Author's note: Huge thank you to my beta GidgetMalfoy for editing from the other side of the world.

Disclaimer: JK owns all.

"You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist."

Friedrich Nietzsche

Chapter Two

Lines of Loyalty

Torrential rain pelted against the worn cobbled stones lining Knockturn Alley, the small formation of Death Eater's navigating through the storm with ease. Draco couldn't feel the icy cold wind, nor did he feel apprehension of any sort as the group made their way towards Borgin and Burke's. It had been two days since he'd awoken from the end of the Dark Mark transition and in the aftermath he'd felt emotionally numb to his surroundings. His meeting with the Dark Lord had been brief as he'd been told of his task to assassinate Albus Dumbledore by the conclusion of the school year; his reaction nothing but a sharp nod to acknowledge the mission. Severus had said very little on the matter although he'd been at the Manor daily to administer potions to help with the residual pain that sporadically rendered him a quivering mess on the floor. Narcissa had taken to drinking more than usual, increasing her hostility to a now constant level at anyone in her presence. All in all, the weather was fittingly bleak reflecting the depression deeply rooted in his psyche that no spell or potion eased. His lifeless gaze flicked towards Theodore Nott who had reached the door to the dark artifact dwelling and was holding it ajar for him as the last one to enter. He didn't acknowledge his lifelong friend as he crossed the threshold, knowing the pleasantry was out of habit and nothing more. Theo had been given his mark the day after his own ceremony and Draco knew he felt just as decrepit as himself.

The other Death Eater's in their party were wordlessly moving to the back of the store passing shelves of shrunken heads and cursed trinkets, ignoring the mumbling chatter of Borgin who frankly looked like he was about to keel over in fear. Draco almost scoffed at the pathetic snivelling man as he passed, his black robe billowing behind him. Borgin hadn't been exposed to the storm outside but was just as water logged from the sweat pouring down his sallow features. The man was disgusting, but unfortunately useful for his global connections and as was more common than not in Knockturn Alley, easily bought and silenced.

Once at the back of the store, Draco began his ascent on the spiralling iron staircase to the second floor landing where the vanishing cabinet was waiting for his perusal. He'd reached the halfway point when his silver bracelet burned slightly, jolting him from his reverie. He discreetly gazed at it even though it had been charmed allowing only him to be able to read the message.

You are being watched.

It was a warning that needed immediate action. Increasing his pace, he reached the top of the stairs and swiftly walked towards the windows drawing the heavy velvet drapes closed with a flick of his wand. He turned to the five others in the room and held out his arms.

"Did anyone think it wise to perhaps secure the room and ward it? Hmm?" He said sneeringly, looking around to each of them in turn wide-eyed and head bowed awaiting a response.

Fenrir Greyback growled and shoved Borgin forward, using the man as an easy scapegoat. Draco had wanted to lash out at the werewolf the moment he'd found out the dog had been assigned to his detail. It was a fucking insult that he was in the room with them in the first place; he wasn't even marked for Merlin's sake! A muscled lackey was basic mission protocol even in recon tasks like the current situation, but Greyback? Crabbe or Goyle Sr. would have been much more appropriate. It was a clear message to Draco where his family currently stood. A Malfoy would never previously have been subjected to working with the more plebeian ranks.

He felt the beginnings of a migraine forming as he tuned out Borgin's mumbling excuses, raised his wand and clearly said "Crucio" holding the man under for a few minutes before easing off.

"Leave us," he hissed at the lump shaking on the floor, indicating his head towards the stairs. Greyback kicked Borgin in the stomach when he struggled to move and then hefted him up under his arms and shoved him through the door.

Draco used the distraction to send back a quick response through his bracelet.

How many? Planned ambush?

It only took a couple of seconds for a reply as Greyback re-entered the room and warded the entrance.

Red, Scar boy and me. Only observing.

For the first time in days he actually felt like some life was still in him and he had to refrain from smirking at her message. She would make sure they were uninterrupted and contain the dynamic duo from starting a skirmish on the streets. He made a note to reward her with something special once they could catch up properly at Hogwarts.

Turning his attention back to the delegation, he gave orders about equipment and supplies that needed to be arranged as he cast some simple spells on the cabinet alongside Theo, who was to be his research assistant on the task. They wrapped up the meeting after an hour, Rowle and Greyback leaving first to scout for any onlookers outside. Once given the all clear, Theo, Draco and Gibbon left under disillusionment charms to get out of Knockturn Alley and made their way towards The Leaky Cauldron to Apparate. They dropped the charms as they started to walk along Diagon Alley, the storm making them unrecognisable and providing enough cover to render hiding unnecessary. Gibbon was hesitant to leave and watched as Theo made his way over to the bar and nonchalantly order a round of Knotgrass Mead. Deciding that the boy likely needed a drink whilst still recovering from the Mark, he left with a nod to Draco to report back to the inner circle. Draco walked over and sat on the worn mahogany stool next to his friend without acknowledgement, ordering his own drink and taking a deep swig of Firewhiskey, the burn barely registering like it usually did. They drank in silence for some time neither of them having the energy or the will to speak.

