"True Midnight"

A Harry Potter Fan Fiction by AlanSmithy

Disclaimer: All characters appearing in this story are copyright of J.K. Rowling, I'm just borrowing them for my own amusement.

Prologue

A cloaked figure glided silently through the trees of the Dark Forest.  Blocking what little light the stars provided, the thick branches of the forest augmented the night's inky blackness.  Darting between trunks of 100-year-old oak trees without pausing, the figure appeared unbothered by the lack of light.  Moving faster than a man could walk, and leaving no trail in the woods, it seemed at home in the darkness. 

Pausing slightly at the edge of the clearing, the figure hesitated before continuing out of the protective shadows.  Once in the clearing, it was brought up short when a torch, gripped tightly by a hand cast in silver, suddenly ignited.  The dim light threw the figure into harsh relief, revealing the white-blond hair and pointed face of one of the richest and most influential people in the wizarding world.

Lucius Malfoy ignored the pitiful figure holding the torch and peered around the seemingly empty clearing.  "Master?" Lucius inquired softly.

The torchbearer spoke in a high squeaky voice, "He is not here Malfoy, but he sent me to give you instructions."

 Lucius finally turned his attention to the man and sneered in contempt before honoring him with a response.

"I don't take orders from underlings Wormtail," the small man flinched at hearing the name.  "Where is your Master?"

"I am your Master too Lucius," hissed a voice out of the shadows.

"Of-of course Master, I-"

"Enough Lucius.  You must learn your place, but that is a lesson for another day.  Right now we have pressing business.  Consider this a warning."

"Y-yes master," Lucius stammered, glancing around the clearing for the source of the voice.

"Wormtail has your instructions.  Give them to him Wormtail."

The small rat-like man handed Lucius a piece of parchment, which he quickly read through.  When Lucius finally looked up, his eyes held a rarely seen emotion, surprise.

"But Master, I thought I was to take up the-"

"The job of Muggle torture," the voice finished for him, "I know you are eager to regain your old post, and you will my friend, but now is not the time.  At the moment, that bumbling Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, is unknowingly aiding us, and for now it is best that we remain hidden.  I will bide my time, slowly regaining my power and allies, until once again I will have the wizarding world under my control!

"Until then," the voice hissed dangerously, "You will put my plan into action.  We will worry about the rest later."

Lucius bowed deeply.  "Yes Master."

As he turned to leave, Lucius was abruptly stopped by what felt like an invisible wall.  The voice returned, a little louder now.  "You have some misgivings Lucius?  Don't try to hide them, I can sense it!"

Cowering before his Master's rage, Lucius trembled as he replied.  "Yes Master.  I am… worried about the boy and that doddering old fool Dumbledore.  He-"

"Show your enemies more respect my friend," the voice censured.  "That was my ultimate mistake, and my downfall.  I underestimated them.  Do not worry about the Headmaster and his prized pupil; I have it all taken care of."

"Yes Master," Lucius bowed once again.  "I shall carry out your orders."

"Of course you will Lucius," the voice echoed as it faded away.  "Of course you will."