Chapter 19 – Test of loyalty

The great hall at Chateaux Lestrange was strangely quiet, considering the fact that so many people had gathered inside of it. They all stood silently, waiting for what was to come. The drapes had been pulled down over the windows and house-elves were standing along the walls, carrying burning torches, the only lights.

Slowly, Rudolphus Lestrange took one step forward, his wife on his right side and his younger brother on his left. "My friends," he said in a deep voice that seemed to send echoes across the walls. "On behalf of myself and my family I welcome you to this house." He indicated the spacious hall and the elegant decorations. "This estate was my inheritance from my father who inherited it from his father before him. It has been left to me to manage and protect."

"But now, it is no longer mine," he firmly continued. "Because I have realized that there are things that have a meaning that go far beyond material wealth. The endless fight for greatness and survival is more crucial than anything else. That is why I am now a servant of Lord Voldemort. The pure blood of Salahzar Slytherin runs through his veins and he has come as a saviour into our world. Everything I own also belongs to him. And that is why you have all been invited here tonight."

Bellatrix slowly stepped up next to her husband. "You are here because the lord wants to give you a chance. If you are worthy enough, you will be accepted as one of his servants, an honour beyond anything else in this world. You will serve him with your life, your blood and your powers. Just like we have been chosen to do."

She slowly raised her hand and showed off her wrist where her mark was showing; the snake coming out of the mouth of a skull. "This is the dark mark," she said. "Only those who belong to him may wear it. If you deserve it, you will receive one tonight. If you are ready to give everything to him."

She sharply let her eyes gaze out over the guests in their black robes. Most of them were Hogwarts students and some of them looked too young to even be allowed to visit Hogsmeade. She recognized several of them. Regulus was there of course with his tail of friends; the Rosiers, the Crouch brat, the Parkinson brothers, those stupid Crabbe siblings and so on. Some of them looked very nervous but her cousin's eyes were sparkling ecstatically.

Maybe it won't be as easy as you think, she thought grimly. She suddenly frowned as she noticed a tall, blond wizard at the back of the hall. What is he doing here? She didn't know, but she intended to find out. That and a few other things.

As she stopped talking, it was Rabastan's turn to address the crowds. "The lord will appear some time during this night and he will put you all to the test. Everyone will be judged separately and for their own unique qualities. No one will be favoured because of family or connections. No one will be chosen who does not live up to his demands."

Rudolphus raised a goblet of wine. "Let's make a toast and drink to our cause as we await the arrival of our great master!"


Andromeda had just finished her last class and was on her way back to the Slytherin house when Sirius discreetly approached her in the corridor. "I have to talk to you," he said quietly but firmly.

"Can't it want?"

"Are you okay?" he asked her, frowning as he noticed how pale and wan she looked.

"Yes, I am fine, just a little bit nauseous. I think I am coming down with the flu or something."

"Too bad," he said. "But I really need to talk to you anyway – in private. It won't take long."

She nodded tiredly. "Fine. Let's go into the library."

They hid behind the shelf with the thickest herbology lexicons in the whole library. "All right, what's going on?" she asked him, wishing that he would hurry up so she could go back to the dormitory and hide under her pillow.

"Is Narcissa seeing Lucius Malfoy?" he asked her without ceremony.

"Who told you that?"

"Never mind. Is she?" Sirius demanded impatiently.

Andromeda hesitated, but decided that it wouldn't hurt to let him know. "They have been going out a couple of times, yes," she admitted. "And they are writing to each other. But I really don't know how serious things are between them. She is not telling me a lot about her feelings these days."

"Damn," muttered Sirius resolutely. "I was hoping it was all a lie..."

Andromeda was puzzled. "Why do you care? I thought you would be relieved that she has finally begun to move on." She smirked as she saw his look of discomfort. "Or are you jealous perhaps?"

"Don't be stupid," he said, although Andromeda noticed that he was blushing slightly. "This has nothing to do with me. It's got to do with Lord Voldemort."

"Voldemort?" For a moment, she didn't know what he was talking about. Then a bell started ringing softly at the back of her head. "You mean that terrorist from the World Cup?"

