A/N: Sorry its later than usual. I was really sick this week and couldn't get a chance to update. Enjoy!

Just a warning to everyone there is sexual content in this chapter. However, given the nature of this site I have removed the more graphic content. If you want to read it, you'll have to go to HP Fandom (.net) and search under members for 'The Dark Mistress' the story name is the same and you can read the lemon there. As always my story is already complete. I will be updating once a week. The days will vary. Thank you in advance for taking a look.

Disclaimer: Refer to chapter 1

Warnings: This story is rated mature for sexual situations, language, adult content etc. I will do my best to give warning when explicit sexual content will be in chapters. Otherwise, you need to self manage. I do not wish to receive angry reviews regarding the content. This is an adult story so if you are uncomfortable with the content please STOP reading. I will not be offended. It is your job to ensure you are comfortable with what you are reading.

Chapter 6

The first week of holidays passed quickly. Severus and Lucius were alone in the Slytherin common room as Narcissa had gone to Hogsmade with a girl from Ravenclaw. Draco was off with Harry enjoying the snow outside. They were the only students from Slytherin remaining for the holiday. There would be more students as the Hogwarts Express would made two trips this year for any students who wanted to return for Yule celebration at the castle. Those students would arrive later in the week.

"Things are too quiet Lucius," Severus commented as he paced. Lucius looked at his brother and finally moved into a sitting position on the leather couch.

"I agree, Sev but we cannot afford to arose suspicion. I personally, do not wish to go on a permanent vacation to Azkaban."

"He said he was going to summon us during our holidays. I do not want to be summoned so close to Yule that Harry notices my absence." Lucius raised his eyebrow at Severus' last comment.

"You are truly serious about him aren't you?"

"He makes me feel things. I have never cared for anyone except for you, Narcissa and Lily. I...I want things between us to become...permanent." Lucius awarded Severus with a knowing smile.

"I understand, my brother. I feel the same about Cissa. She lights up a room when she enters." Severus fell ungracefully onto the opposite couch.

"Luc, he doesn't know we're Death Eaters. Harry will never want to be with me if he finds out." Severus rubbed both his hands up and down his face warily.

"Then we won't let him find out, now will we?" Lucius gave him a pointed look. Lucius noted that the entrance wall was moving and remove the silencing charm he had around their area.

"Lucius, Severus how are you both?" Narcissa asked as she floated into the room. Dressed in beautiful white robes she pulled her hood back to reveal her long platinum blond hair. Her silvery eyes were alight with joy and her pale cheeks were rosy. Draco came in behind her carry their bags. Lucius was struck by how alike they looked at that moment. Both wearing the same joyful expression. It was then that Lucius noted the similarity in their eyes. Both had the same piercing silvery grey eyes. Lucius continued to look back and forth between them, starting to notice other similarities. The same bone structure namely the cheek bones.

"Draco I thought you were out with Harry?" Severus asked as he took Narcissa's cloak for her and hung it by the fire to dry it.

"I was, we were involved in a snow ball fight with the Gryffindors. However, when I spotted Narcissa with her shopping bags I figured she could use my assistance." Narcissa turned to Draco and smiled gratefully.

Once she had removed her snow things, she went to greet her boyfriend.

"Luc, it was wonderful in the village, especially when it began snowing. It was beautiful. Grace and I ended up walking back to Hogwarts to enjoy the weather." Narcissa wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned up to kiss him. Lucius held her tightly as he began to warm her lips from the cold. He still couldn't believe how fortunate he was that the marriage contract was between Narcissa and him. It could have easily been to her sister Bellatrix. Originally he was to marry Andromeda but due to her unsanctioned marriage to a muggle, the Black family had been forced to find another daughter to honour the contract. Bellarix at the time had been promised to the eldest son of the Lestrange family. Thus, leaving Lucius to marry Narcissa the youngest of the Black sisters. When he had first laid eyes on her during first year he had known she would be his.

