Book I: Birth of the Order

Chapter XIX: Children of Leaders

Music Theme: When the Smoke is Going Down - Scorpions (technically 1982 but it fits the vibe)

Hogwarts - December 1974...

The first snow had fallen for the season at Hogwarts, but that didn't stop Professor Slughorn from assigning students the task of collecting their own ingredients for a potion of their invention. Lily Evans and Severus Snape, partners on the assignment, bundled up and made their way out to the grounds of the castle.

"Sev," Lily called. "Must we search for ingredients here?" She shivered in her cloak and scarf. "The snow isn't as deep by the lake and I thought we could do a stone based potion. Everything out here is going to be half dead from the snow."

"Except Wolfsbane," the 4th year Slytherin replied. "It's purple petals manage to peek through the snow."

"When did we decide we were going to do wolfsbane potion?"

"We didn't." Snape said as he scanned the snow. "I did. We are going to make a potion that tracks and detects werewolves."

"Not this again," She said through chattering teeth. "If you start those stories again about how you think one of our classmates is a werewolf then I'm leaving you out here to freeze and I'm going to Hagrid's to get warm."

"There!" Snape dove for some purple flowers that were peeking out of the snow and dug for them like a peasant scrambling for food.

"Sev," Lily plopped beside him in the snow. "Can you stop for a moment?"

Snape looked up at her, eyes uncertain, but he did as she asked and sat beside her on the snow covered hill with the wolfsbane in-hand.

"I thought... well, Holiday is coming up and Mum said Petunia and I can each invite a friend to our Christmas party. I thought you might want to come."

"Really?"

"Mhmm. They always are the best fun! We sing carols, make sweets, and open a special present. Last year Petunia hand made this for me." She reached into her sweater and pulled out an old cameo pendant that had been made into a necklace."

"It's nice."

"It means the world to me," Lily said glancing down at it. "I know she can be cross at times, but Petunia really does have a good heart. I like to wear this because it reminds me of how close we were before we found out I was a witch. Mum said she saw it in an antique store and saved up to buy it because the picture of the girl on the front of it looks like me. Christmas is a time for thinking of others." She looked up at Snape who was still staring at the necklace around her neck. "So... will you come?"

"If you want me there, I'll come," he said softly. Lily's stories always had a way of calming him when he was on a tear.

"Grand! I can't wait to meet your parents.".

"What? No. They can't make it."

"How could you know that already?"

"They just can't come, ok?"

"Well, Sev, it's a party for families. You'll be the only one there without-"

"Then I won't come at all, ok?" Snape snapped. "Who cares about stupid Christmas anyway?"

"Severus..." As their eyes met and for a moment, she felt as if he was finally going to share what was going on in the tiny house of Snape. But their tender moment was bombarded when a snowball flew out of nowhere and hit Snape in the face so hard that he fell backwards. A second snowball hit Lily in the back of the head. Both had different responses to the attack. Snape scrambled up and gathered his things to run while Lily rolled onto all fours and began to build her own amunition out of the snow.

"Lily, let's go!"

"And let our assailants get away with it? Absolutely not!" She stood with a snowball in hand, ready to aim when she saw four familiar boys hiding behind the hillside ruins. "Potter!" She said as she threw her ball but James dodged it.

"Attack!" James commanded and the boys charged, snowballs at the ready. Remus spotted the wolfesbane in the hand of Snape though and halted.

Lily pulled out her wand and aimed it at the single snowball she had made, "Geminio," she muttered and the snowball began to duplicate. She lifted one at a time and aimed them at the boys. Peter, Sirius and James all ran past her though and sent all the snow and ice they had at Snape who fell to the ground. "Woah, wait!" Lily said and ran over. Snape curled up on the ground as he was pelted. "Stop it! You're just attacking him now! Stop!"

"What's wrong, Evans?" James asked with a laugh, "Surprised old Snivy can't defend either one of you against some cold water?" He looked past her to Remus who also didn't seem amused and turned back to Sirius and Peter who were holding their sides laughing. "Ok, lads. Lay off."

