Suddenly Melissa felt a jerk behind her navel as if someone was pulling her
off her feet. When her feet hit the ground just as suddenly, it was dark,
and they were in a graveyard. Melissa shivered and pulled her dark robes
closer around her. Beside her she felt Vivian do the same.
"Form a circle," Melissa heard Severus instruct the students. They did so quickly and obediently. Melissa found herself standing with Drew on her left and Vivian on her right and Draco to the right of Vivian. Then they stood silently, waiting for whatever was to come.
Suddenly a shiver passed over Melissa's spine, but not from the cold. It was a shiver from being watched mixed with a deep sense of evil. She didn't have to turn around, in fact she didn't dare turn around, because she knew that Voldemort was standing behind her. The look of mingled respect and fear on the face of the girl across from her reaffirmed that.
Drew, sensing that the Dark Lord was behind them, reached out and pulled Melissa closer to him, allowing the vile creature to pass through. Melissa looked up uncertainly at Drew, and he gave her a reassuring nod. As soon as the tall, evil man had passed, Drew gently guided Melissa back to her place in the formation.
Melissa's eyes were fixated in horror on the man. Vaguely, she remembered he was responsible for her parent's deaths. More prevalent on her mind was how he could easily snap her in half. Power and strength radiated from him, mixed with cruelty and indifference. He was currently gazing at the students surrounding him, piercing them with his eerie eyes.
"The reason," He began in a cold, stern voice, "that your Professor has brought you here should be obvious. However, as not all of you are quite so bright, I will explain to be sure that you do understand." Here he paused to glare icily around, his gaze falling on Melissa. "Ah. Your niece, am I correct, Severus?"
Severus agreed with the statement, introducing her as Melissa Lewis. The Dark Lord, never having taken his eyes off her, moved forward. Melissa longed to back away, but forced herself to stay put. He stopped just in front of her.
"Tell me, girl, do you know why your parents were killed?" He asked in a sneering tone. Melissa felt herself stiffen. She was brought speechless by fear, but anger was begging to well up in her. She thought for a moment. Why? Of course not; I'll never know why you had them killed. Because they have a spine? Because they have values and morals?
Finally she realized he was waiting for an answer. "Re.resistance?" She responded, her voice timid and frightened. Melissa fought for composure, but felt as if she were loosing the battle. Voldemort smiled a chilling smile before sweeping away. Melissa let out the breath she had been holding.
"Precisely. I had offered them a position in my order, which they foolishly declined. Resistance will not be tolerated. It will be eliminated." Again he walked around the circle, as if making sure they were all paying attention. As if we could do anything else.Melissa thought bitterly.
"The Lewises were asked to join because our forces need strengthening. Our support is begging to grow steadily, but the future also must be taken into consideration. We must be sure to have support in that time, as well."
What is he getting at? Melissa wondered. Were they to recruit, then?
"It is most effective when training if the new recruits have been brought up in the particular life style that we support. It helps mold the character."
So we're doing sculpture? Melissa knew the thought was absurd, but her fear was not allowing her to think coherently.
"Therefore, it has been brought to my attention that by pairing supporters, this necessity can be reached." He looked around at all of them, allowing this to sink in. Some began to whisper softly to one another. Melissa looked a Vivian and asked, "What, he's going to breed us?"
In her ear she heard, "Unfortunately, little Missy, that's exactly what's happening."
Melissa felt her mouth drop open in shock. This is ludicrous. I'm sixteen, I can't be a wife and have a kid.I have school to finish, and...but the Dark Lord was continuing.
"I will put the responsibility of these engagements upon the sons of the Death Eaters. I expect you to choose a wife within five days and report to Severus."
Choose Melissa thought indignantly as if we were just gowns to wear. Looking around the circle she, to her immense horror, gave a short laugh. After all, the thought of the sixteen and seventeen year old boys asking girls to marry them was humorous. Voldemort turned on her immediately, his eyes cold.
"Explain yourself," he demanded, referring to her laugh.
"I.I'm sorry."
