Chapter 44

The serpent slithers in

Since his resurrection using the Longbottom blood Voldemort had not had it easy. Lucius's hare-brain idea to gather followers in Eastern Europe had backfired completely. The Malfoy head of house, and what a disgraced house it was, barely managed to find half a dozen lowly magical thieves with barely parlour tricks that allowed them to steel from Muggles. He had lingered this long for far bigger fish. He wanted the Balkan Vampire Covenants to join him, but the blood suckers seemed to have gone to ground the moment he sent a messenger to them. Only one vampiric clan had sent word back, a polite decline to join him retake England because their jurisdiction didn't extend so far.

He wasn't going to find what he needed amongst foreigners. So his meagre party moved towards the island with one purpose. Retrieving his most trusted followers from Azkaban. The attack on the Prison island would need to be staged from the sea, so they acquired the boat they needed in Algarve Portugal and in the dead of night attacked the Auror garrison stationed on the island. He used stealth and quiet for once in his life and instead of killing the guards he took them prisoners. He couldn't be picky about who was serving him and if three out of the seven guards were easily imperiused then he would use those three until they were capable of serving.

Robards was having a bad day and was about to give his superior bad news. The four guards that had requested time off after their shift in Azkaban ended were no where to be found and more than a week had passed. There was no suspicious activity from the replacement Aurors but that didn't comfort him at all. The three of the original shift had not been much help in explaining why their four colleagues had not returned to their families, but the Chief Auror was damned if they would just be permitted to shrug their way out of serious interrogation. Which was why he was going to Amelia to request a reconnaissance team go to Azkaban and one of the interrogation experts under Croaker come ask his men some hard questions.

'Gawain, come in. I just about received confirmation from the Albanian Ministry that Voldemort is no longer on Albanian soil.'

'Do they know where he went?'

'We can safely assume he's heading our way.'

'Or he is already here.'

Amelia eyed him sharply and Gawain sighed.

'The four Aurors that requested days off after their shift in Azkaban. They haven't returned home and it's been over a week.'

'What do the three that returned say?'

'Nothing much. Celesta Robins and her three senior squad members were tired and wanted a break, which is why they wrote the request for leave and sent it via owl. When the shift ended they departed a little time before the other 7 members arrived.'

'Not protocol, but not unheard of. Some members leaving a few minutes before the changing of the guard. She left Laurie in charge, he's a veteran.'

'Yes, but it still doesn't explain where they vanished. I want to send two squads to check Azkaban.'

'Two?'

'I don't like it. Four experienced Aurors vanishing after a shift. I also what permission to interrogate the three that came back a bit more thoroughly.'

'You think they know something but aren't saying?'

'I think it's a possibility.'

'Very well. Select the squads with care and have them ready to go. If something is wrong in Azkaban, we need to know what, and fast. I will need permission from Fudge, the fact that the Wizengamot didn't vote him out after the Crouch fiasco has made him hostile towards the DMLE. We all need to tread carefully.'

'If Black had been here.'

'We can't always rely on Lord Black's eloquence and power to steer the Wizengamot in the right direction. Narcissa's vote didn't sway enough members, Lady Longbottom's absence was also felt and Nott and Avery were too good with words this time around. In any case, we have to do everything by the book now. I will speak with Croaker to see about the interrogation.'

'We can disguise it in some mid term work review.'

Amelia nodded. 'Have the squads ready. I just hope our Minister will see the necessity.'

It was just a normal Monday afternoon for Dumbledore when Snape came to him. The Potions master had felt the mark burn hot and knew for certain that the Dark Lord was back and waiting for his supporters to enact revenge.

'How long has it been?'

'Five minutes.'

'You know what I will ask of you.'

'I know.'

'Then use my fire and get outside the wards.'

'If I don't come back.'

'You will.'

'You don't know that.'

'I have faith in your abilities Severus. And I will make sure your students are protected.'

Snape nodded once and was gone. Leaving Dumbledore to summon Remus and the other heads of House to him.

'What's wrong Albus. I was about to go into detention with the twins when you sent that Patronus.' said McGonagall.

'Thank you for coming. I'm afraid I don't have good news.'

'Is it Augusta?' asked Pomona.

'No, it's Voldemort. He's come back.'

The silence that stretched in the room was deafening. Even the pretending to be asleep portraits were as still as their muggle counterparts would have been.

'This isn't a joke, Albus.' McGonagall said sharply.

'I'm afraid it is not. I have it on good authority that the man has returned. Unfortunately at the moment we know very little as to how he managed to come back and where he is.'

'Where is Severus?' Remus asked seeing that one head of house was missing.