"Is everything a game to you, Potter?! We were working our project for Slughorns class!"

James felt mildly embarrased but quickly raised his nose up in the air and said, "Well, then we will let you get back to it since you'll need all the time you can get for it to be better than our project. But you've been warned next time you come out here in the snow."

Sirius stepped up beside Lily and looked at her necklace. "Where did you get the old lady jewelry?"

Severus scowled at that. He flicked his wand up at the tree branch and caused the snow sitting upon it to come crashing down on James, Peter and Sirius. All of them fell and Lily snickered, "Looks like you've been warned too, Potter."

James couldn't hide his cocky grin at that as he felt a 'touche' was in order, but he would never admit it. The three stood and brushed themselves off. "Enjoy your homework, nerds," Peter said.

"Clever." Snape grunted back to him as Lily walked over and started to brush the snow from his cloak.

The three boys joined Remus on the hillside and James whispered, "Ok, mate. I think that should do it. They won't come back to this part of the wood for the rest of the day. Now is the best time for us to practice our transformations so we can be sure to stay as animagi tonight during the moon. Got the book, Wormtail?"

Peter reached into his book bag and pulled out a book on Animagi and Transfigurations. "I've been thinking. I don't like that name, Wormtail."

"Well maybe you can ask Father Christmas for a new spirit animal," Sirius said. "You ok, Remus?" He looked up and noticed his friend's expression.

"He knows about me. Snape," Remus muttered. "He had Wolfsbane. I had a feeling he knew about me, but wasn't sure until now. He's been watching me all semester. I don't know how, but he knows."

"Then maybe we shouldn't drive them away from the woods." Sirius said. "Let him follow us and see what happens when you shove your big nose in places it doesn't belong."

"No!" Remus gave his friend a worried look. "You can't ever do that, Sirius. I'd kill him!"

"Yea, Sirius, James added, "Even as a joke, that's a bit severe."

"Fine. I won't do it. I swear," Sirius shrugged."Let's practice."

Hogwarts - December 1979...

Gryffindor Commmon room had become the temporary home of Sirius, Peter, Remus and Tabitha following their departure of the Potter Estate. Dumbledore had arranged a secert place for Lily and James to spend their honeymoon, which was somewhat extended since it continued to be interrupted by weekly meetings, dueling practice and missions of the Order. James also made sure to meet the lads, per tradition, at the shack at the start of the month to help with the December full moon which was just as bad as the previous months, yet nobody sustained serious injury this time. The McKinnon's had gone on to their family castle, despite it being in ruins, to reunite with their mother and support her as best they could. Even though everyone saw each other frequently each week for Order business, the month of December had felt lonesome.

The gang was doing what they could to keep cheer alive, though. Tabitha, who had now fully recovered from her ordeal was adding some personal touches to the Common Room Christmas tree that had been left up following the end of term. She waived her wand, one of the core-less wands as hers was still broken, and lit some of the small candles on the branches.

Peter came in belting a Christmas Carol so badly that the Fat Lady even covered her ears.

"Pettigrew," Tabitha said when she saw him enter, "I know we have the castle to ourself for Christmas, but some of these paintings can't be trusted. I think you better keep the Christmas Carols to a minimum when you're not in here."

"Or better yet," Sirius said from his spot beside the fireplace, "Don't sing at all." He smirked then looked back to his newspaper.

"The Prophet still have Andromeda listed?" Tabitha asked.

"Yep," he grunted.

"Well, they haven't found where she's hiding, right?"

"I guess not." He crumbled up the newspaper and threw it into the fire. Everyone heard the steps of Remus as he descended the girl's dormitory stairwell. "Moony?" Sirius asked. "Why were you up there? Never thought I would see you sneaking out of the girl's dorm."

"Um, no. I was just returning one of those albums I borrowed, Tabitha," He said by avoided making eye contact with her. They had avoided bringing up the night at Malfoy Manor gain, Fenrir's brand on Tabitha's arm had scarred, as Remus predicted, and now the two felt so alone whenever they were together as they both tried to move forward as friends only in order to keep each other safe.

