I DON'T OWN HARRY POTTER OR ANY OF ITS ORIGINAL CHARACTERS, ONLY MY OCS AND THE SITUATIONS I PUT THEM IN. WARNING: There will be cussing, lemons, and violence. (Also, someone said I should put please don't steal. Didn't think I needed to, but ok. Please don't steal my stories.)
Some characters may seem OOC at some points at different times in the story, but I hope I explain that in the story when the time comes. Some things happen pretty fast at first (like certain relationships or legal stuff), but again I try to explain it. Some people may go back and forth at times, but I'll explain it! You get the idea. Spelling and grammar errors, I recheck constantly, so sorry if some slip by. Some character bashing in the beginning and for a little while, but that doesn't mean it will last the whole story. I don't hate certain characters though it may seem like that at times. THIS IS A WARNING. Though I will put a warning at the beginning needed. I do not condone all of these things, but my mind can be really fucked up, I apologize now. So, I am mixing both movie and book but I'm mainly following the movie. Though I will try to make a good blend between the two. Big thank you to everyone who followed, and/or favorited. You guys rock! I see them all and I am so glad so many of you are enjoying my story. It's come to my attention I've been spelling Viktor Krum's name wrong in previous stories. I'll try to eventually fix it but it's not my top priority, though did want to let you know I realized it. Thank you. (someone asked this, yes thanks to better environment, Sirius is back to his usual beautiful self). I really appreciate all of your guys' support. Means a lot! I may not always respond right away to everything, but know I see it and appreciate all of you! A lot of personal stuff has come up, but I wanted to give you guess some of what I've been working on. So, splitting this chapter up again. Next one will be way longer. Still, think you'll like this 'tidbit'. Enjoy.
Chapter 26: Give Them a Show! (Part 1)
The Death Knights delivered more dead Death Eaters. That's why the breakout had been smaller than expected. They had obviously been there at some point last night. And not just to break out people they claimed were innocent.
The signature knot had been left as well.
That morning was hectic for the Ministry. Fudge had been called in early, much to his annoyance. Then, once he found out why he went into full panic and denial mode.
Rufus was denying that any of those taken by the Knights were actually innocent. When Sirius Black was brought up, he grew belligerent.
The two men were mainly worried about the press and how this would make them look.
They were pissing Amelia off!
She began voicing questions that no one had answers to and that upset Rufus and Cornelius.
Amelia asked why everyone thought Voldemort was dead. Because of a robe and wand left behind? The wand had gone missing already.
No one knew what happened that night at the Potters. All they knew was that Voldemort was no where to be seen, the Potter parents were dead, and the last Potter had a strange marking on his head which had Albus announce that the boy had somehow survived the killing curse.
How he knew, Amelia didn't know.
The more questions she asked, the less answers anyone had.
Albus, who had been summoned as well, said he had questions of his own but that he believed now was the time for them to come together and focus.
To Amelia, it sounded like he had some answers he didn't want to share.
Not a new feeling with her former headmaster.
"If this is He-who-must-not-be-named then we have to work on preparing the public. Not to mention the muggle minister" Amelia stated in that no nonsense tone.
"It can't be him! He went away" Fudge all but whined.
He was desperate to hold onto that belief.
One some level, Amelia understood. The dark wizard was one she often had nightmares about. However, letting that fear rule them would be their undoing, Amelia was sure of it!
Amelia didn't want it to be true either. She remembered the first war. She had lost everyone, her whole family and many friends. The last of the Bones were Amelia and Susan.
Amelia promised her brother's memory that she'd protect Susan twelve years ago and she wasn't about to fail him now!
Amelia wasn't going to let anyone or anything harm Susan, ever. Even if she had to fight Lord Voldemort herself!
"Minister, you were elected to lead the people, not to cower and lie to them! We have real problems here. If you're not up to the task, let me know now and I will personally find someone who is" she laid down the law.
The true fierceness of Hufflepuff indeed.
Fudge began blubbering as Rufus puffed his chest out thinking she had him in mind.
He was not Amelia's choice.
True, Amelia couldn't dismiss Fudge herself, however she could call for a meeting of the higherups and put an immediate sacking to a vote. That was the idea in a nutshell at least.
