Chapter One
Malfoy manor was rather quiet. Especially considering that within, there was a rather large group of death eaters. Each one was adjourned with their dark black robes, some still wore the mask to cover their face. Perhaps in hopes of hiding their fear.
Others, like Lucius Malfoy, proudly showed their faces. Though none seemed to look quite as smug as himself.
Beside him sat a Death Eater who seemed rather shaken, pale and wide eyed. It was hard to tell if this was from being next to perhaps one of the most renowned people in the wizarding world, or maybe that had only just realized exactly where they were.
Cairo Malfoy was also maskless, sitting directly across from his adoptive father. A rather indifferent expression of boredom on his face as the group waited silently. For him, this meeting was rather inconvenient. Managing to leave the boundaries of Hogwarts without being detected was no easy feat after all.
Not that he would dare mention this. While it was true that Cairo did not fear the Dark Lord, that didn’t mean he wasn’t smart enough to keep his mouth shut.
“Where is he?” Hissed one of the masked Death Eaters impatiently. “Does the Dark Lord insist on wasting our time?”
Cairo sighed heavily. Taping a finger lazily against the table. In truth he himself was wondering the exact same thing. After all, Lord Voldemort always showed up late to his own meetings, almost as if it were planned.
“The Dark Lord is above such trivial things as abiding by a schedule.” Dismissed Lucius. “No doubt he is busy. We should be thankful to be here at all.”
Cairo wanted to roll his eyes, but refrained. As if sensing his judgment, Lucius looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
“Father is right.”
The Death Eaters on either side of him jumped, surprised by the sound of his voice. It would be an understatement to say that Cairo avoided talking in these meetings whenever possible. In fact, he absolutely loathed having to converse with these wand crazed baboons.
But he had a part to play, and his adoptive father would notice if he did not agree.
The masked Death Eater scoffed, opened his mouth to speak, then hesitated as he examined Cairo.
“Very well.” Muttered the Death Eater. “But if-“
“Bored are you?”
The entire room seemed to freeze over. Every Death Eater sat a little straighter in their chairs. Even Cairo fixed his posture, albeit reluctantly, knowing if he didn’t that it would draw too much unwanted attention.
In front of the door; standing with a small cold smile on his face, was Lord Voldemort. Dark eyes swiveled across the room, examining its occupants.
While Cairo did not fear the Dark Lord, he would admit that his presence at times could be unnerving.
“My apologies for the delay.” Spoke Lord Voldemort. Each word said slowly and with a slight touch of unmistakable anger. “But I had a rather unfortunate occurrence. One of our group failed me you see, and I had to…impose upon them punishment.”
Lucius cleared his throat. “Not at all My Lord.”
Lord Voldemort’s eyes seemed to rest on Cairo for a moment, narrowing slightly, before once again dragging along the other members in the room.
“As it stands, I’m afraid Pettigrew will be unable to attend this meeting. He isn’t in the right sort of mind at the moment.”
No one spoke. Cairo was aware of Lord Voldemort’s love for punishments. He himself had been witness to many such occasions in the two months since his return.
“Right.” Said Lucius. Clearing his throat in what was supposed to appear dismissive, but simply came across as fearful. “You will be pleased, My Lord, to know that I have managed to find a perfect subject for our efforts at the ministry.”
Lord Voldemort strolled across the room. As he passed Cairo, he paused for a moment, patting him on the head in a somewhat affectionate way, before seating himself at the head of the table.
Cairo wore an expression of annoyance. It was extremely hard not to fix the blonde hair atop his head, which now was a messed heap.
Lord Voldemort often did this, it was however unclear if it was from true affection. Certainly, the Dark Lord did have a somewhat strange soft spot for him, but Cairo had a sneaking suspicion that the action was done more so in hopes of annoying him.
“Well then.” Said Lord Voldemort. Looking at Lucius directly as he spoke. “That is good news after all, Malfoy.”
