OLD MAGIC

Chapter 45: Evil Takes A Meeting

Malfoy Manor's once beautiful and stately grounds had fallen into neglect as more and more of Lucius' time was taken by the Dark Lord who had commandeered the manor as his headquarters much to the dismay of Lucius and Narcissa. They weren't happy their home had been so invaded without their permission. Though they knew better than to object if they valued their lives.

It pained them both to watch helplessly as their home's interior and belongings were abused while the exterior fell to ruin. But it was especially painful to watch their beautiful white peacocks die or take off for better pastures.

It was the gradual loss of her home, lack of privacy, the slow disenchantment with the pure blood movement, and the danger facing her son that prompted Narcissa to finally take leave of her home and to stay away much to Lucius' annoyance and unhappiness.

It didn't help Lucius' state of mind to have her gone from his side nor to put up with the lack of care by those lower station family members of his fellow Death Eaters that had been forced to come in and take care of the manor's upkeep. The Dark Lord was adamant that no house elves were allowed as he was afraid of them spying on him. So family servants had to serve in their place. It didn't help matters that the Dark Lord left strict orders the replacement servants were only allowed in the house on days the manor was empty of occupants and must depart immediately at dusk or when any of the members returned. This meant, of course, that the servants only had time to do the most sketchy of jobs keeping the manor clean in the time allotted which meant the home grew dirtier and grimier as time went on.

Except for the massive drawing room. That was to be maintained to the Dark Lord's exacting orders on pain of death. This was where he met his minions and conducted other unsavory business so it had to be kept in immaculate condition at all times.

It was painful for Malfoy to watch his home fill with cobwebs. See dust accumulating everywhere on every surface and dirt dulling the windows, counters, carpets, and drapes. Disgusting! So, the moment he learned of the Dark Lord's demise, he sent those unwanted servants back to their former homes and retrieved his only house elf, Dobby, who he'd managed to stash at a trusted friend's home.

With Dobby, Lucius could get his home in somewhat of a more pristine condition though he did realize a single house elf could not possibly do the entire manor in the twenty-four hours he'd given it. So he ordered the elf to concentrate his efforts on the main floor common use areas, kitchen, dining room, bathrooms, and small parlor. There was no need to spiff up the huge drawing room or set a fire in the fireplace, which was why he made sure Dobby focused more on prepping the small parlor for his guests. He ordered extra chairs, the fireplace cleaned and a fire set, finger foods made, and drinks favored by the members stocked and chilling on the sideboard.

While his elf cleaned, Malfoy went out to take care of other urgent business while avoiding being seen by anyone he knew. but as he surreptitiously went about meeting with all his contacts, checking the Daily Prophet, and listening to people around him, he caught no rumor or bit of gossip about what the aurors might be up to concerning and he and his associates capture. After all, the aurors had been successful in taking That was suspicious as the aurors hadn't been lazy in arresting some of them, like ae Aurors were on to him but were waiting for something...what he had no idea but he couldn't shake the feeling. Not knowing severely limited their mobility. Which was why this meeting was so important. He hoped someone within the group had answers to the many question that were rapidly piling up.

As the time for the meeting drew nearer, he began to pace anxiously around the ground floor, checking Dobby's work, before returning to the parlor to pace before the fireplace. Having not received any confirmations from anyone, he was uncertain how many would be able to make the meeting. It was too risky to be in constant contact so waiting was all he could do.

The time for the meeting passed and still no one had shown. He stared around the room critically yet again but nothing was out of place, all was in readiness and Dobby waited at the main door. The parlor was pleasantly warm from the roaring fire that hadn't yet been banked. The extra chairs were placed to form a semi-circle before the fire. A portable bar laden with drinks sat in the far left corner of the room while a food laden table with plates stood ready in the opposite corner.

Suddenly, a heavy thud was heard at the door announcing the first arrival.

Relieved, Malfoy took a stance at the parlor door while Dobby opened the main door quickly, a blast of bracing cold air filled the foyer as an irritable and angry Igor Karkaroff hurried inside. Apparating right on his heels were Crabbe and Goyle seniors. They only glanced at Malfoy waiting ahead of them as they shucked their cloaks and tossed them toward the house elf without looking. Karkaroff had shaken his cloak out before tossing it then began following the pair striding toward the main drawing room.

"We are meeting in here," Lucius said gesturing behind him. Eyeing him in surprise the three changed direction and made for the open door next to their host.

Dobby quickly snapped the cloaks tossed to him away to storage for the time being then waited for the next arrivals.

Next to arrive was Barty Crouch, Jr. who sneered at the house elf before doffing his cloak and shoving it into the elf's hands before striding past to the drawing room. A sour look bloomed on his face when he was redirected. With grim faces, the Carrow siblings arrived just behind Crouch, shed their wet cloaks and dumped them in Dobby's arms before heading for the parlor as well.

