A/N this installment of Fall of the Pheonix is dedicated to kears, both for wonderful riddle solving skills and valuable input into the story. Thank you and I hope you continue to like this story.

I also want to thank my reviewers I appreciate everyone I get and I do take your suggestions into consideration and a few of you may see your ideas appearing in the story at some point.

Chapter eight

Winning over the Snake Pit

Blade calmly walked over to his new house table. Not a single sound was heard except for his light footsteps. Blade resisted the erg to sigh dramatically. I mean really he knew he looked good, the black school robes complementing his black hair and green eyes nicely, but people didn't need to stare at him. It grated on his nerves to be the center of attention.

He sank gratefully into a seat next to Draco; of course the gratefulness didn't show on his face he felt it all the same. It was now time to collect information. He was isolated within the death eater ranks this would be the first opportunity he had to see the reactions to the 'death' of Harry Potter. From reports he knew the wizarding world was in an uproar, now it was time to see the student's response.

Blade casually looked around appearing to just be getting used to new surroundings when he was in fact observing the students. The Gryffindors except for the first years all looked defeated. They might have been betraying Harry but the boy-who-lived brought their house honor. The Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws were more subdued they were just mourning the loss of another student. The Slytherins were all acting like their normal selves, but Blade knew that was merely an act and that they acted differently in private. The staff table was divided between downcast faces and carefully hidden (but not well enough) expressions of triumph, i.e. Dumbledore.

Seeing the old man that had made his life hell this close made Blade's blood start to boil. He carefully controlled the emotion by carefully manipulating the Wild Magick around him. This slowly bled out the anger in him. Only Severus noticed the shifting Magick's and he knew his mate was able to take care of himself.

He was also scanning the crowd but for a different reason. He was getting a count of all the students who knew about Darren's existence. Blade's safety depended on their discretion. He finished his count and knew that Hogwarts now had 100 future death eaters within her. It was true that most of his Slytherins were supporters and there was a few more scattered around the other students. All and all Severus believed the Slytherins should be shown Blade's tattoo. They could help him keep his temper and not reveal himself. Blade would have to show he was worthy of their loyalty.

The feast went by without further incidence. Then Blade followed Draco down to the dungeons. It was time to reveal his true nature. He would need back up so he waited for Severus to come down and give his speech to the new and returning housemates.

He didn't have to wait long before his lover came sweeping into the common room like some large graceful bat. He started talking in a smooth deep voice that had gooseflesh rising across Blade's skin.

"Alright everyone, there are very few rules in Slytherin house but the few we have are not to be broken. First, watch each others back. You will be attacked and maligned by the other students. No one else will come to your rescue except for your house mates. First years if you run into major trouble look for an upper level student they are all trained to help you.

Second, there will be absolutely no fighting amongst you. You were placed into houses according to your skills and personality you all have something in common find it. The other houses all believe we are unjust and will betray anyone. What they do not understand is Slytherin house is the most loyal of all the house we are just loyal to our own. The others all divide into different groups within their houses and that causes tension amongst the housemates, Slytherins are one house and one unit. Stand together you will be stronger.

Third, make sure no one sees your emotions. They will use them against you. Don't be afraid to feel the emotions just don't let them show.

Fourth, no matter your blood or political allegiance you are safe here. This room is neutral territory for all. If you can not debate a topic without blood shed or flung curses do not broach the subject. I know most of your loyalties lie along the same line but for those few that don't share your views be courteous.

Fifth, do not get caught. I don't care what or how many rules you break. If you get caught you are on your own I cant help you. I will be more lenient towards you then other houses but don't make it difficult on me.

The rest is just simple be on time and presentable no matter the situation. Do not make the need for excuses so you don't have to waste energy creating them. I will leave you to get settled. If you need anything my office is down the hall. Prefects you know what to watch for." with I final glance at Blade he swept out of the room.

Blade looked around and noticed the frosty looks. He spoke just loudly enough for people in the back to hear him but he wasn't yelling. "Alright I can see I am not trusted. Does this help?" he asked as he took off his robes and shirt to reveal the tattoo. Every Dark Lord supporter in the room gasped. Their parents had warned them that Voldemort's right hand man would be at Hogwarts. They had described the exact tattoo on Blade. The beauty of the design was that for the non Voldemort supporters they just assumed he was proving he did not carry the dark mark.

Now for the kicker in the situation, and he only did it because his father had told him to. "I see father informed his people well." Blade commented quietly. No one missed the fact that he was alluding to Voldemort. The few who had ever actually seen the Dark Lord realized he did bare a strong resemblance to their leader.

Blade took one look at their awe struck faces and was severely tempted to see just how many would pass out if they knew he was bonded to their head of house. He decided that would be bad form and settled for thinking this was going to be one interesting year.

A/N here is the next chapter. This also explains the lack of reaction to Harry's death. It was there but Blade was too isolated to hear about it. I hope you like this story and enjoyed yourself reading