I certainly have no rights to Harry Potter, but this won't stop me writing this story. However, you probably already know this. As it is my specialty, and as in my other big stories, this shows how things go if something went different right at the beginning. Please note that I'm not a fan of bashing and also don't expect the two main pairings to differ from canon. However, the path to them certainly will be quite different. I also want to try and subvert certain plots and things that became common in the fandom over the years.
I am BACK! Starting with this chapter, all of Year 6 will be published as usual every second Saturday. The story will again go on hiatus, once Year 6 is done.
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Book IV: Enemies of the Dark Lord
Chapter 66: The Dark Mating
It's not raining, it's pouring, John Major thought, despite the fact that when looking through the window into Downing Street, the weather was dry and sunny.
His thoughts were more aimed at the sheer list of problems he was dealing with.
There of course were the mundane problems of his government, which by this point had already become rather dysfunctional. If there was one thing the Tories were great in, then it was political infighting. Last year he only had managed to get through several important measures by resigning as party leader and then forcing his own re-election. That however had not helped much and especially over the topic of the EU his party was deeply divided.
I honestly expect something terrible to happen. My predecessor tried to take the easy way by shouting she wanted her money back, but she created this mess and I shudder to think what could happen in the future, he thought while observing Downing Street below.
There also was the creeping power loss of the Tories to consider. In each by-election his party was the loser and their majority was dwindling. A few more seats and he would have to rely on those Unionist nutjobs in Northern Ireland, which in itself would be a humiliation and also not good for the continued attempts to finally solve the problems in Northern Ireland.
He was already gambling on the hope that by setting the general elections on the last possible day, which was May 1st of next year - which in the height of irony was Labour Day - he would have enough time to convince people that the economic recovery was thanks to his government. However, at the back of his head he knew people had not forgotten past events and things looked dire. The chance that by this time next year Tony Blair would call this his office was very high.
And that was all without even thinking about the huge mess that was Magical Britain.
MI-X had shifted from mostly gathering information to active counter-actions as well as operations against the enemy. The Death Eaters had started their campaign of terrorism and not only had there been several close calls, but sadly also deaths. This was turning into a hot war and the other side was completely ruthless.
Then there was the strange feeling that had settled over the nation and some strange occasions of fog, that meteorologists couldn't explain. He knew that was caused by those soul-eating monsters which the Ministry had allowed to continue to exist. If not for Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, they would have been helpless against those monsters, but now after months most of their magical troops were prepared.
Those monsters have to be hunted into extinction. That's one thing those other magical nations are right about, he thought.
And then there was the newest disaster. The Death Eaters actually had invaded the Ministry temporarily, which opened a new can of worms. He honestly wondered when Minister Bones would reveal that nugget to him. With that brazen demonstration Voldemort had humiliated the Ministry as utterly impotent to do anything against him.
"Ahem." That was the painting, meaning the Minister was about to arrive. "Amelia Bones, Minister for Magic, is asking for an audience."
"In with her. There is no time to waste." Major honestly didn't bother with etiquette right now.
Moments later Amelia Bones entered, looking tired and as if she only survived on black coffee. "Mr. Major, thanks for seeing me on such short notice... Considering you have a source, you probably already know what happened?"
Major again thanked all what's holy he didn't have to deal with Fudge anymore, since he would have been useless. "Indeed, Madam Bones, I already know of that brazen invasion of your Ministry, though I thought you would inform me as soon as possible. You do know that to the public it makes you look weak?
The look she gave him was answer enough on the question. "It's what he wanted to accomplish, and sadly it worked. The aftermath is a nightmare and it's only now that I got the time to talk with you."
Major knew how stressed she had to be. "Since there is little I can do about public opinion on your side, what are the practical consequences?"
"Despite losing one of their major financial benefactors, this demonstration of power will make them more bold. You have to expect attacks on your citizens become frighteningly frequent - and not only from Death Eaters. We now know for sure that he secured the services of Fenrir Greyback after breaking him and his followers out of prison. You remember him?"
"Oh yes, I do remember." He did remember that terrible year where Greyback and his pack of murderers had terrorized the nation. "With them it will be shoot to kill this time."
Bones didn't blink an eye, knowing the Prime Minister took protecting his people seriously. She wiped her monocle to stall, before revealing the next point. "We also got confirmation of him having smuggled giants into the country to use them as shock troops."
"How do you smuggle a giant, let alone multiple ones?" The Prime Minister found the idea absurd.
"Don't ask... Fact is that we have information they are in the country and I don't even want to imagine the damage they can cause. It would be quite arrogant of me to say to leave it to us, since blunt violence can take care of those brutes. Sadly, there is one threat you can't do anything about."
"You mean the dementors? I am informed and have reports of people suddenly falling over brain dead." He gave her a highly annoyed look. "Your Ministry neglected to hunt those monsters into extinction, instead using them to create a prison that's a single, huge human rights violation, so excuse me that I feel quite angry."
"You are not the only one. The Ministry keeping them was a point of constant friction with other countries. I won't be as arrogant to claim I always wanted to get rid of them. We made ourselves too comfortable with the arrangements and didn't waste a thought at the consequences, should the dementors decide to stop play nice."
The meeting went on for some time.
After she had finally left, the Prime Minister returned to look out of the window. She is honest to me and truly treats me as an equal.
-bzzzzzt- That was the intercom, the light showing it was his secretary. Walking over to his desk, he answered it. "Yes?"
"Sir, I have a highly unusual phone call on the line asking for an appointment," his secretary told him.
"What's unusual about it?" Major asked, wondering what this could be about.
"It's because I'm puzzled how he got this number and he is rather bold asking for an appointment without even stating his position. He said his name is Albus Dumbledore, and that you would understand." His secretary honestly sounded puzzled.
Major looked to the painting, which looked unfazed, then understood. "Ah yes, you wouldn't know about him since you replaced your predecessor only recently. Please patch him through, then I make the appointment myself."
He had only met the man a few times, which in itself was already unusual considering how little contact there normally was with the magical side, but just the fact that he was bothering with making an appointment already made Mr. Dumbledore quite a bit more polite than all the other contact with the Ministry prior to Madam Bones.
Also, considering the man knew of MI-X and had kept silent awarded him a certain amount of trust. Though that also meant meeting someplace else than his office, since they did not wish for that spy on the wall to hear what they would talk about. While he was fine with the Ministry knowing he was meeting with Dumbledore, he had no wish for them to know anything beyond that.
Also nice to know there are wizards who know perfectly fine how to use a telephone, he thought while taking the call.
...at the same time at the Burrow...
The Burrow was bathed in the orange light of the early Summer evening, painting everything in the most beautiful colors, when the Weasleys arrived at their home. Filing out of the slightly beat-up family car, an old but reliable Ford Anglia that had been magically enhanced by Arthur over the years, the Weasleys were met with a surprise when seeing that someone was already waiting for them - namely Bill and Fleur.