There was a pause before a knock announced the arrival of a furious and upset Mulciber who yanked his cloak off and tossed it in the general direction of the elf who deftly caught it. Noticing the bodies already in the parlor before him he strode firmly into the room and up to Malfoy who stood in the center. "We need to take action immediately," he shouted shaking a finger in Malfoy's face.

"I know and we will but we need to wait for everyone else to arrive. I have food and drinks." he said calmly, gesturing behind him. He didn't want a row to start. "Serve up and get a drink, find a seat, and rest while we wait."

Scowling blackly at being stalled, Mulciber snorted but didn't push. Since he hadn't eaten this seemed like a good idea but he needed a stiff drink first so he headed for the bar, the Carrows at his heels.

The last to show and looking like they had been running for their lives were Bellatrix, Nott senior, and Avery.

Snarling in fury, Bellatrix tossed her cloak without looking where it would land nor paying any mind to the elf who caught it as she looked around, noted where everyone was a bit surprised they were meeting in there then rushed to Malfoy. "Aurors are everywhere. I don't know how they found us at Riddle Manor and I think they may have taken Snape. It is fortunate he did not have that message on him," she growled angrily.

Malfoy gaped at her in angry surprise and worry. He had sent the three to retrieve Severus some hours ago so he could get the man's first hand account rather than the translated one by Belle. But even second hand the news she had brought had been a stunning revelation. The message from the so-called Elder's Council had still not been deciphered which was why he had sent for Snape in the first place.

He remembered the moment Bellatrix had rushed in a few nights ago.

"Lucius! Severus has been returned and brought us a message!" She cried holding the scroll aloft as she stormed into his house.

He frowned at her as behind her came an angry Nott and worried Avery but no Snape. He shut the door and escorted the agitated threesome into the drawing room.

"Now what is this all about and where is Snape if he's been returned?" He demanded taking his seat. Nott and Avery sat but Bellatrix remained on her feet and paced around. She told the tale Snape had told them and why he wasn't with them now.

"Don't forget the fact those centaurs brought down the master's wards and traps with no effort at all and they definitely weren't afraid of us either," Nott interjected. Bellatrix scowled at him but didn't contradict him.

"What!? But centaurs don't use wands! How did they do that?" Malfoy demanded, dumbfounded.

Bellatrix frowned and shook her head. "I have no idea but forget that. It's this message they had Snape give us that matters. I thought it important that we try and translate it so we can determine if it is cause for concern before telling our lord about it."

Frowning, Malfoy reached for the scroll which Bellatrix reluctantly handed over. He read it slowly and then read it again. "I don't know who or what they are talking about. It just sounds like one of those divination prophecy nonsense they are prone to make. I can't see the danger in any of it," he finally stated.

Bellatrix shook her head in agitation. "That doesn't mean there isn't any. And what is this Elder Council? How can those bloody creatures do such powerful magic without the use of wands? No one has ever seen them do magic and certainly none at this level. Is it just the centaurs? Or if not who are these others on this so called council? You see... there are too many questions and no answers. And answers we must have if we are to prove it is truly nothing to be concerned about."

Malfoy wasn't convinced.

Nott chipped in his feelings on the matter, "I agree. The whole event was strange and made me uneasy. The Lord's ward and traps were powerful. These creatures should not have been able to take that ward out at all much less all the traps set around the grounds, yet they did!"

Malfoy thought they were both mad but he couldn't deny their stories were consistent as was the fact three others had also witnessed these events. He shook his head. Though Bellatrix had asked some important questions that needed answers, now wasn't the time to try and figure out what was up with these forest creatures. What did matter was translating their odd message and determining how much danger they were in from this unexpected quarter.

Shaking his head, Malfoy said, "We need to question Severus more thoroughly. Perhaps he might know more than even he realizes. "Go! Bring him here and we will see what we can fathom of these strange events before our lord gets wind of it."

Bellatrix was about to object and tell Malfoy to go get Snape himself but froze when he added the need to clarify this information quickly. The Dark Lord was not forgiving. If they didn't do the investigation right and something happened, none of them would be happy about it.

Huffing in annoyance she headed back out the way she'd come with the equally reluctant Nott and Avery in tow. Neither male would have gone but they couldn't let the touchy witch handle it by herself because, should something go wrong, they too could be in serious trouble with their leader for not having gone along as guards.

And things fell apart even more than they had dreamed from that day to now. First, Nott, Avery, and Bellatrix had failed to return that day at all. Despite a search hampered by a sudden increase of Auror patrols, the three had not been found. Then, a couple of days later, he had received word that Snape was now at Hogwarts just after his son's return, but no word on how he had gotten there. And as if that were not bad enough, by the end of the week their Death Eater tattoos disappeared which meant the end of their Lord and no one knew where he had been when he met his demise. Now, tonight, here were the missing three with a tale of hiding from hunting parties of Aurors.

