"You would like both of us to meet this witch?" Abraxas Malfoy asked, his brow furrowed. The Dark Lord had never asked them to recruit a witch before. He used to charm them himself if needed when he was still known as Tom Riddle. Everyone at Hogwarts fell all over themselves trying to please Tom Riddle, himself included.
Now, Abraxas handled recruiting the stuffy politicians and the upper echelons of society, while Gavin Rosier recruited the younger pure-bloods with notable skills, like potions or dueling.
Lord Voldemort preferred to delegate most of the recruitment to his trusted followers. During his tour of the world, he would occasionally do his own recruitment of important figures or magical creatures. He remained in contact with only the most trusted of his inner circle during that time. Ever since his return a few months ago, he hadn't cared to charm others anymore with his new looks. He much preferred intimidation and fear these days, but Abraxas thought Tom was as handsome as ever, but perhaps he was biased. He had never met another who could rival Tom Riddle's surreal beauty.
He doesn't really mind these unpleasant tasks, as he was his lord's most loyal frie…follower. They were in the same year during their Hogwarts days, and Abraxas always greatly admired him, even though Tom — Lord Voldemort may not feel the same about him.
Either way, the witch was probably a hideous shrew of a woman. An ex-Auror and professor? Most definitely a shrew. Every Auror he ever came across, wizard or witch, was an inelegant, blithering menace.
Not to mention that good-looking professors at Hogwarts, in general, are a myth. A fantasy. Tom Riddle almost became the DADA professor once upon a time ago, but that must have been the closest anyone put the words, 'fit professor' together in a sentence.
Witches generally wouldn't have any need to pursue such grueling and thankless professions when they can just marry advantageously. He didn't exactly mind that she was probably some lonely spinster, and it would make his job much easier.
Voldemort gazed at the two Death Eaters he summoned today. "She will likely join me, but I'd like you two to eliminate her doubts and reservations. It doesn't matter to me how you go about it, but no coercion or violence. Not yet. You will be giving me a very detailed report later on. Keep your interrogation discreet, however. Wouldn't want to frighten her off. Do not bring up blood purity unless she does it first. She's powerful. I want her on my side before Dumbledore sinks his claws into her."
"How do we know he hasn't yet?" Rosier asked.
"He's only met her recently. Dumbledore has always been an annoyingly suspicious wizard, and she is very skilled at Occlumency. Dumbledore is unlikely to trust someone he can't immediately read after only knowing them for a few weeks."
"Will we be the only ones involved in recruiting her? Malfoy inquired, still a bit reluctant. He had piles of paperwork to attend to, also at the Dark Lord's bidding.
"I don't want anyone else but you two to know of her ties to me. Her role as my agent at Hogwarts will be a secret. I also don't trust her at this time. I want to see how she performs after she agrees."
"Do we know her blood status? Why is blood purity not to be discussed?" Abraxas asked.
"She's operating with a false name. It could mean anything. It also means that whatever she says she is — pure-blood or otherwise, may be untrue as well. But she will be exceedingly useful to me, whatever she may be."
Voldemort paused and stared carefully at Malfoy before he smirked, "Abraxas, I don't think you will be opposed to turning up that infamous Malfoy charm when you see her."
Malfoy shot a curious look at Gavin Rosier, who remained silent and shrewdly observant.
"Of course, my lord." Malfoy wasn't convinced.
Hermione couldn't believe she was here outside The Green Dragon, one of the more discreet pubs in Wizarding Britain, about to schmooze with Death Eaters. She decided to wear crimson red robes, simply because she had too many red robes and she needed her Gryffindor courage today.
What had her life become? Even when she went undercover as an Auror, she never actually had to try to befriend any of them. She won't let them manipulate her. She knew it was their ploy — send some charismatic Death Eaters to her like they were glorified salesmen and sell her on the idea of Lord Voldemort until she was fully indoctrinated.
She'd already sobbed angrily into her pillows the night before. What is she even doing here, in this time period? Perhaps she should have stayed as a disguised shop-girl — bored out of her mind, but at least she'd be alive and not potentially destroying the timeline.
Always plagued by doubt, her highly logical mind was a detriment to her sanity when it spiraled into all the ways things can quickly go south. She wasn't perfect. She was only human. It was only natural for her to worry.
She greatly despaired catching his notice and allowing him to cunningly pull her into his sphere. When she promised Dumbledore she would destroy Voldemort's Horcruxes, she didn't mean she'd do it from within the pit of vipers.
