Chapter 17: The Guest

Harry's invitation had acted as its own portkey, depositing him into an atrium that infused a sense of awe. The Lestrange Manor held many of the characteristics of other pureblood manors, at least the atrium did. A wide and large space, decorated with items to show power and awe to the arriving guests. Harry suppressed a snort as a replica dragon maw hung from the ceiling, open and staring down at the entrants. Harry was only alone for a few minutes before a woman arrived and introduced herself as Lady Lestrange. Harry took her arm and was led through the house towards the ballroom. He studied her during the walk, and though her appearance was immaculate, it was not the same as other purebloods would be if they were hosting some of the powerful families. The answer to that mystery was provided as they approached the entrance to the ballroom. The Lady Lestrange disentangled herself from Harry and beckoned him to enter. She offered a small smile as she watched Harry enter the ballroom.

The first thing Harry noticed was the smoke hanging in the air. For all of Wizards protesting the smog that hung in the air of non-wizarding places the seemed to enjoy their smoke. The second thing that Harry noticed was the distinct lack of women, and he did not know what to make of that ordeal. He attempted to observe more but was met by a nearby wizard.

"Lord Peverell, it is a pleasure to meet you; and it is most auspicious that you have decided to join us tonight."

"Thank you for meeting me Lord…"

The other man chuckled, "Not Lord. Pollux Black. I believe you are more familiar with the Lord of my family."

"Arcturus, yes I've had the pleasure." He paused for a moment, not necessarily liking the look in Pollux's eyes, "It has been enlightening to say the least."

"Then I am glad that you have taken an interest in such a wonderful family. Bellatrix and her sisters are lovely are they not?"
Harry did smile, "They have been wonderful hostesses."

"Cygnus has had them taught well. They are an honor to my family and I am proud of where they are." Harry didn't really have a response, so he just smiled and waited for Pollux to continue, "It seems that you have been busy as of late. You spent time in France setting up business dealings. Thing is no one really knows what businesses you were setting up."

"My business is definitely my own."

Pollux chuckled, "Very true, but the primary issue is that you disappeared from France for several days. Only to return very suddenly. Then you leave the party set forth by Lord Doge to disappear from our shores for another time. Again no one knows."

"You hear a lot of things Mr. Black."

Pollux smiled, "It is always important for people to remember that there is always someone listening."

"Quite right there Pollux." A third voice interrupted, "Now do be a good friend and stop monopolizing the young Lord's time."

"Abraxus, I was not monopolizing. Only questioning." Pollux responded with a grin.

Pollux facilitated the introduction between Harry and Abraxus. There were pleasantries exchanged between the trio and Pollux initiated the beginnings of the conversation between the trio. Abraxus quickly dominated the conversation after the introduction, looking to get more information from Harry about the business in France. Harry smiled and answered what he could but was more interested in why Abraxus was so interested business outside the country. Abraxus brushes off Harry's comments, turning instead to discussions around the French countryside. Abraxus seemed to hold the French country in high regard, arguing that it exuded a class missing in the magical British society. Something that, while good, could be improved upon through the magical elite within the country.

Conversation between the two remained fairly stagnant with the focus remaining around France itself until they were finally interrupted with the call for dinner. Several tables had been set throughout the room and only held a few seats per table. Abraxus immediately abandoned Harry to go to a table near the head of the room. Harry shook his head as he found space at another table. It was in these few moments that he took in the room. It was mostly older Lords, though a few younger ones and Heirs involved with politics dotted the room. What was curious was that those of the actual Dark Faction seemed to naturally separate. The rest of the room was filled with Neutrals, mostly those that seemed to lean towards the Dark Faction, yet didn't want align with the pure hardline nature of it. Recruitment. Looking around the table Lord Nott and Heir Rosier were sat at his table with a spattering of Neutral Lords. Lord Lestrange stood up to make a few words.

