A/N: I'm so sorry for taking so long to update! My internet was off :( Anyway, here it is! Enjoy :)

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Chapter Two – Social Darwinism

Kimaine James POV

I quietly returned to my seat as the Assembly Hall once again started to fill up. Further conversation had been put to an end when the first students arrived, which frustrated me. I wanted to find out more about how our life was going to change now that we were under Voldemort's command. I glanced at the two who entered. It was numbers 7 and 8, who, I believe, were born in Greece and the Middle East respectively. All I could make out of number 8 (Middle East guy) was his long black-haired ponytail (which was held in place by a bright red ribbon) that fell down to the small of his back.

He seemed like an interesting enough character. He was very tall, and from what I could see through his clothes, he had narrow shoulders and a lithe build. What made me the most curious, however, was the fact that he was dressed in a black Armani suit. This guy was obviously rich, and his whole demeanour just screamed arrogance.

"That is Ozymandias Malkira. Quit staring or he'll notice, genius."

I yelped at the sudden voice and whirled around to glare at the person who gave me such a fright. It turned out to be a girl who appeared to be around fifteen years old. Her black hair was pulled into a messy ponytail. I noticed how pale her skin was, and how it made her freakishly beautiful eyes stand out. "Uh-," I said brilliantly.

She narrowed her eyes. "Stop. Staring. At. Me."

I was immediately flustered. "I'm sorry! I just…where are you from? I mean, you have a South African accent but…"

"I'm extremely pale?" she said helpfully. She snorted and shook her head. "Blame genetics on that." She eyed me critically, seemingly searching for something. Finally, she said, "You're quite pale yourself, hey. I'm Number Ten, Cornith Cook." She stuck out her hand expectantly.

Yes, yes I was pale. Unfortunately. But that was because I didn't go into the sun enough to actually work up a tan. I blinked as I recognised her surname. Abraham Cook, her father I guessed, was a well-known Death Eater and was very important to Voldemort.

"Number Eleven, Kimaine James," I said warily and shook her offered hand.

Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Oh, so you are the little sister of Professor James. Huh." The tone of voice with which she said that immediately caused me to take offence. What was she trying to say?! "Anyway, I've gotta go cause my friend is calling me. Bye!" With that, Cornith turned around and walked over to an empty area at the back of the hall.

I blinked at her retreating back, and then I narrowed my eyes in concentration. Who exactly was that Cornith chick, besides maybe being Abraham Cook's daughter? I shook my head and turned to look at the stage as Kerri was called. The redhead waved goodbye to Lefu, who took a seat at the front of the Hall. Kerri then proceeded to walk up to the stage radiating cool confidence. I just knew that she would ace this final test.

I was broken out of my thoughts as a girl with chocolate brown hair cut in layers plopped down next to me. She had fair not-exactly-ivory skin and jade green eyes that peered at me curiously. The girl was dressed in simple but obviously expensive pair of white designer skinny jeans and a soft purple halter neck blouse. "I see you met the wonderful Cori Cook," she said in way of greeting.

What was it with people randomly talking to me today, sheesh! Not that it was a bad thing or anything… I cleared my throat and nodded. "If by wonderful you mean wonderfully rude, then yes, I have."

The brunette snorted. "I'm Vasilisa West, by the way," she said, looking at me sideways. "Number 23."

What was with these people and including their numbers? It wasn't as if it was important…was it? I suddenly wasn't so sure, and filed it away to ask Adrian about it later. "Pleased to meet you, Vasilisa. I'm Number Eleven, Kimaine James."

"Yes, I know. You're Professor James's little sister... Joined the group after the death of your friends. You've got a romantic interest in someone you can't ever have." She smirked as I flushed bright red. "It's not what I came to find out, though. Cornith Cook is a very complicated character, so don't judge her just yet," Vasilisa paused and tilted her head to the side slightly. "Now, I want to know…" the brunette said with a small smile as she crossed her arms over her chest.