Before anything else could be said, Saul Croaker suddenly burst into Amelia's already crowded office. "Madam Bones, I translated the Death Knights' notes" he told her.
Though he held himself as an unspeakable should, one could almost hear the excitement in his voice.
Eagerly, Amelia pushed past Rufus and Fudge to clear her desk. Tonks and Kingsley helped as Albus stood eagerly at the side.
Croaker laid out the scroll.
Everyone read the text.
'Right the wrongs. Free the innocent. Be forever' was written out.
Amelia's mouth dropped as she tried to grasp the full meaning.
Getting ahold of herself, Amelia began barking orders.
"Kingsley, get squads together. We need Saint Mungos guarded. I wouldn't put it past the Death Eater bastards to attack there. We should have people at different villages at well. Merlin, we should probably have someone at Hogwarts. Moody's there, Tonks, owl him. Then I want you to notify the muggle minister" she steamrolled over any other would be authorities in the room.
"Croaker, give the same orders as Kingsley to the unspeakables. We need everyone. Also, this was good work. Now I need you to tell me what the knot means" she said.
"It means Death" Croaker said not missing a beat.
"Of course it does" Amelia muttered before going on.
"We need to get ahead of this. We can't have the public panic, but they need to be on their guard" she went on.
"And someone get me in contact with the bloody Death Knights!"
####SCENE BREAK####
Though loathe to do so, Harry had to leave his parents' portrait and head back to Hogwarts with the others.
He knew Albus would be watching him due to the breakout. Harry didn't want Albus analyzing his golem.
Remus would be back later to have his own time with the Potters. Alone time, like what Sirius would be getting as Alex worked on finishing the painting.
Sirius had other things to do as well, but no one faulted him for some alone time with James.
"Guess I have some reading to do before we can properly finish this up" Alex told Lily.
Sirius kissed Alex's head. "See Prongs, told you I'd find the one" he joked, but his smile gave Alex hope that it was based on truth.
James all but snorted. "Yeah, you just had to wait for an immortal who could handle your ego" was James' retort.
As the two men went back and forth, Lily and Alex began working on a list of what was needed.
Harry burned the image into his mind before allowing the smiling Remus to lead him away with the others.
Hermione held his hand all the way back to Hogwarts.
It didn't take everyone long to get back and into position. Only Luna had some issue and that was because Ravenclaws tended to rise early in order to get first dibs on any desired literature.
Seeing Luna on the stairs, Marietta said "Up already Lovegood". She refrained from any name calling as Cho was with her and always gave her a hard time about it.
"Oh yes. Many creatures love morning dew you see" Luna easily deflected.
"Well, that's nice Luna. Why don't you walk with us to breakfast" Cho kindly offered, returning Luna's small smile.
Students from all around the castle made their way to the Great Hall for breakfast.
Luna sat by Ginny and the others at the Gryffindor table.
"You seem to be in a good mood" Dean commented to Harry while buttering some toast.
"Guess I am" Harry poured himself some juice. Harry was between Ron and Hermione with Vivian, Luna, and Neville filling up the closest spots around them.
"Well, keep that mood up for the match today Potter" Wood spoke up from further up the table. "Lupin, you're not here to try and rattle us, are you" he eyed the Slytherin with some suspicion.
"Do I rattle you" Vivian asked, wiggling her brows in a playful taunt.
Ron snorted into his food before trying to cover it up when Oliver shot him the stink eye. He had to shoot the same look to the Gryffindor team.
As Oliver began going over every reason why he wasn't rattled, amusing the others as Vivian simply nodded along, the morning post arrived.
As did the Prophet.
Every newspaper and magazine talked about the breakout. Only the possible Death Eater involvement was mentioned. The Death Knights were not.
The mood in the room drastically shifted.
Oliver couldn't even keep up the banter with Vivian.
Some people began to freak out, even scream. Some went straight into denial. The teachers were momentarily too shocked to properly tend to the students. Remus was the first to 'get ahold' of himself. He began going around to attempt to calm the students reacting the worst.
Albus looked grave. His blue eyes found Harry's green, like a magnet.
Harry slowly looked away to then look at Severus. The man was already looking at Harry.
He was scared, almost nauseated but hid it well.
Almost.
