Chapter 2: Sirenum Scopuli
Nolan excelled as a Death Eater. Over the course of the next six months he rose higher in the Dark Lord's ranks than anyone ever had, with the exception of Bellatrix. She was highly displeased with this turn of events. She never thought he'd be accepted as a Death Eater, let alone rival her own standing with the Dark Lord. Voldemort was sending him out on important missions and a large number of Order of the Phoenix members had died by his wand. The bounty on his head skyrocketed, becoming not much less than his master's. This all infuriated Bellatrix further.
The Death Eaters sat at the long table in the dining room of Riddle House, Voldemort at its head with Nolan seated at his immediate right. Bellatrix, seated beside her husband, three seats away from the Dark Lord on the opposite side of the table, was seething silently in her seat, throwing nasty glances at Nolan every few minutes.
"It has come to my attention that the Order of the Phoenix may know the whereabouts of this house," Voldemort said, his voice immediately silencing all who were talking. "I require a new hiding place immediately."
Bellatrix spoke up without hesitation.
"My lord…" she began.
"Bella, my dear, while I appreciate your enthusiasm, I must decline," Voldemort interrupted. "Where did you plan on taking me? Your family home? Too obvious."
Bellatrix slumped in her chair, disappointed. It was silent for a moment, everyone trying to avoid the Dark Lord's gaze.
"No one?" Voldemort prompted. "No suggestions?"
Nolan spoke suddenly, shocking a majority of the people in attendance. The tall Death Eater wasn't one to speak often.
"I know of a place," he said.
"Where?" Voldemort inquired.
Bellatrix frowned, narrowing her eyes at Nolan.
"My family owns a vacation home on the shores of the North Sea," Nolan explained. "It's in a secluded location and heavily warded. My father didn't like to be disturbed and you know how he felt about Muggles."
"I see," Voldemort replied, tilting his head in contemplation. "Does anyone know of it?"
"Just my family," Nolan answered. "And I'm the only one left."
"Excellent!" Voldemort exclaimed, standing. "We leave within the hour. I'll require a personal guard in this new location and seeing as it's your family home, it only seems fit you should accompany me."
"I'd be honored, my Lord," Nolan agreed, trying desperately to hide his nervousness.
Voldemort briefly touched Nolan's shoulder in a friendly gesture. Bellatrix shot Nolan the cruelest glare she could muster. The corner of Nolan's mouth twitched into a smirk at the sight of it. The Death Eaters were dispersing as Voldemort left to make the necessary preparations for his departure.
"This is a bold move, my friend," Lucius whispered. "Living so closely to the Dark Lord. Be careful."
"I can handle myself," Nolan reassured. "I'll be fine."
Nolan wasn't sure who he was trying harder to convince, Lucius or himself.
…
An hour later, Voldemort and Nolan apparated into a dark copse of trees. The sounds of the sea were audible close by. Nolan led the Dark Lord out of the trees and pointed ahead. What appeared to be a small, rundown shack was perched atop a cliff overlooking the sea.
"That's it?" Voldemort asked in disbelief. "I thought you said this was a vacation home?"
"Don't always trust your first impressions, my Lord," Nolan said, leading the way to shack.
As they approached what appeared to be the remains of a wooden fence, the pair felt the powerful magic energy given off by the wards. They felt a chilling sensation, as though they'd been dunked into a tub of ice water, as they passed through. On the other side, the shack had been replaced by a large manor. A name was carved above the doorway in Latin: Sirenum Scopuli.
"Rocks of the sirens," Nolan translated. "It's the islands the sirens were said to dwell on, mythical creatures whose songs drove Muggle sailors to dash their ships upon the rocks. They fell in love with the monsters, willing to risk life and limb just to be near them."
"Interesting," Voldemort said, surveying his surroundings. "They must have been very foolish."
"They say people do foolish things when they're in love," Nolan said absent mindedly. "And they were Muggles after all."
"Very true," Voldemort agreed. "But our kind is prone to foolish behavior as well."
Nolan looked at the Dark Lord in disbelief. Had he compared their kind to Muggles? Voldemort was avoiding his gaze, whether purposefully or not, Nolan couldn't tell. He decided it would be wise not to question the comment. He took out his wand and tapped the large front doors, which swung open to reveal a large atrium. The marble floors were sparkling and not a single speck of dust was visible on any surface.
"When's the last time anyone was here?" the Dark Lord asked.
"Before my father was imprisoned," Nolan replied.
Before Voldemort could comment on the home's pristine condition, a house elf appeared from another room.
"Master Nolan," he greeted in a gravelly voice, bowing low. "How good to see you after so long."
"Rambler," Nolan said. "This is Lord Voldemort. He will be staying here with me for a while."
"Rambler has heard of you, sir," the elf said, slowly approaching Voldemort. "Doing great things, Rambler hears. Killing Muggles and Mudbloods, Rambler hears."
"Yes," Voldemort confirmed, raising an eyebrow at the creature. "That would be me."
"It is an honor to serve such a great wizard," Rambler said with a deep bow.
"Alright, Rambler, that's enough," Nolan ordered, shooing the elf away. "Go make yourself useful."
"Yes, sir," he replied. "Rambler will return to his duties."
"Father couldn't have picked a more suiting name," Nolan commented. "The damn creature never shuts up."
"I've found house elves to be rather annoying creatures," Voldemort admitted.
"As do I," Nolan agreed. "But he keeps the house in order."
"Indeed," Voldemort said, once again taking in the spotless quality of the house.
Nolan led him upstairs and entered the large master bedroom. The mahogany four poster bed was draped in deep forest green and silver.
"This is where you'll be staying, my lord," Nolan explained. "The bathroom's just through there."
"I truly appreciate your hospitality, Nolan," Voldemort practically purred. "I can promise you won't regret this decision."
"It's nothing, sir," Nolan assured. "I'm merely doing my duty as your loyal follower."
The Dark Lord had a way of making Nolan nervous the way no person ever had before. His heart hammered in his chest as he tried to maintain his composure.
"Well I'll leave you to make yourself at home," Nolan said. "Good night, my lord."
"Good night, Nolan," Voldemort replied.
Nolan nodded before leaving and hurrying down the hall to his own room. As he fell backwards onto his bed, he let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. What had he gotten himself into?