Draco and Briana were on Draco's bed, he sitting and she laying down with her head on his lap. Understandably, they couldn't hear anything that was going on in the meeting. Every now and then, however, they would hear yelling, which they assumed came from You-Know-Who. The thought of him being in the same building as her gave Briana the chills.

"Do they have meetings here very often?", she asked Draco.

"This is where all of them are held, lately. It's like their Headquarters for the time being."

"How can you stand to be under the same roof as all of them, not knowing what they're doing and not lose your mind?"

He shrugged, "I've gotten used to it." He began to play with her hair, "Besides, you're with me this time."

"Very true," she smiled at him fondly. "I hope I don't get in trouble for staying with you."

"Either way, I'm glad that you did."

"How long do these meetings usually last?"

"It's difficult to say. Most of the time they're pretty lengthy, but every now and then they just have a really quick one."

Twenty more minutes passed them by, as the rain continued to strike the windows. The sad, dark sky seemed to be growing darker every minute. It was as if the happiness was leaving their world, never to be seen again. Usually, Briana loved the rain but the current circumstance darkened her mood and frankly scared her. Draco seemed to be saddened by the turn of events, especially given the fact that his father was now in Azkaban. He wasn't in a talking mood, and Briana felt that if she tried to get him to talk, she would be interrupting his deep and important thoughts.

Instead of attempting to strike up any conversations with her friend, she put some soft, instrumental music on. Eventually, Draco closed his eyes and seemed to be trying to fall asleep. Seeing this action from him, Briana made him switch positions with her so that she was sitting up, and he was laying down with his head on her lap. She heard his breathing get deeper and more even, making her believe he was now asleep. Not having much to do, she began to put her hair into a side braid.

Just when she was tying the end, there was a quick knock on the door so loud, it woke Draco up. The person didn't even wait for a reply, bursting through the door. It was Briana's father, Perseus, looking rather distraught. He looked surprised to see his daughter sitting on the bed.

"Briana, I thought I told you to go home."

"I didn't want to leave Draco here all alone," she answered her father.

He dismissed the conversation and got back to the reason he went up there, "Draco, your presence is required downstairs. Immediately."

"In the meeting?!", Briana looked scared.

"What for?!", Draco sat up and got off the bed.

"Nobody knows except for the Dark Lord. Come now. Briana, use the fireplace up here to get home right away."

Draco shook his head vigorously, "No, no, please let her stay. Whatever happens down there, I don't want to be alone tonight."

With her eyes full of nervousness, shock and confusion, Briana pleaded with her father silently. Staring back at her eyes, he finally gave in, nodding, "Alright, you can stay. But remain upstairs no matter what. Please. Now Draco, come. I'm certain that we've already taken too long."

Perseus Brightsman ushered Draco out of his bedroom as he glanced at Briana, who attempted to send her friend a reassuring smile. The door was shut firmly behind them as they made their way downstairs to the where the Death Eaters were awaiting their arrival. Briana groaned loudly before face planting onto Draco's bed. After laying there for a moment, she took her jewelry and dress off and climbed under the covers, turning the television on with the volume set extremely quiet.

On the first floor, Draco Malfoy gulped in anxiety as Mister Brightsman turned the doorknob and entered the room full of Voldemort's followers. Draco was set a bit more at ease, however, noticing that more than half of the Death Eaters had left. He quickly followed after his only remaining father figure, spotting his mother. Narcissa looked extremely depressed and frail at this point, as she watched her son walk towards her. You-Know-Who's red, snake-like eyes fell upon Draco's fearful, pale face, white-blonde hair and scared blue eyes.

"Ah, Draco, we've been anticipating your arrival."

The seven remaining Death Eaters watched the teenage boy intently as he stopped walking, wondering if he was supposed to sit in the empty seat along side his mother, or walk up to the leader himself.

"Yes, have a seat next to your mother."

The evil man continued to stare at him as he did what he was told to, and sat in the chair. His mother looked at him, her eyes glossy like she was doing all that she could not to cry hysterically. When he had sat down and turned his attention to the Dark Lord, the rest of the people in the room turned to look at him as well.

"We've been discussing a very important task that must be done this year, Draco. I have pondered many times who I should bestow this task upon. Just this evening I came to the conclusion that my initial plan to have you carry out this deed was the best one."

Draco didn't say anything, just continued to stare back at Voldemort's red eyes.

"I'd like to think you would happily take on this task," he said. "But perhaps you'd first like to know what it is I'm asking of you."

Swallowing hard nervously, the boy nodded once, wondering what he would tell him he was supposed to do.

"Eliminate Albus Dumbledore. Seeing as you are to return to Hogwarts in a few days, it would be a perfect inside job to assign you. You are to kill your headmaster. Are you up for this task, Draco?"

