A/N: To my friend (the doorknob), something to look forward to.

Above and Beyond

Chapter 8 – Devious Dealings

-

'Norrington,' the cold voice, barely above a whisper, slithered over the dank air. 'What have you brought me?'

'News, my liege.' The man in question responded hesitantly.

'News, Norrington? It had better be pleasant.' He looked directly at the man standing in front of one of twelve seats surrounding the round table.

'It is, my liege. The Cabrera orphans have been adopted by the Malfoy heir. They reside with him now at the manor.'

'That is pleasant indeed, Norrington. Abraxas' blood heir should not present a challenge to us. He can be easily persuaded to our beliefs.'

'Yes, my liege. Our next course of action should-' he was stopped by the interruption of the same steely voice.

'Do you presume to be in charge of this operation, Norrington?'

Norrington faltered.

'N- No, my liege.' He stammered.

'Then do not presume to suggest a course of action.' He cowed the man with a glare.

'Xavier,' he continued.

'Yes, my liege.' A silky voice emanated from a body lurking in a corner of the shadowy room.

The man stepped forward. He had long golden hair that once must have glinted but now hung in lank mats about his face. His face bore the look of starvation past and his cheeks were hollow and gaunt. Eyes that should have portrayed the deadening effect of Azkaban were sharp and piercing. They were oceanic blue and seemed, at times, to sparkle as the waves.

'Xavier, I wish to put your-' he spared a brief glance at the man, smiling slightly '- talents to use.'

Xavier nodded, not breaking eye contact with his commander.

'Of course, my liege, all that is mine is yours to control.'

'I know, Xavier. Your loyalty is comforting in times such as these, rampant with traitors and vengeful bloodlines.' He paused here and Xavier inclined his head respectfully.

'Norrington,' the voice said suddenly.

Y-Yes, my liege.' Norrington stammered as he rose from his set again.

'Have you found any other, pertinent information as regards to our quest?'

'Yes my liege,' he answered a little more confidently. 'My liege, it seems that the Malfoy has hired a nanny to care for the children, a female of unknown descent.' He sneered as he completed his report implying that someone of unknown descent was not worthy of being noted.

'My liege, if I may?' Xavier interrupted from the shadows. Norrington jumped, startled at the disembodied voice. Xavier smirked cruelly at him before acknowledging his commander's nod.

'It should be noted that the woman is a Weasley and therefore could pose considerable threat to our campaign. If I may be so bold as to add that the Malfoy's hiring of this nanny shows that he may be less willing to accept our beliefs than we would like to think, my liege.' He ended with his piercing blue eyes staring challengingly into those of his superior's.

The commander spared him another small smile; out of the corner of his eye Xavier spotted Norrington seething with jealousy.

'Come now, Xavier, your dislike of the Malfoy name is widely known. However, the man has considerable power to add to our circle and he must be treated, if not with respect, at the very least with no trace of dislike. Am I clear, Xavier?' his voice had regained the steely tone it had when speaking to Norrington.

Xavier didn't blink.

'Of course, my liege.' He responded silently before slipping into the shadows once more.

'My comrades, Xavier has raised an interesting point. The Weasley woman must be dealt with. We cannot have her interfering with our plans for the Malfoy.'

There were mumbled responses of 'Yes, my liege' from around the table. The commander raised an eyebrow when no one volunteered a solution. It seemed that after Norrington's little put down no one was willing to risk being presumptuous.

'Xavier,'

'My liege?' the man in shadows responded.

'I have a new task for you.'

'Of course, my liege.' He said again. The commander smiled menacingly.

'You will- court- this woman. Woo her; make her trust you, while getting information on the orphans. When she becomes too attached,' he paused here and smirked slightly,

'Then do whatever you choose to get her out of the way. I leave the details up to your gifted imagination.'

Xavier grinned sinisterly.

'Thank you, my liege.'

'Do not thank me yet, Xavier, the Weasley will be hard to subdue. I trust however that you are up to the task.'

'I will not fail you, my liege.'

He shot a gloating glare at Norrington who had turned a rather nasty shade of puce from repressing his anger. He is no longer the Master's favourite, Xavier thought mockingly.

'Very well, comrades. Price, Doherty, Cunning, you have your orders. Xavier, I suggest you prepare immediately for your task. Norrington and Deedle, resume your posts, I wish to hear of any new information. Do not disappoint me.'

The company vanished in a flurry of black cloaks, leaving the stark wooden table bare, but for the cat that had slinked onto it in their disappearance.

'My dear Malkin,'

The cat swished its tail, its yellow eyes gleaming like hot coals against black fur.

'We have things to attend to. Potion must be brewed, preparations must be made and your presence is required. Attend!'

Both cat and wizard vanished, leaving the smell of burning sulphur lingering on the air.