Warning: Nothing too bad in here....just some hints of bad stuff to come.
Dedication: This one's for the wonderful people at Stop and Shop...whoever's idea it was to sell Harry Potter actions figures there, I will love you forever.
Author's Note: Not that long, but it's not supposed to be. It's just a very brief little glance over at the other side.
End of All Hope
Meanwhile....
Darkness breeds in darkness. There are some acts that must only be done in darkness. Either they demand darkness, or their very doing is of an atrocity that can never face the light of day. And in darkness there is a power. It is tricky, deceptive, awesome and ensnaring. The power controls the practitioner, not the other way round. Yet are still those who wish to harness this power...
It was a black fortress, hidden deep in mountain and caves. It rang eerily of death and torment, longing and despair. Stone is unfeeling and cold, harsh. It spoke of heinous deeds and black plots. This was the realm of the Dark Lord. This place was the root and birth of all evil.
"Have you done as I asked?" A voice that needed no amplification. In fact, the very softness of it instilled fear in the hearts of all who had heard it before.
"Yes, my lord." Trembling, slightly.
"I would hope so, Lucius...I would hate for anything to happen to your lovely son..."
"It is as you ordered, lord." Bowing deeply, Lucius Malfoy's eyes sought only the stone of the floor. The ruby-blood eyes of his lord and master were to fearsome for even his cold heart.
"Then you shall be rewarded." Hissing, syllabic...suspicious. The Dark Lord doubted his servant's words, and made it clear. There was a hush in the dark hall, no one spoke. Lucius remained on one knee, not foolish enough to rise before given leave to. His heart pounded in his chest, roaring in his ears, blocking out the silence that engulfed the servants of the dark.
"Thank you my lord." Words forced into the gaping silence, tossed into it's cavernous maw.
"May I ask how you did it?" Casually tossed, but deadly as a dagger.
"Bloodsnake, my lord." And here Lucius' words caught in his throat. His eyes flicked upwards on their own accord, not oblivious to the displeasure in his lord's stance. "Untraceable..."
"And with no promise of completion." Clipped and cold, Lucius knew he had made a mistake. He had known as soon as he had returned. On thinking back, he had a hundred other methods, all more sure then the last. But he had acted, and had no choice but to stand behind his actions.
"It will not fail, my lord." Quick to offer assurances. Much was at stake. He had been stupid, confident. Why had he thought the Dark Lord would make allowances for him? He was a devoted servant yes, but that meant nothing. Grey eyes slid to the side, falling on the huddled and beaten body of the first servant to return to the dark. No, devoted service meant nothing...
"That is yet to be seen." Easing himself back, the Dark Lord appeared unconcerned. "We shall wait, Lucius, and see if your little plan comes to fruition. If not, you know the price."
"Yes lord." What little color tinged Lucius' face faded. He had seen, in graphic detail, the Dark Lord's punishments. The thought that he would receive one such...bile rose in his throat, forced quickly down. He could not appear afraid. He must be confident, sure of his actions. He would not allow that to happen. He would give himself over to the blood sport of the Dark Lord, rather then that.
"You are dismissed, Lucius." A wave of a long, white hand. The audience was over, and it seemed he was safe for the moment. In the coming days however...
"Thank you my lord." Lucius rose, some warmth flooding back into him. He would have time. He would make arrangements. Even if his plan did fail...
"And send your son to me." Again, so casual as to seem congenial, polite. Lucius froze, heart stopping dead in his chest as though seized.
"My lord?" Polite inquisitiveness, nothing more.
"For...safe keeping." Sadism twisting the words, turning tem to a gross parody.
"Yes my lord."
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