Draco spent a month training with his aunt Bella. Much to his disappointment, being an escaped convict gave her plenty of free time since she couldn't be seen in public. At this point, Bella had seen most of his life through flashes, but the memories of Regulus stayed locked away in his ring, which was always left behind.

He hated the sensation of remembering when he put the ring on. Life was so much simpler without knowledge of Regulus and it felt like the weight of the world was thrust upon him each time the ring hit the base of his finger. The mental whiplash was miserable, but he missed not having Regulus's presence even more. The pain was worth it to keep him safe.

According to Bella, the Dark Lord respected those with strong minds since that was increasingly rare, but sometimes she would touch on other important subjects.

She made him cast the Cruciatus Curse for the first time. It was on a day when his mother had left the manor for errands. Draco wondered if she knew what training Bella had planned; she didn't want to see Draco perform the curse, but his mother knew he had to learn.

Bella had brought a feral cat with her. It was the first animal she saw on the way here.

"You have to mean it. That is the most important thing. It's like the spell knows what you want, so I wouldn't even concern yourself with the wand movement. Just do what feels right."

Draco didn't particularly want to hurt the cat, but Bella was so eager to see him succeed. He tried to force it. I can do this. I want this.

"Crucio."

The cat jerked as the spell hit and it gave an involuntary hiss.

"Mean it!"

He tried again. The cat didn't even hiss that time, just glared at him. Bella was looking at him disappointed.

"Pathetic. You're doing just as poorly as Potter when I tried to teach him. Have you felt it before?"

"No," he gritted out. His father had never crossed that line.

"Maybe it's a lack of understanding." Bella gave a too wide smile and without hesitation said, "Crucio."

Draco fell to the floor. Someone was killing him. They were pouring acid into his veins. It was everywhere and all-consuming. He thought he was screaming, but the only thing he could understand was pain.

Until it wasn't.

He gasped and opened his eyes. Aunt Bella was looking down at him. He snarled at her, "You bitch."

Aunt Bella was unbothered. "We might need to work on that. Your pain tolerance is yet to be desired."

"I was just caught off guard," he growled back at her. She was psychotic and it was terrifying the ease at which she could cast the curse.

"Good! You're angry. Try again with the cat."

He did with only a moderate amount of success.

Unexpectedly, the best part of the summer came when he received his OWL results. His results themselves weren't unexpected, Draco knew he did well from the moment right after taking the exams. He got sevenOutstandingswithExceeds Expectationsin Herbology (Neither Regulus nor he had a passion for it) and Defense Against the Dark Arts (Umbridge was to blame for that one).

His mother's response was what was shocking to Draco. After weeks of her face painted with stress and misery alongside the years of her cold indifference, her reaction was nothing but warm.

"I'm impressed. Neither your father nor I got that many."

"Really?" He hadn't given much thought to his parent's was impressed?

"You are showing how capable you are in our time of need. Be proud, as I am."

Draco didn't think he'd ever heard, or would ever hear such sincere praise from his mother again.

Naturally, Bella also tested his resistance to the Imperius Curse. Draco was shocked to find his resistance gone. He remembered successfully throwing off his father's attempts last winter, but now he fell into the void without a thought. He didn't know how he'd done it before.

"You said his father taught him this! This is pathetic," Bella said to his mother, cancelling the curse.

"He could resist Lucius's curse."

"Lucius must have gone easy on him."

"You and I both know his Imperius is stronger."

Draco clenched his jaw. He didn't understand. "Just do it again. I just need to remember how I did it before."

"Whatever you say, nephew."

"Show some restraint, Bella," his mother warned.

She just rolled her eyes and continued his training, restraint be damned. Of course, Draco realised exactly why his resistance was gone when he put back on his rings later. Regulus was the only reason he could do it.

"I wish I was better at Occlumency." Regulus waited for him to continue. "I was under the Imperius Curse today."

Regulus grimaced. "I assume you couldn't throw it off?"

"I didn't even try to resist," he said bitterly.

"One day we'll get there. You're doing better guarding against Bella right?"

"Yes, but she can still get through."

"Try to find some Dreamless. We'll practise on our own time too."

Draco felt guilty for focusing the whole summer on himself. They had done practically no research about getting Regulus's body back. Between his mother constantly watching and the pressure of Bella's training there just wasn't time. Black was restless but refrained from complaining. It's not like he could change anything.

It was August when Bella broke the news. She came essentially skipping into the manor for one of their lessons.

"I just heard something, Draco. Something about you!"

"What?" Draco asked, annoyed. He didn't have the energy to indulge his aunt. After weeks together, his bark towards her only got louder.