He sat down on the couch, bringing Narcissa down with him and cuddling her in his lap. She leaned into him and nuzzled her nose into his neck.

"Did you miss me Luc?" The loving, emotional side of Narcissa only ever came out when they were in private, or amongst close friends. Apparently, Draco was now included in their tight group.

"Of course I did, my love. But I knew you needed some time with your friends." He gave her a peck on the lips.

"My darling have you noticed anything peculiar about Draco?" Narcissa looked sharply at her boyfriend's whispered words.

"You mean that despite his black hair he looks suspiciously like the two of us?" Lucius gave his girlfriend a great deal of credit for putting things together so quickly.

"Indeed my darling. Why do you suppose that is?"

"There is something going on and we are going to have to figure it out. But Lucius, let's not worry about it tonight. You promised me a special evening and I always collect what's due." Narcissa said as she wrapped her arm around his neck and pulled him into a passionate kiss.

Draco had been watching his parents for a while. Something was off about them, it was making his senses tingle. He would need to talk to Harry about it. As it was after dinner Draco figured he could speak with Harry tomorrow, now would be as good a time as any to get some rest. Bidding his future parents and godfather goodnight he went to bed.

The night before Yule celebrations began brought the return of some students. Amongst those were Lily Evans and James Potter.

"I see you decided to return to Hogwarts as well?" Lily asked her boyfriend as they entered a carriage together. James ensured she was settled and comfortable before taking his own seat and closing the door. While he may at times be an impulsive fool his pureblood manners would always hold.

"I just felt as if I needed to be back here. I think it has something to do with Harry." Lily nodded in agreement.

"I felt the same way, it was nice seeing my parents and Petunia but I was constantly dealing with anxiety like I had something to do or somewhere to be. So last minute I said my goodbyes and apparated to the station."

"Well we're back now, we'll go find that boy along with Remus and Sirius. I wonder if those two have figured things out yet?" James looked up at the ceiling to think.

"I know, they have been dancing around each other for ages. Though they are not quite as bad as we were," Lily smiled indulgently.

"We're here, lets go get settled then find our friends." Together the two entered the beautifully decorated castle.

The same night as the other students had returned to the castle. Severus felt a burning sensation on his forearm. His eyes met Lucius', it was time. Draco had been across the room and noted Severus' stiff posture and the meaningful look between the two. It was obvious they had been called. He would have to send Harry a message quickly if they were going to follow their trails.

Getting up and feigning a headache, Draco went to his dorm room and grabbed his broom. After dismantling the charms that prevented students from getting out through the windows Draco flew to Gryffindor tower and luckily found Harry in his dorm room alone.

"Harry, they have been called, we've got to go." Harry locked up at Draco's voice. He immediately grabbed his broom and exited the same way Draco had. Draco cast the Disillusionment charm on both of them and then they took off towards the main doors. They waited until they saw the doors open and two dark figures raced for the shadows. The boys on brooms began to follow at a distance. When the dark shadows reached the main gates they apparated. Harry and Draco landed and Draco performed a spell that would allow them to track the apparation trail.

Grabbing on to Harry, Draco sidealonged his brother to the location. Upon arrival Draco recognized his surroundings from his memories.

"Little Hangleton," Draco stated calmly. Harry shivered as he recognized the manor in the distance as the one from his nightmares. Where the man named Frank had lost his life, for no good reason.1 Draco led the way up to the house on the hill, with Harry holding on to his shoulder to keep track of him. They saw the two figures they were following slip into the back of the house. They reached the back entrance and slipped inside. Draco went towards what would have been considered the ballroom and he heard Voldemort's voice. He peaked inside and saw the Death Eaters were all assembled in their usual garb.

He quickly transformed both their school cloaks into Death Eater robes and two handkerchiefs into white masks. Then the two men slipped into the room unnoticed and began to listen.

