::: Chapter 9 :::
It was a small assembly in Riddle Manor. The Dark Lord had called the three of them all together to discuss their progress. To Bellatrix's relief, Sebastian was no where to be seen. Bella, Rod and Avery were having a very animated discussion when the Dark Lord appeared, bringing about a deathly silence instantly in the dimly lit hall.
"Well….thank you all for being here. We shall start straightaway with today's agenda,' Voldemort started as he sat himself down.
"Is Sebastian not joining us, my Lord?" Bella asked him.
He looked at her, knowing so well the hopefulness behind that voice. "No. You will be glad to know that Sebastian will no longer be involved with our affairs unless it directly affects me. So you no longer have to worry about him,' he turned away from Bellatrix to Rodolphus. 'What news have you brought me this time LeStrange?"
"My Lord, our crowd is getting stronger. Our demands though have not been fulfilled. The governments are being stubborn but I am confident my Lord that soon we will be able to twist them to our demands." Rodolphus said, pride gleaming from his eyes.
"Do not let out our identity until I tell you to. For now, keep pressing on for the demands and appoint someone local who can control the supporters in each territory. Just remember, this time we will take one step at a time. Don't let the protest become violent just yet. Overall, I am pleased with you, you have done well LeStrange." Voldemort said without even looking at him. He was busy looking up into the ceiling, looking at something no one else could see.
"Thank you my Lord. To serve you is my only desire." Rodolphus LeStrange said. Bella couldn't help but feel so proud of Rodolphus. His devotion to the Dark Lord matches hers, just like her, he would do anything for the cause of the Death Eaters.
"Avery. I trust you will not be disappointing me?" The Dark Lord said, still not looking at anyone but the ceiling.
"My Lord I….I have managed to persuade the Dementors to leave Azkaban my Lord.'
Avery said in an unmistakable boasting tone. 'They have agreed to hide themselves in the corners of the Earth and shall only return when my Lord commands."
Bella and Rod both looked at him with disgust. Avery would not even have been here if it hadn't been for the persuasiveness of Bella and Rod themselves. Just like during the Dark Lord's first downfall, Avery had declared that he was acting under the influence of the Imperius curse not daring to admit himself as the Dark Lord's follower. Bella and Rod would have been glad to kill him during those years they had been in hiding but since his presence has in fact brought in a benefit for them, they decided they would just 'monitor' him closely.
"And how is our dear Mr. Potter?" Voldemort said. This time he had whipped out his wand, caressing it lovingly with his bony fingers.
"He is….uh…well, my Lord," Even after so many weeks of spying on Potter, Avery still has difficulty trying to find the right words to describe the well-being of the subject. 'He is…well…moving on well in his life."
"And what about his little devils? All are going well in school I presume?" Voldemort asked again with that famous poker face of his.
"Ye—yes, my Lord."
"Good….see to it that everything will continue as plan Avery and just keep me informed of Mr. Potter and his affairs. For now, you may leave." Voldemort said, still not looking at anyone. This time, his gaze has transferred to the window, looking out into the dark windless night.
At hearing of his early dismissal by the Dark Lord, Avery was slightly suspicious. However, he had no choice but to comply. "Yes my Lord." With that, he apparated.
Bella and Rod had been exchanging glances ever since the Dark Lord had didsmissed Avery. They were confused as to whether he had meant Avery and them too, or just Avery. However, seeing now that the Dark Lord has not made any demands for them to leave, they stayed in their seats and waited for the Dark Lord to begin.
"Bella….you shouldn't be here either. I'd like you to go back into the library and continue reviewing the books there. I need to talk to Rodolphus alone."
"But…but my Lord I…" Bella tried to find a reason so she could stay but was cut off.
"Go! Now!" he said to her in a raised voice.
"In a squeaky voice, she replied, "Yes, my Lord." She apparated.
Rodolphus knew what the Dark Lord has to say is important. He couldn't get over how lucky he was that the Dark Lord had thought highly of him to be able to see him as his confidant. However, he was rather sorry for Bella. She must have felt so disappointed.
"Are you aware Rodolphus that your wife has been very valuable to me these past few weeks?" Voldemort began.
"I…I'm glad to hear that, my Lord." Rod replied hesitantly.
"She has been scrutinizing piles and piles of books, interpreting phrases just to help me rewrite a scripture that has partially been destroyed and, I doubt she is even aware what she is helping me with." Voldemort said again.
Rodolphus remained silent.
"Rodolphus I want you to divorce Bella." Voldemort said
THIS IS A LINE THIS IS A LINE THIS IS A LINE THIS IS A LINE THIS IS A LINE THIS IS A LINE THIS IS A LINE THIS IS A LINE THIS IS A LINE
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