Disclaimer: See the first chapter.

Background: See the first chapter.

Summary: In the dark times when the Dark Lord returned to power, he searched for new followers and wished to regain what had been lost. But did all of his Death Eaters join him of free will? Iris Halither looks back and tells her tale, and discovers a horrible truth about herself...

Note: The story is divided into chapters, the chapters shaped into parts. One part is seven chapters, no matter the lengths of those. Some chapters are short, some are long. That's how they were written.

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The Tale of a Death Eater
Part IV: Moonlight Lunacy
Chapter 26

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As if possessed, I was suddenly on my feet. The pressure on my chest made it hard to breathe, and the headaches made it difficult to stand straight. I blinked a couple of times before my surroundings finally came into focus. The two men at the table had gotten to their feet and were watching me.

"Well, well," said Greyback, "she wakes at last. You don't look too good, little Iris... Something the matter?" He grinned innocently - if there is such a thing - acting as if he had no idea what the trouble was about.

For a moment I just stood like the wolf's prey, looking back and forth between the two. There was no way I could outrun either of them. I could barely stand as it was. And it would be foolish to try to pick a duel with them. They would have me unarmed easily, with brute force or magic tricks. I had to wave the white flag for now. I walked to the table, well aware of their stares, and sat down beside Malfoy. Facing Greyback, I grumbled, "I could use a glass of water."

His grin widened, mixed with a bit of amused puzzlement. "Certainly," he obliged and poured me a cup which I downed greedily.

"I see you found my little present," Malfoy remarked and nodded at the wand held firmly in my hand.

I glanced down at the thin piece of bloodwood. I hadn't even realised, truly realised, that it was there. It was the oddest feeling. The silly thing had never meant anything to me except being a reminder how helpless I was with magic. But now that it was back within my reach, it brought a sense of reassurance. I had never seemed to miss it, yet now I was happy to have it.

It took a moment before I became aware that they had been talking all the while. And now that they were both looking at me, I tried to comprehend if a question had been asked. My gaze shifted apprehensively. "What are you staring at?"

Malfoy smirked. "I asked what size dress you wear?"

"...What?"

-

He was being quite serious. The very same day I found myself escorted to Malfoy Mansion. Escorted being the keyword here. It only further complicated my situation. The estate was much bigger than I remembered, resembling a mini-castle, or perhaps just a castle. I noted the decorations at the entrance. "Are you holding a party?"

"Of a sort," was Malfoy's smooth reply. "I believe you're invited," he added.

That wasn't a very pleasant surprise. "What? Why? What kind of party is it?" I rambled, fearing the answer I slightly suspected.

"Let's say a little family reunion..."

The words sent a chill down my spine. I didn't expect it would be a reunion like the kind that might be held at the Burrow, or even Grimmauld Place. A party in the home of the Malfoys could only be with unpleasant company of many sorts. At least now I knew why I would need a dress... "Who's coming?" I dared ask.

"Our kind of people," Malfoy replied easily. He meant pure-bloods, undoubtedly. Though, I wondered if I wouldn't soon be labelled a blood traitor. "And other kinds," he commented with a small glance at Greyback, confirming my presumption.

"What about Draco? I thought you hadn't seen him for some time?"

"Ah, so you were awake." I cringed at my slip. "He's back at Hogwarts," he said with an air of sadness. "Narcissa's out of town. Nobody's home but the servants and myself. All is clear."

"Why did your wife leave?"

The ghost of a smirk crossed his thin lips. "There are certain of my friends she doesn't... care about. Neither will you, I imagine. But don't worry; I expect Greyback will be keeping a close eye on you." He opened the door with a brief, "Serpent Skulls," and stepped aside to allow me and Greyback to enter.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I said, feeling a bit panicky.

Greyback chuckled. "It'll be very male company, little one."

I stared. "Just how many women are we talking about?"

At their identical predatory looks, I wasn't put at ease. "With Bellatrix Lestrange and yourself... two," said Malfoy. "There aren't many female Death Eaters. I only know of the two of you, personally, but there are a few others. Most women who support our cause do so in other ways."

I didn't ask what other ways they contributed than through money and words of trust, but it hung in the air.

-

The thought of escaping crossed my mind several times. It was the doing it part that was difficult. The fact that Greyback stalked me wasn't helping. Wherever in the mansion I went, he followed. It was unnerving. His chase wasn't right out obvious; he walked far behind me, and when I would look, he was doing something or another to cover his track. But it wasn't normal for the man to look at paintings.

Finally, when I decided to go to my room and he was still following me, it was enough. I stopped in front of the door and turned towards him. He walked casually up beside me. "Hullo," he greeted with an ear-to-ear grin.

"What do you want?" I stressed.

"Why, I don't know what you mean--"

"Don't play me for a fool, Greyback. Why are you stalking me?"

He shrugged. "Malfoy's orders. Wants to make sure you don't make any trouble."

"And why would a big, bad wolf like you take orders from him?"

Greyback glared and stepped closer. Despite how I'd 'gotten used' to him, his size was still quite intimidating. The feral grin added to the pleasure of being under the large man's scrutiny. "It's a favour among friends," he sneered. "I don't know what you're getting at, but you can't pit us up against each other. Malfoy an' I share an... understanding... which has been around longer than you have." His smile widened. "You should be careful, little one. You're playing with the big boys now."