The man on the stage was nothing like Harry had expected. This man looked more like the Riddle he had seen in the Chamber of Secrets only older. He was extremely good looking but there was something sinister about him that made Harry shudder. The man's eyes were cold and unfeeling as his gaze traveled over the crowd. His dark hair was loose and wavy but made him look established. Even the robes Riddle was wearing were tailored and expensive. It made Harry wonder what could have possessed Riddle to give up his looks to become the snake like fiend he had been in the future.

"My dear followers, the time has come for us to make our presence felt. Too long have we withered in the shadows. Too long have we allowed the mudblood scum to linger in our world. The ministry attempts to oppress us and ban our dark rituals but we will prevail. We will bring upon them a force which no wizard has ever seen. United we will regain the places our forefathers held before us. Places of power, honour and valor. We fight for the betterment of our kind. The muggles will overrun us if we allow them; they must be exterminated. Our children live in fear of what the muggles might do when it is the muggles who should fear us."

Harry had to hand it to Riddle, if there was one thing he was good at, it was public speaking. He spoke with such charisma and confidence that it wasn't difficult to see why people followed him. Yet, as Harry remembered the reality of Voldemort's attempt to rule he was angered by the Death Eaters easy acquiescence. Draco nudged Harry and pointed to two slim Death Eaters of about the same height.

"I would know my father and godfather in a snow storm. That's them." Darco whispered to Harry. The two drifted towards the men. Voldemort continued his impassioned speech. The crowd hanging on his every word, giving him the reactions he craved. When his speech came to the end the entire crowd cheered and chanted his praises. Voldemort quieted them down and then began the general meeting.

As empowering as the speech was Severus was feeling empty he had seen the cruelness of this man. He had no desire to help anyone but himself. Joining with this man had been a mistake. At first he had thought the Dark Lord had been right, they shouldn't be bowing down to muggles. There was nothing they couldn't do. Men like his bastard of a father should be exterminated. His thinking had continued that way until the first raid. Severus had thought they would simply scare the muggles into submission. After the screams had begun, however, he realized the horror he had become involved with. The rapes and murders were just the beginning. Innocent children had been spirited away by some of the older and vile Death Eaters, never to be seen or heard from again. One could only imagine the horrors they must have faced. Homes had been burnt to the ground, families even wizarding ones had been torn apart. It was not what he had been expecting.

At the end of the raid, he and Lucius had returned to Hogwarts they had spoken and realized that this was not at all what they wanted. Unfortunately, it was too late. No one walked away from the Dark Lord.

As he came back to reality a spicy scent came to him that made his eyes want to roll back into his head. Suddenly he froze, he knew that scent. There was only one man that could make him lose focus just by being near. He discretely tapped Lucius on the hand. Using his skills in Legilimency he forced his thoughts into Lucius' mind. Lucius froze before the two of them split, took three steps back and ended up on either side of the two men. Severus non-verbally cast a silencing bubble around them.

"What the hell do you two think you're doing? Are you actually here" Severus whispered furiously while continuing to stare at the dais.

"No, we're in China?" Draco said sarcastically. "Of course we are here, did you think I wouldn't notice your absence or that you clutched at your forearms before you left."

"You shouldn't be here." Lucius said seriously. For some reason he was feeling panicky. His eyes landed on Draco's form and the fear doubled.

"Its too late for us to leave the meeting without it being noticed." Harry commented quietly.

"We are going to have a serious talk about this when we get back." Lucius said, his eyes flashing in anger. Severus was too furious to even continue speaking. At some point he had grabbed Harry's hand and was squeezing it tightly. Their dark robes covering their interaction. Lucius disabled the silencing charm and the group was accosted with the screams of some poor fool who had angered their Lord.

The screaming man was being held under the Cruciatus the nervous murmurs of the crowd, it had been for quite some time. Harry was now squeezing Severus' hand as hard as Severus was squeezing his. Harry was feeling the backlash of the dark magic through the link that he had thought had been destroyed. The man kept screaming until finally his heart could take no more of the constant stress and it stopped beating.

