Note: I don't own anything.
I know I'm behind and real life is a burden right now. Anyways, I tweaked a bit with Chapter 1-5 as I noticed on how choppy I've made the timelines according to an anonymous reviewer's PM. She had a valid point and, besides… "Errors aren't mistakes unless people refuse to correct them."
It's a short chapter for now while I try to build a bigger one next time.
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Tom Riddle might have been angry about the Hogsmeade attack turning into a rout but given that only some of the fresh recruits had been captured or killed, he felt that it at least showed on who had the brains to do what was necessary. Instead of meting out his wrath, he simply dismissed the survivors, levying them with the task of recruiting replacements either here or overseas even though he had a growing legion at home alone. He even ordered them to reach out to any Dark creature that they could find for it seemed that having only witches and wizards leading attacks can only go so far. Punishing them wasn't exactly something he needed to do right now, especially when other threats besides the Order of the Phoenix and the Ministry warrant his attention. Losing followers, no matter how small the number, is something that he had to keep track of.
His mind was still on the subject regarding God's Right Seat along with the recent tomes coming in from the libraries of his followers. Looking through them, he had gotten a grand idea from a number of archaic rituals dating back to the Druidic times and knew that once done, not even God's Right Seat could stop him. The only problem is that he didn't calculate the setbacks on such rituals yet and those were things he needed to look into just in case. His Horcruxes may save him should something go wrong but getting this done correctly the first time meant everything.
Nagini slithered by, informing him that Adrian Greengrass was outside before Voldemort allowed him entry. From what he knew, the Death Eater had been pruning undesirables from the Greengrass line, having killed his brother Adam and his sister-in-law Beatrice. His two nieces, Charlotte and Claire, had gone into hiding and, having heard about the number of pureblood wizards that desired them, the Dark Lord had made note to let his followers have their way with them should they ever be captured, the price both would pay for being blood traitors.
"Rise, Greengrass." Voldemort spoke, seeing the man bowing before him. "What is it are you here for?"
"My lord, I established contact with the Purist Conclave and their liaison disclosed that they have decided on a mutual agreement." Adrian spoke. "They will provide logistics and assist on matters that all parties involved can benefit from. Unfortunately, an alliance isn't in their interests mostly because they prefer to run independently and see the use of force as the last resort."
"Understandable." Voldemort replied. "I didn't expect them to agree on an alliance and follow me anyways but this is enough for now. Dismissed."
Once Adrian left, Voldemort went into meditation, sensing those followers through the Dark Mark that he personally branded them with. The Purist Conclave could tip the scales in his favor even though they weren't as fanatic as the Death Eaters. Expectations may be high but he was sane enough to understand the need for patience. For now, the Dark Lord planned to at least explain some new objectives that the Death Eaters were to follow for wars aren't always won on the battlefield. Laying low for a few days might try his patience but even he knew the tact of choosing the time and place to make a statement on his own terms.
Still, that didn't mean he wasn't going to at least remind magical Britain on who is going to be their lord and master in the future. Sifting through his ranks, Tom came across a handful of followers that he certainly can no use for other than cheap firepower. They had joined simply for power and prestige yet didn't have the brains or talents that would make them valuable.
After summoning some of his inner circle, Tom went to work for he already had a plan in mind.
IIIII::::IIIII
Sitting in his room, Regulus thought about the covert actions that he had taken as of late. Having been raised in the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, he wouldn't deny being a stuck-up pureblood from his upbringing. Given his heritage and being a part of Slytherin House, the expectations of him learning the Dark Arts and becoming a Death Eater were all too obvious among the views of both friends and enemies. After his older brother Sirius had been disowned, Regulus found himself having to step up in becoming the heir that both of his parents expected him to be. Orion and Walburga had long championed the pureblood supremacy, seeing the encroachment of Muggle-borns as a cultural threat to the status quo and traditions long prevalent in the British magical world. It was somewhat synonymous to the conservative Tories viewing the liberal Whigs as threats within the political system of Muggle Britain. The purebloods were becoming a minority, fearing a change in their world would rip away everything they had held onto for centuries. His parents could still recall the days when the British purebloods viewed foreign purebloods with a xenophobic attitude and, while that had changed, there was still some trace remnant of the racism from those times. The encroachment of Muggle influences was the larger threat at the moment in the views of the pureblood families that want to maintain the status quo.
