FHB: Chapter 17

“Who’s there?” Lucius asked, with his words barely escaping the dryness of his throat.

Silence remained with no response to his question. Lucius propped himself up and squinted at the figure. There was definitely something at the end of his bed, but he could not make out who or what it was.

“Mother?” Lucius asked.

When there was no reply once again, Lucius shifted under his warm blanket and slowly edged towards the dark spot. He was now fully awake and was determined to prove that no one else was in his room except him. It was something he used to do as a child whenever he woke up in the middle of the night and see a strange shadow in his room. Every time that happened, he would end up laughing at himself for being afraid of his jacket hanging on the door or the stuffed toy on the armchair. That night should be no different.

As Lucius made his way to the foot of his bed, he stretched his hand out towards the figure. When he was almost close enough to touch it, he heard a whisper saying, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

Immediately, Lucius stopped in his tracks. His hand remained frozen mid-air as his eyes darted around his room. Seconds later, the fireplace lit up and the figure at the end of his bed became fully visibly. At the sight of what it was, Lucius quickly pulled his hand back just as the giant snake struck forward. Falling on his back, Lucius scrambled to the head of his bed with his eyes wide in horror.

“She doesn’t make friends easily,” a voice said.

Now that the room was brightly lit, Lucius was finally able to put a face to the voice. Sitting on the armchair beside the fireplace was the Dark Lord.

“I’ve heard a lot about you Lucius,” the Dark Lord said.

Lucius immediately stumbled off his bed and stood against the wall.

“And not from your father or the pictures on these walls,” the Dark Lord continued.

“What-what have you heard, my lord?” Lucius asked softly. Lucius tried to keep his eyes on Lord Voldemort but he found himself staring at the fireplace while taking quick glances at the snake.

“My little eyes and ears have told me you’ve accepted an internship with the Ministry of Magic.”

“Yes-yes my lord. But-but I’m not going,” Lucius replied. Lucius was beginning to hate himself for his lack of fluency in carrying his words. He sounded just like that annoying first year named Pettigrew.

“Why so?”

“I-I don’t think it’s a good idea, my lord,” Lucius said. He did not want to offend the Dark Lord over a silly internship. “My parents do not know about it either. I think, I think it’s best if I stay home.”

“Lucius, Lucius, Lucius,” the Dark Lord said.

Goosebumps immediately rose on Lucius’ arms at the sound of the Dark Lord repeating his name.

“I think it’s a wonderful idea. Don’t turn it down just because I loathe the ministry.”

Lucius swallowed hard, not sure if the Dark Lord was being honest or sarcastic.

“You should also not go back on your word once you’ve made a promise,” the Dark Lord added.

“I…” Lucius did not know what to say.

“Go. It would be good for you. It would also be good for me, once you’ve joined me. You ARE joining me aren’t you?”

“Yes, yes, of course, my lord,” Lucius quickly replied.

“Your father says you are very keen. Though, I’m starting to wonder if he’s telling the truth.”

“I’m keen my lord. It’s just that my mother, my mother thinks…” Lucius paused, suddenly unsure on how to continue.

“Your mother thinks school is more important?”

“Yes, no, I mean no, my lord. She thinks-”

“I agree with her. School is important, but one is never too young to have dreams.”

“Yes, yes, my lord. I do have dreams, I do want to join you,” Lucius replied, but there was something in his expression that betrayed him.

“But?”

Lucius never meant to show contemplation, as he had always wanted to join the Dark Lord. He had dreams of becoming powerful but he also wanted to consider his mother’s feelings. At that moment, he was forced to make a decision he had avoided the whole year. There was now no room to run away from it.

“But nothing, my lord,” Lucius replied.

The Dark Lord seemed pleased with Lucius’ response and waved his snake over to him. As he got to his feet, he said, “Good. Tomorrow at noon, I will be having a meeting with my loyal subjects. Would you be able to join me?”

The question caught Lucius off guard, and his throat began to tighten. He wanted to say ‘yes’ but something within him was saying ‘it’s too soon’. Lucius did not want the dark mark on his arm just yet nor did he want to wait any longer. What was he to say?

To Be Continued…

(Vote or leave a comment below on whether Lucius should join the Dark Lord or turn him down!)

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