'He is running an errand for me.' Dumbledore explained evasively. 'I need you all to know this and help in what is to come.'

'Our Priority should be the school and the children.' said Pomona.

'Which is why the Hogwarts Wards are to be strengthened as soon as possible.'

'I will get to them tonight.' Filius said, his face set in determination.

'Thank you. Pomona, you are close to Amelia. I want you to notify her of this.'

'She will want to know where you have the information from.'

'And I will tell her as much as I can. Ask her to come to Hogwarts, at her earliest convenience.'

'Should she bring Cornelius?'

'I am not sure Cornelius will accept this with the proof I have at the moment.' Dumbledore shook his head.

'Understood. I will leave for London immediately.'

'Pomona, please act discretely.'

'What do you want me to do, Albus?' asked Remus

'Contact the Order. Start with Alastor and go from there. Let them know that there will be a meeting soon. Probably at Hogwarts.'

'That would be risky. If any of them are seen here or around here at the same time, it would paint a target on the school.' Flitwick said. 'Albus, Order business should not interfere with Hogwarts.'

'I agree with Filius.' McGonagall finally said 'The fiasco with the Philosopher's stone should have taught us that already. Hogwarts needs to remain neutral.'

'How long do you think Voldemort will accept this neutrality? Especially with Harry here, Hogwarts will become a target.' Dumbledore protested.

'Be that as it may. Harry has less than a month here and then he will return to Black's home.' said McGonagall. 'During that month the order should meet elsewhere.'

'I will ask Elphias if he can accommodate us.' Dumbledore conceded.

'What about Harry? Should we tell him?' asked Remus

'I think he should be made aware, yes.'

'No, absolutely not. He is still a child. This will only frighten him.' McGonagall protested.

'This decision should be left to his guardian.' Filius added.

'Lord Black is still missing?' asked Remus

'Unfortunately yes. Minerva, could you please keep an eye on Harry. Until he is at school I do not see the need to burden him with this news. However I will have to speak with Andromeda before the Summer holidays begin. Harry's living arrangements need to change now that Voldemort is back again.'

'Do you think it wise, Dumbledore?' asked Dippet's portrait. 'She is a Black. Her sister's former husband is probably in league with the Dark Lord.'

'I trust Andromeda to not endanger Harry. But I need more information before going to her. I do not need to stress how important it is to keep this information secret for now.'

'Why? Shouldn't the Wizarding world as a whole know about the danger?' asked Filius

'It is because this information was conveyed to me by a spy that I can't yet divulge it to all. The man's life is in danger and we might lose a valuable ally against the death eaters.'

'The life of a man against the need to inform and therefore protect everyone?'

'It is small, I know, Filius. Which is why I have asked to speak with Amelia. This secrecy will not last long. Perhaps some days, a week or so. I hope the spy will be able to bring us at least some more information before that time comes.'

'Very well, I will go see to the wards. Minerva, I will need your help with the transfigurations sequences.'

'Remus, stay for a moment.' Dumbledore asked when Lupin got up to follow the other two teachers out.

'What is it?'

'I am concerned about Harry.'

'He's been through a traumatic experience. And his guardian abandoned him at the worst time.' Remus frowned.

'Yes, but not that. Harry used to be able to sense Voldemort, and should have had some nightmares that pointed out Voldemort's return.'

'You want me to talk to him about it.'

'I would, and I would like you to also tell him that Voldemort is back.'

'What about Lord Black and Andromeda?'

'As much as Lord Black wants to believe he is in charge of Harry's well-being, the fact is, that he isn't here and Harry needs us to help him get past this. He needs to know so that he is cautious when he goes out to Hogsmeade, he needs to know why he has to return to Petunia this summer. It is imperative that he does.'

'I am not sure about Petunia, Albus.'

'If Harry has any chance of surviving this, he will need his mother's protection.'

'He has Sirius's protection. It was enough to stop more than one round of the Cruciatus curse.'

'Yes, but was not yet tested against death itself. Lily's love has saved him once, and will do so again.' With that Dumbledore dismissed the werewolf and prepared to receive Amelia.

Alas whatever hopes Amelia had of getting the Minister's approval were shattered on Monday, after more than three days, when his Undersecretary gave her the decision in an official sealed envelope. Fudge clearly still held a grudge against her and her request to check on Azkaban was denied. All they could do was wait another week and see what the current guards had to say. Or she could exercise one of her prerogatives as head of the DMLE and schedule for herself or for Robards an Azkaban inspection. It would have to be announced, but it would be better than nothing. She was on the verge of sending the memo to her underling when Robards came in followed by an unspeakable.