A pop disrupted his thoughts and Regulus looked to see that it was Kreacher, who bowed before speaking. "Mistress wants to see young master now in the study."
Standing up, Regulus left his room before heading downstairs to the study where Walburga beckoned for him to take a seat. A minute later, Orion entered the study before also taking a seat and Regulus noticed that his father looking as if he had just gone through a stressful conversation.
"It seems your father and I have been mistaken about this Voldemort character." Walburga began. "Recent events have come to light, leaving us little choice but to take measures needed to preserve our family."
Frowning, Regulus waited to hear more on what they had to say. For years, they had encouraged him to join the Death Eaters and resistance to that was often met with disownment, which was Sirius's fate in the family lineage along with Andromeda. The fact that they were considering on changing their minds was unusual as their stubbornness closed them to counter arguments. While Regulus did have his own reservations about the Death Eaters, even before Snape's return, the existence of the Necessarius and its concealed history, however, left him realizing that there are others with the capability of matching or even surpassing the Death Eaters. It was hard to imagine that the Church of England had a much larger stake in the magical world than perceived, making it a hidden player in the possible power struggle within the country. But still, given the reception he received, Regulus figured the collective as a means to an end. If they are more powerful than the Death Eaters, then he certainly wouldn't have to worry to being thrown in with a gang of mass murderers although the risk of trading one evil for another evil remained. But if Muggle-borns in the 16th century were capable of bringing magical Britain and the Wizard's Council to its knees, then the successive generation could very much learn from their forebears' mistake with even greater zeal and calculating intuition.
"I see." Regulus said. "So you wish to put family above all?"
"Indeed. With the Minister's approval, Crouch is pushing the Magical Law Enforcement to take more aggressive measures against the Death Eaters and those unknown vigilantes, although the latter have proven far more successful in completely evading capture." Orion spoke. "In addition, I heard that there is another pureblood group called the Purist Conclave, whose purposes align well with our beliefs. Though they do have some liaison with some of Voldemort's Death Eaters, the Purist Conclave isn't under his control, running independently and not taking part in any of the bloodbaths."
"The Purist Conclave is more of a growing political party rather than a militant group, extending beyond the borders of England." Walburga added. "We see the British version as a safer alternative to putting the family clout behind it. Cygnus and Druella aren't happy with our decision but didn't oppose it so there is at least some hope that we won't be targeted by Voldemort."
"And you are saying that you wish for me to join the Purist Conclave?" Regulus asked.
"It would be a wise decision if only to counteract the might that Dumbledore and his legion of Light families wield in our society along with preserving our culture and traditions." Walburga replied. "However, do not wed yourself completely to their cause. I hate to admit this but, given the divisions within the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, there is a likely chance that our generation will be no more down the road, leaving our House as nothing more than an empty shell of its former glory."
"If that ever happens, you will be the one to carry the House of Black and inheriting all that our primary lineage has held together." Orion added. "Your mother and I do not wish to see you being used like a pawn. Thus, while we will be putting our support behind the Purist Conclave, your duty is to remain safe and do whatever you must to survive. We hope that you will be the one to bring our house back to the way it was during its prime."
"I understand." Regulus answered, maintaining a stoic expression while bowing his head in deference. But in his mind, he had some trouble wrapping his mind around what was being asked. While he would have no problems in joining the Purist Conclave, his current accord with the Necessarius may be problematic. Severus had asked for complete secrecy of the Necessarius's existence until the archbishop gave her blessing to go forward. It was very amazing on how the collective had stayed hidden, thriving in the shadows away from the Wizards' Council and the current Ministry of Magic to this very day. The magical contract of secrecy that he had made was something not to regret, especially when his parents are indirectly giving him some free reign to safeguard his own life. Though they said it was a wise decision to join the Purist Conclave, that didn't mean they were ordering him to completely follow through with it and, given their shift from the Death Eaters, perhaps their survival instincts are kicking in. If this was their will, then so be it and Regulus would conduct himself well as any good pureblood son does.