It was beginning to become difficult for Draco to breathe. Voldemort wanted him to murder Professor Dumbledore? He was only sixteen, not to mention the fact that he wasn't even a Death Eater. But the boy knew he had no choice; he had to take the job. If he didn't, it would put he and his mother in an even worse place than they already were. The Dark Lord currently had something against the Malfoy's, since Lucius messed up the take over of the Ministry earlier this year. So with deep sorrow and hesitation, Draco nodded his head.

Voldemort smiled, receiving the answer he wanted and knew he was going to get. He motioned for Draco to come to him with his pale white, bony finger. The sixteen-year-old stood up shakily, putting one foot in front of the other until he was at You-Know-Who's side.

"I need to make absolutely certain that you are true to your word, and will complete your task of eliminating Albus Dumbledore in any way possible. I need to make certain that you are loyal to me, and will try your hardest. I need to make you one of my own. Hold out your arm."

Narcissa let a single tear fall as she put her hands to her mouth. Realizing what was about to happen, Draco's mind went numb and the blood drained from his face as he outstretched his arm in front of the heartless creature. His mother looked away as the Dark Lord rolled up his shirt sleeve and put his white wand to Draco's forearm. Black light shot from his wand as the Dark Mark began to show up on the young Malfoy's skin.

Sharp pains shot through Draco's arm as he was being branded. At first, he was able to hold back any screams by biting on his tongue, but not long after, the terrified boy was forced to express his pain outwardly. He screamed loudly, making Narcissa flinch and close her eyes tightly. Upstairs, Briana heard his cries and, realizing it was Draco, she gasped and got out of the bed, running to the door. She was about to open it, when she recalled what her father told her about staying put. She slowly and hesitantly went back to her spot under the covers, worrying even more than before.

After a minute, the spell was complete and Draco Malfoy was branded. He looked down at his arm. The black skull and snake clashed magnificently against his pale white skin. Now, Draco worked for Lord Voldemort. He stood there, rubbing his sore arm, unsure if he was supposed to remain standing there. He looked to his new master, who smiled evilly, then suddenly disapparated.

The rest of the Death Eaters disapparated as well, some of them sending Draco looks of pity. The only people now left in the meeting room were Narcissa, Bellatrix, Anais and Perseus Brightsman, and Draco himself. Bellatrix and Anais went to comfort Narcissa as Perseus gave Draco a hug and told him to be careful and wished him luck. Briana's parents then quickly left through the front door to their home, next door. Draco's mother and aunt walked up to him.

"Oh my sweet boy, I'm so sorry," Mrs. Malfoy embraced Draco in a tight warm hug. "I'm so so sorry I couldn't do anything to stop this. I love you so much."

"Mother, this isn't your fault. Stop apologizing."

The woman regained her composure, "Your aunt Bella and I are going to Severus to see if he can help us out to any extent. Stay here. I'll be back as soon as I can."

He nodded, and watched as the two women held hands then quickly disapparated. Draco sighed and sat on the cold, hardwood floor of the entrance hall. He stared at his left arm, looking with distaste and sorrow at the black mark that now resided there. This symbol on his skin was going to cause great hysteria in Briana. He solemnly walked up the stairs, back to his bedroom where his best friend was waiting for him. He entered his room and shut the door behind him. Hearing his entrance, Briana sat up immediately.

"Are you alright? I heard you screaming. What happened?!", she had several emotions on her face, all of them negative.

"I've been given a task," he told her simply.

"What?! What task?! You're not even an official follower of his!"

"I'm supposed to kill Professor Dumbledore this school year."

The girl was speechless, "Are... Are you serious? You're going to kill your headmaster?"

He nodded sadly, avoiding her eyes.

"Draco, this is mental. He can't make you do that, you don't work for him."

"I do now," he told her with tears in his sad blue eyes, finally meeting her gaze.

"...what are you telling me... Draco..."

He showed her his arm, "Now you're best friends with a Death Eater."

Briana stared in horror at the dark mark that was now etched onto Draco's left forearm. He was indeed one of Voldemort's followers, now. Willing herself not to cry, she forced her eyes back to Draco's, which were freely letting tears fall at this point.

"Draco... I'm not... I don't know what to say," her voice started to break as her mind filled with thousands of concerns and fears for her friend. She didn't want anything to happen to him.

"Then don't say anything. Just come lay with me. Please. That's all I want."

"Yes, of course, Love."

He furiously wiped his face of all the tears before Briana took his hand and lead him to his bed. She got back under the covers and watched him as he silently removed his shoes, socks, jacket and tie. The sad boy didn't even bother to take off anything else as he joined his friend under the warm comforter. Draco turned to face her on the bed and held out his arms for her to cuddle with him. She moved over then laid down, facing him as he wrapped his arms around her, engulfing her in a hug.