Lucius smiled smugly. Looking around the room as if he were wondering if everyone had heard the praise. Judging by the sour looks being shot his way, Cairo was willing to bet they weren’t to happy about it.
“But that is not why you have all been summoned.” Lord Voldemort continued. “In my absence, our numbers have dwindled.”
The Death Eaters stirred nervously. None of them had forgotten the anger displayed in the cemetery. Nor had they forgotten how Harry Potter had escaped. The aftermath had been tremendous. Angrier than ever the Dark Lord had decided to take this out on those who betrayed him after his disappearance.
Even Lucius bowed his head nervously. He had been under the Cruciatus Curse for five minutes, a mercy compared to the rest.
Due to Harry Potter's unplanned survival. The enemy knew of their reemergence. Even though the Ministry of Magic seemed to be refusing this knowledge, Lord Voldemort was insistent that they had lost the element of surprise.
“Some of our rank lay in Azkaban. We will retrieve them, and of course they will be rewarded.”
Lord Voldemort stared at Lucius for a moment, as if he was considering torturing him for fun.
“But we will need to recruit. Some of you have children, I assume they will join us?” Asked Lord Voldermort. Judging from the tone of voice however, it wasn’t much of a question at all. “This will heighten our numbers. We have other allies of course, ones who did not take the Mark. I will be sending some of you to make contact with the giants, werewolves, vampires, and even the goblins may prove useful.”
Once again the people seated at the table stirred nervously. As if each one dreaded submitting their child to the cause.
Cairo felt little sympathy. This was their own doing. Of course, he felt for the children of the Death Eaters. How could he not? He was in the exact same position.
The Dark Lord looked at Cairo. A small smile stretched across his face. It looked unnatural, almost as if it hurt for him to move his face in such a way. But there was genuine happiness in his eyes.
“And young Cairo here. Will be the first of my new Death Eaters.”
Silence. Utter bewilderment. Murmurs of disagreement or worry. Lucius looked nervous, fidgeting with his hands as he swallowed deeply and his knuckles went white from gripping the table too hard.
Cairo did not know what to feel. He had known this was coming. But so soon? Without warning or preparation.
“My Lord-“
“Silence!” Hissed Lord Voldermort. His eyes lost any form of emotion. “You all dare question my decision?”
The resounding silence was answer enough. No one in the room had the nerve to stand up to the Dark Lord. No one would fight for him, wouldn’t even try and stop this from happening. Cairo had no choice, no hope of getting out of what was about to occur.
Lord Voldermort’s face melted. And that unnatural smile grew once again. “You may all leave. I will assign you each a task later on. Make sure to congratulate young Cairo before you go though.” The last part was added as an afterthought. As if he wanted to make the experience as traumatic as possible.
A chorus of chairs scraping backwards and robes swishing resounded throughout the room. Some mumbled their congratulations, others simply nodded in his direction.
Until eventually it was only himself, Lucius, and Lord Voldermort left in the room.
Lucius had a look of simultaneous jealousy and curiosity on his face. Cairo shrugged, knowing that his adoptive father was wondering why the Dark Lord had singled him out so abruptly.
“You as well Malfoy.” Drawled Lord Voldermort. It was said lazily, as if the Dark Lord was extremely tired. “Go, before I change my mind and make you watch as I mark your son's skin forever. You remember your own initiation don’t you?”
Lucius paled considerably. Rubbing at his forearm self consciously. It was clear that he did indeed remember, and from the looks of it, the experience had not been pleasant.
“Of course. My Lord.”
Cairo watched as Lucius walked towards the door, his hand on the doorknob. But before he could leave Lord Voldermort spoke once more.
“Aren’t you forgetting something?”
The question seemed to startle Lucius. Who looked most confused.
“You didn’t congratulate Cairo.” Lord Voldemort continued. As if it would be the highest offense not to do so. “This is a proud moment for your family Lucius.”
Lucius looked as if he had been shot. His eyes darted between Cario and Lord Voldermort nervously.
