Gordval Mort IV

## Gordval Drusus Mort IV

**Gordval Drusus Mort IV** (6 July, 1954 - 2 May, 1998) was an English pure-blood wizard born into the notorious House of Mort as a younger twin brother of Alois Mort and a second son of Ophion and Dierdre Mort. He was the elder brother of Amalric Mort. Descending from a long line of pure-blood wizards, Gordval was taught about the importance of blood purity and what happens to those who happen to stray from this philosophy. He grew up in a family manor house in the village of Old Wallow, located in the Yorkshire county.

On 1 September, 1965, alongside his elder brother, Gordval began his education at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where he was sorted into the Slytherin house. From 1971-1972 he began associating with a group of Slytherins who would later become known Death Eaters. As a member of the Mort family and having skills in dagger making, Gordval was a member of Slughorn's Slug Club. Shortly after graduating in June, 1972 Gordval joined Lord Voldemort's Death Eaters with a goal to rid the Wizarding world of those he deemed inferior. However, his main reason to join was to appease his father, who he believed considered him and his brothers worthless and their efforts fruitless.

Gordval participated in the First Wizarding War from 1972 up until Lord Voldemort's downfall on 31 October, 1981. He was considered one of the most dangerous Death Eaters due to his sheer skill with daggers, a choice of weapon he utilized in any hand-to-hand fight. Despite there being an overwhelming amount of evidence against the Mort brothers in the aftermath of the war, they never stood trial nor were imprisoned. His father's influence in the Ministry insured every piece of evidence never saw the broad daylight. However, he did lose his younger brother on 13 October, 1979 to a duel with Thomas Clarkson, a muggle-born wizard who also lost his life that day.

Much like other Death Eaters who managed to avoid imprisonment, Gordval enjoyed a time of peace before Lord Voldemort's return in 1995. Alongside his brother, he once more rejoined the Death Eaters' ranks. Gordval participated in the Battle of Seven Potters (1997) and the Battle of Hogwarts (1998) where he was killed in a duel by his nephew Thomas.

## Physical appearance

Being Alois' twin, Gordval bore majority of his appearance with his brother. He had the same pale skin, jet black hair and green eyes. However, the twins were born conjoined, specifically at the face area. Gordval's right side of the face was infused with the back of Alois' skull. Upon being separated, and despite numerous magical attempts to heal Gordval's scar, the separation left him permanently disfigured.

Despite being initially content with his appearance and having Alois for encouragement, his father made him wear masks, remarking that he was a heinous sight.

## Etymology

*Gordval* is a name of unknown origin mostly unique to the Mort family. The prefix *gor* may have come Brythonic, meaning "spacious". And gord in itself may have derived from the place Gourdon in France. Suffix *val* comes from Latin, where it has the meaning "worth; health; strength".

*Drusus* is a former Roman family name, also sometimes used as a praenomen, or given name, by the Claudia family. Apparently the name was first assumed by a Roman warrior who killed a Gallic chieftain named Drausus in single combat. *Drausus* possibly derives from a Celtic element meaning "strong".

The surname *Mort* has two possible origins. The first is that it is a medieval nickname from the Old French word "mort" meaning death. As such it may have referred to somebody who "looked like death", and had a a pale or sickly appearance. Secondly and at least in England a possible origin is a derivation of the ancient pre 7th century personal name "Morta," of unknown etymology, and found in the place name of Mortlake in Surrey.