Fandom The Gathering of Death Eater Children

[Hikari Chan]

Now, for her end of the deal. She was not doing this out of loyalty or respect that had to be earned. Even though she did not like Lucius' tactics she still did not think he should have been so punished over failures while the Dark Lord himself did not manage to count his own. Rosa silenced the room, dropped the tapestry that hung over the two of the doors, and closed the curtain on the portrait. Looking at the book from the Malfoy trust that was carelessly left out.

She took it examining the safe guards with her wand. It had a language lock. But nothing more. "Given who wrote you I wonder what that would be?" She carefully check for traps. Their were not. Strange that this one did not when the other had one.

Pressing the lock she spoke," Kesh de hiiswe naasskimthee." The book opened. Salazar had the same weakness. Thanks Draco for summoning a snake. Awful, Snape should let him follow threw while Potter was distracted. She flipping through the book finding the page she needed. She reached for a quill and parchment out of the desk. Writing down notes.

She need it to help Old Man Goyle. He was a monster but he always treated her well. She made a mental note that she needed to check his potion stock and sit threw a lecture on respecting ones elders and the dark arts are not to be practice with out proper caution. Which she was sure was coming. Given he had seen where she came out from.

The book also had the language key for the other two. She set the sun dial on the far left wall placing both books in the safe securely. Noting that a few of the other were still walking about. She may not have time to talk things over.

To be honest threw the war she was not sure about Voldemort's adherence to the Pureblood Codes. More and more it started looking like he using there name for his own gain. What reason did the others have not to look for him and almost be glad he was going. What had happened during the last days to make them rethink things. She had not bothered to ask. Since it very much looked like this was the end.

She would turn in soon. Placing an alarm spell to wake her up the instant anyone enter her room, not leaving her wand out of arm reach, and snare trap the door. She forgot she had not offered to transfigure night clothing. The bath rooms were charmed as much of the house was. To magically do things as long as the money to buy them keep coming or the stores replenished them selves. Hope no one brought their favorite toothbrush. It be gone and replaced by morning. The room Hunter had picked already had all the pleasures of home. The closet would give you anything you could think of in clothing. And it was very lush. It was her was aunt's favorite room. She always hated charmed clothing. Greg had a tendency to turn them back into the white rags they were. Embarrassing. But they always looked lovely and enchanting. She noted the brooms, rakes, shovels, and mops were lining up to clean the house outside. As she decide to say Good night to Opal. Give her orders to keep the others safe and to reset the wards. She gave everyone a days pass from the wards. The hounds were waking up in a bad mood. She have to calm them again. Last time they got too angry a Death Eater got killed.

She did not look forward to sleep. She had dreams of her team mates getting crushed under the walls as they fell. Screams and the over use of the Sectumsempra Spell. Always tell a trusted friend. Secrets never lasted long. Then everyone knows it. From the sound that had come from Blaise's room he was having same problem. She wonder if they all did.

Rosa decides to get the rest of them. After the Auror watch has finished. Ask Draco if he even wants to come. She not going to make him I sure family obligations well be handled

If so, Draco can have his usually room across from Hunter. His clothing should still be there. Or ask Hunter for a enchanted set the wardrobe produces 5 sets of clothing. If not she will see him at the Main Manor for tea next Tuesday at the latest and for him to try talking to Lucius. She rather not have a permanent knife at her back over this incident.

She Briefs them on what is going on. If they have any questions feel free to ask in the morning. Luna should know more then she does.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Luna woke up early the next morning. The sun wasn't up, yet. She washed, then put on a newer dress she had been saving for the day Voldemort came back. Nagini was awake by the time she was dressed. She stepped out, and made her way to the sitting room, Nagini slithering behind her. She sat down, and Nagini sat in her lap, knowing that she secretly needed the comfort. Someone else was already awake, and she could hear another person getting ready.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Rosa Had Turtle and Derek cook breakfast. Turtle is a squib. Turtle is a dark skinned wizard and tall. His hair hung in a pony tail neatly groomed. The only thing he could do was move things around him with out touching them. It was a gift but he did not use a wand. Turtle was always here taking care of Richard since the house elves were transferred to Hogwarts. The Goyle family never had many. It had been a blow.

You could tell they had been ordered not to speak to any one. Derek was a rough character and it showed.

"Derek needed money. So he is helping fix breakfast today. If they talk or offend you don't hesitate to hex them. But don't kill them. It's a shame they do not have the some laws for squibs as there muggle pets. I could kill Derek and they would not bat an eye. " She address the people gathering in the sitting room." she put an arm around Derek.

"Don't steal anything while I am gone. I will know." He went from to nervous. She looked him in eye. "If you can manage that. I will give you my credit at the gambling parlor."

