Chapter Eleven- The Mind of a Death Eater

"Harry, give me your invisibility cloak." I say out of the corner of my mouth. "What? Why?" Harry splutters, surprised. "Just do it!" I hiss. Harry pulls a bundle out of his clothes and hands it to me. "If I'm not back in the Atrium in ten minutes, send a message to the Order." I say, throwing the invisibility cloak on, and running after Fudge.

I catch up with them down a brightly lit corner, praying my shoes make no noise in the floor. I can't quite catch the words. Fudge opens a door, and ushers my father inside. I barely manage to slip in unnoticed, but it's possible the cloak slipped. A hardly noticeable glance from Father in my direction confirms this. Damn it. Why is it that every time I try to get information, I get caught? Luckily, Father simply turns back to Fudge. "I'd like to discuss a generous contribution to the Ministry." Father says. I take the distraction to fish around his mind.

The Dark Lord yells in extreme anger. The Potter boy escaped along with his daughter, in what condition, Lucius didn't know, and frankly, didn't care.

Fudge's jaw drops. "That many Galleons?" He says. I try to stay focused.

"I require a service of you, Lucius." His master hisses. "What do you require of me, my Lord?" Lucius asks, eager for a task to prove himself again. "I want you to retrieve something from the Ministry of Magic. Something that has plagued me for many years." The Dark Lord says.

"No, no, it's perfectly fine. I'll wait here." Father says. Fudge looks harried as he runs out of the room. I try to slip out, but the door closes too fast. I try to press myself against the wall. "I know you're in here." Father says, reaching out to pull of the cloak. I can't dodge his hand fast enough, and he pulls the cloak off. "Give it back." I say in a low voice, trying to snatch it out of his hands. "Don't speak to me that way." Father says warningly. I try and get the cloak again, this time succeeding. "What is it?" I hiss. "What's hidden in the Ministry? Is it the prophecy?"

Father pales. "You're, you're a Parselmouth?" He splutters. A quick search of his mind discovers he's not lying, either. "That's beside the point!" I snap in English. "It's the prophecy, right?" "Who says there's even anything?" He snaps. "You did." I say softly, pulling the cloak back on and slipping out as Fudge comes in. I focus back on that moment.

"What is it, my Lord?" Lucius asks, excitement building up. "Hidden in the Department of Mysteries is a prophecy, a prophecy concerning Potter and I. It will be key in defeating him. I want you to retrieve it. I trust you can do that?" The Dark Lord says. "Of course, My Lord." Lucius bows. "Do not fail me, Lucius. Your daughter has." The Dark Lord seems to spit out the last sentence. "I assure you, she is nothing to me. If you so choose to kill her, I will. It stand in your way." Lucius seems to regret his choice of words the instant they come out of his mouth. Of course he would let Carina die. What would Cissa say? "Of course you wouldn't." The Dark Lord looks suspicious. "Leave me now," he orders the Death Eaters.

Lucius Apparates back to Malfoy Manor. Cissa stands up from where she was sitting in the couch. "Lucius, is it true? Is he back?" She asks, a note of fear in her voice. "Yes, it is true. The Dark Lord has returned. Is Carina okay?" Lucius asks tiredly. It has been a long night, and he really isn't interested, but Narcissa will wonder if he doesn't ask.

A dark look comes into Cissa's eyes. "I could not say. She will survive, though." She looks tired and worried. "Why does he want our daughter, Lucius?" Cissa asks, a single tear running down her beautiful cheek. "I wish I knew." Lucius says, and this was the truth. Lucius had his suspicions, but, not wishing to worry Narcissa more, Lucius did not share them with her.

I can't hold on any longer. My ten minutes is up by a long shot. People will be looking for me. "Expecto Patronum." I whisper, sending a message to the Order that I am alright. I head back up,to the Atrium, where Tonks is waiting. She quickly takes me to headquarters.

Kingsley is already there waiting. I relay everything from Father's mind, except his conversation with Mum. "It's nothing new." I say apologetically. Kingsley shakes his head. "It is useful. We now know who to watch for."

Ah, Lucy... I truly believe he does love his family, except maybe Carina, at least at this point! I know how this story's going to end, and by that I mean after the Battle of Hogwarts. Review!