CHAPTER 2: Malfoy Manor

Lord Voldemort.

A figure he had only ever heard of in stories and yet he always remained a hushed secret only whom a select few should ever dare speak of. This mysterious wizard was the talk of Slytherins for the past few years and yet neither of those within his year ever had the pleasure of seeing him in person regardless of who had parents who became the so-called Death Eaters. Not even their own children had that opportunity or the privilege.

Initiation into the fold was earned, not born into. So at least Severus had an equal opportunity to prove himself as a mere Half-Blood.

The Dark Lord was an elusive voice – Only a select few could bear witness to him until he chose to reveal himself. No one knew his true name, or where he came from. His age was often guessed, usually turning into a betting game within the Slytherin Common Room. The mystery surrounding his features stirred many questions, but everyone accepted that as a polite and noble gesture, only revealing himself to those he sees as worthy. Some say he carried himself like royalty, only allowing people to speak to him unless first spoken to.

Maybe he even thought of himself as a God. Some say he possessed magic like no other, so it left one with many questions. Perhaps he wasn't so far off.

They were recruiting. The cause was far too important to falter on its collective effort, and if the Dark Lord chose to travel to France to recruit, then he would gladly do so.

The first rule – the Dark Lord should never be questioned.

There were rumours that he was adept in torturous curses, thus, people tread lightly within his presence. You never know if you were next to be subjected to it. Severus was akin to being beaten by his father, in which he saw it as strength-building. A toughening-up, according to him. Perhaps that is also what this Voldemort intended to do – test the perseverance of his followers and select those with strength enough to be chosen. Well, Severus had experience enough to withstand it.

But…Curses that were rumoured to kill on impact?

Severus at first thought this was rather amusing, because who would have ever adopted such power except for the likes of Grindelwald himself? But again, this particular Dark Wizard was seen by very few eyes, thus leaving his presence to be pondered.

Who the hell was this Dark Lord?

The mystery was, that no one truly knew.

The graduation party at Malfoy Manor was not particularly one he looked forward to attending. Of course, he was pleased to see Lucius again and even meet his new wife Narcissa, but the idea of partying up with other strangers burned within him a deepening sense of anxiety. Parties were not for him and when the Malfoys would host them, they were always on such a grand scale.

He had no idea who else would be there, but he really couldn't back out now.

Severus arrived wearing whatever he had to pass enough for formal wear, but it wasn't exactly a high bar to set. He didn't have much, but it would have to do. He didn't stress out about such formalities that were beyond him, but he didn't want to stand out like an eyesore, either.

He met with Vincent and Sebastian by the elegant black wrought iron gates, tipped with gold, and paved the way in sandstone to the entrance of Malfoy Manor.

Vincent took one look at Severus with a stifled grin, "What the ever-living fuck are you wearing?"

Severus shrugged, unbothered, "I didn't have anything else. I just added a few repair charms to one of my old robes. It's good enough."

"Good enough? This is a party at Malfoy Manor, not an opening for a book release, " Vincent winced, eyeing Severus uncomfortably from the shoes upwards.

Gritting his teeth, Severus brushed past his mates. He was done with the scrutiny already, "Let's just get this over and done with, alright?"

"Suite yourself."

Leading the way, Severus checked for the security of his wand tucked neatly into his sleeve, before raising his chin in his bid not to draw so much attention to himself. He passed several groups of people wandering around the neatly trimmed gardens, all adorned in expensive robes with gold or silver embellishments, some with jewelry, and some with ornate canes. Some of the attendees were a mix of young and old, and suddenly here Severus was, with his mediocre, hand-me-down robes barely held together by magic, making him feel completely out of his depth.

It was far too late to turn back now.

Vincent finally led the way, towering over them in a height Severus only ever envied, and announced their names to the Japanese woman by the door. Without a hiccup, the trio entered the large double ebony doors, reminding Severus of walking into another world. Definitely, one he had never seen.

