Chapter 25
Ostara Loyalty
Tom decided to cancel out any chance of his inner circle copping out and bringing new Slytherins to their meetings. He wanted direct control over Slytherin, using the entire House as a stepping stone to getting the other Houses and their students. He announced his plans after their next meeting in the Room of Requirement, in which Rosier, Malfoy, and Avery did all bring Hufflepuffs who agreed to join. "It is time we expand even further," Tom said. "Harry, what date is it?"
"Middle of February," Harry said, confused.
"Hmm then how about on Ostara, March 21st," Tom said. "We shall take over Slytherin, with all of you showing your loud and clear loyalty to me."
"If I may," Abraxas said, hesitating a little as everyone looked at him. He cleared his throat and spoke carefully. "I agree that it would be better to gain a solid foothold in Slytherin instead of picking slowly at the students. That would only create rumors which might weaken our cause. However, given the views of our housemates, it might be wise if instead of telling them all of our goals, we change them, or at least the wording of them so as to make it more palatable to the mass public."
"You wish to change our goals?" Tom asked, frowning slightly, "lead them into thinking we are building a version of the world that we are not actually building?"
"If it is to get their initial support, then yes," Abraxas said.
Tom did not look pleased; he opened his mouth, but Harry interrupted him. "I agree with him, my lord. I understand that not everyone will accept us as lovers, Master, at least not while we hold so little power. There are already several rumors about me, and people hate me just based on my sexuality. We do not need to use it or bring it up as a selling point. If people ask about our relationship, we can say that you are my Master, just as you are everyone's Master, but only us, the Inner Circle, know the true extent of my loyalty and submission to you."
"Hmm, that would work," Tom nodded, "as well as calm those morons with simplistic views. However, I do not want these people to raise far in influence, our world is about shedding such simple views in order to accept Magic as it should be."
"That would be simple enough, my lord," Abraxas said, "We are not aiming to please everyone, just that they follow us be it from devotion to fear."
"Hmm, yes I understand what you are aiming at, thank you both," Tom nodded. "It seems in my bid for followers, I have forgotten how useful fear is as a tactic of loyalty. You are both correct, the others do not need to know our true goals, only that we are to make the world better. With us in power, we will serve as role models and as time moves on, Harry and my relationship will not only be accepted but treated as commonplace as any other relationship. As well as our celebrating and worshiping of the old Holidays, which is why I suggest Ostara. Now, which one of you can tell me the importance of Ostara?"
"I can," Jasper said excitedly. "Though it's not as important or big as Samhain or Yule, Ostara is still an important holiday that celebrates the changing of the seasons. It's around the same time as Muggles' Easter and celebrates the coming of Spring. It is the time where the light of day and dark of night are in balance, symbolizing the perfect balance of Light and Dark Magic."
"Exactly, correct," Tom said. "Symbolizing the perfect balance of Light and Dark Magic. A perfect blend that we will introduce to our fellow Slytherins. So, with this in mind, we will prepare for Ostara. There are no specific ceremonies for this holiday as far as I know, so instead, we shall use it as discussed."
"I'm okay with that," Rosier said. "Though I would like to know, where would we stop? Do you want every House under the control of the Knights?"
"Eventually, yes," Tom said simply. "However let's focus on our fellow snakes for now. I feel they will be both the hardest and easiest to persuade. Boys, we have only a few weeks until Ostara, make sure to not waste any of this precious time. I want none of you to get into trouble. Now more than ever, your actions represent not only yourselves, but also the Knights, and more importantly me. Any bad behavior will result in your Master looking irresponsible. Do not let that happen."
"Yes, my lord," the boys said, and they were dismissed.
Harry found himself spending more time with Castor, which neither didn't mind. It was nice, Harry thought, having a Gryffindor as a friend again. Castor reminded Harry of Ron and Hermione, of how free Gryffindors were with their actions. There were no carefully planned sentences, no double-meanings, just two teenagers hanging out. It also helped that his friend was beautiful.