While that sight wasn't too surprising considering both of them worked and lived in London and had written they wanted to keep a closer tie to the family in light of their engagement, everyone who had been at Hogwarts for most of the year was surprised how Molly's mood seemed to dim a bit at the sight of the French woman.
Ginny for her part didn't notice the tension right at the moment. "Bill!" She gave her oldest brother a hug to greet him, before she noticed Fleur and suddenly felt awkward. "Uh, eh..."
"Oh, don't worry. After all, my own sister likes to hug me as well," Fleur told Ginny, looking more amused than anything while seeing the girl relax
"Hello, we thought considering recent events, the family should spend some time together. Fleur also was eager to spend more time in the house I grew up in," Bill greeted his family.
"I know you have written you want to ease your fiancee into the family long before the wedding, but it's different when actually seeing it," Percy admitted, seeing the closeness that Bill and Fleur were sharing.
Penelope, who had ridden along with them, giggled and then held onto Percy. "I've seen you notice. Now you understand what people see when seeing the two of us." She also suggestively showed Percy her left hand and wiggled her empty ring finger.
"Oh, Penny..." Percy was not a man in the habit of being hasty, but all of a sudden he felt that Bill had put pressure onto him, even if unintentionally.
"Oh Bill, this is such a surprise. I honestly had not expected the two of you today." Despite Molly trying to hide it, everyone - even Ron - noticed that she was struggling.
Bill for his part noticed as well. "We thought a little surprise would be good, Mum. Fleur and me will be in the garden while you can unload your luggage."
Watching them leave, Arthur sighed. "Molly..."
"I know, Arthur, I know. I need more time," she told her husband.
"George, I think we shouldn't touch that one with a ten-feet pole," Fred told his twin while watching their mother's reaction to Fleur being present.
"I think so as well, Fred," George agreed. "I think we better check the shop. Ensure all the merchandise is present for our big opening in a few weeks."
"All of a sudden the dynamics in our family have become much more complicated," Ron remarked to Ginny. He had known that their mother did have some problems with Fleur, but he had thought by now things should have been worked out.
Ginny knew that while Ron was a bit thick about relationships, he was right about this one. "I have a feeling this will be an awkward summer."
Several minutes later saw Bill and Fleur talking with Percy and Penelope in the garden, sitting in garden chairs at a somewhat beat-up table on which sat a tray with glasses of cold lemonade. Together with the sunset it was a picture of peacefulness in uncertain times - an interesting contrast if one thought about it.
"I thought you have a flat in London like we do?" Fleur asked, wondering a bit about Percy and Penelope staying for a few days.
"We do. However, Percy felt after what happened his parents would feel better to have as much family as possible close by," Penelope said. "I honestly feel honored I practically count as family already."
"Ah, yes..." Fleur looked a bit resigned.
Bill rolled his eyes. "Mum still has trouble with Fleur being French - and I honestly don't understand, why. She also implied we are too hasty and Dad had to remind her that they had married straight after finishing Hogwarts and had me just two years later."
That moment Ron and Ginny joined them. "Mum and Dad won't come out for a while. Mum is trying to busy herself with work and Dad is telling her it can be done later. Don't go in there right now if you know what's good for you," Ron warned them.
"Oh man..." Bill already knew why his mother was reacting like that.
"Also don't expect Fred and George to join us. They've already left to do all the preparations for their new shop to open next month and won't be back until late in the night. Also heard they want to move into a flat above it before the big opening," Ginny added, privately feeling the twins had the right idea.
"I know why she's doing the work now. She feels like I'm intruding in her domain and wants to make sure there's nothing left for me to do. Bill, it must be more than just my nationality. Why is she so hard on me?" Fleur wondered aloud.
Bill scratched his chin, looking thoughtful. "If I have to guess, it's because I'm her oldest and she's putting a lot of hope into me. You should have seen her when learning I would take a dangerous job. I think she's not really seeing you but her worries."
"There's something to that," Ginny agreed while making herself comfortable and taking a lemonade. "I don't think she's knowingly doing so, but Mum is putting lots of pressure onto Bill to continue the line in a great fashion."
"You know, Bill, for quite some time I was envious how successful you are, but now I realize that it made Mum's expectations in you to rise as well. All of a sudden my past desire for more attention looks a bit silly," Ron admitted, now understanding the pressure put onto his oldest brother.
"There is nothing wrong with being ambitious," Percy reminded Ron. "Though I did get the lesson where unchecked ambition can lead to. I try to stay humble about it ever since."
"Percy is correct, Ron. Better give it your all than vanish in mediocrity, as long as it doesn't go to your head," Bill agreed with his brother.
That moment a post owl appeared, having spotted the people in the garden. It dropped a letter onto the table and Bill gave it two Knuts before it took off again. Being the most senior of the Weasleys, and the letter being addressed to the family in general, he read it, his expression brightening while he did so.
"Good news, Charlie will be home next week!" He then read a bit further. "Hmm, he says that he has some news for the family, but wants to give them in person? It's not like him to be so vague."
"What I have seen of Charlie, I know he's a rather direct person," Penelope said, thinking of her interactions with the second-oldest Weasley son.
Percy for his part read the letter as well. "Indeed, not much detail, but I notice from his handwriting that it seems to be important. We should better tell our parents. Maybe that will distract them from the situation with Bill and Fleur."
Why do I have the feeling that whatever Charlie has to say will only make the situation worse? Ron thought, feeling like family matters all of a sudden had become a minefield, which was the last thing they needed after the disaster at the Ministry.
...two days later...
"Now, Bella, I'm sure you can't wait until the time has finally come, so you?" Voldemort asked Bellatrix while they walked down the halls of the Riddle House.
"I have to admit I am eagerly anticipating the day," Bellatrix admitted.
Voldemort was pleased at how eager she was, not to a small part due to him also knowing he would get to enjoy that very much. "Good, but there is other business as well which we can not neglect for our own pleasure. How is the planning coming along concerning Ollivander?"
"The problem is getting into Diagon Alley. Now that our direct influence on the Ministry is gone, despite how many in the Ministry are under your command, we have to plan that carefully," Bellatrix admitted. "Barty is taking care of that."
"Good, he is competent and will ensure that all our goals will be achieved," Voldemort said.
Ever since the strange effects caused by his and Harry's wands, Voldemort wanted to find out what was going on, since he hated factors that were outside of his control. However, since he was not versed in wand lore, never having deemed it important, they had to go to the source. That also would allow them to source a big number of wands to use as they saw fit.
"Do they have to capture Ollivander himself?" Bellatrix asked.
"That would be a big bonus and show them the folly of having one source for wands dominate all the others, but let's keep our goals more realistic that capturing him would be a bonus. He most certainly is well-guarded by this point," Voldemort waved off the idea.
"As you wish, Master. Anything I should relay to Barty?" Bellatrix asked.