"Severus is at Hogwarts and has been there since the day you were supposed to have brought him here," he informed her.

"Bloody Hell! How did he get there and why did he go?" She cursed.

"He must have left not too long after we did though I would have thought that break in his ankle would have bulloxed his ability to walk at all," Nott swore angrily. "That makes me suspicious that his reasons are not to the benefit of his fellow Death Eaters."

Malfoy frowned. It was suspicious behavior alright, especially in light of the message that needed translating. He didn't like this at all. It just added to all the other questions mounting up. And it wasn't the Dark Lord they had to be worried about now but being caught by the Aurors instead.

Fortunately, no one suspected he was involved …. wait … his heart sank. If Severus had turned traitor, the Aurors could be coming here looking for the others because they still had suspicions he wasn't on the side of the light but that was only because he had been a Syltherin. The fact it was true hardly mattered. But wait now ... the Aurors have had days to arrest him and the others but still hadn't. Could that mean they didn't have enough evidence or proof to arrest him? That would be good but he wasn't so certain it was true.

Though very uneasy, he decided they were safe enough for tonight. There was no choice anyway and no where else they could go so better to discuss what had happened, find out what everyone else knew, and settle all the other major problems they were faced with … like who the new leader would be, then disperse quickly after.

"What's this about Snape and a scroll?" Mulciber demanded loudly but remaining in his seat since there was no room for him to get near Malfoy with others milling about in front of him. Other angry and concerned voices joined his making it impossible for anyone to be heard.

Malfoy sighed mentally. It would have been better if he'd been able to debrief Bellatrix and the others first but since she had come storming into the parlor and blurted out everything now he would have to waste time starting at the beginning bringing the others up to speed.

Raising his palms up, he said, "Calm yourselves. A great deal has happened hence the reason for this meeting though the risk is now higher than before our lord died. If you would all get what you need to eat and drink then sit I will brief you on what I know so far."

Mulciber glared at him but realized he would get his answers faster if he cooperated. Grumbling under his breath, he waited to get more drink. He had a feeling he was going to need it.

Malfoy sighed and barely kept from rolling his eyes as he stood there waiting for the others to settle. Things had gotten even more complicated than he had first thought as he took a healthy swallow of his drink. The Dark Lord dying was bad enough but a suspicion that Severus might have been a double agent was worse. It didn't help that the volatile Le Strange was on the verge of one of her insane rants which would bog down any chance of getting things accomplished. since everyone that matters had managed to be here perhaps we'll get something done tonight, he hoped.

Coming out of his thoughts, he noted that about half of them had availed themselves of the bar and were already seated. Nott and Avery were waiting for Alecto and Amycus Carrow to be finished finding what they wanted from the bar before taking their turn. Standing behind them rather impatiently was Karkaroff. After ten minutes, Malfoy made his way to the bar to refill his glass then headed for his seat. Now everyone was seated except Bellatrix who didn't get a drink and was pacing angrily and impatiently behind them all.

Mentally sighing, Malfoy stared around at all the grim and angry faces of what was left of the Dark Lord's inner circle. The minor minions were still scattered everywhere in the UK. All should be aware of their leader's demise due to the loss of the distinctive tattoo's on their arms. However, they would be in the dark about why it had happened and where the Dark Lord had met his end. All they would know for certain is they were leaderless. However, one thing Malfoy had gotten done was to notify all he reached that someone would be made leader and word would be gotten out to them very soon with the name and what their next moves would be.

But staring around at everyone except for the one pacing, ranting and cursing in a voice just below a screech, Malfoy didn't think a leader much less solutions were going to be had very soon. He gulped down his scotch in one go then winced, gritting his teeth, as Bellatrix stalked behind him yet again.

Despite the opulence of his very excellent armchair, with it's thick cushions patterned in a red/gold filigree and the thick arms covered in equally cushioned dark leather, it might as well have been a miserable kitchen chair for all the comfort it provided him at the moment. His right hand clutched the now empty cut crystal tumbler that had held his excellent 1946 Glenlivet single malt scotch whiskey he had taken from his wine cellar an hour ago. But despite its sweet, creamy and smooth flavor it hadn't soothed him enough to endure more of Bellatrix's screeching and sat on his stomach now like lead. He would have liked more but it wouldn't be a good idea to get drunk right now despite wanting to badly.

To tune her out and give himself a break, Lucius he let his mind wander. It felt wonderful to have clean clothes, bed linens, and fresh towels again. The kitchen was now spotless and the odor of food drifted on the air. The fireplace was filled with sweet smelling pine and burning brightly. It helped a lot that his wife had the foresight to make many large meals and had stored them in the cold box before she left on her extended holiday. So there were plenty of soups, sandwiches, casseroles, and complete meals available.

