AN: This chapter has been edited but not by very much...don't read if you've already read it. Move onto chapter three, please review thx.

At the Black Rose

The sky darkened somewhat and strange misshapen clouds loomed overhead. The young man pulled his cloak tighter around himself as a strong gust of icy wind whirled through the nearly abandoned street, sweeping up bits of litter in its wake. The weather was so hostile that it would have been easy to mistake the season for winter instead of summer. It had been the coldest day yet of the miserable summer but to Voldemort Salamir Slytherin, the weather was of no consequence.

The young man's sharp facial features served to be both enchanting and somewhat intimidating. The most striking part of his features must have been the fathomless eyes. Those dark orbs never failed to either enthral the observer or terrify him. There was no argument as to the fact he was handsome, very much so, but somehow there was always an underlining sense of mystery and intrigue to all of his varied expressions. His clothes did not mark him as anyone from a particular social background. The black shrouds were worn by everyone from the petty thieves to ministry officials. His clothes, however did act to give him an even more enigmatic presence. He could have been any passer-by hurrying to get home to before the storm broke, but he wasn't………he was Lord Voldemort.

Cassius Malfoy glanced causally out of the grimy window at the Black Rose. His mood was no match for his demeanour. The storm was coming soon and Tom had not shown up. Not that he was concerned about his friend being caught in the rain, any wizard could perform a shield charm and Tom was far more than any wizard. His booked seat at the Black Rose could not be held for too long, there was fierce competition at the main pub in Knockturn Alley. Suffice to say, Tom was one very opportune timer and he knew it. No sooner had his friend stepped across the threshold, then the rain came pelting down with such force that the drops danced on the uneven pavement outside.

"You're late," commented Cassius with a dry sense of humour.

"You're early," was the reply as his guest elegantly slid the cloak from his back and draped it over the back of the elaborately decorated chair, an amused smile played on his lips, "Care to order some drinks?" Cassius laughed out loud but it was lost in the cacophony of sounds present in the bar. His friend had always been able to put anyone at ease.

"Later, we have business to talk about," Cassius's eyes hardened as he made the statement.

"Too sensitive to be discussed over drinks than I presume,"

"Very much so. This idea of yours seems a long way off becoming a reality," He could and needed to be blunt with Tom for he was no match in the charisma depart against his friend.

"All ideas start off this way and blossom too."

"I understand your point of view but how do you propose we start. So far we have gained extensive support from the "major figures" as you put it but only out of curiously and appreciation. You do not have them grounded to the cause."

"They cannot see the true potential yet so we will just have to give them a helping hand. Something to float their boats on."

"You really should elaborate more."

"I save the best cards for last. Now care to order some drinks?"

"Hear me out first. My cousin Ignius Black is holding his annual Mid Summer Serenade. He has expressively invited you, you will get the formal invitation at a later date, but this would be a great opportunity to spread the word and play your cards." The ambitious glint was back in Tom's eyes just like in their school days.

"Yes, Cassius, I would be very much inclined to take the invitation."

"Drinks are served." With that Cassius clapped his hands together and the goblin waiter appeared beside them. "Two goblets of Molten Gold, if you please." The goblin took off with an air of apathy. Tom meanwhile drummed his fingers lazily on the polished tabletop, they were in the better part of the pub. His pose was relaxed and a charming but charismatic smile played on his lips. Cassius was reminded once again of the reason why girls constantly swamped his best friend. He himself was certainly not lacking in looks or charisma but next to Tom his light was just too dim to be noticed. However as fate would have it Tom spent saw this only as a curse and had spend five years of his schooling desperately trying to disband his fan club. Cassius could not see how much damage could be inflicted by a brief fling with a nice looking girl and the ones that swamped Tom were very nice. Never the less Tom avoided fan girls like the plague. He was a firm believer in true love, a surprising trait to possess in Slytherin house but still he yearned for the day the right person would come along for him.

The drinks were served and both men relaxed even more. They chatted on about their school days and quidditch. They seemed almost normal.

AN: hope you enjoyed that. Next chapter: Voldemort meets some very important people.