Thanks to my new schedule I'll have a rather strange updating schedule. Sometimes I'll update on Tuesday and Friday, sometimes only on Saturday...
Anyways, Voldie explaining his plans to his Death Eaters and public reaction to Skeeter's article.
Please enjoy!
Chapter 9: Making of plans
The whole elite of the Death Eaters was present in the grand dining room in Malfoy Manor. As soon as they had felt the mark burn they had hurried there, fearing the consequences of lateness. These members of the inner circle numbered barely a dozen, the deceased or imprisoned unable to attend. Only one woman sat among their midst: Narcissa Malfoy. She took the left-hand seat next to the ornate throne that occupied one end of the large table. Her husband, Lucius Malfoy, had claimed the right-hand seat, as was his right. Before the end of the first Wizarding War he had been Lord Voldemort's right-hand man and he was also the host of this dinner party.
Most were elated that their Lord had returned, though they feared his anger at their indolence. The inner circle contained the only marked Death Eaters and therefore the only ones who had had to talk or bribe their way out of Azkaban. They had kept their heads down after their Lord's downfall, so never really managed to start a full search into the events of that dreadful Halloween.
Finally (It had been but ten minutes, yet felt like hours) their Lord made his grand entrance. Severus Snape, Potions Master extraordinaire, had worked miracles to restore his Lord's body in just a week since he had gotten the order. The Dark Lord had regained a rather youthful appearance, seemingly not a day past thirty, and looked exactly like he had used to when he still answered to the name Riddle. He was tall and well built. His face had refined, aristocratic features: a broad forehead, a patrician nose, large eyes under dark eyebrows, small lips and a strong chin. His short dark hair had a wave to it and his eyes were icy blue. He cut an impressive figure in his expensive new robes as he strode towards his chair (coughthronecough).
Yet it was none of these elements that made him dominate the whole room and sucked all attention towards him. It was his magic, curling and flexing around him, that made him seem larger than life. Barely controlled (or so it felt) tendrils of his magic swept past all attendants; the dark, seductive sensation making them shiver.
"My dear inner circle, it has been thirteen years since we were all together like this. Though it is rather unfortunate not all of you chose the easy way out and are therefore imprisoned in Azkaban. I would have preferred my elite healthy and sane, ready to follow my orders. You will not be punished for your lack of motivation in searching for me, but know that I'm incredibly disappointed in all of you."
The Dark Lord was silent again and motioned for the meal to start. He refused to spoil his appetite by the interruptions that were sure to follow should he start explain directly. His new course of the Dark sect was simply to radically different to expect unconditional submission to his commands. Hence he would first enjoy the delicious feast the house elves had prepared and begin the meeting afterwards. Thirteen years as a shade had thought him to appreciate eating, if nothing else.
His actions distressed the elite far more than curses and anger would have done. Those last were familiar, but this civility and, dare they say it, respect towards his followers was unheard of. The Malfoys and Snape took it rather well, having had time to adapt to the new situation, so they struck up some small talk. The others took their cues from them, repressing their discomfort and exchanging pleasantries. The Dark Lord did not partake in this, choosing to savour every bite in such a way it was almost absurd, which actually diffused some of the tension that had built up.
The last morsels of dessert had been consumed and coffee and tea were served. All paid their full attention to their Lord, eager to hear more. "In the past week, I've come to some rather startling conclusions and I've decided to alter my course appropriately. Our world is in danger of dying out unless we take action immediately."
"My Lord, surely that can not be true! Who has told you this blasphemy?"
"No one has, Rowle. I reached this conclusion after some extensive research. In the past hundred years, the population of Hogwarts has been steadily declining. After each war a much larger decrease of students was seen as well. At the rate we are going the British magical community will be extinct in 50 years."
Rowle had flinched when he realised his mistakes, but no punishment had followed, only a rational explanation. It began to dawn that their master had perhaps lost more than his looks in the past, and all were grateful that the Dark Lord seemed restored completely.