The look in the dangerous man's eyes let her know that she would tell, or be injured severely. Not having a high pain tollerence, Melissa decided to take her chances and tell her thoughts.
"I was just wondering how we'd explain it to Dumbledore. Eighteen kids, mostly from Slytherin, wanting to get married so suddenly. It's not natural behavior. What if he becomes suspicious?"
Voldemort narrowed his eyes, unhappy with her lack of support. Drawing his wand, he coolly asked if she was refusing to follow orders. Melissa felt her heart race, and her gaze locked with her uncle's. He shook his head slightly, a warning look in his eyes.
"N.no, sir. I was just wondering what to say, that's all." Melissa stammered.
It was silent for a moment. After a bit Voldemort hissed, "And why didn't any of you wonder the same thing?" They all looked around wildly, shocked that the small redhead had gotten away so easily.
"As for your question, girl, Dumbledore does not have control over that. He may be suspicious, but without proof he cannot formally connect it. You will all be married by the end of this summer. Half of you will be graduated from your school, making it none of Dumbledore's business. The rest of you will learn to keep a secret."
With a final look around the circle, Voldemort began to depart. "Remember," he began, "Report to Severus in five days." Then he was gone. Conversations began buzzing, and Melissa heard her uncle holler that they would leave in an hour. She wished she could leave immediately, but the returning portkeys must be set up.
Looking to the side, she saw that Vivian was pale and shaking, her eyes closed and taking in quick breaths. Melissa reached out, noticing her hand was shaking also. Silently, the girls walked away from the circle to lean against a tree. Drew and Draco followed them.
"Tell me this is a bad dream," Melissa whispered, closing her eyes.
"Drew," She heard Draco say. Melissa opened her eyes and watched the two. Draco glanced at Melissa before saying simply, "tell her."
Drew shook his head. "No, not tonight. That'd be too much."
Melissa looked at Drew, "Tell me what?"
"I'll tell you some other time, I promise. Come on," He replied, taking her arm and leading her away from Draco who's attention was fixed on Vivian. She had sat down on the ground and was staring off with a disbelieving look on her face. He knelt next to her, speaking her name twice before she looked at him.
"Draco," She said, her eyes filling with tears, "I can't do that. I can't give up my child to him.."
Draco looked at the girl for a moment before pulling her to her feet. "Let's go find Melissa and Drew, all right, Vivian?" He asked. She nodded numbly and began walking. Draco fell in step beside her and pulled her close. "It'll be all right, Vivi. I'll make sure that you'll be okay."
"Promise?" She asked timidly. He squeezed her shoulders reassuringly. They found Melissa and Drew sitting on a log by a stream just outside the cemetery. Neither one was talking to the other. Draco sat down next to Drew and pulled Vivian down beside him.
"What now?" Melissa asked after a few minutes. She turned to Draco. "You'll take Viv, won't you?" She inquired. She added "I don't think I'd trust anyone else to," when she saw him raise his eyebrows.
"I planned on it, although I suppose you saved me the trouble of asking," Draco replied with a smile. He turned to Vivian with a teasing look, "Unless, of course, you'd rather marry Goyle."
Vivian grimaced. Draco laughed and looked away, muttering "I guess you accept my offer, then."
"Yes," Vivian replied, going pink. She shot Melissa a devious look. "Drew?" Vivian asked in a sweet voice.
"Yes?" He replied absently.
"I think it's only fair that I ask you to marry Melissa," Vivian stated, sticking her tongue out at Melissa.
"Hey, not fair!" Melissa exclaimed. "I was really worried about you. I can handle some creep, Davey made sure of that."
"Davey?" Drew asked.
"Yup. He taught me everything I know about fighting dirty."
"With that romantic thought.Melissa will you marry me?"
She sighed, looking at him sorrowfully. "I suppose none of us have a choice at all in this matter." Then she stood quickly. "I'm going to go find Uncle Sev." As she was walking away, Drew grabbed her hand.
"You never answered," he said simply.
