Author Note: I took a few days off to get caught up on real world stuff. I got somewhat caught up. This chapter is all about the Death Eaters and what's going on there. The results of the various machinations they are involved within. Also it is setting things up for the final stretch. I'm not entirely certain how many chapters remain as it will be determined by how much time I get to type. Reminder Riddle = Myrtle in the cloned Riddle body. Voldemort is in Ginny's body.
(Chapter Begins)
Snape and Riddle strode into the magnificent mansion's main drawing room. The few Death Eaters remaining free and alive had been assembled by Narcissa. They were planning on how to attack Azkaban and free their imprisoned compadres, especially now that their leader had exploded into a gory mess.
They were so busy arguing and disagreeing that Riddle and Snape stood there for several seconds before Riddle clapped his hands. "Very good. Very good. You have shown me that you are nothing more than a bunch of squabbling children that need a firm hand controlling you."
Narcissa turned quickly looking in shock at the tall youthful body. "Severus? What is this?"
"Ahh Narcissa. Scheming self-centered Narcissa. You doubt who I am?" Riddle said raising his hand before she dropped to her knees writhing in pain and twitching. Voiding her bladder and bowels due to the nervous overload. "There that should have been an appropriate reminder."
"My Lord!" The others exclaimed dropping to their knees swiftly.
"Arise my friends. I wanted to ensure you understood that Gavin's efforts succeeded. I have been granted a new lease on life through the powers of alchemy. My friend Severus rescued this body before those meddlesome teens managed to destroy Bulstrode House." He strode tot he throne in the center of the far wall flicking his robes out so he could make himself comfortable he looked over the assembled crew. "Only a dozen of us remain? How pathetic." He sneered.
"There are a few more my lord. However they have been sent to scout Azkaban and a few other places to determine weaknesses we may exploit." Narcissa explained quickly, clearing her throat several times.
"Really? Very well Narcissa. I shall accept your excuse. And how are our recruitment programs working?"
"The giants are willing to cause trouble, especially in Wales. We have a few tribes coming from the continent. We have not heard from the emissary we sent to the forbidden forest to contact the Acromantula." Narcissa carefully said.
"Oh? And why not? I would have thought Draco would be capable of encouraging his team to do better?" Riddle said with a smile.
"Draco has been doing his best. Between encounters with the Potter group, as well as setbacks caused by Dumbledore. He has been focusing on your other task assigned him while letting the others of his team handle the other tasks." Narcissa stated. Trying to remind Riddle without sounding like she was.
"I know what I assigned Draco to do. He has been failing at that. Encourage him to try harder. Failure will not be accepted." He waved his hand and Narcissa fell to the floor once more soiling and twitching herself as she writhed in agony.
"Selwyn. Your daughter. Send for her. When she is here bring her to my bedchamber." Riddle ordered standing and striding out without seeing if he was obeyed.
Selwyn and the others huddled nervously until they were certain Riddle had gone far enough away. Narcissa cast a cleaning charm on herself before turning on Snape, "What was that?"
"That was the Dark Lord." Snape calmly remarked.
"Impossible. Pettigrew carries the spirit of the Dark Lord. I saw to it that the transfer was made personally." Alecto Carrow declared emphatically.
"This is a spirit using one of the other Horcrux."
"The what?" Caleb Mandrake asked.
"None of your concern." Narcissa smoothly replied. "And where did this come from?"
"That is none of your concern Cissa. Perhaps if you ask the Dark Lord he may tell you." Snape countered.
"So we have two Dark Lords now?" Corina Craven anxiously demanded.
"Until the stronger of the two destroys the other it would appear as such." Snape agreeably pointed out.
Cissa frowned, "This does not bode well."
"Then perhaps everyone should make certain they are allied with the one they believe will win." Snape maliciously grinned at them.
"You believe that's the one you just brought here, Assuming that really was the Dark Lord." Narcissa sneered.
"I do not doubt who that being is. My loyalties are not being questioned." Snape advised her.
"I serve the Dark Lord." She said.
"Yeah but which one do we serve?" Corina repeated.
