AN: I actually feel like I stayed on schedule this month! I had been putting together bits and pieces of this, but finally got it all together last night. All in all, as always, I hope you enjoy this chapter, and if you don't, whatever floats your boat y'all.
Bellatrix could not help the smile that formed on her face as she exited the floo. The feeling of her wand in her own hand seemed to invigorate her every time she held it. So many years without magic inside the fortress of Azkaban had left her with a new appreciation for the gift. Simple charms and spells that before had been said with little thought were now nearly cherished. Still, she had begun to grow restless, and so Aries had surprised her further: the Legion. And more importantly Commandant Taim. He was a harsh man, one who saw the training of the Legion as his life's ultimate work. A true magical army formed by his own hand for one who would reshape the world. There was a reverence that Taim held for Aries Black that somewhat reminded her of the reverence she once held for the Dark Lord and now held for her cousin as well. When Aries had introduced them, Taim had seen her as the true challenge for his forces, and so day by day she spent among the Legion, testing their abilities to react to the very tactics she had helped the Dark Lord create.
"One would hope you would not brandish your wand so careless, Bella," the stern voice of Cassiopeia chided.
"If our Lord did not wish for me to have it, he would not have given it to me," Bella replied in a sing-song voice. "And where are my dear sisters?"
"Narcissa continues overseeing her assignment. I have been assured all will be ready by the summer solstice." Cassi did not even look up from her little black book as she answered. "And Andromeda was helping at the Conservation. Director Lupin has requested more Wolfsbane. It seems another pack has been added to the fray."
"And so, the Legion will grow as well?" A curt nod was her only answer and Bella smiled. She wondered what would have happened if the Dark Lord had acted as Aries had. There had been several Lycans that had joined the Dark Lord in the first war, but it seemed to pale to those who now joined their cause so readily eager to fight for their right to a normal life. "How much longer?"
"Until the true fight begins?" Cassiopeia asked thoughtfully. "Not for some time. I believe Aries has begun to put together a plan to deal with Dumbledore if his actions recently have anything to say. But even then, I am not sure. The Dark Lord will be difficult to defeat. Aries has pushed farther than I hoped he would, but he does not heed my warnings. Dumbledore will be easier to defeat than the Dark Lord, but he must be careful, or else the power base he has built will crumble." Bellatrix allowed her words to sink in. It surprised her that Cassiopeia was so cautious. She had seen the memories of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, even of events of the Graveyard. It was clear to her that Aries had the potential to rival the Dark Lord one day, if not already. But what if he did not? What if he never rivaled the Dark Lord in time? "That being said, I am far more interested in you, Bellatrix." Cassiopeia's words brought her out of her musings as she sent a questioning glance towards her.
"What do you mean?"
"Rudolphus." The name triggered anger within her. Pain. Hatred. The love that she had once felt was twisted within her. Flashes of him standing there as the Dark Lord tortured her. His emotionless face as their kidnapped nurses and doctors told her there was nothing they could do for her unborn children. "What will you do when you face him?"
"I will kill him." Her words rasped against her throat as tears threatened to fall. The pain was nearly unbearable. Bella had thought herself over such fooless emotions, but they rolled over her like a tidal wave.
"And what happens when he professes his love?" Bella wanted to scoff at the idea. Love? He had never professed anything near love. Infatuation. Lust. Pleasure. But never love. But what if he did? She wasn't given a chance to answer, as suddenly Sirius burst from the floo in a flash of green fire, his wand at the ready and a fire in his eyes. He strode towards her, the tip of his wand flashing a sickly green color.
"Did you do it?!" The viciousness in his voice sounded so foreign to her that she failed to respond, her eyes stuck in the flash of green.
"What is the meaning of this?" Cassiopeia demanded as she rose to her feet. "Sirius?"
"Look at me, Bella!" Her eyes snapped to his, her own fire coming back to her as she gripped her wand tightly. "Did you help them escape Azkaban?"
"What are you talking about?" Bella asked, a sudden fear creeping into her stomach.
"I know you were gone today." Sirius rambled on. "I know you left. Did you go to Azkaban and help the Death Eaters escape?!"
"I was with Taim," she replied quickly. "All day. Go. Ask." Sirius did not say anything right away, but after a moment he slowly lowered his wand before collapsing into the armchair next to the fire.
