Another Fine Web...
Date: Tuesday, 11 March 2002
Time: 6:30 in the evening
Location: Upper Floor Private Room at the Boar’s Head Inn, Little Cawthorpe (near Muckton)
Characters Involved: Millicent Bulstrode Morsus, Bellatrix Lestrange, Rabastan Lestrange, Augustus Rookwood, Lucius Malfoy, Daphne Greengrass
Rating: PG-13 at least for violent intent, I would imagine ( Read more... )
Time: 6:30 in the evening
Location: Upper Floor Private Room at the Boar’s Head Inn, Little Cawthorpe (near Muckton)
Characters Involved: Millicent Bulstrode Morsus, Bellatrix Lestrange, Rabastan Lestrange, Augustus Rookwood, Lucius Malfoy, Daphne Greengrass
Rating: PG-13 at least for violent intent, I would imagine ( Read more... )
Some people seemed to find apparating an uncomfortable process, but she enjoyed the rush that followed the little pull around her navel. As she made her way toward the Boar's Head she pulled the heavy velvet of her cloak around her shoulders to dampen the slight chill in the air. Waiting just a moment before she entered, she managed to slip up the stairs unnoticed by the muggles apparently responsible for running the establishment. Moving silently, she suspected her hostess was already aware of her presence. When her knuckles were poised to softly tap the door, she paused with nostalgic reflection. How many times had she prepared to enter a meeting in some muggle building, hidden from the eyes of the wizarding world?
Not so hidden now, she thought, glaring at the bracelet of her raised wrist. And how many times had she felt that delicious tingle of excitement creep up her spine?
Yesss, we shall begin again.
She schooled her expression to be a mask of serene indifference, but she could not dampen the fire blazing her dark gray-blue eyes as she sharply knocked on the door.
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As he looked down at Daphne, his 'adopted niece', he wondered where she would fit in the next generation. A swell of pride filled him as he realized it was possible she really could take her place at the right hand of who should rightfully lead the Wizarding world.
He'd taken exceptional care, in fact, because he fully expected Lucius and young Master Malfoy to be in attendance and he would not disappoint or embarrass Daphne.
Stepping up to Honeydukes, he waited for her patiently, his thick cloak hanging limply on his shoulders. With his muffler and gloves, he had no need to pull it tight.
He saw her exit and smiled as she stepped up to him.
"Shall we?" There was no need for more words. If the public conversation was left at that, it would seem they were simply heading to dinner. Augustus always found it more effective to allow people to do his lying for him. It was even more lovely when it was their own preconceived notions that did so.
He hugged her briefly and allowed the embrace to linger as he Apparated them to the inn.
Releasing her, he knocked on the door. Tonight would be good. It was a fresh beginning, and something he'd wondered if he'd ever see again. Surely, the old guard, he always chuckled at the nomenclature, would be there. The question would, as always, become who could rise above the rest. He only hoped that they shared a large enough agenda that such battles would be pushed back to the recesses of minds. He had no desire to mediate a power struggle for supremacy when his main concern was the Registry.
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“What a welcome surprise, to see you first to arrive instead of missing your most necessary presence.” Millicent nearly gushed as she welcomed the early arrival of Mrs. Lestrange. She had expected the former Dark Lord’s favourite to miss nearly the entire gathering and was most delighted to see circumstances had permitted her to join them at once. Millicent allowed the older, more experienced witch to set the guidelines for their greeting, not wanting to presume on Bellatrix’s good graces.
She paused in her greeting only to be interrupted by the notice of more arrivals. Again lowering the wards she admitted Augustus and Daphne, again with silence and only nodded greetings of welcome until she had replaced the protections. If anything, Millicent was overzealous in the protection of her own good name and person. If others profited from her vigilance, and they were her peers, so much the better.
“Daphne! Wonderful to see you!” She gushed, giving Daphne what passed for a hug in Millicent’s world with an accompaniment of air kisses. She reached behind to offer a slight arm squeeze to Augustus as she greeted him over Daphne’s shoulder.
“Augustus, how good of you to bring Daphne with you.” If Millicent really thought that Augustus had probably seen to it that Daphne really came, that was an opinion she kept to herself. Persuasion was an important part of their agenda tonight, and they might as well begin with Daphne.
“Please make yourselves welcome.” She gestured to the available food, drink and seating. She did not introduce Daphne to Bellatrix. She did not know if the honour was necessary, but it was Augustus’ right to bestow it in any case.