His eyes narrowed at the thought of his wife. Why did she need to be away so badly? Oh he understood that some of what was going on was not to her more delicate tastes but she belonged by his side especially now. However, he did care enough for her to allow her the distance but he didn't have to like it. His mind returned to the murmur of voices. Surprisingly, Bellatrix seemed to realize her ranting wasn't getting any response so had gone to the bar to get a drink of wine before taking the last seat near the door and sat down with a flop of her silks which were rather careworn from all the running she had been doing the last few days.

Relieved she was quiet and everyone else was drinking and muttering to each other, Lucius took a moment to study each of them. To his left, drinking his favorite beverage, butter beer, slouched Nott, looking even more drawn and sweaty in the light of the fireplace. It was obvious he was exhausted from hiding and running for the past few days. His face was lined with worry. The loss of their lord was still wending its way through all of them.

None of those here except for Bellatrix, Nott, and Avery even knew about Snape's return and the message from those creatures of the forest. Now with all gathered except for McNair, Dolohov, and Rosier who were in Azkaban, he would have to bring them up to date. No one would be happy. On top of that, he couldn't shake the feeling those damnable forest creatures had something to with the Dark Lord's death but he couldn't fathom how even with what Bellatrix had described of their magical abilities.

Avery sat huddled on one end of the couch nearest Nott and stared morosely into the fire. He too looked exhausted and dispirited as he cradled a mug of hot rum that he took slow sips from every few minutes, apparently trying to get drunk as much as to soothe himself after nearly getting caught by the Aurors.

Crabbe and Goyle seniors sat beside Avery each with a pint glass of vodka and eyeing the man thoughtfully though they hadn't made a move to question him yet.

Malfoy snorted at their choice of beverage.

Next to the couch was a fancy settee, thick cushioned like his armchair and with the same pattern embroidered on it. The Carrows were drinking some kind of wine that was blood red. They resembled a pair of black crows in their black suits and their medium long hair that framed their thin, cold faces. Their eyes were on Bellatrix, small smirks gracing their thin lips as usual. They were no fan of hers and didn't mind making her lose her famous temper frequently. Bellatrix may be cold, cruel, and cunning, but she also possessed a hair trigger temper which made it too easy making her lose her cool (as his son would have said).

Thinking of his son only caused his own temper to flare. He had not had a single opportunity to speak with Draco to find out what really went on with his kidnapping. It almost seemed the boy was avoiding him. Grimacing he cursed himself for not being more forceful in getting his son away from his Hogwarts guardians so the boy might be grilled on what had happened to him. Well, he would retrieve his son and soon. They needed answers in light of what had transpired days ago.

A deep throat clearing drew his attention to his other 'guest' ... one he wished he could boot from the manor if it weren't for the ramifications that action might cause. The werewolf wasn't someone you messed with lightly if you wanted to retain your life or your human form. Fenrir Greyback sat with his legs stretched out before the hearth. The flames enhanced his harsh and cruel profile bringing an unwanted shiver down Malfoy's back.

That creature needs killing, he thought, his body tightly coiled and ready to run from the dark predatory look in that thing's eyes. If he didn't need the wolves he'd find a way to do just that. However, if what he had heard was correct, the Dark Lord's army had been severely cut in numbers. It sounded as if only the most barbaric of the magical creatures were the ones they could recruit.

Though Greyback was not normally invited to these meetings except when their leader desired it, Malfoy was forced to allow the creature here because they needed the wolves. But by the looks on the others faces none were too happy to have him there either and shot the werewolf nervous looks except for Bellatrix.

However, it seemed all the other beasts out there: centaurs, goblins, dwarfs, fae, half giants, and the like were more intelligent than they had guessed and had banded together, as outrageous as that sounded. He still had trouble believing any of the rumors but he couldn't just dismiss them either. He was alive because he didn't toss out information just because they seemed too incredible to be true until they proved otherwise. So now what were they going to do?

He glanced around again and met the flat, cold, dark eyes of Mulciber. The man saluted him with his snifter of brandy, its dark color glinting in the firelight as he lifted to take another drink. The man was dressed all in brown as if he were trying to hide in the background. His eyes flicked toward Bellatrix, his face showing no emotion.

Suddenly Bellatrix stood again, leaving her glass beside her chair, and strode toward the fireplace then turned to face them all. Planting her fists on each hip, she gave each of them a penetrating stare.

"Well! Are we going to discuss what's happened? We need to find out what happened to the Dark Lord and kill the ones who did it... now!"

"There's no point, Bella. He's obviously gone and trying to chase down the ones who did it could land us in a trap," Malfoy snapped, tired of her theatrics. "What we need to do now is consolidate our power base, pick a leader, and try to decipher that message from the damnable beasts of the forest, because they see to be at the heart of what is going on, then attack them in force."