"They all escaped." He said at last. "Every last of one them. And they slaughtered every guard and Auror stationed there. I had to make sure. I had-"
"To make sure I didn't betray you," Bella finished softly. "Never again, Sirius. I promised you. I promised our Lord."
"I know," Sirius ran a hand over his voice, looking exhausted. "Voldemort has his Inner Circle back. Well, most of them."
"And soon Aries will have his." Cassiopeia declared. "We will need to move quickly to ensure our assets are protected." She turned to Bella expectantly.
"I will inform Commandant Taim," Bella said with a small smile. "It's time the Legion was able to give a glimpse of its strength."
If anything was certain to Sirius, it was that a lot could change in twenty-four hours. To a certain extent, nothing had actually changed, but rather the makings of Aries' plan was now revealed. Black-robed and armored witches and wizards strode the halls, following prominent members of the Ministry of Magic as they hustled and bustled through their workday. No one seemed to question them, nor the obvious Black Coat of Arms that graced their cloaks. Technically there was a rule against standing magical armies. It was one of the many reasons that the Dark Lord first war had been so successful. But what no one had seemed to notice was the simple addition to a bill following an attack of Diagon Alley the past summer. And why would they? Aries had so aggressively called for action to support the DMLE, that few ever read it. Even if they had, Sirius knew they would not have seen the small section simply stating that should a situation arise that threatened the wellbeing of the Ministry of Magic, like a mass breakout from Azkaban, a private security force could be established by the author of the bill to protect the vital members of their society. Not that anyone cared or checked. There had been a mass breakout of Azkaban after all.
Sirius, despite being the Assistant Head Auror, was not excluded from the protection list that Aries had put together either. Being that he was a Black, however, meant that rather than normal members of the Legion following him, he was graced with the presence of the Praetorians, which did draw some attention. It did bring a smile to his face to think of Andi telling off the two poor Praetorians whose job it was to follow her around Saint Mungos. Despite his weavings through the crowded Atrium, his two guards followed him faithfully, showing no signs of frustration from his clear attempts to allude them. His mind cleared, however, when he, at last, saw his goal: Marlene.
She was still as beautiful now as she had been back at Hogwarts and had been like a ray of sunshine in the moral storm that berated him at times. Aries had brought both good and bad into his life, but Marlene had made it all worth it. He felt relieved every time he saw her smile at him, instead of the anger he had expected from his nightmares all these years.
"Hey Padfoot," a grin growing as she greeted him. "Fancy meeting you here."
"I'm still surprised they let me in," Sirius answered with a laugh. He extended his arm to her and the quiet pop apparition twisted them away. London greeted them, as did the almost silent pops of the Praetorians apparition, whose armor, much like Sirius' robes, had changed into muggle suits. To Sirius, they seemed to look like the Secret Service out of American movies.
"How do they always seem to know?" Marlene whispered with a giggle.
"I have no bloody clue and Aries won't tell me!" His words came out like a growl, which only caused her to laugh louder. They enjoyed their leisurely stroll until they came at last to their favorite restaurant. It was a simple place, overlooking a busy street next to a river.
"I don't have as much time today," Sirius looked up sharply at the slight frown in Marlene's voice. "I have a job this afternoon."
"You still haven't told me what exactly it is that you do," His own frown deepened as her eyes avoided his for a moment. "Another thing that Aries won't tell me." She was quiet for a moment before a long sigh escaped her.
"Let's just say I deal in information," Marlene said slowly as if trying to put her thoughts into words carefully. "If Aries, or Cassiopeia, want something found out, that her little black book doesn't have, then I go get it."
"Wait a second," Sirius almost choked on his words. "You don't. . . You don't. . ." Marlene's eyes widened for a second before she venomously shook her head.
"No! Oh Sirius, of course not." Her words came out quick, trying to soothe Sirius' sudden worry. "I would never stoop so low as that. No, I just. . . Make sure I'm not seen I guess."
"So . . . You just hide in a bush and listen to people?" She left out a shaky laugh.
"Something like that."
"And is that all you do?" Again, her eyes shifted away from his for a second. But was it shame he had seen for just a moment? Or anger?
"I can't tell you everything, Sirius."
"Why not?"
