He came to Marley in his sleep. He shared his wisdom to Marley and promised him a grand win that would earn his respect.

"You have been betrayed, my boy. Join us, and you'll earn everything you have only dreamed of."

It was raining like the night he first came to Romania with Neel and Miriam. There wasn't thunder, but the winds were strong and harsh.

Marley snapped his eyes open and shot up in his bed. "Why would I dream about Him?"

"It was not a dream, my boy."

Marley let out a choked cry as he looked to his left. By his open windows, stood Voldemort. The curtains were spread apart, fluttering inside.

"W-Why are y-you here?"

Voldemort smiled. "I find myself wanting your aid in collecting my victory in the Second Wizarding War."

His smile was unsettling. If it was supposed to make Marley comfortable and at ease, it definitely wasn't working.

Nagini slithered out from Voldemort's robes and toward Marley. He was quivering in his bed, eyes wide and hands clammy. She slithered up his bed and over his body until she reached his neck. Nagini hissed quietly as her tongue touched a patch of skin on his neck. She was tasting him for some reason. It was as if she was testing to see if he could be trusted. Then, when she was satisfied, she slithered back to Voldemort.

"W-Why m-me?" Marley asked.

"When people are hurt, they seem to accomplish great things," Voldemort said. "If you want to win her love, it won't be hard. When I finally defeat Harry Potter, I'll have immense power to make her love you. Wouldn't you like that, Marley Montgomery?"

"I'm not sure I have what it takes."

"Everyone has what it takes."