The entrance hall glistened with elegant marble, obsidian, and pearl – a sheen on the expensive floor taking so much care, it was almost as if it was forbidden to tread upon it. Black rugs lined the walkway, making the Manor appear as an entrance to an old, ancient castle. The marble walls were lined with paintings, and silver serpent-shaped torch brackets were all alight and burning brightly, illuminating the pearly sheen from every marble surface. A few sculptures occupied the corners, a mixture of elegant life-like figures in robes, or warriors of the past.

If Severus wasn't here for a party, he would be observing each one of these expensive art pieces in awe and wonder. It was like an art gallery.

Feeling a slight nudge by Sebastian as they walked, the pair led Severus down the corridor until they reached a large hall donned with neatly placed tables and chairs. A large marble staircase led the way to the upper floors, highlighting the railing with attendees leaning upon them. The Manor looked large enough from the outside, but the sheer size of the house from within shocked Severus more than he could ever imagine. He could hear his mates chat amongst themselves, but their excited voices were drowned out by Severus observing each and every surface and stylishly placed furniture, with witches and wizards adorned in the more expensive wear.

It made Severus feel like he was attending a wedding. This wasn't just a party – this was a celebration ball.

Still in such a curious shock, they wandered directly to the bar tended to a gentleman with a neatly braided beard cascading down his chest, and ordered themselves some goblin-made brandy. This was a first for Severus. They found a section of the hall with black leather lounges draped with what looked like various animal fur – none of which Severus could identify. They were a mix of vivid turquoise, scarlet, and emerald greens which were appealing to the eye and stylish.

Fuck me.

"You alright, mate?" Sebastian joked, "You look like you've just met Salazar himself."

Severus crinkled his brow, turning back to face his friends after his mind drank in all the elegance and riches contained within that room, "I'm merely speechless."

"Told you. The Malfoys don't mess around, " Vincent smirked, sloshing around his glass of brandy and hearing the clinking of the ice cubes as he did so, "Be honoured, Severus."

The trio remained chatting amongst themselves, pinpointing a few familiar faces floating around the hall. Several he noticed from their own house and some people not even from Slytherin, to his surprise. Severus was desperate to question it, but he figured he'd prod his mates' brains about it for another time.

But it wasn't long until they were approached by a small group – one, being a very familiar white blonde-haired wizard, with a dark blonde woman looped around his arm. This woman was also familiar, sporting a very dark emerald, green lace dress with silver embellishing.

Severus' grin widened, "Well well, Lucius."

Lucius merely smirked, raising his glass of dark red wine rather curtly, "Severus. I am pleased you could join us."

"I wouldn't say no."

"A wise decision, " Lucius took a seat adjacent to the trio, with the woman joining him at his side, "While you are all here, I'd like you to meet my wife, Narcissa. We wed barely a month ago."

Vincent raised his glass in the woman's honour, "You're a bloody lucky woman, Narcissa."

Narcissa blushed, raising her chin slightly. Her slightly tinged rosy cheeks were a stark contrast against her porcelain skin, "I am indeed, though it is I who is lucky. It's lovely to see so many familiar faces here. Lucius has told me much about you."

"Good things, I hope, " Sebastian smirked a little wickedly.

The woman appeared slightly distracted by someone in the crowd, and intermittently, Narcissa shared annoyed sidewards glances with her husband. Curious, Severus followed her line of sight to see a tall, thin woman in the thickest mane of curly black hair he had ever seen. Her sunken, heavy-lidded eyes batted at some of the guests, as she appeared to be spilling what was left of her drink all over the floor.

Oh, yes. The woman was clearly drunk.

Narcissa cleared her throat, looking highly unimpressed and her face sour, "Do excuse me. I need to go and have a few words with my sister…Or yell at her. Whatever happens first."

The woman wandered off and disappeared amongst the crowd, leaving Lucius eyeing the dark-haired woman with a slight look of disgust, "There is always one in the crowd."

Vincent gave a barked laugh, "She looks like fun."

