Chapter 29

It's the morning after I made my first horcrux. I feel fine- great actually. Not weak or tired at all. Maybe Tom's warning that I would need time to build up my strength again was wrong. That's a pleasant surprise.

In bed, I turn towards the window and see the sun has just started to rise. Tom's already gone- something about overseeing the slave training camps. Guess I should be productive too. Stretching, I half roll off the bed, the green silk sheets tanged around me (good thing Cara wasn't here too see my morning gracefulness).

Finally standing up and unwrapping myself from the ever annoying bedding, I pick up the ring, my horcrux. It resembles the Marvolo ring Tom has, but holds the Dark Mark upon its black stoned face. It is perfect. Putting it on my finger, I can feel it hum with power. It's going to be hard sending this treasure away to be hidden. But for now, I'm just going to enjoy its company.

I dress, picking my standard long black robes and black dress shoes and walk down towards my office. Papers are scattered everywhere. The hunt for Dumbledore did not help my organization skills. I'll send Cara to clean this room up when I leave.

Stepping over a pile of maps strewn across the floor, I make my way to my desk without any causalities (last thing I need to fall on my face like a dumb ass). Grabbing my work case, I head down the double staircase.

Cara comes scuffling to meet me at the bottom. "Master. There is someone here to see you."

"At this hour?"

She looks panicked. Probably thinking I'm about to yell (I've not been the most patient person recently).

Her voice shakes. "Yes, Master. It is Master Draco. He requests a meeting with you."

I rub my eyes with the hand wearing my ring. Cara quickly glances at it before adverting her eyes.

"Fine." I tell her. "Send him to the sitting room and then bring us tea."

"Yes, Master. Right away."

0o0o0

We are sitting in two rather large chairs. I lean back against the upholstered cushion, slowly sipping my tea. Draco looks rather refreshed, his eyes bright and eager. I can only guess his recent marriage to Hermione is going well.

"So what brought you here so early, Draco?"

Clearing his throat, Draco sends me the all too familiar smirk.

"A few things, actually. The first being of a casual sort."

"Ah." I say, half chuckling to myself. "I was not wrong in suspecting you are enjoying the pleasures from your newly found wife. Though I am happy you two are getting along, Hermione has been my friend and colleague for some time now. I'm not too interested in the workings of straight sexual encounters."

"All right, all right. I will spare you the detailed aspects." Draco laughs, waving his hand to the side. "I guess you would like to here the news I have pertaining the slave trade then?"

"Yes, that would be much more 'entertaining.'"

(Continue)