The Death Eaters stilled, unable to believe their Lord had ended the life of one of their own. One Death Eater could take no more and stepped out of the crowd. He ran to the prone man and checked for a pulse. Using his wand he checked for vital signs and found known.

"You killed him! You killed Agustus! How could you?!" The unknown Death Eater was beside himself. He brandished his wand and began walking towards the Dark Lord. All the other Death Eaters were too stunned to move.

"You dare question me, Hensworth?" The Dark Lord asked in a terrible voice.

"You just killed my brother." The man was obviously in shock as he continued to mumble to himself, "I lead my brother to his death."

Voldemort gave the man an unconcerned once over. "Avada Kadavra." The trembling man was dead before he hit the ground, landing on top of his departed brother.

"Anyone else have anything to say?" Voldemort questioned in a deadly voice. The ballroom remained silent.

"Now onto...wait a moment, I sense magical signatures that should not be here. Has someone betrayed the cause?" Voldemort asked lightly as if the idea was too implausible to even conceive.

Severus knew that if he and Lucius did not act immediately they would lose the two men they had become close with.

"My Lord, if we may approach?" Severus kept his voice humble, he gently let go of Harry's hand. Lucius picking up on the plan quickly walked with Severus and stopped in front of the dais.

"I have brought two new recruits, they heard of your magnificence and wished to experience your wonder for themselves." Severus realized he was laying it on thick, but if Harry was to survive this night he would have to, if only so he could kill Harry himself.

"Ah yes, young Severus and Lucius, please rise and explain to me your actions." Voldemort seemed more inclined to listen then cast out punishment so the two stood. Lucius taking the lead.

"My Lord, may I introduce to you, two transfer students to Hogwarts. As Severus stated they heard of our cause and wished to join."

Harry and Draco looked at each other realizing how badly this was going to turn out. Harry could not be marked. Voldemort during their time had tried to force the ultimate humiliation upon Harry by marking him and found that he could not develop the mark on his skin. The protections of his mother were still strong and forbid the foreign and hostile magic. Draco began thinking quickly, by the time he had finished the Dark Lord was summoning them forward.

"Remove your masks young wizards. It is impolite to come into another wizard's domain without proper introduction." The Dark Lord did not seem overly pleased with their appearance but was making no move to raise his wand. Draco seized the situation, removing his mask and motioning for Harry to do the same he began his speech.

Draco used a great deal of the ideas Voldemort had been speaking about before and added his own impassioned filler. His voice raised and lowered in cadences and he had the crowd spellbound.

"The powerful and magnificent Lord Voldemort, your reputation precedes you. We are honoured to have been permitted to bask in your presence. Prior to departing our former homes we had heard of the might and power of the British Dark Lord. There were no doubts in our mind that your reign would soon stretch further than the limits of the British Aisles to quickly solidify around the entire world," began Draco's speech. He spoke of their devotion to the plight of all wizards and how they wished they could do their part by joining this noble cause. During Draco's speech, Voldemort's eyes held admiration and intrigue.

"Very good, young man but what are your names?" Draco quickly introduced himself and Harry.

"I could use powerful wizards like you. You will join our cause and tonight you will be marked." Harry's face white as it already was, seemed to pale another few shades. However, Draco moved into the next part of his plan.

"Alas, my Lord, as much as I wish Harry and I could bare you glorious mark we cannot." Voldemort looked dangerously at Draco.

"Why, pray tell Solaire?"

"As new students the old fool Dumbledore continually checks up on us. He has us up to his office and has long conversations. As you noticed our magical signatures, he would notice the change in them. Though never as fast as you have discovered us. If we are to truly serve the cause effectively we must remain unmarked so as to protect our positions as your ever faithful servants. That way with a great deal of subterfuge we can perform tasks that other followers may have trouble with. But if my Lord commands I will wear the mark proudly and do my duty," Voldemort looked at Draco shrewdly.