"The simple answer is that Aries has forbidden it," Marlene answered, a firmness in her voice that caught him off guard. "Like many of us, I am tied to him in ways that some will never know. And the complex answer is that even if I could, I'm not sure I would want to. I don't want you to think any less of me." Sirius pondered that for a moment. So, it was shame. If she wasn't prostituting herself, then what could she possibly have to be ashamed of?
"But-"
"Sirius," she caught him off before he can continue. "I waited so long to come back. To see you again. To have what we have now. You might not understand, but I'm not ready to risk telling you everything in the chance that I will lose all this again. I've been to rock bottom, and Aries and Cassi got me out of it. They owed me nothing, and in return for my work, they have given me everything." Another sigh escaped her and for a moment, Sirius was reminded of how tired he had felt just last night after the breakout. "For as long as we can, before this war breaks out, I want to enjoy life. I want to enjoy us." She reached out and took his hand, giving him a weak smile. "Please?" Sirius gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and pushed his doubts from his mind.
He focused on enjoying his food, the way the sun seemed to shine on her beautiful hair, the sound of her laughter. So, he didn't see her pull her wand from her sleeve. He didn't see her silently whisper the Imperious curse. He didn't see the way the eyes of the girl two rows over seem to glaze over. And after he had given Marlene a kiss goodbye before he left, he didn't see her follow the girl into the ally nearly ten minutes away. Which means, he did not see the flash of green that left Marlene's wand, ending the girl's life.
He wasn't sure why there a feeling of unease in his stomach. Was it because he was the first to arrive at the Room of Requirement? Aries was always first with obvious signs that he had been there for a while doing some sort of training. Was it because it was ten minutes past their start time? Others had started to notice that Aries was missing, and he was never late. Or was it because none of the Slytherins were there. He could feel Susan's suspicious glance at him, and the scrunched-up face of Hermione meant she was going through their day, wondering if at some point she had seen or heard that their missing members had gotten detention. But Aries never had detention. Thomas tried to push down his worry, as he turned to face the group, but it was clear that he wasn't the only one worried.
Boom.
Thomas turned with his wand already out, falling into his dueling stance.
Boom.
Many of Dumbledore's Army brandished their wands as well, but just as many seemed eager to disappear through an exit, but none appeared. Thomas felt the room leave his control, as if someone with more willpower had arrived. And suddenly, Thomas knew what was happening.
Boom.
The room changed. Its stone walls hardened into steel, becoming far more like the walls of a prison than that of a castle. The great doors opened revealing a sight that caused his heart to fall into his stomach. Dolores Umbridge stood before them, a sadistic smile painted across her face, as Aries Black and the rest of Slytherins stood by.
"I would suggest lowering your wands children," the sickly-sweet voice of Umbridge grated at his eyes, as anger started to rise. "Or it won't just be Potter and Granger that are getting expelled. Return to your dormitories, I have all of your names right here." He hadn't thought the night could get any worse, until he saw what was in Umbridge's hand: a list that clearly said Dumbledore's Army and all of their names. "Potter, Granger, if you would."
The two followed her, a sense of defeat and anger filling their minds, as the Slytherins surrounded them. Umbridge was talking gleefully to Black, he could no longer stand to say his other name, though the older boy seemed rather non-committal to their conversation. He never looked back at Thomas, something he was glad for. He didn't think he could stop himself from lunging and trying to beat in the older boy's face. Anger, one that he did not even notice felt foreign, was rising in him again. A need to lash out was becoming unescapable. But before he could act on the sudden impulse, they had arrived at their destination: the Headmaster's office.
"Ah, Dolores, are you aware that you have students out of bed?" Dumbledore asked innocently. He could see the pink anger rise in Umbridge's cheeks.
"I'm afraid the game is up, Dumbledore," Clear victory rang in her voice, but Thomas could suddenly only stare at Aries. The older boy was looking at him now, studying him with a look no different than if Thomas was practicing another form or spell. "Minister!" His gaze was drawn from his former friend when Cornelius Fudge, followed by a few Aurors that Thomas recognized, most importantly his father and godfather. James went to immediately begin shouting, but a strong grip on his arm from Sirius and a stern look from the man that Thomas recognized as Head Auror Scrimgeour, stopped him.
"Is it true?" Fudge asked, a giddiness covering his words.