'We have a problem.'

'What did the interrogations reveal?'

'Nothing. That is to say, their memories of the last 3 days on duty on the island were wiped clean.'

'We can't be certain what happened there, however, there are some inconsistencies with their behaviour that would suggest tampering.'

'You think they were confunded?' asked Amelia

'Imperiused.' Gawain said gravely.

'I want a list of people these three came into contact with immediately and they are to be put under house arrest.'

'They already are under house arrest. But the list of people will be difficult to make. They have been in and out of the ministry for more than a week. They could have already put others under the spell. Though I am certain that the guards I assigned them are not affected since all three of them are known to repel the curse without problems.'

'We need to go to Azkaban and find out what happened there. Gawain, I have scheduled an inspection for you for tomorrow. Take the best of your men with you and go in with caution.'

'I will be limited to two men.'

'I know. Thank you Unspeakable Howard.'

'Happy to be of help. I will convey my findings to my head of department.'

'I will let the minister know, though he will likely do nothing about it.' Amelia sighed as she and Robards were left alone. She sealed the door and put up confidentiality wards.

'I will not let you and your men go in without back up. But for the sake of security, that back up will not be made known to you.'

'You are right to be cautious. All three Azkaban guards have been in contact with both myself and the men I will take with me. But Amelia, that goes for all our Aurors and Hit-Wizards.'

'I know. Leave that to me. Go get ready.'

When Robards left her secretary announced an impromptu visit.

'Professor Sprout. It is nice to see you here, though I didn't know you would be in London today.'

'Yes, well I needed to sort out a shipment of class 3 Magical plants and only I and the headmaster have the permission to do so. How are you my dear?' As Sprout said this she wordlessly put up the same confidentiality wards she had set up with Robards a few minutes ago.

'This isn't a social visit, is it?'

'Alas no. Albus sent me. He has just been informed that You-Know-Who is back and has summoned his former allies to him.'

'Is he certain? Does he know where?'

'He has a spy, but he told us no more than that. He wants to speak to you personally and urges you to go to him at Hogwarts.'

'Yes, that might be a better meeting place than the ministry. This is grave news. Did he say when to go to him?'

'At your earliest convenience.'

'I will clear my schedule for this afternoon and come with you right away?'

'Shouldn't the minister be informed?'

'After I have talked to Albus and with him present. Fudge is being rather obstinate and will need proof.'

Voldemort was not a happy person, therefore the Dementors of Azkaban didn't affect him at all. Some might say that the creatures feared the Dark Lord. Which is why they were most accommodating when he came knocking on the gates of Azkaban, that and the promise of freedom in pursuing happy memories all around the great island. Once the feared guards of his most loyal supporters became his, he finally felt the tides were turning in his favour. Seeing Bellatrix laugh madly at his arrival and recovering Crouch Jr. after losing him because of Potter had given him, not happiness, but a sense of pride and accomplishment. He had regained a foothold close to the north of Scotland and his ranks were now numbering 100 capable, albeit insane Azkaban inmates. Soon British witches and wizards would fear him once again.

The next step in the plan were his followers that were still free. He would summon them soon and then they would pay for abandoning him to his wraith existence for almost 13 years. Top of the list were Nott and Avery, two prominent wizards that had prospered during his absence but that he knew, he needed still. He would show them mercy, if not mercy, then restraint. They needed to be taught a lesson, but he still needed them and their allegiance would bring more to the flock. He thought this as the sounds of apparition echoed in the great hall deep underneath Azkaban followed by screams as his trusted Azkaban Death Eaters unleashed the Cruciatus on the more fortunate followers that had escaped the insanity of prison. Perhaps Bellatrix's bounds of Cruciatus was the greater evil for poor McNair. But the screams did sound more musical from the creature-executioner.

Ten minutes later and the torture stopped.

'Let this be a lesson in the generosity of your Lord that I did not force you to suffer as I have suffered alone and forgotten by you for almost 13 years.' his disciples slowly and on shaky legs got up just as one of the last of the places inside the inner-circle became inhabited by Severus Snape.

There was silence as Voldemort surveyed the man with calculating eyes before administering the same 10 minute punishment to the potions master himself. Snape's screams solitary in the high vaulted ceiling gave all of the others shivers. But after ten minutes the spell was lifted and while nothing was forgotten, it seemed like all was forgiven.

