I am sitting in a grand black leather armchair, gripping the arms with my shaking hands. Beads of sweat trickle down from my brow and my lips are sore from excessive biting. I take a few deep breaths in an attempt to calm myself down, but nothing works. I know what's to come. It's only a matter of moments before they return, causing fears to become facts and nightmares to become realities. I nervously tap a black pointed heel on the stone floor, trying to distract myself with the echoing clicks.

Suddenly, almost on cue, Lucius and Draco apparate into the room.

"We're back!" Lucius exclaims in a tone that haunts me. His smirk insults me. I refuse to make eye contact with my husband. His pleased expression shows that he doesn't even notice my pain. "Draco, why don't you tell mummy the news? Or better...show her." I'd like to wipe the smirk off of his face, but rather, I squeeze my hands together tightly, silently hoping my jugular won't burst.

With a shaking hand, Draco pulls up his left sleeve, revealing the Dark Lord's mark. I cringe.

"That's my boy." Lucius smiles and clasps his palm on Draco's shoulder.

I try to force a smile, choke out a word or two. But nothing happens.

"Narcissa, dear, what's wrong? I'd think you'd be more, well, proud." Lucius ponders.

"Of course I'm proud of you Draco. I just can't believe today actually came. So soon, at that. You're growing up, Draco." I hold back tears.

"Draco didn't even tell you the best part yet. He's received his first assignment." Lucius gushes with pride.

"What is it dear?" I ask Draco.

"I – err – umm – well –" Draco stutters.

"I'll just tell her," Lucius chimes in. "He's been assigned to kill Dumbledore." He spits out the name.

"You mean Albus Dumbledore?" I cry.

"Of course. The one and only." Lucius replies.

"Lucius, may I speak with you in the hall for a moment?" I ask, tugging on his sleeve.

"I suppose." He replies, as if he has a choice.

Once we are out of the room, I let him have it. "How can you possibly let this happen? He's just a boy! He's only been a Death Eater for – what – ten minutes? And now he's assigned to kill the second most powerful wizard after our Lord? Lucius–"

He cuts in. "Cissy, I don't see why you're fussing over this. He's worked his whole life for this opportunity. It's an honor. Our Lord trusts him to do such a deed. Don't you understand what this means for him? For our family?"

"You're giving him a death sentence." I hiss. "He's just a boy!"

"Let's go back. I don't want Draco to see us fighting. This should be a happy day." He orders.

We walk back as if nothing had happened. All of a sudden, Bellatrix apparates into the room.

"Ah-ha-ha! Well I heard the news and I just had to come by. Atta boy Draco! Your auntie is so proud of you!" She lets out another almost drunken laugh.

"Excuse me, Bellatrix, but I don't recall inviting you." I state in a courteous, yet stern voice.

"Pleasure to see you too Cissy, but I'm talking to Draco." She turns and addresses Draco directly. "Now, Draco, we must begin your training. You will learn from the best." She gestures toward Lucius and herself. "It's not like you learn any useful magic at that school," she spits out in disgust.

"Bella. Hall. Now." My decibel heightens through gritted teeth. She takes her time following me out of the room.

"Why are you doing this?" I beg in a flat tone.

"Doing what? I don't seem to understand. I'm just celebrating this glorious day." She sighs with pleasure.

"Do whatever you want to me but don't get my son involved," I plead.

"Ever consider that maybe this isn't part of your punishment? Draco does have free will. Even if you don't." Her tone becomes airy.

"Bella, this isn't like hexing first years. This is serious. Draco is in serious danger. This is just a game to you. I can't allow my son to become apart of it. I c – can't lose him."

"Well, blimey, Narcissa, I thought you'd be a bit happier about this. Draco was chosen." She is clearly feeding off my desperation.

"He's my boy. He's all I've got. I can't lose him. No, not like this." Tears begin to well up. I've been fighting them for too long.