"How are you even able to get up there?" Tabitha asked. "The stairs are supposed to be charmed to prevent boys from going up there."

"They lift the charm over the holiday break when students are gone so Filch can get up there to clean," Peter said. "I'd go up there all the time the explore when I would holdover."

"I forgot you used to spend Christmases here, Peter." Remus said.

"Lucky bastard," Sirius said to himself as he remembered being forced home for the most miserable Christmases.

"Don't call me that!" Peter snapped and seemed equally as startled at his tone as the rest of the room remained still as they watched him with wide eyes. Peter quickly then plopped into the armchair in the middle of the room. "Anyway. I don't need to worry about stairwell charms or the paintings spying on me because look what I just fetched from it's hiding place." He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a bit of parchment.

"No way!" Sirius said and jumped up to take a closer look.

"Where did you find it?" Remus asked and moved closer to have a look. The two boys stood on either side of Peter as they looked on to read the paper in his hand. Tabitha craned her neck slightly and just rolled her eyes when she saw that it was blank.

"It was still where we hid it our last year. The beak of the Gryffin on Dumbledore's office door."

"I knew that hiding spot was too good."

"Or there just hasn't been a student talented enough to find our clues to it yet."

"It's a bit of bloody paper." Tabitha muttered. "You're all gushing as if it's got a Prophecy on it that could end the war."

"Speaking of," Peter said as Sirius snatched the paper out of his hands and paced around the room examining it and blowing the dust from its pages. "I just finished talking with Dumbledore. He thinks he may have a mission for us. He got this idea after we told him about the prophecy in Delaney's book. If we can get into the Department of Mysteries, then maybe we can find a Prophecy about you-know-who and find out how to defeat him."

"But isn't a prophecy just that. Prophetic. All it does is tell what is to come. You can't just change the future if it's destiny, can you?" Tabitha asked.

"We still have to try," Remus said. "When does he want us to go, Pete?"

"The Ministry will be practically empty this week since so many workers are taking off for Christmas. We should go as soon as James get's back," Peter said.

"Nothing says 'Happy Christmas' like risking out lives on a new mission," Tabitha chuckled and caught Sirius laugh as well. "You laughing at one of my jokes, Black?"

"Of course not. Just coughing up some dust from this thing," he said as he shook the pages.

"Right. Well, I'm going to the library." Tabitha said setting down the ornament box in her hand. "I could use a warm Christmas story to lighten my spirits."

The boys all waited and watched as she left, not moving from their places. The moment the door shut behind her they all stared at one another. At exactly the same moment, they sprung into action. Sirius ran to the coffee table and unfolded the parchment, Remus pulled up a chair at the small table and Peter did the same. All three lifted their wands and looked at each other with gleeful expressions before whispering in unison, "I solemnly swear that I'm up to no good." They then each tapped the middle of the paper together with their wands. The pages came to life in the form of the Marauder's Map, showing every corner of Hogwarts. Not many footprints were on the map though as students weren't holding over due to the war. "It's just like I remember," Peter whispered.

"Wormtail, it's only been hidden for a little over a year," Remus said.

"Still. I put years of exploring each passage into this Map. It means a lot to me. It would be nothing without me."

"We know!" Sirius and Remus said as if they'd heard this rant plenty of times.

"Look," Remus pointed to the map where he saw footprints leaving the moving stairs. "There goes Tabitha to the Library."

"Moony?" Peter said casually as he watched the map. "What if you married Tabs?"

Remus didn't reply but shot a look across the table to Sirius who looked equally stunned. "You told him about us?"

"I didn't, I swear!" Sirius insisted.

"I swear, you can't keep a secret to save your life, Padfoot." Remus groaned with an underlying bitterness.

"I didn't tell him! Wormtail who told you-"

"I can't marry her, Pete.

"But if the prophecy is true then the minute she changes her name then Voldemort will fall," Peter said.