Lucius gave him a warned look, "Don't you dare."

"Honestly, I wouldn't. She looks like she could bite anyone's dick off without thinking, " Vincent sipped his beverage again, before his eyes widened, "Oh, fuck, she's coming this way."

Almost as if they had the same idea, they all looked over to find the same woman walking drunkenly towards them shakily on her heels. Narcissa stood at the place she was, with her arms tightly crossed against her chest, pouting rather comically. Turns out the chat didn't go as well as planned, because this other woman looked completely unbothered. She sloshed her drink once more, before planting herself uncomfortably close to Sebastian, who tried his hardest not to give her any attention. He, too, looked repulsed at the state of her.

"I've seen you before!" The woman's eyes blinked slowly, turning her gaze towards Sebastian. Severus smelled her drunken breath from the other side.

"Ugh, yeah, no shit. We all went to Hogwarts, " Sebastian was clearly awkward about her presence, leaving Severus relieved that wasn't him.

"You're the pretty boy who had a thing for that half-blood?" The woman suddenly threw her head back into an almost cackling laugh, with her curly mane draping all over Sebastian. "I bet she couldn't resist your – "

" - Fuck off and leave him alone, Bella! Go and drool over someone else, " A brunette woman emerged from the crowd sporting a simple black dress and clutching an almost empty glass of wine. "Away, now!"

The other woman sneered, "Stop following me!"

"Get away from my brother, or I'll throw you out myself."

"Bella! Come here, now, " Narcissa approached Bellatrix once again as if she were chasing after a runaway toddler.

The raven-haired woman gave an ugly pout, before she picked herself up, and wandered away without a fuss. Narcissa and Lucius excused themselves rather awkwardly, before escorting the crazed woman known as Bellatrix away.

"Always making a scene, she is, " The brunette glared at Bellatrix, as she walked away and vanished amongst the crowd once more likely to confront another cohort.

Sebastian looked instantly relieved, giving himself a saving gulp of his drink downing the rest in one go, "Sev, this is my older sister Florence."

The woman known as Florence, raised her chin as if she was scrutinising him. She bared some resemblance to her brother, but not by much. Chiseled, sharp jaws appeared to be a family trait, "Severus Snape. Sebastian has told me much about you."

Severus threw his hand up in a half-efforted wave, "Likewise. Bellatrix hasn't changed, I see."

"She's a live wire and a siren when drunk off her head, and even her poor sister can't leash her. She has a tendency to seduce the new ones, so watch your back. All of you, " Florence perched herself on the edge of the seat beside Vincent, scanning the rest of the crowd as she did so. She at least appeared rather sober. She turned to the others, with a smirk, "So, first Malfoy party, I see?"

Vincent swirled the ice in the glass, "It's Severus' first."

Florence flickered her brow upwards and chuckled, "Oh, I know. I can always spot the brand-new ones."

Small tinges of red burned at Severus' cheeks, and he could only hope that didn't show on the surface, but he said nothing. He could feel the woman's eyes on him once more, and his own cast downwards into his glass in order to shake it off. For an odd turn of events, he felt nervous.

Suddenly he felt a grab of his wrist to find Florence pulling him onto his feet. The move startled him, "What – "

"Come walk with me, " The woman exchanged a nod with her brother, before turning back to Severus, her eyes ablaze, "I need to give you the talk."

Now he really felt like he looked as nervous as he felt, "Where are we going?"

"Hell, I'm not going to bite you. Just walk with me, " Florence placed a hand on his shoulder, gently prodding him forward as they began to walk through the hall, zigzagging through groups of people convening together.

After a few strange minutes, Severus shot her a curious look, "Am I really that obvious?"

"You're silently observing. Cautious, " Florence explained rather smoothly, "You're like a deer in headlights, Severus. You're supposed to be blending in, not stick out like a Thestral at a church."

"So, you've been spying on me?" Severus seethed, only for Florence to respond with a smirk so classic of a cunning Slytherin. Not wanting to argue further, he sighed, "So, what kind of party is this, anyway?"