With a deep breath, she steeled herself and entered The Green Dragon.
She found them right away.
Even with his signature white-blond hair, he looked nothing like Draco Malfoy, who had pointy features. Abraxas Malfoy had bold features and chiseled angles. His elegantly lethal grace would command attention in any room.
She was surprised to find he was a strikingly handsome man, as she never found Draco Malfoy particularly attractive with the permanent sneer plastered on his face whenever he deigned to look in her direction, right before mouthing 'Mudblood' and turning his nose up at her.
The Death Eater next to him was younger, perhaps in his late twenties or early thirties, and classically handsome with elegantly styled, short brown hair and intense, cunning green eyes that carefully swept through the environment. He must be Gavin Rosier. The letter she received from Malfoy for the location, date, and time of the meeting had described Rosier as being a good duelist who could duel with her from time to time.
It was completely understandable why Voldemort sent these two to her. Nothing about their appearance suggested that they were practitioners of the Dark Arts. They just looked like charming, influential young wizards who were interested in changing the Wizarding world for the better. Luckily she was prepared for what manipulative snakes they could be.
She sauntered up to their table. Malfoy smirked at her approach. He slowly raked over her form with his piercing blue eyes, lingering over certain areas of her body that immediately left her feeling so exposed and self-conscious, she nearly crossed her arms over herself. She stopped in front of them and gazed at them expectantly.
Malfoy winked at her. "Love, you're simply exquisite, and I do normally favor witches dressed in red, but not today, I'm afraid. We're a bit busy and have an important meeting with someone shortly." He raised his glass in dismissal and took a sip, as he studied her over the rim and lifted an eyebrow. Seeing that she still hadn't moved, he drawled, "How about I buy you a drink anyway?"
Rosier pursed his lips and turned to Malfoy to give him an impassive look that suggested that he clearly wondered if Malfoy was an idiot.
He immediately stood up and introduced himself to Hermione. "Good evening. You must be Miss Kraus. I am Gavin Rosier."
"Hermione Kraus, lovely to meet you," she confirmed. She held her hand out to shake and was surprised when he turned her hand over and bowed his head over her hand for the briefest of moments.
Abraxas Malfoy looked stunned, but smiled as he recovered and stood up. "Abraxas Malfoy, at your service." After taking her hand, he lingered over it with his lips softly brushing her skin, as opposed to Rosier's much more conservative greeting. "Forgive me, Miss Kraus, I was not expecting our meeting today to be with such a lovely young witch. Are you really an ex-Auror and Hogwarts' new professor?" he asked skeptically.
She fought the urge to wipe the back of her hand on her robes and smiled graciously. "Yes, I am." She gave them both a quick once over, annoyed with their considerable heights. She wasn't petite, was she? They were just giants. "Well, how about that drink?" she teased.
Abraxas grinned and gestured for her to sit across from them as they ordered their meals and a bottle of top-shelf Ogden's Old Firewhisky. They settled into quite a lively conversation after she cast the Muffliato charm. Even after an hour, their momentum didn't fade.
"What's your philosophy when it comes to dueling?" asked Rosier.
Hermione cocked her head after sipping daintily at her drink. "What do you mean exactly? Which aspect of dueling?"
"I suppose you may consider this a strange question, but since you are the new DADA professor, I was afraid that there would be some rigidity or insistence on tradition in your style of dueling. Specifically, do you use grey or dark spells?"
"If I must, and if it's the most efficient and effective spell available to me at the time."
"Do you believe one should continuously try to learn new spells? Even grey or dark ones? Rosier inquired.
"Of course. We should always pursue new knowledge," asserted Hermione.
"Why don't we just accept the use of readily available, easy to cast spells against our opponents when they arguably have the same results?" Rosier countered.
Malfoy clarified, "I don't agree of course, but for the sake of argument, why not use stunning spells all the time? It's effective, it's easy to cast and preserves magical energy, and it takes your opponent out of the equation easily enough."
Hermione was suddenly breathless as she stared at both Rosier and Malfoy. In her time period, this was something the other Aurors had genuinely questioned her about several times when she used more complex casting against their opponents.
Some found her casting to be dark magic and shunned it immediately. Some found it cumbersome and unnecessary. Some even thought she was just being Hermione Granger and showing off, as per usual.