Castor was taller than Harry, which Harry just took as a given because of his short stature. His face was a little long with full lips and brown eyes. His hair was brown and short, slightly styled along with his eyebrows, which seemed meticulously well-groomed. Whenever Castor smiled, Harry couldn't help but smile with him and his laugher always held a light song-like tone. From what Harry could guess, Castor was in good shape, he wasn't a skinny average person like most of the students in Hogwarts, however, he certainly wasn't brawny like Mulciber or any Quidditch beater. When asked, Castor admitted that he likes to run and has taken to running around the castle early in the morning. "If you hear people laughing at five in the morning, it's probably because they saw me," he said.
Harry laughed at that and shook his head, "It's nice that you do that," he smiled. "I used to fly around a lot actually, that or running for my life."
"I could imagine," Castor said. They were walking down some corridors in Hogwarts, bundled up in their heavy coats and scarves as a freezing rain-drenched outside. "It must have been awful."
"At times, it was, but that part is over now, and now we're here," Harry shrugged.
"Now we are," Castor nodded. "Speaking of being here, do you mind if I ask you a couple of questions about your friend Jasper?"
"Yeah sure, what about?" Harry asked.
"Well, more about what kind of boys he like," Castor said, dropping his voice a little, glancing around to make sure they were alone.
"Ohh—would you like to talk about this in an empty room?" Harry asked.
"Please."
Harry nodded and the two hurried down the corridor, no longer walking aimlessly, in search of an empty classroom. Thankfully, it was the weekend and the two were easily able to find a classroom that students weren't using as a hangout or private tutoring spot. Harry closed the door, locking it for privacy as Castor went to the windows, opening them.
"So, Jasper," Castor said.
"He's a very sweet boy," Harry smiled. "Wears his heart on his sleeve really. If you want to impress him, you just really need to be yourself. It's the same thing I told him when he asked about you."
"Really? That's good," Castor smirked. "He likes my singing. On Valentine's, it was just him and me, and I just sang to him. I didn't know if I was crossing any boundaries with that."
"Did you try to kiss him?" Harry asked.
"Only to say goodbye, but not romantically," Castor admitted.
Harry made a noise and stretched, "Then you should try romantically, once you are comfortable with it. I know that Jasper wouldn't pretend that he's straight or cheat on you with a girl, however…"
"I already told you that my parents didn't force a marriage on me," Castor said. "If needed, I am more than ready for being called a bachelor until Jasper and I can be open about our relationship."
"Okay," Harry nodded. He felt relieved however he also hoped that neither Castor nor Jasper ever had to resort to such a roundabout way to describe their relationship. He smiled and winked at Castor, "Then go for it. You have my blessing."
"Didn't know I needed such a thing, but thanks Harry," Castor smiled. He winked at Harry and said, "Did I ever showed you the way my family says thank you?"
"Does it involve kissing?" Harry laughed.
"No, hugging," Castor said, and he pulled Harry into a tight hug. Harry made a noise but quickly wrapped his arms around Castor feeling a little awkward at first but quickly relaxing. "Come on, let's walk around a little bit more, "Castor said, pulling Harry out of the classroom.
They continued to walk down the corridors at a leisure's pace, with no real agenda or tasks in mind. Harry found them heading higher and higher in the castle, meeting up with many more Ravenclaws and Gryffindors than Hufflepuffs and Slytherins. Harry heard coughing and frowned as they turned a corner. A small mousy boy was leaning against the wall, coughing outside of the window. Students ignored him, almost pushing themselves against the opposite wall to avoid him.
"Who is he?" Harry asked, recognizing the Gryffindor robes.
"Oh, that's Franklin Pettigrew, poor kid," Castor hummed. "He's been sick for almost a month now, kid's just getting cold after cold."
"How horrible," Harry said, frowning. That was Franklin? Peter Pettigrew's father? But he looked so small and frail. But still, he couldn't stop himself with doubts, Tom ordered him to do it. So he had to. He looked at Castor, "You know, I think I have something that might help him if you can give it to him."
Castor looked at the sick boy, grimacing. "Do I have to?" he asked.
"Not directly—just slip it in his drink or something, or give it to a friend of his," Harry said.
"Fine," Castor said, "But there is no way I am going near that coughing boy. I don't want to catch what he has!"