I waited expectantly, wondering what she wanted to know. I grimaced and waved a hand to tell her to ask me already. I hated waiting.

"What type of wand do you have?"

I blinked a few times at the completely random question. I thought she'd ask something important, or embarrassing, but noooo. It seems that I was wrong. "That is your question," I said incredulously. "Really? Are you serious?"

Vasilisa rolled her eyes. "Yes, that's my question. Now tell me already!" she said impatiently. "It's not like you've got anything to lose by telling me, anyway." Her jade green eyes peered into my own curiously.

Ah, what the heck. "It's 9 inches, holly wood, and the core is a Sand Phoenix tail feather." I furrowed my brow and asked, "Why is this important again?"

"It's not," she said with a shrug, though there was a glint in her eyes that made me suspicious. "I just wanted to know."

I didn't reply as my attention was suddenly captured by Lefu standing up abruptly and walking hurriedly over to me. A sense of dread filled me as I saw the true panic in his eyes. As soon as the African man reached me, I stood up. "What's going on, Lefu?"

His answer was grabbing my arm and dragging me out of the Hall. "What the flip, Lefu!" I hissed when we were finally outside. "I didn't even say goodbye to Vasilisa!" I pulled my arm out of his grip and glared angrily at him, but frowned when he shoved his phone into my hands.

"Read," he commanded.

ATTENTION, WITCHES AND WIZARDS! The laws of L.V. will soon be applied upon Eastern Cape. Can't go into detail, but arranged marriages are one of the laws. Just wanted to let you all know in case the media tries to downplay everything again. ~ Wistful.

"This…this can't be right," I muttered, fear staring to sink in. The whole idea of having no choice about the person you will marry… "Lefu, she's got to be mistaken!" Desperation was clear in my voice. Arranged marriages….the idea as horrible.

Lefu's expression was grim as he shook his head. "No, she's not, Kim. I'm sorry. She's never been wrong about anything before." He run a hand over his face and mumbled, "I just wanted you to see this."

I bit my lip. "Thanks. I think we should go back now, though. I'll talk this over with Adrian and see what more I can find out, okay? Kerri will probably give us an earful for not being there to support her." The truth was, I didn't think I'd be any good company right now. The whole arranged marriage thing scared me half to death.

Lefu nodded and started walking back to the hall. Eyes turned to us as we entered, but I studiously ignored them. I quietly retook my seat next to Vasilisa. "You okay?" she asked, seeming genuinely concerned.

"Yeah…" I said half-heartedly, "Just thinking."

She nodded and turned back to the stage, where Number 22 (a young African boy) was going through his final test. I was glad that Vasilisa didn't pry.

I sighed and ran a hand through my black hair. Earlier when I'd heard that my Province had now fallen under the command of Voldemort, I'd been so consumed by the thought that the used-to-be-snaked-face-bastard was here, that I'd completely forgotten how much our lives would change. From what I'd heard from my friends in other countries, Social Darwinism played a big role in Voldemort's regime. Of course we didn't get to know a lot about these laws, thanks to the media bowing underneath the Dark Lord's command.

Next to me, Vasilisa stood up. At my questioning glance, she rolled her eyes. "Stop spacing out, Kimaine. It's my turn now."

"Oh," I mumbled. "Well, good luck!"

She smiled briefly at me before walking to the stage. From where I sat, I could clearly see the determination in her eyes. I hoped she made the team, and if I made it too, I knew I'd be able to count on her. Don't ask me why, I just had a feeling that Vasilisa West was a powerful ally to have.

After another two long and torturous hours we were finally done. Professor Bulero stood and addressed the twenty five of us that were gathered in the Assembly Hall. He thanked us for our hard work, and also praised us on how knowledgeable we all were. Next to me, Lisa Reeds gave a smirk. She was from a really important Pureblood family and was, unfortunately, full of herself. "I'm going to be on that team," she whispered with satisfaction. "You'll see."