“My Lord. I don’t understand-“
“DO IT!” Commanded Lord Voldemort. “Gone was any pretense of humanity. His face was twisted in fury. Eyes ablaze with anger, clutched in his claw like hands was the wand that conflicted so much pain and misery upon its victims. “Do it now or I will make sure you forget your own name from the agony you will feel!”
For the first time, Lucius seemed to have lost that smug look in his eyes. The pretense that he was somehow in the Dark Lord's good books had vanished.
Cairo watched as Lucius slowly looked at him. Eyes wide and mouth thin, as if he was fighting the urge to pass out.
“Congratulations.”
Lord Voldermorts anger disappeared just as quickly as it had appeared. The entire room seemed to warm up, as if the wizard had somehow sucked the life out of the space in his fury.
“You have such a way with words Malfoy.” Lord Voldermort complemented. Although Cairo doubted the statement's sincerity. “But I was under the impression that you were family. Don’t family members show affection towards each other?”
Lucius gulped. Taking a step forward slowly.
Cairo dug his nails into his palms. The last thing he wanted was to be hugged by his adoptive father. But there was no way he could avoid it, not with the Dark Lord’s observation gaze watching silently.
As Lucius approached, he wore a smile. One that held more fear than happiness, and his voice was strained as he said. “Congratulations. Son.”
The pair hugged. Both tense, neither daring to look in the Dark Lord's direction.
“Ah. What a beautiful sight. It warms my heart to know that the families who serve are so willing to continue to do so generation after generation.”
Once the pair had pulled apart, Lord Voldermort dropped the smile. “Now get out.”
Lucius scurried away. As if touching Cario had burned him. In quick strides he reached the door, and without a glance backwards, left the room in a flurry of robes and panting breaths.
Cairo stood frozen. Not from fear, but dread. Still not comprehending what was about to occur.
“I must admit.” Said Lord Voldermort. “I missed the fear I instilled in them. It is good to know I haven’t lost my touch.” He had said it so casually, as if talking about the weather, that Cario could think of nothing to reply with besides a curt nod.
Lord Voldemort tsked. Walking slowly around the table until he stood directly in front of Cairo. His cold eyes inspected him, as if he were looking for something.
“You wanted to talk to me?” Asked Cairo. Breaking the silence that had stretched on for too long to be comfortable. “Is this about me joining the ranks of Death Eaters? I’m sure my family would be pleased for me to do it before I go back to Hogwarts.”
Lord Voldermort laughed. The sound was unnatural and utterly artificial. “No young Cairo. The time for you to be initiated has been set already.”
Cairo paused. Was it possible that Lucius had offered him up in hopes of gaining more favor? But he had seemed just as shocked as the others when the news was revealed only moments ago. Something told Cairo that Lord Voldemort had not consulted anyone about his initiation, and instead had simply made the decision impulsively.
“My Lord.” Said Cairo slowly. “If I may ask…”
Lord Voldermort tilted his head to the side. Cairo waited, but when he didn’t feel any pain or see any anger on the Dark Lord's face, he took it as permission and continued.
“When has my initiation been set? It’s just that I will need to rearrange certain things to ensure it goes smoothly.”
Lord Voldermort waved a hand dismissively. “You misunderstood young Cairo. You will be receiving the Dark Mark right now. There is no time to waste on politics and consultation.”
Cairo felt his body tense. Knew that his face had gone incredibly pale.
“Tonight?”
Lord Voldemort glared at him with unblinking eyes. “Is that a problem? Are you not eager to join my ranks?”
This was it. The moment of no return. Of course there was no real choice. If he refused, the Dark Lord would either torture him into sumbmissiom or kill him on the spot.
“Of course.” Assured Cairo. A false sound of awe leaked into his voice as he spoke. “My family has trained me for the day I might one day be able to serve you my Lord. It’s just unexpected, I was told that usually this was done in front of everyone.”
Lord Voldemort studied him for a moment.
“I will admit. That was how it has been done for everyone else, but I do not wish for you to be like everyone else, young Cairo.”
