Disclaimer: This short story is written for entertainment purposes and no money has been in any form from this piece of writing. I do not own the Harry Potter Universe but I do own any original developments and characters of my own invention. This disclaimer extends to all chapters and all other pieces of fanfiction written by me
AN: On a more lighter note Mid-Summer's day has always been held as an important day in pagan traditions, therefore I think the purebloods must perform something in celebration. Enjoy.
Emerald Eye 2
Voldemort had been waiting for this chance for some time now, he had intended to meet some more of the aristocracy ever since he had returned from Europe. Of course most of them were his school friends but some like the Rookwoods were mere strangers to him.
His main objective in meeting these people was to gain a more central position in the social circles of English pure bloods, essential to his major plan. Currently he was very much on the fringes of the British Dark Arts revolution from spending the past three years in Transylvanian academies. However all this would change by tonight.
The annual Mid Summer Serenade, held at Black Manor, was the social event of the year. Any reasonable aristocratic family would want to attend but invitations were handed out to promote the ones in favour. Voldemort had been rather surprised to find out that he had been invited but he put it down to Cassius Malfoy's persuasion skills. Of course he had never really socialised with Severus Black, as he was much too old to have been a housemate and his son Ignius black
He pondered for a while as he re-read the formal invitation in his flat at Willingsworth, one of the wizardring suburbs in London. He had found, quite early on, that he could not stand the noise of Diagon Alley and the disorganisation of Knockturn Alley. Besides the rent was cheaper. He had never been a great guest at school balls, the only parties he had ever been to, as he preferred the peace and quite of an inconspicuous corner rather than the dance floor. However this could be his only real chance for some time to penetrate the highest reaches of society. He was already well known on the continent, having spent eleven years travelling through the various countries, stirring up the dark revolution. His ultimate plan on the other hand required him to start in the Britain and therefore pulling the right strings was essential.
The invitation itself was formal enough, "You are hereby invited to attend the Mid-Summer Serenade at the Black Manor." However like most invitations from pureblood families it was exceedingly short as everyone who was worthy of attending knew all the etiquettes. All balls, serenades and masked balls started at six promptly when food was served. Dancing commenced afterwards well into the night, when new couples could "elope" into the garden for more private liaisons. A strict dress code was to be adhered to, mainly dark colours to be worn by the gentlemen and ladies had a choice of a few lighter colours but most chose matching garments to that of their partners. Of course you didn't have to come with a partner, bachelor gentlemen were welcome to add some interest in the party.
Voldemort contemplated wearing black but that would be too rigid and distant. Instead he chose his finest set of green dress robes embodied with silver serpents. It had been a present from the Prophet Isiber who had foreseen the coming of the Heir of Slytherin. Although Voldemort had some doubt as to whether he was a real seer, the man certainly served his purpose.
After dressing he stared at his reflection in the mirror as he always did before the school balls. In front of his stood and extremely tall young man, with a slender frame but a hardness about the shoulders proclaimed his strength. The mouth was handsomely curved and set in a determined position. The eyes of dark green glittered from behind his dark, long lashes. His eyebrows gracefully arched above his eyes giving an air of refinery. His midnight black hair was smooth and sleek but not oily in any sense.
"You look a treat dear, I bet every girl in the vicinity will be rushing after you in no time," Said the mirror
"That's precisely what I don't want," muttered Voldemort He had always had an aversion to fan girls particularly the ones that pointed and giggled in their brainless way. He wanted someone with whom he could hold a remotely intellectual conversation. Someone who loved him for who he was inside. 'Someone who loved a rotten core' his alter ego kicked in accusingly. No he needed someone who loved him and believed in the cause but then, logically then could only love him if they loved the cause.
"You know it's time to go, don't want your princess waiting for her prince do we?" the mirror chide in happily. He now sorely regretted buying a talking mirror as he had no way of shutting it up.
Voldemort felt rather excited now as he prepared to apparate to the destination. There was no need for an address; everyone knew where Black Manor was. It would be rather degrading to put you address on the invitation. There was a faint pop and he disappeared.
A warm summer breeze swept through the meadow filled with an assortment of wild flowers, varied and colourful. They bobbed in the wind as if nodding their approvement for the fine weather. Indeed the weather had got better since his meeting with Cassius in the Black rose. Ahead beyond the meadow stood the imposing eighteenth century manor house. A five-story sandstone building that was geometric in every way. Four planes of symmetry running through the rectangular structure and the symmetry was carefully preserved by placing the correct decorations at every stage. The manor was by no means completely rectangular as the two wings at either end were larger than the rest of the building and more elaborately decorated with white marble statues.
Windows occurred at regular intervals in the stonework. They were white framed and each consisted of thirty two panes of glass arranged geometrically in a rectangle. The glass reflected the still strong sunlight so that they seemed to be glided with gold.
Voldemort shielded his eyes from the light and hastened his step towards the front gate Compared to the building the wall was fairly insignificant. It two was built out of local sandstone but a much rough hue. The gate was meagre for such a house; a small iron gate no taller than seven feet. The bars were painted black more fore protection than decoration. The tips of the bars were blunt and undecorated. Beyond the gate lay half a mile of flagstone path surrounded by a trimmed but unadorned lawn, stretching all around. Small beech trees lined the track at infrequent intervals and the path was kept bare.
On reaching the gate it swung open silently to let him pass. No breeze blew amongst the trees and everything was silent, only Voldemort's footsteps could be heard walking up the path. The front door was fairly inconspicuous in that it was not ornately decorated but it proved to be a good size; it was able to admit seven people at a time. It was made from fine oak, rich in colour and expertly polished. However only one half of the double doors swung open for Voldemort as he stepped in.
What greeted his eyes made him gasp, a gigantic entrance hall three stories high with a huge grey marble fountain in the middle spraying silver coloured water down five levels. Two curved white marble staircases proceeded up to the next floor at the further end of the circular hall. The banisters were silver of a metallic white colour that contained carved figures of mythical creatures. Green carpets partially covered the stairs but left margins at either side for guests to marvel at the marble. Between the two staircases at the highest point hung a huge green banner embroided with the Black family moto "Toujour Pur". Underneath coiled the mascot, a silver serpent with sapphire eyes (AN:This will be explained in more detail in The silver serpent, this stories sequel.).
There was a loud swishing noise and Severus Black appeared dressed in pureblood finery. His sapphire robes glistened with embedded jewels and delicate embroidery,
"I am very glad that you could attend, my friend, the main reception in the gardens, let us go." He held out his hands to Voldemort who took them with ease.
AN: Sorry nothing much happened in this chapter but the next chapter will be more exciting.
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