"You should probably figure that out soon." Snape said. "And Selwyn whichever Dark lord wins this one gave you an order. I would suggest you carry it out before he becomes cross."
Selwyn gulped and hurried out of the manor. Narcissa and the others watched him go with various expressions.
Snape turned to Narcissa, "We need to speak."
Narcissa nodded and led him to her personal drawing room.
===xxx
"What is it?" Narcissa asked when they had closed the doors.
"How many of them are going to cause trouble for his Lordship?" Snape demanded.
"Your version?" She asked.
"The one I feel is going to win in any conflict." Snape countered.
Narcissa frowned, "Most of them will withhold their allegiance until a clear winner has been determined, or they are forced to declare. Pettigrew and Van Gelder will stay with the one they went to implant in his own body."
Snape raised his eyebrows, "I was unaware they were going to create a new one."
Cissa smiled cruelly, "They are not. They are going to use the Weasley girl's body."
Snape looked doubtfully at her, "Won't she still be using it?"
Cissa shook her head, "No, they've destroyed her mind so much that he will be able to settle in with no trouble Van Gelder has claimed."
Snape looked impressed, "I see. So you loyalty will be to that version of the Dark Lord?"
Cissa smiled, "I shall be one of those who will abstain from taking a side until forced to do so."
Snape smiled warmly, "Looking out for you own skin I see."
Cissa batted her eyes coquettishly, "Of course Severus. It is a skin worth protecting don't you think?"
Moving forward Snape smiled as he took the tall blonde woman in his arms, "Yes, Indeed."
===xxx
Riddle had finally received Beatrice Selwyn into his room. He had been going over his notes when she arrived.
"Ahh Very good. Ambrose you may leave now." Riddle said to the nervous man.
"My Lord." he said bowing as he left.
Riddle looked at the tall auburn haired blue eyed female. She had a lithe body with some fair curves on display. "Ahh young Beatrice you are quite an attractive sight."
She curtsied anxiously. "Yes my lord. Thank you."
"Be calm child. I have a mission for you, nothing more." Riddle said in a calming tone.
"Yes my lord what do you wish me to do?" Beatrice said, bracing for what task she would be assigned.
"I want you to go to New Zealand. There is a town there name Honeywood. Find a nice young man in the village and marry him. Have a family." Riddle said placidly.
Beatrice blinked in confusion, "And then?"
Riddle shrugged, "And that's it. Just travel there. Only you may not tell anyone, most especially your father where you are going. You will leave this house, and go immediately there. You will remain there living a normal life until and unless you are called upon again."
Beatrice considered her orders then with a nervous and confused smile nodded, "Thank you my lord. I. You wish me to hide away from all of this?"
Riddle smiled, "Yes. You have been used by your father as a tool. For trade and as a reward. I would see you hidden as a treasure until the time is right for our needs. Only you and I will know where you are going. So good night and good life to you Beatrice."
She smiled in confusion as she looked like she was going to hug him then chose to curtsy again before leaving.
A few moments later there was a knock at the door, Riddle sighed and with a wave of the hand opened the door from his ornate desk.
Ambrose Selwyn entered, "My Lord? Did Beatrice not please you?"
"If I had desired her services she would have. I had another task for her to complete." He said.
"Another task my lord?" Ambrose requested politely.
"yes. One I have personally assigned. So is there anything else?" Riddle asked smugly.
Ambrose shook his head, "No. I suppose not."
"Good you may leave me. When Snape is done enjoying the pleasures of Narcissa have him come here please."
"Yes my Lord." Ambrose said before leaving.
Riddle had to wait for half an hour before Snape arrived. Riddle grinned at him widely with his boots up on the desk, "Well that went swimmingly. I'd say they are appropriately cowed."
Snape scowled, "No. Not entirely. The true spirit of the Dark Lord is right now being taken to Saint Mungo's to be installed in the body of Ginny Weasley."
Riddle sat up quickly, "Well You WILL be informing Potter of course."
Snape nodded, "I will. However you will find yourself in the middle of a struggle for power with him."
"I know. But if the Death Eaters all wind up killing themselves in battle that will be less danger for Harry and his friends." Riddle said with an angry pout.
