Chapter 4- Taking the Dark Mark

Harry followed Voldemort into a majestic hall where a chandelier was hanging as the centre piece of the room. Unmissable really.

There were no chains lined around the room apart from the one king sized throne which had a snake draped over the top.

Large windows what let sunlight light up the otherwise lifeless room. Harry was momentarily surprised at seeing this.

The floor was made out of the most expensive looking wood that money could buy and it seemed to have layer and layer of varnish or something glazed over the top.

Voldemort walked over to the throne, his feet no making a sound against the wood. His billowing black robes flowing behind him like wind caught in a curtain. He lowered himself, gingerly, onto the throne and the snake wrapped around his shoulders like a protector as soon as he was comfortable enough.

Voldemort then stared at Harry and lowered his gaze to his own arm and raised his black sleeve. He pointed his wand at the Dark Mark and suddenly black smoke filled the room and Death Eaters could be seen flooding in through every door and every window.

Before long, all known and some unknown Death Eaters were standing in the majestic looking hall.

"Good evening, my friends, as you can see, for those of you who weren't a part of the Azkaban raid or where not there originally, we have a guest" gestured Voldemort with his hand over to Harry. Harry suddenly felt like he was being scrutinized by over a hundred set of eyes. 'I probably am' deduced Harry as he looked around himself at the other Death Eaters.

"A lot of you may think that young Mr Potter here has been brought to this Manor to be tortured, rather, it is the exact opposite that he is here for" started Voldemort before mutters over rode him as all the Death Eaters apart from members of the inner circle started talking between themselves and in little groups around them.

"The next person to talk over to me gets handed over to Bella for how to respect your superior's classes" snarled Voldemort as he threw glares around him at the Death Eaters whilst Bella who stood at the side of Voldemort wore a look of pure joy at the prospect.

"Mr Potter here, has decided to take me up on my offer and has decided to join forces with us" informed Voldemort but this time no one talked, all looked fearfully at Bella who threw a wide grin at all of them.

"It's good to see you've all learnt your lesson" muttered Voldemort as he stood from his throne, the snake still around his shoulders.

Voldemort strode over to where Harry was standing and drew up Harry's sleeve with his wand and left hand.

"It's time, young Harry" smirked Voldemort as he pressed his wand tip to Harry's forearm. Harry suddenly felt like his forearm was on fire and the skin felt like it was starting to peel off. Harry looked down and saw that the Dark Mark was snacking its way into his skin, literally. He felt like his arm was being crushed under great pressures but soon, the pain started to die to a dull throb.

Harry looked down to see that the Dark Mark was there for all to see and was moving in the presence of Voldemort.

He looked up to see Voldemort with the edges of his lips upturned a little to show his own happiness. Harry smirked back and looked over to Bella who waved happily over at him. He just nodded back to her as he still couldn't move is arm very well and Voldemort had the other one in his grasp.

Voldemort let go of both his arms and strode over to his throne, the snake never moving apart from on its own accord on his shoulders.

"My friends, our newest recruit, Harry James Potter or Lord Potter as he shall soon be and you will address him as such" announced Voldemort as his gaze remained on Harry who rolled his sleeve back in place, concealing the dark mark.

"People who are not part of my inner circle, leave now" kissed Voldemort to the Death Eaters that Harry didn't recognise. They all left promptly as none of them wanted to anger the Dark Lord.

"Harry, you stay" added Voldemort as he saw Harry about to depart.

Once all the Death Eaters apart from the inner circle and Harry had left, Voldemort then turned to Harry.

"Harry, from now on, you are part of my inner circle as you have had a good insight of the strengths and weaknesses of the light as anybody else does. Your also most competent than a lot of idiots who claim to by my loyal followers who linger round this place" smirked Voldemort and a lot of the members of his inner circle laughed to along with him. The inner circle were more his actual friends whilst the rest were just his followers.

"As you wish" responded Harry as he inclined his head towards Voldemort.

"Now, on to business, who offers to train young Harry here?" Asked Voldemort as he spread his arms out slightly to the room around him.

"I offer. I am having to train my daughter anyway, why not Harry as well?" Offered Bella who stepped forward. Harry stared at her as she declared that she had a daughter and was training her.

"You have a daughter?" Asked Harry with raised eyebrows.

"Yes, I do" replied Bella with a look towards Harry but Harry couldn't decipher what the look was telling him.

"yes, that is a generous and good offer, Bella. Very well, you shall train him up to be one of my most elite warriors in battle just like yourself whilst you, Lucius, shall be teaching him in the ways of the government" said Voldemort who looked over towards Lucius for confirmation. Lucius inclined his head as a sign of acknowledgment and then looked straight ahead again.

"Good, now Harry, I suggest you got and get some rest, the next couple of months shall be challenging to say the least" chuckled Voldemort who watched as Harry walked out of the double doors what led into the hall. He observed the young lad, feeling the waves of pure magic flowing off him like it was a never ending waterfall. He grinned to himself at the advantage he had now gained of Dumbledore and his bird watching clan.

A/N- So the next chapter will be about Harry's training and we will meet the daughter of Bellatrix Lestrange. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Please Review,

Signing off,

CHASER10