"My fellow Lords, Heirs, and Honored Guests, I welcome you to my home tonight. Please eat and drink and mingle as is your want. A special guest will be joining us later in the evening. Tonight is about forging connections and bringing about a better future for our society." Lestrange raised his glass, "To the future."

The toast was repeated throughout the room, though Harry hesitated for a moment before brining the glass to his lips. The stakes, though most did not realize it, had been set forth and there was not information that would be forthcoming in nature.

Dinner itself was a subdued and overall pleasant affair. Lord Nott proved to be an interesting speaking companion. The man was well spoken and provided fair insight on the issues being discussed. Harry listened to the arguments and began to understand how so many families were swayed over to the side of Voldemort. The arguments themselves were highly persuasive and at the core sounded appealing. Lord Nott was laying the groundwork for understanding. Nothing was overtly heinous or what many in the room would even consider to be outrageous in nature. What did surprise Harry the most was that Nott did not push much of the agenda himself. He demonstrated his political acumen in responding and letting the Lords lead the discussion where it went. It was this that just allowed Nott to continue to argue for the same points. The other Lords were not tired of Notts rhetoric because he was just responding to what they were bringing up. He wasn't leading the conversation so his beliefs weren't really on display.

The only moment where the outward presence and air of authority of Lord Nott slipped was when he directly asked Harry about the transition to magical Britain. Harry played up the differences between the two countries. Nott did jump on that point arguing how much magical Britain had evolved past the tribalism that was evident in other countries. Harry smiled, remembering an argument from Neville, and responded by saying that it was actually quite familiar as the factions served as sort of tribalism in of themselves. Harry's response was really the only moment that Nott didn't immediately know how to respond to. However, it was Heir Rosier that seemed to run counter to Harry's position and point out the lack of hostility that was inherent within Greek society. Harry did nod in agreement and admitted that it was nice to walk through the magical districts and not worry about getting a curse thrown at you within a random moment of time.

The major event of the night, however, occurred approximately halfway through dinner. Lord Nott was in the middle of responding to a question when he paused. Harry was sure someone was about to ask if everything was alright when the main doors opened up. In walked a singular man, tall and lean in stature. Lord Lestrange was quick to stand up and interrupt the dinner festivities.

"Honored guests, may I introduce the Lord Gaunt. A man with great ambition and the desire to return his family name to the greatness that it once deserved. His drive and ambition would see great and wonderful change for our society. I hope you all get the chance to speak with him to begin to understand that vision for yourselves."

A few Lords clapped as Lestrange ended, however, the majority of the Lords looked on in mild interest. It wasn't often that a Lord bestowed such importance on someone not of their family. That, in conjunction with the Gaunt name made this Lord an interesting commodity. Harry attempted to hide any physical response by taking a drink. Lord Gaunt's eyes traveled across the room, no settling on anyone. However, in that brief moment, Harry recognized the fire and fury that burned in them. Lord Voldemort had arrived; and he was setting the stage.

Harry watched as Voldemort walked through the various tables. He greeted a few of the guests as he moved towards the head table. Lord Lestrange stood standing for the entire time, indicating a great respect for the guest. A respect that had not been shown to any other throughout the night. Voldemort greeted Lestrange with a firm handshake and few quiet words before sitting down and beginning his own meal. Harry turned back to his own table and noticed that the neutral parties were showing some interest in the new figure. Harry saw Nott quickly pen note that disappeared quickly, taken by an unseen house elf, before starting the conversation up with a few of the neutral Lords at the table. The returning conversation seemed to be fairly muted compared to earlier topics, revolving more around the Lord's families and more inane topics.

Dinner itself begins to wind down. The food, excellent as it was, began to disappear from the tables. In place was a selection of alcohol and cigars. Harry poured himself a drink but passed on the cigar, though he seemed to be one of the few that would do so. Various Lords got up from their tables and began to walk around, speaking to others throughout the room. Quickly the atmosphere change from the light politicking of dinner to some of the more heavy topics. Harry could feel the magic of various privacy wards going up and down as the Lords themselves fought for privacy. There was entertainment to be had, as he watched the groups form and disperse quickly. People vying for attention and the need of their counter parts. In many parts there were groups of threes and fours all coming together, with a lesser Lord acting as the runner between two or three different groups. It was a sense of perverse fascination to it.