Snape sighed, "As you wish. I will refrain from interceding on either side, as will Narcissa."
Riddle laughed, "I was not expecting anything otherwise."
===xxx
Simon Van Gelder and Peter Pettigrew had managed to get into Ginny's room. She was alone and laying in the bed catatonic and staring at the ceiling. Van Gelder had been working to make her mind more broken and malleable under orders of the Dark Lord. The day to pay off on this had come.
Pulling Pettigrew out of his pocket the animagus shifted back to his human form. "She looks so blank and empty." Pettigrew observed emotionally before wincing.
Van Gelder proudly smiled as he stroked her hair, "Yes. I have been working very hard to mold her into a Tabula Rosa. Neutralizing any traces of her original mentality. Using obliviates and confundus as well as the Elixirs of Lethe to snip her neural nets until there is nothing left. She is an empty shell my lord. "
Pettigrew's voice took on a deeper raspier tone, "And her family does not suspect?"
"Of course not. I am the healer in charge and been manipulating them. They think she is recovering and a happy cheerful normal young girl." Van Gelder crowed cheerfully.
"Very well. And her brother?" Pettigrew hissed.
"His programming is complete and he will activate tomorrow morning. By this weekend Potter will be dead and no longer a threat." Van Gelder smiled darkly.
"You have done well Simon. You shall be rewarded greatly." Pettigrew hissed before a thick dark smoke issued from his mouth and entered Ginny's body. The last wisps of smoke had left Pettigrew causing him to stagger and fall backwards before regaining his balance.
Ginny's body sat up and stretched, breathing in deeply, "Ahhh a body once more of my own. Flesh and blood coursing through my veins. Lungs breathing air once more. I can feel and touch again. Ahh." Ginny sighed. "Thank you Simon. Now let us return to the manor and begin to turn things around for us."
===xxx
Riddle was standing staring at the body of Ginny Weasley. He recognized the young Gryffindor as the one who had spent the last five years alternating between tormenting and defending students. Always with an obsession for Harry Potter. Only the smug self-centered arrogance written on the redhead's face had never appeared before. Voldemort's spirit had not altered the body yet.
The two of them stood studying each other critically. Riddle showing a self-confidence that was based on the allies they had while Voldemort was looking for some sign of weakness,.
"So you are supposed to be me?" Voldemort hissed.
"It would seem I am more you than you are." Riddle smugly declared back.
"And how is this supposed to happen?" Voldemort growled in frustration.
"Well what did you expect creating Horcruxes and strewing them about like Christmas Floss. One of our followers used a method to bring ME back that didn't require some elaborate, Rube Goldberg plot that could have failed at any moment. Seriously how are you a threat again?" Riddle asked in amazement.
"I'll show you why I'm a threat!" Voldemort waved her hands and several spells shot out and flowed over Riddle. When they did not have the expected result Voldemort scowled even more.
"Were you expecting something to happen? I am attached to this body. I am immortal! My soul is anchored to it the same as yours. Until this body dies we are trapped in these meat suits. The only difference is I look like myself while you look like a little girl. How cute." Riddle snickered.
"It was the most expedient route to secure my physical presence on this plane. The form is irrelevant and can be changed at my convenience." Voldemort declared haughtily.
"I doubt it. You have grown weak. There is not enough of yourself remaining in that body to change it. Your powers have faded and slipped, they have been drained by your insanity." Riddle angrily spat.
Voldemort screamed, "I am just as sane and just as powerful as always!" As she threw a ball of green light at Riddle.
Riddle raised his hand causing the ball to halt in mid-air. It danced and writhed in place causing Voldemort to recoil in shock and assume a defensive stance. Riddle let the ball dissipate with a sigh.
"It would not do well for us to expend our resources fighting against each other. I know you better than you know yourself. And after all we have a common goal that we want to achieve." Riddle said with a sneer. "One that might be difficult for you to achieve in the body of a teenage girl. Didn't think that one through did you?"
Voldemort's chest heaved as she breathed hard. The eyes narrowed and the body posture showed she was not going to surrender gracefully. "I am the real Dark Lord. This form is just a temporary inconvenience."