I rolled my eyes at her and nearly choked on a laugh as a teenage boy from behind us muttered, "You won't get in by spreading your legs, Lisa."

The blonde was highly offended and seemed about ready to blow up, so I made my escape as soon as the doors were opened.

I met Lefu and Kerri outside. "We're going to Professor Frost to see what worked we missed today," Kerri said. She grimaced and added, "I hate Potions."

"Are you coming with us, Kim?" Lefu questioned.

I shook my head. "Nah, I'll just bully Adrian to help me," I said with a cheeky smile. At the end of 7th year, he'd received an Outstanding in Potions, so he friggen better help me! If he refused, I'd buy him chocolate…

I waved goodbye to my two friends. It was 15:30 and I decided to go to the kitchens to grab a late lunch. I nearly jumped out of my skin when I felt a tug on my arm, and whirled around. I'd thought I was alone, but saw Vasilisa standing behind me. "Don't sneak up on me, Vasilisa West!" I exclaimed, but offered her a smile to show I wasn't angry. "Next time make some noise or something."

Vasilisa rolled her eyes as we started walking again. "It's not my fault you weren't paying attention to your surroundings," she said simply.

I rolled my eyes. "Good point, I guess. Do you like this school?" I asked her, not really enjoying the slightly awkward silence between us. I glanced at Vasilisa as we continued walking, and noticed she looked a little bit relieved at the conversation.

"It's alright, I guess. Do you like it?"

I laughed. "We'll, it's my school so I sort of have to like it," I told her just as we reached the entrance to the kitchen. It was a rather large portrait of Pieter Grey - the founder of our school. He was a lean and muscled man, and he looked at us with narrowed eyes. "Ja?" he rudely asked us in Afrikaans. (Yes?)

Pieter didn't understand English, so I quickly explained why we didn't make Lunch.

"Maak gou, jong dame. Ek het nie heeldag tyd nie!" he snapped impatiently. (Hurry up, young lady. I don't have all day!)

I sighed with relief as the portrait swung open, and hurried through it. The kitchen was large and filled with House Elves happily working as they bustled around. Immediately a house elf named Sara approached me. "What can Sara gets missus?" she asked me. I'd met her once before when I'd sneaked into the kitchens in the middle of last year's exams.

"A plate of chicken pie would be amazing, please."

Sara nodded and turned to look at Vasilisa. The brunette raised her eyebrows and told the elf, "What she's having."

"Sara will be right back!" the elf said excitedly and hurried off to prepare our food.

I nodded and took a seat at one of the many tables. I decided to watch Vasilisa as she gazed around the kitchen curiously. It was probably her first time in my school's kitchen. My curiosity spiked as I noticed a small, barely noticeable rose tattoo in her neck. I wondered what it symbolized.

"How did your test go?" I asked instead.

Vasilisa's eyes flicked over to meet mine. She thought about it for a moment and said, "It went great. I didn't have any trouble answering their questions. How was yours?"

"It went good, I think. I didn't have too many difficult scenarios." Except the part where I had to explain the death of my friends…

Sara returned then and handed us our food. We ate in a silence that wasn't uncomfortable at all. After a few minutes, we made some small talk to get to know each other. I learned that she was born in Britain, and that on her 7th birthday she arrived in South Africa, making her stay here roughly nine years. "Wow, you've been here longer than most people have," I said with some surprise. "I've heard that a lot of the finalists have only moved to South Africa in the last five years or so."

"My dad had us come here for business," she said, slightly hesitating before saying the word "business".

I nodded. "That's nice, I guess." I glanced down at Vasilisa's plate and saw that she was done eating. "Shall we go, then?" I asked.

The brunette nodded and stood. We thanked Sara and soon we were on our way. "Where are you headed, Kimaine?" Vasilisa asked as we walked.

"Outside, I guess. I've been inside for way to long today."