She offered to take Bellatrix’s cape. She would stow it with any other outerwear in the handy closet next to the entry door. It currently held her broom and her flying cloak and gear. It would allow for a quick exit if necessary.
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She didn't fully understand why she felt so nervous and off-set, she probably knew everyone who was going to be there, but it was the way the get-together was being held. If they were so proud of their veiws then why hide? In a muggle tavern at that!
"Nice to see you again, Milli." Daphne returned the hug and air kisses. She had reverted back to calling Miilicent by her school pet name. Millicent was such a long name to say that Daphne had found it cuter to just say Milli.
Daphne walked into the room, trying to take in the surroundings. When she saw Bellatrix, she stopped. It was so strange to see her and almost embarassing as she remember the incident of drinking at the gala.
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He wore simple black clothing. The cut was businesslike, though chosen to not hinder his travel. Fashion was not demanded tonight, but of course each of his robes were bespoke and fitted their function.
The night was cold, and he wore leather gloves, trimmed at the fingers to allow him to use his wand fully. He wore a cloak of black, plain but for the black fur trim at the edges.
Lucius did not have any fixed expectations of the meeting. There was no desired purposeful outcome. Truly his campaign would benefit from their support, though every one of them had already pledged as such. His intention was to listen to what each of them had to say. After his conversation with Bellatrix at the ball, he couldn't help a little suspicion of what the other's had in mind if they promised aid to his campaign.
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She had barely closed the closet door when another guest arrived. Millicent greeted Lucius Malfoy with the same silent welcome, resetting the wards quickly and efficiently after he swept past her in his usual authoritative manner. Millicent had looked past him to be certain neither Narcissa nor Draco lagged behind. She was not disappointed or greatly surprised and would welcome them if either or both of them joined their group later.
“You are most welcome, Lucius.” She allowed herself the luxury of an admiring gaze at his Pure Blooded ass behind his back, before offering to take his cloak.
“We may begin as soon as you wish,” she confided in a lowered voice. She was deferential, but indicated that this was a meeting with a purpose, one which would serve him best if he wished to avail himself of their rare gathering. She could not imagine what Lucius might ask of her them that she they would not do.
A clandestine attack on the Weasleys might be quite droll….maybe an unfortunate “accident” at the twin clown sons’ low-class shoppe in Hogsmeade? Perhaps others in the family might be on the premises to enjoy the event? It was a thought… For the current Minister, something at the Ministry might be quite entertaining…
Millicent had to stay the flow of her most active imagination. It would be too easy to become enraptured with plans for the violent and very rewarding future. For now, she needed to concentrate on just what her guests might wish to accomplish.
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"It's always a pleasant surprise when circumstances are able to bent one's schedule," she smirked with a small shrug. "I must say thank you again for arranging this little conference. Once the others arrive I'm sure we can agree on an order of business."
She glided over to a comfortable looking chaise as Millicent saw to the next arriving guests, kicking her ankles up into a comfortable recline.
"Augustus, my dear," she greeted affectionately when he emerged through the door.
For his sake, she made no comment on Daphne. Despite a less than desirable first impression Bellatrix suspected the girl could be a good influence on Draco, and she was not about to agitate Augustus by calling out someone he clearly appreciated. Perhaps the girl just needed a guiding hand.
When Lucius made his entrance Bellatrix kept her mouth closed, as still felt he had offended her pride when all she was trying to do was help the man. Though she noticed Draco's absence with displeasure. To prevent the sharp comment from leaping off her tongue, she contented herself to run her tongue over her teeth - a tick normally reserved for moments when she was pleased.
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He met her gaze and nodded briefly as she commented that they could start when he wished. Though he hadn't realised he was heading this meeting, it seemed natural that he should.
He watched Millicent walk to hang up his cloak, with brief appreciation of the leather trousers and stiletto heels. He'd always thought their meetings at lacked enough female presence. Turning to the rest of the gathering, he noted the presence of Miss Greengrass. Doubtlessly she would be asking after Draco.
Lucius nodded to Augustus and Bellatrix. Whatever this meeting became, whatever it's outcome, Lucius knew what he didn't want. He didn't want to exist in an echo of their former meetings. The Dark Lord was dead, and no one was beholdent to anyone. If they supported him, it would be because they believed in what he said, and if they decided they didn't...well, he would be open to criticism, to suggestions. This was a common goal. He wouldn't become the tyranic leader, however appealing that might come to be.
"If we are ready," Lucius said loud enough for those gathered to hear, "then we will begin."
