New Harry Potter Adventures: Chapter 3 – Old and New Friends

This story does not reflect the attitudes or characters in the Harry Potter series, or have any affiliation with the author.

Chapter 3
As the usual sound of terrified screaming filled the air around Malfoy Manor, Ron and Draco decided to lounge about on the sofa in the living room.
‘That was a great kill of yours earlier friend,’ said Draco to Ron eagerly, ‘Reducto! Then…..BOOM! That scum of a muggle was obliterated,’ Ron smirked as Draco clapped him on the back.
‘Yeah, that was one of my favourites,’ said Ron as he admired his shining silver arm. As another blood-curdling scream rang through the cold air, Ron and Draco moved closer to the roaring fire to keep warm.

‘No sign of Potter yet,’ said Draco a little despondently as he rubbed his hands together and placed them near the flickering flames.
‘No…..nothing,’ said Ron darkly, ‘The Dark Lord is not pleased, he has confided in me. He thought he would have caught him by now. I mean, it is November, he’s been missing for months.’
‘Sounds like the Dark Lord is busy asking somebody about his whereabouts now,’ sneered Draco as another high shriek echoed around the mansion. Ron laughed as he watched Draco brush his hair out of his face with his fingers. Draco was certainly looking a lot healthier and happier these last few months, Ron thought. His skin, that last year took on the unhealthy, grey tinge of a person locked away from sunlight for a long time, was now back to its usual pure pale colour. Gone were the bags under his eyes and his piercing, grey eyes were now full of sparkle and enthusiasm. His vivid blonde-white hair was no longer raggedy and was now sleek and shiny and pulled back away from his face. He had also put on a few pounds over the summer so that while slim, was now a lot stronger and fitter then before. Ron’s looks, and mental state had seemed, however to be degenerating.

Ron’s hair had grown a little longer so that it crept over his eyes and it seemed duller in colour; as if the dark thoughts that inhabited his mind had began to drain the life and vigour out of him. Dark circles clung to the bottom of his eyes of which the right eye now had the look of being constantly mildly bloodshot. His skin had also began to take on a mottle grey look as he now spent all of his time either under his hood or indoors.
‘Well whoever it is up there I wouldn’t like to be in their shoes,’ continued Draco, ‘I have seen the Dark Lord’s torture first hand, it isn’t pretty,’ finished Draco in a scared voice. Ron nodded in agreement as he looked up at Bellatrix who was sitting at the table with her arms crossed, watching them enviously.
‘And what is up with you Bellatrix?’ called Ron loudly to her from across the room.
‘You know perfectly well what is up with me,’ Bellatrix spat back at him, ‘how have you and Draco got so close to the Dark Lord’s affections whereas I, one of his longest and most loyal servants is reduced to sitting around in this house?’
‘Maybe the Dark Lord prefers fresher, younger Death Eaters to serve him, or maybe….., the Dark Lord has tired of your many failings, whereas I and Draco have served him with nothing but success so far,’ said Ron with a smile as he and Draco high fived each other. Bellatrix looked furious as she got ready to retort back when suddenly, the room’s double doors burst open.

With Nagini slithering by his side, Voldemort walked slowly into the room barefooted, with his hands and robes splattered in deep, crimson blood.
‘Yet again,’ hissed Voldemort as he glided past Bellatrix with barely an acknowledgement and went to sit on the chair next to Ron and Draco, ‘our enemies would rather protect Potter then themselves.’
‘Would they not say where Potter, or any of the Order of the Phoenix are then my Lord,’ asked Ron as he and Draco leaned in closer to Voldemort.
‘No they would not…..not even under my most intense torture…,’ said Voldemort almost disbelievingly, ‘but no matter, Potter will soon be caught……..did you enjoy the last little mission I set you two?’
‘O yes my Lord,’ said Draco excitedly, ‘those muggles didn’t stand a chance. We even managed to use a few spells that you taught me and Ron yourself my Lord.’
‘Good…..good,’ said Voldemort as his lips curled into a twisted smile, ‘you will be pleased to know then that I have provided you and Ronald with a little reward.’ Draco and Ron glanced at each other with an eager smile, ‘I have left one of the prisoners for you to do what you want with, I have no further need of her,’ finished Voldemort.
‘Thank-you my Lord,’ murmured Ron and Draco together.
‘B-but my Lord!’ Bellatrix suddenly blurted out, ‘perhaps I could go and finish off the prisoner?’ Voldemort slowly turned around and looked upon Bellatrix as if he had only just noticed her.
‘No…I don’t think so,’ laughed Voldemort mockingly, ‘this is a job only Ronald and Draco are worthy of, and besides, I think it’s best for you to just sit there where you cannot do any more damage.’ Draco and Ron laughed at each other silently behind Voldemort’s back as Bellatrix hunched over on her chair with tears glistening in her eyes.

‘Now, I must depart’ said Voldemort as he turned back to Ron and Draco, ‘I have a long journey to Bulgaria to complete before the end of the night……farewell my most faithful servants,’ said Voldemort fondly as he tapped the top of the head of Ron and Draco with a cold, blooded hand, ‘I’m sure you will enjoy my little present,’ and with that Voldemort stood up and swiftly departed the room. After a few moments, with a smug final grin at Bellatrix, Ron and Draco got up and hurriedly left the room.

With a push of the heavy wooden door, Ron and Draco entered into the roomy dungeon. Though usually cold and dark, the room felt pleasantly warm to the boys as numerous torches that hung in brackets helped to heat up, as well as illuminate the room. Small pools of blood lay dotted around the stone floor, which was dominated by five, smooth stone tables.