"Oh, yes indeed it is, Minister," Dolores answered, handing Fudge the list. "They're guilty I say! Potter should be expelled this instant!"
"Now, Madam Umbridge, that does seem rather extreme," Black's first words were smooth, almost slippery to Thomas' ears, and caused a chill to run up his spine. "While Potter and Granger may have been explicit to this crime, I do not believe the fault lies with them. If I may, Minister?"
"Of course, Lord Black," Fudge was so focused on Black that he didn't see the outright glare Umbridge was now sending the boy.
"It is a rather simple tale," Black began as he clasped his hands before him. "Months ago, I was approached to help some of the students struggling with the new curriculum in Defense Against the Dark Arts. At first, I was disinclined to acquiesce to their request, but Miss Greengrass assured me that it was my duty to help the future of our world perform at their best while here at Hogwarts." Fudge nodded at that, hanging on Black's every word. "So, I agreed and attended their meeting in Hogsmeade to discuss a schedule. Shortly after, Madam Umbridge disbanded all teams and groups. It was an odd coincidence, I thought, but pushed it aside, and Potter did not approach me again in regard to the group.'
"I continued on with my own studies but was recently approached by a fellow student who had attended the Hogsmeade meeting. You see, she was rather worried about something she was involved in. I will not say her name, but her mother does work in the Ministry of Magic, so clearly, she worried for her mother's career. She told me that this group was going to start meeting up, but that the Slytherins were no longer invited. Apparently, it was feared we would tattle tale." Black paused for a moment, before his eyes fell of Thomas. "I did not believe her when she said that Potter was forming an anti-Ministry group here at Hogwarts. So, I did my own sort of investigation."
"Why did you not inform me?" Umbridge interrupted aggressively. "Or any proper Ministry official?"
"As Lord Black, I am properly entitled to investigate and handle any issue dealing with a Most Ancient and Most Noble Family. I feared that Heir Potter was being used. And I was right." Black pointed towards the list rather fiercely. "That says Dumbledore's Army. Not Potter's."
"Well, Dumbledore?" Fudge asked, turning towards the Headmaster. "What do you have to say for yourself?"
"I think you have figured it out quite well yourself, Minister." There was a calmness in Dumbledore's voice that seemed out of place to Thomas, and the twinkle had yet to leave his eyes.
"So, you admit it then?! You recruited students and tried to turn them against the Ministry of Magic?! This is treason! Aurors! Arrest him!" If not for all of Thomas' lessons with Black, he would have missed it. The slight hesitation of the Aurors, whom Thomas now realized were coincidently nearly all Order members, and the almost unnoticeable nod of Dumbledore. Fawkes cawed softly in the background.
"I see you believe that I intend to. . . what is the phrase? Go quietly?" Dumbledore stated, rising out of his chair, causing Fudge and Umbridge to shrink back. "Oh, I have no intention of going to Azkaban tonight." The Aurors moved, fast enough to be believable, but a sudden flash of magic caused Thomas to clamp his eyes shut. A quiet scene greeted him as his eyes slowly opened. Fudge, Umbridge, and Scrimgeour were stunned on the ground, while the two Blacks and his father stood unharmed.
"What the bloody hell have you done?!" James yelled, his frustration at last being unbearable to contain as he pointed a finger angerly at the younger Black.
"He made his move, James," Dumbledore answered calmly, his eyes only on Black who returned his gaze unflinchingly. "I trust you will take care of the students."
"Haven't I always?" Black responded dryly. "I trust you will not go too far. This round is coming to an end."
"Indeed." The others stared bewildered between the two wizards, their words passing by without comprehension. "When the time comes, I will be there." Then Fawkes landed on his shoulder and with a flash of red flame, Dumbledore was gone. They stood there for a moment, no one sure what to do, until Sirius began to wake the stunned officials.
"He's gone!" Fudge cried.
"Capturing him was always a long shot, Minister," Scrimgeour said sourly, though he glanced suspiciously at Lord Black, who answered his look with a raised eyebrow. "I guess the question remains is what to do now that Dumbledore is gone."
"Well, Madam Umbridge will take over as Headmistress," Thomas barely concealed the groan that was rising in him. "Yes, that will do. Now, I think that's enough excitement for one night."
