Sorry for the delay, been incredibly busy and having slight issues, technical as well as personal… I'll really try to update faster as I do have quite a few chapters written already though not finalised.
The First Mark
The raid had been draining but at the same time exhilarating. He'd felt nothing but immense power. He knew it was a test, not so much for the Dark Lord, but for the inner circle. He needed to prove himself 'worthy' of their respect and for that he had killed and tortured at random. Attacking London would've been seen to be folly and dangerous, but against all odds he'd muttered a single word to the Death Eaters and they had followed his Apparation to the heart of London. The capital would be busy regardless of the late hour. If he were to make an impression, London would be the place to make it, and not only for the Death Eaters but also for Muggles and the whole magical community.
The inner circle was composed of ruthless dark wizards, all devoid of morals and emotion. Draco knew that well enough because he had been brought up to be that way. But even the Death Eaters had been paralysed in awe as they watched their second Master kill and torture Muggles, blasting them from his path as he strode down a long street full of pubs and restaurants known as 'Soho'. It was not long before the Death Eaters regained their wits and followed suit.
Shouts and screams of terror and could be heard from all corners as they stormed the streets. Draco smirked as he watched them gleefully wreck havoc, death and destruction. Lucius was thoroughly enjoying himself. The pitiful fool, Draco thought grimly. He hated himself in that moment; he was no better than his father.
Raising his wand Draco shouted, "Morsmordre!" causing the tip of his wand to erupt a stream of green light surrounded by wisps of black smoke - The Dark Mark had been cast and on cue the Death Eaters Disapparated.
Maybe more than fifty Muggles died, perhaps hundreds wounded. Draco didn't really know nor did he care as he stalked down the corridor to his chambers. While he assumed his role as the Dark Phantom, he would reside in Morsmordre Castle. Draco Malfoy was supposed to be in the Far North and therefore would not be using his London home.
Reaching his new rooms Draco chanted the charms to unlock his door and entered cautiously glancing around the room before taking the mask off and heading for his bed. Of course there wouldn't be anyone else there; the locks and wards he had placed on his door saw to that, but he was careful anyway. Pansy and Millicent (much to his surprise) had joined a few months ago and were still novices under Rabastan and Mulciber. Draco grimaced, no doubt Pansy would probably become a specialist in the Cruciatus and Imperius curses; Millicent was the female replica of either Crabbe of Goyle, but she was definitely blessed with a sliver of superior intelligence compared to the two oafs - which wasn't really saying much.
Draco had almost been relieved when Voldemort had announced that he was to be 'sent' on an important mission to the Far North. Since Pansy's arrival, she had hounded him to no end whenever she wasn't in training. Now that he had had his first taste in killing 'free-range' Muggles, Draco's stomach churned. The difference was significant; killing didn't bother him (except when he slept), but that day the feeling was distinctive, the prisoners were there to be killed - people from Merlin-knew-where who had been held in captive for two years at the most and probably already presumed dead.
The massacre had created a massive disturbance; there was no reason, no justification. Draco laughed, all his killings, prisoners or not, had been unjustified and without reason. So why did he feel such a difference now? But then again, that wasn't entirely right, he was justified, Ginevra Weasley was his justification. His beautiful, innocent and ignorant Ginevra.
Staring down at the Phantom Mask in his hand, Draco's lips tightened. Voldemort was gaining new members fast and training them immediately. He knew that the inevitable war would be a fully fledged confrontation and the Order would have little chance against Dark Wizards and Witches, even the less experienced ones. A witch or wizard with Dark Magic behind his or her wand was not to be taken lightly. He knew that it was easy enough after a few kills and many novices were killing by the end of their first month. The Order would have to seek new tactics to win the battle. At the moment Voldemort and Draco (as the Dark Phantom) were simply causing fear and distress, wrecking confusion, disharmony and distrust to the community. The purpose of these random large-scale attacks on Muggles was simply a show of power and a means of distraction. It would take the Ministry a few days to rectify the damage on Soho, and if they could manage to locate all Muggle witnesses.
Draco had never understood the need to conceal magic from Muggles, witches and wizards were superior, but that would soon be rectified. Muggles would learn to respect and fear wizards. The existence of magic would soon be known to the world.