"What do you plan to do now, My Lord, as open war is surely out of the question?"
"Good question, Nott, you haven't yet lost your sharpness. We are going the political way. Many of you, my inner circle, have a Lordship, and therefore a place on the Wizengamot. I myself plan on claiming the Lordship of the most Ancient and most Noble House of Slytherin. I will present myself as my own son, Marvolo Slytherin, born to a French pureblood witch. Starting tomorrow you will all approach the neutral Houses to present our improved agenda in a subtle fashion."
This was quickly and most important quietly accepted by his elite. Most were making mental notes to talk to their wives, who would be excellent for this particular job. Narcissa was already making a list of who to invite first and who to leave for later. Greengrass would be open to sensible arguments, as would Parkinson, Flint and Bulstrode. Davis might listen if the facts were presented right, nearly all ravenclaws that family…
"I discovered several more points in my research, some fairly shocking. For a start it seems that there are no true muggleborns. I've yet to find conclusive evidence, but it looks like they actually descend from squibs. This came to my knowledge as I was perusing my family tree, created through a goblin ritual. I've since asked for more family trees and saw the same there."
Gasps and exclamations of disbelieve were heard all round. This information was mind-blowing to the purebloods, who had always seen muggleborns as either magic stealers or less than dirt. Not to mention the rattling of their views about squibs, who were usually abandoned in the muggle world as soon as their lack of magic became apparent.
"Indeed, it is a rather big surprises and presents us the first point of our new agenda. Squibs will no longer be thrown out or even treated like less than other members of the family. They will have their own school and will make successful marriages. We cannot afford to let them go."
The elite were nodding, their Lord made a very sensible point and had clearly though about this a lot. Some were wondering what to do with them, as they grew older, but put it aside for later. Now was a time for listening.
"Muggleborns, from now called newbloods, will be integrated in our society as soon as possible. If it becomes necessary they will be taken from their families to prevent abuse, but I'd rather not do something so rash. Pre-Hogwarts' schools will be formed to give them a general education on magic and our culture and basic skills like reading and writing. I'm considering allowing children from magical parents, who cannot afford tutors, as well, because they often lack a decent basic education. This way schooling at Hogwarts can skip the baby steps and it will become even more comprehensive."
"My Lord, if you permit I'd like to draw up the curriculum for these schools, based on my own experience with the first years. That way we will make a stronger case when we presented these plans in the Wizengamot."
"Excellent point Severus. You have my permission. Perhaps you and Barty can also look into a reformed Hogwarts' curriculum. The two of you have always been amongst my more studious followers."
Severus nodded; he would need to catch up with Barty in private for his imposture of Moody made them antagonists in the eyes of the public. He must say though that Barty did his job wonderfully; the only other competent DADA professor had been Remus.
"Newbloods are not only descendants of our old lines, they have no family magic, thus giving them only raw power. When a newblood and a pureblood have children, the children receive a boost in their magic. For this reason I want your children to look for newbloods and half-bloods when it comes to marriage. I will only sanction marriages between purebloods if it has been more than five generations since the last direct crossing of the family tree."
Severus stilled as he felt Narcissa's gaze fall on him. She despised Pansy Parkinson and had been looking for reasons to nullify her betrothal to Draco. Harry was a half-blood and therefore far more powerful than average. He had also become very good-looking and carried the bearing gene. If Narcissa ever discovered that drunken promise of Lucius, there would be no escape.
A careful glance at Lucius revealed that he too was gazing at Severus with a contemplating look. Thank Merlin that Harry and Draco already had something going. It would make the whole process far less strained and he would not condemn his boy to a loveless marriage.
"I have another announcement to make and it pertains all of you. To rebuild our world we need a bigger population. That means that all of you will need to have at least three or four children per couple. Those of you that are married already will start trying again, using potions to speed up the process if necessary. The unmarried get a year to present me someone suitable and propose to them. I'm aware some of you have special circumstances; I will have meetings with those people during the following week. I also remind you that adopting is a viable option."