"I'm sorry, Kim, but that will have to wait."

I cursed and whirled around to meet Adrian's tired face. "Adrian! What have I told you about sneaking around in this school?" I accused, my heart beating wildly. Vasilisa laughed at me, mumbling something about getting scared easily. I DO GET SCARED EASILY, DAMMIT!

Adrian waved away my words. "We need to talk, Kim. I'm sorry for interrupting your conversation, Miss West" - here he nodded at Vasilisa - "But I'm sure you'll have time to talk later."

"Sorry, Vasilisa," I said apologetically. "I'll see you later?"

She nodded and smiled. "Sure. Enjoy the talk!"

I rolled my eyes and followed Adrian as he started to walk down one of the numerous hidden passages.

"Oh, and Kim?" she called after my retreating back. "Call me Lissa!"

I smiled. So we were friends now? That's good.

I entered my brother's office and, after taking a look at the seriously uncomfortable looking chairs, conjured myself a beanbag. I plopped down and watched as my brother walked to one of his many cupboards. He grabbed a bottle of brandy and poured himself a glass. Adrian downed it and poured himself another one. "Adrian?" I asked hesitantly, concerned. Adrian rarely drank.

He sighed and plopped down next to me after conjuring his own beanbag. "Sorry," he muttered. "It's just…we're fucked to Hell and back."

I gasped and lightly punched his arm. "Chill out, Adrian," I scolded. "Seriously, you don't curse ever. So don't start doing it now!" I was careful to not mention that I, along with my friends, cursed a lot.

Adrian rubbed a hand over his face. "I called you in here to warn you," he said. He peeked at me through his fingers. "Our lives are going to change drastically now that Voldemort is in command." He took a sip of the amber liquid before continuing. "Do you know what social Darwinism is?"

I frowned as I thought. "Sort of, but not completely."

"Darwinism is a theory that states that all organisms have evolved from common ancestors, through the process Natural Selection, which organisms adapted to their environment, will reproduce. Social Darwinism follows the same premise - only the strong survive and live on. Nazi ideology was strongly influenced by social Darwinist ideas." Adrian paused for a moment to allow me a moment to process everything. "Social Darwinism does not believe in the principle of equality of all human beings. It states that the weak and unfit should be allowed to die; that some human beings are biologically superior to others. It also states that the strongest or fittest should survive and flourish in society."

"So is this basically what Voldemort believes?" I questioned. "He believes that the poor and the ill aren't supposed to breed?"

My brother grimaced at my choice of words. "Those are some examples of what the Dark Lord believes, yes. When the Dark Lord first came into power in the First War, he was a blood supremacist who believed Purebloods were the superior race. He killed thousands of Muggleborn and Half-blood magical folk to support these beliefs. However, after the Battle of Hogwarts, he made it known that he was a Half-blood, himself, and that his right-hand was, in fact, a Muggleborn named Hermione Granger."

I perked up at the familiar name. She was one of the best friends of Harry Potter, who betrayed him in the end. "So that girl convinced him that he was being stupid?"

Adrian nodded. "She invented a potion that cured his insanity. After a while, Hermione even managed to return the snake-like creature into his former body, the one belonging to Tom Riddle." Adrian took another sip of his brandy as he thought. "So instead of believing in Blood Purity, Hermione convinced him to change his goals into Social Darwinism. I believe she, herself, got the ideas of that Muggle man named Hitler."

"Okay…and in this life of Voldemort, how will our lives be decided? Like I mean, Wealth, appearance…?" I asked, trying to understand. Blood obviously didn't play too big of a role any more.

"Reputation, Money, and then other things like Bloodline or Social Standing. Here is where Darwinism comes in again. That means that the society develops by making differences between the people, so that poor, ill, weak people won't be allowed to breed, but making things easy for the people with good genes. This is where arranged marriage comes in."

