Draco Pov
I resisted the urge to clap as Victoria finishes her vows.
I study the various expressions. Surprise. Joy. Amusement. And the one I find myself expressing. Awe. Mother and Aunt Bella are dabbing their eyes delicately. Holding back tears I assume. I understand.
Victoria's vows were beautifully submissive. Summarizing what I would do, what we all would do for the dark. I let a smile break out onto my face, knowing she wouldn't do it for the cause, but for the Dark Lord himself. That's what make them special. Her pure conviction. And noticing the Dark Lord's expression to her still kneeling figure I can guess the one thought in his mind. Her last vow enters my mind, soothing the worries that sprout with the Dark Lord's attentions on my dear sister.
My Lord, I vow to follow your wishes go the ends of the Earth in pursuit of balance. For the Greater Good of Magic, I bow to you
Balance. That is what pulls Victoria in; And that is what can push her out.
I inwardly cackle at her mockery of Dumbledore's phrase. For the Greater Good indeed.
Victoria goes to rise, stopping as the Lord grabs her hand gently in his. Helping her as he gently kisses Victoria's knuckles, eyes smoldering with promises I know she is oblivious to.
Can you not see it? See the way those boys look it you, a third year. They gaze at you in lust, in want, Victoria!
No...no I do not see what you do Draco. I have never been truly wanted. Truly gazed at with eyes showing admiration or pride or adoration. I cannot see what does not exist.
The Potters...they ruined their beautiful daughter. Crushed her confidence and self-esteem into ashes.
I smirk as I notice classmates and Lords visible deflate at their Lord's I know the more persistent suitors' will not stop their conquest. They will soon find themselves six feet under by the Dark Lord's hand.
Victoria walks back to her place between mother and Aunt Bella, eyes shining with happiness as they each kiss her cheek. I lean towards her and whisper softly, "Your vows were captivating, the best tonight." I inwardly sigh as she blushes and mumbles protest.
I face forward as the marking ends, the meeting beginning.
The Dark Lord finishes with the topic that has the seventh years sit straighter.
"The Junior Elites." He paused, surveying the adolescents before continuing.
"The Elites are my special operatives. The assassins, the spies, the infiltrators. They are the shadows. Seven newly marked will be chosen personally by the Inner circle. Confirmed by me. You will be trained, skilled, and challenged in your position daily. You can and will be replaced if the need arises. You will be watched, if you pass my test you will be notified. Dismissed. Inner Circle stay behind."
All the occupants headed towards the foyer, students walking with parents or friends.
Victoria wandlessly changes back into her gown, gathering her father and mother into a hug before exiting arm-in-arm with Draco.
...
"Lucius, come."
Lucius followed the Dark Lord into his study.
The two men arrived at the study, sitting in chairs opposite another. The Dark Lord simply studying his second in command before conjuring two glasses and pouring brandy in each
" Here, my friend, we have much to discuss." The glass floats between the two men before Lucius' outstretched hand plucks it from the air.
"Yes my lord, my daughter...-"
The Dark Lord raises a hand to silence the man. "You know my intentions do you not? She will be an elite, I need her close to me."
Lucius looked troubled at the Dark Lord's words, knowing his daughter would be outraged if she were told.
"My-My Lord, Victoria will not...react well if she knew. She would rather achieve to position by ta-"
"She is rather gifted, extraordinary. She will be recommended I assure you."
".. My Lord, what will be your test?"
"You shall see Lucius, I believe will be reporting it in the daily prophet."
Lucius nodded briefly, his daughter of four years occupying his thoughts.
Child who you turned you into this?
I did .. . It is my fault. All mine...
"Goodnight Lucius."
The Malfoy Lord heard the clear dismissal, rising from his chair with one last nod to the Dark Lord before exiting. Leaving the man to his thoughts...thoughts of his Victoria.
The Order members were gathered around the table. Number twelve Grimmauld Place had been their headquarters for quite some time. The desolated townhouse is dark, gloomy. Similar to their current state. The leader of the Order of the Phoenix, renowned Albus Dumbledore, was also in a pensive state of silence. The white-bearded man rose from the head chair, addressing all.
"The Dark Lord is rising. We have underestimated his strategy, no longer is he working to overthrow the ministry with force." Murmurs broke out, it was well known the Dark Lord was Lord Slytherin. Many tried to bring into the man for trial, but the Olde ways intervened. Lords and Ladies didn't have to attend to vote on laws, simply sending their answer through a two-way journal. It frustrated and terrified the Order members to no end. Two in particular were more disgruntled than the rest.
"We know their marking was today Albus! Can we not storm the Slytherin common-room and arrest the mini-deatheaters!" Shouted a pretty red-head woman with rage and little cunning in her emerald eyes. So unlike her daughter.
"We all know Albus, you were Headmaster when Voldemort started the initiation. It has been the exact same day ever since! Those deatheater scum are scraping their noses to the floor now!" Another man with long flowing hair stood in his tirade. Chair flying backwards in his haste. Eyes wild with fury.
The two had a vicious distaste to Slytherins more than any order member present. All members knew why. The Potions master, Severus Snape stepped on many of their toes with his callous and cruel remarks. But when Lord Potter divorced his wife four years ago; Lily surprisingly began seeing his best friend. Sirius Black. As much as Severus loathed James Potter he was disgusted by his former best friend, leaving immediately. Losing their only Potions master and double-spy crippled the Order.