"Very well, young Draco you make a solid argument. Unfortunately, you will be denied the opportunity to wear my mark. I will keep you and Williams in reserve for when stealth operations are needed. However, before you can join our fold you must prove yourselves. If you can do that, I will give you both your first assignment. Are we in agreement?" Harry and Draco both stated they were.

"As much as I am pleased that young Malfoy and Severus have brought you both here, they did so with my consent or knowledge. For that they will be punished." Harry caught Draco's eye as he realized what he would be forced to do.

"If you both are to become one with us you must be able to use dark magic. Solaire you will use the Cruciatus curse to punish Malfoy. Williams you will do the same to Snape." Draco looked at Harry and realized he was so pale that Draco was worried he would pass out.

Harry looked into the eyes of his lover and saw nothing but reassurance. Steeling himself for his task he raised his wand, waited for the go ahead from the Dark Lord and then let loose the curse. He watched, keeping his face impassive as both Lucius and Severus fell to their knees due to the pain but neither utter so much as a sound. After 45 seconds the Dark Lord had them release the men. In an action that surprised Harry both Lucius and Severus came fluidly to their feet.

"I am please with the two of you. Now onto your task. All Death Eaters are dismissed with the exception of Malfoy, Snape, Solaire and Williams."

When the room cleared Voldemort explained. "There is an artifact deep within the Ministry that is of grave importance to me. The Amulet of the Serpents lies within the Hall of Records. You will go and retrieve that relic for me. You have one week. Should you both fail in this task, your lives will be forfeit. Do you understand?"

Harry and Draco both answered in the affirmative. "Good, Lucius and Severus, you must provide them with any assistance they may require. Do not fail me." The four were then dismissed. They did not speak until they reached the gates of Hogwarts.

Harry fell to the floor and then began retching. The pain of being that close to Voldemort was overwhelming. Draco was by his side immediately holding him as he was too exhausted to hold himself up. Severus looked on in shock as Harry finished but did not get up.

"What is wrong with him?" Lucius finally broke the silence.

"You mean besides meeting a madman and nearly being bound for life to him?" Draco snapped angrily.

"You both should not have even been there." Severus interrupted with deadly calm. Draco knew he had to speak quickly.

"Harry and I were worried. I noticed both of you were leaving under suspicious circumstances. We decided to follow you. We never meant to be caught but in a way this works out better."

"What the fuck do you mean it works out better?!" Severus raged.

"You no longer have to hide and lie to us. Besides this artifact could be of some use." Draco was running his fingers through Harry's hair to calm him.

"Harry is in shock, the Dark Lord's presence affects him differently from others." Draco said vaguely. Harry began to whimper and moan. Draco made some shushing sounds and wrapped his arms around his brother. The thrashing got worse and Harry began to tremble.

"Damn, he's lapsing into a night terror, help me hold him Lucius and Severus give him a calming drought." Severus looked while making no attempt to move. "You can either help me or you can get lost. I'll not have you judging him. He's been through way too much." Draco said meeting Severus' eyes fiercely. Severus simply nodded and reached into his pocket, finding the calming drought he poured it straight down Harry's throat. The boy calmed down but was still whimpering.

"What could possibly be this bad in his nightmares?" Lucius asked while conjuring a towel and passing it to Draco to wipe Harry's face.

"Worse things than you can imagine," Draco deadpanned. Harry was finally coming around. He blinked his eyes open.

"Sev?" Harry's voice sounded so weak it tore at Severus.

"I'm here Harry."

"Good...glad..your safe," Harry said while still trembling. Severus gave up the pretense of being aloof and wrapped his lover in his arms. Draco moved out of the way to give them some room.

Severus swept Harry into his arms and the four began the long trek down to the dungeons. When they arrived in the Slytherin common room Severus moved to the leather couch closest to the fire. Taking a seat he made Harry rest on him.