"Is there anything else you wish for me to do?" Regulus asked.
"Nothing else but your father and I will be attending the Glasgow Estate where the British branch of the Purist Conclave is convening." Walburga replied. "Study hard for your O.W.L. exams."
"In addition, your mother and I also have decided that if you want to pursue a relationship with Claire Greengrass, then you have our blessing on that matter." Orion added. "Unladylike she may be, the girl is still a pureblood and you don't have to hide your association with her from us anymore. We hope you uphold the traditions."
Regulus simply nodded but was feeling elated within. Were his parents slowly loosening their authority around him? That might not be the case but perhaps they were at least hoping to concede to the point that their only son deserved some happiness despite their expectations. Regulua may never know for sure.
IIIII::::IIIII
The good news for Severus is the fact that he had finished taking care of business with the ICW, finishing a good number of exams equivalent to the N.E.W.T. and recognized by all nations that are members of the international collective. Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Astronomy, Herbology, and Potions were out of the way. It was a pity that he couldn't go further to get Charms and Transfiguration off the table while Defense Against the Dark Arts and History of Magic were too subjective to have international equivalents. Severus was surprised on the other subjects that were offered such as Elemental Origins and Magical Technology, giving him some thought on self-study.
The Ministry arrest warrant was bad news although Ophelia told him not to worry about it. Laura herself had asked for his side of the story and Severus had brought Lily in to back everything up. Though there was enough evidence from their Pensieve memories to undermine Dumbledore and have the charges dropped, the archbishop wanted to first consult with an old friend of hers, claiming that individual had some real incriminating evidence that would permanently damage the man's reputation. For Severus, he was astounded by the bogus charges that had been drummed up against him by the headmaster, making him feel as though he shouldn't have returned to Hogwarts at one point. But then again, there was always the desire to get an education, something that he felt to be a worthwhile experience no matter the adversity presented. Still, if push came to shove, Severus wasn't going to just let anyone deprive him of that for there are plenty of other schools worth going to.
In tandem to handling the arrest warrant, Ophelia was also representing him against his maternal grandparents. Given their disownment of Eileen long ago and her secret yet on-file secession clause from the Prince family, he didn't have any regrets on the course taken to ensure that they had no platform in the custody case. Severus didn't have any respect of his grandparents whatsoever, knowing full well on their contempt towards non-purebloods so it left him the question on their intentions.
After an ICW official Apparated with him to Manchester, Severus was left to his own devices and he brought out a Portkey, which was a Roman-era coin, before using it, feeling the tug behind his neck. After moving through the vortex, Severus landed on a large well-mowed lawn that surrounded a very large mansion, whose Roman architecture has stood unscathed by the passage of time due to its marble construction. This was no doubt the Greengrass Manor, the ancestral home that spawned a pureblood lineage going back even before the era of Britannia. Prior to his murder, Adam Greengrass had been the primary heir and had willed everything he owned to Charlotte and Claire. His younger brother Adrian, having been the secondary heir, had only a fraction of the overall properties and wealth, all of which was considerable in both status and wealth. Despite the patriarchal norm of inheritance, heiresses can become heads of their families and these matriarchal ladies were just as capable as their lord counterparts.
At the moment, Charlotte was the Head of the Greengrass House and not even Adrian could claim that from his niece. Severus had a feeling that the man wouldn't be satisfied with just a secondary branch of the Greengrass family despite being magically exiled from the main line in all but name. Bastard sons are known to be reactive.