Sighing, Draco lay back on his bed still fully dressed in his black robes and the Phantom Mask still in his hand. With the night his dreams would come and the little Weaslette would be waiting with her beautiful haunting hateful eyes staring at him accusingly, and she had much to accuse him of tonight. Draco closed his eyes and allowed himself to drift into slumber.
*
Ginny stormed up the stairs in annoyance. It was late morning, she was tired and neither Remus nor Tonks had appeared for her Auror training. Instead she had found Snape waiting for her in the Room of Requirement. Though she had been surprised she did not show it, and bowing respectively to her Occlumens and Potions master, Ginny had walked to the middle of the room and waited patiently.
Snape had regarded her somewhat with distaste. Ginny didn't even try to decipher her mentor. She had managed to fight back lately during her Occlumens classes and saw flashes of his most secret and perhaps most painful memories, but she knew very little of Snape. She didn't care to know either. He didn't seem to be as bad as Ron, Harry and Hermione had made him out to be, but then again her family didn't have a history with Snape as James Potter had. Snape's issues had been primarily with Harry. Ron and Hermione were targeted simply for being associated with the Boy-Who-Lived, that and because they were Gryffindors. Ginny shrugged. Snape was a strict teacher and highly judgemental, but he left her alone mostly.
Snape had practised the Imperius Curse on her, and with difficulty, she had managed to throw it off by the end of the session. Snape had explained that her knowledge in Occlumency contributed to her ability to withstand the Imperius Curse. Even though Snape had made snide comments about her 'slow' progression, Ginny knew better and took it as a compliment. He was obviously disappointed that she was progressing so fast. She had asked after Remus and Tonks and was met with a cold glare before being told that both members of the Order had been called on duty. Frowning, Ginny bit her tongue to refrain from any further questions and headed back to her rooms.
Bill and Molly wrote to her frequently but revealed little; Ron wrote to her on occasion and every time he excused himself for being too busy at the Auror Guild to write, and that Harry sent his regards. Ginny smiled wistfully as she reached the Head Girl's chambers. She wished Ron would write more often; she missed him a lot, but she scolded herself for being ungrateful. Of course Ron was busy, he had to prove himself worthy to become accepted as a qualified Auror within a year.
Fatigue swept over her when she saw her bed and Ginny slipped out of her robes. Falling onto the bed, she was out like a light before her head even touched her pillow.
*
"Death Eaters Strike Muggle London on the Eve of Christmas!
Britain faces its first large-scale attack from you-know-who's faithful supporters!
The Daily Prophet can confirm that at 1:32 this morning, central Muggle London, 'Soho', faced its first attack at the hands of no less than 20 Death Eaters. From interviews with bewildered surviving Muggles, we have learnt that the Death Eaters appeared out of nowhere and immediately started firing offensive curses, most of which were the Unforgivable Curses along with a wide range of highly dangerous hexes.
The reasons for this attack are yet unknown. However it has come to light that among the Death Eaters who normally wear black masks was a Death Eater who stood out with a Silver Mask. Another report revealed that this particular Death Eater also cast the Dark Mark.
Aurors who arrived at the scene moments after the Death Eaters left are refusing to comment. However, the Daily Prophet can reveal that the effected area has been successfully sectioned off as Aurors and medi-wizards and witches tend to wounded Muggles and work to repair the horrific damage caused. The Muggle Relations Department are conferring with agents within the Muggle community for explanations for the rising death toll.
Many buildings were burnt to cinders during this attack, and Muggles are still being pulled out of the rubble. It has been reported that 18 bodies have been found and that no witch or wizard has been identified as a victim, nor has any been reported missing as of yet.
The last time the Muggle community has been attacked was almost 19 years ago when the notorious Sirius Black massacred Muggles in broad daylight in a mad attempt of escape from justice. This is also the first time the Dark Mark has been cast since the World Quidditch Cup almost four years ago, where three Muggles were also tortured for sport by a band of rogue Death Eaters.
Is this the start of war? Was the silver masked Death Eater he-who-must-not-be-named himself? The Wizarding World trembles in fear as it is only a matter of time before the Death Eaters strike again!"
Harry threw the paper down angrily as he sat at the large kitchen table at Number 12 Grimmauld Place.