Theo finally broke the ice and turned to look at Draco with a small, forced smile. His deep blue eyes looked drawn and far too weary for his 17 years. He clapped him on the back and simply said, "Hogwarts" raising his hand in farewell and stalking to the exit winding his way through the seated inebriated populace. Draco sighed and ran a hand over his face; it was time for him to head back to the manor and the inevitable inquisition from his mother about the night's events. He idly twisted his silver bracelet around his wrist feeling a small comfort with the cool metal moving against his skin. Seeing her again would be a bittersweet reunion. It would be a welcome solace for him to share his burden, but he knew how she would react to his suicide mission. He didn't want to dwell on this now, thinking about her when he was about to face Narcissa, so he promptly stood and gathered his wits Apparating back to the manor.

A house elf was waiting for him in the dimly lit hallway and caught his discarded robe as he shrugged it off his shoulders.

"Mistress Narcissa is requesting you in the library, Master Draco. Is you needing your potions, sir?" The elf squeaked, bowing and questioning him with the always over-the-top-and- eager-to-please tone.

"No, Persus, take the potions to my room. I'll be there shortly." He'd already started walking and didn't wait for a response from the elf who left with a crack that echoed around the marble walls.

Narcissa was nestled on a midnight blue loveseat in one of the many alcoves that adorned the vast library. Books towered from floor to ceiling lining the circular room; the shelving branched off in sections akin to a maze on the bottom level. The Library was at least twice the size of the one at Hogwart's and easily lost in if one was not familiar with arrangement. Narcissa held a book open on her lap and was sipping from a crystal glass of red wine when she looked up as Draco approached. She looked relieved to find him in one piece as her eyes skimmed his form, obviously looking for any indication of injury.

"I'm fine mother, no blood today." He dryly joked, leaning in to peck her on the cheek and sitting in an armchair beside her.

"Theo?"

"No blood either, victory all 'round."

Narcissa tutted. She looked ghostly pale and drawn yet still held her elegant demeanour. Her pureblood breeding ever retaining through her isolated circumstances.

"You're only boys. Was the meeting adequate? Who was with you tonight?" She took a sip from her glass, her eyebrows furrowed as she looked at him with concern. It was killing her that her only son was forced into this burden and it was taking considerable effort for her to not break down completely at her family's situation.

Draco felt slightly defensive at being labelled a boy when he was technically an adult in the wizarding world now, but didn't feel like petty arguing with his mother in her present state. "Gibbon, Theo, Rowle and Greyback." He spat the werewolf's name in disgust and saw his mother's expression mirroring his own.

"Everything went as expected. It will take some time to complete the initial repairs and gathering some materials may prove difficult if Borgin can't procure the tools we need. There will be a decent amount of research involved, which will be Theo's area. Once we're back at school Crabbe and Goyle will be involved too, mainly keeping look out while we're working. At this stage there are only minor variables I see hindering our progress." Although his tone was blunt and clinical he really was playing down the complexities of the task for her sake. He wasn't going to pour out his more sombre thoughts to his mother.

"Good. You've always been a smart boy; I know you'll find ways to control the outcomes."

The double implication of that was better left unanswered so he just nodded in reply and clasped his hands, resting his forearms on his knees. He had been physically coping well for most of the day, but the pain was creeping back to the foreground and he longed to retreat to his wing of the manor and down his potions. He wouldn't be so fortunate to have a deeply peaceful sleep but he'd take any form of rest at this point. His mother seemed to sense this and dismissed him with a kiss on his cheek. Her too bright blue eyes looked into his grey as she tried to muster a smile of reassurance, but not quite achieving it.

Draco rose from his seat and slowly made his way across the manor, deliberately keeping his face blank and trying to ignore the pulsing pain that radiated from his Mark. The band of silver on his other arm was his only counter balance to the perpetual illness he was now subjected to as the dark magic permanently afflicted his soul.

He took his potions and was grateful for the partial relief as he stared up at the canopy above his large four poster bed, his arms crossed behind his head. The large French double doors leading out onto his balcony were flung wide open allowing the warm summer breeze to sweep across his skin, the sheer white curtains softly billowing in a dance along to the gentle sway of the air. The ambience of his surroundings and the familiar comfort it provided, along with the potions, startled to gradually lull him into a light soothing state. Before he closed his eyes he quickly sent a message through his bracelet and with a warm tingling received a quick reply.

Love you

Love you too