A Reflection of Himself

Voldemort was calling.

Snape rushed down to the dungeons and grabbed his Death Eater cloak and mask and quickly made his way out a little-used passageway that went from the dungeons to the grounds outside. He was used to this routine, but that still didn't make it any less tiring to have to dash to his chamber first to retrieve the necessary items and then proceed to run across the grounds of Hogwarts at top speed, just as he was doing presently. Once making it just beyond the borders of Hogwarts' grounds, Snape immediately apparated to the place where the meeting was being held.

Part of the excitement of such meetings was suddenly appearing on location and looking around to see where he was exactly. This time, as Snape's dark eyes glanced around him upon his re-appearance, he noticed that they were in some sort of cave. The ceiling was a few mere inches above the heads of the other Death Eaters who had gathered there, and the walls on either side couldn't have been more than twelve feet apart. A few dimly lit torches were floating in the air here or there, more or less forming a circle, enclosing everyone who was present.

Deep shadows danced across the forms of the darkly-clad men, whose white masks betrayed nothing. Slight mutterings exchanged between the Death Eaters echoed off the cave walls, and all the while, calmly breathing in the cool, musky air, Snape kept his composure indifferent. No one would have known that just a few moments prior he had been in a conversation with Harry Potter that had managed to surface long-buried emotions.

Then came the all-too-familiar voice of Voldemort, breaking Snape out of his brief reverie.

"Welcome, my minions," his cold, high-pitched voice hissed. "Tonight is a special night... very special, indeed, for tonight marks the initiation of our newest recruits."

Silence loomed in the air, for no one dared to speak unless the Dark Lord commanded him to do so. A twisted, ugly smile forming across his pale, reptilian face, Voldemort continued, "And so, before we start with the new business, you shall all witness the initiation ceremony, which I am proud to carry out, knowing that our forces are growing ever stronger in hopes of one day very soon proclaiming our right to rid the world of all Mudbloods and Muggles and create a world where purity of blood rules."

If Snape had been anywhere else but in the presence of Voldemort, he would have rolled his eyes and sneered, for the Dark Lord's speeches and ideas had long ago grown old to him. He oftentimes wondered how anyone could be so obsessed with something and questioned how others could be foolish enough to follow it for so long. Of course, he knew full well of their evil intentions and blackness of heart, but the pure monotony of old ideas that had been recycled far too many times should have been enough to drive anyone insane. Maybe that explained the mind-set of the Death Eaters fairly accurately after all.

Focusing his attention back on the Dark Lord, Snape heard a name he was not surprised in the least to hear uttered from Voldemort's nearly non-existent lips one day: "Draco Malfoy."

From behind the others, a somewhat nervous-looking Draco Malfoy stepped forward. His pale features appeared even more washed out against the black robes all around him and the one he was wearing. Unlike the others, his hood was down and he donned no mask... yet.

"Yes, come forward, young one," Voldemort said in a quiet hiss. "You are about to become a part of one of the most revered and honorable organizations, young Malfoy."

Draco hesitantly continued to edge his way forward toward the Dark Lord, his eyes seemingly locked on that looming figure in front of him. Nodding, he eventually came to a stop a couple of feet from Voldemort.

"Now, bow down on one knee and hold out your left arm to me, young Malfoy," Voldemort instructed.

Draco followed Voldemort's directions without a spoken word, and once his exposed, presently bare forearm was in the correct position, the Dark Lord took his wand and brought its tip to the place on Draco's inner forearm just below the crook of the elbow and murmured something incoherent to the ears of all present, including Draco. An eerie, glowing green skull and snake, the emblem of the Dark Lord, appeared in midair in front of Draco's surprised face, its glow reflecting off his dilated pupils. It lingered momentarily and then drew itself into a singular pinpoint of bright green, which then darted onto his forearm, causing his whole being to tingle. If he had been expecting the casting of the Dark Mark to hurt, Draco didn't betray any emotion on his face. There was only a brief burning sensation on his forearm, and then the greenish light quickly died away, leaving a black mark upon him.

