Ginny zoned out as the cloaked figures around the table reported on their developments to the Dark Lord. To be completely honest, her mind was on everything but the conference. While her cousin's followers relayed every bit of material that their incompetent minds could recall, Ginny had written her entire Potions essay in her head, prearranged what she was going to wear for the next week, and even had the time to think about how this particular meeting was completely ruining her outing with Draco. It was then she recalled that she was supposed to be getting closer to Harry, not Draco.
She groaned, which unfortunately called the attention of the room to her and away from Lucius' (yawn) surely fascinating report.
"Ginevra, any input on how to better infiltrate the Ministry?" questioned her cousin.
"Student interns and Imperius curses," she deadpanned, earning a half smirk from the Dark Lord, and bewildered stares from every Death Eater in the room. Surely these idiots hadn't forgotten their greatest defense from the previous Wizarding War? The same idea had kept over half of them out of Azkaban before.
"Care to elaborate?"
"Several of our newest members are just young enough to qualify for internships, and if they know how to not only remain devoted to you, but how to keep their lips sealed, they could prove to be most useful. Dumbledore would willingly write a recommendation for just about any past Hogwarts student, provided they have earned their completion certificates. The Ministry would accept anything signed by that old fool." A wave of light laughter swept the room at Ginny's insult of the Hogwarts headmaster. Voldemort paused, seeming to think it over, and then nodded. "Furthermore, Imperius curses were our greatest defense in the First War, as the Ministry can't track whether a person is truly under the impact of an Imperius. Surely repetition of our tactics that have been proven in multiple ways to help our side gain control could help us again this time around."
"Any progress with the Potter situation," he asked. The room again fell silent and all eyes fell on Ginny. The redhead sat up straighter and smirked.
"The simple minded fool refuses to date me, thus making all of the plans I made this summer to crush him through the same feeling that saved his life as an infant completely inadequate. However, Potter has fallen head over heels in love with mudblood Granger, who Is currently in a relationship with one of my former brothers," Ginny grimaced. "However, Granger and I have remained friends, and I have major influence over many of her decisions as she completely trusts me. For example, if I told her to leave Fred for any reason at all, she would do so without asking too many questions even if it meant crushing my dear brother's heart."
"I am impressed that you have managed to stay close with Potter and his friends, maintain a façade of loyalty to the light, and recruit classmates to join the cause. As for the Potter situation, it is no big matter, we will have to work on that at another time. I will be in contact with you and Severus later this week, and we shall discuss the situation and a new plan in further detail. Now," Voldemort smirks, turning to the others in the room, "I must be on my way due to other matters I must attend to this evening. Ginevra, if you could spare a moment, I'd like to speak with you and Draco privately in Lucius' study if you please."
Ginny and Draco rose from the table and followed the Dark Lord down the hall to the Malfoy patriarch's grand study. Upon entry Voldemort placed a silencing spell upon the room, and gestured for the teens to seat themselves in front of Lucius' mahogany desk.
"Let's forgo the formalities for now, shall we? This is more of a personal matter than one of business," chuckled the Dark Lord, removing his cloak and relaxing in the chair behind the desk. The teens glanced at each other with a hint of confusion across their faces, but quickly refocused their attention on their Lord as he continued to speak.
"Ginny, how are your classes going? I hope your transfer to Slytherin has gone over well, and that your classmates are treating you well. Severus had disclosed to me that you have quite a talent for potions, transfigurations, and charms, which will all prove to be more than useful at some point for the both of us."
"Things have been going rather well. I've become rather close with some of Draco's friends, Blaise Zabini and Pansy Parkinson, both of pure blooded and loyal families. I've managed to retain the trust of my foster family and past acquaintances, as well as keeping up with my studies," Ginny grinned.
"Outstanding, both of their families are extremely loyal to our cause and as I hear it they are both first rate students as well. I recall that Blaise is on the list to join our forces after he turns seventeen. Now, what I am truly curious about is this evolving relationship with Mr. Malfoy, here."
"Draco has proven to be a very good friend to me these past few months."
Draco shifted in his chair, unsure of how to address his Lord in an unformal setting such as this one. Up until this point he wasn't quite sure why he was in attendance of this particular conversation, as it had seemed to be a private family conversation. The blonde had absolutely no idea how the Dark Lord had learned of the pair's friendship, but he also hoped that the Lord would have mercy on him when he learned of Draco's true intentions toward his only living relative.
"Surely you don't underestimate my powers of observation, dear cousin. You are quite clearly more than friends, my dear. Not only have I heard rumors, I happened to be closely monitoring your behavior in the meeting just a few minutes ago. You two couldn't keep your eyes off of each other, even when Ginny here had completely lost herself in her thoughts."
Ginny jumped up and attempted to apologize, but Voldemort motioned for her to silence herself and reclaim her seat. He then turned his full attentions to the Malfoy heir.
"I assure you, it's quite alright Draco. You are of pure blood, a true and consistent Slytherin, and your father is one of my most loyal followers. Your ambition sets you apart, and you are well on your way to becoming a first rate Death Eater. I highly approve of your friendship with my cousin, and I would fully accept if you'd like to pursue a relationship with her."
"Your acceptance of my feelings towards your cousin means a lot to me, my Lord," Draco grins as he bows his head.
"Now, that is all I have to say on the matter at the moment, both of you may go and resume your date," Voldemort winks.
As Ginny opens her mouth to ask how he knew about the Slytherin pair's original plans for today, her cousin simply stated that he wished them the best and reminded her to look for his owl later this week, and excused himself.