"Drop the attitude. You should be thrilled!"

"You haven't told me anything!"

She smiled. "The Dark Lord has a mission for you."

Draco stared at her wide-eyed. He couldn't believe it. What would the Dark Lord want with him?

"What do you mean Bella? What mission?" His mother's tone was sharp.

"I don't know. I was just told to notify you that he requests an audience with Draco tomorrow night." She had walked over to him, pinching his cheek. "Wee Draco is growing up."

Draco swatted her arm away. "I am going to meet him?"

"Yes, so let's make sure you don't make a fool of yourself. Cissy, you should be honoured he's taken notice of him."

His mother didn't take her eyes off of him for the remainder of the time Bella was there. It was gruelling as ever having his mind torn to shreds, but it hardly mattered. It was finally time to prove himself.

The excitement of it disappeared the moment he put on the rings. Excitement gave way to nerves. This wasn't everything he thought it was moments ago. This was probably going to end very badly.

"Did something happen?"

"Give me a second. I am just adjusting." His whole perspective had shifted in a matter of seconds. He almost wished for the ignorance of a few seconds ago. "The Dark Lord wants to meet with me."

Black looked shocked. "When?"

"Tomorrow night."

"Shit. Do you know why?"

"He has a mission for me."

Black paced. "Is it a punishment for Lucius?"

"I don't know."

"Okay, a mission is good. It means he doesn't mean to punish Lucius through you outright. He probably just wants to show off his control."

Black sounded more like he was talking himself down. Draco simply nodded.

"What do you want to do?"

"What do you mean?"

"Do you want to take on the mission?"

"I don't think I have a choice."

"There is always a choice."

Draco took a moment. He should be excited. This is what he had wanted since the Dark Lord returned last year. But now he was faced with it, he felt scared. Bella's training taught him that it was going to be hard and cruel. Keeping Black a secret was risky and he knew Black vehemently opposed this path for him.

At the same time, he knew this was how he could save his parents and restore the respect his family deserved. If his father hadn't been in Azkaban, the Dark Lord might have killed him for his failure. His mother was still a pawn. The Dark Lord could kill him easily if he resisted. He wasn't ready to die.

"I want it."

Regulus looked sad, "I'll say this one last time, but the decision is still yours. I don't want you to serve him. I don't want you getting in over your head. There was a very real reason I betrayed him."

Draco just nodded. There was nothing else he could do even if he said no.

"I want it."

Regulus sighed but didn't press. "You'll have to leave the rings behind."

Draco knew that would be the case, but it would be nice to have Regulus there. "Would Voldemort recognize it?" He twisted Black's ring.

"Possibly, but I doubt it. Even if he did I don't think he'd mind you wearing it. It's because it could block the mark."

"Oh? I thought it wouldn't work for me."

"It might not, but he made it with the specific intention to block the mark. I wouldn't be shocked if it tried to interfere despite the wearer." Regulus paused and added, "It was about 2 months too late for me."

Merlin that was depressing. "You think he'll make me take the mark?"

"Probably not. But he's unpredictable, more so now I imagine. You need to make sure he knows you are loyal with or without the mark. Any doubt and he'll assume that you are rebelling against him. You'll…"

"Be killed?"

Regulus shrugged. "Or possibly just maimed."

"Does it hurt?"

"You already know the answer to that." Draco did, Regulus had told him months ago. "Promise you'll put the ring back on the moment you can?"

"I promise."

His mother left the manor the next night. Draco didn't know where she'd gone, but he overheard Bella convincing her to let Draco do it alone earlier. 'It'll look good to the Dark Lord that he's taking responsibility for his father's actions. Besides, do you really think you'll hold your tongue if he requests the impossible?'

So Draco waited alone in the empty manor far too big for a single person. He found himself wishing his father was there. He wanted his father to see him take this on, to prove that he was strong. He stood near the entryway watching the front grounds. Their flu was still tracked by the ministry and they had wards against apparition. The only way in and out was through the front door.

A figure approached in a black cloak. Draco tensed, but they looked familiar. He spotted the greasy hair and knew immediately. It was Professor Snape. He had known Snape was a Death Eater, but couldn't remember Bella told him?

As the man started up the steps, Draco called to him, "Will it just be you?" He tried to keep the hopefulness from his voice, he of course wanted to meet the Dark Lord but it would be simpler to just receive his instructions.

"No. The Dark Lord will be here shortly, but I will be the only other guest. He wishes to keep this meeting secret." If Snape was surprised that Draco knew he was a Death Eater, he didn't show it.