Harry slowly turned to his friends and kept his chin up though his expression was serious and stoic.
Albus appreciated Harry keeping on a brave face. The boy looking to him made Albus' heart ache and warm all at once. He knew it was Tom behind the breakout, despite many of the papers trying to discredit the shouted claims from the man behind the attack.
Albus was sure Fudge had a hand in that.
Severus managed to hide his panic from everyone but the Knights.
"Albus, is it true?" Minerva believed he had all the answers. Albus knew it was because he presented as if that were the truth. He wished it was the truth.
He simply looked down.
That was enough of an answer for Minerva who tried to fight tears.
Harry wore a serious yet concerned mask as he watched the Hall react.
Luna was already using a quick quill to write an anonymous tip to her father about the Knights' own prisoner liberation.
She'd use a school owl to further hide her involvement.
Fred, Lee, and George gave subtle looks towards Harry and the others.
Now a cloud hung over the hall. Figuratively and literally due to the enchanted ceiling.
A lot of Slytherins looked pensive. Those with now free relatives weren't sure how to react. How they were allowed or expected to feel. Many weren't sure how to feel.
Even Draco looked on edge and unsure.
People kept looking between Harry and Neville. Those that knew about the Lestranges and Neville's family at least. Though most didn't know the extent of his parents' fates.
Neville was reading a letter from home. Grams had written him and had his parents add in bits as well.
They were still healing, but what they were able to write put a warm feeling in his chest.
Both Harry and Neville pretended not to have eyes stuck to them.
"Not now Colin" Ron said when Colin went to take a picture of Harry.
Colin slowly sat down before allowing Luna to distract him and other first years.
Oliver looked up and ended up locking eyes with Marcus Flint.
They shared a secret, worried and soft look.
Most of the Hall lost their appetite.
Ron still ate. At some incredulous looks, he stated "I eat when I'm stressed".
"You eat when you breathe" Hermione countered. That got some almost unwilling chuckles.
Vivian kept on eye on Lavender idly watching Ron.
Albus decided to excuse everyone from the day's classes. Soon enough it was time for the days quidditch match.
Slytherin versus Gryffindor.
It was as if the whole school turned up. Like everyone needed some escapism. A distraction from the horror tapping at the doors of Hogwarts from the 'outside' world.
Hogwarts was the safest place in the world. Everyone always said so.
So, holding onto the illusion that they were safe, everyone decided to focus on the game. The brief break from the possible terror threatening their world.
Remus had both a Gryffindor and Slytherin flag. So did Ron, who was the only one able to rival Remus' proud smile. Luna, Neville, and Hermione cheered from around them in the stands.
Lee took his spot in the commentary booth with McGonagall. Snape was close by. He tried not to seem as interested as Minerva and others, but it was obvious that he expected the best from Slytherin.
Severus' eyes held hidden pride as Vivian flew onto the pitch to cheers.
The cheers had no chance to die down as the Gryffindor team then flew out.
"Ready Wood?" Marcus called out. It was seen as a taunt but there was a secretly flirty undertone.
"Ready to win" Oliver returned the energy.
Only Vivian and the Gryffindor team seemed able to pick up the tension between the two captains.
With the blow of the whistle, the game started.
"Gryffindor has the quaffle, oh Lupin sent a particularly nasty ball towards Potter making him lose sight of the snitch. Obviously, she knows where to hit. Talk about sibling rivalry" Lee commented.
Harry shot Vivian a smirk as he dodged.
Vivian gave a huff before wiggling her brows as she gave a particularly hard smack of the bludger his way.
Draco went to laugh before being startled by the snitch and almost falling off of his own broom. He was still hot headed and peacocking over being on the quidditch team. Even if he avoided running into Hermione's sharp observations this time.
Or Ron throwing up slugs.
Though the game was incredible close, Gryffindor ended up winning in the end.
Oliver sent a cheeky look towards Marcus.
Though smarting over the loss, Marcus couldn't help but blush thanks to the smirk.
Once landed, Vivian surprised the Slytherins by saying "Why don't we celebrate together. Keep this going since everyone came to watch".
Harry mentioned "I know an unused room we could use" he thought of the Room of Requirement.
Draco was surprised but tried to act nonchalant.