"Rise," Voldemort commanded, to which Draco immediately obeyed, and then the Dark Lord said, "You are now officially a part of my loyal Death Eaters, young Malfoy, and as a welcome gift, here he is."

Wondering who "he" was, Draco lifted his eyes and turned his head just slightly to the left of the Dark Lord, and one of the blackly-clad figures stepped past the Dark Lord and slowly removed his mask.

Draco couldn't help the small gasp that came forth from his mouth.

"F- Father?" he stuttered.

The senior Malfoy nodded, a smirk on his face. "Are you really so surprised, lad?" he asked smugly.

"But I thought-"

Here, Voldemort interrupted, "Although Malfoy Senior was careless enough to be captured last year, I have seen personally to his release from Azkaban. Malfoy," Voldemort directly addressed Lucius, "consider yourself fortunate. Had you not displayed such strong loyalty to me over the years, I would have soon just left you to rot in Azkaban."

"I thank you, my Lord," Lucius murmured impassively.

"Good, then," Voldemort said smoothly. "Now," he barked, changing his tone of voice dramatically, "both of you, step back into your places. We have much work to do before the night is through."

Both Malfoys nodded their quick understanding and joined the other Death Eaters, and now Draco's face was covered with a white mask. The rest of the new recruits were initiated, among which were the younger Crabbe, Goyle, and Nott, which was hardly surprising to Snape. As was usual, most of Slytherin turned to the Dark Side during the war.

Once the initiation was over, Voldemort began to speak of his plans for the advancement of their cause.

"First, as I am quite sure you all may have guessed, any of my followers who so foolishly were imprisoned within the walls of Azkaban anytime within the past year have now been set free yet again... much to the dismay of the Ministry and the Aurors they had placed there. With the Dementors on our side, we have a definite advantage over both the Ministry and Dumbledore and his petty followers. I am pleased to note that there have been several successful raids and many Muggles and Mudbloods have been done away with permanently. However-"

Here, Voldemort paused, glaring about the cave at all his followers, his red eyes glowing, piercing them all with his utter evil that penetrated to the very core of his black heart.

"However," he resumed, "I am very disappointed, to say the least, that we have not struck where it really matters most: Hogwarts. Harry Potter remains a threat to this day, and I can tell that the boy has no doubt grown stronger. Many of my attempts at entering the boy's mind have been blocked, and if I am not mistaken, I believe he isn't even aware of my attempts to penetrate his very thoughts. Now that we have several members who are fellow students of Potter, though, I am hoping - no, demanding - that action be taken against that wretched boy."

Glowering at Draco and the other Hogwarts students, Voldemort hissed vehemently, "You have all taken the Mark and as such have sworn your allegiance to me and everything I stand for. Do not disappoint me, my children. If you succeed in bringing down Harry Potter, the rewards will be many and will be great, but if you so happen to fail me, well... let us just say that we will not fail, correct?"

Nodding, the young Slytherins had no choice by the agree.

"Good," Voldemort cooed malevolently. "Now, Snape... tell me, what have you to report?"

Taking a step forward, Snape said in a tone of voice that lacked any sort of feeling, "You have been correct in your assumptions about the boy, my Lord. Potter is unfortunately growing stronger, no doubt as a result of that doddering old fool Dumbledore. Many of his attempts at providing protection against attacks on the Muggles and Mudbloods have been easily overcome by your followers, and I believe Dumbledore and his followers remain in the dark, as it were."

"Indeed," Voldemort hissed, eyeing Snape carefully.

After a few moments, he relented and dismissed the Death Eaters.

The evening grew late, and then it was fully night. All the while, Harry paced the long corridors, wondering how much longer it would be until Snape returned from the Death Eater meeting. It was clear to Harry from the earlier jolts of pain that had shot through his scar that Voldemort was excited and eager about something, although Harry didn't know what. While Harry had blocked Voldemort from entering his mind, it would seem that the opposite had been true as well, for Harry no longer had any clear visions of what the Dark Lord was doing, but, of course, this also meant he would not be fooled like he had at the end of his fifth year when Voldemort had tricked Harry with the vision of him tormenting Sirius.

