Disclaimer: See Prologue
Hello Guys! I want to thank everyone that reviewed the first installment of my story (I LOVE YOU ALL!). This chapter is basically just setting up the bigger plot that will be coming up in later chapters. Draco and Harry will not meet until around chapter 5, so be patient!
Warnings: No Slash yet, but soon! This chapter contains some violence, but it's really not too bad.
Chapter One
Exsecratus Adamo
The Dark Land is a giant wasteland where nothing ever grows and no one ever roams. The entire area is dry and completely covered with dark unfertile soil, as well as sharp rocks and boulders. There is no vegetation around the perimeter, no animals ever stray there, and no birds ever fly by. The sky around this wilderness is black as night. The sun never shines, no rain ever falls, and no white clouds ever float past. There is only dimness; the vampires like it this way.
Within the Dark Land, there stands the terrible fortress of Salazar Slytherin and Voldemort. A large, spiked black stone gate surrounds the fortress at all sides, making it impossible to cross the threshold unless the Death Eater guards allow enter or leave; no one has ever breached through the gates.
Within the gates stands the Fortress of Shadows, or also called the Chamber of Secrets, where the Dark Lord's followers and other foul beasts (trolls, giants, werewolves, and goblins) walk freely and live under the watchful eye of their ruthless leader.
The Fortress of Shadows is a large castle, thousands of feet high, made of the blackest polished stone; it is a most dreadful sight. Around the sharp ridges of the castle stand carved marble monsters that watch who come in and out of the gates. The stone figurines, which the Dark Lord call The Watchers, never allow anyone to descend the black marble steps of the fortress without permission of the Dark Lord. There are no windows around the fortress and no one can apparate in or out of the large gates.
Though the fortress was high, most of the rooms were underground dungeons and prisons, where the dark followers meet, and prisoners are tortured. Many captives are brought to the dungeons of the Chamber of Secrets where they never can escape.
In one of the many damp dungeon rooms in the Chamber of Secrets, there stands more than 20 Death Eaters in a circle around a figure that lies helplessly on the ground. Though the dungeon room was not well lit (there were only a few torches), it was obvious that what appeared like a young man was bleeding profusely and beaten badly, huddled in the center of the ring of vampires.
In his entire life, he'd fought in many battles, traveled on many journeys, and faced many perils. But for the first time in almost one hundred and forty five years, Prince Draconic was terrified about what was to become of him.
Standing around him in their black robes and white masks, his fellow Death Eaters, whom he had considered his comrades, stood in a circle facing him and preventing his escape. Their wands were pointed directly at him, each casting curse after curse, torturing him ruthlessly. He flesh was relentlessly shocked, slashed, and burned by their hexes.
Standing over him was his father, with glowing golden eyes, looking at him with utter loathing and anger. Lucius, but more so now, had always intimated him. When his father was angry, he was never pleasant to be around. Next to his father stood his lovely mother, Queen Narcissa of the Vampires. Her long, thick golden hair almost touched the dirty dungeon floor; Draco could see her fingers combing through her hair nervously. Though her face was impassive, her eyes gave way to the worry she felt for her only son. Draconic had to shake his head lightly at her several times to stop her from trying to intervene with his torture. He didn't want her to receive his punishment.
No one, not even his father, looked angrier then the Dark Lord Voldemort and his youngest daughter Pansy. Draco would rather face his father than look at either of the two. Pansy's ugly mug was contorted in rage and the Dark Lord's scarlet eyes were blazing in fury. Draco cringed; he was about to get hexed again.
"CRUCIO!" Rasped Voldemort hatefully, looking directly into Draco's frightened eyes.
It felt like hundreds of red-hot knifes were stabbing him throughout his entrails. His muscles were burning, his bones were breaking and his skin was crawling with the intensity of the spell.
His body automatically arched and twitched as the spell hit him directly in the chest.
It took every fiber of his being not to scream due to the pain; he had to bight his tongue hard to prevent a sound escaping from his lips. He knew that if he screamed it would only urge the Dark Lord to continue hexing him. The louder one screamed, the more Voldemort enjoyed the torture….
His entire body throbbed with intense pain from the hours of torture he had been receiving. He wasn't sure how much more he could take of it; he found himself praying to the Nameless Being that death would take him swiftly so that he wouldn't have to endure such cruelty.
His face was grimy for lying on the mucky stone floor; his clothes were bloody and tattered. His usually pristine silvery hair was bloody and completely filthy. Bruises were forming on most of his body and he knew a few of his ribs were cracked. His left arm was twisted in an unnatural angle and his eyes were swollen shut. He found himself lying in a pool of his own blood, vomit and urine.
Most would have already died from this punishment, but Draco's vampirism made it possible for him to live through continuous pain and mortal injuries. Not to mention the fact that vampires injuries always heal quickly.
For the first time in his life he wished he wasn't a vampire; every time his wounds healed, the Death Eaters and the Dark Lord maimed him again and again….
Draco didn't deserve the agony he was enduring.