"Oh really? Then change yourself. Turn into the mighty and powerful Lord Voldemort." Riddle crossed his arms as he stared expectantly at her.
Voldemort frowned then closed her eyes in concentration. A few moments of shifting caused the body to grow a few inches taller, the eyes changed color to red and the skin became paler but otherwise nothing else changed. Voldemort dropped to her knees as the changes reverted back to the original Ginny form.
"You don't quite understand how possession works do you? For all of your research you remain quite ignorant of some basic things." Riddle crowed over her.
Glaring up at Riddle Voldemort sneered, "Then please, enlighten me."
"Since you asked so nicely." Riddle sarcastically bowed, "Her mind was removed by magical means correct?"
"Yes. That is what Van Gelder told me." Voldemort carefully said.
"As a result she did not willingly let you into her body. You just took it over and inhabited it." Riddle smugly said. "Your vessel therefore is not entirely under your control. The vestiges of her soul remain in the body, resisting and fighting against you. Trying to retain its form, its control."
"But her mind was destroyed, it was erased. How could she still have any power!" Voldemort railed.
Riddle shook his head, "Because there are people who still love her, still care about her. That love grants her soul power. For as long as one person still remembers and cares about a soul it shall still have power. You appear not to have realized that."
"Love is meaningless. Love has no power. It is a foolish lie to think love has any power." Voldemort hissed in reply. "There is something else blocking my ability."
"I'm sorry to hear that. Mine are just fine." Riddle said shifting forms into Myrtle Warren, Tom Riddle Senior, and back. "As you can see any struggle between us will result in you failing."
"We shall see about that. I still have the loyalty of my followers. We shall destroy you and this body will be tamed by my will!" Voldemort growled as he tried to shift and change again with just as much success as before.
Sighing deeply Riddle said, "Well fine, I suppose if you feel you have to suffer the shame of learning which followers are going to be loyal to you and which are mine I shall not stand in your way. Go ahead, they are all in the dining room. Go ahead and try and rally them to your cause. I'll even give you a few minutes alone with them."
Voldemort glared petulantly before spinning and leaving.
Snape came out of the shadows with a concerned expression, "How is he being prevented from transforming that body? His powers should not be that weakened."
"They are not. However there are forces at work beyond the mortal ken. Death does not like cheaters and he has gone further down that road than any other mortal. As such Death will do more, and has been permitted by fate to do more, than against any other mortal." Riddle explained. "Within the rules."
Snape raised his eyebrows but otherwise did not comment.
"We will give him a few minutes to try and rouse support among them. I do not think there will be much response though." Riddle shrugged.
"It will be more difficult for him now however there are a great many who will follow him no matter what." Snape pointed out.
Riddle smiled evilly, "We'll see."
===xxx
Voldemort was trying to convince his followers that his voice and body was all part of a plan to lull Potter into a false sense of safety and then kill him. Narcissa knew from Draco that Potter was not missing the Weasley girl very much. She looked around the table at some of the others and Pettigrew looked awkwardly sick but obsequious as always. Van Gelder just looked smugly arrogant as always. His wild gray hair fanned over his balding pate.
Selwyn looked like he was considering things deeply. The rest of them all were looking doubtful and in the case of Dolohov bored.
"Am I keeping you from something more important Dolohov?"
"Perhaps little girl. Although I may have an appointment for you." He leered.
A blast of green light flared out and Dolohov fell forward with his face slamming against the table.
"I am the dark lord Voldemort. I am not some mewling quim for your pleasure or to leer over. I choose to maintain this form because I choose to. Like I choose to let all of you live."
Riddle gave a slow sarcastic clap as he entered the room. "A very well done speech. And thank you for that however. I must tell you that I have more power than you do. Powers that you cannot even begin to comprehend."
Voldemort snorted in derision. "Oh? There is nothing you may do that I cannot."
Riddle took the fingertips of both hands and put them over his pursed lips. He blew a kiss at Dolohov who gasped and sprung to his feet. Staring wildly around the room he flung his chair over as he lurched backwards.
"What! What happened? I was dead. You killed me you little bitch!" He snarled before Riddle snapped his fingers and Dolohov froze in place.