"Really, lions and snakes together" Marcus shut up any grousing from the Slytherins.
"First time for everything" Oliver ended up answering. It wasn't exactly timid, but as if something was happening that was just between the two.
As if Oliver would be afraid over Marcus' answer.
"Well" Marcus gave a put upon shrug. "If the butterbeer is on you, might as well. Besides, can't backdown from such a challenge, can we" Marcus answered.
He briefly returned Oliver's happy smile.
Turning to the team, Marcus spoke in a no-nonsense tone. "Now you lot, we're gonna take advantage of the free day and party with the Gryffindors. If you don't come, then keep your mouth shut for anyone who does. Let's show these lions how to party like a snake!" he ended up getting cheers.
Marcus was tapping into the leader that Vivian knew he could be.
Knowing who had put the first piece in place, Harry gently bumped a shoulder with Vivian. "Nice job" he lowly acknowledged.
Vivian preened, playfully fluffing the ends of her chin shoulder length dark hair. "I do my best" she made him laugh.
Suddenly Fred and George were on either side of the siblings.
"We've got something brilliant to show you two. If we say so ourselves" Fred began.
George picked up with "And we do. We just need the right moment to show you".
"Can't wait. Just hope I'm not at the end of it" Harry made them smile.
They didn't answer making Vivian snicker.
In the halls, Remus stopped to speak to the teams and those around him. Minerva stood proudly on one side. Severus stood a little further from Remus. But still obviously letting the defense professor take the lead.
"We heard there was going to be a celebration" Remus started before easing some students worried about getting in trouble. "I think that's just what is needed right now. Just please, don't get too out of hand" he gave a small smile.
Seeing as Severus didn't contradict him, some Slytherins grew curious and secretly excited.
Remus' smile bordered on mischievous which pumped up the students of every age.
With that, teens began making their way to the classroom Harry mentioned.
Thankfully, no one questioned it much given how high their spirits were.
Neville went to officially invite the Hufflepuffs as Luna did the same with the Ravenclaws.
Though Remus was invited by many of the students, he declined. He instead decided this would be the best time for an adult only party in the teacher's lounge.
Severus looked genuinely surprised, and suspicious, about Remus' invitation. He hid the reaction quickly, but Remus still caught it.
Minerva managed to convince Severus to go.
"He did apologize" she pointed out before holding her hands up at his less than pleased look. None the less, he escorted her to the lounge.
Vivian found herself writing a quick letter to Narcissa along with Sirius and Alex before running to shower and change.
It didn't take long for everyone to be back in easy clothing, in a large room with food, drink, and music.
Even the Slytherins had showed up. Many stayed against the walls, scoffing and judging, but still. It counted.
It reminded Harry of the Yule ball.
Cho had some older Ravenclaws bring records as they got music going.
Cedric and his friends brought multiple, almost too much, food from the kitchens that the elves were happy to make.
Lee somehow smuggled in Butterbeer with Firewhiskey.
Vivian had some of the other Slytherins bring party games as well as décor.
Even though the room could decorate itself, it was nice giving each house a way to show off. To connect over contributing.
Harry thought that this was the biggest party he had ever seen. As more people came, even those that tried to sneak in discreetly, the room seemed to double in size.
Hermione got Myrtle to show up seeing as the other ghosts went to celebrate with the teachers. Hermione surprised some but helping Myrtle feel included. For once she wasn't moaning but seeming to have a fun time.
Percy all but snuck in.
Basically, everyone had been invited. However, Percy didn't want to risk any of his siblings making a big deal over him showing up. Though Ron sent him a smile, Percy eased when the other boy didn't draw unwanted attention to him.
Penelope waived but continued dancing with a Ravenclaw boy that Percy didn't know.
Percy felt a bit bad about it but told himself that it didn't have to be so serious. Then Audrey saw him and made a point of smiling, waiving him over. The happy teen went over, getting his own cup as he greeted the equally happy Audrey.
Ginny was laughing and dancing. A Hufflepuff boy seemed especially interested in her, much to all of her brothers' displeasure.
Luna, with Neville, began regaling tales of different magical creatures. Creatures that seemed impossible even to the magical children. Still, the two were captivating.
Harry was standing with Hermione, Ron, and Vivian. The four were laughing and enjoying the moment.