"Yes, Drew, I will," she replied and walked away. This isn't the way a person is supposed to get engaged, though she thought sadly. She spoke with her uncle and helped him prepare the portkeys after telling him their match ups. He nodded in approval and told her they'd talk at the school.
"Form a circle," Melissa heard Severus instruct the students. They did so quickly and obediently. Melissa found herself standing with Drew on her left and Vivian on her right and Draco to the right of Vivian. Then they stood silently, waiting for whatever was to come.
Suddenly a shiver passed over Melissa's spine, but not from the cold. It was a shiver from being watched mixed with a deep sense of evil. She didn't have to turn around, in fact she didn't dare turn around, because she knew that Voldemort was standing behind her. The look of mingled respect and fear on the face of the girl across from her reaffirmed that.
Drew, sensing that the Dark Lord was behind them, reached out and pulled Melissa closer to him, allowing the vile creature to pass through. Melissa looked up uncertainly at Drew, and he gave her a reassuring nod. As soon as the tall, evil man had passed, Drew gently guided Melissa back to her place in the formation.
Melissa's eyes were fixated in horror on the man. Vaguely, she remembered he was responsible for her parent's deaths. More prevalent on her mind was how he could easily snap her in half. Power and strength radiated from him, mixed with cruelty and indifference. He was currently gazing at the students surrounding him, piercing them with his eerie eyes.
"The reason," He began in a cold, stern voice, "that your Professor has brought you here should be obvious. However, as not all of you are quite so bright, I will explain to be sure that you do understand." Here he paused to glare icily around, his gaze falling on Melissa. "Ah. Your niece, am I correct, Severus?"
Severus agreed with the statement, introducing her as Melissa Lewis. The Dark Lord, never having taken his eyes off her, moved forward. Melissa longed to back away, but forced herself to stay put. He stopped just in front of her.
"Tell me, girl, do you know why your parents were killed?" He asked in a sneering tone. Melissa felt herself stiffen. She was brought speechless by fear, but anger was begging to well up in her. She thought for a moment. Why? Of course not; I'll never know why you had them killed. Because they have a spine? Because they have values and morals?
Finally she realized he was waiting for an answer. "Re.resistance?" She responded, her voice timid and frightened. Melissa fought for composure, but felt as if she were loosing the battle. Voldemort smiled a chilling smile before sweeping away. Melissa let out the breath she had been holding.
"Precisely. I had offered them a position in my order, which they foolishly declined. Resistance will not be tolerated. It will be eliminated." Again he walked around the circle, as if making sure they were all paying attention. As if we could do anything else.Melissa thought bitterly.
"The Lewises were asked to join because our forces need strengthening. Our support is begging to grow steadily, but the future also must be taken into consideration. We must be sure to have support in that time, as well."
What is he getting at? Melissa wondered. Were they to recruit, then?
"It is most effective when training if the new recruits have been brought up in the particular life style that we support. It helps mold the character."
So we're doing sculpture? Melissa knew the thought was absurd, but her fear was not allowing her to think coherently.
"Therefore, it has been brought to my attention that by pairing supporters, this necessity can be reached." He looked around at all of them, allowing this to sink in. Some began to whisper softly to one another. Melissa looked a Vivian and asked, "What, he's going to breed us?"
In her ear she heard, "Unfortunately, little Missy, that's exactly what's happening."
Melissa felt her mouth drop open in shock. This is ludicrous. I'm sixteen, I can't be a wife and have a kid.I have school to finish, and...but the Dark Lord was continuing.
"I will put the responsibility of these engagements upon the sons of the Death Eaters. I expect you to choose a wife within five days and report to Severus."
Choose Melissa thought indignantly as if we were just gowns to wear. Looking around the circle she, to her immense horror, gave a short laugh. After all, the thought of the sixteen and seventeen year old boys asking girls to marry them was humorous. Voldemort turned on her immediately, his eyes cold.
"Explain yourself," he demanded, referring to her laugh.
"I.I'm sorry."
The look in the dangerous man's eyes let her know that she would tell, or be injured severely. Not having a high pain tollerence, Melissa decided to take her chances and tell her thoughts.