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He turned as Lucius entered and nodded briefly. "Lucius."
He frowned. No young Master Malfoy then. His hopes regarding Draco's loyalties began to waver. This would not do. Draco Malfoy needed to be loyal. He was Lucius' legacy. His defection would look poorly on Lucius. Come to think of it, why wasn't he here? Did Lucius not have an excuse ready? Would he truly allow his son to become a blood traitor?
His lip twitched. Not so good an influence on Daphne then. He might need to remind the boy of his place, his status. A Malfoy blood traitor. How could Narcissa allow it? He glanced at Bellatrix. And what have you to say about your nephew?
He wondered about the boy once more, looking at Daphne, wondering what she was thinking. Was she disappointed, upset? If that boy hurt her...
Lucius was talking. "I think we are ready. Are we expecting any others?"
He moved away from everyone to stand with his hands clasped loosely behind his back.
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"Forgiven, of course," she said with a small smile. "I, too, really should be more attentive."
She noted his frown, following his gaze to Lucius. Bellatrix responded to the question in Augustus' eyes with a small shrug and roll of her eyes, content to let her annoyance with the whole situation momentarily show on her face. Did Lucius really think no one would notice Draco's absence?
Bellatrix would much prefer that Augustus be the one directing the meeting, better him the Lucius. She'd never really enjoyed what felt like the paperwork end of Death Eater antics, feeling in many ways that such trivial matters were beneath her. But now, with more than one point of view streaming through her eyes, she was ever more pleased to see Augustus in a position of authority.
Still, they just couldn't help themselves. She consciously schooled her tongue to avoid hissing out her S's.
"Perhaps we should wait a moment more. Ssurely we're missing someone?" she said diplomatically, but allowed her gaze to rest on Lucius.
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A heavy curtain hung over the window hiding all hints of the evening light. Instead of looking at anyone in particular, Daphne fingered the curtains. Moving them slightly to the side, she peeked out the window. It wasn't the sight of the small town or the Muggles walking about that she wanted to look at; it was the fact that she realized deep inside of her she didn't want to be there.
Yes, she believed that purebloods should be there leaders in the wizarding world and mudbloods should be shunned, but the people who surrounded her now had taken measures she would never even contemplate. All had been marked at one point but her. Daphne felt like she was a child amongst adults.
Glancing over at Augustus, she half smiled. Her hand ran down her side, underneath the thin layer of cloth was her own secret. Small scars left to remind her that tears were not an option. A proper lady (in her household) never cried in sorrow or anger.
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He looked at Augustus and Bellatrix. For all he knew, for all Draco knew--and he wasn't surely exactly what Draco remembered--these two could have been amongst those who had tortured his son. There were certain things Lucius expected Draco to portray in public, but he couldn't hold Draco's wish not to attend this meeting against him. It wasn't as though he'd had any semblence of a pleasant experience as a Death Eater, and though this was quite pointedly not a Death Eater meeting, it rested uneasily in the shadow of one.
"Narcissa is occupied by other plans for the campagin," Lucius said, meeting the gaze of the two "and Draco will not be attending our meetings."
Let them think what they would of that. He wouldn't be explaining further unless asked, though he wasn't sure how far he would tolerate Bellatrix's criticism of what he 'allowed' Draco to do. He'd never submitted to their will under the Dark Lord, and he was damned if he'd start now.
He glanced over at Daphne beside the window, briefly wondering if Draco knew she was attending this meeting, and if she was her through her own choice rather than Augustus' will.
"Millicent," he said turning his gaze back to her, "are we waiting for anyone else?"
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Daphne was separating herself from them with her placement and body language as surely as if she had gone to hide in the closet. Millicent wondered just how Augustus had coaxed her to come. She would do her best to make her feel welcome, but it was up to Daphne to decide. She was either with them or against them.
Lucius’ question was her cue to try to underscore their shared goals and beliefs, not the actions of the past.
“I was afraid that Bellatrix might be detained, but as we are so fortunate as to have her with us, there is no need to delay our discussions. Her brother-in-law Rabastan is expected, but will certainly understand us beginning without him.” She looked around at this core of Pure Blood wealth and wisdom. It was a gathering to set her heart to fluttering.