She disagreed with those Aurors fundamentally. There's a reason why, although she was young, she was one of the best Aurors and was given the most challenging, yet interesting cases.
She adapted to the rapidly changing world as it got progressively darker after Voldemort's defeat. She sought out new ways to bring down her opponents. She had lost too many colleagues who insisted on using the same set of stunning, paralysis, and binding hexes — for capture only, while their opponents were flinging Avada Kedavra at them regularly.
But when she tried to implore the other Aurors to show less mercy, to go darker to achieve their goals, they stubbornly declined and loftily proclaimed that they are simply above that, that they would become the very beings they are trying to fight if they used those spells.
Harry used to be one of those, but he gradually came around to her view as he lost more and more of his fellow Aurors to the evil they cannot seem to effectively fight against.
She contemplated Rosier and Malfoy over the rim of her drink. Then she said, "If you use a spell or a series of spells your opponent is unfamiliar with, they are less likely to be able to defend against it and cast a countercurse, making the spell more effective. The more powerful the spell is, the less easy it is to break free from."
She noticed the satisfied expression Malfoy now had on his face as he gazed at her, and that Rosier's eyes sharpened on her imperceptibly.
She reasoned, "I suppose dueling is like wizard's chess, the greatest players know all the openings, strategies, moves, and the best ways to defend against those. Bringing something unknown into the fight can disrupt your opponent's strategy. Also, grey or dark magic happens to be more difficult to find a countercurse to in time. Immensely distracting pain makes it difficult to break the curse. Even better, it may completely incapacitate them, which bolsters your defense if you have multiple opponents."
"Precisely." Rosier nodded while Malfoy continued to stare silently.
Encouraged, Hermione added, "There's so much more to say, but that's generally the way I see it. There is power in the unknown, and an unknown series of spells that deviate from the standard can be what saves your life that day. The more knowledge you have, the more of an advantage you have over your opponent, essentially."
"I completely agree with you. I know it may have seemed like a simple question to you, because of course having a large repertoire of spells at your disposal is great, but I have seen many weak minds advocating the opposite amongst those in our acquaintance," Rosier said.
Malfoy added, "They claim that in the heat of battle, one can only recall about five spells on average anyway, and spending time learning others would be a waste. That it would be more productive to perfect those few spells, bolstering their casting speed or strength."
"Well, of course, one should perfect casting speed and strength, but five spells? How dull and incredibly unimaginative." She wrinkled her nose in distaste.
"It's surprisingly difficult to find a competent dueling partner with similar philosophies. I look forward to our first duel, Ms. Kraus." Rosier tipped his head at her.
Malfoy turned to Rosier and teased, "Am I not a competent enough of a dueling partner for you anymore?"
"I've memorized your every tell ages ago," Rosier said, shaking his head.
Abandoning his lounging posture, Abraxas leaned forward and poured more Firewhisky into his tumbler and Hermione's empty one. "Miss Kraus, I should mention that my son Lucius will be starting his second year and that I am on the Hogwarts School Board, so I suppose I'll be seeing you occasionally at Hogwarts."
Hermione's lip curled slightly at the reminder of Lucius Malfoy and his insufferable arrogance. "I won't be going easy on him just because you're a school governor, Mr. Malfoy."
"I don't expect you to. So long as he receives the best education Hogwarts has to offer, I don't really get involved. I've been trying to encourage better performance in school. He's an incredibly intelligent child, but he needs to learn discipline. Perhaps the professors at Hogwarts can provide some of that. His mother spoiled him as a child."
"I'm sure he'll be a perfectly well-mannered student if he's anything like his father," she wryly added.
He tried and failed to hide his amusement with a small quirk of his lips as he dropped his eyes from hers to stare at his Firewhisky. His eyes widened imperceptibly as he stared at the liquid before he snapped his eyes up and searched hers for a long moment. He looked away again as his face became more guarded.
She hoped she didn't offend him.
He cleared his throat and asked, "How do you feel about the current Defense Against the Dark Arts curriculum? Are you planning on proposing any changes?"
"The current curriculum is a bit simplistic, but it's appropriate for students, I believe."
"Are you calling Hogwarts students too simple-minded to be challenged? I wholeheartedly agree, if it's the Gryffindors," teased Malfoy.
"Well, no," she quickly added, chagrined. "I suppose, I can add a few things that previous professors shied away from, so long as Dumbledore approves."
"Dumbledore's approval means censorship, you know that, right?" interjected Rosier.