"I was just wondering how we'd explain it to Dumbledore. Eighteen kids, mostly from Slytherin, wanting to get married so suddenly. It's not natural behavior. What if he becomes suspicious?"
Voldemort narrowed his eyes, unhappy with her lack of support. Drawing his wand, he coolly asked if she was refusing to follow orders. Melissa felt her heart race, and her gaze locked with her uncle's. He shook his head slightly, a warning look in his eyes.
"N.no, sir. I was just wondering what to say, that's all." Melissa stammered.
It was silent for a moment. After a bit Voldemort hissed, "And why didn't any of you wonder the same thing?" They all looked around wildly, shocked that the small redhead had gotten away so easily.
"As for your question, girl, Dumbledore does not have control over that. He may be suspicious, but without proof he cannot formally connect it. You will all be married by the end of this summer. Half of you will be graduated from your school, making it none of Dumbledore's business. The rest of you will learn to keep a secret."
With a final look around the circle, Voldemort began to depart. "Remember," he began, "Report to Severus in five days." Then he was gone. Conversations began buzzing, and Melissa heard her uncle holler that they would leave in an hour. She wished she could leave immediately, but the returning portkeys must be set up.
Looking to the side, she saw that Vivian was pale and shaking, her eyes closed and taking in quick breaths. Melissa reached out, noticing her hand was shaking also. Silently, the girls walked away from the circle to lean against a tree. Drew and Draco followed them.
"Tell me this is a bad dream," Melissa whispered, closing her eyes.
"Drew," She heard Draco say. Melissa opened her eyes and watched the two. Draco glanced at Melissa before saying simply, "tell her."
Drew shook his head. "No, not tonight. That'd be too much."
Melissa looked at Drew, "Tell me what?"
"I'll tell you some other time, I promise. Come on," He replied, taking her arm and leading her away from Draco who's attention was fixed on Vivian. She had sat down on the ground and was staring off with a disbelieving look on her face. He knelt next to her, speaking her name twice before she looked at him.
"Draco," She said, her eyes filling with tears, "I can't do that. I can't give up my child to him.."
Draco looked at the girl for a moment before pulling her to her feet. "Let's go find Melissa and Drew, all right, Vivian?" He asked. She nodded numbly and began walking. Draco fell in step beside her and pulled her close. "It'll be all right, Vivi. I'll make sure that you'll be okay."
"Promise?" She asked timidly. He squeezed her shoulders reassuringly. They found Melissa and Drew sitting on a log by a stream just outside the cemetery. Neither one was talking to the other. Draco sat down next to Drew and pulled Vivian down beside him.
"What now?" Melissa asked after a few minutes. She turned to Draco. "You'll take Viv, won't you?" She inquired. She added "I don't think I'd trust anyone else to," when she saw him raise his eyebrows.
"I planned on it, although I suppose you saved me the trouble of asking," Draco replied with a smile. He turned to Vivian with a teasing look, "Unless, of course, you'd rather marry Goyle."
Vivian grimaced. Draco laughed and looked away, muttering "I guess you accept my offer, then."
"Yes," Vivian replied, going pink. She shot Melissa a devious look. "Drew?" Vivian asked in a sweet voice.
"Yes?" He replied absently.
"I think it's only fair that I ask you to marry Melissa," Vivian stated, sticking her tongue out at Melissa.
"Hey, not fair!" Melissa exclaimed. "I was really worried about you. I can handle some creep, Davey made sure of that."
"Davey?" Drew asked.
"Yup. He taught me everything I know about fighting dirty."
"With that romantic thought.Melissa will you marry me?"
She sighed, looking at him sorrowfully. "I suppose none of us have a choice at all in this matter." Then she stood quickly. "I'm going to go find Uncle Sev." As she was walking away, Drew grabbed her hand.
"You never answered," he said simply.
"Yes, Drew, I will," she replied and walked away. This isn't the way a person is supposed to get engaged, though she thought sadly. She spoke with her uncle and helped him prepare the portkeys after telling him their match ups. He nodded in approval and told her they'd talk at the school.