I watched him back away and walk down the corridor. "Feels like I've been playing that game for a long time already," I muttered and finally entered my room.

-

Several hours later the guests started arriving. I had decided to stay in my room until I was called for, but I could hear the loud popping of Apparition and the shuffles by the fireplace echoing in the halls. I was surprised the 'wanted' Malfoy would dare allow Apparition in his home. Perhaps it had been limited in some way. And I knew the mansion was Unplottable, so perhaps that added to security.

The chatter in the main hall rose in volume and almost became shouting as more people arrived. I would have blocked the noise with a spell, if only-- well, no more need be said. The thought made me bring out my wand. I thumbed it curiously, wondering if it had always looked that... beautiful. I glanced up. The dress was beautiful too, but in a different way. Malfoy had requested I wear it. Apparently one of his wife's old dresses. Thank Merlin; I wouldn't have been able to accept something Narcissa usually wore. Or worse, something he'd bought for me.

I stood from the bed and carefully stepped closer to the chair the dress was laid out on. I'd never seen such expensive fabrics, except on pure-blood visitors in the Ministry. Narcissa Malfoy had excellent taste, something I'd never afford to have. The already shabby sweater and faded... demmins... proved it.

I glanced at the mirror across the room. What about my hair? The black locks had grown considerably the last couple of months, and I looked like something the cat (or wolf) had brought in. And wouldn't make-up be appropriate? I didn't really know any Beautifying Spells, and even if I did I'd probably end up with a horrible result. But first things first. It took me almost ten minutes just to pull the dress on, in fear of crumbling it in any way. Bear with me; I'd never owned anything of value, except my wand. But when I finally managed to fit into it properly, there was the problem of closing the tiny clasps in the back... and tying the ribbon that was supposed to go around one's middle.

"Beautiful..."

I shrieked at hearing a man's voice and pressed the front of the gown tightly against my chest, since it fit quite loosely on my body untied, and turned to stare at Greyback. "What are you doing in here?" I said breathlessly. I could feel a fierce blush creeping up my neck.

After taking the liberty to give me a once-over now that my front was towards him, Greyback looked at me with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I was sent to see what was keeping you," he said formally. I held tighter onto the top of the dress when he stepped closer. "Want a helping hand?"

I took a deep breath, thinking that was the last thing I'd want from him. Nonetheless, I offered him my back. "If you think you can help me," I quipped. I stiffened when I felt his tarnished knuckles brush against the skin of my lower back. He moved swiftly at fastening the clasps, and it made me wonder just how many dresses he had assisted in putting on... or taking off...

Glancing up at the mirror, I found Greyback's reflected gaze staring back at me. He pulled back the ribbon and tightened it with a flourish that made me gasp with the sudden pressure on my ribcage. "Done," he said and took a step back.

I turned halfway to look at his work. The ribbon had been tied into a pretty bow. "Who taught you?" I asked interestedly.

His eyes shimmered briefly with what seemed to be a fond memory. "I've helped my mother often enough when I was a boy..." He cleared his throat to regain composure. "Now come," he said and offered me his arm, again with a wolfish grin in place, "let's join the party!"

-

Author's note: I know a lot of people refer to the Malfoys' home as Malfoy Manor. But since it has never been mentioned as a manor, I figured to use the used term. Quote: "...subjected to fair and objective evaluation," said Mr. Lucius Malfoy, 41, speaking from his Wiltshire mansion last night. "Many of us with our children's best interests at heart..." This mansion in Wiltshire is what we've all come to know as the Malfoy Mansion. I don't know who thought to call it Malfoy Manor, and I do actually like that term better, but it's just never mentioned that way. If it's the American term, I wouldn't know, I read the original British versions.

Thank you again to my lovely reviewers:

Katja: Thank you very much. I hope you've enjoyed the ride so far, with much more to come!

Rock Royalty: Yeah, I would've liked to see more Greyback in HBP too. That's why I try to make up for it here, lol. And yes, of course I couldn't keep Lucius away for too long. He was getting grumpy backstage... And as for Voldy, well, you'll have to wait and see, won't you? Muwahahahah...!

krachum: It all came to me one September morning - well, actually it was evening, and the plot was completely different back then, but ANYWAYS - and I knew I had to write a Death Eater fanfic. There are so few as it is, and they're all either about Malfoy (pick which one), Snape or Bellatrix. And just like that, Iris popped into my head, and her tale followed soon after. Thank you for reading and reviewing!

terrorofthehighway: Thank you for your suggestions. I pondered it over, but decided not to repost. It was a good idea, but I thought it would be a shame for my reviews (and my hits). Even though it would be wonderful to get more reviews, I'm very happy about the ones I get. And I'm not writing for fame, but love the appreciation. But thank you for caring, and big thanks for reading and reviewing!

Now, as a last note, I told you reviews inspire. They inspired so much that chapter 27 has reached about 2500 words! How about that? I don't know what came over me... But anyway, what do you think? What could happen at this party? Who'd show up? Let me know what you think! I'd love to know what's on your mind... Not that I'm a brain eater or anything... xD Oh, and please don't flame me for the shortness of this! Think about 27 being long!