The pair of them laid like that for almost an hour before Draco spoke sleepily, "I love you." A couple seconds later, Briana heard his breathing even out and deepen, signaling to her that he was now asleep.

"I love you too," she whispered to him, despite the fact he couldn't hear her.

Briana closed her chocolate brown eyes, a silent tear falling as she fell into a deep slumber.

Out in the cold, wet night, Narcissa Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange appeared in Birmingham, England. They were at the end of an old friend's street; Spinner's End. Hoisting the hoods of their cloaks over their heads, the two sisters walked through a labyrinth of brick houses. Narcissa's sister was still reluctant about paying this man a visit, but she wasn't able to change Narcissa's mind.

"Cissy!", Lestrange used her sister's nickname. "You mustn't do this! He can't be trusted."

"The Dark Lord trusts him," the blonde replied to her.

"The Dark Lord is mistaken!"

Narcissa stared at her sister, shocked to hear the words escape her mouth. Bellatrix looked shocked herself as the rain only began to fall harder.

"Or, so I believe...", she corrected herself.

"Well, who can one trust anymore?"

Mrs. Malfoy gave three firm knocks on the door, and who should answer but Wormtail, looking as nasty and rodent-like as ever. He smiled oddly at the pair of them before leading them down a narrow hallway in the dark home. They entered a dimly lit sitting room, the only illumination coming from what little light the windows provided as rain collided heavily with its glass. The man they came to visit was reading the Daily Prophet, his face being hidden by the paper. Upon hearing them enter, the paper was set down to reveal Severus Snape, eyeing the sisters curiously.

"Run along now, Wormtail," his cold voice echoed as he used his wand to force the door shut.

The tall man took hold of three goblets and a skinny bottle of red wine. He filled all three of the goblets up, handing one to each of the women, and sipping from the third one himself. Bellatrix downed half of her serving in one go, while Narcissa simply glanced at the beverage, speaking instead.

"I have nowhere else to turn, Severus."

Snape watched her carefully as he sat down in his seat again, and Narcissa took a seat as well, while Bella roamed around the room looking at everything inhabiting the space.

"I know I ought not to be here. The Dark Lord himself has forbidden me to speak of this-"

"If the Dark Lord has forbidden you to speak of such things, you're better off doing so."

"But Severus-", she pleaded.

"As it so happens," he cut her off. "I am aware of your situation, Narcissa."

"You?!", Bellatrix looked skeptical. "The Dark Lord told you? I was under the belief that there was a reason you weren't one of the people at the meeting when Draco was given the Dark Mark. You know he ordered all of the Death Eaters to leave, other than a select few."

"Your sister doubts me, Narcissa," Severus had the faintest of smiles on his face. "Understandable."

Draco's mother watched Snape as he continued to speak, "Over the years, I have played my part well. So well, in fact, that I have been able to deceive one of the greatest wizards of all time."

From the back of the room, Bellatrix made a scathing noise.

"Dumbledore is a great wizard. Only a fool would question that fact," he informed the frowning woman.

"I... I don't doubt you, Severus," Narcissa told her friend.

Her sister rolled her eyes, growing tired of her ungratefulness, feeling as if taking on the task was the greatest privilege, "You should be honored, Cissy. As should Draco-"

"But he's just a boy! He's sixteen, and my only son!"

"I can't change the Dark Lord's mind. But it might be possible for me to help Draco. To provide him some... protection," the thoughtful man spoke slowly.

There was a twinkle of some chance of hope in Narcissa's eyes, "Severus, do you mean it?"

"I can try."

"Oh, Severus, please, if you would... I would be forever in your debt."

"Swear to it," Bellatrix Lestrange spoke more seriously than she has in years.

Both Snape and Malfoy's eyes shifted to stare at the lady, who began to walk towards Severus, whispering, "Make the unbreakable vow. You see... It's just empty words. Oh, he'll try. He'll give it his best effort. But when it matters most..." She was circling him now, "he'll slither back into his hole. Bloody coward..."

He eyed her dangerously, "Take out your wand."

She stared at him for a moment before taking her wand out of her pocket and holding it in her right hand. Bellatrix made her sister stand up with Severus to make them face each other. The two of them linked their hands together, holding tightly onto each other's wrists. Bellatrix held her wand out over their joined arms.

"Will you, Severus Snape, watch over Draco Malfoy as he attempts to fulfill the Dark Lord's wishes?"

"I will," Snape didn't take his eyes off of Narcissa, who stared back at him. A strand of liquid fire emerged from her wand and wrapped around their arms.

"And will you, to the best of your ability, protect him from harm?"

"I will."

A second strand of fire joined the first.