Since Draco was a child, he honored his father's wishes and did what he was told, no matter what. When his father gave the vampires' allegiance to the Dark Lord, Draco stood by Lucius and fought along side the dark forces. Draco was even named the commander of the vampiric armies when they faced the side of the light. Under his command, many of the small battles fought were won in the favor of the dark. He helped in the capture and deaths of many wizards, elves, and veelas, as well as any traitors to Voldemort.
He quickly earned the respect of his father, the Dark Lord and his fellow Death Eaters because of his intelligence and success in battle. There was nothing too great or small that Draco would not do for Lucius and Voldemort, and there was very little he couldn't do; everything Draco did, he did right. In fact, it was Draco's fierce loyalty that got him into the painful position he was in at the moment….
Because of Draco's bravery and intelligent command, he gained not only the respect of the Dark Lord, but also of Pansy's, the Dark Lord's fourth child.
She often followed him around and attempted to flirt and flatter her way into Draco's heart so that he would consider her a suitable bride.
Draco knew he was an attractive man, many women aspired to gain his attention, but he was more of a warrior than a lover. He never much cared for anything but battles and planning. That was what his father raised him for; Lucius often told him that since he was the heir of the vampires it was necessary to learn how to rule and command the people and the army.
Not caring for Pansy in the slightest, Draco tried to ignore her blatant flirtations so that she would leave him alone. Sadly, he found that she was persistent.
Her behavior, however, soon caught the attention of the Dark Lord. Voldemort seemed very pleased that Pansy showed such an interest in Draco, because of the young prince's power and status, and encouraged the prince into pursuing his daughter. So, Draco relented and finally agreed to court Pansy, not wanting to upset his lord and endure his wrath. Draconic could only hope that she would soon get bored with him...
Getting to know Pansy was a terribly painful experience. She was hideously ugly with her pug face and beady black eyes. Her hair was thin and greasy, and her breath smelled as if something rotted and died. She was short and a bit chubby, with a ruddy, and blotchy face. Most women looked better then her.
Her disposition was unpleasant as well. She was a whiny young brat, with the intelligence of a field mouse, and the personality of stale bread. Her cruelty was excessive and her temper was unchecked. He abhorred her greatly; it took all the powers of heaven not to strangle the wench in her sleep.
Though he despised her, he allowed her to have her fun with him, but only to please his lord Voldemort. He let her touch his body and kiss him wherever she pleased, but he tried his hardest never to touch her. He couldn't/wouldn't touch her.
It was a few weeks ago that the Dark Lord approached him, asking him if he would be willing to take Pansy into marriage. The very thought of the little witch as his wife revolted Draco, but he gave in and agreed to bonding with Pansy, through the encouragement of his father. Lucius was very happy that Draco would make a union with the daughter of his lord; the marriage meant more power for the vampires and himself, and Lucius craved power. It seemed to make him even more proud of his handsome son.
Today was the day of the planned bonding ceremony. Many of his fellow Death Eaters were to attend as witnesses to the bonding. The proceedings were being held in one of the dungeon rooms so that no one could interpret.
Draco was dressed in his finest black leather pants and his silver silk shirt, as well as his black suede cape and his dragon hide boots. His long sleek hair was tied neatly in a ponytail. He looked ready for his bonding, but he didn't feel ready. The thought of being with Pansy for eternity appalled him, but he continued to go along with everything, not voicing his true feelings.
As the ceremony began, Draco and Pansy stood, holding hands, in the middle of the circle of Death Eaters, facing Voldemort.
It was a simple proceeding; Pansy and Draco had nothing to do but stand their holding hands, while the witnesses chanted a powerful spell to bind them in marriage.
The binding spell was performed often in most nuptials, especially with couples that loved each other deeply and wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. It was believed that even in death, the two would continue to bond their souls.
Soon, everyone in the circle held hands and began to chant the spell: Animus catenatus pro totus infinitio. Unus Somes. Unus Mens. Unus Phasmatis (AN:1). As spectators continued to chant, a soft red light began to glow along Pansy's body until it reached the hand that was holding onto Draco's. A few minutes later, a sickly pale green glow surrounded Draco's body, and connected with Pansy's red light. When the energies connected, the light they were emitting canceled out. The bonding would not work.
If Draco had been a wizard and knew about these types of bonds, he would've known that it is impossible to bind yourself to someone you hate. Unfortunately, because of the color (the sickly green) he emitted from the spell, everyone now knew how much he despised Pansy.
Saying the Dark Lord and his youngest were a little upset would be an understatement.
And thus, we find the proud and striking Prince Draconic tortured for the embarrassment he caused to Dark Lord and his filthy beast of a daughter….
After lifting the cruciatus curse from Draco, Voldemort turned to his most loyal servant and sneered.
"Whatever shall we do with you son Lucius?" questioned the Dark Lord while looking at Draco with narrowed eyes.
Draco cringed inwardly, but kept his mouth shut. He knew that if he said one word he'd be in more trouble than he was in already. He could only pray that his father still claimed him as his heir because if Lucius rejected him, Voldemort would most likely kill him.
"It is not my will, but your own my lord. You may do whatever you please with him. He is not my son," Lucius said tightly while bowing his head low in reverence to the Dark Lord.
