DISCLAIMER:- Harry Potter belongs to J.K.R. This is a work of fanfiction. I only own this particular plot.

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Just a few hours after the meeting of Order of the Phoenix to determine the location of one Harry Potter, another one such meeting took place in a handsome manor house in Wiltshire. Although, the occupants of this meeting were fewer, it was of no less importance.

A tall bald figure with a face no human could describe as belonging to the same species, with slits instead of a nose, blood red eyes and skin paler than dead sat on a throne-like chair. Although it was difficult to determine his expression, since people tended to bow before him rather than directly look him in the face, those few attendants seemed to understand that their lord was deep in thought and it was better to be just as quiet as possible.

Lord Voldemort was indeed in deep thought. Nothing was going as per his wishes from a long long time. He was reflecting on his mistakes in the endeavor of ruling the wizarding world, and ultimately the world as a whole. He could not think of any flaw in his plans, per se, but fate seemed to be out for to wrestle him whenever it could.

He was this close to his victory all those years ago, until Snape heard and reported that thrice damned prophecy, which somehow mentioned his vanquisher and gave Dumbledore the weapon he needed so desperately. If only he had remained ignorant…

Everything changed on that night. The boy, his so called vanquisher, became the boy-who-lived and he, the Lord and the most powerful wizard, became little more than a ghost, a wind, a wrath, a parasite. It had taken him nine years to gain his consciousness back, after escaping Godric's Hollow on that Halloween as a confused something. Such careful planning to deceit the muggle loving fool and enter his first true home, Hogwarts, the one place he loved more than anything.

Again. He was this close to obtaining his life back. That stone. But no, Harry Potter, his cursed nemesis did something to rot his life for a few more years. He was transfixed that night when he realized the potential of what his mother did. How can he kill the boy when he is unable to touch him.

He rectified that and made himself a new body, using the boy's own blood, against all odds. But fate interfered again. He forgot yet another magic. Priori Incantatem. Those shadows, the few remains of the people he killed, the ones he crushed under his foot, Lily and James Potter, saved their boy's life again.

Last year, he was sure to cause the boy enough pain and nightmares through their bond, which he was yet to understand fully. His servant, Severus, eased his task by crushing what little natural occulumency shields he got. He was sure that he would, at last, learn the full reason of his defeat. The Prophecy. But no, his own pet death eaters proved inadequate this time, against a group of six school children. Moreover, he failed to possess the boy. The pain he experience in so little time…

Eleven out of his twelve inner circle death eaters were in Azkaban at the moment. And one, his most trusted, blood thirsty, Bellatrix, was nowhere to be seen. He had thought that he would take out his frustrations on her but no, he had no idea where she was. He had first thought that she went after the Potter boy, and allowed her. After no news, he summoned her using his dark mark but she ignored the call. That worried him. Bella never ignored his call.

He tried another summon after two days but to his surprise, he couldn't even feel the bond of the dark mark with her this time. It happened only when a death eater died. Bella, dead? That thought scared him. Bella was his most talented minion. He had no doubt she could even take on Dumbledore, like he did. She was unpredictable, agile and a master of dark arts. If she was dead, it was indeed a fatal blow to him. But how?

He turned his thoughts to the three forms in front of him, at last. One was a boy of Harry Potter's age and year in Hogwarts. The Malfoy Scion. He was about to give a very important mission to Draco today. Lucius had failed him. It was only fair his son paid the price, after given a chance, of course.

Lord Voldemort was nothing if not fair.

He smirked evilly in his direction and the boy's fidgeting only increased.

The other figure, standing close to the boy, was his mother Narcissa. The lady of the house. He had an impression that she was unhappy with the current living arrangements but was too scared to voice her thoughts. He had, after all, taken the luxurious head wing of the manor for himself. He had to admit sometimes internally, that Lucius's way of ruling seemed better. A mask of being an upstanding citizen of society, simultaneously doing his black deeds. It gave him every comfort the society had to offer, and every cruel whim and desire the darkness allowed.

If only he was born in such a family…

He stopped himself from that line of thought before he got any more enraged by remembering his dead muggle father and looked sideways.

Severus, his trusted servant, a spy amidst Dumbledore's faction, stood sideways, waiting for any commands from his lord. He had brought him the news of Potter boy's disappearance today. He was not sure what to make of it. Why would Potter run from Dumbledore's safehouse? He knew Potter well enough that he was not afraid of him. In fact, he commended him for this. He was sure even the meddlesome old goat feared him behind his all knowing grandfatherly persona. But not Potter. The boy hated him with all his being but he was not afraid. He had learned that much from his short possession of the boy. Then where could he go?

He finally turned towards Draco and slowly, very smoothly asked, "Draco, how well is it for you to join us today?"

The Malfoy Scion kneeled nervously and somehow got his tongue to work. "I of-offer my humble services, m-my lord."

Voldemort smirked. That was in the blood of these born lords. Never with a spine of their own. Eager to follow. This particular spawn didn't even possessed his father's cunning.

"Come here, Draco."

Malfoy started to get up but just before he was fully erect, he heard a hiss of "Crucio" and fell back on the ground. Screams of pure agony erupted from his throat and he thrashed wildly. Lord Voldemort had his wand pointed on his slim frame.

Draco, for the first time in his life, realized just what an unforgivable really meant. He felt as if thousands of red hot smoldering and melting needles were slashing through each and every part of his skin. He felt as if each and every bone in his body was being crushed simultaneously, that his organs were being taken out, boiled and liquefied all at once. He felt as if this was what was left of his life. Pain. He felt as if the focus of his world suddenly shifted from the view in his eyes to just this awful, indescribable, unimaginable agony. Everything else was forgotten but this.