"Voldemort isn't just going to drop dead because Tabitha changes her name, Wormtail." Remus said. "It's a timeline Prophecy. It just mean that changing her name will be a foretelling of his downfall and that's only if it actually is speaking about Voldemort. And if Tabitha tries to force the prophecy to our benefit she could end up cursed, or worse... her name could end with her death."

"He's right, Pete. Try to keep up," Sirius grunted.

"I'm not, Naive, Padfoot."

"Sure, mate," Sirius glanced back down at the map and raised his eyebrow. "What is she doing in the dungeons? The library isn't down there." They watched as her steps moved into the potions class room before slowing down and moving about the room. "She's brewing something."

"Why would she lie about that?" Remus asked.

"Not sure," Sirius said as his eyes moved to another set of footprints he recognized. Before he could allow anyone else to see, he snatched up the map and ran out into the corridors with Remus and Peter shouting at him to stop. "Just shut it and come on." Sirius said, his smile beaming from ear to ear as he walked all through the long coordiros. He watched as his footsteps on the map got closer and closer with the others until they were right in front of each other. When he looked up though, he saw nobody. He glanced at the map then around the other corners of the hall. "But the map's is never wrong," he said to himself then grinned. "Prongs." He reached forward and instantly his hand hit something mid-air. He grabbed it and gave a yank. An invisibility cloak fell forward and revealed James Potter.

"Hey Padfoot," he grinned.

"What are you doing sneaking around the hallways, Mate?" Sirius asked as he embraced his friend. "I didn't see Lily on the map. Is she alright?"

"Because she's at Hagrid's." James said. "Where did you find the map?"

"Where we left it." Peter said displeased.

"Well that's disappointing. Nobody's come to take on our legacy yet? I guess it just means our work isn't done. Which is why I'm here. I know we weren't supposed to come back from our honeymoon until dueling practice this Thursday but-"

"James?" Sirius stepped forward. "What is it?"

"Mum and Dad... their letters have stopped coming."

Malfoy Manor...

Bellatrix Lestrange was in the guest suite at Malfoy Manor, eyes fixated on the skies outside the window as if she was expecting someone. She heard steps from behind and felt a cold hand caress her neck. Still she stayed still. She heard her husband's voice whisper to her, "Everyone is here. We are waiting on you."

"I'll be there when I decide. Those worms don't know what it takes to be a true servant to the Dark Lord."

"You, my dear, are his most trusted advisor." He moved her long black hair away from her neck and began to kiss her neck. "He trusts you more than any of us."

"Which is why I can't ever fail him," she muttered and her toned shifted to a darker, more sinister voice.

Rudolphus pulled back. "Of course not. Nor have you..."

"But you have, dearesssst." She hissed. Bellatrix turned and grabbed her husband by the throat. "You said McKinnon Castle was a pile of dust!"

"It's in ruins, now." He said calmly despite his stiff posture as he recovered from the sharp movements of his wife.

"Not the same as dust, you idiot! My sources tell me Mae McKinnon is still living there and two of her children... the same two that helped extract the Delaney girl from Forrestor, are back home."

"What does that matter? It's hardly a fortress."

"You fool!" She shoved him backward and raised her wand. "Crucio." Rudolphus stumbled backward before collapsing to the floor, his body convulsing at her feet. Bellatrix straddle him on all fours as she lifted the hex. "They are the fortress, not that bloody castle. The entire point of burning the place down was to separate them all."

"I thought it was for Fenrir's revenge and because the Old Man knew too much.," Rudolphus muttered after catching his breath as he panted on the ground. Most who endured a hex like that were exhausted afterward, but he seemed almost pleased with his wife's methods.

"Killing Old Man McKinnon was a consolation prize to win over Fenrir to our side. But the McKinnon's are the threat."

"Interesting," Rudolphus said. He reached up and grabbed Bellatrix by the hair and yanked her down. He rolled over until he was atop her and she laughed wickedly as if his act of dominance was a joke. He ignored it and went on. "Crabbe was supposed to set the place ablaze. I ensured McKinnon couldn't escape. If you're looking for a failure, then Crabbe is your man. I'll make sure to tell him his services are no longer required."

