Voldemort and a circle of supporters were waiting for Hughes to arrive with the Malfoy.
They waited for minutes, almost an hour and were growing increasingly agitated when Hughes apparated into the clearing - alone.
"Where is he, Hughes?" Voldemort asked, his supporters looking on.
Hughes hesitated, "He is unwilling sire" he said finally.
There was a long and loaded pause.
"So," said Voldemort deliberately, "you said that he would be here, willing to serve me and yet you did not deliver. Tell me, why is this?"
"I underestimated his knowledge of his father's wishes, apparently Lucius never wanted his son to join us" he said, eager to push the blame of his failure onto his Lord's former right hand.
Voldemort's face flared with anger at Hughes' pathetic attempt to push his focus elsewhere. "I am unconcerned with Lucius's motives right now, what I am concerned with is why nothing ever seems to go smoothly when I place you in charge."
"Please, my Lord - "
Voldemort cut him off, "No. I want the young Malfoy, Hughes. You will have one more opportunity to draw him in, use any means necessary and do not fail."
Hughes' eyes widened at the mention of another chance. "Ye-yes, my Lord" he said quickly and bowed.
"Leave" said Voldemort dismissively and Hughes did as quickly as he could.
Voldemort sat brooding with his followers looking on confused. He hadn't thought he really cared about the young Malfoy but his continued existence outside his circle irked him and he wanted him, simply on principle. The mention of the Weasley girl intrigued him, he remembered her vaguely as memories leaked from his diary. Like blurry images he saw the innocent eleven year old pouring her heart out to him, crying and allowing him control of her little body if only for a few hours.
He would have both Malfoy and the girl in time.
, ,. .- -* *` `*~-. ., ,. .- -* *` `*~-. ., ,. .- -* *` `*~-. ., ,
Hughes apparated back to his apartment in Diagon Alley where he lived alone. Before his initiation he never thought that meeting with his master would be so taxing. He just wanted to collapse onto his bed and not move and not think; he was emotionally and physically spent.
Everything was going wrong, he had started out a bright young Slytherin with all these delusional dreams about how he would help to bring in a great new age, now he realised he was working for a madman. Why would he want to drag some seventeen year old boy into this mess? The problem was that if he didn't, he would probably lose his life.
Wit this conviction in mind he decided that taking the passive route just wouldn't do anymore. His life was in the balance and he needed to take action. He would just have to get to the Malfoy in the worst way possible, by taking what he valued most and holding it above his head.
.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any related characters.