"Where have you been the last few months, Andromeda?" asked Sirius in disbelief. "Hiding in a cave? Voldemort. The dark lord. The saviour of the pure. He has been all over the newspapers and they are hardly talking about anything else down at the Hog's head. He has continued spreading his vile propaganda all over Europe. And they say he is gathering new followers every day." He shook his head, almost with disgust. "Seriously, how could you have missed all this?"

Andromeda blushed fiercely and she realized that it was true when people said that love made the rest of the world go away. "Sorry... I have been busy."

"Busy snogging Ted?" guessed Sirius sarcastically, making her blush even deeper. "Anyway, what I want to say is that us in Gryffindor will not just stand by and watch this freak trying to take over our society and hurt our friends. We are fighting him and we won't give up. Do you understand that?" He looked sharply at her.

She nodded. "Yes I do understand but what does this have to do with Malfoy?"

Sirius sighed. "They claim that he is one of Voldemort's new followers. They say that he is using his post at the ministry to spy on his master's behalf."

Andromeda stared at him. She had never particularly liked Malfoy, but she had never believed that he would be so insane. "That can't be true..."

"Well, I can't know for sure," he admitted. "But in any case, you need to warn Narcissa. If even a hint of this is true, she could be in trouble. Voldemort is no joke Andromeda, he is a real threat." His tone of voice was firm.

"I can't believe it..." mumbled Andromeda. "Besides, she wouldn't listen to me."

"Why not?" Sirius' eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Do you think she is a part of it too? Do you think he has told her about it? If you could find out..."

"Are you asking me to spy on my own sister?" snapped Andromeda angrily. "Sorry, but I won't do that. She has been lonely and miserable for so long and it's only now that she has finally cheered up. I won't do anything to push her over the edge again."

"Come on, this is for her own sake. You wouldn't want her to end up like..." He quickly stopped himself and bit his tongue.

"Like who...?" asked Andromeda in confusion.

"Never mind. I am just asking you for this one small favour."

"Sirius..." Andromeda sighed. "I really don't want to get involved in this. I wish you would keep your problems to yourself."

"My problems?!" Sirius looked furious. "A madman is out to murder people and tear our world apart and you think that's my problem? When are you going to open your eyes and stop being such a damn coward, Andromeda?"

"I am no coward!" she defended herself half-heartedly, though she wasn't exactly convincing. "I... I am just trying to be sensible."

He snorted and glared at her with disdain. "Fine. Go on being sensible then. I suppose I will have to have a talk with Narcissa myself."

"Good luck," said Andromeda sarcastically. "You are probably the last person in the world she would want to talk to."

"I don't care what she wants," he snapped back, marching out of the library.

Andromeda sighed, feeling sicker than ever. An argument was just about the last thing she had needed. She didn't understand why Sirius always had to make her feel guilty and why her loyalty always had to be divided.

Quickly, she hurried away from the library, towards the girls' lavatory, before an accident would happen.


At Chateaux Lestrange, everyone was still waiting breathlessly. There was a special atmosphere hanging in the air. It was nervous, but also excited. The guests were standing in small groups, chatting, but everyone kept their voices low. Every now and then, they kept glancing towards the door.

Bellatrix realized that she had waited long enough. Slowly, she made her way across the hall, towards Lucius Malfoy who was standing alone, quietly appraising the other guests. "I wasn't informed you were coming," she greeted him coldly.

Malfoy ironically raised his eyebrows. "Oh thank you, my sweet; it's very nice to see you too."

"Don't try to be funny," she snapped in irritation, ignoring her courtesies as hostess. "What are you doing here?"

"The same as everyone else, I should think," he said flatly. "I am waiting."

Bellatrix frowned. "Did Rudolphus or Rabastan invite you?"

"No. But they have not tried to kick me out either."

"Who invited you then?"

"Who do you think?" he asked her coldly.

She didn't like to hear that and she wasn't sure if she believed him. "Are you really prepared to swear loyalty to Him?"

"Why wouldn't I?" he asked. "Don't you think I am up to it?"

"No, I don't," answered Bellatrix honestly. "I think you care too much about your reputation. I think you would be too worried to get spots on your fancy robes."'