Now, Harry stood near the front doors, just outside the castle. A cool spring breeze blew gently, rustling Harry's hair a bit, and as he looked out over the grounds, everything appeared so calm and placid. Shaking his head, Harry knew this was far from the truth. He was anxious to know what had occurred during that meeting, especially since it had been several months since there had been one held.

Finally, Harry noticed a dark figure walking quickly across the grounds, coming directly toward him. Harry placed his hand on his wand, just in case it was not Snape and was an uninvited visitor instead. As the figure drew nearer, Harry withdrew his hand from his wand, for now he could see the pale, frowning face of the Potions Master.

Snape saw Harry as well. Sighing in annoyance, Snape knew that Harry would immediately start asking him question after question, very much to his dismay. Groaning inwardly, Snape ascended the stairs to the main entrance and gazed upon Harry with a raised eyebrow.

The first words that came from Harry's mouth were not the ones Snape was expecting.

"You look tired, sir. Are you all right?"

Pausing in his tracks, Snape looked pointedly at Harry before replying tersely, "Of course I'm tired, Potter. If you had just spent the last several hours in the Dark Lord's presence, you would feel much the same way, so no, I would have to say that I am not 'all right,' as you put it."

Frowning, Harry mumbled, "Sorry I asked. Well, what happened, then? What have you found out? What's he planning?"

Alas, the questions.

"You will find out everything soon enough, Potter," Snape scowled. "As for now, I must report to the Headmaster, and no doubt he will make the necessary arrangements for an Order meeting that will probably be scheduled for tomorrow evening. You can wait until then. Now, if you will kindly leave me in peace..."

"Fine," Harry muttered, clearly displeased and irritated. He figured something akin to this would happen. "Thanks for nothing, Snape."

Harry turned and practically ran away before Snape could formulate a response. Snape, however, had more important things to worry about at the moment than whether or not Harry was happy. He entered the castle and proceeded to Dumbledore's office, where he gave a full account of what had occurred during the course of the Death Eater meeting. Of gravest concern, however, were Draco and the other new members.

"You do realize, Albus, that there are now several Death Eaters, albeit inexperienced ones, residing within the walls of Hogwarts," Snape said vehemently.

Stroking his beard, Dumbledore murmured, "Yes, yes, Severus, I am well aware of that fact. They are also students, though. Back when you attended Hogwarts, we faced a similar problem, but we managed to keep it under control. They have barely come of age at only seventeen years, and we can still work to try and turn them around to the side of light."

"Your hope is pointless," Snape replied in a very irritated voice. "Back in my days as a student, Harry Potter wasn't a factor."

"That is true," Dumbledore agreed. "Well, we shall have to take extra precautions, then. There are not many weeks left of this school year, fortunately, and as long as the students remain within the walls of Hogwarts, they shall remain safe. Even as Death Eaters, Mr. Malfoy and his friends cannot do anything serious within these walls or on these grounds. The wards prevent it."

"And if they were to leave the grounds?" Snape implored.

"I will personally see to it that the present wards are strengthened. The only time they shall be permitted to leave the grounds will be if they are summoned by the Dark Lord himself. Then, they truly would have no choice in the matter."

"This is absolutely absurd, Albus!" Snape exclaimed.

"There is always hope, my boy," Dumbledore said quietly. "Unfortunately, I was unable to reach young Tom, but you, on the other hand, you are living proof that people can change."

Driven to silence, Snape warily nodded.

"The Order meeting will be tomorrow evening," the Headmaster added matter-of-factly. "We will notify everyone of the latest news at that time."

"Very well," Snape grumbled. Standing up, he muttered a quick "good night" and left the Headmaster's office.

After returning the "good night" to Snape, Dumbledore glanced at Fawkes. The phoenix sang softly, soothing the aged wizard's worries. Stroking the bird gently, Dumbledore murmured, "There is always hope... There is always hope..."

Outside, the night remained peaceful and seemingly eventless, and to any onlooker from afar, Hogwarts would appear a stately, impressive structure imposed against the background of stars and nightsky. The lake's surface rippled gently, and the newly formed leaves rustled on the countless trees in harmony. How far from the truth such a beautiful scene was, for the world was unsettled and in danger.