"And should it prove necessary, if it seems Draco will fail... will you yourself carry out the deed that the Dark Lord has ordered Draco to perform?"

Hesitating for a second, Snape answered, "I will."

The last strand of liquid fire intertwined with the other two, before they latched onto Severus and Narcissa's arms. The deal was now sealed; they made the Unbreakable Vow. Pulling their arms away from each other, Narcissa eyed Snape carefully, slightly smiling gratefully with glossy eyes.

The next morning, the sky had cleared up quite a bit, but it wasn't as beautiful as it had been prior to the devastating events that occurred the night before. Nevertheless, the sun was still revealing itself to the world, thought there were several clouds in the way of its rays. Draco Malfoy sat up in his bed, his eyelids fluttering open. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and yawned, then looked to his right to see that he was alone in his bed. However, a moment later he found that he wasn't really by himself when his bathroom door opened and Briana came out of it. She smiled at him.

"Good morning. Sleep well?"

"Given what took place last night, I slept extremely well. Thanks to you," he half smiled back at her.

"Don't mention it."

Briana walked over to his side of the bed where he sat, still under the covers. She was wearing a large blue sweatshirt of Draco's and a pair of her own pajama shorts, which Draco wondered how she had come to obtain during the time she was in his home. She ran her fingers through her friend's hair as if she was combing out his bed head.

"Fancy some breakfast in bed?", Draco asked her.

"Sounds brilliant."

"Mika!" Mika the house elf quickly appeared at the door of the bedroom.

"Bring us some pancakes, bacon, poached eggs and coffee."

"Yes, right away, master Malfoy," she apparated away and returned two minutes later with all they had asked for.

The two friends instantly began consuming the meal, as they discussed their plans for the day.

"I don't believe I have anything to do today," Draco confessed.

"Well, my mother and I are supposed to visit my old dance studio to find myself a new teacher to give me private lessons at home, during holidays. You should come with me, if you'd like."

"In that case, consider me your companion for the day."

She smiled at him as they finished their breakfast. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door and once Draco had said for the person to come in, his aunt Bellatrix waltzed in. Draco and Briana were both surprised to see her, and judging by the way she eyed Briana, Bellatrix was surprised to see her there.

"I see you took my words to heart, nephew."

"That's not... No, she just slept over here..."

"Oh stop defending yourself, I was only half joking!", she giggled psychotically. "Well you better get dressed, Draco. Your lessons start soon and I haven't much patience."

"Lessons? What lessons?", Draco asked confused.

"Did you honestly think you'd dive into this task without any training? Your mother and I thought it wise that I give you some lessons to help you out this year."

"Oh...", he turned to Briana. "Sorry, I guess I do have something to do today."

"It's alright, just come tell me how it goes later," Briana sent him a look of encouragement and his aunt a smile before she left the house with her clothes from last night in hand.

Bellatrix watched her walk down the stairs before turning back to her nephew who was now standing up and cracking his neck.

"Now that she's gone, you can tell me what you two did," the look of excitement on her face is probably what frightened Draco the most.

"You're barking, you know."

A week passed them by, during which Briana and Draco never saw each other. They were both busy lately, what with him being bombarded with lessons from Bellatrix and Severus, and her having to impress a refined personal teacher who had asked to see her dance a few times before he finally agreed to teach her. By the end of the week, Draco had successfully been taught Occlumency, how to use quite a few spells non-verbally, and was showed how to cast the three unforgivable curses, which he refused to practice and insisted that he was able to learn perfectly well from watching and listening. Now, the already heavily talented Draco had been turned into a very powerful young wizard.

Briana had to dance for Taylor Jones, her new dance instructor, four separate times before he deemed her incredibly talented and worthy of his time. She had also gone shopping with Letha and Kaylee downtown one day at several boutiques. Chuck and Alex treated her to ice cream at Lulu's before they went to Blaise's house and talked about what had happened the other night. Briana didn't mention to them that Draco had been made a Death Eater, thinking it was private business that wasn't meant to be thrown out in the open so obliviously. Throughout the week, Briana had also been exchanging owls with Justin, telling him all about how things have been going and he excitedly informing her that he was meant to have a meeting a bit after the school year started with a record producer.

Draco and Briana didn't see each other until the end of the week when the two of them met up with Blaise at Malfoy Manor. The two of them informed Blaise that Draco had been made a Death Eater and told him of the task he was given. Hearing of this, Blaise went off on a rant about this is why his family never got into that business and didn't want his friends to either. After he had calmed down enough to continue a regular conversation, Draco told his two friends about what he'd been learning all week. They were both impressed with all he was able to pick up, Blaise even making a comment that he must now be more advanced than the seventh years. The three of them ended their day making plans to go to Diagon Alley together the next day, and Briana said she would inform the others in their group of the plan.