Malfoy shrugged and refused to get provoked. "Well, you must always have an open mind. It's important to consider all the opportunities in life."

Bellatrix nodded knowingly. "Ah, is that what you are doing with my sister?"

He didn't even flinch. "Why are you bringing her into this?"

"Oh please, can we just be honest here," said Bellatrix in irritation. "She has already told me all about you. I would like to know what it is you are planning."

"Who says I am planning anything? Are you worried about your sister's honour?" He sneered mockingly. "Or are you just bitter that someone prefers your kid sister over you?"

Bellatrix had to take a deep breath not to slap him. His smug arrogance made her furious. It was always provoking to argue with someone who never seemed to loose his control. "I am not bitter," she said resolutely. "I just find it difficult to see you and Narcissa as a couple. And I don't want her to be hurt. She is quite sensitive and as you might have noticed; her heart has already been broken once."

Her voice was firm. She was secretly hoping that Malfoy would realize that he had small chances of being able to compete with Narcissa's idiotic One True Love.

"I know that," said Malfoy coldly and he didn't seem to care the least bit. He sighed and added sincerely. "I just like your sister that's all. She is such a... sweet, innocent girl."

His insinuation didn't escape Bellatrix and she blushed with anger. "I suppose you would fancy someone who never talks back to you."

"Much like you do, you mean?" Malfoy glanced casually at Rudolphus who was talking to one of Regulus' friends.

Bellatrix had to grit her teeth tightly together to control her anger. "I am just warning you, Malfoy. If you have some hidden agenda when it comes to Narcissa..."

"Bellatrix." Suddenly, there was something in Malfoy's voice that immediately shut her up. "I have always liked you very much and for your sister's sake I am prepared to be tolerant. But I'll thank you not to meddle into my private life, or you might risk making me angry. You wouldn't like that." He gave her a look that was so cold that she almost found herself wanting to take a step back.

Their hostile conversation came to a quick end when a cloud of green smoke suddenly fell out of the fireplace and Lord Voldemort suddenly appeared before them. The hall turned deadly silent and the young students stared at him like he had been a miracle.

Rudolphus hurried up to him and bowed. His wife and brother were not far behind. "My lord, be welcome to my house."

"Thank you, Rudolphus." The dark lord smiled one of his rare smiles and nodded at his followers. "Bellatrix. Rabastan." They returned his greetings. As always when he was near her, Bellatrix forgot everything else. She felt like she was almost spellbound by the sound of his voice, intoxicated by his presence.

He looked out over the crowd and nodded at the students in their black robes. Everyone stared at him with eyes like globes, like they couldn't believe that he was finally in front of them. The honour of meeting him, the hope of the purebloods, the heir to Slytherin, was almost too amazing to grasp

"I am pleased to see that so many people have gathered here tonight," he started. "It shows a great potential for our cause. It proves that we are many who are eager to fight for our race and our right to dominate the world. I can promise that you will each have your chance and I will judge you fairly."

His eyes narrowed and his voice hardened. "However, before we start, I must warn you. In my pack, there is no room for doubts or hesitation. If you want to pull out, you better do it now, while you still can. I accept nothing but complete devotion and obedience from my followers. I expect loyalty unto death from you all. I tolerate nothing else. I will not suffer any sort of treason or disloyalty. Your only allegiance will be to me and only me, otherwise you will be severely punished."

"Once you are chosen and you have said the vow, there is no way back. Then you will belong to me forever. I ask you all to think about this. It is a hard mission that awaits you, but if you are strong enough, I will reward you in a way you can't possible imagine. I will give you the ultimate gift, that will be reserved only for the members of our race; Immortality."

Everyone was deadly quiet. It was as if the air had vanished from them. Bellatrix could understand them. The realization of what they were about to enter and what role they would be given was so great and boundless that it was almost impossible to fully understand, even for purebloods like them. Their task and mission were so glorious that they could not be expressed in words.

Suddenly, a skinny form boldly stepped forward. Bellatrix frowned, but he spoke up before she could stop him. "My lord, may I speak please?"

"Your name?" asked Voldemort softly.