"I know that old man is keeping books about the wands he sells. I saw him writing into one when I bought mine all those years ago. I want those books," Voldemort made clear.
"As you wish, my Lord," Bellatrix acknowledged.
"Good, now to other business. In two days our new recruits will be sworn in and receive their marks." Voldemort gave Bellatrix a deep look. "Hmm, you on the other hand don't look particularly impressed, Bella."
"I frankly am not. Many of them are coddled and soft; most likely the fault of their parents," Bellatrix said with contempt. "I will never make that mistake with my future children."
"I know you will make a great mother," Voldemort said, honestly meaning it. He himself wouldn't know, never having had one. "However, I feel you are especially aiming that complaint at young Malfoy and his little girlfriend."
"Them especially." Now Bellatrix looked particularly unimpressed. "I don't know what the Parkinsons did to make their daughter such a talentless little sissy, but I'm very disappointed that Narcissa sullied the Black legacy by allowing her son to develop into... that."
Now Voldemort was truly interested. "You sound disappointed, Bella."
"I am, Master. Admittedly, it was a futile wish for my sister to raise the brat properly," Bellatrix said with grave disappointment. "Given the chance, I would ensure that little snot is forced to improve and get an attitude adjustment."
"Truly? It sounds like you are volunteering, Bella," Voldemort remarked, already forming a new plan that would be such a nice addition to the one that already had formed inside his mind - the very plan why he wanted those two teenagers back at Hogwarts in the first place.
"My Lord, if it's possible, I would very much want to grind him down into something useful," Bellatrix confirmed.
Now Voldemort chuckled. Who was he to deny Bellatrix her wish, especially since it would very well fit into his plans? "Then you won't mind taking both of them, do you?"
"Thank you, my Lord! I won't mind at all, she after all is equally as bad, so it will be great consolation for all the effort to see them vomit from the sheer intensity of training I'll put them through." Now Bellatrix actually sounded happy, though with a heavy dose of sadism shining through.
"I like your enthusiasm, Bella." Bellatrix was not very subtle, but she made up for it in other aspects.
"Though, knowing my sister, she will run to Snape and beg him to help out her son with his mission inside the school. First she makes him weak and now I know she will try to give him help as soon as she learns more about what the brat is to do," Bellatrix then said, sounding displeased at the idea.
"Truly, is that so? That would actually be a very fortunate turn of events. Tell me more about that, especially if it happens." They had reached the throne room when Voldemort saw Bellatrix looking surprised. "Follow me into my sanctuary. There are things you need to know - things connected to the task you have taken on..."
They walked in and the door then was shut, leaving it a mystery what was being relayed to her in there.
...that evening, Little Whinging...
The early summer evening settled over Little Winging while two people were walking down the sidewalk towards Privet Drive. Well, it actually were three people, but the third one was trying very hard not to intrude and stay back.
"That cousin of yours is sticking out like a sore thumb," Dudley remarked to his girlfriend.
"Sorry for her, but she does not exactly move much in the non-magical world and I know she's highly embarrassed how often she's stepped into it today, but she was the only one available as our 'minder'. At least she's discreet when it come to us," Millicent said, having to shake her head at the memories.
"Which is a good point, though it is a bit embarrassing how she almost got thrown out of the cinema," Dudley said further, remembering the scene all too well. "Even though that's the first film she even saw in a cinema... Well, at least she likes Sean Connery."
Millicent couldn't help but to laugh. Yes, her cousin had almost been thrown out of the cinema due to how excited she was to watch a film. But after the film was over, she had honestly admitted that Sean Connery was a cool old guy. However, even though it had been explained in the film, Dudley needed to give her some more background on the 'Rock' in question, making said cousin wonder if it was the Muggle equivalent to Azkaban.
"By the way, your mother really likes having me around," Millicent then said.
"She's had years to understand who you are and now she's pretty much putting all her hope in that it works out between us. She admitted to me that after how things went with Aunt Lily, she is trying to do better this time," Dudley explained why Petunia was so supportive.
"Still..." She then moved closer and whispered into his ear "I can't wait until we are back at school and with no parents or minders to stop us..."
Dudley blushed a little at how forward his girlfriend was, though it did fit with the confidence she'd won over the years. Yes, they both wanted to get more physical, but paradoxically there would be little opportunity for that over the summer and much more opportunity for that at school. Dudley still remembered what Millicent had seen in that mirror and by now she truly looked like an amazon; strong and yet beautiful.
"Just make sure Astoria is nowhere nearby. I swear, some of her comments..." Dudley remembered those all too well.
It seemed, Millicent did so as well. "Yes, no way I want to have a repeat of that. Though, you have to admit, the face Daphne made when hearing the crude language her sister was using was quite funny. Though too bad for Astoria she right away wrote to their parents when Astoria made a comment about her and Finch-Fletchley."
"Indeed, too bad for Astoria, but that happens if you can't keep your mouth shut." Dudley knew Astoria right now was not enjoying the first two weeks of summer. "At least we've learned something: never make smart comments about your older sister's love life."
Both of them couldn't help but to laugh.
Arriving in Privet Drive, they spotted activity in front of the neighboring house. "Again with motorcycles, Harry?" Dudley greeted his cousin.
"Yes, but this one will be my own," Harry said while pointing proudly at the motorcycle. "Uncle Sirius got it for me and I aim to make my license as soon as I turn sixteen."
Said Sirius walked out of the garage. "And I'm sure you'll get it. You should have seen how proud Diane's father looked when learning that Harry has interest in motorcycles and working on them."
Honestly, that interest had caught Harry by surprise as well, considering that almost ten months a year he was in an environment in which motorcycles had no place - with the one exception of Hagrid who admitted that Sirius had insisted on building him a custom one - extra big and strong for his size. Hagrid was only using it during the summer, so the matter had never come up. The image of Hagrid as a biker came back to Harry every time he thought of Hagrid's custom bike, with Madame Maxime being along for the ride.
"How was the film?" Harry asked while wiping his hands on a rag, having known his cousin wanted to go to the cinema.
"It was great, but we couldn't do much after it due to our minder," Millicent said, pouting a bit.
Harry chuckled humorlessly. "I know why your parents would be concerned for your safety in these times. Be glad you only have one. I have no less than three."
"Three?" Dudley looked around and only then spotted the three people trying to blend into the background. "Man, you can't do anything fun with them around you all the time."
"I will be very happy once Voldemort bites the dust, since it means getting my freedom back," Harry admitted, knowing that spontaneous leisure drives on his new motorcycle would also be out, not to speak of private things with Ginny. "Could be worse however, I guess. At least I'm not confined to the house."
"Yes, that would suck," Millicent admitted.
"I think Harry is a bit annoyed he can't spend more of his free time with his girlfriend," Sirius then said, enjoying seeing Harry blush. "I was once a teenager, too, so don't be surprised. I saw the envious look you gave those two."