"You should be joining a group." Pollux's voice broke through his thoughts, "They expect it of you."

Harry shrugged, "To do what is expected is to lessen one position"

"Yet to ignore the people is scorn those around you." Pollux countered.

Harry nodded his head in deferment, "Perhaps, but there is a warmth in waiting for the more opportune moment."

"Fair words indeed good Lord." Another voice spoke up. Harry and Pollux turned to the side as Lord Malfoy and Voldemort approached.

"Lord Malfoy. Lord Gaunt." Pollux acknowledged, "Perhaps you can show the Lord Peverell the necessities of participating in the world of politics."

"Curious that you think I'm not participating Mr. Black." Harry responded. He continued as Pollux sent him a questioning look, "While others scurry about, I have secured a moment with the sole guest honored by our host."

Pollux did let a small smile crack through, "Well played. Cigar?"

Harry denied the proffered amenity, choosing to hold up his alcohol as his choice of after dinner vice. Malfoy attempted to prod Harry into taking the cigar, pointing out the fact that he was in the minority at that moment. Harry still declined despite the further protestations of Malfoy.

"Cease Abraxus, the Lord Peverell has his reasons. It does no good to push a man who is committed to a position."

Harry watched as Abraxus bowed his head in recognition, "Of course, you are correct. My apologies Lord Peverell."

Harry nodded in acknowledgment of the apology and watched as Abraxus bowed away from the conversation and took Pollux with him.

"Interesting tactic you have. Present Malfoy as the one to push so you appear all the more reasonable." Harry started.

Voldemort smiled, "Most have seen through it, as you have. Though it that does not mean its effectiveness has been diminished."

"So what vision have you come to sell me today?"

"For you nothing, but some words of advice."

"Advice?"

"I have spent many years working to rebuild my family's name. I would see you learn from the mistakes and pitfalls I stumbled into as you come into yours." He continued as Harry stayed silent, "The men here hold the future of our society. They understand the vision that I have for our society. They see that it can be returned to the pinnacle and greatness that it once was under the leadership and days of the great wizards of our past.

"Pollux was correct in his assessment." Voldemort continued, "These men respect the interaction."

"You mean they respect people groveling before them."

Voldemort smiled, "Play the game, but know that eventually your name will rise above all the rest."

Voldemort left Harry with that last piece of advice. Harry watched the Lord move on to another small group already primed by the machinations of Pollux and Abraxus. Harry observed the trio and watched the same style of interaction as earlier happen before the pair of Pollux and Abraxus moved away to allow Voldemort to work on that group of Lords.

Harry found himself mingling with some of the other Lords for next portion of the evening. Most conversations did not involve too much politicking with most Lords just focusing on introducing themselves and trying to get as much information about Harry as they could. Some asked about Harry's opinion on one law or another, but the majority of conversation revlolved around the reintegration of the Peverell name to British Magical society. There was one lesser Lord that seemed to follow Harry from group to group. He had introduced himself as Lord Walsh and was shameless in his attempts to cozy up to the new Lord Peverell. Walsh was often the runner of whatever group, passing on information from one to the next in various forms of negotiation. Despite how cordial Walsh was, he was fully cognizant of the position he held, and had ambition to see an elevation in status. The path to elevation appeared to be attempting to arrange a marriage between Harry and a niece. Harry let the man chase, understanding that it took some of the attention away from Harry himself. The progression of the night was only interrupted by Lord Lestrange once again standing at the head of the room. He was flanked by Lord Nott and Voldemort.

