Chapter 42:
I Liked The Minister
Regulus saw Rebecca on the platform, the morning they returned to school. He ignored his instinctive desire to be beside her. He got to work on his mission. After two weeks of being back at school, he had already found five new recruits. They were Ravenclaws – fifth years like himself – he'd offered them knowledge, new skills, new spells. He had quickly learned from his conversation with Voldemort that all he had to do was find out what they wanted; what was their ambition so to speak. For the Slytherins it was easy – power. For the Ravenclaws he had realised it was knowledge. He had no idea what it was that would win the other two houses but he had every intention of finding out – and quickly.
As they entered into May, Regulus' recruits had grown in number significantly. He taught the Ravenclaws spells and gave them tit bits of knowledge – he had written to Voldemort for something he could share with them. He had been very forthcoming. He had won a few Hufflepuffs with threats to their families. They weren't the bravest but they were incredibly kind and that led them to being somewhat self sacrificial. He had yet to get to any of the Gryffindors, unless you counted Peter Pettigrew. In the few short weeks that had passed since the holidays, Regulus had recruited fifteen students and Voldemort was impressed. The Dark Lord had requested a meeting. The next Hogsmeade weekend was coming up and they would meet in the Hogshead.
Lily had taken to studying nearly every second of the day. She was incredibly focused on her school work. She had all but forced James to join her much to his irritation. She had written them both a revision time table months ago but now she was insisting he follow it. Sirius had laughed at them until Marlene had dragged him into the library as well. Soon all four couples were sat together at a big table towards the back of the library following Lily's revision plan. Alice and Frank worked on their defence revision as they held hands. Frank kept playing with Alice's engagement ring. It was gorgeous; a large diamond set onto a goblin made gold band. It was perfectly petite just like her fingers. The only thing large about it was the size of the rock; the ostentatious diamond shone brightly. Kate was rubbing Remus' back gently as they read their textbooks in silence. He was recuperating from the most recent full moon. Sirius and Marlene were less serious about their revision than the others. They were sat opposite each other and kept playing footsie under the table. James was sat next to Sirius whilst Lily sat with Marlene and they kept catching each other's eye. Lily had her arm on the table as she wrote her notes. James grabbed her hand, catching her eye, he winked at her, "can we all go to lunch already, Evans? I'm starving."
Voldemort was waiting for him. The Dark Lord turned when Regulus entered the room. "Ah Regulus," Voldemort smiled, "I have a gift for you…" He pulled out his wand and twirled it between his fingers, "you have done very well. I am very pleased… and so I will make good upon my word."
Regulus said nothing, "do I have your loyalty?"
"Yes, my lord," Regulus answered.
"Good. In that case, give me your arm."
Regulus could not describe the burning sensation as Voldemort cast the spell. It was as if a fire had started in his arm that contaminated his every part. Every cell of his body felt as if it were on fire, dying.
In the middle of May, the Gryffindors woke to the worst of news. As they entered the Great Hall, the noticed that for once the teachers were not calm and professional. They were gossiping amongst themselves. Dumbledore was missing from the table completely. Moments before the post owls arrived, Professor McGonagall stood up to make an announcement. "This morning you will hear some dreadful news. I wish for you not to panic. I want you to remain calm and remember that although we are at war, there is always hope, there is always a future, always tomorrow. It is with great sadness that I must tell you that the Minister For Magic is dead. He was murdered by his own security man who was unfortunately under the imperius curse. People will panic but I ask that you don't."
With that the owls arrived and the students found themselves amerced with newspapers and letters. Many parents wanted to remove their children from the school, others thought it ought to be closed altogether. James sighed, "I liked the minister."
Many of the students looked panic-stricken but McGonagall encouraged them to attend classes like normal. Routine was always the answer for a struggling mind.