"All right, I admit it..." Harry then returned his attention to the motorcycle in order to get it to top condition for when he would make his license.
"Excuse him, he is stressed due to everything making life so difficult," Sirius excused Harry. "He also is not exactly impressed that some people expect him to solve the whole current mess for them."
"I know ever since the mess in the Ministry the Prophet has started calling him the 'Chosen One' and had a good guess he would be annoyed by it," Millicent remarked, finding the mere idea pretty insulting - especially to Harry.
Said Harry snorted from where he was being busy with checking the front wheel. "First they crap all over me, and now they act like I'm some kind of magical Jesus."
Dudley couldn't help but laugh. "Sorry, but even though I'm very much not the religious type, that conjured the image of you and your apostles during the last supper."
"Let's hope it does not come to that..." Harry after all knew all too well what happened after said last supper.
...the Riddle House, June 28th...
"Look at all that fresh meat," Alecto remarked to her brother while looking to the new initiates to the Death Eaters. "All of them being so eager and already thinking they are bigshots despite being utterly green."
"They'll learn soon enough. I'm more concerned with how we had to ferry them all here and have to ferry them back out. I understand why the Dark Lord sees them as not important enough to learn the secret, but it's still so tedious," Amycus grumbled, not being thrilled that they were being used as magical taxis.
"The Dark Lord's word is law. You know that," Alecto reminded her brother.
"I never doubted that and would follow the Dark Lord to the end of the world. However, I'm still not very impressed with those little snots," Amycus clarified to his sister.
"They will become useful," Pettigrew said, having joined them. "Remember what kind of whiny crybaby I used to be and I learned fast enough."
Alecto laughed at the memory. "Ah yes, that had been fun. Hmm, maybe giving them the same option of sink or swim will indeed have identical results?"
"Let's wait and see..." Pettigrew then looked to where the Dark Lord would enter from, Barty and Bellatrix guarding the door. "Barty does not look particularly impressed and Bellatrix acts like she discovered she stepped onto a slug."
"No wonder there." Amycus would never admit it, but Bellatrix was unnerving him. She was one of those people who would give you a smile before carving you open with a knife.
The thoughts of Barty and Bellatrix indeed were not exactly positive.
They don't look particularly impressive, but if that's what we have to work with... Barty thought.
Bellatrix meanwhile was more direct. Half of them are only useful as meat shields or grunts. What the hell have those families done to make their children such morons?
Among the group of initiates also were Draco and Pansy, though as eager as they were to join, they were still chewing on their orders.
"Basically all of the former Inquisitorial Squad are here - even the morons. Draco, considering the mark... do you think it will hurt?" Pansy asked Draco.
"Of course it does, but we have to ground our teeth together and endure it to show the Dark Lord we are serious about it," Draco told his girlfriend, having a good idea of it since his mother had told him of her own initiation.
The thing about both of them was, that despite thinking they knew everything about what they were getting into, they actually didn't. They still were quite naive about the true cause, deluding themselves into thinking they would be part of a great thing. Even the shock of being told they would be forced to continue to attend Hogwarts - a place where everyone else hated them - had not lessened their determination.
However, they would learn soon enough how much they were deluding themselves.
"All of you who are about to enter service to the Dark Lord, kneel to show your reverence!" Bellatrix suddenly shouted, causing the new initiates to flinch before they did as told.
The door opened and Voldemort emerged, accompanied by his ever-present snake. Ignoring everyone for the moment, Voldemort sat down on his throne, calmly observing the new initiates. It felt like a meat inspection. His eyes scanned each of them, as if looking into them to give final judgment, before finally he broke the silence.
"Each of you have come here before me to join the ranks of the Death Eaters. You have already proven yourself worthy, showing the needed determination. Now the time has come to officially receive my mark and then start your training. Very soon all of your shall call my... Master." Voldemort was speaking calmly, but the weight of his words felt enormous.
"Gaining my mark is a great honor - and with it comes a great responsibility." Everyone saw Barty bringing the branding iron, which started to glow a sickly green after Voldemort took hold of it and touched it with his wand. "I see no second thoughts... good. One after the other, step forward and present yourselves."
Draco and Pansy noticed they would be last in line.
Draco then saw Pansy look a bit squeamish when seeing the hissing iron branding Sevenstone, the girl actually letting a small groan of pain escape. "Try to think of something else when it happens, that should distract you from the pain."
"I'll try to..." Pansy's parents had shown her their Dark Marks and the fact it would literally be branded onto her skin made her dread the pain.
Finally, it was only the two of them left.
"Ah yes, young Malfoy and Parkinson. Both of you are very eager to join my cause," Voldemort mused, then nodded to Draco to kneel first.
Arrrgh! This HURTS! Draco thought when the iron branded the mark onto his left forearm. He ground his teeth together, not wanting to look weak in front of the Dark Lord.
Then it was Pansy's turn. Aieeee... It's even worse than I thought! Pansy knew better than to vocalize her pain, but her body betrayed her and some tears of pain escaped her. Thankfully, Voldemort didn't seem to mind.
"The deed is done and the pact is sealed. All of you have pledged your service to Lord Voldemort. All of you will be trained by a seasoned Death Eaters." A sign to Pettigrew and the Carrows was enough for them to understand to ferry out the fresh meat to their destinations for training. "Not the two of you, however," Voldemort said to Draco and Pansy.
"My... my Lord?" Draco asked, wondering what this could be about.
"In light of your... special circumstances, I have decided both of you need the best possible training," Voldemort said, his expression unreadable.
Draco and Pansy honestly still had no idea what that mission, which would require them to return to Hogwarts, actually was supposed to entail. They had not gotten even a single hint what they were supposed to do there. All the secrecy had made them a bit nervous that some big feat was expected of them. That they would be given the best training only made that possibility bigger.
"Yes, preparation is very important. Thus my dear Bellatrix has volunteered to prepare both of you as best as possible for the task ahead.
Draco and Pansy now felt like shitting themselves. Bellatrix was scaring both of them to no end. Draco especially wondered how that woman could be his aunt, considering how little she was like his mother. Pansy for her part thought of Bellatrix as ax-crazy and being near her as a good way to get hurt. Both of them were scared what kind of training she would put them through.
"Well, maggots, it looks like we will be spending lots of time together," Bellatrix greeted them with a sadistic smirk. "Right now you are happy little punks... but I will change that."
Watching the teenagers pale at Bellatrix's declaration, Voldemort couldn't help but be pleased. He hadn't actually planned this, but then Bellatrix had volunteered, saying that those two were coddled and in dire need of an attitude adjustment. There was no way he would deny her request, especially since it meant reminding those two families that the only word that counted was that of Lord Voldemort.
That, and the sadistic part of him couldn't wait to learn of the hardships Bellatrix would put those two teenagers through.
...June 30th...
"You know, Voldemort, your current looks are not exactly conveying that you are are very deadly dark lord," Nagini commented.