Voldemort smiled wickedly at Draco as the young vampire's world came crashing down upon him in front of his eyes. "Pansy, my dearest daughter, what do you think we should do with your fiancée?"
Pansy turned her hate filled eyes on Draco and shrieked, "Castrate him father! If he doesn't want me, he can't have anyone else!"
Draco's eyes widened in terror as he instinctively grabbed his crotch. He couldn't believe this was happening!
Voldemort smirked down at Draco's frightened face, then turned to look at his murderous daughter. "No my child, I think I've got a better way of making the little whelp suffer relentlessly." The Dark Lord bent down so he could whisper in Draco's ear, "No matter where you go or how long you live, you will be accursed for all days. And no one can remove the curse, not even myself, the original caster."
Draco shivered, but continued to keep quiet. He was starting to really panic.
"What curse is that father?" asked Pansy eagerly, after hearing what her father whispered. Her beady little eyes gleamed evilly. She wanted to make Draco pay for what he did to her.
"It's an ancient spell that not many people know about. It's called the Demortuus curse (AN:2). Those unfortunate enough to have the curse placed upon them usually go crazy after a couple of months, especially if they are put in isolation."
"W-what does the spell do to the receiver my lord?" stammered a worried looking Narcissa Malfoy as she looked down at her son.
"It is said that before Veelas and Werewolves find their mates, they are wild and restless; they feel... incomplete," the Dark Lord said distastefully at the mention of mates and sentimental feelings. "Since you, Draco, found my daughter unsuitable for a bride, I shall help you find your true mate," he said wickedly.
"M-my lord…?" stuttered Draco, feeling even more worried.
"Demortuus causes the recipient to lose a bit of himself when the spell is casted, much like a veela or werewolf feels before they find their mate. Only, this feeling is much much worse," he said, looking down at Draco. "You will pine away with heartache and utter anguish, losing your sense of reality, day by day. Your emptiness will spread, and your heart will grow heavier causing pronounced weakness. You will feel hungry, but no food will nourish you. You will feel thirsty, but no drink will can quench. Only love, that you will never find, can satisfy your appetites."
Pansy looked at her father, scandalized. "What if he finds who he's looking for?" she screeched.
"Even if he finds his love," the Dark Lord sneered, "the affair will be doomed from its very beginnings. He will only cause pain to his mate the longer he stays. And if he tries to stay away, the emptiness and lonesomeness would spread quickly, until he is a danger to himself."
"So if he stays away from his lover, he'll go crazy. But if he doesn't, his lover will suffer because of him?" Pansy asked, looking excited.
"Exactly. Though, it will not matter. He will stay in the fortress in solitary confinement. He'll never leave this place."
"My lord, please…!" begged Draco imploringly, but it was too late. Voldemort was too fast.
Before Draco knew it, the Dark Lord's wand was pointed at his heart. "Exsecratus Adamo!" (AN:3)
Everyone in the dungeon watched in fascination as the spell shot directly at Draco's heart, as if piercing him, causing him to arch his back against the floor and open his mouth in a soundless scream.
It only lasted for a few seconds, and no one could see any physical differences in Draco. Though, he did feel different.
It was as the Dark Lord said; he felt empty, as if an invisible weight was put on his chest, making in harder for him to breath.
Draco laughed bitterly to himself. Only Voldemort could turn love into a curse.
"Take this traitor to one of the prisons. I don't ever want to see him again!" barked Voldemort, while looking at one of his Death Eaters.
As the Death Eater stepped toward Draco to do as his lord commanded, Pansy stepped forward, looking at her father. " Father may I have him? I could use something to practice my curses on, as well as other things," she said leering at Draco.
"Fine, put him in the dungeons near Pansy's quarters," he ordered the Death Eater. He turned to look at his daughter. "Make sure that he doesn't get out of his cell," he said giving her a piercing look before slithering out of the stinking dungeon room.
The Death Eater grabbed onto Draco's arm painfully tight and pulled the prince roughly to his feet, leading the heavy-hearted man to his prison.
The last thing Draco saw before being forced out of the room was his teary eyed mother, looking at him with sadness and regret.
I HATED this chapter! But, I had to write it if I wanted to get to the good stuff.
AN 1: Animus catenatus pro totus infinitio. Unus Somes. Unus Mens. Unus Phasmatis means (in Latin): "Souls bound for all eternity. One Body, One Mind, One Spirit."
AN 2: Demortuus means (in Latin): "to die for love of."
AN 3: Exsecratus Adamo means (in Latin): "detestable to fall in love with."
Next Chapter: Draco escapes from his prison with the help of his friends and we get a glimpse into the Elven kingdom as well as an angst filled Prince Harry.
REVIEW CHAPTER 1 AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT IT! YOUR REVIEWS ENCOURAGE ME TO KEEP WRITING.
I probably won't be able to update again until Friday of this week because I have exams and a Philosophy paper to type. I'll update as soon as I can.
Remember: Any criticisms you have or any ideas of things you'd like to see happen in this story, please let me know in the review! Also, this story is not a tragedy; so don't worry about the fate of Harry and Draco yet. Things will work out in the end!