Chapter 5: Malfoy Loves Grandeur
It was a big day. His father had towed him along for the show, though not entirely against his will. He wanted Draco to witness the destruction of their Lord's greatest enemy, in order, he was told, to become a true man in the sight of his father.
Draco stood beside him then, and all the other Death Eaters, waiting anxiously.
Dumbledore had shown up, asking for the Dark Lord. His robes were not as fresh as they could be, and his eyes did not contain the usual spark, but he was there.
The Death Eaters stood in a circle around the two of them: Dumbledore standing motionless, even breathless, it seemed, and Voldemort circling him in inspection.
"The Order found out about us," Dumbledore said softly. "I ask only for shelter and an open relationship to work upon. If I have your heart, then I will follow you willingly."
"Your love is sweet, old man," said the Dark Lord, "but too sweet for me, a man of tastes far bitter than your honey."
He laughed.
"Do you know what I find funny, old man?" he continued. "If you truly do lack your influence on Hogwarts and on the Order, your secret lovechild, then you are of no real use to me. Do you see how that works?"
Draco could feel the Death Eaters' eagerness rise. He knew they wanted him dead. He wanted it himself. His father nudged his elbows hard into his side, trying to calm him. Draco straightened the robe that hid his face, and tried to tame his wild heart.
"You have caused me a lot of trouble," said Voldemort. "But…"
He turned lightly on his heel, eyeing each Death Eater individually, as if seeking permission. But Draco knew he must have been misinterpreting it, for Voldemort did not need to ask permission: he simply did as he wished. But when he reached Draco, it seemed to be just that, and it sent a chill up his spine.
"I will show mercy on you," he said. "Never show your face again, or I will not be as gracious."
Voldemort eyed everyone once more, as if daring them to question him, then left. Bellatrix, his pet, followed closely behind him, though uninvited to do so.
Dumbledore Apparated before another word could be said, but quickly after his disappearance, there was an uproar from the Death Eaters. Draco felt himself chime in.
"How could he just let him go?! His greatest enemy!"
"He's grown weak."
"He doesn't really love him does he?!"
"I wanted some blood!"
Lucius held up his arms to calm down the rustle of the group.
"Our Lord is obviously weak," he said. "And I will not be a part of it."
"I'm with you!" yelled a voice.
"Me too!"
"And me!"
But Draco did not agree. His anger was great at the Dark Lord's choice to set Dumbledore free, but he simply could not deny everything that he was raised to believe. Even if his own father no longer believed in it.
"I think you're the ones who are weak," Draco said. "I'll stand by my Lord."
Lucius grabbed him then, curled up his fingers and shoved his fist into Draco's mouth as far as he could. Wallops of tears formed in Draco's eyes and burst through, down his cheeks from the pain.
"You will do as I say," Lucius said, "or you will be quiet."
Draco nodded fiercely.
---
To The Order of the Phoenix;
It has come to our attention that your headmaster and foreman, Albus Dumbledore, has assumed a life of disgrace among his admirers, to bow before the Dark Lord in reverence. In the many years of the Dark Lord's reign, never did we suspect such an outcome, as you, yourselves, perhaps never dreamed as well. The very idea announces to us Voldemort's increasing strength and vitality; such liveliness which must be stopped.
He has been tainted by the very thing he set out to destroy: love and honour. We were all witnesses to Dumbledore's humbling, and release. We are still loyal followers of the old ways. That may never change. The Dark Lord, however, has lost His sense of leadership among us.
We propose a treaty.
If the Order will join together with our small few, we will unite our causes. We will help hunt down and destroy Voldemort if you help do the same for Dumbledore. Under no other proposal will we agree to meet. Kill Voldemort. Kill Dumbledore.
If you are satisfied with our offer, reply immediately, for time is of the essence. Our lives depend upon it. Our secrets die with us.
The Death Eaters
---
Sirius stood face to face with Lucius. The Forbidden Forest stretched out its ugly trees, threatening to engulf them.
"How can you be trusted?" said Sirius.
"How can you?" Lucius replied cheekily.
"It seems we are in a similar situation," said Sirius.
"Indeed it does," said Lucius. "Which is why we should join our forces. For ours is a common goal. I propose we join societies, but only for a time, until both enemies are, shall we say, taken care of.
"We could kill Voldemort alone, but we'd never be able to find Dumbledore. If the Order helped to first track down and kill Dumbledore, then we promise to help you kill Voldemort."
Sirius took a deep breath and let it out slowly. It had never sounded so easy, so perfect, and yet so poisonous as this. Knowing that he did not lead the Order in any real way, he took a step back and confided in his friends. But they were just as desperate as him.
Sirius took another deep breath.
"We agree."
"Good!" said Lucius, pleased. "Here are the rules: Dumbledore is to be found first. No acceptation. The Death Eaters who are still loyal to Voldemort will come next, that way Voldemort will have no one to help him.
"Dumbledore and Voldemort will be attacked by brute force. We prefer that Dumbledore dies first, that way we know that you are serious about your commitment, but if it comes to the Dark Lord's death first, so be it."
"Is that all?" asked Sirius.
"Do you have more?"
"When our commitment is fulfilled," he said, "our union is disconnected, and any memory of our working together forgotten. We don't want to be associated with Death Eaters."
"Fair enough."
"Right."
"Anything else?"
"The Death Eaters cannot act without the Order. If something happens, the Order must be notified at once. And we are not allowed to attack each other. We are now a team, not enemies, and we should act like one."
"Very well put," said Lucius with a teasing tone to his voice.
"Agreed?"
"Agreed."