"Contrary to common belief, I do know when to relax," Voldemort told Nagini.
Nagini's comments were understandable. While she had seen him like that many times before due to living together with him, now that Voldemort was expecting a special visitor in his chambers, she again was bringing attention to the fact that Voldemort wearing a green bathrobe with a Slytherin emblem stitched onto the left side was not compatible with the image of the merciless Dark Lord.
However, the man honestly didn't care, since he liked his comfort and in light of what would happen today... He had given strict order to the others to stay far away from his chambers and should he learn otherwise, there would be severe punishments. His loyal followers of course knew to stay away, so the threat was just a formality he had to do.
-toc toc toc- That was knocking on the door. "Come in," Voldemort called.
The door opened and Bellatrix walked in, wearing a bathrobe like his, only that hers was purple in color. "I'm here, my Lord."
"Yes, and I'm gone. Have fun with her," Nagini said, then slithered out, not wanting to witness that, as it would only serve to make her jealous that she no longer was capable of doing the same. Bellatrix watched the huge snake slither out of the door before she closed it.
"Now, Bella, present yourself," Voldemort said calmly, trying to mask how eager he was.
Bellatrix didn't hesitate to undo the belt and then slide the robe off her shoulders, causing it to pool around her on the floor. "I bare myself to you, my Lord."
Voldemort inspected her, and unlike the last time he'd done so, he this time liked what he saw. Bellatrix had recovered the very physical attributes which she had flaunted in her youth, although some signs of her higher age of cause were still present. The front already looked very promising and when making her turn around, her rear end also was nice and full. She truly was worth of being bedded by Lord Voldemort.
"Good, good. I truly like what I'm seeing there, Bella. You are working hard to serve me well," Voldemort finally said after having watched enough.
"I thank you, my Lord, and I'm very eager to be the starting point for your dynasty," Bellatrix replied, looking very eager. "You will be the first to ever touch me that way, my Lord. Ever since my youth I saved myself for a great man, and that man is you."
Yes, Bellatrix was proving how much she would live and die for him. "And that is what makes you worthy of being the starting point of my dynasty."
Standing up, Voldemort let his own robe drop. Contrary to what people might think, while his face was a mess, a good part of his body was in relatively good condition, as Bellatrix could see much to her joy. "That's a wand truly worthy of a great man as you are."
"You are laying it on thick, Bella." Voldemort was more amused than anything at the sight of Bellatrix acting like an excited teenage girl. "Now come. It is time to do your duty for your Master, as you will do so again many times in the years to come."
Yes, Voldemort was a dark lord, but he also was a man with the needs of a man.
Basically at the other end of the house meanwhile, Barty was trying not to think what their lord was doing with Bellatrix in this very house. While he would follow Voldemort to the end of the world, he couldn't bring himself to imagine what he and Bellatrix were doing right now. That was not only out of respect but also because he the mental picture was not an appealing one.
He was trying to concentrate on writing the scrolls in front of him - after all even for the wicked ones the paperwork was immense - not wanting to dwell on that any longer. It was all the small work the Dark Lord couldn't be bothered with, since his sight was on the bigger picture. His work however was made difficult when the door was opened and the Carrows walked in.
"Hey, Barty, we crash here for a bit if you don't mind," Amycus told him.
"Is something wrong?" he asked, though he had an idea what this could be about.
Alecto was trying hard not to roll her eyes. "We are just trying to follow the Master's orders and want to stay far away from his chambers."
I knew it... Barty honestly couldn't blame them.
This room on the ground floor after all was big enough and the evening sun was shining in through the large windows, bathing everything in an orange light. He ignored the Carrows making themselves comfortable and tried to concentrate on his work again when the door was opened again, this time by Pettigrew.
"Eh, can I...?" Pettigrew tried to ask.
Barty rolled his eyes. If this continued, he would never get his work done. "Yes, you can stay here."
"Thanks, man. I didn't want to... oh!" Pettigrew stopped when Nagini entered as well, making a beeline for the big windows, where she curled up in order to enjoy the evening sun.
Now no one is left, Barty thought.
Yes, all of them were completely loyal to Lord Voldemort and they were not questioning Bellatrix' loyalty to him. However, that did not mean they had to listen to their Master bedding Bellatrix in order to start his dynasty.
o
While in the Riddle House one Black woman was giving herself to Lord Voldemort in a way that essentially still was cold and calculated by Voldemort, at the same time in a flat in the Greater London area a very different Black woman had a very different experience.
"Catch me, big bad wolf!" Dora called, though she of course was not making any serious attempt to escape.
"Don't worry, I'm gonna get you!" Remus told her, before doing so, both of them landing on the carpet.
Both of them were enjoying this Sunday evening in their flat and, secure of their privacy, had gotten into the mood for a little adult game. With all the things going on in Magical Britain, both of them had learned to better enjoy what they did have and never take for granted that things would never get worse. Indeed, Remus now even felt that perhaps he had waited a little too long, considering Dora had always been open for a relationship.
Right at the moment both of them were very much naked - Dora proving that she was changing the color of all of her hair and not just of the hair on her head - and despite what it might look like, both of them were very much mindful of each others' boundaries during their adult activities. That was after all very important for a healthy relationship.
"My, you are quite forward today," Dora said, laughing. "Is the wolf coming through because tomorrow is the full moon?"
Remus by this point was not fazed by her telling that, especially since he was taking his potions religiously. This being the day before full moon also was why they had their fun now instead of at night. "Oh, something has changed. The wolf is actually urging me to be close to you."
"Ahhhh, does that mean it acknowledges me as its mated female?" Dora honestly was surprised by that development.
"It wants a bit more than that..." Remus admitted while holding her close. "The wolf wants us to breed, but I don't know..."
Dora on the other hand stopped him. "Don't. Hearing that, I know I'll stop using any protection."
"Dora, do you really want that? Especially now?" Remus asked, worry for her shining through.
Remus of course was worried that having a child now, in the current mess the whole country was finding itself in, was not exactly the best of ideas. He felt the wolf right away protesting, Remus interpreting correctly that it wanted Dora to hive a littler (though thankfully due to Remus it knew how the human body worked and also would be satisfied with one child).
"Life is too short, so we should take what we want while we have the time. And I know why else you think so. With you at my side it would be easier and I quit the very moment the little munchkin is on the way out," Dora reassured him.
Remus knew what she was talking about and he knew that he would do everything to make a pregnancy easier on her. He also felt the wolf, despite it not understanding most of it, being in agreement that their mate was very willing to have a litter. It even felt very eager now to start trying for one right away and Remus felt the effects.
Some years ago Remus would have been too afraid to even consider being a father, afraid the child could inherit his curse. However, he was living a good life and Dora had worked hard to ease his fears. "You are sure?" he asked, wanting to be sure.
"Oh, Remus, stop asking and finally get to work," Dora told him.