"Sir, What-" Draco cleared his throat. "What should I do?"

"Be quiet. React as little as possible. Bow when he approaches. You'll be fine."

Snape stood silent vigil beside him for only a minute when a taller figure appeared. It strode quickly towards them. Draco's heart was pounding.

Draco didn't know what he was expecting but it wasn't the man who was walking towards them now. The Dark Lord could hardly be called a man.

"Ah!" he exclaimed, his voice was a sinister hiss. He held his arms wide as he climbed the steps. "I never fail to enjoy this manor. It truly is a remarkable showing of status. Too bad Lucsius disgraced himself and allowed the ministry to own it."

"My Lord," Snape said, bowing, Draco followed his example.

"Severus. Draco, I assume you have a room ready for us to meet?" Draco stood tall. He could do this.

"Yes, My Lord."

"Show us in then. I am a busy man."

Draco was determined not to trip as he led the two men into a room off the main entryway. It was fitted with a long table, a fire glowing on the hearth. Before they could settle, the Dark Lord asked Draco a question.

"Do you wish to serve me?"

"Yes, my Lord."

"Good. Maybe you can redeem your father's mistakes. Your father spoke highly of you, although I can hardly trust his judgement, and I know my dearest Bellatrix has been teaching you. I find it a proper time to see if you can be better than your father."

Draco nodded. "I want to serve." He lowered his gaze.

"How respectful! Narcissa truly did teach him well. Very well Draco, take my mark and you may take this task for me."

Draco held his body straight. This was too soon for that.

"My Lord, Draco is still underage."

"Are you trying to protect the boy? I have taken in those as young as him before."

"I merely want to point out that he will be far more valuable next year when he no longer has the trace on him."

"Well Draco? Do you wish to take my mark?"

It took everything in him not to shake. Slowly he lifted his left arm. He could prove himself.

"Excellent choice, Draco!" He suddenly grabbed Draco's wrist and pinned it to the table. "Roll up your sleeve. Good." And with that, he placed the tip of the want to his forearm and cast "Morsmordre."

Draco's world went white. His body collapsed. He tried to pull back his arm but it was still pinned. He couldn't see. All he could hear was static,and hissing? The pain was so strong. He couldn't breathe. When his muscles stopped seizing, he pulled in a shaky breath. The hissing continued. He was able to open his eyes and saw the Dark Lord looking at his arm, talking at the snake there. Every hiss was like a knife.

Eventually, the Dark Lord stopped his hissing, but the pain continued. Before he could get in a proper breath, the Dark Lord said, "With a reaction like that I fear I overestimated your strength."

"Crucio!"

Draco's world went white, again. His arm was unpinned, so he fell on his side right at the Dark Lord's feet. The pain lasted shorter this time.

"You will be stronger next time we meet." Draco found it in himself to nod. "Return to your seat."

He tried to stand but struggled. He couldn't use his left arm to brace and his legs were still shaking. The Dark Lord started to laugh again when he felt an arm underneath him. Draco didn't even know someone approached him. Professor Snape guided him back into the chair.

"My greatest enemy resides at Hogwarts. He is most vulnerable there. He could be killed quite easily if he doesn't expect it. Draco, you must kill Dumbledore before the end of the year."

Draco barely registered the words. His ears were still ringing, his arm was throbbing. He looked up at the Dark Lord. He was smiling, amused. Draco couldn't imagine what about this was funny.

"Do you understand your task?"

"Yes," Draco croaked.

"Snape will report on your progress. You are welcome to whatever resources my Death Eaters can give, I only care that you complete the task."

Draco nodded, not trusting his voice.

"I will not hesitate to kill you if you let me down. I will not allow another Malfoy failure."

Draco nodded again.

"Speak up!"

"I understand, My Lord."

"Then I look forward to your success." And he turned, disappearing out of the room, presumably out of the manor.

The tension immediately dissipated in the room. Draco slumped back in his chair and clenched his eyes shut. His arm was on fire. Snape leaned in close looking at his arm, blessedly not touching. Draco started to feel dizzy from the pain.

"Draco, just take some deep breaths. The pain will fade."

"It hurts," he ground out through his teeth.

"I know. It will pass, eventually." His stern voice was grounding.

Draco tried to breathe, but his head was spinning. "I need to lie down."

"Come, I'll get you to your chamber."

He grabbed under his right arm, supporting most of his weight and leaving his left arm untouched. Snape guided him gently back to his room. Draco barely noticed when they got there, focused on breathing so he wouldn't be sick all over his professor. Suddenly, he was positioned sitting on the edge of the bed. Snape leaned down to remove his boots.