"Good boy," She said jerking her hand away from his grasp and pat his cheek, more like smacked it. Rudolphus stood and extended his hand to help her up but she refused it and stood on her own, undisturbed from the scuffle. She stepped close to him and ran her index finger down his jaw until it was under his chin. She lifted his head slightly. "The McKinnon's don't know their strength yet. Together, they have enough power to be a threat. They are poison in our community. I want them destroyed. Dead isn't enough. I want an example made of them."

"Well if it's your Christmas wish, then I will have to grant it."

"You'll grant it because I say so. Won't you, Rudy?"

He took her hand and held it. "Of course my darling." He kissed her fingers. "I swear it." They gave each other wicked grins and he said, "Hex me again." He commanded it as if the sensation pleased him but Bellatrix just laughed.

"Maybe later. If you're a good little Rudy." She then moved away and he followed her like a moth to a flame.

Hogwarts...

Tabitha had gathered everything needed from the closet in the Potions classroom, gave a bit of fish food to Francis the pet fish on the desk, and made her way onto the school grounds via the conservatory exit. She smiled gently at the smoke puffing from the chimney at Hagrids hut and saw the gentle giant working outside. Tabitha drew her wand and aimed at a tree branch near him. "Diffindo." The spell hit and severed a small branch and it fell to the ground a little ways from him, causing him to look up in its direction. From there he saw Tabitha peeking from behind a tree and waiving.

"I'll be!" He looked around and hurried up the hill. By the time he reached her he was out of breath. "Little Tabitha! I didn't know you was here!"

"We've been hiding here until the students return."

"Well a good job of hidin you've been doin. Didn't think you were coming cept for dueling practice. What' you got there?"

"I'm looking for potions ingredients. I was hoping you might have some in your garden. I just didn't want to get too far from the castle. It's a bit exposed out here."

"Say no more!" He patted her on the head. "We will bring you some good-uns. What do you need?"

"We?" Tabitha tilted her head.

"Shouldn't have said that. I will. I'll be gettin your ingredients."

"Do you have someone in there with you, Hagrid?"

"Now you listen, missy. Who I have over for tea is my business."

"So you do have someone over?"

"Shouldn't of said that." He sighed. "Alright alright. Come on." He opened his large coat and waved Tabitha close to him. She let him wrap the side of his cloak around her to hide her as they walked down the hill, all the while Hagrid watched everywoodland creature that gazed at them. When they made it to the hut he let her enter first.

"Lily!" Tabitha shouted, her hair standing up slightly from the static created by Hagrid's coat. Lily was curled up on the armchair with tea in her hand and staring sadly into the fireplace. She was fixated on it and didn't react to Tabitha entering. Tabitha looked back at Hagrid who looked equally sad. He extended his hand for Tabitha's list and said, "I'll just get these things from my gardens for ye." Then he closed the door to give them privacy. Tabitha slowly walked over to her friend and was almost to her when she noticed the flames in the fireplace were blue. Not only that, but they took on shapes. Each one looked like a tiny person, acting out tender scenes. If one stared at the flames long enough, it would almost look like a memory being acted out by performers in a play. "Lily?" Tabitha rest her hand on her friend's shoulder and instantly the fireplace crackled back to normal, red flames.

"Tabitha."

"Something happened."

"Something has happened to the Potters. We don't know what, but we can feel it."

"Oh Lily. I'm sorry."

"James is meeting with Dumbledore now to see if we can try to find what has happened to them," Lily looked down into her teacup. "I wasn't quite ready to come see anyone. Not just yet. I just knew I would feel safe here." She looked up to the cluttered hut and finally smiled slightly. "I just remember so many warm moments here. I'd always come have tea with Hagrid on cold days. He always made the kindest Christmas presents for me."

"I remember. He made you a cake for your birthday one year."

