“Draco, step ahead.” I heard a cold, high voice coming from the far end of the room. My mother’s long blonde hair swished across her face as she tried to hide her tears. My dad was smiling broadly. I step out of my chair, and the room goes silent. My godfather gives me a glance across the room that I can barely see, as his greasy black hair is in his eyes. I brace myself for the pain that I know will come. The Dark Lord tape his wand on my left arm and I shiver as the Dark Mark becomes branded on my skin, like spilt ink on parchment.