"Gentlemen, I interrupt the evening as we have an important point of discussion that needs to occur. We stand at a precipice of history, and I want to invite you all to stand on the correct side of it." Lestrange started. "In that though I ask for Lord Nott to come up and speak to us all."

"Gentlemen, I stand before with the knowledge that there is a threat to our society. Everyday, our magic is waning as the filthy mudbloods of our society come forth and steal the magic that flows through our blood." There was a murmur that flowed through the crowd, "Now I know not all understand the threat that they pose to us and our way of life. But let me speak to you not as a fellow Lord but as a keeper of record that has long served in the ministry. Their numbers swell daily. They steal and beguile their way into our society and work to plant themselves as the top persons in a world they know nothing about. We must protect our place within the world and show them that they cannot best us."

"And what exactly are you proposing?" A voice called out from the crowd.

"Support my bill. We must put in place the protections against the mudbloods. Force them to understand and recognize that we are superior form of magic. By regulating and forcing them to obey laws we can remind them that we are the form to aspire too."

"Yet you are arguing they never can meet us." Another voice spoke up.

"They don't need to know that they can never hope to reach us." Nott responded.

A large contingent of the room openly chuckled at Nott's response.

Voldemort stepped up, "What my esteemed contemporary is saying is that the magical world once again needs our leadership. We can bring the world into the directions and positions that it needs to be. We must be at the forefront of it. My family has seen what happens when we squander the power we have been given. The name Gaunt has floundered, and that will happen to every name in this room if you let it. I have traveled abroad, and the power of the magical world resides here; in Britain. We represent the best of the world, the birthplace of Merlin and Lady Le Fay. Yet are on the precipice of being overrun with those who don't deserve it. I have seen what happens to a society that becomes stagnant. We must position ourselves to stay at the forefront. I can lead us to that vision."

An elderly lord stood up, "You speak of vision yet this seems like a repeat. I've fought one war. I followed Potter and Black into battle, two men many of us, or our fathers, would've died for, yet they are not here. Are they absent from your vision Mr. Gaunt?"

"Potter and Black represent the stagnation of our society."

"And yet none in this room would dare cross wands with them. We followed them into war and it sounds like you want to repeat that of Grindelwald's fury that ravaged the world."

Voldemort shook his head, "Grindelwald failed because he lacked vision."

The elderly Lord chuckled, "Then you misunderstand the very thing he stood for. His words were always 'For the Greater Good' yet he used those as a scapegoat to argue for the enslavement of a peoples."

Voldemort raised his hand, "Excuse my words as they were careless. Grindelwald did not lack vision per se, but he utilized it wrong and chose war. We will utilize diplomacy, and the laws to return the purebloods to our position of strength."

Before the elderly Lord could speak up another voice cut in, "If you stand for purebloods why invite one who isn't?" Those closes to the voice saw him point to Harry and soon nearly everyone was staring. In response Harry raised his glass as the room turned to look at the front of the room.
Voldemort grinned, "Lord Peverell has displayed an unusual tact in seeking out those that understand and know better. Furthermore, his name begets a position of ancient magic that goes beyond blood. Imagine, my lords, the strength that will return and form out of his line in the generations as purity returns to that blood."

Harry watched as several lords nodded in agreement with the argument. He focused on his occlumency to suppress the grimace that threatened come across his face. Though that statement from the top seemed to end the discussion as people started to form little groups to discuss what was said. Malfoy and a few other lords joined the trio at the front and began their own discussion. Harry forced himself to stay and be a part of a discussion so he wasn't the first person to leave for the night. However, he was one of the early ones, citing a need of an early business meeting the next morning.

Lady Lestrange led Harry to the atrium with the floo. The two exchanged a few pleasantries and Harry offered the official blessing for their home as he parted. He returned directly to his own study and once again set about making notes to prepare for the coming conflict. Tonight was perhaps one of the last few nights of unopposed peace.

A/N: Thank you for reading. Hope everyone had a good Holiday season; safe travels to everyone who needs to travel.

Next Chapter Date: January 2nd