"And every year after. Strawberry frosting because it was my favorite. And green icing to match my eyes." Lily suddenly felt a tear trickle down her face and jumped a bit at it. "Blimey. I thought I was all out of tears."

"Lils." Tabitha moved to sit on the floor in front of her. "I'm sure we will find the Potters."

"It's not just that... James and I had a mission to do. It's why Dumbledore told us we could have some time apart, just us."

"I thought it was for your Honeymoon."

"That wast just part of it. I needed some time to grieve too." She looked at her friend. "You see... shortly after the wedding. I had to obliviate my family."

"Oh Lily!"

"It's the only way to keep them safe. Severus still lives on their street. They could be getting watched every day."

"So, they don't remember you at all."

"No. Not at all." She pulled out her cameo locket. "But this... this has Petunia's memories. If anything ever happens to me, the charm on it will break.. and she will remember. Just in case someone needs to take-"

"Take what?"

"Needs to take any children James and I have."

"Well... that's not something you have to worry about now, Lils. You two can plan to have a kid after the war. Ok?"

"Right." Lily nodded but stared down at her necklace then held it in her hands tightly.

"I'm sorry, James," Dumbledore said in his office with all four Marauders present, "But Fleamont told me not to divulge any information."

"But surely I'm the exception to that," James said standing in front of Dumbledore's desk.

"On the contrary, James, You were the main person I am supposed to retain this information from. Fleamont knew that by running, they would be admitting to assisting the Order. They also knew that this could mean putting you at risk. Fleamont knows your job is here, James, as the leader of your faction-"

"I didn't ask to be the bloody leader!" James shouted. He banged his hand against the table and Fawkes let out a startled shriek.

The portrait of Headmaster Black jumped awake and stared down at James. "I say there boy, keep it down." He glanced over to Sirius. "And you. Stop slouching." Sirius, who had his arms crossed and was leaning against the wall, just rolled his eyes at the painting of his relative.

"Phineas," Dumbledore said to the painting, "Please forgive us for waking you." He looked to the rest of the boys. "Could you leave James and I alone for a moment, boys? And Remus," he walked around the desk and handed a paper to him. "Get this to Tabitha, please." The boys left at the headmaster's request and Dumbledore turned to look back to James. He conjured up a pot of tea and walked back to the desk.

"I'm not thirsty." James grumbled.

"More for me then." Dumbledore grinned and sat at his chair. He reached into the jar of lemon drop candies and popped one into his mouth. It felt like forever as James watched him in silence, eating his candy and pouring his tea. Finally James gave in and sat down, glancing up at the painting of Headmaster Phinease Black who was scowling down at them.

"James?" Dumbledore said. "Why do you think you don't deserve to be a leader?"

"Because I'm just a kid sir. It wasn't that long ago I was sitting in this office in trouble for putting toads in the girl's bathroom."

"Well who else should have the job then?"

"Why not Longbottom? He was more like-able, than me."

"Popularity is subjective. Frank is dedicated to this cause, just as much as you, but he does not have the desire to be a leader. He wants to serve, but under the leadership of someone else. It's why he is an Auror."

"Well what about Sirius?" James motioned to Phineas Black, "His ancestor used to have your job. Surely that qualifies him more than me." This was met with a laugh from the painting above.

"We aren't talking about Sirius, James. We are talking about you. I know you're concerned about your father and I know what you and Lily just had to do with her family was a hard task, and may be the reason for you suddenly feeling the burden of leadership. Tell me... did your father ever strike you as a leader?"

"Dad?!" James looked offended at the question. "Are you kidding? He was on the Wizengamot. He ran his own business and was an inventor. He made a fortune to provide for me a Mum, not to mention their marriage was as strong as I've ever seen. A leader? Of course. But I'm nowhere near the man my dad was at this age."

Dumbledore looked up at the painting, "Phineas. Before you go back to sleep. Do you remember a student named Fleamont Potter?"