"He was innocent!" Harry hissed, his eyes stared angrily into the fire where a cauldron was simmering.
Remus, Molly, Ron, Bill and Charlie remained silent as they sat around the kitchen, their faces stern and grim. With the exception of Molly and Remus, the four wizards had just returned to Head Quarters after having spent a long night at the scene of attack. A meeting was to be held shortly regarding the event.
Harry sighed painfully as he turned to face Remus who regarded him sadly. "We know he was Harry," Remus said softly.
Harry nodded slightly and lowered his eyes back to the fire. So it had started, the First Mark had been cast high in the skies above London. Harry shuddered as he imagined the faces of the dead Muggles flash through his mind. It had been unpleasant, horrifying for some of the newly qualified Aurors. Even ones that had just joined for their first year at the Auror Guild had been summoned.
Soon the kitchen was full of grim wizards and witches. It had not taken long for most members to gather. Those who could not attend sent messages with other members. Harry didn't bother to notice who was present; he couldn't care less at the moment. Owls were risky and were used as a last resort to avoid suspicion. Though Dumbledore was secret keeper of Head Quarters, every precaution had to be taken. Finally with the arrival of Dumbledore the meeting commenced.
"It was too bold," Bill muttered, "and the masked death eater?"
Everyone glanced at one another before turning to Dumbledore, his face was stern and thoughtful though his eyes unreadable. A long silence settled as the members of the Order waited patiently, finally Dumbledore met their gazes. "Indeed it was a bold move by the Dark Order," Dumbledore said slowly, "very confident." He sighed, "I can only guess that this means Voldemort's supporters are prepared."
Hisses and whispers of disbelief, doubt, fear and surprise broke out among the members. "But he could not have gained supporters so fast!" Charlie exclaimed.
"He's had three and a half years, if not more," Harry mumbled making everyone turn to look at him; he looked away. "Last time was in the Ministry, end of my fifth year but he was back a year before then. The Death Eaters that were captured broke out of Azkaban a year and a half ago."
Remus nodded, "Voldemort would've needed some form of support to have done that. All but Wormtail and Bellatrix were captured at the Ministry."
"What are we going to do?" Molly asked fearfully.
Dumbledore stood. "For now we wait and double our efforts to find our own supporters. I shall return to Hogwarts and attend meetings as often as I can." And before anyone had fully registered his words, Dumbledore was gone.
Harry stared down at his hands that lay on the table. It was such a burden. The Prophecy had revealed his part in Voldemort's demise, or his own; and since the revelation, it had weighed down on his conscience with such force that he could hardly stand it. No doubt Dumbledore had gone back to Hogwarts to wait on news from Snape. Though all members knew that Snape had turned to the Light side, not many knew that he still played his role in the high circle of Voldemort's Death Eaters.
The First Mark had been brandished defiantly in the skies. A wound of shock and confusion ripped through both Muggle and Wizarding communities across the world. In one attack by 20 odd Death Eaters over a period of less than an hour, more than half of Soho had been raised to the ground and two thirds were ablaze.
Harry glanced up at everyone. His eyes scanned the room thoughtfully and few looked away respectfully as he met their gaze. He stood and everyone went quiet, a strange clenching sensation felt in the pit of his stomach - they'd been waiting for him.
"We need to know Voldemort's confidant, the silver masked Death Eater," Harry started, "He wouldn't have agreed to an attack if he wasn't confident. We need to single out his supporters; we should know who they are, and they should be tracked," he said quietly.
It was the first time Harry had spoken directly to the Order and expressed his mind. Next to Dumbledore, Harry was naturally seen as their second in command and he felt bile rise to the back of his throat.
Finally Bill stood. "I agree with Harry. Their attack was quick, ruthless and destructive. They've grown bold which means they're as fearless as ever." Looking around him, Bill sighed somewhat in resignation. "We need to be prepared, we need to know. We don't have any time to lose."
Remus stood as well and nodded. "Harry and Bill are right. We need to start now."
A murmur of agreement came from all present members as one by one they stood and expressed their opinions. For the rest of the day, plans were drawn up, lists of known and potential Death Eaters were written down and assigned to volunteers who could spare the time without causing suspicion from their daily activities.
.
.