No one mentioned the other obvious reason to their distaste, their fury. It was unsaid throughout the group.
Horace Slughorn was never proposed to the Order, he was also a renown Slytherin after all.
Dumbledore rose his hand for silence, instantly the request was fulfilled.
"They are children. Sirius. Lily. The only wrong they have done is follow this madman. We cannot persecute them."
Instantly protest arose, but a haggard hoarse voice halted them all. The second unmentionable was unsaid, unsaid until James Potter spoke.
"Albus..did..did..Victoria join?"
The man looked over his glasses at the sunken figure. The man looked horrid. Glasses askew with matted hair and sunken face. Clothes merely draped off the gaunt body. Deaden eyes lightened in hope, hope his daughter was on his side -their side- and he did not ruin his life being a coward. Hope that Gryffindors always win in the end. Good prevailing over evil.
Blue eyes twinkled softly as Dumbledore answered tenderly, "My boy, I can not answer that with certainty."
The gaunt body sagged with defeat and sadness. All hope of his daughter crushed. She was a deatheater. An obnoxious voice rang out in the morose silence.
"She is no daughter of ours." James barely acknowledged Lily's presence, but found himself nodding along to his ex-wife's words. Whispering them aloud, seemingly to himself,as if tasting how they feel.
"She is no daughter of mine."
"It has been a long night Victoria, let us get some sleep." Draco's hand dropped to the small of her back, leading them to the head boy and girl chambers.
"Are you sure Granger will not-"
"Hermione will not mind Victoria, you've slept in my room before." The girl only nodded in response, not wanting to be a bother to the nice Ravenclaw who never treated her with disdain. They entered the common room to the sight of Hermione curled up to a book.
"Oh! Hello Victoria...Draco. I didn't see you." The bushy-haired girl blushed slightly as she said Draco's name.
"Hello Hermione, we are just retiring for the evening. Have a good night."
"Oh..okay goodnight Draco." Hermione sent them a small smile, though it seemed slightly forced.
Once Draco and Victoria entered the room she turned to him with a raised eyebrow.
"Your future girl-friend believes we hold more than a platonic relationship, you may want to go speak with her." The Malfoy heir flushed at being found out so easily.
"Mion-Granger is a mudblood you know that!"
Draco was only given an amused stare before being pushed out the room.
Victoria approached the bed with apprehension. Nightmares. The cause of her hesitance. She loathes waking up Draco, though he is used to them by now. She shakily climbed onto her side anyway. Remaining top student isn't easy with Granger and Draco, rest should help her focus tomorrow.
Victoria quickly falls to into her dreams.
You ignorant girl! Look what you've done! LEAVE
no.
You think I'd ever love you? You must be insane.
It's not true.
My dear girl, the light will accept you of course, you have atoned for your sins.
The scenes changed. She was a young girl again. In the Potter mansion. Her body shuts down as she approaches this stage. When dreams are reality.
Mummy? Mummy?
WHAT VICTORIA!
The small child withdrew into itself at her mothers tone.
Can you...can you play ...with me?
No. Go to your father, I am busy.
...Yes Ma'am
The small girl stared inter her mother's disgusted face. Only glancing into the resigned eyes of her learned the hard way. She knew he would never interfere.
What. Were you speaking to out in the gardens?
The child remained silent. Head bowed in submission.
SLAP!
A...a snake ma'am..
A SNAKE? You EVIL child. I knew James. She holds the twin wand of You-Know-Who! I knew the second I held this..monster. This abomination. This FREAK.
The child raised its head, staring helplessly into her fathers tired gaze. Only for him to sigh and look away. Exiting the room. Leaving her to the fate of her mother.
No I hate them. They don't love me. But...why? Why does nobody want me?
The scene changed once again, the child grew older, skipping into a grand mansion.
Mum! I am home!
Home? This isn't your home girl.
What are you talking about..yes it is! Dad?!
Listen to her. We do not want you. Nobody does.
no it's not true.
Bags appeared at the child's feet.
You will be leave now. We don't care where you go.
Bu-ut Mum!
Crucio!
"VICTORIA WAKE UP! Please! Please wake!"
She shot out the bed. Running to the opposite side of the room. Using the blanket as a shield.
"Victoria..it's Draco..your brother..who loves you ...with all his heart."
Victoria slumped to the floor, whispering a mantra to herself as tears streamed down her cheeks. Draco cautiously drew closer to hear to broken whispers.
"No..no one loves me. I'm a freak. A monster. You'll make me leave. No..no..no one loves me."
The blond boy held in tears for his broken sister. Holding her into his arms..whispering sweet nothings as Victoria fell into a fitful sleep. Draco carried Victoria back to the bed, stroking her hair as he allowed tears to stream down his cheeks.
Mourning for the girl who once was.
AN:/ So how'd you like it? Also is this fic considered an AU/OC? I'm not really sure...so could someone let me know so I can add it in the summary? Thank you future person!:) Also, credits to Star'Lost 11, the flash-back format idea for this fic came from Irised Sins. So thank you!
I am going to change Victoria's name ( unless you guys like it) but here's what I have so far:
Alvina
Anna
Edyt
Elvina
Elvyne
Evelynn
Hazel
Ivy
Nimiane
Ravyn
You guys can vote and feel free to add your own suggestions in a pm/review! :)