Going off a suggestion, Dean began given different students face paints. Katie began making the paintings move on their faces.
Seamus was cheesily trying to chat up Lavender and the Patil twins.
Colin took pictures of everyone and everything.
Especially Harry, of course.
Everyone seemed to be having a good time. Even the more reserved students. Hell, even the Slytherins were easing into the atmosphere.
The party was in full swing.
####SCENE BREAK####
Albus sat in a corner of the staff room nursing a muggle style gin and tonic.
He believed that Remus, a survivor of the last war, was attempting to keep everyone's spirits high in the face of a possible new one.
Moody led everyone in a drinking chant. He had received a letter earlier about guarding Hogwarts. The best way to do that? Pretend as if he wasn't.
Moody wasn't even actually drinking. Only Minerva and Remus' heightened senses picked that up. Neither said anything.
Hooch got cheers as she beat Poppy at an arm-wrestling match.
Firenze was talking about plants being affected by the stars with Vector and Sprout.
Flitwick was winning at an enchanted game of pin the tail on the dragon. Charity had brought multiple muggle games that they were playing. Though some of them they added a magical element into.
The ghosts were mingling as well.
Everyone was there but Sybil. Literally everyone. Pince was smiling a little at something Filch said as Mrs. Norris walked back and forth, rubbing against both of their legs purring.
Like the students, everyone was almost desperately trying to distract themselves from that morning's papers.
No one addressed it but the feeling was palpable.
Charity then began showing the room a muggle drinking game she found. Filch ended up winning, giving the prize, a rose that forever bloomed, to the blushing Madam Pince.
Albus watched as everyone got swept up in the merriment.
Even Peeves was allowed to have fun, though he kept it minimum as he found Minerva and Remus could handle him.
Not to mention the Bloody Baron.
Remus slowly, and somewhat sneakily, got the Baron and Helena talking.
It was just easy, neutral topics, but it was a start. Of course, they both had been properly warmed up by Vivian and Luna since the beginning of the year.
As Albus nursed his drink, he believed the still somewhat early drinking was totally justified in this moment.
Everyone was clinging to the current joy running through the halls.
This slice they had, protected from the outside world. At least, that's what they told themselves.
'Because that's what I told them' Albus knew. 'Hogwarts is the safest place. It is. I've desperately tried to make it so' he thought. He smiled whenever someone looked at him, but it was more of an autopilot move at this point.
Albus knew something big was coming. Something bad. He could feel it in his weathered bones.
He had to be ready for it!
'But for now' he smiled gently at the scene before him. 'For now, I shall allow the love to sooth my soul. It is the best magic for the inevitable upcoming battle'.
With that, Albus stood to invite Minerva into a dance.
####SCENE BREAK####
There was a different sort of 'party' happening at Malfoy manor.
Voldemort was surrounded by what was left of his most loyal, and some new hopeful that wanted to be in the main circle.
"Everyone, be honest. Do I need a wig?" Voldemort asked self-consciously.
"No! I love your bald head. We all do" Bellatrix assured.
"We can kiss it for good luck!" Rabastan exclaimed.
"Or lick it" Bellatrix clapped.
Some looked sickened at that, like Narcissa.
"Maybe I'd feel better if all of you went bald. Like in solidarity" Voldemort made most of the rest of the long table uneasy. "I want my snake. Nagini would make me feel better. She has no hair either. She can pull it off, like me" Voldemort slouched in his chair.
Voldemort had not acted…as his followers were used to. It was honestly starting to freak them out. Only the Lestranges seemed unaffected. Then again, they were also acting weirder than usual.
Still, no one dared say a word about the extreme out of character behavior from any of them.
"Would you like me to pretend to be a snake my Lord? I've been practicing" Bellatrix offered eagerly.
Narcissa realized that her sister really had lost it.
Lucius was doing his best to ignore his in-laws.
"Narcissa" Voldemort suddenly called making her tense but lightly bow her head.
"My Lord" Narcissa said in a mild tone.
Hiding the distaste and genuine hate she felt for the man that had taken over her home.
"You've never taken the mark, have you?" Voldemort asked as if he couldn't remember.
Both Lucius and Narcissa further tensed.