Rosa when to the kitchen sorted her owls and ate breakfast. Peaches with yogurt and dark chocolate. She did not bother to wait for breakfast to get cooked. She went out to visit some of the animals. She be there when they were ready to leave.

There was news from Gill Goyle about Hogwarts. She handed the letter to Luna.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Dear Rosa,

News has been scarce, lately. But, there are a few recent things here that you may find interesting;

Firstly, Dumbledore's Army will be helping to protect Hogwarts, since they found Bill's body. They put on a pitiful funeral, but I went to maintain my "I'm not like my family" cover. They are very nosy, and very good at being in the places you least expect them. I could barely send you this owl without the blood-traitor Ginny sticking her wand somewhere it shouldn't go.

Second, the Room of Requirement entrance is also being guarded. If you wish to access it, think again. The safety of the secret passageways are merely a memory now. Contact me if you wish to enter the castle. There is still one last way that will guarantee your safety through and back. Can't name it here.

Lastly, I would advise you to keep a closer eye on your other allies. Someone in your circle is very untrustworthy, and you should watch out for yourself.

Gill Goyle.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Blaise got up early the following morning and checked immediately for any eavesdropping devices wards or incantations that were not there the night before. He transfigured his room back the way that he found it and after showering, he cleansed his clothes and dressed, putting on a new shirt from his small travel satchel. He headed out into the hallway and began checking the area for wards, making sure to give the terror dogs a wide berth. Granted, he could always put them to sleep or knock them out, but he didn't want to upset the owners of the house as he was a guest. He went to the pantry and grabbed a light snack, making sure to test each of the foods and drinks for poisons and potions before consuming them. He headed back into the living room where he picked up a nearby book and began to peruse it silently as he observed his surroundings. There were certain things from last night's journey that didn't particularly sit easy with him. He did agree with the ideology after all but resurrecting Voldemort again? Towards the end of the last campaign the dark lord had come unhinged. No crazy, was a better term. He had sacrificed people and things and had devolved from a brilliant tactician into an almost outright lunatic. While he supported Luna and her cause, he had serious misgivings about bringing the dark lord back. Perhaps some fresh blood would invigorate the pot. Perhaps Luna herself, or Rose, or one of the other loyal. He was unsure where Hunter stood, but he feared that Draco had been traumatized too much by the war. He didn't blame the boy of course, but he felt that he couldn't trust him when the chips were down, not to turn tail and run, leaving his comrades in the lurch as it were. He sighed and put the book down in frustration. Pulling out his wand he began twirling it between his fingers. He knew a small bit of wandless magic, nowhere near as powerful as Snape or the dark lord himself, but just enough to be dangerous. However, he kept that hidden away, letting nobody see it. He wished that he had studied more and become an animagus, but there never seemed to be enough time when he was in school and afterwards.. well his mother came first, as usual. He clutched his wand tightly and let out a deep breath as he closed his eyes and meditated, waiting for the rest to come downstairs.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Luna got up and paced the room. She was starting to have doubts. And, every time she had those bad feelings, things usually turned out wrong. Should she lead the team to their goal? Should she really be resurrecting the one person who would kill his right-hand man in the blink of an eye?

How would he treat his daughter's sacrifice, and effort? And Bellatrix, she thought with a wince, had said herself that if she had had a child, she would be more than willing to give them up for the Dark Lord. Yes, she loved him dearly, but would both Voldemort and Bellatrix love Luna enough to treat her unlike a common child? Would they give her the treatment that their Heir deserved, or would they act so, planning to rid themselves of her, eventually? But, could she quit her life's mission, to bring them back, only to lose everyone's respect? Finally, would Voldemort have enough sanity inside him to not kill everyone that crossed his path?

Luna confronted her worst fear; they couldn't hurt her while they were dead, but what if Voldemort managed to come back without her assistance, and he punished her for that? He still had one Horcux left, and it never left her side.

 

[Hikari Chan]

At Rosa's:
Blaise finds Just Deserts in the kitchen. The are a set of cakes that are poisonous unless you have built tolerance to them then; they are a very sweet treat. The cake holder is warded so unless you know what they are you can not grab one. Blaise's family, the Lestrange Family, Rosier Family all serve them.

The terror hounds are just laying on the ground swishing their rat like tails back and forth. They look up for a moment and then yawn lazily laying their head down.

Blaise, Draco, and Hunter have a two day pass threw the wards. The others passes will be terminated upon stepping out side the wards. The wards have been strengthened where no one person will be able to disarm them. Besides those listed as master of the house. The Ranch is huge and would take too much time to check all the wards

Rosa sat talking with Old Man Goyle after checking on her animals. He was none too please to see her berating her for her actions. She gave him a copy of the notes and research she been gathering. His eyes went wide on his withered features.

What have you done? he asked her.