Oh shit. Severus was in deep problems now. Not only would Narcissa hound him for a marriage for her son and his, she would also try to play matchmaker for him. There were only two people he considered; by now one might accept him, but the other would sooner curse him to hell and back.
"I remind you of the goals that have brought us together. We want to make clear to the public that Dark doesn't equal evil. Many magics have been banned and labelled as evil, purely because they need someone with a Dark core to preform them. Dark beings are stripped from their rights and labelled evil. We want to reverse this, to create a world were Light, Dark, Grey and Neutral have equal standing and representation! That is why you chose to follow me originally and why you follow me now! Together we will create a better world where only the scum of the Earth has no place!"
The Death Eaters rushed to their feet, clapping and cheering (as much as their upbringing allowed). Finally their Lord had become what their fathers had promised.
"There is one last item on the agenda. I will alter your Dark marks so that only a fellow elite or I will be able to see them. They are too obvious, I realise that now. Your children will most likely not be marked at all. I plan to conquer the Wizarding World in time for their majority. After I have modified your mark, you are dismissed."
All lined up, Lucius and Severus up front. The modification of the Dark mark was painless, contrary to their placement, but the parselmagic made most rather jumpy. The sibilant hisses were eerie and didn't sound natural at all.
(A week before)
Harry had been dreading Monday morning, because Rita's article would appear in the morning edition of the Daily Prophet. His friends supported him, but he still feared the reaction of the school. Severus wasn't well liked after all and some might even want to contest his right to adopt Harry. Their efforts would be futile; the goblins had ensured the paperwork was watertight, but still.
A hush had fallen over the room as soon as the owls had arrived. Glances were thrown in Harry's direction, yet none wanted to make the first move. Just when the silence began to upset Harry, Neville stood and made his way to Harry's part of the gryffindor table. He made a formal bow, slightly deeper than normal between heirs of equal standing. His stutter had disappeared, his posture straight and confident; this was definitely something he understood well.
"Heir of the Ancient and most Noble House of Potter and the Ancient and most Noble House of Prince, as the Heir of the Ancient and most Noble House of Longbottom I would like to renew our longstanding alliance. "
Harry stood and grasped Neville's hand. "As Heir of the Ancient and most Noble House of Potter and the Ancient and most Noble House of Prince I accept the offer to renew our alliance, Heir of the Ancient and most Noble House of Longbottom. So it mote be." A light enveloped their clasped hands; green on Neville's part, gold and royal blue on Harry's. When it faded Harry threw Neville an easy smile. "Would you like to sit down? I'll introduce you to the others."
"Sure Harry, I'm glad we've become friends."
Harry hummed to himself as he descended into the dungeons. Neville had found his place into their little group with remarkable ease. He hadn't even blinked when Luna made a comment about wrackspurts, instead asking her to tell him more about the strange creatures. He would have been well suited for Hufflepuff, but Harry suspected that Neville had more courage than any other gryffindor. He wasn't afraid to do what was right, even if everyone else was against it.
"Heir Potter."
Harry turned to look at Malfoy, head tilted slightly to the side in confusion. Malfoy was never civil to Harry, though it might have had something to do with his rude refusal of friendship back in first year.
"Heir Malfoy."
"You have been adopted by our Head of House. This makes you an honorary slytherin and I've been asked to show you the way to our Common Room. Please follow me."
Harry nodded in acknowledgement and walked towards Malfoy. He did his best to repress his blush, feeling somewhat giddy at his crush's politeness. They walked side by side through the dungeons; both savouring each other's presence. At last they arrived at a stone wall.
"The password changes every fortnight, with the new one posted on the noticeboard. If you're in doubt, ask professor Snape or one of us. Ambition is nothing without perseverance."
I had to end this on a cliffhanger and I'm not sure when I'll write the next chapter. I promise I'm not evil though, just pressed for time.