Understanding, Remus picked her up and carried her to the bedroom, knowing this was a consensual decision of theirs and thus they both would be in this, even though Dora would have to be the one carrying the child to term, with all the side-effects that came with it.
...the Burrow, July 2nd...
Charlie Weasley was expected to arrive at the early evening and the entire family had gathered to greet him. That not only was due to him being the one Weasley who was home the least, but also due to their own curiosity. After all, his letter had spelled it out that he did have news for the family he wanted to tell them. Him wanting to do so in person meant it had to be something serious.
Fleur for her part had come along with Bill and sighed when seeing Molly trying her best to keep herself busy.
Penelope, who had come with Percy - Percy having told her to her own delight that his mother would otherwise wonder why she was not present - understood what that was about. "She still has a problem with you?"
"Back when I first met her, I honestly thought she has a problem with my Veela ancestry, until Bill told me it's about my nationality. His mother has some strange ideas about the French," Fleur told Penelope, being a bit envious how easily Mrs. Weasley had accepted the other woman.
"I honestly don't understand. What does she think is problematic about you being from France?" Penelope wondered.
"She has certain... notions about French women, and let's leave it at that," Fleur said, honestly not wanting to go into any detail about that.
Penelope nonetheless understood what that was about. "Ah, national stereotypes rearing their ugly head. I can already imagine the picture that must have come up in her head. Means you have to actively show her you are not like that at all."
"I'm trying, but I have to be careful not to appear patronizing." Fleur had no wish to reinforce Mrs. Weasley's mental imagine of the stuck-up French bitch.
-crac- crac- That was the sound of apparition from outside of the protective perimeter, only that instead of Charlie alone, that at least had to be two people. That created the question who that second person could be. They waited for a bit until finally the front door opened and Charlie entered together with a woman none of them had seen before.
She did mostly look like an ordinary, dark-haired woman in her mid-twenties emulating Charlie's fashion choices. The one thing that stood out was a burn scar on her left cheek, which created the question why it hadn't been removed magically. The one other strangeness was, that she was keeping her hands in her pockets.
Everyone greeted Charlie, before he went to introduce the woman next to him. "May I introduce Margaret Thompson? She is one of my co-workers at the preserve."
"I'm very pleased to meet all of you. How do you do?" While she said that, she took her hands out of her pockets and...
"Oh!" That was the general reaction when seeing a certain ring on her left hand.
Seeing the reaction, Charlie nodded to her to explain. She was a little nervous, but nonetheless tried. "Hello. As Charlie already said, I'm Margaret Thompson, though I know my surname will soon enough change. I'm two years his senior and believe it or not, but when we first met, I saw him as little more than a bossy snot who thought he could tell us how to do our jobs."
"So what changed? He enchanted you with his roguish charm?" George jokingly asked, ignoring the look his mother was giving him.
"Oh no, it was a gradual thing and started after we've had a short job done at Hogwarts a few years ago," she said. Ron and Ginny were forcing themselves to keep silent, knowing said job had to be removing Norberta the dragon.
"That's a wicked scar you have there," Fred finally said.
"Fred Weasley!" Molly warned her son.
Thompson however only laughed. "Thanks. I got that when I started my job and arrogantly thought I already know what I was doing. One dragon decided to show me that's not the case and I decided to keep it as a reminder to stay more humble."
"After I proposed to her, both of us have decided to transfer to the dragon preserve in Wales," Charlie then explained further.
"Oh, that's wonderful! After Bill my second-oldest son also will be closer to the family," Molly said in relief, never having been comfortable with how far away Charlie had been for his job.
"I must say it most certainly takes courage to move back despite the ongoing war situation... However, you most certainly have been quite responsible in making the decision carefully," Arthur said, being impressed with such a mature decision.
"Ehm, there is a bit more to that decision," Thompson said, now looking nervous.
"Yes, there were certain... circumstances that forced us to make that decision now," Charlie admitted.
Arthur wondered for a moment, then saw Thompson blush and hold a hand flat onto her belly and it clicked. "No, don't tell me that both of you didn't take proper care..."
"Sorry, Dad, but Mum and you are going to become grandparents," Charlie admitted.
That finally result in a storm of voices, some shocked, some excited, some disappointed. It ended when suddenly Molly stepped forward and pulled hard at Charlie's ear. "Charles Weasley, that was not how I wanted to learn that my first grandchild is on the way!"
"Ow, ow, ow! Mum, mercy! I already showed we are ready to marry!" Charlie said while grimacing at his mother's strong hand seemingly wanting to pull his ear off.
"That is the saving grace that both of you don't want your child to be born out of wedlock." Molly then used her other hand to pull on Thompson's ear. " And you, young lady, are not off the hook, either. The three of us will have a talk about being responsible. Don't misunderstand, I will gladly welcome you into the family, but it looks like I first have to set some of your priorities straight."
"Ow, yes Ma'am... ow!" Thompson said
Everyone else quickly fled the house into the garden, knowing that they most certainly didn't want to be present for said lesson. It was only when the door had fallen shut that they dared to talk about what they had just witnessed.
"Wow... Charlie, just wow," Ron said, still trying to process that Charlie had knocked up that woman and the first of the next generation of Weasleys was now on the way.
George on the other hand looked to Bill. "Well, Bill, I guess Charlie has been faster than you and now will be in front of the altar first."
"George, that's no competition. After all, I haven't asked you about how things currently are with Angelina." Bill saw that this shut up his insensitive brother. He also saw how Fleur seemed unsure how to react to the news. "Fleur?"
"Bill, I know it makes me sound jealous and embittered, but part of me is not happy with these news, feeling like fate is conspiring against us," Fleur lamented, looking quite unsettled with feeling that way. "I don't know if it's my Veela blood which is causing me to feel that way, but I don't like it."
Bill held her close. "I know you don't blame them. You are frustrated that it seems like things are constantly trying to make what you will have less special."
"I honestly don't want to imagine Fleur when she's truly angry. After watching her grow wicked sharp claws during the underwater task, I most certainly don't want to see her angry again," Ginny remarked when watching Bill reassuring her. "But back to Charlie... I honestly had not expected that. He always only seemed to have eyes for dragons."
"I remember Dora mentioning once that that's what made them decide to just stay friends." It had been a bit surreal for Ron to hear Dora talking about her relationship with Charlie during their school days. He then looked to his father. "Hey, Dad, you think Mum will be very hard on them?"
Arthur still looked a bit stunned at the news when he answered "I think she mostly will read them the riot act before starting the preparations to get them married as fast as possible. Reminds me of the last war..."
"I remember you telling us how the constant danger caused people to marry soon, so they won't have regrets," Percy remembered.
"Just like Remus and Dora..." Ginny thought aloud, seeing the connection. "Well... you think Mum will allow them input to their own wedding?"
Arthur shook his head. "I know Molly... She's hurt that she got those normally great news this way, so her punishment for them will be that they won't have much input. She'll still listen, but all decisions will be up to her."