Crap. Even though Wistful had warned us about arranged marriage, I'd hoped that she was somehow mistaken. But Adrian's words just confirmed my fears. "Um…arranged marriage? That's, that's kak… How will we be paired up for these marriages?" I was afraid of the answer, but I had to know.

"I guess that with us it will be the same as everywhere else. A team will be sent to our capital, which is Bisho. Either that, or a team will be sent to East London and Port Elizabeth. I think the latter is what will happen. Then, before the age of sixteen, everyone will be sent to these Teams to be assessed. They will decide who you will be paired with."

"So they decide, and not our parents?"

"It doesn't really matter, since our parents are dead," Adrian said bluntly.

I ignored him and continued, "What about those who are over sixteen and unmarried or unpaired?"

Adrian shrugged. "I guess that they'll be paired immediately."

My brain was buzzing from the overload of information I'd just received. Arranged marriage, social Darwinism…what more could Voldemort do?

"I think I'm going outside for a bit," I said, my voice sounding odd even to my own ears. "I need to clear my head." I got up unsteadily and walked to the door.

"Wait, Kim. You're upset I know, but -," Adrian said.

I shook my head and offered him an entirely false smile. "I'll be fine," I said. I turned around and left his office.

As I walked, random bits of uncompleted thoughts ran through my mind.

Married off before I'm sixteen-

Not allowed to breed if –

Will I marry?

Not fit for it-

No choice –

Marriage –

No choice no choice no choice

Before long I was back in my favourite clearing in the woods where I'd sat with my friends just a few hours ago, when we'd heard that we were under Voldemort's command. I sank down against a tree and drew my legs to my chest. How was I going to tell my friends? Kerri would be crushed, since she's been dating Connor for two years now. What if they didn't match and they weren't paired?

A snapping twig made my head snap up and I narrowed my eyes at the guy leaning casually against a tree a few feet away from me. Extremely tanned skin, narrow shoulders and hips, a long ponytail… "What are you doing, Malkira?" I asked tiredly.

He smirked down at my seated form. "Standing, what does it look like I'm doing?"

I supressed an eye roll. "I can see that. How long have you been standing there?"

The tanned teen just smirked.

"I'm Kimaine James," I introduced, not liking the silence.

"Ozymandias Malkira, though it seems that you already know this."

I noticed he had seriously amazing eyes that were a very dark grey. "I was being polite."

Ozymandias raised a perfect eyebrow and continued staring down at me.

"Aren't you going to say anything?" I asked, mildly annoyed. Ozymandias averted his gaze to a bird sitting in a tree opposite him. "No? Well fine, then," I muttered and stood up. I didn't want to talk to a jerk, anyway. I left the clearing without saying anything else. My head hurt and I was in no mood for jerks.

The walk to the girls' dorms passed by fairly quickly and silently. As I walked I looked around me at all the greenery. I breathed in the clean, fresh air and pushed my hair behind my ears. I'm going to miss this, I realized as I walked down the path leading to our dormitories. The fresh air, the mountains, South Africa…

"What's it with you and spacing out, Kim, seriously," an exasperated voice said.

I glanced to my left as Vasilisa – no, Lissa, I corrected myself – fell into step next to me. "I've got a lot on my mind," I told her. "You know, what with Voldemort taking over the Eastern Cape."

Lissa nodded thoughtfully. "But what is it that has you so troubled? Is it because of your talk with your brother? If it is, what made you this upset?"

I stopped walking and took a seat on the grass. I patted the spot next to me, which Lissa took after a second's hesitation. I explained, briefly, why Lefu had been upset. I told what my brother had told me. I told her about the Darwinism and the arranged marriages. I told her everything.

Vasilisa was silent for a painfully long time. She turned to me, her jade eyes serious. "We are Voldemort's bitches now, Kimaine," she said. "Just accept it."

I couldn't argue with that. It was true, really. What Voldemort said, was law. And you can't break the law without some serious consequences.

...Or can I?