She laughed and shook her head. "That reminds me of a book I read on the censorship of the Dark Arts, specifically, Necromancy. It was a very interesting debate. It was called The Black —"
"The Black Arts on Trial," Malfoy finished for her, and began studying her carefully. "What are your thoughts on it?"
Hermione stared. She was absolutely stunned. This was probably the first time in her life she started talking about some obscure book and someone else not only read it, but instantly knew the title before she could name it. Afraid that he somehow performed Legilimency, she checked that her Occlumency shields were firmly in place. It wasn't even a well-known book, compared to popular and pragmatic Dark Arts titles, that is. It was purely academic.
She recalled, "Well, there was much debate among an ancient Mages' Guild on whether the study of Necromancy should be taught in a magical institution. Some masters argued that they must balance their quest for knowledge with ethical standards and caution, and that it is not limiting a student's freedom to set rules and boundaries. They believe that Necromancy is an anathema throughout the civilized world, and that to embrace it would inspire fear and hostility in the populace at large."
Malfoy countered, "Some argue that a magical institution dedicated to the study of magical arts has obligations to the truth. Censoring themselves in their scholarship is antithetical to their mission of neutrality and objectivity."
She argued, "We can and should know what our enemy is capable of, but we must be careful not to step into a trap of looking too deep into his ways, and making those ways our own. We do no one any good if, by studying the evil ways, we become evil ourselves."
Malfoy seemed both impressed and disappointed. "What is evil, Miss Kraus? And what is good? The knowledge of magic should not be limited by prejudices and lack of understanding. I hope we're not fundamentally disagreeing on this."
"No, you misunderstand, I think both sides have valid points here. I don't think either side is right or wrong," she pointed out.
Rosier, silent so far, said, "I think you'll come to change your mind, eventually, and see things our way. With Lord Voldemort, you will see the value in all magic, whether it is deemed good or evil."
She was exhilarated. Reluctantly so. She was conversing with two of Voldemort's most loyal and trusted followers, and she was almost enjoying herself. She couldn't even remember the last time she had a debate that didn't leave her fuming.
It must have been with Remus before he was murdered by Antonin Dolohov in the final battle of the war.
She suddenly sobered at the grim reminder that she was excited over discourse with murderous Death Eaters — Dolohov's cohorts. How could she ever forget, even for a moment? Self-loathing chased away the pleasant buzz that had developed all evening. She's never touching alcohol again.
She wearily responded, "I believe I'd have to find out for myself and do my own research. I am curious about many branches of magic, but find the library at Hogwarts to be very limited."
"That's because it's for school-aged children, Miss Kraus. I invite you to visit my library at Malfoy Manor a few times a month, and you can do all the research you'd like. It's widely known as one of the largest private collections in the wizarding world, and few are lucky enough to see it." Malfoy's icy blue eyes were daring her to refuse as he arched an eyebrow at her.
"That sounds incredible. Of course, I would be honored. Thank you, Mr. Malfoy," she intoned.
"You're very welcome. Your curiosity is very refreshing, and it would bring me great joy to see the Malfoy library be of use to someone other than myself."
Rosier added, "We can also duel some of those evenings, if you'd like, at Malfoy Manor."
Even though she was dismayed to learn that Voldemort's followers were actually intelligent and capable, she was genuinely astonished by their wit and charm. They're Death Eaters, she reminded herself.
They had a wealth of knowledge regarding magic. She was relieved the topics stayed on magical theory only and that they never asked about her blood status, nor did they bring up any pure-blood supremacy rhetoric. She's not naïve to think that it didn't matter to them, but it seemed as if Voldemort had warned them away from the topic altogether.
Of course, they extolled Voldemort's virtues every chance they got, and it was highly amusing to her that they are trying to convince her, the muggle-born witch from the future who helped defeat him, that he was the greatest, most powerful wizard of all time. That he will lead them into a glorious future that will bolster the magical community for decades to come.
Might as well go all in now. She knew that they had goals to complete today. She was just a task for them. The salesmen were eager to seal the deal. Let them think she was appropriately manipulated by their charms today.
"I'd be honored to work with Lord Voldemort, but only if I get to work with him personally. I would like the lessons to come from him, while you and I practice dueling when he is unavailable, if you're willing that is," she nodded at Rosier.
They seemed satisfied with her answer. She must have also passed their test. She had appeared to be a good fit in their organization, at least on the magical front.