The pair finally reached the other side of the hall close to the bar, before Florence pulled him aside by the hem of his sleeve, "Lucius Malfoy is a man of many connections. Power. Money. My brother tells me of your interest to join the Dark Lord. Is this true?"

"Well…yes. I wish to be a part of the cause, " Severus said, thankful for his voice to be drowned out by the noise of conversation of the guests around them, "Is this some kind of recruitment, or something?"

Florence paused for a moment, "Not officially. You're being sized up here, Severus. Every new face arouses curiosity. A young man with very little confidence sticks out rather horribly at places like these."

Feeling slightly demeaned at being accused as such – although not far from the truth – he gave in, "Then what do I do?"

A small smile played at her lips, "You have many questions. Some, I may not be able to answer. In time, you will find them."

"I thought by leaving the presence of Dumbledore, I can get away from all the bloody riddles and cryptic nonsense."

"Don't you dare compare me to that bastard – " Florence's jaw tensed, "The path to the Dark Lord is not a quick sign up and you're in, kind of business. Your place must be earned, and to earn it, you must know exactly what you are after. You can't afford to shy away from the cause. Confidence in your abilities will get you places."

"Are you telling me some people here are earning their place? I thought everyone here had the Mark?"

Suddenly, Severus didn't feel quite as prepared as he thought.

"Here?" She barked a cold laugh, "Most of them are Death Eater wannabees. Only a handful of them actually bears the Mark. The others mustn't be so appealing for the Dark Lord to reject them, but the fools keep trying."

"What qualifies as rejection in the eyes of the Dark Lord?"

Florence turned to face the crowd, nudging to certain individuals as she spoke, "That one there – Felix – he failed to kill a Muggle witness once. One of the others had to finish them off because of his carelessness. And Warren over there with the mustache, almost got himself caught and thrown into Azkaban. Mind you rejection isn't always death or exile – everyone has a chance to fix their mistakes. The Dark Lord, contrary to popular belief, does give second chances, only to those whom he thinks earns it. It takes much work to please him."

"You speak as if you are one of them, " His eyes flickered to her forearm where the Mark was rumoured to be, but he curiously found nothing.

She since noticed his line of sight and could only smile, "Marks can be concealed as per the Lord's wishes. Can't have everyone knowing everyone."

When a sudden thought plagued his mind, Severus' heart jumped, "Wait, he's not here, is he?"

She took another sip of her wine, "It's possible. That's why you need to put up a decent front. Any foolish nerves you might have is unappealing to him. He doesn't take cowardice lightly."

Severus paused for a moment, his heart racing within his chest. Vincent and Sebastian didn't tell him everything, but perhaps they may not have been fully aware themselves. There was much for him to know, and he quickly realised how complicated being accepted into the cause was. But Severus was no fighter, nor did he have any ambitions of working too far up in the ranks. He'd be happy enough just to get one foot in, and that would be satisfactory enough.

But to know that the process was slow and difficult, the rewards would be great. It was a challenge Severus was grateful to pursue. This is what he had wanted, especially during the last year. It was something he had thought about often since he lost Lily, and when she was out from his life during that horrid slip of the tongue, he felt that his way forward was clear.

To be accepted by a group and be recognised for his skills and what he could offer, will be the greatest honour he could ever give.

A small smile played on Severus' lips, thinking of all the possibilities this new venture would pave for him.

Power. Knowledge. Connections.

Suddenly, he didn't feel quite as nervous anymore and instead, felt a surge of adrenaline and finished the rest of his beverage.

Florence nudged him on the arm, "Are you staying for the afterparty?"

He frowned, looking at the woman as if she was crazy, "I thought this was the party?"

Florence laughed in a jocking tone, "These old wine and curtsey parties? No no, the afterparty. When all the prim and proper crash for the night, and us misfits are left behind to make better use of the bar."

Suddenly, things didn't seem quite so grim.