"Don't worry, you won't," Harry said. "In fact, it's almost lunch, right? Wait by the Great Hall and I'll go run and get it."
"Alright," Castor shrugged, "just don't leave me waiting, okay?"
"I won't," Harry smiled. He swallowed any guilt and mentally said his goodbyes to Wormtail as he ran off. It was almost mundane to Harry going to the Chamber of Secrets now. There was even a passageway, Harry and Tom found out, that brought them both directly into Slytherin's Study. After opening the chamber in the girl's bathroom, you could direct where you wish to go, and the staircase would lead straight towards it. Once he was in the study, he took a potion and pocketed it before hurrying back, using the exit that led to Hogwarts' catacombs.
He found Castor waiting just outside the Great Hall leaning against the wall. "There you are," he smirked. "Took you long enough."
"Sorry," Harry shrugged. He held out the potion to Castor the potion and smiled, "Tell him to mix this with tea, or make sure to tell a friend of his that and his cough should be gone by the end of next week."
"I got it," Castor said, "In return, tell Jasper I want to meet him tonight, tell him to head to the seventh floor and think of me." He winked and took the potion, walking inside. Harry followed and made his way automatically to Tom's side, sitting down. He watched as Castor moved towards the second year and stopped to talk with one of the boys. He showed the potion, jabbed a thumb towards Pettigrew's direction, and gave it to the small twelve-year-old who immediately poured it into Pettigrew's drink.
"I see you did as you were told, in an indirect way," Tom said.
"You told me, I followed, you never said how," Harry shrugged. He turned to Jasper and leaned in to whisper, "Castor wants to see you tonight. Head to the seventh floor and think of him." Jasper's cheeks started to flush but he hid it well.
February started to warm at the end with March marking the return of sun for Hogwarts. Harry suddenly became very busy with his N.E.W.T. classes, his homework being stacked so high at times that it was a miracle that he was able to finish it at times, mostly with Tom or the others' help. March went on the same as February did. There were meetings in which everyone came together to talk, mostly about the war and how the world is progressing and their visions to change it and how so. Harry thought that people would be shocked or laugh off his dream of starting a sort of elementary school for the younger students to prepare them for Hogwarts but was shocked at the loud support everyone gave him. This gave Harry both the motivation and courage to continue on this path, and sincerely thought of plans on how to proceed.
Before he knew it, March was almost gone, and it was already Ostara.
It was a beautiful day in Harry's opinion, a lovely spring day with huge fluffy clouds floating in the air. It was a shame that Slytherin's dungeon was located under the castle, for Harry wanted to enjoy the beauty for as long as he could.
Tom told them that they would talk with their fellow Slytherins after dinner when everyone is in the common room. Harry felt very nervous as the time ticked closer. He knew that Tom would ask them to speak about the future they want and how they are going to work towards it, but he didn't know if he could properly do it. Give people poison that will make them infertile, he has down to an art, but to do public speaking? Harry felt extremely terrified.
Tom had them assemble by the fireplace. Harry sat closest to it, sitting on a couch with Jasper and Abraxas. Nott and Rosier were opposite them with Avery on the facing couch, leaving Black and Tom to sit in armchairs. Tom stood up and took out his wand. He stood in front of the fireplace for a moment before turning around. He looked at his boys and smirked, "I've learned of a very special trick quite recently," he said. "If you are good Harry, I will teach it to you."
"Why only Harry?" Jasper asked curiously. Tom gave him a hard look before raising his wand and hissed in Parseltongue. "Fire slither under my command!"
The small fire in the fireplace roared to life, bursting from its home, and shooting into the air. The students all gasped and screamed as the fire flew, spinning and curling in the air, slowly lengthening, and morphing into the shape of a large snake. The snake hissed with crackling flames, licking hotly at the air as it slithered in the air, circling around the room before coming back to Tom, losing size, and becoming solid. The flames slowly pushed together, a hiss of steam filled the air and Harry watched, amazed, as the fire snake turned into a real snake with jet black scales. The snake wrapped itself around Tom's shoulders, fitting perfectly.