"What about Potter and Granger?!" Umbridge nearly screamed. "They committed treason!"
"Ah, yes," The Minster said tiredly. "I had nearly forgotten."
"As I said before, Minister," Black interrupted before Umbridge could speak. "Expulsion is rather extreme. After all, if some of our more esteemed members of the Wizengamot could fall prey to the Imperious Curse of the Dark Lord, then surely a few school children could be deceived by someone as wise and cunning as Dumbledore?" Brilliant. Thomas couldn't help himself. It was bloody brilliant and the anger on Umbridge face told the story.
"Yes, yes, you're right. No expulsion. These poor children." Fudge muttered incoherently for a moment, before turning to his father. "James, I am sorry for what Albus did to your children. Terrible. Just, terrible. Now, let's call this a night, and be rid of it. Just terrible."
"I'm afraid I wasn't finished, Cornelius." The sudden disappearance of the Minister's honorific, and ice in his voice, caused the Fudge to turn quickly back to Lord Black, a sheepish look covering his face. "When we spoke of Headmistress Umbridge's appointment this summer, it was to ensure that such a thing as this would not happen. While there were many improvements made, it is clear that these educational decrees of hers were not. . . effective. Given the fact that this anti-Ministry organization was still formed I believe these decrees are no longer necessary. Especially given Dumbledore's removal."
"Yes, I suppose you are right," The thoughtfulness of the Minister's voice made Thomas believe he had to be hearing things.
"And given the Headmistress duties, it is clear that she will not have time to continue teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts. But that is no matter, given the curriculum. I believe a simple study hall with their Heads of House will do nicely. They simply just need to read the textbooks, after all. Which reminds me, a Headmistress does not run detentions. So, it only makes sense that the Heads of House resume their normal duties. Headmistress Umbridge will need all the time she can get to rewrite the curriculum for the next school year, after all."
Yes, Thomas had to be dreaming. There was no way. Even as the Minster nodded his agreement and Umbridge's face turned far pinker than her jumper, Thomas could not believe what he was hearing.
"You are, of course, right, Lord Black," Fudge turned to Umbridge, a look of authority about him. "Remove the decrees and make it so, Headmistress. Perhaps those Slytherins we spoke of could help you. Now, if that is, at last, all there is?" The Minister did not even bother to hide his sigh of exhaustion before he quickly escaped through the floo. His father hugged him quickly, whispering a few words of encouragement that he barely heard, before he followed the Minister. Sirius had done the same with Black before he too left. The last thing Thomas saw as slowly left the office with Hermione, still shocked to the core, was a look of victory of Black's face that made it clear, that despite everything, Umbridge had lost, and he had won.
It was an odd sight that greeted him the next morning as Professor McGonagall summoned them all down to the common room before breakfast. Everyone in Gryffindor had already known all that their Head of House informed them, thanks their intensive interrogation of him the night before. Thomas had, of course, left out the incident with Dumbledore, but had gleefully told them all that had transpired before and after. It left them all with a rather confused feeling. Aries Black had sold them out to Umbridge, but in doing so had neatly locked her in a cage. Dumbledore's words had come back to him: He made his move, James. The former Headmaster had acted like he expected it all happen exactly as it did. Aries, no, Black, had made his move. Now it was Dumbledore's. Or was it Voldemort's?It was all chess like he had been told months ago.
He and Hermione lagged behind everyone, though everyone seemed to be lagging on their way to the Great Hall. A small smile formed as he saw Susan. After the night prior, he had just wanted to be wrapped up in her arms and rest. But immediately, Thomas tensed and noticed a few things out of place. First was that Susan was suddenly walking towards him rather quickly. Second was that her fists were clenched so tight that her knuckles were white. And third was that, instead of joy or relief on her face, she had a look of anger that rivaled Umbridge's from the night before.
Pain seared through his cheek as she slapped, the sound echoing in the hall.
"I told you!" Susan nearly yelled before seeming to gain some composure. "I told you and you refused to listen. He sold us out! You wouldn't listen to Ron. You ignored Hermione. You pretty much said that everyone's concern was bloody bollocks. And you didn't believe your fucking girlfriend. Well, I told you so! I've had enough. We are through." Her last words, sounding more like an angry hiss than words, struck him harder than her slap. She left him there, standing alone, and he could not help but notice that when he sat next to Hermione in the Great Hall, that there was no one else sitting anywhere near them.