"You don't -"

"I will. It'll be hard to do much in the coming days. Let me do this for you." Draco bit his tongue. When the boots were off, Snape guided him back onto his pillows.

"Try to sleep." Draco knew that wasn't an option unless he passed out from the pain.

"Can't you help with the pain?"

"No, no potion would be very effective. Besides, the dark lord forbids it." Draco let out a sob.

"You are strong Draco. You will get through this. I have seen many take the mark. You did well."

Draco didn't feel like he did well.

"I'll send for your mother."

He was shuddering as Snape left and he noticed the ring on the bedside. He wanted to put it on. He was always supposed to put back on the ring. He slipped on the silver ring, and disgust filled him.

He remembered feeling excited when the Dark Lord had come, which had then turned to numb acceptance. It was a fate he thought he was convinced he wanted, but with his memories back he felt horrified. Regulus didn't think this would happen. This was permanent, his fate was sealed.

He didn't want to face Regulus, but he had promised. He clenched his eyes shut as he grabbed hold of the other ring and slid it on. He couldn't bear to see the disappointment on Regulus's face. Not right now. Not when he could only think how right Regulus had been this whole time.

He was met with seconds of silence.

"Draco, I am so sorry." And Draco sobbed.

Draco kept the ring on the whole night. It was the first time he'd even done that. It was comforting having someone at his side that knew what he was going through. Had been through it himself, even if that someone could be a judgmental prick.

His mother came at dawn. She didn't say much. She had probably known this would happen.

"What did he ask of you Draco?"

Draco wasn't sure if he could say.

"You can tell me. I will help you. No matter what."

"I have to kill Dumbledore."

"What?" Draco knew that she understood. "He can't expect you to accomplish that!"

"I don't expect he does."

"Don't say that. Did he say what will happen if you fail?"

"He'll kill me."

"I won't let that happen." She knelt by his bed stroking his hair. He couldn't help but wish it was Regulus that could touch him.

Draco spent the next few days in bed. Between the physical pain and the emotional melancholy, he didn't have much of a desire to do anything. His mother had gotten him a reprieve from Bella, but it didn't keep away how terrible everything felt.

Draco wanted to hear that there was still some hope in the world when he asked Regulus the question. He knew he might regret it, but he found himself asking it anyway.

"Will you tell me about him?"

"Who?" Regulus must've known.

"The man who made the ring."

"Do you really want me to?"

Draco nodded.

"He was obnoxious. Loud. Everything I wasn't." Draco snorted. "Despite your impression of me, I was a quiet kid.

"He knew me since I started Hogwarts, but we didn't talk much until he saw me bandaging my arm in a bathroom in my fifth year. It was my mother's doing and he immediately made it his business. He was so determined to save everyone. After that he started being nice to me, nicer than I deserved and I let him. We started doing class work together and then we started to talk more. He was so smart and charismatic, and then it got… physical."

Draco held back his grimace.

"I got the mark the summer after that year. When I came back I tried to make it work. But I was too scared to tell him about it and it was too late. I had the mark. He was so pure, and I couldn't bring him into my mess of a world. So I decided to end it. I made him a ring as a sort of apology. I broke up with him the day I gave it to him. I doubt he ever wore it."

Draco never thought he would be able to relate to Regulus in this way. He couldn't bring anyone into his life. It was fucking miserable.

"You said he made the ring two months too late. Do you wish he'd done it sooner?"

"I don't know. I wouldn't have left that summer, I wasn't ready. If I wore the ring when I tried to get the mark, I might've been killed for it. But that was one of the worst nights of my life. I might have been happier dead." Draco was thankful it hadn't happened that way.

"Why are you asking about him now?"

"I want someone to care for me. Like he did for you. No one tried to stop it." Draco choked on the words but refused to cry again.

"I'm sorry. I should have done more. I hoped we had more time." Draco's mouth opened in surprise. That's not what he had meant at all. He was referring to friends or his mother. Regulus didn't even have a physical form to stop him.

"I didn't mean you!"

"It doesn't matter. I didn't want this fate for you. You deserve to be happy, and I let this happen."

"It's not your fault. I wouldn't have listened."

"I could have done something more," Regulus said defeatedly.

Draco supposed that was true. Maybe there was some magic phrase that would have made him see the truth of it. But he doubted it. It had taken the better part of a year before he could even admit that maybe the Dark Lord wasn't perfect. It would've taken a miracle for Regulus to convince him in such little time to do something else.

"You did something. That's more than anyone else."