"My friends," Tom said loudly, addressing the room. "I thank you all for your attention and ask that you listen to what we will say, for I wish with you a utopia of our creation." He waved a hand to address his inner circle. They all stood up at cue. "Now all of you know who we are, however, it is time to introduce to you all, officially, to the group who will lead this world. We are the Knights of Walpurgis. We are a group handpicked by myself, and we have a single vision: to show and spread the Glory and Superiority of True Magic!" He paused as he heard some small snickers and confused looks. "Yes, I know, a lot of you are thinking 'who is this person think he is?' Yes, indeed who am I? I am Tom Marvolo Riddle, Heir of Slytherin. This many of you suspected, and some of you knew." He paused once more to pet the snake resting on his shoulders.
"Slytherin is my lineage, and in Slytherin's name, I've made these plans. Magic as we know it is diluted; a paltry mockery of what it used to be. In the old days, Magic was more powerful than any of you can imagine! We had a closer relationship with magic, with Death itself and other personifications of the Seasons and life. It was a time where there was no barrier, no secrecy, no divide between us wizards, and the rest of the masses. We lived revered, respected, wanted by all for conference and advice. Kings sought our counsel, and peasants sought our spells. We had power, respect, and control. But then it all faded away. A death here, a mob there—trials made from hysteria, and we were led to hide by cowards who sought only to save their own lives.
"The worlds became separated and alienated from one another. We developed separately, and before we knew it, we have fallen behind the muggles technologically. Not that we are lesser because of that, no my friends that is not my intent, we have magic, an alternative to Muggles' electricity and weaponry. We have many reasons to believe that we superior to muggles, however, the fact remains that we are separate, and because of that muggleborns coming into our community suffer from a great culture shock."
"Filthy Mudbloods!" someone yelled, "they don't belong here!" Agreement flared up and Tom held his hands up.
"Friends! Friends! Peace! Please, relax! I am not here to plea in defense of muggleborns, nor will I even suggest that they are better than anyone because of their muggle background. However! However—and please listen to me carefully on here—the muggleborns' culture shock has led to the dilution of Pure Magic—not by their fears themselves, but by the fears and need of secrecy on the Wizarding side!" Tom paused to see the confusion in the crowd. He chuckled, "That doesn't mean the muggleborns are faultless, of course," he added. "They came in living with different traditions, different holidays, and instead of learning ours, their holidays took over in order to placate and keep the secrecy. Samhain became Halloween. Yule became Christmas, and today, Ostara, became known as Easter. It became commonplace, and our old Traditions began to die, and so did our connection with Magic.
"Years past, and we are the result. A world where wizards are separated from the rest of the world. We have become stagnant! Our magic is at a standstill. Everything the Ministry does not like or understand they condemn as Dark Arts! Our very own traditions are branded as Dark Magic! This is an injustice! This is unacceptable! This world must be changed! But how? How will we change this world and return to our old ways? My friends, it is simple: We are the future! We are the future rulers and workers of our community. We will decide the direction of our fates and steer us all towards the shining future. But why hear from me? Behind me, I have my Knights, my Inner Circle who stood with me since the beginning. Listen to them, hear their words, and then decide for yourself, will you help us lead to a better, stronger future, or will you do nothing and let Magic die?"
Tom stepped back and looked towards his followers. Malfoy stepped up, talking first. "My name is Malfoy. Abraxas Malfoy. You all know of my family. For generations, we have cultivated a collection of those deemed Dark and Illegal. The future that Riddle believes in will bring greater power and influence to my Family as well as to our families who have a history of the Dark Arts. With his decriminalization, we no longer need to hide our power from those who fear it. That is why I choose to follow Riddle. With him leading us, we will be brought to a new era of Magic, a better era where we no longer need to hide, and we will return to our rightful places." He stepped back and nodded at Avery, who stepped up to say a similar speech, followed by Nott, Rosier, Jasper, and Orion. Harry was last.
He stepped up and stood confidently. "I'm Harry Peverell—"
"You're that poof," Walburga Black yelled out, "Why are you talking?"