"No, my Lord" Narcissa admitted. She squeezed Lucius' hand when he went to say more. She didn't want her husband to panic and end up saying the wrong thing.
For either of them.
She came off as cool and collected.
"Alright. You may be excused then" Voldemort surprised most of the present followers.
"Aw, I'll miss you Sissy. I'll talk to you after so we can gossip about everyone" Bellatrix waived with a small pout.
With another beat, Narcissa regally stood. Lucius gave her a barely-there nod. He would be left behind, but he felt better that his wife would be spared his same mistake. Lucius knew, even if he wouldn't say it, that joining the dark lord was a mistake.
With a brief touch to Lucius' shoulder, Narcissa glided out of the room.
Finally, alone, Narcissa all but ran to her study. She had an urgent, desperate letter to send.
"Now" Voldemort began as he gave Rodolphus his hand. The man began filing the dark lord's nails. "I think we need to talk about our next moves. Obviously, I should take over the world. That goes without saying" he made them grow excited again. "Not to mention we must deal with those that renounced my mark" he looked at Lucius. "And the fools who claimed to be for my cause yet were too cowardly to take my mark" he saw Lucius gulp.
"We eagerly await your orders my Lord" Alecto puffed herself up. She was hopeful that soon she'd be invited to join the inner circle with her brother.
"Hm, I'll admit that I was first going to wreck the Ministry from the shadows. However, I find myself lacking the patience" Voldemort admitted.
"Especially since I still need to fight Harry Potter. I figured that since he's no longer a baby, then I'll have a better chance. He's what, a second year now? That has to be easier to kill than a baby" Voldemort dissed himself.
The Lestranges all dramatically crossed their fingers at his words.
No one dared breathe too loudly in fear of drawing attention.
Voldemort was mocking himself!
Everyone but the Lestranges were afraid of Voldemort thinking that any of them agreed with the mockery. Like he was testing them.
A test that should one fail could prove to be deadly.
"I think a more direct approach is best. I'm tired of everyone saying that Slytherins have to be sneaky and in the shadows. I'm beyond tired of my house placement dictating my current actions" Voldemort went on a mini rant.
The Lestranges all nodded as if this made perfect sense.
Voldemort took his hand from Rodolphus in order to steeple the spindly fingers. "With Lockhart's help, we're going to pose an attack close to Hogwarts. I do hope there will be casualties" he smiled wickedly at the cheers.
Lockhart wasn't thrilled with having his alliance so publicly exposed. He had hoped to slip back into his old life. Yet, Voldemort had shot that idea down. Lockhart had no choice in his life now. He hoped that Voldemort would change his mind and at least use Lockhart as a 'spy'.
Gilderoy held onto that hope.
Many around the table couldn't help but think that Lockhart didn't live up to his photographed good looks.
Voldemort grew a tad excited as he divulged "I had been working on a frightful and intimidating dance we could use to send terror into the hearts of our enemies".
The others tried to keep on their excited expressions. It was a challenge.
"Then I realized that only the four of us had any rhythm" Voldemort gestured to the proud Lestranges. That both eased the Death Eaters who didn't want to dance yet insulted them at the same time.
"We will soon strike fear in the hearts of all those that defy us" Voldemort got cheers. "We will remind them of the might of purebloods" he added.
"Yes, and we'd like to make you an honorary pureblood" Rabastan put a conjured sash on Voldemort.
This once more brought up the fact that the papers had been right. Voldemort, whom they had all tied themselves to, was not a pureblood!
He could even technically be considered less of a half-blood than Harry Potter! At least both of Potter's parents were magical, even if one was muggleborn.
Voldemort's parents were reportedly a squib and a muggle!
The purebloods, and even secretly half-bloods, around the table all shared looks. No one was sure what to do.
Everyone awkwardly followed the claps that Bellatrix started.
"Something to say about my heritage Gibbons?" Voldemort suddenly asked, signaling the man out.
Gibbons had a hard time answering. On one hand, this was the most feared wizard he had ever known. On another hand…he was a filthy half-blood.
"Too slow" Voldemort said before suddenly sending out the killing curse, striking the blonde Death Eater dead.
Now that was more like the Voldemort everyone knew and…well, they knew him.