If they wanted to be honest, none of them wanted to trade places with Charlie and Margaret right at the moment.
...Spinner's End, July 5th...
It was a former industrial town that was not exactly a vacation spot. Being the victim of deindustrialization, the once nondescript industrial town had fallen into poverty. The main employers long being gone, the population had grown poor and it reflected in how dirty and run-down everything looked, and over it an air of hopelessness hovered. There were many places like that in England, which had grown with industry and died when said industry went under.
However, this town, namely the street of Spinner's End, had one feature that other former industrial towns didn't have: it was the home of Severus Snape. It was a fact that not too many would have guessed, especially when seeing that his home was an ordinary-looking brick house in the middle of a poverty-stricken neighborhood. Even though he associated many unpleasant memories with this very house, Snape had never moved out of it.
Yet, the two women walking towards the house had little eye for their surroundings - except for expressing how disgusting it all was, as it played to all their prejudices.
"I can't believe you are lowering yourself to asking for his help," Bellatrix snorted. "Him living in this place tells me all I need to know about him."
"That is your opinion, Bella, but I can set aside my pride for more important things," Narcissa told her sister, feeling surprisingly brave. "I know the Dark Lord's word is law, but it does not mean I can give my son further help."
"Like your husband tried to give your son a leg up constantly and turned him into a sissy with no skills?" Bellatrix saw that those words had hurt Narcissa. "I truly have my work cut out with him and his equally wimpy girlfriend. Both of them are soft and spoiled."
"I don't have to listen to this..." Narcissa decided, finally reaching the house she knew was Snape's. The lights were on, so he was home.
"I know, the truth hurts," Bellatrix rubbed salt into the wound.
Ignoring her sister, Narcissa knocked on the door and moments later, as if having expected her, the door opened to reveal Snape. "Ah, Narcissa and Bellatrix. What a pleasant surprise."
"Severus, I need a word with you. It is important," Narcissa said.
"No problem." Snape then looked to Bellatrix. "And I assume you are along for the ride, Bellatrix?"
It irked Bellatrix that despite him knowing how dangerous she was - not to speak of her being the favorite of the Dark Lord - Snape showed no fear of her. "It surprises me that you prefer to live in this place, Snape," Bellatrix snarked while following her sister inside.
"It has the advantage of being paid off, so I only have to take care of the running costs," Snape waved it off, then decided to get in a zinger of his own. "Though thankfully, my assets are not all monitored resulting in having to fully rely on the Dark Lord' support."
That insolent little bastard, Bellatrix fumed.
Following Snape, they quickly entered a sitting room. The walls were covered with full bookshelves, the atmosphere dark with only a single lamp hanging from the ceiling giving light. Several armchairs around a low table were the centerpiece of the room. As if Snape had awaited guests, a wine bottle and three glasses were already waiting on said table.
"Make yourselves, comfortable, then we can talk," Snape offered. After they'd done so, he asked the question. "Well, how can I help you?"
Narcissa was about to talk, but Bellatrix did one more attempt to stop her. "I tell you, Cissy, to not trust him. After all, the Dark Lord does not give him his full trust, either!"
If Snape was surprised by this, he didn't show it. "I noticed before that you don't approve of me. Could it be that you don't share the Dark Lord's opinion on how I spent the years between wars?"
"I sacrificed a lot for the Dark Lord with all those years in Azkaban and he recognizes that!" That seemed to have hit a nerve with Bellatrix. "You on the other hand didn't sacrifice anything, Snape, and instead got a cushy job! The Dark Lord has good reason to reserve judgment on you."
"Interesting indeed. Both of us have proven their loyalty, though I did so in a much more productive way than sitting in a cage for fourteen years," Snape needled her while pouring wine into the glasses. "The Dark Lord has recognized my intentions and is pleased with me thinking ahead. With time my worth to him is only going to grow."
"That remains to be seen..." Bellatrix said darkly, making no secret she would report any missteps from Snape's side straight to Voldemort.
"Now then, Narcissa?" Snape again tried.
Narcissa for her part looked a bit uncomfortable. "Severus, as you know, the Dark Lord has ordered Draco... and his girlfriend, to actually return to Hogwarts." Narcissa couldn't hide her still lingering dislike of the Parkinsons.
"Yes, I've heard. Just as I've been told that Bellatrix here is in charge of training them for the task ahead," Snape said, nodding to Bellatrix.
"It's a slow-going chore; both of them have so little skill that I was forced to start from scratch," Bellatrix snorted before drinking some wine from her glass, not wanting to admit it was good wine. "Those two spoiled punks at least have learned fast enough not to mess with me and I will make them shape up, better believe it."
Narcissa looked a bit uneasy, knowing how demanding Bellatrix was and she had seen Draco after each day of training. "Severus, while the Dark Lord is tight-lipped about the ultimate goal, he has let me know that he intends for them to be his agents in Hogwarts."
"Perhaps he's not fully trusting you, Snape, to do the job properly?" Bellatrix added with a dark chuckle.
"No, I'm fully confident of the Dark Lord's trust in me." Snape saw Bellatrix giving him a dark look. "The Dark Lord has of course told me those two are sent to sabotage the school in whatever way possible; strike at Dumbledore's home base."
That was what Voldemort had told Snape - and which he had relayed to Dumbledore - yet Snape couldn't help but to wonder if that truly was the whole truth. The whole thing seemed to have been built right from the start as a fruitless endeavor, with Voldemort knowing fully well that Draco and Pansy would be under constant observation.
There has to be more to that. Considering the convoluted way he managed to get a whole new crop of followers straight out of Hogwarts, there has to be a deeper reason, Snape thought.
Looking to Bellatrix he knew right away that she knew what really was going on, but wasn't betraying anything. For being as impulsive as she often enough was, Bellatrix could be very disciplined when it came to keeping Voldemort's secrets, which left him with little to work with. What Voldemort really wanted to accomplish with this was a complete mystery.
"Severus... I... after Lucius got arrested..." Narcissa struggled a bit.
"Really, Cissy?" Bellatrix snorted. "Yes, your hubby got arrested, but you are still crying over how the Malfoys are now seen due to him not having a cheap excuse this time? You wouldn't have lasted a week in Azkaban."
"I am not you!" Narcissa accused her sister.
"Well, that is obvious. Be glad that your hubby isn't spilling any secrets while he's sitting in that cell of his," Bellatrix snorted.
That was a fact. Lucius Malfoy was unwilling to reveal anything, which was a good thing since Voldemort had revealed to Bellatrix that the intent and actual act of revealing secrets of the Dark Lord would make the mark kill Lucius. Even better, truth potion was much more likely to kill him as well now, so the Ministry didn't dare to try after the first attempt.
Snape meanwhile knew he shouldn't get between feuding sisters, but his patience was being tested. "May I assume that your request is connected to Draco?"
