In a narrow lane, illuminated only by the moonlight, the space distorted as a man and a creature suddenly appeared. He looked on each side, noticing the neatly cut high hedge.
The only sounds previously present were the rustling leaves in the cool breeze. But now, the slithering sound of the creature, which was Nagini, was heard. The man was none other than the dark Lord, Voldemort. As he walked, his snake-like features slid in and out of sight as the branches of overhanging trees broke the moonlight.
Following the path, Voldemort turned right.
The high hedge curved with him, as he found himself walking up to an impressive, worn iron gate blocking the way. Neither did Voldemort stop nor try to open the gate, but instead went head-on. Just as it looked as though Voldemort was about to collide against the gate, he passed straight through, as though the dark metal were just an illusion.
Voldemort was now in a courtyard, and right in the middle was a dark, giant manor. He walked on the gravel path leading to the building, passing by a fountain. As soon as the dark Lord arrived near the front door of the manor, it opened on its own to allow Voldemort access.
The hallway was large, dimly lit, and luxuriously decorated, with a magnificent carpet covering most of the stone floor. The eyes of the pale-faced portraits on the walls followed Voldemort and Nagini as they walked past. Voldemort stopped at a heavy wooden door leading into the next room, and then Voldemort turned the bronze handle.
As the door opened, the drawing room was illuminated by a roaring fire in a fireplace. It was decorated with a handsome marble mantelpiece, and just above was a gilded mirror.
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Lucius was at the Ministry of Magic when he was alerted to someone getting through the door. He immediately took the Floo Network and returned to his mansion.
Lucius was sitting on a sofa in his drawing room, waiting to see who this person was. He knew it was a Death Eater, as only they were allowed to get through the gate. His wife, Narcissa Black, and son, Draco, were both inside the room, standing behind Lucius. It has been a few days since the school year ended at Hogwarts, and Draco was spending time with his parents.
As the door opened, Lucius saw a man draped in a dark cloth. The fire from the pit reveals the features of his face. Hairless, snakelike, with slits for nostrils and gleaming red eyes whose pupils were vertical. He was so pale, and the cruel smile on his face as his eyes met those of Lucius.
"Lucius, my slippery servant," a cold but calm voice came from the figure. Recognizing the face, Lucius stood in shock as though he could hardly believe his eyes.
"Master... Master..." he murmured, the shock still apparent on his face.
Voldemort fully emerged from the door and finally came to a stop just in front of Lucius.
"Thirteen years... thirteen years since we last met. But it seems you have either forgotten your manners or you have become daring enough to stand in front of me." Voldemort directed his fierce gaze at Lucius, who immediately comprehended the hidden meaning behind what the dark lord had said.
Lucius immediately dropped to the ground and approached Voldemort on his knees, kissing his robes. Unlike other times, Lucius did not back away on the spot but waited for the dark Lord's permission.
"Narcissa, Draco, come forth," Lucius shouted at both. "Kneel before the Dark Lord. Show respect to our master."
Unlike his parents, this was the first time Draco had seen the Dark Lord in flesh. He had heard so many things from his parents, but nothing could actually grasp the reality Draco was facing. He felt so scared.
If not for his mother dragging him alongside, Draco would have remained on the spot in shock.
They, too, sank to their knees, acknowledging the dark authority that had entered their lives. The three Malfoys remained silently, waiting for the Dark Lord's instruction. And they did not have to wait long.
Voldemort's voice, cold and commanding, cut through the silence."I am told that you have not renounced the old ways, though to the world you present a respectable face. I hope those years without my presence have not changed your ideas? Because you never tried to find me, Lucius... Your exploits at the Quidditch World Cup were fun, I daresay... but might not your energies have been better directed toward finding and aiding your master?"
"My Lord, I was constantly on the alert," came Lucius Malfoy's voice swiftly from below. "Had there been any sign from you, any whisper of your whereabouts, I would have been at your side immediately; nothing could have prevented me..."
"And yet you ran from my Mark when a faithful Death Eater sent it into the sky last summer?" said Voldemort lazily, and Lucius Malfoy stopped talking abruptly. "Yes, I know all about that, Lucius... You have disappointed me... "
For the first time since his father had been telling him tales about the dark Lord, Draco finally realized the reality of Voldemort. Just then, Draco heard something from the dark Lord. A hissing sound that he had previously heard from someone at Hogwarts.
Voldemort commanded in Parseltongue. The serpentine language echoed through the chamber, and in response to that, a sound was entering the room. Draco looked in the corner of his eye and saw a snake.
Nagini, the massive serpent, gilded forward. She approached the Malfoy family until her head was just inches away from their faces.
Narcissa stared into the unblinking eyes of Nagini, realizing the situation they found themselves in. Draco's body involuntarily began to tremble. Lucius, still on his knees, tried to maintain an air of loyalty, but beads of sweat formed on his forehead.
"I expect more faithful service in the future, Lucius. I hope you and your family's allegiance to me won't be disappointing." If someone at that time was able to see the dark Lord's face, they would have noticed that instead of looking at Lucius or Draco, his gaze was on Narcissa.
"Of course, my Lord, of course... You are merciful, thank you." With a wave of his hand, Voldemort signalled for Nagini to retreat. The massive serpent slid back into the shadows, leaving the Malfoy family still kneeling in the dimly lit room.