“Shut up!” the man behind James roared, shoving him forward onto the bed. “How dare you speak the Dark Lord’s name? You are disgusting!”

He spit on James.

“Who are you?” I asked, shaking. “And why did you kill Mr. Orson?”

He stepped forward and I moved back, accidentally placing my hand on Mr. Orson’s cold arm. I let out a small scream.

A tall figure swept into the room. “Who are these kids? I though the house was empty?”

“It was,” the man replied. “I don’t know where she came from, but I saw him leaving the house. When he came back in he started shouting about the Dark Mark.”

“So they’re wizards, then?” He didn’t wait for an answer. “How do you know what the Dark Mark is?”

I stood up. “We’re not stupid.”

The man looked at me angrily, and then slapped me. I fell to the floor and looked up at him, the red mark gleaming on my face.

James looked angry, but he didn’t do anything; knowing it was stupid to just stay on the floor, I began to get up. Halfway through, I fell back down, concealing the fact that I was getting my wand out.

“There’s no record of other wizards living in this area.”

“We don’t live here,” James said hastily as I opened my mouth. We… we were coming to wish a late Merry Christmas to Mr. Orson. He’s practically my dad...”

“Oh, yes?” the tall man said, rounding on James. “Where’s your present?”

James began to dig in his pocket, and the man pointed his wand at him, sneering. “Don’t try anything funny. And get up off the floor, girl. You’re not worthy enough to be at my feet.”

I scowled darkly and climbed back onto the bed, hiding the wand in my sleeve, and trying to ignore Mr. Orson’s dead body behind me.

James pulled out the scarlet and gold chain watch that I’d given him for Christmas. “They’re his favorite colors, besides neon green.”

I couldn’t help but to smile a bit as I remembered Mr. Orson’s odd fashion. My eyes swelled up with tears again.

Another person entered the room. “He’s here.”

“God,” I said sarcastically. “How many of you does it take to kill one man?”

“Just one,” the shorter man said. “But we get to kill you now, too. You didn’t think we’d let you live, did you?” he laughed. “This is our superior debut of the Dark Mark…one important, successful man, and two lowly teenagers…”

We heard footsteps coming up the stairs. Suddenly, the two men bowed deeply as yet another man came in; he was tall with dark hair and penetrating eyes. He looked as if he’d previously been handsome, but scars covered his high cheekbones and erased the effect. He had a strange elongated look to him, like someone had squished him with a roller.

“Who are they?” he boomed.

“They came in after we’d killed him, sir.” The tallest said, looking up a bit.

“Amycus, why are they still alive?” he asked the shortest simply. “Kill them.”

Amycus raised his wand. James and I looked at each other, and he nodded.

“STUPEFY!” he roared as I yelled, “PETRIFICUS TOTALUS!”

A sudden silence followed after the two men fell to the floor; James and I both had our wands pointed at Voldemort.

“They were never the best fighters,” he said, shrugging. “So don’t reward yourself. Now tell me, what are you two going to do, kill me? Because I can assure you now that won’t happen.”

“Why did you kill Mr. Orson?” I roared for the third time.

He looked at me, surprised. The expression fell off his and was replaced with a smug smile. “He got in the way of my plans.”

“To have the werewolves join you?” James said more than asked.

Voldemort nodded. “Much impressive. I’m guessing you’re in league with Dumbledore?”

“No,” I said. “You know what? I always pictured you as a bit more… scary. I guess my imagination is worse.”

He rounded on me, glaring. “I may not look scary, girl, but I assure you that I am. I know more things that you ever will… Your name is Lily Evans, and you’re a filthy Mudblood.”

I looked at him, shocked, but I then understood. He’d taken a chance and ‘read my mind.’

“Let’s go,” I said to James.

“You’re not leaving!” Voldemort screamed, letting drops of spit spray into my face.

I shoved him away and he quickly pulled out his wand. “I know who you are, and if you leave, I’ll find you! Crucio!”

I dropped to the ground again, pain shooting through my body. I didn’t think it was ever going to stop, but it ended just as fast as it began. I slowly got up to find James pressed again the wall, Voldemort whispering softly into his ears. All of the color drained from James’ face.

“What do you want from us?” I cried. “What do you want?”

He turned around. “I want your loyalty.”

“To you?”

“Who else? Join my forces and never have to worry about death,” his ever were gleaming and he licked his lips.

“I’m not afraid to die,” I said softly. “… So you can take that as a no.”

He turned from James to me and raised his wand. “Avada Ked-”

Before he could finish, I Disapparated.