There was a saying that 'clothes make the man,' yet it could not be truer than now. Aries had always seemed welcoming during his time in Hogwarts, seeming to appear no more than simply another student at times. Paying attention to others, especially Aries Black, was something that Theodore Nott had been ordered to do, after all. Yet, as he stood next to him in the third-floor girl's lavatory, it was clear that Black was not just a student. Despite the simple black robes, the other boy looked regal with an air of authority about him that seemed to just scream power.
An odd sounding hiss, one that Theo quickly noted came from Aries himself, caused the sink before him to simply change. Now a pathway had formed, and stairs rose to meet them. Aries said nothing, as if words were a waste of his time and he just expected obedience. So, Theo followed, all the while questioning what was to become of him. Aries had given him no instruction in the Slytherin Common Room, save to come along. They exited the long pathway into a wide chamber, a large face carved into the far wall that every member of his Hogwarts House would recognize.
"Salazar Slytherin," Theo said, barely a whisper, coming to a stop.
"Indeed, it is. This is the Chamber of Secrets, the great work of my ancestor." Shock coursed through him. Could it be? Not only did he stand in one of the greatest wonders of the Founders, the Heir himself had brought him here? "This has been my base of operations during my time here at Hogwarts. Salazar had enough foresight to ensure that the wards here act independently of those that surround Hogwarts, yet they are just as powerful. It has allowed me to come and go as I please, as well as meet those whom I wish. As the Heir of Slytherin, the wards answer to me, and to me alone." Aries continued forward and he rushed to follow, the weight of his words crashing down on him.
He was led to a small study and his eyes widen when he saw the portrait of Salazar Slytherin himself. For a moment he had hoped that it would move, and the great founder would begin speaking, but much to his disappointment, the portrait remained still. It was then that he noticed they were not alone. Long, brown hair framed the round face of the woman and the bright, chocolate-colored eyes seemed to draw him in, but Theo tensed warily. There something off about her. She did not stand, but rather moved quickly to kneel before Aries.
"My Lord," The reverence in the voice of a woman clearly twice Aries' age shocked him. "I have done as you have asked."
"And?" Her eyes never left the ground as she lifted up a small bracelet.
"It is a portkey, my Lord. Undetectable. It will take you to a small room unknown to all but him. He will expect to find the girl, but you will be waiting for him."
"And the girl?"
"I killed her in an ally away from the main areas. No one saw. Her body is at the bottom of the channel by now." There was no falter. No emotion. He saw the way Aries suddenly smiled. He shivered. It was too much like the Dark Lord.
"You have done well." Lord Black's voice was like silk as he reached down to pull her face upwards. "And you will be rewarded just as well. Enjoy your night with Sirius. I will finish our work."
"I live to serve, my Lord," The woman bowed deeply, her face nearly touching Lord Black's feet, before she hurried off. The pop of apparition was Theodore's only sign that she had left.
"Hades," Lord Black called and suddenly a great flash of black flame erupted into a grand phoenix. Its coat was black as night and he could not help but stare in wonder. "I have revealed many secrets to you tonight, my friend. I hope my faith in you has not been misplaced." Another shiver. Did he even know how much he sounded like the Dark Lord? "It is time." Theodore Nott felt the pull of his navel and the Chamber of Secrets spun away.
He landed quietly next to Lord Black, the black phoenix shimmering into invisibility. Theo had never seen this room, despite living in the manner for sixteen years and knowing of his father's weakness for prostitutes, magical and squib alike. It was he who had told Lord Black of this weakness and it had seemed that the woman from the chamber had followed it to one of his father's favorites. Now, they stood, listening to the cursing of his father. Heavy footsteps grew increasingly louder until the door ripped open. A flash of red light caught Lord Nott off guard, and he collapsed to the ground.
Lord Black moved almost meticulously as he secured Lord Nott to a chair with a simple binding spell. Hades had shimmered back into existence, but neither powerful entity seemed to pay him any mind as he stared dumbfounded at the pile of filth that was, he father. He is about to die. The words whispered to him, filling him with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty.