"Anything to say, Narcissa?" Narcissa Malfoy had her fists clenched as her son screamed his throat raw but she released them as soon as she heard his soft silky voice.

She kneeled herself and stammered, "No, m-m-my lord."

Lord Voldemort finally relented and lifted his spell. The screams stopped but one could hear the quite sobs of a weak pampered sixteen year old boy on the ground. Voldemort watched the crying form in front of him in fascination. He had always loved this particular part of ruling. He loved placing people under Cruciatus. The screams, the agony from his victim and the rush of hatred and dark magic through his veins. It was bliss. It didn't matter if it was from his or the old man's side. Since he always imagined Harry Potter on the ground. The hatred grew hundred fold, hence the pain and the pleasure.

"Come here, Draco." He repeated softly.

Draco Malfoy wiped away his tears and struggled to get up. But as soon as he was on his two feet, he again heard the soft voice and the single word, "Crucio"

The screaming started anew. This time it was accompanied by soft chuckles from the dark lord.

Narcissa Malfoy watched helpessly, kneeled in front of the abomination that called himself Lord and saw through her tears as her son was tortured in front of her eyes for seemingly no reason. But she knew. She knew it was the punishment of her husband's failure. A rage and hatred engulfed her and she prayed with every listening deity that this laughing madman may rot in hell for all eternities to come. Since she could only pray. She was powerless.

Voldemort was enjoying this. If only he could continue this for a little longer…

But a pity, he couldn't allow the boy's mind to get snapped. He had to keep him in workable condition to have any chance of his plan to work. He again lifted the spell.

Draco Malfoy curled up in a foetal position and cried. He cursed his father inwardly for putting him through this. And he had hoped that this creature would bring back pureblood rule. He would be lucky to survive the day if this madman continued at this rate. Why can't Potter just get hit with another Avada Kedavra and give them all a rest for another fourteen years.

"Draco, Lucius didn't put some manners in you, child?" the creature hissed. Draco was confused, really. He couldn't put up with all this using his addled cruciated brain and aching body. "Come here, Draco." The voice hissed. Softly. Lovingly.

And it finally clicked. Draco wanted to scream and bawl and cry and shout on the top of his lungs, "FUCK OFF" but he couldn't. He wasn't a Gryffindor. He wasn't Potter. Hell, he knew even that mudblood had the guts to stand up to this creature. But he didn't.

Draco slowly got up with the help of his hands but he didn't dare stand this time. This time, he kept kneeling. He slowly made his way to the smug creature on his knees. His lips trembled and his tears leaked but he didn't dare stop. He was shown his place. He was nothing. An insect, an ant, something who is kept beneath the foot. He could struggle all he wished, but it wasn't in his power to stop himself from being crushed.

"You finally understood, Draco. I am impressed. It took dear Lucius three turns."

Draco didn't comment but just kept moving. He finally reached the hem of the dark lord's robes and kissed it. He was crying. He had no pride left. He knew he could never boast his status now, because Potter had something he lacked. Courage. He finally understood that everything he was taught up until that point was a pack of lies. Malfoy meant nothing. What use was his family name now. He was a bloody servant. A house elf. He was less than Dobby, the elf he had kicked several times in his childhood. That elf was above him now. For it has freedom. And Pride. And honour. But Draco Malfoy was a slave now. Just a little brand, a mark was left. That too was coming shortly.

"Draco, I have a very special assignment for you. You will do something even I, your Lord, could not do. You will find a way to kill Albus Dumbledore. Hogwarts should not have its current headmaster next term."

Draco nodded. He already knew he was doomed. He knew he was expected to fail. This was all just a play for this creature. He would fail and he would die. Slowly. Painfully.

All his taunts on Potter of the Dark Lord's inevitable return and his boasting of the position he would take in his army, had come back to haunt him in the worst possible way.

"But before that, I must bestow upon you the ultimate honour. My mark." The creature said. "Remove your sleeves Draco."

And all hope was lost for Draco Malfoy. He could not turn away now. He slowly unbuttoned his sleeves and moved them up to reveal his flawless pale skin. Which wouldn't be that flawless in a few moments.

The creature took hold of his right arm and brought his wand to his smooth skin. But before he did something, someone dared interrupt it.

"If I may, my lord." It was Severus Snape. Draco's godfather. He too was kneeling now and Draco saw that he didn't seem as afraid as he felt. The man had perfected his facial features into a blank mask.

"What, Severus. How dare you interrupt me, when I am doing something as crucial as marking someone?"

Draco was sure that he was to hear his godfather's screams when Severus gain spoke.

"I am sorry, my lord. But it is important that Draco remain unmarked."

"Elaborate." The creature ordered.

"My lord, the old fool is now back in his position at the school. The ministry and the public is now perfectly aware of your return. The old goat is bound to take some protective measures this year to protect the castle from you. And he would be supported by everyone wholeheartedly. Draco's Mark can be found and the mission would be in jeopardy. It would be better if he is left unmarked for the present."

Voldemort had to give it to Severus. He knew he was just trying to delay his godson's marking but the man seemed to bring out valid reasons for his purpose. And the dark lord could not help but agree with him.

"Very well, Draco. It seems you won't be honoured for some more time. You'll have to wait to officially get recognized as one of my faithful servants. But keep it in mind, Draco. Do not fail. For you ARE my servant. It doesn't matter if its official or not. Failure means pain and death." The creature hissed. "For you and your mother."

Draco's eyes widened and he just realized for the first time that his lovely, innocent mother who always tried to keep him safe, to keep him away from his father's influence, is also as stake here. If he dies, so does she.

Draco moved backwards on his knees towards his mother without turning away from the dark lord. They all were dismissed and he heard his mother's sigh of relief as soon as they were out of the door. He could not believe that he had called this place home until last year.

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