A slight pop drew his attention and Severus turned to see a beautiful human woman with long blond hair, a curvy yet slender figure, and wearing attire reminiscent of a female knight. She even had a sword hanging from a belt at the side of her left hip. Severus remembered about Charlotte mentioning that she had hired a Veela combat group called the Arctic Valkyries as guards and combat instructors shortly after her parents' murder. Severus himself had actually encountered them while learning magical free-style combat in Scandinavia and one of them had been his instructor, not in the subject but also on his mental fortifications to resist the allure that also supplemented his Occlumency prowess. The Scandinavian Peninsula sure brought back memories where magical creatures were living on equal footing with the witches and wizards there.
"Greetings, sir." The woman spoke. "I am Adina. What is your name?"
"Severus Snape." Severus answered. Even if the Veela's allure didn't have much effect, the blonde's beauty and figure were another story.
"Ah, so you're the guest that Lady Greengrass is expecting today." Adina said. "Please follow me."
With that, Severus walked in tow as he entered the mansion and it wasn't long before he was brought to a huge living room with exquisite furniture of the finest quality. Severus had to be honest that the Malfoy family couldn't match up to this level of luxury, having remembered a visit he and a group of Slytherins once made on Lucius Malfoy's invitation.
At the far end of the living room, a pair of doors opened to reveal a tall beautiful young woman with long blonde hair and sapphire blue eyes and wearing a long-sleeve blouse that hugged her enormous breasts and jeans that looked skintight around her curvy hips and thighs. Despite his disciplined manners and looking squarely into Charlotte's eyes, Severus found it difficult to not ogle the busty blonde, who could go into modeling plus be a fitness instructor if she wanted.
"Hey Severus." Charlotte greeted.
"Hi Charlotte." Severus replied before retrieving the Portkey from his cloak and handing it over. "I just came by to return this."
"Thank you and it's a good thing that you didn't lose it." Charlotte said, pocketing the coin after wandlessly deactivating it with her family magic. "How did the exams go?"
"Hard but I think I did well." Severus replied. "There were a number of things that aren't taught in the British magical curriculum. If I hadn't studied alongside those monks and nuns, I would've been frozen."
"I can imagine them trying to use the threat of damnation in brimstone and fire to motivate you." Charlotte smirked. "Or maybe impose a ten-year sentence of celibacy on you if you fail."
"You can do that and not be wrong on the matter." Severus replied. "Although I wonder on how your parents would react to you jumping so far and deep with Naoto."
"I have no regrets because Naoto is fabulous in bed." Charlotte stated smugly, a sinful expression filled with pride on her face. "Besides, my parents wouldn't have any say in the matter and I look forward to seeing on how you and maybe Lily react to your first time."
Severus rolled his eyes and shook his head. Then the mention of Lily and himself in the same context caused him to turn red. "I don't know if Lily and I will ever get to first base. It's a bit of an accelerator after a three-year absence between us."
"Don't sell yourself short, Severus." Charlotte said, her tone becoming a bit serious yet also encouraging. "Even when you were gone, not a day has gone by when she hasn't thought of you and, despite the Gryffindor-Slytherin friction, I've been around her more than long enough to know these things. Trust me when I say that you have the best chance. Don't let your insecurities get in the way."
"I guess only time will tell." Severus replied with a bit of skepticism yet felt rather hopeful of the subject.
"Has there been any word on what the archbishop wants us to do?" Charlotte asked, changing the subject.
"Other than getting the Slytherins following us adjusted to their surroundings at Longbow Cascade and offer counseling, nothing else although Freeman has been helping them set up a community." Severus replied. "But I think the archbishop considers this to be my responsibility since I'm the one that brought them into this matter in the first-place. I'll call a meeting with them to figure out arrangements but right now, I need to head out to Manchester for some Christmas shopping."
"I hope you don't mind if Naoto and I tag along with you." Charlotte said. "We plan to meet up with Claire and Lily in London later in the evening."
"That's fine." Severus replied before seeing a gold eagle Patronus that both knew belonged to Claire, whose voice echoed through the room.
"Death Eater attack on London! Come quickly!"
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Not much for now. More next time!
