark Mark, but I was yet to receive another assignment by the Dark Lord himself. I didn't reply, instead, I followed my father down the corridor until we reached the last door on the right. It stood ajar, just open enough to reveal the people standing on the other side. The Dark Lord, Wormtail and Bellatrix were gathered, two of them staring at me as I entered the room.

"Ah! Good work, my dear", said Bellatrix and smiled at me, her black curls still in her face. I took a few steps closer to the fireplace, by which the Dark Lord was seated, in a dark green armchair. He didn't move, still I knew he had noticed me. My body was shivering, I tried to hide my fear as best I could. Bellatrix and Wormtail exited the room, leaving me alone with death.

"Your parents have served me well, Draco. Now it is time for you to do the same". I swallowed, biting my lip until it started to bleed. "I wish for you to kill Delaney Ross".