In the Service of Voldemort

Malfoy was startled by the cries of battle which seemed to be coming from every direction. He found himself standing on what appeared to be the ramparts of the castle sometime around midnight, though from the flashes of the skirmish below he could easily make out his surroundings. The mark on his arm burned slightly, a sensation he had not felt since . . . Malfoy immediately turned his eyes skyward only to see the dark mark hovering high above the castle giving off a sickly green glow and illuminating the grounds of Hogwarts. Glancing down at the ground he recognized many of the Death Eaters as they clashed with professors and several ragged Aurors. Enthralled by the struggle below he hardly noticed the slender form of Nagini slithering between his feet.

"Eager to join the fight Draco?"

At these words Draco felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end and, knowing who was behind him, he stood frozen in fear.

"Have you forgotten your manners young Malfoy. Bow to your master." The words cut through the sounds of battle like a knife. At the sound of Lord Voldemort's command, Draco found himself spun around and thrown to his knees by an invisible force.

"L-L-Lord Voldemort . . . I was not expecting . . . what is happening?" All of the haughtiness drained from Malfoy's voice, and he could only stammer.

"It is time for you to complete your mission. Do you not see your mortal enemy lying beaten before you?"

Even in his fear Malfoy was puzzled by Voldemort's words, but before could regain his composure he heard the soft wheezing behind him. He turned to see Dumbledore disarmed and battered slumped against the side of the rampart. Confusion once again spread over Malfoy's features. How could it be that Dumbledore, the most powerful wizard of his time was at this moment so vulnerable? He did not have long to ponder though because he immediately felt himself being drawn to his feet by his master.

"It is time to fulfill your vow to me Draco. Complete the task which I have set before you."

Draco turned weakly to face Voldemort, but standing where the Dark Lord had been moments before were his parents. Where did they come from?

"Father, how did you escape-"

"Finish your mission Son. Your master will not ask again."

Suddenly remembering what he must do Draco turned and leveled his wand at Dumbledore. The old man slowly raised his head to face Malfoy. There was no fear in the headmaster's eyes, only a deep calm that surprised the young wizard. He felt the underlying sense of excitement and panic drain away swallowed by the tranquility Dumbledore exuded in the face of death. You are no murderer Draco. Even without words he could clearly read Dumbledore's expression. His wand began to shake uncontrollably in his hand, and for a long moment he wavered on the edge of decision.

CRASH!

Draco was jolted awake by the sound of something breaking behind him. He turned to see Peeves bent over in laughter floating just below the ceiling.

"Did Peevsie wake poor Malfoy?" Peeves taunted.

Malfoy instantly drew his wand and aimed a disarming spell at Peeves. The poltergeist vanished, but not before he flashed one of his signature grins.

Malfoy slowly came to his feet rubbing his temples at the first sign of a throbbing headache. He had not realized just how tired he had been when he sat down, and judging by the silence of the hallway outside and the weak glow from the last embers of the fire he thought it must be just before dawn. He knew if he hurried there would still be time to make it back to the dungeon before anyone missed him. He made his way to the door and, after a quick peak outside to check if the coast was clear, Malfoy slipped out into the hallway.