There it was again. A tone that was borderline gentle. Once before he had heard it from Lord Voldermort, when they had first met. Even then he had suspected it was unusual.
As if he had been dazed, the Dark Lord snapped his head around. And with a wave of his wand, a body slowly floated into the room.
On further inspection, Cario was able to make out more facial features. It was a woman. No one he had ever met. The clothes she wore looked muggle-like, and a feeling of horror washed over him as he realized what was about to be demanded of him.
“Are you aware of how the initiation works?”
Cairo nodded slowly. Trying his hardest to hide the emotions that were raging inside at the sight before him.
Lord Voldemort moved behind him. Placing both cold hands on his shoulders as he leant forward to whisper into his ear. “Some make it quick. But don’t feel the need to rush. You only get to have your first kill once after all.”
With another wave of his wand, the woman dropped to the ground and started crying as she shakily stood up.
“Please.” She begged. “I have a family! Children! I can give you money!”
By the tear stains on her cheeks, he could only imagine the torture she had already been exposed to during her period of capture. Cairo wondered if people had noticed her disappearance. Even now her family was most likely searching desperately in hopes of finding her alive and well.
“Money?” Whispered Lord Voldemort. “Well Cairo? Are you interested in her muggle money? If so, I must admit I will be rather disappointed.”
Cairo’s hand tightened on his wand. Subconsciously he had pulled it out of its holster as the Dark Lord had approached. It shaked slightly in his hand as he stood deathly still.
“Please!”
With closed eyes, Cairo slowly raised his wand.
By now the woman was a cluster of tears and incomprehensible words. Her entire body shook with fear.
If he didn’t do this, she would be killed anyway. The Dark Lord would drag it out, make sure she was punished for his failure. Possibly even go after her family as well. Not to mention what would happen to Cairo himself.
Once again. There was no choice. He might be the one holding the wand, but Lord Voldermort was controlling his hand.
Taking a deep breath. Cairo pushed aside his fear and remorse. Locked away his guilt and disgust as he opened his eyes and channeled the utter hatred and disgust he felt for the man watching his every move. The Dark Lord that he was now forced to serve.
And in what he forced to sound as confident, said:
“Avada Kedavara!”
A flash of green emitted from his wand. Then a thud as the woman fell to the floor. And then there was silence.
Her eyes were lifeless. Face pulled into shock as she had heard the curse said out loud.
Lord Voldemort pushed the body with his foot. As he said. “You choose to be quick. I must admit I was hoping for more of a show. Nevertheless you have proven yourself.”
Cairo lowered his wand which was still held midair. What he had just been forced to do had still not fully processed through his mind.
In a flash of movement the Dark Lord gripped his arm. Pulling it towards himself as he pressed the tip of his wand into the skin of Cairo’s forearm. Blinding white hot pain seared throughout his entire body, and Cairo fought the urge to scream. He would not give Lord Voldemort the satisfaction, not after that. It was a small act of defiance, but he would do it nonetheless.
After a few moments that felt like hours, it was done. The mark that tainted Lucius’s own arm was now also on Cairo’s.
It was ugly. Not just the design. But a reminder of what he had to do to obtain it.
“Good.” Said Lord Voldemort. “Now. You will return to Hogwarts. Await for further instructions young Cairo.”
And with that, the Dark Lord left the room.
Cairo fell next to the lifeless body. The victim of his own actions. With a shaky hand he closed her eyes, slowly moving a piece of her away from her face.
If before he hadn’t been definite in his desire to destroy the Dark Lord, he certainly was now. Not just for his family, but for every innocent Lord Voldemort would hurt. For the young people like himself that would be forced to commit atrocious crimes.
Cairo would not let Draco face the same fate.
.
.
.
.
.
Minerva McGonagall sat in her study. Watching warily as the mountain of letters in front of her didn’t seem to lessen as she worked through the pile.
A puff of green smoke, and the sight of Cairo Malfoy walking out of her fireplace was rather unexpected considering her correct situation.
