kitty-487-Thanks:)
VampireMasquerade-I know…I'll try to write longer chapters though…Thank you!
Prettyprincess- You'll find out in the coming chapters :) Thanks for reviewing!
Sliversun-haha..Thanks..
Thanks to my BETA Cesia!
Draco was nervous. In a few hours time, exactly at midnight, there would be a Death-Eater meeting. He just imagined what would be the consequences if the Dark Lord decided to check if his Death-Eaters were faithful. He knew the consequence: death. If he was lucky, it would be an 'Avada Kadava'…that was if. The other was slow and painful… the Death-Eaters found guilty of betrayal would be tormented and tortured, starving each passing day. Most of them preferred to kill themselves rather then go through that hell. Draco knew. He had seen that happen right in front of his eyes.
Hermione, as usual, was buried behind books in the library completing her homework. There were piles of them in front and behind her. She couldn't believe how many there were. The clock struck ten. Hermione ignored it and continued working. An hour later, an exhausted Hermione, carrying an overly heavy bag, trudged down the stairs. As she was walking down, she spotted two people walking near the deserted classrooms. Curious, she followed, forgetting about her tiredness. From behind a wall, Hermione caught a glimpse of them. It was Malfoy and Zabini. She wondered what they were up to. Malfoy and Blaise each took out a dagger. Both alike, but different. Malfoy muttered a string of words which Hermione couldn't catch and… he just disappeared. Blaise vanished moments after. Hermione was curious. Yet she realized that it had something to do with Voldermort. And that Hogwarts protective spells against any sort of apparition or the like were not as strong as they should be. This made her nervous. Quickly, she half walked, half ran back to the Common Room.
Draco and Blaise walked toward the decapitated building. It was as silent as a graveyard inside and outside, but you could feel the darkness emerging from within, wizard or muggle alike. When the two entered, the other Death Eaters had gathered around Voldermort. Draco went first, walked with his head bowed down respectfully toward the Voldermort and kissed his feet. Blaise did the same. Both went to their places behind their parents.
Voldermort's eyes searched each of their eyes for signs. Nervousness, guilty- looks, he was satisfied until he noticed Draco. "Malfoy."
Draco went up and bowed. Voldermort looked at him with such intensity, which he was actually reading Draco's mind. Clear mind. Draco thought Let nothing slip. If he thought of Hermione, all would be lost.
"The mudblood. Has she fallen in love with you?" (Fixed. I don't know if it's any better though.)
"No, my Lord."
"Another question is, are you falling for her. I have read your thoughts Draco and indeed disappointed with you. Because the Malfoys have served me well for many generations, I will spare you. You will go back to Hogwarts and pretend nothing has happened." Voldermort waved Draco away.
"Zabini."
Blaise stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"You will take over Draco's task, and you will not fail me." Voldermort commanded. "You will also be 'taking care' of my little Death-Eater and see to that he does not betray me further.'
"Yes, My Lord." Blaise hid a smirk. Voldermort saw it but ignored it.
"Death-Eaters, soon the world will be mine! I have been getting stronger. When young Zabini accomplishes his task, there will be no stopping of us. We will be victorious!'
Lucius Malfoy was furious. He had summoned Draco home right after the meeting. The boy was standing infront of him blithely unconcerned.
"My one and only heir. Accused of betraying the Dark Lord." Lucius said, softly and dangerously.
"You are not worthy of the Malfoy name! How dare you tarnish it!" his voice remained steady, but inside he was boiling. "You will pay dearly. Crucio!
Draco accepted his punishment without sound, knowing it would fuel his father's rage. It did. And the curse intensified. Still he did not show any emotion. He was stronger than this. Even so, he felt his head swimming. Images of Hermione...the Dark Lord...Blaise's smirking face...Lucius Malfoy was pleased, standing there with a smirk. Draco gritted his teeth.
"Please, stop Father, I won't do it anymore. Forgive me."Draco begged, against his will.
Lucius' smirk became wider and he removed the curse.
'Do not ever displease me again.' Lucius said. With a swish of his cloak, he walked off. Draco stood up and winced. He touched his dagger and was immediately transported back to Hogwarts. It was already long past midnight. Draco was back at the corridor. Despite his aches and dizziness, he managed to return to his dormitory without anyone spotting him. Blaise was in the Common Room writing. Draco paid no attention to him. He took a dreamless sleep potion and fell on his bed, filled with unwanted worrys, he drifted off to sleep.