Before she could respond, Mulciber spoke up. "You promised an explanation. Let's hear it. What message and what is this about the beasts of the forest? What have they to do with anything? And what happened to Snape?"

"Then listen closely as I don't want to have to repeat anything. Several days ago, just before Christmas, as some of you may have heard, Severus and my son had been kidnapped..." He proceeded to tell them a quick and edited report of the events starting before Christmas to now. No one spoke but expressions grew angrier and angrier as he reached the part concerning Severus' kidnapping, return, and the message he had been carrying.

"Intelligent Acromantulas ….are you mad?" Karkaroff barked, disbelief plain on his face.

"I am only relaying what I was told ..." Malfoy defended.

"What the bloody hell ... are you saying these beasts are intelligent and magically powerful enough to bring down wards and break the Dark Lord's traps? It sounds like fantasy," one of the Carrows, Alecto, snorted, disbelief dripping in her tone and manner.

"I was there! You calling me a liar?" Bellatrix snarled back, getting in Alecto's face.

"No, but you can understand how insane it sounds to the rest of us," She retorted, eyes flat and cold. Bellatrix's eyes flashed fire and she would have launched a spell attack if the room were not already occupied with the immediate possible retribution from the others that didn't care if she lived or died. She hissed in frustration, clenching her fists but at least her wand remained holstered. She possessed some sense at least.

"Never mind all that, it's done and can't be undone and wastes time besides. I want to know what was in this message they sent that's caused such a stir up?" Barty Crouch, Jr, demanded.

"Why? What difference does it make what those ignorant animals are trying to say to their betters. Ignore them and do what needs to be done … pick a new leader. The war is not over, only on hold till we can reassemble our army and push forward again!" Mulciber snarled, disgusted by all the pussyfooting that was delaying things.

Greyback snorted derisively, flashing his over long teeth. "What army? All of them seemed to have run off or are in hiding. The cowards!"

Mulciber said something truly foul at the creature which set Bellatrix off again this time directed at their so called followers. Greyback just smiled toothily, showing off much longer teeth and fangs than a human had but was, for once, not letting her set him off. A good brawl was something he thoroughly enjoyed but it seemed for once he finally showed some intelligence in that thick skull, realizing the gravity of what had happened and what a detriment it might mean for his army of werewolves.

His restraint is the only good thing happening right now, Malfoy thought sourly. But it didn't ease his own desire to stun the lot of them into submission. Unfortunately, he wasn't powerful enough to pull that off alone.

Just as he feared at the start of this benighted meeting, none of his associates were going to get anything resolved ... more interested in fighting, carping, blaming, and casting threats of dire consequences to all and sundry. Meanwhile, absolutely nothing constructive was being accomplished. Only briefly did he wish McNair and Dolohov were here and not languishing away in Azkaban. But, no, not really a good idea. The pair were sometimes worse than the Carrows and Bellatrix combined.

He sighed and turned his mind to the prophecy style message they had received from the so called Elder Council. That missive said more than its face value. If only they could decipher its hidden meaning and get at the possible threat it might be conveying. But on its surface it seemed like the usual psychic nonsense the centaurs believed in or so he had been informed when that one centaur taught at Hogwarts some years ago.

More importantly to Lucius was the fact the words on the scroll had sent unwelcome shivers down his spine. He didn't know why but somehow he felt certain that whatever those creatures were planning it would be very bad for what was left of Voldemort's army. However, getting any of this lot to discuss the message's content carefully and make some suggestions as to its meaning wasn't going to happen this night. They were all too upset and furious (and if they would admit it … afraid) to discuss their next moves.

The problem he saw right this minute was the passing of time. None felt the urgency he did that time was against them yet here they still sat with Bellatrix getting more and more wild-eyed, irate and furious. Woe betide anyone trying to get her to listen much less cooperate in any way when she reached the point of where she shot off spells, not to target anyone in particular but close enough make them fear her. Which was why Greyback wasn't retaliating in some fashion, proving he wasn't as stupid as some of the wizards in the room thought.

Sometimes the truly insane can get away with anything, he thought sourly. The old clock on the mantel chimed the hour … precious time was slipping by. Though he was fairly certain they were all safe from the Aurors, he didn't want to push his luck. They needed to get their plans set up and leave his home quickly before the risks outweighed any effort to get their war back on track.

Girding himself, he raised his voice over the tumult. "Enough! We have much to get done tonight so let us table all the in fighting and discuss plans and make decisions."

"You mean pick a leader don't ya?" Mulciber butted in immediately.

Lucius pursed his lips in anger but didn't retaliate as that wouldn't get them anywhere. "Yes that is one of the things on the agenda but ..."

Mulciber interrupted again, his tone even nastier, "And since when are you in charge of us, hmm?"