"Don't I!?" Headmaster Black scoffed, "He was one of the reasons I was driven to retirement. What a headache. I remember he tried to unleash a toad duplication charm in the girls bathroom. I retired before he finished his schooling, but I assume he never amounted to a thing."

"He became Head Boy!" James said proudly.

The painting just sighed, "Standards must have started slipping when I stepped down." The painting yawned and closed his eyes then drifted to sleep.

"You see, James." Dumbledore said. "Leaders are not born. They are made. The best leaders are the ones who are appointed by their peers because they've all seen the growth of that individual. You're right. You never asked to be leader. You are one, because of how everyone looks up to you. The pranks and teasing of your youth don't matter anymore. You've learned from it. Now it is time to lead from it."

"Thank you sir." James said and fiddled with his wedding ring. "At least now I know where I got my pranking side from." James sat up straight and suppressed the concern of his parents, knowing he had to put the greater good first, "So Peter says you have a mission for us."

Malfoy Manor...

The meeting at Malfoy Manor had commenced, but Narcissa couldn't focus on the discussion. The draft of the old castle brought a chill that matched the mood of the room. She looked over to the fireplace and saw Fenrir Greyback standing there. She pushed her self up from her chair and felt her husband grab her arm to stop her. Narcissa started into the eyes of her husband and ignored his warning glare. She pulled away and walked over to the fireplace and stood beside the tall man. "Cold, Cissy?" Greyback asked.

"Of course. You're blocking the heat with your giant body."

"Well we want to make sure you're taken care of in your 'gentle' condition," He said and Narcissa stared up at him in shock. "Oh yea, I know. I can smell a fresh fetus."

"Don't be disgusting."

"Considering your fragile state, my dear. I think it only fair to warn you not to get in the way of Max. He has plans for your cousin, Regulus."

"The Delaney girl admitted to killing, Max's brother."

"She may be a good liar but I can see the guilt all over your cousin's face. Regulus did it. She just pitied him. You will not get in my friend Maxy's way, Narcissa."

"Friend? Interesting. I thought animals like you only had owners."

"Why you-" He pulled his hand back to strike her when suddenly he was overcome by a hex. It ran through his veins and he let out a howl, strunk to his kneels and clawed at the floor to try to steady himself. Narcissa looked back, recognizing the dark magic, and expected to see Bellatrix with her wand aimed at the werewolf, but her sister looked just as surprised. Everyone gazed around the table to see who was the cause of the protective spell, when suddenly the doors to the room burst open, a cold air swept in, and a quiet that was deafening incapsulated the manor. Bellatrix's expression of confusion turned into one of awe as she moved from her place at the table towards the doors.

"He's here." She whispered and kneeled. A hooded figure entered the room, almost gliding, and other members of the Death Eaters left their seats to stand at attention and bow, but Narcissa moved away from Greyback and to Regulus where she took his arm and pulled him from his chair to her side. The figure removed his hood to show a deformed face that appeared to be half man, half something else. A few members even let out a gasp.

The dark figure was Lord Voldemort.

"My children," He said. "I am so sorry to interrupt your gathering, but I had an errand that I had to handle myself." Everyone stayed still as he walked over to Greyback who was still choking on the spell. "And as I approached I heard this beast threaten one of you. I had to make sure that didn't get out of hand."

"I'm fine my Lord," Narcissa said calmly. Voldemort turned to face her but said nothing, causing Lucious to slowly stand and move towards her.

"Very brave." He said looking at them, but neither was sure which Malfoy he was referring to. "Very brave indeed." He turned back to Greyback and lifted the hex. The man choked in the air but stayed down. "There there, Fenrir. Let this be a lesson that you are only here as muscle. You are disposable. Especially failing me by letting the Delaney girl escape."

"My Lord," Max said and stepped forward.

"Was I talking to you, Forrestor?" Voldmort whipped around and Max felt the pull of gravity amplify around him, making him collapse to his knees and kneel. "The girl will not join us. And if she discovers my history as her grandfather did she will be a threat. You will finish your mission by removing her from the equation. Understood?"

