We were plunged straight into darkness as soon as the door closed after Regulus. I clutched my hands together and took a silent deep breath. This was what I had trained for.

Suddenly, torches blazed into life around the room, revealing a semi circle in front of me of about eight standing figures. In the middle of them was Voldemort, sitting on a throne, smirking at me.

"Well, well, Regulus, you have got yourself a pretty little one." Voldemort cackled to himself, and I heard a couple of the Death Eaters snigger under their breath.

I remained silent, my eyes lowered everso slightly in what I hope he perceived as respect.

"Now, my dear, why do you wish to be one of my loyal footsoldiers?" Voldemort sat back in his throne, leaning his head on one hand, contemplating me. I knew he was trying to get into my mind.

I drew up images of hate and pain before I spoke, giving my voice an edge, "I want to repair the damage my parents did to my family name. I want to rid the race of the diluted blood that scum have allowed in." I sneered slightly.

Voldemort smirked, nodding his head at me, "very good, I should hope you want to fix what your filthy blood traitor parents did. A disgrace to your family name, they were."

I summoned up anger and directed it at images of my parents. I must not allow him to see he got to me. I hate my parents. I do.

He looked at me for a long while, and then abruptly turned to his left, "Regulus, do you believe we should allow her into our ranks?"

I didn't dare look in Regulus' direction. I had no idea what he was going to say, and it looked like my future party lay in his hands.

"I think she is sincere, my Lord." Was Regulus' answer though.

Voldemort cackled again, "yes, my boy, I think you are right. Luckily for you."

I didn't understand what Voldemort meant by this but still restrained myself from looking in the direction Regulus' voice had come from. I was so nearly in, I could feel it.

"Come forward, my dear, kneel in front of me."

I did as he said, resisting every single urge in my body to turn and run and hide. I had never felt as vulnerable as I did in that moment, kneeling at the mercy of the most dangerous dark wizard to ever exist.

He pulled my left arm towards him, extending his wand so the tip poked into my skin. The pain was sudden, with no warning. I held myself rigid though, determined not to show any pain, no signs of weakness. The excruciating pain lasted no more than a minute, and then a dull ache set in.

"Stand." Voldemort leant back in his seat again, "welcome to the ranks of Death Eaters, Amelia. I believe you bore the pain of the Mark much better than Malfoy did. Don't you think so, Malfoy?"

"Yes, my Lord."

Voldemort laughed. "Leave me, all of you, go and teach our newest member how things are done around here."

I had never been so glad to leave someone's presence before.