"It is Regulus Black, my lord. I have been a leader for a group at Hogwarts for years. It was me who asked that we should be brought before you. We have all been fighting for the same things as you. We are all aware of the great blood that runs through our veins and we know that you is one way – the only way – to give us the place we rightfully deserve."

Regulus occasionally tripped over his words and Bellatrix leered quietly. It was obvious that he had been practising this speech for a long time. Sometimes he sounded as if he was reading aloud from a book. But the others didn't seem to mind his orations and the Lord made no attempt to interrupt him.

"I was born as a son of the most noble house of Black, just like the lady of this castle. I come from a dignified line of pure wizards and witches. I have always taken a great pride in my family and my heritage. However, my loyalty to our cause always comes first and must be put before everything else. I am prepared to sacrifice anything and anyone in our struggle."

His face twisted into a grimace. "There is someone, whose name I can't bear to pronounce, someone whose mere existence is an insult to me. For fourteen years I called him my brother. When I was a child, I looked up to him like a hero. But he betrayed me and our proud family. He chose to leave our pure ways and sided with mudbloods and other filthy scum."

Regulus' cheeks had turned pink and he almost seemed to overflow with excitement as he solemnly continued. "As far as I am concerned, he is no longer my brother. As far as I am concerned, he deserves the worst kind of punishment. There is no crime more horrible than treachery. If I was ordered to kill him, I would do it without hesitation. That would wipe the stain away from my family's name."

Bellatrix found herself being slightly impressed with her cousin, even though she still doubted his ability. And she agreed with what he said. She knew that if she ever had the chance, she wouldn't hesitate to kill a traitor, no matter who he was.

Lord Voldemort smiled slightly and nodded. "You speak well," he complimented Regulus who looked like he had just won a million galleons. "And I can promise that if you live up to what you say, you will be well rewarded. And so will anyone else who is brave enough to speak up for what is right."


Andromeda's head was spinning and she was breathing fiercely. Her long nightgown felt damp and sticky against her body and she frantically tried to pull her brown hair behind her ears to keep it out of the way. Her insides felt like they were twisting in cramps as she bent over the basin and emptied the content of her stomach.

It was hardly more than dawn yet and she heard the birds chirping cheerfully outside. It was spring now and the light of the sun rose earlier. From inside the dormitory, she could hear Narcissa's calm breaths as she slept and she tried to keep as quiet as possible not to wake her.

When she was finished, she fell back against the wall and sank to the floor as she desperately tried to catch her breath. Her heart was beating heavily. Her throat felt sore and her stomach was aching.

She closed her eyes and pressed her arms against her midsection. She felt so exhausted that she could barely reach her hand out to grab a glass of water to rinse away the vile taste of bile inside her mouth.

She was getting tired of this. It was draining her energies and made it difficult for her to concentrate on her school work. She just couldn't understand why this stupid sickness wouldn't let go of its hold on her.

Andromeda had already asked Madam Pomfrey for a potion against her flu, but strangely enough it had not had any effect. She supposed she could ask her for something stronger. But this did not seem to be one of the usual kinds of influenza. It was actually quite strange. She did not have any fever and yet she kept feeling sick and exhausted, especially in the mornings.

Andromeda suddenly felt a new attack coming over her. She could hardly even make it to her feet before she once again had to turn herself inside out, like a wet rag. The cramps were even more violent this time and they scared her. Her head was spinning fast enough to make her faint.

Her hands trembled as she splashed some water on her face, trying to freshen up a bit. She caught a look of herself in the mirror and made a face. She looked horrible, pale and red-eyed with damp, lacklustre strays of hair plastered against her cheeks.

She sighed and realized that she probably needed to go back to her bed. She needed to get some more sleep and rest before the morning classes would start. She couldn't come to Mac Gonagall's lesson looking like a complete wreck.

But as she walked towards the door, she suddenly stopped. Suddenly, a suspicion had landed inside her mind like a deadly curse that annihilated everything it passed. Suddenly, her whole body turned cold.

She felt sick in the mornings... She was constantly feeling exhausted... She was feeling faint...

No, no, no, she tried to calm herself. No, it couldn't be possible. But her horror grew when she realized that it could be. As a matter of fact, it was very possible.

If Andromeda had been a muggle, she would probably have started praying.