"Since this is my home and I am the host. Besides it is the only place left for us to meet now so I would think you would be a bit more thankful for that at least, Mulciber. Also, though I am not under the eye of the Ministry as yet, that doesn't mean I wont be if they get wind of so many so called "criminals" meeting in one place," He pointed out acidly. As he had hoped, all of them shut up, a few looking around them a bit nervously. Going on in a bit calmer and more in charge voice, Malfoy said, "I feel I am more qualified to at least guide us in our discussions so we may get something together and disperse before we stretch the limits of the Auror's blindness."

Mulciber scowled but said in a milder tone, "The only reason I'm even willing to entertain that notion is because you may be right and I'm lacking a good deal of information to make a decision on anything so go on with you, Lucius." Having made his point, Mulciber settled back in his seat and sipped his drink, eyes watchful and intent.

"Thank you for that reluctant endorsement," Lucius said, his tone mildly sarcastic. Deciding the risk of getting drunk was worth it, he rose and fortified himself with more alcohol before turning to Bellatrix. "Before we begin, Belle please sit down you are too distracting."

She glared at him but for once did as asked, strolling behind him before taking her seat next to him.

Malfoy decided he should eat a little as he didn't want to get drunk right now with so many unhappy frenemies sitting around him. When everyone seemed to have calmed somewhat and willing to listen again, he started the actual meeting.

"As Belle had stated earlier we need to know who, where, what and how our Dark Lord met his end. And, more than that, whether this new mystery of strange behavior and magical abilities the forest beasts seem to be displaying is true or some new subterfuge they are playing at and what their message brought to us through my son's and Severus' kidnapping and subsequent return could possibly mean to our future plans."

"Ahh, about that, I still find it hard to fathom all the blather you just spouted about what happened precisely when good old Snape was returned to Riddle Manor," Barty snorted derisively. "Sounds like some bleedin' fairytale to me."

"If you insist on delaying our more important business, then fine," Malfoy said tightly, seeing others echoing Barty's dissatisfaction with the answers they were hearing in their eyes and manner. "Belle will you please give us a thorough report on everything you witnessed and did at Riddle Manor and why you took so long to return here after bringing me the message?"

Sighing with disgust, Bellatrix spent the next fifteen minutes repeating the story of Snape's kidnapping and return. "Then after getting nothing out of that message, we decided it would be best to come here so Lucius could study it with the better resources at his disposal for figuring this thing out."

"And Snape? What about him? Why didn't you get more information out of him before you hied your way here?" Barty, Jr. demanded , a deep scowl on his face.

Bellatrix snorted. "He was evasive and unhelpful. I'm not sure what he's hiding but I think he hasn't been completely truthful with us. Be that as it may, with his broken ankle and worse for wear appearance, it didn't seem like he would have been able to leave his bed much less get up the stairs and walk the distance necessary to apparate away."

"Yea, he werent looking too good when he was hanging off the back of that Centaur like a new killt deer. They had tied him on and there were no telling how long a ride it had been. When we left him he wert in a lot of pain despite taking some of his foul tasting potions," Avery corroborated.

"Bellatrix is right though ... about Snape being evasive. Told us he didn't have a clue what the message was about … that the beasts tucked it into his shirt before the ride and when we read it, he had no input to give us but I just don't buy it," Nott growled.

"Why? It is not as if his kidnappers were going to let him in on their plans or they would have simply told him rather than given him a message tucked in his shirt," Malfoy said, wanting to trust his former friend though he was beginning to think that trust was misplaced.

"He just felt off and, like I said, evasive. And if that weren't suspicious enough, look how fast he lit out after we left. Don't know where he has gone to either," Nott said angrily.

Bellatrix took back the narration again, "I suspect he went to Hogwarts because of what came later. But at that moment, I didn't think we had time to wait around until he was mobile nor waste more time trying to get answers from him, so we headed here. When Lucius asked us to return to get Severus and bring him back, that's when we ran into the pack of Auror's. They were inside the manor and we were nearly caught before we realized they were there."

"Now why is that?" Amycus drawled, snidely. "Wouldn't the wards have been down?"

"They were not!" She hissed at him. "Those bastards had reset the wards! And not just reset them but they did it exactly the way we left them." Her eyes narrowed at them waiting for them to understand the implication.

"What!?" Nott shot to his feet. "I reset those wards myself and Snape had to have done the same before he left."

"YES!" Bellatrix exclaimed as she put the pieces together in her head. "And Snape most likely did. That way no blame would be set on him, however, he made a mistake because when we returned the Aurors were waiting for us inside the manor which means …."

"That rat bastard! Snape sold us out!" Mulciber exclaimed, furious. "We must leave here … NOW! They will be here next for there is no way Snape didn't tell him of your lies, Malfoy."