"Yes sir, but the prophecy-"

"There are other prophecies out there. We must find one to ensure my power is unchallenged." He took in a breath and it felt as if the oxygen was sucked from the room. "I am also adding other insurances to the mix." He reached into his robe and removed a brown leather journal. "Which brings me here. I must place this sacred object into the possession of a trusted one of you."

"Me, my lord," Bellatrix said. "Please. I will take it and guard it with my life."

Voldemort grinned and glided towards her. He set his cold, clammy hand on her cheek and lifted her head. "My sweet servant. You truly are the one I trust the most. But no. You do not yet understand. A true Slytherin, you are brave and dilligent, but when the time comes to choose between protecting yourself or something else... you will always choose yourself."

"No! My Lord, I would die for you!"

"Don't mistake me by child, I don't hold a survivalist mentality against you. I know I can trust you. But you have nothing to lose at this stage in your life. I must entrust this to someone who has a great deal to loose if they fail." He looked away from her and to her sister, Narcissa. "For there is no sacrifice a mother wouldn't make for the protection of her child."

All members who had kept their eyes fixed on the floor now looked to Narcissa who kept her eyes locked on Voldemort. "Child?" Malfoy said and looked at her in shock. He looked to Regulus who gave a guilty stare. Suddenly Malfoy realized he was the only one who didn't know his wife was expecting a child. To save his pride he responded before Narcissa could say anything.

"Yes, my Lord." He took Narissa by the hand. "The protection of our child has become our top priority since finding out we are expecting. Our child will be born into the world you are creating. We will do what we can to ensure that."

"Very good, Malfoy." Voldmort said. "Your words bring me great pleasure. I will entrust this to the Malfoy family then." He handed the book to him. Malfoy shuttered the moment it entered his hands. It was such a small book and yet felt so heavy as if it held every secret of the world. "This belonged to someone from my past. It was his diary. And now... it is your life's mission to protect. Do you understand Malfoy?"

"Yes, my Lord."

"Good." Voldmort smiled and then shook his head. "I can feel your displeasure, Bellatrix."

It was true, she was shaking with envy for this snub. "My Lord! Let me prove to you that I will also give my life to your service."

"You don't need to prove anything my dear, but if it is a task you want then I will assign one to you. There is a guardian out there who the prophecies foretell. They will be the key to my revival should anything happen to me as the Delaney Prophecy suggests. We must find The Guardian before Dumbledore does. Go to the Department of Mysteries. Find the Prophecy. Delivery the Guardian to me one way or another."

"How will will know who The Guardian, is?" The question came from Severus Snape who had been silent this whole time.

"Why Severus," Voldmort said and faced him. "I didn't even see you there. How ironic isn't it. Given that the only reason you are here is because of spite against your childhood enemies. It's no wonder you just sit silently at these meetings."

"No, my Lord, I-

"Do not interrupt me Snape!" Voldemort barked at him and Severus bowed his head. Voldemort approached him and rested hand on his head. "My child. I've been so worried for you. I do not doubt your loyalties, but I wonder often if you have doubts."

"No, my Lord."

"Hmmm" Voldemort just ran his hand along Snape's head and whispered. "Legiliment." He closed his eyes and waited for the spell to take hold but said, "Tut tut. You're resisting me, Snape. What is it in your mind you are trying to hide?"

"Nothing but childhood embarrasements that I don't wish for you to see, my Lord. Don't mistake my embarrassment for dishonesty."

"Of course not. But perhaps you should go will Bellatrix on her mission just to prove there is nothing to hide."

"Of course my Lord." Snape said. He looked back up when Voldemort released him and they locked eyes for a while. Snape got the feeling that maybe he hadn't been sucsessful in resisting Voldemort. What thoughts had he seen? Did he know he tried to protect Lily when she came to Malfoy Manor? Did he know where his true intentions were.

"My followers," Voldemort said. "We are entering the eve of a new Decade. In it, we will see the rise of our power. Let us all dwell in that moment as we praise our successful endings," he looked to Narcissa. "And new beginnings."

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