'Now what I was saying, before Severus interrupted. You have been brought here to take part in the reshaping of the Wizarding world in the pure and powerful image my great ancestor Salazar Slytherin would have wanted. Your part will be crucial in bringing the Ministry to see reason. No doubt by now the little snakes sent in have done their job but should be discovered shortly, if not already. The seeds however have taken root and won't be easily dislodged. Avery, Nott your job is to ensure the Wizengamot is on our side always. Which would you say are the key players within the Legislative body?'

'There is one key player that would bring us the best advantage, Lord Aries Black.' explained Avery

'I have heard of this new Lord Black. I believe it in his best interest to join us and such a tranditional and pure family as the Blacks could do nothing else, wouldn't you say Bella?'

'My Lord, I believe the man will see reason. After all, my great uncle was no fool and he picked Aries Black to be his successor.'

'There is the slight problem that Lord Black is currently out of the country with no possibility to be contacted.' said Nott

'His proxy may do in the mean time.' suggested Avery.

'Lady Narcissa Black's interests might be ambivalent with her former husband's alliance being where it is.' said Nott tactfully as Lucius glared at him.

'My traitorous wife will do what is best for her and her son. And need I remind you Nott, that it was I who aided our Lord's return when you were enjoying the comforts of your home.'

'Only because you were found a paedophile.'

'Allegations!'

'Gentlemen. Regardless of Narcissa Black's personal ire with her former husband, I am sure that she can be persuaded by a member of her close family to see the benefits of joining our cause.'

'I will not fail you, My Lord.' Bellatrix said reverently.

'Now, while the ministry is well and good under way of becoming a heaven for true magicals. There is the question of Hogwarts and its muggle loving Headmaster. Severus, you've kept your position all these years.'

'I did it so I can better serve you my Lord, when the time came. Dumbledore believes me his man.'

'So you shall remain in your spy position. What can you tell me of the headmaster?'

'He has grown old and has lost his unassailable position to the ire of Aries Black. The governors watch his every move and he is under indefinite probation for his past mistakes regarding the chamber of secrets and a few other small offences.'

'What has gotten Aries Black involved?'

'His ward, Harry Potter. Dumbledore lost his control over the boy when the old Lord came to claim his guardianship. Dumbledore has tried to undermine that, with little success.'

'This squib lord might be useful for more than his money it seems. So Dumbledore's position is shaky, we must help it to topple then. As for Harry Potter, well, his new guardian will undoubtedly do what is needed for our cause. I am sure.'

Nott and Avery exchanged looks but neither spoke what they were thinking. The Potter boy was part Black and the line of succession which until Aries Black was thought to be linked to the first born male line had been proven wrong. If what they thought was correct, Aries intended for Potter to succeed him. In which case, well, Voldemort might not find such an easy disciple in the Black Lord.

'I want you to keep close watch on the headmaster and report if he so much as thinks of doing anything outside of his approved jurisdiction. It is high time someone more sympathetic to our cause takes the Hogwarts seat.'

'Yes my lord.'

'The last order of business is the so called Stonehenge Council.' at the mocking tone Nott, the only member of the council present in Voldemort's circle frowned inwardly. The Stonehenge Council was the highest point in magical collaboration and arguably the most important governing magical apparatus in the history of magic. Tradition started with the founding nations and it being brought back after half a millennia was an achievement for all that was pure in the magical world.

'Constantine, you are the only one on the council so far, which of the ones presently in the council can be persuaded to our cause?'

'My lord, of the original families I believe Shafiq and Fawley could support our agenda, as could Greengrass but there we must tread more carefully. The Carrows have kidnapped their two daughters when they were not yet of Hogwarts age to push Daniel into accepting a pardon for their cousin Rosier and there is still resentment there.'

'Only three out of 12 members?'

'Dumbledore was smart enough to manipulate the minister into giving the remaining seats to mostly light wizards. There is still the question of the Longbottom held seat now that Lady Longbottom is incapacitated.'

'See to it that Avery gets the seat.'

'As you command, my lord.'

'You will also see to it that the others you spoke of are brought into the fold before the next meeting. Then we will have enough votes to make the council ours.'

'Those are but the wizard votes.' Nott protested before he could stop himself.

'The half breeds won't matter, if they know what's good for them, they will accept the new world order and our role as the ruling magical class.'

Nott nodded feeling sick. This was not going to end up well.

Amelia took Shacklebolt with her to Hogwarts. They were known to grab lunch together from time to time and the man was known to be one of the naturally gifted at repelling the Imperius curse. When they arrived a little after Pomona they were greeted not just by Dumbledore but by Alastor Moody too.

'Please tell me you're not reforming that vigilante group of yours, Albus. I will be forced to arrest you if you are.'

'My dear Amelia.'

'Don't dear Amelia me, last time people died for being too inexperienced and going in without the proper back up. My brother was amongst the victims.'

