Chapter 4: The Dark Mark
I wore the blackest robe with a matching hood that shaded my eyes, completely. I stood amongst the other followers in a dark room only with a blazing fire in the grate gave the room a weak glow. A tall chair was at the front. It was encrusted with gold and a man sat there.
" Where is my heir? "he rasped.
Immediately, the whole crowd shifted to the right and left, leaving me in the middle. I was trembling with fear.
" Come closer, my dear girl. "he said and motioned me to come forward.
Obediently I walked up to him. His red eyes narrowed as he studied me closely.
" Lia, do you know that you're the heir of Voldemort? " he demanded. I nodded as I sank to my knees.
" Now, do you know the consequences of not being loyal? " he asked, in a much softer voice. A voice that was filled with blankness. No feeling of love. Nothing.
" N-no, "I stammered as my eyes locked with his.
" You'll pay for it with your own life, do you understand? "he asked as he continued to look into my eyes.
" Y-yes. "
" Now, do as I say. "Voldemort started. "Kill Sirius Black. "
I could not help it but gasp as I heard his name.
" Why? Do you know him? "He demanded. His voice rang out around the whole room, making everyone tremble with fear.
" Y-yes, I do know him...very well, "I told him.
" Good, now I want you to kill him as soon as you can. "
I wanted to answer 'no' but I could not find my voice to speak up. After all, he was my Lord. The Lord of Darkness.
How could I go against the greatest feared Lord?
" Yes, my lord "my voice was shaking with fear.
" Do you not fear, my child, for your blood runs with mine, "he croaked out as he raked his hand through my hair, lovingly.
I swallowed the huge lump that was already formed in my throat. My scalp prickled as soon as his rough hand touched it. I tried my best to remain calm.
" Now lift up your arm, "he ordered. Obediently, I did so. He withdraw his wand and pointed it at my skin.
All of a sudden, a wave of pain hit me. I held my breath as I tried not to scream in anguish. Lord Voldemort's lips curled into a sneer.
"It's all done, my child, "he told me as he placed his wand on the table beside him. It felt stinging and my arm was already sore. I looked at the Mark. It was a skull with a snake.
" Very well, you may go now "he replied with a wave of his hand.
" Are ready, yet? "mum asked from the stairway.
" Nearly, "I answered, simply.
" Hurry up or you'll miss the train. "
I unplugged my laptop and stuffed it into my book bag that I was carrying, on my shoulders and rushed downstairs. My mother was already standing there with a frown plastered on her lips.
" Is your arm, okay? "she lowered her voice.
" No, it's kind of sore, "I whispered as I pulled up my sleeve to show her. The skin on my arm was still red.
" Just put some ointment on it, "she said as she fumbled around in her bag for her car keys.
I gave my mum, a hug and a kiss on her cheek.
" I'll miss you, mum! "I whispered into her ear as we hugged each other, goodbye.
" Don't forget to e-mail me, okay? "she whispered. " And I'll miss you too, honey. "
I smiled at her for the last time and made my way onto the Hogwarts Express.
I waved at her from the window as the train gave a lurch and started to move. My mother's face was slowly disappearing from view as the train went faster and faster. It was replaced with green hills, white birds and fluffy white clouds. I sighed as I made my way through the crowd that was gathering behind me to find a compartment. I started for the nearest one. I slid open the sliding doors.
"Uh...h-hi, L-Lia, "Sirius Black stammered as his brilliant eyes lit up on seeing me. I could see that he was all alone. I was relieved, as Abigail was not here.
" Hi, "I said, stiffly. A hurt look crossed over his handsome features and immediately I felt guilty.
I've never felt this way before but...I think I'm attracted to him!!!
"Are you okay, Lia? "Sirius asked me, concerned. "You look deathly pale. "
It was because of the Dark Mark!!! This thing sure has side effects I thought, frantically as I racked my brain for an answer.
"Uh-I'm fine, thank you. "
"If you're allergic to me, I could leave and get another compartment, "he offered.
How sweet, thoughtful and sensitive, he is!!
I smiled wanly in his direction as I sat across him.
"No thank you, "I said, quickly.
"Are you sure about that? "he asked me, still having that concerned look on his face.
How can I kill this sweet and sensitive guy? He is so innocent!
I shook my head and pushed the dark thought away from my mind.
I flipped open my laptop and decided to work on another story.
I could feel that he was watching me. I looked up into his icy blue eyes.
"Is something a problem? "I asked him, gently.
"N-no, "he stammered, blushing like crazy.
Just then, three boys came barging into the compartment, breaking the awkward silence.
"Oh, hi guys! "Sirius said, smiling broadly.
"Hi, Padfoot! "all of them chorused.
"Who is she? "one guy demanded as he gave me a once look over.
"Oh...that is- Lia McKenzie, she goes to my summer school. " I gave them a slight nod and turned back to the laptop screen.
"What in the world is that? "a scrawny guy with mousy hair asked Sirius, loudly. I could not help but smile a little.
"That's a laptop, Pete "James answered for him. I giggled but unfortunately Sirius heard me.
"May I ask what's so funny? "he demanded.
"It's just that, "I pointed at the scrawny guy. "He doesn't even know that this is a laptop. "
I stopped my giggling when I realized that no one in the compartment was laughing. Sirius gave me a strange look and I gave him a hostile glare in return as I focused back on the screen.
Now...I felt truly embarrassed. What kind of first day is this? I know that this year, I was going to have a very bad time in Hogwarts.
But little that I know that I was wrong, very wrong.
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