Chapter 9

The atmosphere at Headquarters was especially gloomy that day; not to say that the ambiance was ever really bright and cheerful. The hallways and corridors were nearly empty. The only two people who hadn't gone to meet the Dark Lord were Sky Lorrel and Amanda Annen. As Draco passed them, Amanda said to Sky, "How come he gets to go to Death Eater meetings. He's not even a Death Eater!"

"I think that he's about to become one," said Sky. "And you're not of age yet, Amanda. You can become a Death Eater once you're of age."

"Draco's not of age either!" retorted Amanda. "And my sister became a Death Eater a few months before she was seventeen!"

"Well, you're ten," said Sky. "And I've never heard of anyone becoming a Death Eater at the age of ten. I'm more than triple your age and I don't have the Dark Mark on my left arm."

Narcissa led Draco to a large room. There was a fireplace that had been reduced to a few coals and several arm chairs. The other Death Eaters were assembled in a small circle. In the center, a cloaked figure raised its head.

"Draco," said the figure in a cold whisper. "You may come in."

Slowly, Draco entered and made his way over to the circle of Death Eaters. The figure turned to face him. Draco looked into the narrow blood-red eyes of the Dark Lord for a few seconds, but quickly looked away. The Dark Lord's features were unlike any human that Draco had ever seen. His skin was nearly white and he had slits for nostrils. There was a huge snake coiled around the Dark Lord's feet.

"Come closer, Draco." commanded the Dark Lord.

The Death Eaters parted and Draco walked into the center of the circle. A few of the Death Eaters began to murmur to each other, but they immediately fell silent when the Dark Lord began to speak.

"I believe that you plan on following your father and joining us, Draco." hissed the Dark Lord.

Draco nodded. He had known for a long time now that he was expected to become a Death Eater. Narcissa wouldn't have brought him to the headquarters of the Death Eaters if she hadn't expected him to become one. Draco was almost certain that if his father had been standing beside his mother at that moment, he would have wanted Draco to join the Death Eaters.

"It has become apparent to me that quite a few of my followers do not understand exactly what I expect from my servants," said the Dark Lord. "Many did not understand when they joined that I expect eternal loyalty from them no matter what the circumstances are. Many of my servants abandoned me when I needed them and many of them have not yet repaid their debt. A few of these Death Eaters are in this room. A few of them are now imprisoned, including one whom you have blood relation to. Now, Draco, do you swear to give me this eternal loyalty?"

"Yes." said Draco, softly.

The whole conversation was making him feel very uncomfortable, especially when his father was mentioned. It had been months since he'd last seen his father.

"Hold out your left arm." commanded the Dark Lord.

Draco obeyed. The Dark Lord grabbed Draco's arm and rolled up the sleeve of Draco's robes. The Dark Lord's hands felt as cold as ice. He took out a long white wand and muttered something that sounded like an incantation. Suddenly, there was a sharp pain in Draco's left arm. He winced. It felt as though a knife was carving something in his skin, but there was no blood. It only lasted for a few seconds before it stopped abruptly.

Draco looked down at the crook of his arm and saw that the Dark Mark had been branded into his skin. He stared down at it.

"You are probably aware that if you feel the Dark Mark burn on your left arm, you are to apparate to my side." said the Dark Lord. He turned to the watching Death Eaters.

"Bella," he said, staring at Bellatrix. "I'm sure that you can be responsible for Draco's training in the Dark Arts."

"Of course, my Lord." replied Bellatrix.

"And, if you are in need of assistance," said the Dark Lord. "I'm sure that Crouch here would be delighted to help you, or perhaps Mulciber." Draco honestly didn't think that Mulciber was the type of person who'd be delighted about anything.

"Now, our meeting is concluded." said the Dark Lord.

The other Death Eaters quickly and silently left the room. Draco started to head towards the door, but the Dark Lord said, "Draco, I wish to have a private word with you and your family."