Lucius was speechless. The retelling had included more information then he'd expected and a much greater chance the Aurors were indeed ready to take them out. He lunged to his feet. This was the sense of alarm he had been feeling all evening. Now he was glad Mulciber had wanted to hear the entire accounting of facts. He turned to Bellatrix, fury in his eyes.

"Why did you not tell me this when you first arrived? You have endangered us all," He snarled at her.

"Because I hadn't time to put the pieces together until now. The Aurors nearly caught us but made a blunder that caught my eye when I nearly stepped over the threshold. The instant I caught sight of them, Nott and Avery and I turned and fled. They were hot on our heels for hours even though we split up. I tried numerous times to attempt to get back here but they were hanging about and you had your wards up and tight. I dared not try and contact you for fear of giving away your secret to them. However, it appears that was wasted time."

"Wait ... wait ... if Snape had departed so quickly after you then the Aurors should have been here by now! Why aren't they?" Malfoy demanded. His heart was pounding in his chest rapidly and his mouth was dry.

"Maybe they were just waiting until we were all here," Mulciber said angrily, standing as the rest of them were … preparing to run if necessary.

The clock on the mantel chose that moment to chime the hour. Malfoy stared at it a moment, frowning. Everyone had been here more than two hours already, yet his wards still remained up and undisturbed.

"My wards are still up," he said aloud.

Everyone paused to think about what that might mean.

"Maybe you are wrong and he hasn't betrayed us," Lucius said cautiously.

Eyes shifted around questioningly but nerves were still visible in a few.

Greyback sniffed the air for several minutes then shook his head. "I smell no danger close."

The tension that had been ratcheting up seemed to ease off a little. Malfoy dared to relax enough to take his seat again.

"Then I suggest we get what business we can done quickly before that changes," he decided.

The others stared at him and each other for some minutes then by some mutual decision they took their seats again.

"Alright then let's hear what the missive from those beasts has to say," Mulciber grunted taking his seat and picking up his drink to take a deep swallow as he listened.

Malfoy nodded, fished out the message scroll from his suit coat and read it out loud.

Hear now the prophecy of the stars that speaks of this new world and how it will come to pass! Pay heed to its words if you wish to survive what comes!

Those who follow darkness shall die,

Those who follow ignorance shall fall,

But those who follow the one who will bring a message of peace, progress, and a mission ...

Will see our world be transformed!"

"What the bloody hell is all that nonsense?" Mulciber growled, annoyed.

"That is what we are going to have to figure out," Malfoy said with a sigh. "Let's take the first line ... what new world could they possibly be talking about?"

Mulciber waved his hand dismissively. "To me it only means some rubbish about things changing for peace or some other bleeding hearts wish on their part."

"I agree," Barty Jr. said.

A few other heads around the table nodded their agreement to that assessment.

"Very well, on to the next statement where it seems the warnings begin," Malfoy said, feeling as they did about the opening statement.

"Sounds like wishful thinking on their part about us," Greyback snorted.

"Heh...heh, yeah that do sound right," Alecto laughed.

Malfoy shrugged and decided to move on since it did indeed sound like what Greyback had surmised. "So the next might be about those wizard sheep Fudge keeps in the dark about us, yes?"

Mulciber snorted a laugh. "Seems to describe them to a "T" it do. Which means the true threat must be in the next statement."

"That one sounds like a warning about some messiah coming to save everyone," Bellatrix said thoughtfully and not looking happy about that observation either.

There was silence this time as everyone mulled that over.

In a more grim tone, Lucius growled, "The only so called messiah I have heard about is that brat Harry Potter. I refuse to believe one untried and wet behind the ears child is some kind of threat."

"That is what the Romans thought about Jesus when he was born," Avery said softly.

Everyone stared at him in astonishment.

After a long silence, Bellatrix spoke. "Bloody Hell! There actually is a thinking brain in that head." Avery scowled at her but wisely didn't respond.

"Much as it pains me, Avery is actually right. And it also pains me to recall what the Roman leader decided to do to change that prophesy and how badly he lost everything in attempting it. In this case, Harry Potter was supposed to be responsible for the Dark Lord's demise..." Malfoy froze the moment those words left his mouth.

"Bugger It! You think that little brat killed our Lord?" Mulciber spat, leaping to his feet in fury.

"No way, no f**king way!" Crabbe spit also jumping to his feet.

"Not alone he couldn't," Malfoy breathed as he thought through the possibility of what might have befallen their leader. "Look at what has happened. I know his spirit lingered around the Forbidden Forest and possibly near Hogwarts. Those beasts might have had some way of detecting his spirit. And this message from the beasts ... it damn well sounds like Harry Potter might have indeed fulfilled the prophecy but with the help of those beasts!" His voice was ringing with certainty when he finished.

There were shouts of denial but an equal number of those realizing this could be the truth.

"We must kill him!" Bellatrix screamed.