“Malfoy?”
“Professor.” Greeted Cairo. “Is Professor Dumbledore in?
McGonagall looked at him in disbelief. “Yes, but Mr Malfoy-“
“Thanks.”
Cairo did not wait for her reply. Nor did he pay attention to her following footsteps as he burst into the corridor and headed straight for the headmasters office.
Dumbledore was perhaps the only one who Cairo could trust. Who might be able to help, or at least, stop anything worse from happening. But as he walked, Cairo felt a sickening sensation. What reason would Dumbledore have to trust him? After all, he was a Slytherin. He bore the Dark Mark.
But he had no other choice. Lord Voldemort feared Dumbledore. The professor had speaked last year of his return.
Without stopping he spoke the password. Barely waiting for the passage to open as he allowed the stairway to carry him upwards towards the office. Once he had reached the door he burst through, ignoring McGonagall as she appeared behind him with a dumbstruck expression on her face.
Professor Dumbledore looked up from a pile of Lemon drops.
“Ah, Cairo.” He said. “Enjoying the holiday?”
Cairo ignored the attempt at civil conversation. In one fluid motion he pulled back the sleeve of his robes and revealed the Dark Mark that was now forever etched into his forearm.
The joyfulness that Dumbledore had presented early disappeared. Replaced with sorrow and utter sadness.
“Oh my.” Gasped McGonagall. Who had sneaked a glance from behind. “Albus, should I alert the Order?”
Dumbledore frowned. “Mr Malfoy is a student of ours Minerva. He means no harm.”
McGonagall looked doubtful. Eyes examine Cairo as if he would at any moment take out his wand and attempt to murder the occupants of the office.
“Of course.”
“You can however. Tell Sirius that another member will be arriving tomorrow to meet with everyone for Harry’s arrival.”
McGonagall practically gaped. “You can’t possibly mean to say that you are considering.” She trailed off. Looking at Cairo with regret, and sighing deeply as if only now remembering that for five years she had taught him.
“Very well.”
Cairo watched as McGonagall left the office. Shooting them both one last look, and closing the door behind her.
Dumbledore sighed. Cairo watched the man before him. Never once had he feared the headmaster, but in this moment, with the Dark Mark on his skin exposed. He felt incredibly afraid, and very vulnerable.
“I am sorry this has happened to you.”
Cairo snorted. “We both know it isn’t surprising considering the family I am a part of.”
He slowly lowered his arm. Rearranging his robes as he avoided the heavy gaze of Dumbledore’s curious eyes.
“Tell me.” Began Dumbledore. “Did he make you kill anyone?”
Cairo nodded once. He felt there was no point answering verbally. It wouldn’t change anything. It wouldn’t take back the curse he had thrown at an innocent woman.
“You have faced a great deal tonight.”
He watched as Dumbledore rose from the chair. Cairo wasn’t sure what he had suspected, to be frank he hadn’t been certain that he wouldn’t simply be whisked before the Ministry of Magic in an attempt to prove to them that Lord Voldemort had returned.
“What do you want?” Asked Dumbledore.
Cairo looked at the headmaster with raw honesty laced in his voice. “For the Dark Lord to be stopped. To end this. All of it.”
Dumbledore smiled sadly. “And what are you willing to sacrifice?”
For a moment, Cairo hesitated. But then the thought of Draco entered his mind. The reminder of all the innocents that would be killed if Lord Voldemort wasn’t stopped.
“Anything.”
Dumbledore nodded slowly. Mumbling under his breath as he searched around the desk for a piece of parchment. Once he had found what he was looking for, he handed it over. It was not just once, but multiple.
“All the information about the Order of the Phoenix. Its members, locations, and current missions. Everything that has been discussed so far at meetings.” Dumbledore explained. “You will need to catch up. Tomorrow you will head for Headquarters, and meet everyone else. For now, I suggest you rest Mr Malfoy. Your normal room ought to do.”