The pale, gray light of the cloud-covered moon streamed through the small window in the ceiling of the Malfoy manor's dining hall. Candelabras lined the walls, illuminating the corners of the room. Slowly, Death Eaters streamed into the hall, taking their chairs at the long, gleaming table. After her husband's execution, Narcissa had been forced to move several seats away from the Dark Lord. It was a public sign of his disappointment in her family. Sliding into a straight backed chair, she lowered her eyes and bowed her head, for she could feel the scornful gazes of the others. There was a loud clap, and Lord Voldemort appeared, taking his seat in the great, black throne at the end of the table. A smattering of applause echoed.

"Thank you, my faithful servants." The Dark Lord breathed, "It has been precisely a year since we smothered the last flame of rebellion and the war came to an end." He lifted a glass of blood-red liquid and looked around the room. Each Death Eater returned the gesture with cold smiles, although Narcissa did so half-heartedly.

"Something bothering you, Cissy?" Bellatrix whispered hoarsely, her voice mocking. The blond woman did not reply.

After taking a deep drink, Voldemort went on. "Now, onto today's order of business." When he said this, the great, wooden door glided open. A plump, toad-like woman waddled in. Her clothes, a shocking shade of rosy pink, were a painful contrast to the dark robes worn by everyone else.

"Goodness, I do hope I'm not late!" She exclaimed in a sickeningly sweet tone. Her mouth formed a self-satisfied smile.

"You are, indeed, late. Why, may I ask?" Voldemort's black eyes glinted hungrily.

"Of course, my lord. I do owe you an explanation. I was held up at the school. As it would turn out, a student whom we believed to be pure blood faked their blood status. But don't worry, I've...taken care if it."

"Very well. It must not happen again." Voldemort fingered with his wand significantly. "Take your seat."

She gave a patronizing smile before sliding into the chair beside Narcissa.

"Hmm. Where is your husband, dear?" She whispered, her moist, minty breath close to Narcissa's ear. "I was looking forward to seeing Lucius."

The blond woman stiffened at her husband's name and pressed her lips together tightly.

"Now that everyone is here," Voldemort hissed, glaring at the pink clad lady, "we may begin our meeting. We will now hear from Headmistress Umbridge."

"Thank you." She said, voice syrupy, as she rose to her feet. "Ahem," she drew a piece of paper from her bright pink purse. "Well, to begin, we have taken blood samples from nearly every student, which will allow us to be especially sure no mudbloods are enrolled. Also, the renovations are almost complete. Because the four houses have been eliminated we have created only two simple dorms, one for boys and one for girls. The grounds have been enhanced to accommodate dementors and dragons as well. We have hired new teachers, began new classes, and created better forms of punishment. If I may say, I believe our school has a very bright future ahead of it." She folded her hands and looked around, smiling as though she expected the room to burst into applause. To her obvious disappointment, all she received were nods.

Voldemort cleared his throat. "I am...disappointed that the renovations are still underway-"

"They are nearly done, my lord."

"You dare interrupt me?" He boomed, slamming his hand on the table. The noise echoed in the tall, shadowy ceiling.

"I...I apologize." She bowed her head.

"Yes...you do..." His lifeless eyes pierced into her. "Now, as I was saying, I am disappointed by the pace. Your priority should be making the school accessible. Is that clear?"

"Yes, my lord."

"You may go."

With a pert bow and an apologetic smile, Umbridge turned and exited.

"Now. Onto different matters..." He nodded to a large Death Eater who disapparated. After a moment of silence, a clap sounded and he reappeared, clutching the arm of a disheveled-looking woman.

"Ah, Andromeda Tonks. Thank you for joining us." The Dark Lord crooned. Upon hearing this, both Narcissa and Bellatrix looked up, eyes wide.

"My, my, how much disappointment the house of Black had earned. It is tragic how a good name can be spoiled by a few blood traitors." He went on, rising from his seat. "Today, my followers, I bring this woman before you, but it is her grandson whom I seek. Where is he?" His hand struck the woman's cheek, sending her to the floor.

"I don't know." She hissed boldly, clutching her face.

"I have ways of loosening your tongue. Some more painful than others."

"I speak only the truth."

"Crucio!"

Andromeda gasped and wrapped her arms around her body. Her face went red with struggle. Two minutes passed and she did it utter a single scream.

"You know, we shall get it out of you, one way or another. Would you really like to die this way?"

"Unlike you, I don't fear death. I have lived a long, happy life. Can you say the same?"

"You old fool!" He screeched, gripping a handful of her hair and lifting her to a standing position. "Alocasia, fetch me a vile of Veritaserum."

"I have some here, My Lord." The large man drew a small bottle out of his robes. At once, Voldemort removed the cork and poured the contents of the bottle into the woman's mouth. After a moment, he smiled slyly.

"Now tell me, Andromeda Tonks. Where is your grandson?"

All eyes turned and stared at the frail, old woman. After a moment had gone by, she spoke.

"I...do...not...know."

"Who took the be-damned child?"

"I...don't...know."

A piercing screech escaped Voldemort's lips and he struck her again. "Return this retched creature to her cell! I will not be disturbed!" With that, he disapparated.

After a moment of sitting in the silent, dark room, one by one, people began to disapparate as well. Eventually, all were gone except for Bellatrix and Narcissa.

"Well, Cissy, we must try to earn the Dark Lords favor once more and I believe that will be easier without your foolish husband." And with that, Bellatrix too was gone, leaving her sister alone in the room where her family had once dined and laughed together.

But they never would again.

A/N Hey y'all! Thank you for reading! Please review, follow, and favorite! (But especially that first one...) I just realized that I've never written a disclaimer for this story, so here ya go:

I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER (But I wish I did... Hey JK *Waves*)

A very special thanks to ElsaElphieGinny, notsing, ArumaR, and UnicornLover. You guys are the best! Thank you so so much for reviewing! :)