It is easy to blame the impetuousness of youth, though it would be weakness and further foolishness to deny that the lust for power and, more burningly, revenge, are powerful persuaders. Silver tongued messengers of conscience to whom I was only too willing to listen.

My arm was returned to me, the Mark blazing in red malevolent glory on my pale skin, a reminder of the eternal servitude I to which I was now beholden.

"You have your task, young Malfoy", the Dark Lord said, perfunctorily, though he were some school master instructing a wayward pupil.