Disclaimer: The characters and settings, including any sentences taken directly or partly from the books or movies, of Harry Potter are the property of J. K. Rowling, Scholastic Books, Bloomsbury Publishing, AOL Time Link and Warner Brothers. I do not make money from publishing my story.
Severus had been living in the manor for a few weeks now and his proximity to the meeting location meant that he was no longer the last to arrive to meetings. It allowed him to observe the other Death Eaters as they arrived one by one, then walked to the center of the room where the Dark Lord was seated on a very luxurious armchair, and then bowed deeply. Some even kissed the hem of the Dark Lord's robes. Severus did not only observe their manners in greeting their Master, but also who they arrived with and who they conversed with, during the waiting.
Severus had been the fifth to arrive in the meeting hall. After dropping of Potter at his room, he had taken long and quick strides to the hall they had used for meetings ever since they had made Malfoy manor their headquarters. Sometimes the room was fitted with a large dining table and then the Dark Lord would be seated at the head of the table. However, during most meetings, the room would be nearly empty, except for the most comfortable richly colored armchair present only slightly out of center of the room.
Lucius, Bellatrix, Rudolphus and Rabastan, were the only ones who had arrived there before him. He had expected at least Narcissa to be there as well, but it seemed only a select few had been invited to this particular meeting. Pius and Rookwood arrived no more than fifteen minutes after Severus. While Bellatrix had been loudly conversing with her husband, Severus had preferred to remain quiet and observe. All were dressed in regally looking robes. While Azkaban had certainly done a number or the Lestranges there was a clear sign that they were recovering well. All had been able to regain some meat on their bones and color to their skin as well. The traditional pureblood robes they were all wearing completed the picture for Severus. The old days almost seemed to be back, almost.
Moments after Rookwood had arrived and greeted his Lord as was custom, the Dark Lord stood up from his throne gracefully. "I am delighted that you could all be present today, now let us begin", it was clear that the Dark Lord enjoyed his theatrics as with a quick wave of the man's hand, the doors shut themselves with a loud bang. "I have been keeping tabs on some tell tale signs that may indicate when Dumbledore and his Order are up to something", the Dark Lord said, spitting out the name of his former Headmaster with hatred. The Dark Lord had the habit of walking around during his monologues, which irked most of his followers when he stepped too close for comfort.
"Yesterday, Pius informed me that both Auror Shacklebolt and Auror Tonks, requested a leave day", a smirk was forming on the man's face, which made it look even more eerie, "these leave days happen to be on the same day as Arthur Weasley's leave day." This statement was left to sink in for a few moments, during which Voldemort had moved closer towards Pius. Suddenly the Dark Lord took the last step towards Pius and was now nearly chest to chest with his subject. The Dark Lord's robes were billowing behind him somewhat, giving the illusion that time had slowed down. It must have been like that for Pius as well, being in close proximity to his Master, Severus was sure that every second felt like an eternity. Dramatically the Dark Lord removed his right hand from his large sleeve.
To his underlings surprise, the Dark Lord placed his hand on his cheek, as if caressing him. With the Dark Lord's bare skin this close to his own, even Pius could feel the magic throbbing beneath the skin of his Master, which temporarily had him distracted. "This is of course, not a coincidence", this statement brought Pius back to reality, "Dumbledore has something planned for the 3rd of August and we shall be prepared for everything it may entail! Pius and Rookwood, I want full details on everything the Aurors or Weasley does, they are likely to betray little details of their plans! I want full reports of everyday, get started on today's report and have one of those house elves take it to me later."
It was a clear dismissal to both his Ministry spies and they exited the room after a quick bow and a "yes milord". Now the Dark Lord focused on those that had remained. "Rudolphus, take your brother and wive on a tour through the mansion", Voldemort said, "I trust you are capable of enforcing the physical barriers around the headquarters." Slowly he moved towards the only lady present. He looked deeply into her black eyes, while Bellatrix seemed to enjoy the attention she received. He didn't comment on anything he saw in there, but smiled platonically at her before addressing her, "You are of course allowed to curse any and all objects with any curse you see fit. If you place any permanent curses, be kind enough to inform the others as well." Her quickly dismissed them, but as an after though he added, "Bellatrix, I do hope you are making progress on gaining the Black family inheritance.."
Bellatrix left the room howling with laugther that seemed to penetrate deep into Severus' soul, but none of this would show on his face. In the mean time, the Dark Lord had directed his attention to the owner of the manor. Their host, Lucius Malfoy, was visibly stressed while his Master's attention was focused at him. "Lucius, my friend, I require you to bring the mansion into the highest state of awareness no later than tomorrow morning. Dumbledore might have planted the evidence and will then try to surprise us. I also noticed that the Vanishing Cabinet was moved to the library, when will it be ready?"
Lucius looked possitively terrified when he told the Dark Lord that there was little progress with the vanishing cabinets. They had tracked down one of the original designers, but since they were not aware of exactly what was wrong with it, they had not been able to begin repairing it. A sliver of irritation found its way onto the Dark Lord's face, but was carefully concealed. "I will alert the servants of the situation, they will inform you if anything is out of place. I will inform Narcissa as well, she will have another book club meeting with the other pureblood wives, any information she gains there will be directed to you, my Lord."
"You are dismissed." That was something that Lucius Malfoy did not need to hear twice, he was out of the room nearly as fast as when he would have aparated on the spot. After Lucius had left, Severus was left alone with the Dark Lord, which was not something people enjoyed most of the time. It always set Severus a bit on edge as well, the man was after all know to strike out without any warning.
"How is the boy's progress?", Voldemort asked, while seating himself in the armchair once more and the potions master slowly approached him, while answering the man's question. "Potter has expressed his interest in remaining neutral in the upcoming war." Severus was trying to gauge the Dark Lord's reaction, but couldn't read anything of the man's face. "I doubt that he will try to leave with Dumbledore or his Order when they attempt to rescue him."
"Good, we should keep in mind that Potter is headstrong. I would have been worried if you had been able to convert him to our side in this short period already", Voldemort said, the man was lazily twirling his wand. His gaze washed over the room, smiling absently. It was simply ironic. Dumbledore had planned so hard, molding the boy to his needs and influencing the boy's character and wishes. However, the Headmaster had overstepped once he had threatened Potter's life directly. Every human being had an built-in sense of self-preservation and the Headmaster had just awakened Potter's.
"It will be difficult to keep Potter closed off for much longer", Severus addressed his Master, regaining the man's attention. Severus knew that Harry was likely to be involved in one of the upcoming battles. This afternoon the boy had proven yet again, that he would not be able to keep his distance from the problems at hand.
"You are right, Severus", the Dark Lord said ,"then again I can't risk Potter interfering. I need to know, for sure, that he will not side against us." Severus was about to answer his Master's doubts, but remained quiet when he saw a smile forming. It was a dangerous smile, but a visualization of the euphoria his Master was experiencing none the less. "I require a conversation with Mr. Potter", the Dark Lord said, "please bring him here immediately, Severus."
There were a hundred different scenarios going through Severus' head at once. The concern was clearly showing on his face as the Dark Lord addressed him once more, "I need not remind you Severus, that it would not be in my best interests to murder or harm the boy. Not when you have succeeded in whisking the boy away from Dumbledore's side so spectacularly." Severus bowed once more and then exited the room, quickly making his way to Harry's room.