"Wait!" Malfoy shouted. The room took several minutes to quiet somewhat, Bellatrix was still muttering expletives under her breath but he ignored her. "We need proof! No matter what our guesses, we need more sound proof that Potter is responsible before we can get everyone to fight behind our banner once more. They may spook and run off once it gets out the prophecy was fulfilled. But if we prove Potter didn't do it alone we might get a larger Army with an ax to grind against these beasts. Victory would be more assured."

"And where do you propose we get this proof?" Mulciber growled derisively.

"Does anyone know where Peter Pettigrew is?" Malfoy snapped back.

Many startled looks were sent his way. His seemingly quick change of subject had been jarring. But it was Bellatrix who knew the significance of the question.

"No, I don't but I do know he was never far from our former Lord's side."

"And I believe, he hangs about Hogwarts … perhaps in his ratty form?" Goyle suggested, speaking for the first time.

"Then we find him and quickly. We need answers and it's quite possible that rat has them," Malfoy said firmly.

The rest thought about that a long moment then heads began to reluctantly nod.

"So, it seems my wolves and I are on a rat hunt," Greyback smiled, showing his perfect white teeth.

"We need him alive!" Malfoy reminded him.

"Yes, yes I got that ... wont hurt a whisker. I vow we'll find him before any of you with our heightened sense of smell," he smirked. "And we wont be waiting for daylight either. So while you all sleep I'll be leading a hunt for our ratty friend as soon as I take leave here."

"You might catch a whiff of him with your nose says you, but I think asking our sons might get us an answer much sooner," Goyle said, eyes glittering with anticipation on being the first to get his hands on the missing Death Eater.

Greyback didn't have a come back to that so just scowled and crossed his arms across his broad chest.

"Doesn't matter who finds him first as long as we find him soon," Malfoy said firmly.

"True. So we be needing to leave quickly, but first, where do we meet up again since this place may be compromised?" Alecto wanted to know.

That halted everyone. So much business hadn't been addressed, especially the acute need for a new leader, but there wasn't time or safety for any of those discussions. Finding a meeting place took priority and leaving here quickly, even more so. But where could they go? Most if not all of their favored meeting places were compromised. Before anyone could voice any other possibilities, Malfoy shouted a suggestion.

"Nurmengard!"

"Where or what is that?" Mulciber demanded. Varying expressions of confusion showed no one else had any idea what Malfoy was talking about.

"Don't you know your history?" Malfoy snorted. Not waiting for a response, he plunged on, "It was where Grindelwald is said to be imprisoned. It's empty but for him. The perfect place to meet safely."

"Wait, if Grindelwald is there, who is guarding him?" Barty, Jr. demanded.

"House elves ... from the ministry but they never go anywhere else in the prison ... in and out ... nothing more," Malfoy answered.

"And how do you know any of this?" Amycus asked disbelief clear in his tone.

"I read and I listen. You can learn a lot from books and the gossiping of bored workers at the ministry," Malfoy told him snidely. When no one responded he snarled, "Well? Does anyone know of a better place?"

"I don't like it!" Barty, Jr. snarled, uneasy about going to a prison even if it was unmanned.

"Neither do we, but my brother and I have no other suggestions so let us stop wasting time we don't have," Alecto reminded them.

Sounds like the perfect place to me," Bellatrix said blithely, undisturbed about the location.

The other undecided males glared at her but what could they say to counter her statement?

"No other choices, it seems to me. I vote we go there," Greyback said with a shrug.

"Good then give us the coordinates and let's be on our way before we are found," Bellatrix demanded.

Despite the continued grumbling, Malfoy felt they had all reached an agreement.

"Glad we could come to a consensus. Here's the location," he said, waving his wand to send the coordinates to everyone's wands. "Meet there Sunday night with a report of what you found or with Pettigrew in hand. Agreed?"

Though still unhappy there was no dissension. "Since we don't know if we're under observation, I suggest I drop my wards long enough for all to apparate, agreed?" Malfoy asked rising to his feet. Everyone nodded this was a good idea.

Dobby bring the cloaks," Malfoy demanded to the air. In a second, Dobby appeared loaded down with cloaks. Everyone moved forward and grabbed their clothing, pulled them on then waited in a circle around Malfoy. Checking to see if all were ready, only then did Malfoy raise his wand and mutter a spell. All felt the wards fall and wasted no time in apparating away.

Once alone, Malfoy turned to Dobby. "Remain here but out of sight. Do not under any circumstances give yourself away to anyone coming to the mansion that isn't me."

"Yes, master," Dobby said quietly, clenching his hands together anxiously.

"Meanwhile continue cleaning up the manor," Malfoy added drawing his cloak on. Dobby simply nodded then vanished.

Satisfied, Malfoy quickly stepped out of his home, locked and warded it and the grounds then apparated away.