“This is the first of what I hope will be many small gatherings of like-minded witches and wizards to work together to mold our future in ways that would be most acceptable to our shared hopes and dreams. Perhaps we can all agree that the election of one of our number, Lucius Malfoy, as Minister of Magic would be the most advantageous first step of a bright future.” She turned an admiring and deferential gaze on Lucius. His election would indeed bring them the possibility of forging great change. Of course, it was inconceivable that anyone here present had not already pledged their support, public and private, so she continued in the hopes that she could bring Daphne more directly back into the conversation.
“Lucius has my complete support, and we might wish to discuss how best we can assist in that effort,” she paused for effect, turning her attention to Bellatrix and Augustus. “Disbanding the Registry, the horrid inconvenience which has caused us to take such extreme precautions for such a legitimate and necessary meeting, is another cause where I believe our opinions concur.” She then turned so that she could see Daphne by the window with more clarity.
“With your indulgence, however, perhaps we might begin with our wish to seek out and include other like-minded witches and wizards in these matters. Beyond the support of family ties.” It would do no good to focus on the absence of either Narcissa or Draco. Now she spoke as directly to Daphne as she dared, in the guise of a hostess accommodating her guests.
“We would not wish to bring the prejudices of the past to bear against us at this sensitive time, a time where we must be seen as the voice of reason crying in the wilderness. This is a time when we might act in concert to gain the trust of our fellow magical brethren in the cause of benefiting and safeguarding our community.” She took a breath, hoping to persuade the others to address their challenges more openly. “Our every action and endeavor must be unified in support of our mutual goals if we are to realise the desires of our heart, the hope of the future.”
Millicent stood at a midpoint in the room between Daphne and Bellatrix, wondering why they had chosen separate corners, and tried her best to urge cohesion, at least until they could grasp power by the throat.
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That pureblood pride had no place with the younger generation only illustrated to Augustus how far they had truly failed their world. Two lost wars. How could they expect this generation, these fresh faces to understand? How could they not? Were things truly lost?
No, he refused to believe that, despite Lucius' comment that Draco would not be attending their meetings. The boy seemed to not understand why he had survived what he had. Did he not understand how vital he was? How valuable? And why was it that Lucius allowed such open hostility? And against those who had tried to teach him, guide him down the path of right?
He noted Rabastan's absence with bland disappointment. He'd expected as much after their last conversation. Rabastan had become a flake in his mind, completely unreliable. Glancing at Bellatrix, he wondered why she'd allowed him to keep the house. He firmly believed it a travesty that not only was the princess of purebloods trapped with a ministry device but also at the mercy of her brother-in-law.
Millicent's thoughts echoed his own. Though he was not prepared to discuss here, even as secure as he was certain it was, his plans for Lucius and the Ministry.
"We are indeed the voice of reason, and of tradition, of culture." He nodded to each in attendance. "And it is only through encouraging culture in the younger members of our society, these new adults who run our world," he nodded to Millicent, "That we can provide hope."
Public speaking irritated him. He hated it, but being the eldest wizard present, he felt obligation to continue where Millicent had left off. He felt the need to ensure his own thoughts were mentioned. That his voice was added.
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"I wholeheartedly agree with Augustus. " Bellatrix added. "And Millicent is right, we need unified cooperation. Without order and organization we have no hope. As one, the pure can cleanse the filth that is degrading our world."
She turned her attention to Lucius again. She had promised Narcissa to try to be nicer to him. "And obviously, the blood traitor cannot be permitted to take the Ministry. Lucius is the ideal candidate."
Taking a moment to pause, she reached for a glass of wine their hostess had provided. She loved the atmosphere in the room at that moment, those first tentative moments of admissions and plotting. Her sharp focus alone kept the hissing restricted within her head. The group was small.
We were once small.
But they would grow.
In numbers and sstrenghth, my pet.
Looking around the room, even sparing Daphne a glance, she continued, "But I would not be so hasty to disband the Registry completely. Certainly few are more irritated by the shackles of the current Ministry than myself, and our personal liberties must be restored. However, if we could change the registry.... simply require all witches, wizards, and werewolves to register. Everyone's family history down on paper. We could turn the tool of this muggle-loving Ministry against the mub-bloods and blood traitors, use their notion to achieve our own ends."
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“Positively brilliant, Bellatrix!” She exclaimed, unable to resist the idea of a Register of Pure Bloods that would declare the rightful place of each one in their community without question. It was something she knew and kept track of for her own amusement and interest, but to have it actually inscribed in the Hall of Records for all time was a heady thought. It could go far towards achieving their ultimate goals.
“If we use our combined strength and talents, who would not be soon persuaded of the benefit to the community?”
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