It's been a while since I've been on this website, but recently I found a bit of inspiration and I've decided to upload a new story. I know this might sound like a clichéd idea, but I've tried to do things a little differently and I would love to know what you all think.

PROLOGUE

Draco bit his lip as he listened to his aunt's ranting about how amazing the Dark Lord is and desperately tried to keep his restraint on his emotions. He wanted to scream at her that she was wrong – that she was deranged and needed mental help. He couldn't do any of that – if he did she would know. And then the Dark Lord would know and kill him.

Death would be rather welcoming, though. At least with his death came the death of his responsibilities. And his responsibilities were piling up right now. He didn't ask for it – he didn't ask for any of it. But he got it… and he promised he would help the others. Despite all of his arrogance and difficult personality, Draco was one to keep to his word, and he would do so. Besides, he was in way too deep now to back out, and it wasn't like he had a choice to in the first place.

"And so I've arranged for you to receive the dark mark." She finished.

Wait, what?

"Excuse me?" Draco blinked. He was only sixteen years old… Voldemort didn't take members that young, did he?

"Yes, it will take place in Borgin and Burkes-" Draco stopped listening. He felt sick. He could not, in anyway take the Dark Mark. Voldemort would know where he was – he would use it to track him down and then he would find the others. Then all would be ruined. Voldemort would've found his biggest rivals – well, apart from Saint Potter that was.

"… this would make up for the shame your father cast on the Malfoy family. You will have to succeed in whatever mission the Dark Lord gives you – understand Draco?" Bellatrix finally finished.

"Yes, Aunt Bella. Now, I'm sorry but I'm incredibly tired and it seems that I've an incredibly busy schedule for the rest of summer, so if you'll excuse me." Draco quickly escaped the sitting room where he had been sat with his aunt and briskly walked to find his mother. Narcissa always seemed to know what the right thing to do was, and she would hopefully help him out of this complex situation. If he refused to take the Dark Mark, Voldemort would be offended. If he took it, he would create deep trouble for his mission… and his friends.

He found his mother in the upstairs sitting room talking to Mrs Parkinson. He awkwardly entered and both women's attention shifted to him.

"Hello, Draco, how are you?" Mrs Parkinson politely greeted him.

"I'm very well, Mrs Parkinson, how are you?" Draco stiffly replied, remembering his 'pure-blooded-manners'.

"I'm good. Your mother and I were just discussing designs for Pansy and yours' wedding."

Draco suppressed a groan. He forgot about the betrothal. His mother threw him an apologetic glance as he gave Mrs Parkinson a well-practised smile.

"If you excuse me, Mrs Parkinson, I need to discuss some important matters with my mother…" Draco started and Mrs Parkinson immediately stood up.

"Of course, I was just about to leave. I'll be over again sometime this week, Narcissa." Mrs Parkinson approached the fireplace.

"You're welcome any time, Julia." Narcissa stood up and watched as Julia Parkinson flooed away. Her fake smile immediately vanished as she turned to face her son. "I'm sorry, Draco – but you know we have to keep up appearances." She told him regretfully.

"I know, I know… as long as I don't actually have to marry the girl…" Draco muttered, "But I have something more… urgent we need to discuss. Your dear sister has arranged for me to receive the Dark Mark."

Narcissa visibly paled and sat back down. This… This was something she hadn't expected. Bellatrix was… extreme, but she wouldn't do something this bad, would she? She looked at her son with fear-filled eyes and asked him, "When?"

"In two weeks' time." Draco sat down where Mrs Parkinson had been sat minutes earlier. The seat was still warm.

"We'll have to inform the Order. They'll know what to do." Narcissa stood up, "I'll send an owl to Andormeda."

She started to walk out of the room, but just as she was about to do so, she stopped to look at her son, "I'm proud of you, Draco. I know the situation isn't ideal, and you'd much rather stay out of everything… But you're sticking to your duty, and I'm proud of you for that."

Draco gave her a small smile before she turned and walked out of the room on a mission. Once she was out of range, Draco sank down into his seat and covered his face with his hands. This was too much pressure for a sixteen year old boy, he thought. He should be outside, enjoying the summer with Theo and Blaise – teasing Theo about his infatuation with Daphne Greengrass… maybe get a girlfriend before he had to settle down with the infamous Pug-faced Pansy who he seemed to be stuck with since birth. He didn't hate Pansy… only he had no romantic feelings towards her at all. She was clingy and needy – something he didn't need in his life. He ran his hands through his hair and got up, walked to his room, all the while hoping that it all was a nightmare he could wake up from.

But no, he had to be bloody chosen to be an heir since birth. The tattoo on his left shoulder was there to prove it – an eagle. Rowena Ravenclaw had chosen the Malfoy boy as her heir.