"You big idiot, why would you scare me like that?"

"Didn't...want...you...hurt." Severus aggressively claimed Harry's mouth ensuring Harry knew who he belonged to.

"Never do that again. If the Dark Lord had killed you I don't know what I would have done." Harry smiled and nuzzled into Severus' neck.

"I love you too Sev." Severus simply kissed him again and held him tightly.

The following morning was the start of Yule but the four boys didn't rise early enough to make breakfast. Harry found himself wrapped in a warm cocoon. Severus was behind him with his arms wrapped around his waist and their feet were intertwined. He turned his head and looked at his sleeping lover. Severus looked at peace when he was sleeping. The harsh lines of his face were softened in slumber. No cares or worries permeated through to him. Harry thought if he could wake up this way for the rest of his life he would die a happy man.

He leaned back twisted his head and gently kissed Severus. Rubbing his tongue against the soft lips he continued to tempt his sleeping lover.

Harry finally bit Severus and with his resulting gasp Harry slipped his tongue in. He traced the top of Severus' mouth. Severus finally jerked awake only to groan in lust.

He turned Harry in his arms and continued mapping out Harry's mouth. When Harry was on top of him, Severus arched upwards creating that much needed friction they both craved.

They continued to rock against each other as their kisses became more fevered. Harry broke away to gasp for air and Severus took the chance to attack his neck. Severus worked to give his lover a mark that wouldn't fade easily.

Harry was panting as they continued to work each other into a frenzy. Harry finding his release as he brought his lover with him seconds after. Harry collapsed against Severus' chest and Severus simply wrapped his arms around him. They continued to lie together until Severus made to get up. Harry whined in protest.

"Harry, we have to get up," Severus said gently as he moved to sit up. Harry went with him, not willing to relinquish his hold.

"I know, I'm just not sure if I'm ready to face reality." Severus smiled and placed a kiss on Harry's forehead. Sitting up Severus grabbed his pajamas that had been tossed to the end of the bed. He grabbed Harry's clothes and gave them to him. Once both were decent they opened the curtains of the four poster and went to the bathroom. Harry and Severus quickly dealt with their needs, dressed and headed down to the common room.

On the stairs they both stopped in shock. Sitting on the common room couches were Lily, James, Sirius, Remus, Frank, Alice, Draco, Lucius and Narcissa. Everyone stopped what they were doing as they noticed the men.

"I invited them. As they are the only Gryffindors here for Yule. It would seem Lily, Alice, Potter and Longbottom all returned last night I figured you could use all of your friends in one place." Draco said from his seat beside Narcissa. Harry's eyes were shining with happiness at the idea of spending a holiday with his parents and those he loved dearly. Harry noted that Remus and Sirius were sitting very closely, so closely their shoulders were touching. Harry sent Remus a small smile.

"Thank you Dray, I needed this." Harry said quietly while maintaining a hold on Severus' hand. Severus who usually abhorred public displays of affection was still worried about Harry from last night and wasn't going to deny the man anything. Though he had been placed under the Cruciatus curse, it was Harry who seemed to be suffering the most from last nights exploits. He vowed to never again allow Harry to suffer as he had last night, even if it meant making nice with the Gryffindors.

Lily came over to Harry with a concerned look in her eyes. "We heard you were not well Harry and we simply couldn't stay away. I hope its okay that we decided to visit?" Harry simply hugged Lily tightly and whispered his thanks.

Harry and Draco shared a look as Slytherin and Gryffindor alike came together to celebrate the holiday; if only for the opportunity to make their beloved friend feel better. They spent the day playing games, talking, eating and enjoying the happy time. They would deal with all the problems tomorrow but for tonight the four men felt they needed a break.

1 Rowling, J. K., Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Scholastic Press, New York: 2000, 15.

AN: Hope you all enjoyed it. Please feel free to leave me your comments. I love hearing from you all.

1 Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.