"How?" Theodore asked, not sure where the sudden question came from. "How will you kill him?" Lord Black did not answer but turned away towards the small table where a glass of firewhiskey sat. He poured himself a glass before sitting himself in the armchair in the corner.
"Hades, it is time." The Phoenix soared down, landing on Lord Nott's lap, where its talons ripped into the man's skin. "Rennervate." Lord Nott awoke and screamed in an instant as the phoenix clenched its talons further. Then Theodore felt something else. A wave of magic ripped through the room. The source was the phoenix itself and it seemed to pour into his father. Lord Black sat calmly, despite the torrent of magic, but his eyes flickered beneath his close eyelids. Then it was over as quickly as it began. Lord Nott slumped as Lord Black rose to his feet.
"All phoenixes are gifted in healing and in a version of the Mind Arts," Lord Black began as if leading a lecture, "While normal phoenixes have a way with emotions, the 'black' phoenix is gifted in Legilimency and Occlumency. It can provide a natural defense for its bonded's mind, as well perform Legilimency itself, relaying the memories and emotions to its bonded. That is what you just witnessed. Hades has left your father little more than a vessel of bones and muscle. His mind is destroyed.'
"Now kill him." Theodore's head snapped to Lord Black who returned his gaze with a look of calculation. This was a test. It all meanings of the word, Lord Nott was dead. But he still breathed, and his heart still beat. There was just two simple words to finish it properly.
"I. . ."
"Do you not long for freedom?" Lord Black's voice was ice that ripped through him. "I have given you your revenge on a silver platter, yet you hesitate! Reach out and take it! His titles, his position, his power is yours for the taking!" No, it is his for the taking, remember? The same voice whispered again. "He did not care for you as the Dark Lord tortured you. You were a tool to him, to be used like the prostitutes he fucked in this very room! Kill. Him. Now."
"Avada Kedavra!" He had no idea when he had taken out his wand. Nor when he had pointed it at his brain-dead father. But for a moment, Theodore thought he saw fear in Lord Nott's eyes before his body slumped to ground.
"Good," Lord Black's voice whispered. "You have done well, Lord Nott." And he was Lord Nott now, wasn't he? He would take his father's place, but he knew he would serve a different master. He fell to the ground, his knees collapsing underneath him, and moved to kneel before Lord Black. Theo knew what was required of him. He shivered for a third time. It felt all too much like kneeling before the Dark Lord. He had thought he was escaping, but he was just enslaving himself to another master.
"The mark prohibits you from swearing fealty, but I have, at last a remedy for that. Give me your arm, Theodore." Slowly he raised his marked arm towards Lord Black, but the older boy hissed in anger. "The other arm." Lord Black gripped his wrist and placed the tip of his wand on his forearm. His new lord hissed, much like he had before entering the Chamber of Secrets, and Theo felt an all too familiar burn. A snake began to form on his arm, but unlike the Dark Lord's mark, it formed a perfect circle, eating its own tale. Then a raven formed, its wings and tail overlapping the body of the snake as its white eyes seemed to stare into his soul. The mental shields that encompassed his mind suddenly felt stronger, but as his eyes rose to meet Lord Black's, they felt like transparent glass. "The bindings of the Dark Lord no longer shackle you." But his do. The voice whispered. He felt little surprise as the oath fealty rolled off his tongue, the flash of light another signal of his new allegiance. His new master.
AN: I really enjoyed this chapter, though they never seem to end up as good as they were originally in my head. That being said, it was fun to right a chapter where none of it was from Aries' point of view. He often sees himself as this savior, but we can clearly see that not all see him that way. Very much looking forward to the next few chapters. From my original outline from over two years ago (which blows my mind that it's been that long since I took a leap of faith and posted the first chapter), there are four chapters left of Part II. These, however, were my original ideas that ended up causing this whole story. I have a feeling they will be incredibly difficult to write, but I can't wait for that challenge.
I had really hoped to be finished with this story long ago, and had moved on to others that I work on sparingly from time to time. But life doesn't always work that way. Still, after two years to have over 2700 followers and 2000 favorites is insane. I'm an avid Fanfic reader myself, so at times I feel abit less about my own writing compared to others. But to see so many have enjoyed and continue to enjoy this story is a blessing. Thank y'all for that. It's been very much appreciated and continues to motivate me to finish this story.