"Yes... I know he feels honored, but I know him better. He'll do something stupid and mess up his assignment. He simply does not have the needed skills to go through such an assignment without stumbling," Narcissa admitted, regardless how much Bellatrix would gloat over it.
"That's an understatement," Bellatrix snarked.
"Can I ask you to help Draco out should he be in danger of making a serious error?" Narcissa finally asked Snape.
Snape thought about it. "You know that I have to ask the Master first. It does not contradict his orders, but it would be a breach of trust to not inform him." Snape then looked to Bellatrix. "Of course, your sister would tell him anyway, so I honestly wonder if you even thought about keeping it secret."
Finally, Bellatrix snorted loudly. "Don't bother, he is already aware of Cissy's overprotective urges. He does not care what kind of help those two brats get, as long as they do as they are told." She then noticed the surprised look her sister gave her. "Shows what you know if you honestly expected the Dark Lord to not know, or me not to tell him."
Narcissa quickly composed herself. "Severus, please ensure to give Draco the help needed. He's only a teenager and not up to the standards to the Dark Lord."
Snape raised an eyebrow when noticing how Narcissa ignored how Pansy was in the same predicament, but decided the girl was meant as well in the request. "Clam down, Narcissa, no need for something drastic like an unbreakable vow. Since Bellatrix already told us that the Dark Lord allows it, I can offer you my help as a personal favor."
"What do you want in return?" Narcissa asked.
"Not much, just a reasonable favor from you sometime in the future," Snape told her, knowing she would agree, even if knowing that the definition of 'reasonable' could stretch quite far.
They did not notice Bellatrix for a second look pleased when watching them come to an agreement.
...Grimmauld Place, the next day...
"You've got to be kidding me..." Harry grumbled, his mood now no longer in the positive area.
"I wish it were a joke, Mr. Potter, but it was meant serious. Thankfully, it didn't go far before I put an end to it the hard way," Madam Bones assured Harry.
"I better hope so. My godson has no wish to act as the Ministry's good soldier Tom. He made that clear enough," Sirius added, also looking quite annoyed.
They had spent the day in Grimmauld Place, Sirius feeling it would be a secure place for some of the training for which they needed quiet. It was amazing how he could plan with his time when the government itself was helping him out to get the needed time from his day job - a day job which he was still doing diligently even in the current situation.
Everything had went according to plan, until an urgent floo call from Amelia Bones had arrived. As it turned out, some pencil-pushers in the Ministry clearly had not taken her directive seriously that Harry Potter is to be left alone and had tried to make him some kind of poster boy for the Ministry's cause. Bones had crushed it before it was even close to reaching the public, but Harry nonetheless was rightfully angry.
"It's nothing against you, Madam Bones, you are doing the best you can in this crappy situation, but hearing the Daily Prophet call me the 'Chosen One' after them slandering me for almost a year made me very thin-skinned," Harry told Bones.
"They are desperate," Sirius snorted. "They enjoyed being the top dog for many decades, but after being utterly exposed as the Ministry puppets they are, their circulation is collapsing. I say, good riddance to that rag."
"The Ministry should never have enjoyed such influence over that newspaper..." Madam Bones said under her breath.
It was true however that the Daily Prophet was collapsing. Having their bullshit lies exposed and being revealed as little more than the mouthpiece of the Ministry - a willing one at that - many now saw it as little more than a propaganda mill and no longer wanted anything to do with it. Its rivals were ripping the Prophet apart like vultures, causing it to lose readers fast.
"Don't get us wrong, Minister, it's good that you stopped that dead and it shows us you are serious about this. However, it does create doubts about the proper functioning of the Ministry," Sirius finally told her.
"Wouldn't I know it...?" She then gave both of them a nod. "There is still much to do, thus I tell you goodbye for now."
They waited until Madam Bones had left, then the door opened and Harry's friends walked in.
"Weird that we were just next door, yet the Minister had no idea we are here," Neville said, finding the whole situation strange. "Makes me feel like being part of a conspiracy."
"However, most certainly not a very big conspiracy," Luna added. They knew she was looking into conspiracies regularly, her father's influence being at work, though nowadays she knew better and saw that most of them had no substance.
Ginny for her part gave Harry an amused look. "So, the Chosen One?"
"Ginny, please. I honestly don't need that on top of everything else." His girlfriend had the habit of teasing hm when something presented itself. Not being in the habit of reading the Daily Prophet, she had only heard of that one now.
"Don't worry..." Ginny then gave him a peck on the cheek.
"Those two have really hit it off..." Ron commented, no longer feeling weird at the things Harry and his sister were doing after prolonged exposure - as long as it wasn't directly in his face.
"That reminds me... Ron, don't forget your visit to my house tomorrow," Hermione reminded her boyfriend.
Ron had not forgotten. The atmosphere in the Burrow was still not the best. The ongoing issues his mother had with Fleur - who had decided to visit regularly in the hopes of finally getting across that she was not the stereotype of a French woman - as well as the huge bomb that Charlie had dropped in form of his pregnant soon-to-be wife - had made staying at home somewhat uncomfortable for the moment.
Percy had found an excuse to stay away, even though it was painfully obvious to be an excuse due to how bad of a liar he was. Fred and George were keeping themselves busy for their grand opening next week and thus only came home late in the evening - not to mention they would then move out anyway. Ginny was having an extended sleepover with Luna and Ron had gladly accepted the invitation to stay a few days with the Grangers.
"Well, back to work. I know I don't look like the kind of man who can teach you meditation, but I was forced to learn it to improve shielding my mind," Sirius reminded them.
It was a reminder that they were not like other teenagers, who were able to enjoy their summer without any care.
to be continued...
Next Episode:
"Lights in a Dark Time"
Notes:
Here the notes.
Again, I'm back and I will do my usual publishing calendar of every second Saturday. As I mentioned above, due to the constant technological hiccups of the site, I'm now also publishing the story on AO3.
We haven't visited the Prime Minister for a while and thus see how things are going on his end. After all, lots of things do happen where our protagonists are not involved in.
Well, we do see a lot of developments inside the Weasley family, that's for sure. All of this most certainly is not helping Molly's stress levels, that's for certain. Charlie and Margaret should have been more careful. In case you wonder, Margaret is indeed the female dragon handler that was mentioned in Chapter 18.
Considering we do see Millicent and Dudley, I prove again I do take the time for developments outside the main plot. It also allowed me to show Harry's hobbies evolving.
A lot of developments on the Death Eater side as well, though what exactly Voldemort is planning of course stays secret. Kind of telling that they do see the new recruits as weaklings and cannon fodder, which is a mindset they shouldn't allow themselves in their demographic situation. Of course Draco and Pansy won't have anything to laugh about, now that Bellatrix is going to tort... train them.
I know, the mere idea of Voldemort and Bellatrix doing THAT is really sickening. Be glad I don't go into any detail. The contrast of that to Dora and Remus is deliberate and will turn up again.
And of course things start to move again...