No one but the Lestranges could say they 'loved' Voldemort.
"Now, what should be the next step?" Voldemort asked, leaning back in his chair.
"Pardon me my Lord, but we should probably deal with the being that calls himself the Master of Death along with his Knights. They seem to be partial to attacking Death Eaters and those who might have joined us" Amycus found the bravery to bring up.
"Good point" Voldemort tapped his bottom lip. "We'll definitely have to handle them. If anyone is to be the Master of Death, it would be me" he got agreements. "Who lived, Crabbe or Goyle?" he asked but spoke again before anyone could answer. "Doesn't matter. We'll break out the survivor and question him. Finding him shouldn't be hard. Too bad we lost so many useful members, but as the Americans' say 'Thems the breaks'" Voldemort shrugged.
No one knew what to say to that.
Everyone simply began coming to the conclusion that 'death' or whatever had happened to Voldemort had messed him up, bad. Obviously. The same must have happened with the Lestranges and their time in Azkaban.
Even the others who served time thought that the Lestranges must have been the most affected.
As they shared discreet looks, everyone just prayed and held onto the notion that as time went on, Voldemort and the Lestranges would go back to normal.
As normal as they were before, at least.
Which was pretty normal, actually it was special, better than normal, according to most Death Eaters.
"Anyway, I want everyone to think of things we can demand from the Ministry and Dumbledore once we take over" Voldemort got everyone back on the same page.
"Someone should get the minister. Bring him to me. Alive, for now. I want to make an example out of the little stooge" he saw many of them smirk.
"Lucius?" Voldemort looked at the blonde. "You know Fudge, do you not? You've built up the parody of a friendship with him" he assumed the blonde had done so for political and personal motives.
Which, of course were the reasons.
"Yes, my Lord. You said it was best before you…went away. I've been following your instructions" Lucius was eager to please. Eager to be back in the Dark Lord's good graces.
"Then where is my diary" Voldemort brought Lucius up short.
"You said to keep it safe but also to try and find a worthy host for it. That is what I did my Lord" Lucius tried not to point out how conflicting the two orders had been.
Voldemort simply stared with those striking red eyes.
"I" Lucius tried not to panic. "I have manipulated the Minister. He goes along with our goals, without even fully realizing it. He does so for gold, and not even a lot of it" Lucius couldn't help bragging a little at the end.
"And was that the Malfoy money or have you been syphoning from the Black vaults?" Voldemort coldly posed.
"Yes, I took money from the bloodtraitor" Lucius admitted, not seeing the problem.
Voldemort tsked "Not very smart Lucius. Now that Black is free, he's bound to check on the accounts under his control. You are lucky I'm here to protect you from the goblins" came the taunt.
Lucius covered his worry with his silver tongue. "I would risk anything to further you and your cause my Lord" he did his best.
"Oh, very good. Very believable" Voldemort chortled with a sarcastic slow clap. That made others snicker. "You must have been a favorite in school. Slughorn loves suck-ups" Voldemort used the slight slang in order to mock Malfoy.
Lucius' face reddened though he pretended to chuckle.
"Only for you my Lord" he insisted.
Voldemort gave a devious smirk.
"Good. I require another task for you Lucius, my slippery friend" he silenced the room again.
"Anything" Lucius waited.
"Go to Hogwarts. Once there, you will do two tasks. One, invite Severus. Do not tell him of me. I wish to make sure he has stayed loyal in his task for me. That he is still my spy, my eyes inside Hogwarts. I love seeing if I can make him sweat" he announced. "Then, you will find my diary" came the serious order paired with a heated glare.
Lucius felt his stomach fall.
Lucius quickly nodded.
"Good, good. I tease you, but you've always been one of my favorites" Voldemort promised.
Lucius wanted to feel relieved, yet he simply couldn't.
He couldn't tell if Voldemort meant it or not.
Under his breath Voldemort added "Daddy issues always love me". Only the smirking three Lestranges heard him.
"Now" Voldemort stood. "Prepare. Tomorrow, we strike".
A/N: So, I know this was shorter than usual. A taste really. But like I said, a lot of personal stuff is happening, but I wanted to give you guys a glimpse of what is coming. Review, ask, or suggest if you'd like. Till next time, have a great one and stay safe.