Relief flooded her.
They scheduled a few tentative meeting times and soon said their goodbyes.
After they escorted her to the exit, Malfoy shot a sardonic look at Rosier. "Well, that was certainly an experience," he mused.
"The Dark Lord will be pleased. She may be exactly what he's looking for in an informant at Hogwarts. She is completely unassuming and somewhat guileless. No one would suspect a witch like her is working with Lord Voldemort," remarked Rosier.
"Do you think she's of pure-blood? You don't know how many times I almost asked her all evening. Our Lord said her surname is a false one," pondered Malfoy.
"She may be a half-blood. What is there to hide if you were pure-blooded?" questioned Rosier.
Malfoy shook his head in disagreement. "Such intimate knowledge of the Dark Arts suggests nothing less than pure. Only the oldest families have access to those darker texts. The text she mentioned, The Black Arts on Trial — I only know of two copies in existence. I own one, and the other is owned by the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black. If there is a third, it must be from another old pure-blood family I don't know about. Perhaps from Germany. I don't have too many connections from there."
"Perhaps she befriended one of the Blacks," Rosier mused.
"The Dark Lord will not be pleased if that is the case. He hates almost everyone in that family, as do I, especially Orion Black," Malfoy fumed.
"Only because they don't know what's good for them — for the future of the Wizarding world. They are too short-sighted and cowardly to join him. Also, didn't you betroth your only son to Cygnus and Druella's youngest daughter?"
"My wife pushed for that, and only because she was close friends with Druella," Malfoy said.
Rosier had a contemplative expression on his face now. "The Dark Lord must hope that the next generation of Black family members, who will have considerable influence for their name alone, will be more amenable to his ideas. That is precisely why Hermione Kraus will play such a critical role in his plans at Hogwarts," Rosier speculated.
Malfoy smirked. "Do you really think members of the House of Black will respect a professor without confirmation of the purest of blood? Especially that Bellatrix Black. She will give her a hard time."
"It will be challenging, but Miss Kraus' power is tangible. I believe she would be able to handle a few unruly teenagers. Nothing like the Dark Lord's power, of course, which can be at once breathtaking and electrifying," Rosier acknowledged.
Malfoy's eyes fluttered shut briefly as his breath shortened. "The Dark Lord's power is intoxicating. But Miss Kraus' power slowly descends upon you like a warm embrace."
Rosier turned and scrutinized his friend for a moment before he sighed and slowly shook his head.
Unaware, Malfoy softly admitted, "I wouldn't mind her as my next mistress."
Rosier scoffed. "As if she'd have you? You're probably old enough to be her father. Let alone deign to be a mere mistress? Merlin, humble yourself. She gave me no impression of being a social-climbing fortune hunter."
Abraxas grinned. "I'm only a decade older than you, you cheeky bastard. Some women like that, you know. I've never had a problem with any woman I've set my eyes on."
Rosier released a long-suffering sigh. "Not that you ever need an ego boost, but I'll admit that you really don't look any older than myself."
Abraxas flashed him an enigmatic smile. "Powerful and pure Malfoy blood, of course. Well, what about you, then? Still the consummate bachelor?"
"Yes, of course. Look, as your friend, Abraxas, I recommend you steer clear of this one. A witch from Germany who lived there her whole life, with a perfect English accent? It's unnatural. It's suspicious. She just appeared out of nowhere and is immediately on the Dark Lord's radar, and he sends us both to help recruit her. I suggest you stick with your usual parade of beautiful, icy blondes who interestingly, but not surprisingly, look just like you," he teased.
"I grew bored of those long ago. Haven't you heard? And like you said, the similarities are uncanny. It's almost like fucking yourself. As you know, I married one. I don't recommend it," he muttered.
Rosier smirked, fully remembering how disagreeable Malfoy's wife was. "Don't speak of the dead that way, it's in poor taste. Truly, though, just let the Dark Lord's new agent be."
Malfoy shot him a glare. He knew Gavin was right, but he was a Malfoy after all. No one but the Dark Lord could tell him what he could or couldn't do.
A/N: I adapted a few passages from Black Arts on Trial, which is a fictional book in the world of Elder Scrolls: Oblivion and Skyrim for this chapter. I played a lot of RPG/MMORPG games, so expect some fun spells later on!
Hope you enjoyed this update! Let me know what you think about Abraxas and Gavin! :)