A Lord's Mark

Miss Eyre,

You are cordially invited to attend the very first Masquerade Ball on the 18 th of this month. Please dress accordingly, instructions on location are as follows…

Hermione Granger stared down at the invitation she had just discovered underneath her pillow. Now normally she would have been under the impression that this was some sort of attempt by her housemates to tease or bully her, but it had been addressed to her 'other name' which was only known by herself and one other.

A masquerade ball, a reference to what he had said when they had first met… did that mean she was about to be accepted? That she would finally be able to meet her mysterious benefactor, whom she had long since fallen in love with? Perhaps this would be the 'final test', after which they could finally be together. Suddenly fear shot through the young bushy-haired Witch. She had to make a good impression, had to be at her very best. What if everything depended on this one night?

The teen immediately located the nearest catalog that her roommates kept around for outfit shopping. Surely it had something similar to what a Muggle party would have.

...

"My dear associates," the emerald-eyed 'Lord' called out to those gathered, those who stood by him above all else. "It has come to my attention that our recent… guests have become a bit of a nuisance to some of you."

Murmurs arose about the previous day's events, one in which Quidditch practice had to quickly canceled due to Dementors being sighted near the area, and fear that their presence might cause injuries among the players.

"Settle down, luckily for all of you I have taken time from my schedule to think of a solution to this problem. It also works towards another goal that I have but this is neither here nor there. Now then any of you who wish may receive a tattoo somewhere on your body, a symbol of your loyalty to the rest of us and myself, as well as a defense against the creatures that prowl outside."

Shocking to no one Draco Malfoy practically pushed an older student out of the way to be 'first in line'.

"Ah Draco, my first follower, so tell me where you would like your mark."

Nearby Neville Longbottom shivered slightly. Even though it was a protection to them he couldn't quite help but see the connection between this and the 'dark mark' wore by Death Eaters.

"I am your right hand my Lord, so on it would be preferable."

"Uhm excuse me, my Lord, but what happens if others start to question the sign? I mean Dumbledore might make a connection between this and the Death Eaters…"

"It is quite similar is it not? But fear not because they are only visible when you wish them to be or they are activated. However, it would be oh so very delicious for Albus Dumbledore to figure it out and confront me… do you think he would challenge me to a duel in the school? I always wondered what color the stones of the castle would turn if burned…"

...

Miss Weasley,

As I mentioned during the days I spent with you over the summer, you and your twin brothers are more than welcome to spend as much time with me in the Slytherin dorms as you wish. If you obtain permission you may even move in, I would not wish to cause you any sort of trouble in your House though.

He was so thoughtful, the redhead squealed as she continued reading the letter. So many others would have either demanded her to join the immediately, or to disregard her request. But Harry? Not only did he offer her a haven but also put her own happiness first.

Luna has been most insistent that you at least come and visit her more often, I fear that despite my own requests the other Slytherins are not being as friendly as I would like. I do worry about her after all, and you as well.

The Weasley felt a shiver crawl down her spine at the tone hidden inside of the words. She already knew from Luna that the boy could be rather merciless when it came to those disobeying orders, hopefully whoever his wrath fell upon deserved it. Still the thought of spending more time with her blonde friend put a happy smile on the Gryffindors face. She had dearly missed Luna, and was hoping to confirm some of the suspicions she had about the relationship between her and the dreamy raven-haired teen. She knew the two had spent time together over the summer, and if her friend's days were any like her own…

Ginny held back the delightful tingle that rolled across her skin at the mere memory. Maybe she could convince the boy, and herself, to go a little bit further this year? Maybe having her best friend there as well would make things a little easier… and more exciting.

...

"Draco"

The blonde stood, approached, and promptly knelt before the raven-haired boy. "My Lord?"

"It has come to my attention that your father is… rather involved in politics."

The Malfoy heir gulped silently. True he would do anything for Harry, but the thought that he may very well be ordered to kill his own parent still sent shivers of dread down his spine. "Y-yes my Lord."

"Oh relax Draco I am not going to have him killed… at least I don't plan on having that done. Tell me of his aspirations, I am looking for an adult that can be of use to me and yours might fit the bill perfectly, especially with what I have planned for your future."

Draco's eyes widened in surprise, he had always assumed that his Lord had some plan for his followers in the future but the way that the Potter heir spoke, it sounded more like his own was to be something of grandeur.

"He wants to be Minster my Lord, he desires power and influence above all else, to continue the Malfoy line into greatness." the boy quickly replied, his loyalty more secure than ever.

"Interesting… send him an owl in the next day or so Draco requesting a chat with him. I wish to offer him a place in our future kingdom."

....

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