"Because I am smarter than you and have seen and fought more than you can ever dream of, Walburga," Harry countered. "I choose to fight my battles face on, using any means necessary to win, instead of going around people's backs and sending a letter hoping that Daddy dearest would do something."
"How did—"
"Shut up Black," Harry sneered, "Nobody cares about you in this moment." The room was silent, and Harry smirked. "I know that most of your families support Grindelwald. I would see why; he is the most powerful Dark Wizard at the current time. His forces seemed unstoppable. He'll easily take over the wizarding world, won't he? I am sorry, but he will not. I mean, I lasted against him, and I am just a regular teenage wizard." He chuckled and looked around. "However, that impressed him. So much so that Grindelwald offered to teach me himself. An offer which I accepted, and after spending time with him I have learned something very interesting. Grindelwald is a man of reactions. He has no real plans for the future, just a general idea. He is leading his force under a vague ideology. There is no solid base of government to replace what he conquers, no plans to keep power. All he can think of is this base primal need to conquer. It is rather pathetic really. Tom however has plans." He looked and smiled at his lord.
"Our Lord knows what he wants, he has planned and continue to plan what the future holds. He will lead us to powerful magic. I have seen it for myself. On Samhain, we summoned Death and have each seen a loved one who has passed away. On Yule, our Lord and I have murdered our lies and celebrated the coming of the new year with a clean slate and powerful magic. I know my role in our Lord's plan, and I am ready to commit to it with everything I have. Together with our Lord, I will deal with Grindelwald, showing the world how weak he is, and with the rest in the Ministry, leading the government, I will personally take care of our children. A school before Hogwarts, teaching them about our world, our traditions, and history and make it that nobody comes into Hogwarts unprepared. I know, however, that we have a long road ahead of us, so until then, I am at my Master's beck and call, and commit any actions that he requires me to do." Harry reached into his pocket and pulled out a vial of his poison. "This is my loyalty," he said. "A special poison crafted only to do one simple thing. Kill the family line. It makes sure that while you can still have the pleasures of sex, it will never result in conception. Two times people crossed my Master, and two times I have used my little friend." He chuckled and smiled sweetly to those around them, "However as my friends can confirm, our Lord has given me one simple rule: Never use it on those loyal to him. And I never did. Those who crossed my Lord was never loyal to him and would have caused only issues in the future." He pocketed the poison and took a last breath. "Tom is my Master, he is our Lord, and the world we build will benefit all in this room. So listen to him, follow him, and he will lead us all to prosperity." He turned to Tom and got on his knees. The other Knights followed suit, Tom smirking at their actions.
"You have heard their words and seen their devotions," he said. "So, my friends I ask of you, won't you please accept me as your Master?"
Harry looked up subtly to watch the crowd from behind Tom. Nobody moved for a moment but most of the faces Harry could see were inspired or happy. Then they began to move. Getting on their knees and kneeling in front of Tom, staring at him with a feverous devotion that the Dark Lord inspired. Harry recognized many faces. Orion's younger cousin Alphard was grinning, as well as the Slytherins who were brought to the prior meetings. Walburga looked as though she hadn't been insulted and was supporting the entire group the entire time, her chest puffing with pride as she bowed. Leonie Tremblay herself was smiling, her eyes sparkling excitedly. However, only one person looked sad as he bowed. Harry's heart felt heavy and constricted as he stared at Xavier, he knelt but did not bow his head. He kept staring on at the Inner Circle, looking sadden and lost, no doubt missing his old friends. Tom noticed this and glanced at Harry.
"Will you be merciful?" he asked simply.
"No," Harry answered. "I want him to feel my pain. I want him crawling, begging for our forgiveness."
"And when he does?" Tom asked, amused.
"You told me you are to be our judge," Harry said, "You decide his punishment."
Tom chuckled and then addressed the crowd. "My friends! My dear friends, it honors me that you all put your trust in me. I promise to work hard to live up to your expectations. It will be a long road ahead of us, but I promise to you, my fellow Slytherins, that as my influence grows, and the other Houses fall one by one to my command, your worries and concerns will never go forgotten. Until then, good night my friends." He paused as the Slytherins all began to stand. "Xavier Mulciber, come forward," he ordered.