'Are you going to tell me that your Aurors will be able to handle it all this time around?'

Amelia bit her tongue. 'Tell me what you know and do it quickly.'

So Albus did.

'When do you think your spy will return?'

'If he isn't back by sundown, I fear we will have lost him. But I have faith in him. Though there are things he won't be able to divulge due to various spells and unbreakable vows.'

'He needn't say much, just confirm a theory of mine.'

'Oh?'

'Azkaban, I believe Voldemort has taken Azkaban.' Kingsley looked at her startled. He hadn't been given that information yet.

'That is a disturbing thought. Why do you say that?'

Amelia explained the three highly possible imperiused Aurors and the four that went missing. She also explained that there would be an inspection led by Robards the following day where she would go as back up.

'No offence Madam.' Kingsley said 'But you haven't been in the field for a long time.'

'I can still hold my own better than an Imperiused Auror.'

'You're too valuable to lose, lass.' Moody said 'I will go.'

'You're retired.'

'Precisely. If something goes wrong, I acted without you knowing. You can run interference if Fudge somehow wants to stop the inspection.'

'You alone won't be enough.'

'I have tomorrow free.' Kingsley said 'How about grabbing a beer at a bar in Thurso.'

'Gladly sonny.' grinned Mad Eye as Amelia glared at her friend and Auror.

'It's my day off, and I will keep you in the loop.' Kingsley reasoned.

'Very well. But you two better return safely and with proof. I can't go to Fudge with a half corroborated story. He won't budge unless he sees the Dark Lord himself.'

'I will try to reason with Cornelius. He will see reason.' Albus said benignly. 'There are urgent things that he needs to do, but perhaps some we can start ourselves.'

'Removing the Dementors from Azkaban.' said Amelia 'It is clear that they switched sides, otherwise Voldemort and Malfoy would not have been able to get in.'

'If they truly are in Azkaban.' said Kingsley

'The probability is high.' said Albus. 'Also, an envoy to the giants would be needed. The laws aiding dark magical creatures may help keep most of them out of the fray, but the likes of Greyback will flock towards Voldemort regardless.'

'Greyback's pack has been reduced to less than 30 Wolves. Most Vampires and Werewolves have been living peacefully and we have a means to warn them and ask them to either aid us or remain neutral.' explained Amelia.

'I didn't know that.'

'That is because you're not on friendly terms with Lord Black.' said Amelia.

'We will need to inform the Centaurs and the Merpeople as soon as possible.' said Alastor

'The next Stonehenge Council is too far away. But if you could speak with the matriarch and the leader of the centaurs near Hogwarts, they will spread the word to the others.' said Amelia.

'I will do so after you leave. I can't stress enough how important it is that you keep yourself and as many of the heads of departments safe from external tempering.'

'I will do want is needed to protect the integrity of the ministry. I expect you to keep Hogwarts safe and let me know the outcome of your spy's incursion into the serpent's den.'

A/N: Sorry it took me a while to update and I am sure this isn't necessarily the update you have all been waiting for, but Aries will return in due time.

Thank you all for your kind works, life has seen a turn for the better and I will try my best to finish this story. I really don't want to stop writing and I think a bit of my muse has returned. To all of your who are also batteling problems in real life all I can say is stay strong and find peace and hapiness in the little things, there are no clouds without silver linings and what I learnt through my struggles is that everything happens for a reason and every hardship makes us all stronger.

BeeStockings: Remus lost his memory of what he heard and who Aries really is. The purpose of the ceremonies that were approved by the Stonehenge council will be revealed later so I won't say anything now. Aries will return, but his return will take a few more chapters, or not. I haven't written much of the next one. As for my geraniums, well, let's just say that they are still alive, but don't look that happy with me.

HeartsGlow: This is Daphne's take on the matter, not the truth. She has some issues with her father's neglect of her and her sister and the way she sees male heirs acting and thinks that none of them would be willing to accept her as head of their family.

Guest: It is true that Harry should see Sirius leaving as abandonment at this time, however, in this case Sirius didn't leave of his own volition. Each attack that Padfoot takes on Harry's behalf affects Sirius. The darker the attack or the more lethal it is, the more recovery time Sirius will need. One Unforgivable would knock him out of commission for a few weeks, now start thinking how many curses Padfoot absorbed. Also, Harry is trying to act tough and as every human he will change his attitude and his mind on the matter a few times growing slightly more concerned as time passes without Sirius there. Hope that clarifies things a bit.

As usual your thoughts on the new chapter would be deeply appreciated. Have a nice end of the week :)