It was an abnormally frigid day in May. Yet the two men who were sitting on the rather old, yet expensive chairs that adorned the rather old, yet expensive parlor room hardly noticed the weather. Perhaps it was from the excitement that seemed to electrify the air. Or perhaps the two men's hearts were so cold they did not notice the chills of the air. Either way, the men were speaking of seemingly much more important matters than the weather. What other reason could they have for talking in hushed voices and sending the servants away? Yes, these men had far more important things on their minds.
"Are you sure, brother?" Inquired the younger of the two.
"Yes, but he told me not to tell anyone." Spoke the elder in a tone that warned of the consequences should his companion speak of it to anyone.
"Of course. Imagine the blood bath that would ensure if any of the other families were to find out. Yet, you chose to confide in me." The younger brother's green eyes danced with excitement, and made him appear as if he was far younger than he actually was. In his late forties, the man had slick black hair that seemed to enhance his already striking eyes. It was evident that he had once been quite handsome, although age had done little but add a type of sophistication to his looks that echoed the nobility in his blood.
For the two men speaking were the current heads of the House of Bourgoyne. The Bourgoynes were a wizarding family so powerful and with such an impressive lineage that they rivaled even the House of Black, their sworn rivals. As their name depicts, they do have a French lineage. A lineage that now was manifested and celebrated by sending each female born to the family to Beauxbatons.
"Of course. You are my brother, after all. Thus, our fortunes are intertwined." Spoke the eldest Bourgoyne. He was the official Head of the family. However, he was not blessed with the looks of his younger brother. He was handsome, but his brown hair lacked the luster of his brothers, and his eyes did not hold the charm that could make women swoon with a single glance as his brother's did. He also was not blessed with his brother's luck in children. While his younger brother had a total of three children, including a male heir, the eldest Bourgoyne did not have a legitimate child. A fate that had brought him to become close with his brother, and even closer with his brother's children.
"It is just hard to believe, Haine. If he has truly found a way to live forever, then what does the Dark Lord need with an heir?"
"As you know, our Lord trusts no one. The very fact that you know how he has split his soul is the reason he needs an heir, Seth," explained Haine with excitement, "he believes that some one might betray him. So he wishes for an heir to be raised to seek vengeance and then carry on his noble work should he die."
"And if no one is foolish enough to betray the Dark Lord?"
"Then he will have someone whom he can trust totally."
Seemingly convinced, Seth, the younger brother, asked the question that had been boiling at the back of his mind since his brother first informed him of what the Dark Lord had discussed with him that very morning. "Has he anyone in mind?"
"Yes, and no. No one in particular, but he does have requirements. The witch, obviously, must be beautiful. More importantly, she must be a very skilled and clever witch. You know how he values intelligence. But most importantly, she must have a great bloodline, and come from a very noble family."
"And what family is more noble than the Bourgoynes?" Added Seth, catching on to the reason his brother had shared this knowledge with him.
"Precisely. I believe we are in luck. Imagine the power and position we would hold if our family was to be chosen. He would reward us endlessly. Imagine. Bourgoyne blood mixed with the Dark Lord's. It would be the most powerful wizard to ever be born." Haine stated excitedly.
"You've given this much thought, brother. Tell me, who do you have in mind? I doubt very much you would offer up your wife."
"If the Dark Lord asked it of me, of course I would agree," Haine said through slitted eyes. "Besides, the Dark Lord specifically stated that the girl must be virgin. He would not risk having someone tainted. I believe he also wishes for someone younger, to give more opportunities for an heir."
"Then it is my daughters you are speaking of." Seth said solemnly, more to himself than to his brother.
"No honor could be greater than seeing your daughter sit at the Dark Lord's side. What more could a father ask for?"
"Indeed, what more. So it is Faustine you have in mind?" Spoke Seth of his oldest daughter.
"Faustine is, as all your children, beautiful. And, bless her heart, she has the correct values. None of your children are so devoutly dedicated to the Dark Lord's plans. However, she has gained, shall we say, a sort of reputation."
"All rumors, I can assure you." Seth glared at his older brother.
"Be that as it may, her powers are great, but I fear she did not quite develop the cunningness our family so greatly respects."
"Then it is as I feared. You wish to present Persephone to the Dark Lord." Seth sighed as he looked down, thinking of his youngest child. She was his favorite. She had gained all the wit and intelligence that he had hoped would be inherited by a son. Although she did not seem to care one way or the other for the values of putting muggles in their rightful place as her other siblings had, she had inherited a shrewd and clever mind. He had no doubt that had she been sent to Hogwarts, she would have been sorted into Slytherin. He could not think of a person who exemplified the house traits more.
"She is a very clever girl. She exhibits remarkable power for a woman of her young years. I dare say she also knows how to use her abilities to get what she desires. She's always been a favorite of mine."
"And mine. She returns from Beauxbatons tomorrow night."
"Excellent. Bring her here and we shall discuss her future."
"How do you propose we present her to the Dark Lord?" Seth grudgingly agreed.
"He has presented to me an idea. I am to throw a masked ball, and have all the noble families. Not only will this present the eligible young women to him, but he will also have a chance to gain more followers to our noble cause. It is at this ball that we shall place my niece before him. However, we have to present her in the right way. He knows I know of his wish for an heir. He will see right through our attempts. We must find a way to have the girl capture his attention herself."
"Capturing attention is a past time of hers," chuckled Seth as he recalled his daughter's elaborate attempts to always place herself at the center of the attention in every situation in which the attention slipped to something other than her. "It should not be difficult."
"Excellent. I look forward to speaking to Persephone. I dearly miss my niece. Until then, brother." Haine stated as he walked his brother to the door.
"Good bye brother." Seth said as he walked out. He went home with a heavy mind. So his brother had thought of another scheme to once again increase the influence of their family. The plan did seem promising, but there was one thing his brother had overlooked. You cannot control Lord Voldemort. Nor can you control Persephone.