Mulciber looked up, confused. He stepped forward slowly and Harry heard Tremblay commenting on how lucky he was. Tom did not look at Mulciber directly. Instead, he looked at his inner circle. "Follow," he commanded and walked away, out of the dungeons. He led the silent group deeper into the dungeons towards the catacombs. They all fought the sensation to walk away and arrived in the main chamber where they performed their Samhain ritual. It felt like a lifetime away to Harry.
"Mulciber, I want to know one thing," Tom said, "Why were you looking sad when you bowed to your Lord? Answer truthfully."
Mulciber looked at everyone. "I missed you, my lord," he said. "All of you."
Tom hummed and looked at Mulciber for a moment. "Do you understand your crimes?" Tom asked.
"Yes, I was a coward—I've put my own safety before the good of the group and Harry's feelings," Xavier said.
"As well as had a sexual connection with my little snake," Tom purred. "You were fucking your Master's pet. Something that you did not have permission to do."
"I'm—I'm sorry, my lord, really, I am," Mulciber said. "Please forgive me."
"That is why you are here," Tom said, "Lord Voldemort is merciful, and tonight I will welcome you back."
"My lord," Mulciber gasped, "My lord thank you—"
"However, my mercy does not come easily," Tom continued. "Through your actions, you have betrayed and hurt your closest friends, my inner circle. You betrayed each and everyone here, and so they all shall have a hand in your punishment." He took out his wand and aimed it at Mulciber, "I shall begin, and my snake will end, it seems only right. Crucio!"
Mulciber's screams filled the room. He fell to the floor and contorted in pain, his arms and legs moving without control. Harry felt a dark satisfaction as he watched, looking up at his Master. The Dark Lord did not keep the spell going long. Only until Mulciber was twitching and his voice was starting to get hoarse. The spell stopped and he had only a brief moment of relief before Malfoy stepped up, pointing his wand at Mulciber and sneered the Unforgivable Curse.
One by one, the Inner Circle punished Mulciber. Even Jasper was able to produce a strong Cruciatus Curse, his face looking uncharacteristically cold. Before he knew it, it was Harry's turn. He took a breath and felt his emotions going wild. Xavier was a twitching mess, sobbing and jittering from the curses. "Xavier," he said softly. "Xavier…"
It was hard for the teen, but he looked up at Harry, and Peverell's heart broke for a moment. "Harry… please," Xavier whispered. His voice was rough and gravely.
"Xavier, tell me," Harry whispered, "have you ever loved me?"
Xavier's eyes widened and his tears started anew. He seemed to slowly be gaining control over his body once more as he gave a jerky nod. "Yes—yes, I do."
Harry felt his emotions well up and had to breathe deeply to stop his tears. He reached into his pocket for his wand and pulled it out along with the infertile potion. "There was a time I fantasized about having your children," Harry admitted. "Give you a strong son and an even stronger daughter. But now, I hope that you never have a child. Any kid would be ashamed to be related no less raised by a coward like you. I want you to drink this Xavier, please, as your last act of love for me."
Xavier did not hesitate. He took the potion from Harry. He pushed himself up, staggering to his feet, doing his best to stand tall. Harry stood up as well and they stared at each other. He took the stopper out of the vial and drank the potion in one gulp. Harry felt disappointed for some reason and accepted the vial back. "I still love you, Harry," Xavier said.
"I know, but I don't love you anymore," Harry said. He looked at Tom, who gave a short nod. He felt his body feeling heavy, his hand shook as he aimed his wand at Xavier, he barely managed to scream out the Cruciatus Curse before the tears came.
A/N: And that is the end of Mulciber. We'll never see him again. Thank you all for reading and keep on reviewing!
Miss-Nails-Black: No problem! I always try to respond to reviews, and don't worry about the sensitivity lmao it's no problem. And yes, you all have been blessed by the smut gods and here by the plot gods! I hope you've enjoyed both.
TheiaSalazarRiddle: Thank you so much! And I used to have Wattpad actually lmao. I think I had an original work on it before deleting all of it all together lmao. It's definitely a different community there compared to here and AO3. I'm glad that you're loving all my stories and thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review 3