Chapter 15

The world of the Blood Loyalist had moved from the shadows into the light. They created their own great hall. Its splendor rivaled any in the Wizarding World. Buttresses gilded in gold framed the oval shaped room. Two tiers of benches encircled the room. The rear bench was step above the front row. The seats were made of highly polished wood. The floor was covered in a dark red carpet. The center of the carpet carried a crest of the Blood Loyalists. It was two swords perpendicular to each other to from an L and a serpent coiled around them to create a B. At the top on the oval were three seats of honor. The room had an air of power in red, black and gold. Torches that burned red flame lit the space.

Voldemort's counsel was the first to enter the room. Fortified in their position the counsel no longer need to wear hooded cloaks. The counsel filed into the room and took their places on the inner row of benches. They wore long, black, capes trimmed in gold with dark red collars. Voldemort's vanity would not allow his followers to dress in 14-year-old cloaks pulled from mothballs. The Death Eaters entered wearing a simpler cloak of red and black. They filed into the outer ring of benches.

Voldemort entered the hall and all the members rose. He wore the most stunning cape. A tall fur collar rose from the back of his neck almost to the top of his head. Down the back of his cape was intricate black beading. The fur around the collar came together in front and continued to the floor. Snape's simple, black, cloak looked like a pale shadow as he followed behind Voldemort. Voldemort walked to his seat. He motioned for the assembly to be seated.

Voldemort addressed the assembly, "My esteemed counsel, my fellowship of Death Eater and friends. I have gathered you together today to apprize you of the progress of the Blood Loyalists. I am pleased to inform you that our progress in all areas has been dramatic. The Ministry without the leadership and advice of Albus Dumbledore is weak and indecisive. We have full taken advantage of this time and our ranks grow daily."

Lord Voldemort paused for applause.

"Through our campaign of re-education many in the Wizarding World now see the value of our cause. They understand that the ministries open policies will lead to the exposure and destruction of our world. They allow the continuing incursion of muggles and half-bloods into our world. Soon everyone will see that the Blood Loyalists are not a threat to our world but it's protectors."

Voldemort stopped for applause again.

"In the past, my passion for this cause has led me to use intimidation and fear to spread the message, but no more. We need only spread the truth and the truth clearly reveals that the path of the ministry will lead to their destruction.

"Do we want to return to the days when wizards were treated like court jesters to Muggle Kings?"

The assembly responded, "NO!"

"Do we want to return to the days where we were persuaded for our powers of divination?"

"NO!"

"Do we want to return to the days when witches were tortured and killed for their natural gifts?"

"NO! NO! NO!"

"Never again will we be servants to the muggle world and now, my friends, I ask that you witness my consecration and total commitment to our cause."

Lord Voldemort waved his wand and the rear doors of the hall opened. In walked Draco Malfoy carrying a golden tray. On the tray were four objects. Draco came forward through the hall, kneeled and placed the tray at Voldemort's feet.

Lord Voldemort continued, "Before me are four pieces of my soul. The four horcruxes I created to guarantee my immortality. Now their existence is an indication of possible defeat. Defeat is no longer an option. You, my friends, you will witness the return of the whole and fully realized Lord Voldemort. I will lead you into the future through wisdom not fear."

Malfoy backed away from the tray. Voldemort waved his wand over the tray. Four beams of light came out of the objects on the tray. They converge over the tray in a blinding white orb and that jettisoned into Voldemort's chest. Lord Voldemort stood still for a moment taking long, deep breaths and then raised his head to the assembly with a smile.

The assembly began to chant, "Long live Voldemort. Loyalty to Blood, Long live Voldemort, Loyalty to Blood."

Slowly the chant faded and Voldemort dismissed the group. He sat down in his seat and received the admiration and devotion of his followers as they left the hall. Voldemort noticed Lada was at her uncle's side. He noticed her intense beauty.

Voldemort spoke to her, "Lada could you remain for a moment?"

Lada looked to her uncle and replied, "Of course."

Severus swept out of the hall.

Voldemort motioned for Lada to sit in the seat next to him.

"Lada I'd like to show you something."

With a wave of his wand the emblem in the middle of the carpet transformed into an image of the Blood Loyalists building.

"At this time we only have this one building secured but I would like to show you the world as it soon will be."

The image moved back from the building. She saw the destruction of the Ministry and thousands of people wearing the emblem of the Blood Loyalists. She saw an ordered world from muggle to wizard, content in their places. All willingly doing his bidding. Then for a moment she saw a boy fall to the floor of this very room. He was cowering and screaming and the image was gone.

Lada asked. "Who was that?"

Voldemort's eyes glowed with hate, but his speech was measured and calm. "No one who will be of consequence very much longer.""

"That was Harry Potter, wasn't it?" Lada pressed.

"Yes" his voice hissed

"My uncle told me, you might announce your plan for him tonight." Lada said softly.

"Potter, Is not the assembly's concern. He is mine. Mine alone." Voldemort continued to her calmly "In the past when I faced him, I did so with a weak and splinted heart. That has changed now. I will face him again soon and he can not possibly prevail against me. This advantage he had is gone. Lada do see this empty chair beside me?"

"Yes" She answered quietly.

"Soon I hope to fill it with a person who can fill my heart and mend my splintered soul." Voldemort stopped and looked directly into Lada's blue eyes.

Lada put her hand to her heart and pulled back. Voldemort put his hand on hers and disappeared from the room. Lada was left alone. She stared at the crest on the floor her mind still viewed the tortured Harry Potter on the floor.