"Calm yourself Dolohov. He did not know any better." He snapped his fingers and Dolohov stumbled forward. He glared at Voldemort then picking up his chair sat back down.
Everyone stared at Dolohov in amazement then back at Riddle.
"Yes as you can see. I hold the forces of death AND life as well. My powers over the human soul and body are essentially limitless." Riddle had walked near Narcissa. Touching her on the forehead she gasped before she started panting. He hair filled out lush and full, her skin firmed and tightened while her breasts became firm and perky. She moaned in pleasure as her body returned to the beauty she had in her early 20s.
"Thank you my lord." She purred happily. Snape and several of the others looked at her in appreciation of a different kind.
"You are welcome my dear." Riddle replied, "Now. Let us put this to a vote. How many of you will side with, him." Riddle said casually waving his hand at Voldemort who was frowning at them all.
Pettigrew initially stood up but when no one else did he slowly sat back down. Leaving Riddle and Voldemort standing at opposite ends of the table.
"Pettigrew you spineless worm. I'll have your soul for this." Voldemort growled.
"Oh you silly girl. Just sit down and leave the conquering the world to those capable of it." Riddle laughed, causing several others like the Carrows to laugh as well.
Voldemort drew himself to the full five foot four height the body of Ginny possessed. "I will go and I will do what I must. I do not need any of you failures. You have dragged me down for far too long. Enough of this. You shall rue the day you did not do all I asked of you!"
Riddle looked tiredly at Voldemort as he turned and left. "Yes well now that that's over. Narcissa, Severus remain. The rest of you go, hide someplace safe until you are needed. We are going to let our little friend have her temper tantrum. Let Potter and Dumbledore chase her for a change while we rebuild our strength. We will remain quiet, lull them into a sense of security. Do not fear my friends we shall rise again stronger and more powerful. We shall succeed."
"Hail Mortus!" They said giving their salute as they left. When Narcissa and Severus remained Riddle stroked her cheek before sliding his hand down to cup her left breast.
"My Lord?" She asked breathing hard.
"Where is your sister Bellatrix?" he asked.
"She is laying upstairs recovering my lord. She was severely injured." She replied.
"Oh well. I gave her something to hold for me in her vault. I would like you to go and retrieve it for me." Riddle had not stopped caressing, running his thumb over the pert thick nipple protruding through the dress material.
She nodded, "Yes my, my, Lord. What?"
"Bring me Hufflepuff's cup. It is in her vault. Do not ask any further questions." Riddle said giving the nipple a pinch making her knees close and her breath catch as she shuddered.
"YES MY LORD!" She screamed. Composing herself she bowed then left.
Snape looked at Riddle with a new sense of admiration, "I was concerned you would not be able to handle this. It would appear I was wrong."
"I was bullied so much when I was alive I learned a few things. Now lets go deal with Bellatrix."
"What are you going to do with her?" Snape asked conversationally.
"Why do you care?"
"Well you restored Dolohov to life so I was wondering what exactly your plan is?" Snape asked curiously.
Riddle chuckled, "Oh don;t worry Severus. As long as you do not interfere in our work your actions will be taken into account."
Snape nodded with a relieved sigh, "Well that is good to know."
"Yes. As for Dolohov no his soul is burning in the deepest pits of Hades realms. What is walking around in his body is the soul of a race car driver who died back in '71 named Jimmy Kowalski. He is being given a few years off purgatory for helping out." Riddle said opening the door to Bellatrix's room.
The body of Bellatrix was laying on the bed swathed in bandages. When the Dark Lord had been undergoing the orgiastic torments she had been thrown across the room breaking every bone and several internal organs. Magical healing was the only thing that kept her alive as well as her own burning hate.
Riddle stepped over the unconscious form. She was filled with healing, blood replenishing and bone regrowing potions. So she was also giving a sleeping draught. "Well Bella. Time to die." A brief flare of green light intersected the body. A brief moment later Riddle touched her on the forehead and a soft white glow filled the room.
Snape stood by the door ready to bolt at the slightest provocation. He watched Bellatrix die then be healed and awaken.
"Ohh. This feels good. Thanks babe." she said standing and giving Riddle a deep passionate kiss.
