Thanks for the reviews on the chapter!
I don't like this Interlude, nor what it sets up.
Interlude: The Serpent Strikes
February 17th, 1996
Dear Lord Voldemort:
By the incantation to take a letter directly to you I send this, with information that I hope and believe you will need. I have heard of the vengeance of Dark Lords upon those unworthy servants who dare to disturb their important plans, and I know that I have not been honored with Your Lordship's confidences, but I believe that you musthear this news, that it is important and will continue to be so.
I attended a meeting today with the rest of those fools who continue to overlook me and think I do not matter. In this case, I was very literally overlooked. Not a single eye alighted upon me. I can be ignored, but they do not know the depth of the cunning that hides behind my face, and they can never be bothered to find out. I believe they hold my bloodline against me, although I have done nothing that would taint it further than it is already tainted.
The meeting was a short one. No one could reach an accord, and Potter—so I call him, for though he rejects his family name he certainly has no claim to any other, and I will not call him by his first name alone, as if I were his friend—dismissed us, calling for a meeting on the vernal equinox. He will not tell us where the meeting is to be held until each person contacts him, assents to coming, and swears an oath not to use magic except in self-defense. I think he will find the numbers at this supposed reconciliation meeting between Light and Dark smaller than he thinks he will.
More than that, though, my lord, I sensed a weakness in the wards of the school. It seems that Albus Dumbledore's death tearing up the wards was not rumor or idle speculation after all. He has weakened them, and the weak point seemed to be below the Room of Requirement. I cast a spell that would enable me to see the wards—as no one still thinks I am worth anything, that was easy enough—and watched them running downward. The Headmistress cannot have found the weak point yet, however, or she would have sent the children home while she reestablished the wards. The movement of the spells was slow, but given that they were moving at all, I would estimate the waxing and waning cycle as no longer than a day. May this information be useful to you, my Lord, as you plan an attack on Hogwarts. I would suggest Draco Malfoy as a target, if your servant may have the cheek to hint at where you direct your illustrious might. The boy stays close to Potter at all times, and is rumored to be starting a formal courting ritual with him soon. His loss would break Potter.
With sincerity,
The Serpent.
February 19th, 1996
Dear Serpent:
I will use the name that you continue to prefer, so that if this letter falls into the hands of your erstwhile "allies" it will not reveal you. Lord Voldemort has directed me to write back to you, and to thank you for your information. Harry's meeting on the vernal equinox sounds interesting, and we will trust you to report what happens there to us. Make sure that you are invited.
We also thank you for the information on the wards, though we had already attained this from another source. (Strike more quickly, my dear Serpent. I would hate to see you no longer of use! My lord laughs most heartily whenever he receives one of your letters.) My lord has also chosen how best to employ their weakness. He will not attack Draco Malfoy at this time. There is another set of people connected to Harry whom he will bleed instead.
A most curious thing, my dear Serpent: When we broke the charm to disguise your handwriting on your second message, the one informing us of Harry's presence at his press conference, we learned that you are apparently ambidextrous. Are you, by any chance, able to take the Dark Mark soon? My lord welcomes one who, as in the old legends of ambidextrous wizards, could wield his wand with either hand.
May affection hold you like the embrace of thorns,
Indigena Yaxley.