Disclaimer: I do not own anything. I only own the plot.
A/N: This is my first ever fic. Please don't be too harsh! I know the Draco/Hermione shipper has been quite overdone, but here's my shot at it. :)
His white-blond hair was plastered to his head. Sweat dripped from every inch of his exposed skin. His eyes, blood-shot red from the pain he had just experienced, kept a firm gaze on the cold floor, not daring to look up.
"Are you afraid of me, Draco?" said a high-pitched voiced, filled with an evil resonance in every chord it struck.
"Only you, My Lord," Draco choked, realizing it even hurt to speak.
"Look at me, boy," the voice said, in a harsher manner if it were possible.
Draco slowly raised his head and stared at the man in front of him.
There stood Voldemort, in a hooded robed darker than the deepest corners of hell. His red eyes shone through the hood like the eyes of Satan himself. His long, spidery fingers protruded through the sleeves looking like death; clammy, pale, and cold.
"You dare to look me in the eye!?" he screeched.
"My Lord, I…" Draco started, returning his eyes back to the floor.
"Crucio," Voldemort whispered. The lack of enthusiasm for performing such a curse was one of his many worshipped traits. The way he could stand there through torture and death without even an ounce of remorse on his face could not be boasted by even the most skilled Death Eaters. He need not even speak the curse, but simply could point his wand and torment whomever he pleased. Just his presence alone could kill. Yet, he chose to speak aloud every Unforgivable Curse…distinctly. He wanted his victim to know exactly who was going to kill them. Who really was the most powerful being of all time. Who they should have joined forces with ages ago.
The familiar pain rushed through Draco's body. Every inch of him was searing in pain. He clamped his mouth shut, not letting even a sound escape his lips. He would not let Voldemort think that he was weak. That he could not perform the task he was about to receive. That he was not fit to become a Death Eater. That he was no different from his father.
After an agonizing minute which felt as an eternity, the pain stopped. Every inch of his body throbbed, worse than before. A pool of sweat formed on the ground beneath his face.
"You are stronger than I had imagined, Draco," Voldemort said softly. "I will not regret having put you in charge with what is needed to be done, will I?"
"No, My Lord, you may have the utmost faith in my ability," Draco said, doing his best not to stutter.
"That's what your father always said." he spat, his voice rising once again.
"My father was a corrupt man," Draco said through gritted teeth. "He was a disgrace to call himself your dedicated servant. I am nothing like him."
"Are you implying that I did not choose my followers wisely, boy? That I made a…mistake?"
"No, My Lord," Draco sputtered, hoping he had not dug a larger hole for himself, "I…I…"
"I quite understand," Voldemort said curtly, clearly not intending to curse Draco again. "I must admit, I have made a few mistakes in my selection of faithful followers. But one thing is for sure…I do not plan on making them again. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, My Lord," Draco whispered.
"If you fail this task, I will not spare you. I may have spared your father more times than I should have, but I will not spare you," he repeated.
"I would commit death upon myself before I betray you…"
"Enough," Voldemort said quietly. "I have grown accustomed to empty promises from my most loyal servants. Actions speak louder than words, Draco."
"I understand, My Lord."
"Now, stand up like a man while I give you your instructions."
Narcissa Malfoy shed a small tear onto the forehead of her sleeping son. She knew this would happen soon enough. Voldemort had told her husband years ago that Draco was a promising prospect for the Death Eaters of the new generation. Lucius had been so proud that his son would follow in his footsteps. It was almost as if he were eager to die, and have his son perish the same way.
She could not understand him at all. And although Draco was sleeping peacefully right in front of her, she knew what he was dreaming of. He was imagining the glorious life of a Death Eater. The joy of causing fear from others. The thrill of living the secret life.
Draco's eyes fluttered open. He looked at his crying mother, who was hastily wiping her eyes lest her son see her crying.
"Mum," Draco whispered, "what happened now?"
"Oh, it's nothing, dear," she said, with a watery smile.
"You know I have to go through with this. If I ever want to become His most loyal, I have to get that girl to…"
"Shh, Draco," Narcissa whispered, "I know exactly what you have to do with the mudblood, and I can honestly say that I care less about her. I'm worried about you, dear. This was your first encounter with Him, and you've already blacked out from the pain he exerted on you…"
"Are you calling me weak, Mother," Draco asked, narrowing his cold gray eyes, "Because, for your kind information, I did not make one sound during…"
"I know, honey. I know you're brave. I just wish you wouldn't use your talents with Him. Your father could have been a great man as well. But look where he ended up."
"I am nothing like Lucius, mother."
"Draco, he's your father. You shouldn't…"
"I don't care who he is," Draco spat. "He never had the potential to become a great man, mother, and you know it. He was disloyal and foolish. He got what he deserved. I, on the other hand, know I can put my life on the line for…"
"But, why?" she said, letting the tears flow freely this time. "Why would you die for Him when you know very well that He would kill you in an instant…without repentance!?"
"If He kills me, then I deserve to die. But He will respect His most loyal…" Draco's eyes glazed over with happiness.
Narcissa stared at Draco for a good minute. There was no way in making him see any different. She knew this was the only time to tell him.
"Draco," she whispered, "Can you promise me one thing?"
"Depends, mother."
"Do you remember the cottage in Switzerland your father and I used to take you to when you were younger?"
"Yes, I can recall…"
"Good. Now if you ever get scared, dear, go there. You'll be safe. Nobody can harm you there."
"And how is that possible. You don't think He will find me eventually?"
"I have been putting numerous spells and enchantments on that cottage for the past month, dear. There is no way He can find you immediately," she whispered, "Once you get there, I will be informed, and I will understand everything. We'll run, honey, together. You'll be safe, I swear to you."
"Okay, mum," Draco said, sounding skeptical, "But don't plan on me backing down. I think you've just been wasting your time, but to make you happy, I'll promise."
"Thank you," Narcissa sighed, closing her eyes and letting the last of her tears flow. "But if you really wish this to be your fate, then I will not stop you. I am behind you every step of the way."
"I know, mum," Draco said, taking her hand in his and giving it a tight squeeze, "I know."
A/N: How do you like it? PLEASE REVIEW! Thank you! 3