"Mary. Behave now." Riddle jokingly said.
"Oh. I will. I know what the drill is." She pouted, "So how long before Larry shows up."
"That is not for me to say. She is the one in charge." Riddle said glancing upwards.
"Okay. So this is the Snape fellow?" She asked looking at him with a salacious grin.
"Yes. He is." Riddle confirmed.
Snape swallowed before saying, "I see my reputation precedes me."
Mary laughed, "Something like that. Good luck with the redemption arc there buddy."
"Yes. Now you need to go back to Hogwarts and warn Harry about Ron and Ginny. I will let you know when I have the cup. He'll still have to find that stupid locket. I bet Voldemort is going to search for it."
"Why don't you just go get it?" Snape suggested questioningly.
"Because a Horcrux is hidden from the dead. She can't see it so I can't see it. Plus it was taken from its original hiding spot so it's officially missing." Riddle grumped. "Just let Potter know the situation. Especially about the two Weasleys."
"As you wish, My lord." He bowed then left.
"Now Mary. I want you to get with Jimmy on a couple of projects." Snape overheard as he left.
===xxx
Snape left the Manor only to be stopped by Pettigrew and Voldemort stepping out of the shadows.
"Severus." Voldemort hissed.
"My Lord." Severus politely replied.
"Am I still your lord?" Voldemort asked.
"Of course. My Lord. I am nothing if not loyal." Snape deferred.
Voldemort chuckled darkly, "Like Pettigrew you are loyal only to your own hide. I can at least appreciate that. I will need your assistance since this usurper has stolen them from me." Voldemort darkly stated.
"But of course what do you need from myself?" Snape flatly asked. As if being caught between two masters was not bad enough now a third player had entered the game.
"I will need to use your home as a base of operations until I have managed to acquire a few things. I will also need to know what is going on at Hogwarts so you will assist Pettigrew in gathering the information I require." Voldemort said. "Then I will begin to take action."
"As you say. My home is yours My Lord. Please feel free to make yourself comfortable." Snape said complacently.
"Thank you Severus. I knew you would at least see reason. Of course when the cruel yet inevitable betrayal does occur I will punish you severely." Voldemort cheerfully said.
"As always My Lord."
===xxx
Snape had made it back to his quarters in the castle. He looked at the clock and saw it was the middle of the night. He doubted even Potter was still awake. Probably in bed with one of his little tarts. His father would be quite jealous.
Snape sat though wondering what the shade that had been placed in Bellatrix's body meant with her comment. Wishing him good luck on a redemption arc. He knew he had committed some very dark acts in his life but had denied there would be much he could do to change the course of his life. That even though there were ghosts and magic he did not entirely believe in an afterlife. Tonight's events were making him reconsider that.
He saw a note on his desk informing him of Miss Lovegood's pregnancy. Snape snorted in surprise that it was only the one girl. Their orgiastic efforts must have been homeric indeed. Although Merlin help the world that Lovegood was going to have a child. That was not something he looked forward to. Dumbledore though would be dancing on air, no doubt. Another generation of his favorite family would be coming soon.
He tiredly went to his bedchamber, making a mental note to intercept Potter or Granger before breakfast and let them know about the new threats they faced. About the things going on.
Tucking into bed he stared at the ceiling for a few minutes before closing his eyes. His dreams that night were not quiet or calm.
(Review Responses)
OfficerDonNZ: And so it begins. Death is giving Myrtle a bit of a power boost but things are going to get entertaining as Voldemort tries to assert power.
DennisUD: I had thought about getting all of them in the club but after talking to the wife made it where each girl's personal desires played a bigger role. Hermione is not ready to be a mother so her magic reinforced the resistance to being pregnant. Luna did not mind the idea of having Harry's child so she got pregnant. Katie likes harry enough to increase the positive energy but is not wanting to have his child, or anyone's right now so she was not and Lavender I honestly flipped a coin as she would rather not be pregnant immediately but is not entirely opposed to it eventually. And As may be noticed her relationship with Neville is shifting as she makes room for Millicent and she is falling in love with Harry and crew. As for Ginny here is the twist. Hope you like the way this is going.