I don't want you to die old man. Voldemort may have never praised you for sending spirit guides to aid him. Or giving him your Health but at least he could aid you in this. I have but to owl Adrian Goyle and he can switch you from this withered shell to Marcus Black II body. Marcus of course will parish in yours. I'll leave it up you. She placed a letter in his hand and Whippletree on the owl perch. She got up to leave.

Softly closing the door behind her.

She noticed Blaise sitting in the living room. She decide to try and talk with him mostly about family and how things were going after the war. While waiting on the others.

She was trying to build up her courage to ask Luna if this was really what she wanted.

After all Voldemort had not returned by him self. The Rosier, Lestrange, and Goyle Family had sat in this very house the day he disappeared. The Longbottoms (Aurors) were the only that knew where the physical element of the Dark Lord was. So the Lestrange family went after that.

While the Goyle family and the Rosier family that were more versed in thanatology. Started plans for the spirit. Most of them got caught except for Olivia and Richard. It was almost like they were expected to do such things. If they had waited they could not have gotten anything as the trail would have ran cold.

They were tried and convicted sent to Azkaban. Goyle Sr. had convinced the Wizengamot that he had been under the Imperius after Narcissa and Yaxley stood up for him. He spent several months in the prison before they arrange it. She had not known about the kids Bellatrix had. She had how ever known that Rodolphus had been infertile. The hospital had found a way to test it and was Bella ever angry. She thought it was her and all the time it had been him. She grinned to herself.

She would like time to go riding. It was her favorite morning activity. They had winged horses in the stable Granian and Aethonan. Along with exalted horses.

Blaise watched patiently as Rosa paced back and forth. "You look as though you have something on your mind. Sit. Speak. You can speak freely here. I promise not to hold anything you say against you if I can help it. Just know that while it is perfectly normal to doubt your convictions from time to time, I believe that we are working to make a better world for ourselves and our children, even if the majority of witches and wizards don't understand it at the moment. Most people only have perfect hindsight. The way forward is often unclear." He hoped that one of these sayings would trigger her to speak about what was bothering her.

Rosa turned to Blaise.

"It's just doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. It's just insane. I keep wondering if it is not the Dark Lord's time to go beyond the veil. My family helped bring him back after Lily's protection over her son defeated him. Now we have been defeated again. Our Lord will not be as strong this time round. He will weakened and possibly lack the requirements to replenish his soul. The failed attempts are adding up. Failure is not acceptable." She decides to change the subject as her eyes glaze over a pale milky white. She need to calm herself or she will have an relapse of her child hood problem.

"How is Natasha doing? I hear tell you had a few raids by the ministry." She sits down in an elaborate oak chair.

He nodded and stared into the fire. "She's well considering everything that's happened. She sits in her room and despairs most days." He glanced back up to her. "I understand where you're coming from, and I have similar misgivings. We've given the dark lord every chance to bring about what he promised. He had like what, six seven chances to kill Potter and he failed. Perhaps the prophecy was true and he was not the one to fulfil this destiny. " He paused and sighed. "This is not, insolence, mind you. I still believe in our cause and I will fight to the death to ensure our victory.. but what if as you say, it's time for some new blood? I would speak to Luna about it and gauge her feelings, preferably when her pet is not around. I don't know why but that thing gives me the creeps. Voldemort's legacy was built on the idea that failure was not an option. Why should we hold the dark lord himself to any lesser standard?" He glanced down the hallway to her room. "She seems reasonable and willing to listen. I can't promise to be able to protect you should she flip out but in the event that she does.." He shook his head. "I believe that if she shows herself to be as mad as her father, then the path that the rest of us must take will be perfectly clear." He coughed a bit clearing his throat and picked his book back up.

"Indeed." She talks to a caged bird in the corner. Derek Brings in a steaming mug of cider and a plate of dark chocolate along with a Just Desert.
"You know. I am not too sure Potter can be killed by magical means. Maybe we went at it all wrong. " She takes a bite of the pink floral pastry. Sipping her cider quietly. She decides to pick out a book as well.

"What are you suggesting? That we hire a muggle with a.. what's the word.. pistol.. to assassinate him?" Blaise rubbed his chin. "Maybe.. if it were someone close to him.. does Potter have any muggle relatives left?"

" I would not be able to associate with the filth. How any of the Malfoys puts up with the meetings for business with the muggle ministry or trade. I will never know. He even leaves his muggle suits here. He wants to be dressed in something he does not mind getting dirty. Actually I was thinking the good old fashion way. Maybe poison or I could get the family assassin to get attend one of his social gatherings. With an not enchanted weapon." She looks back at her book.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Luna sat down, tired of pacing. Nagini kept slithering back and forth, still. There was one way to trick Potter into being killed. She could approach him as a friend, maybe. She could possibly pull off one of those 'I'm not like my parents, pity me for their legacy's misleading impressions' type of thing, but could she control every impulse not to make an obvious attack?

"Nagini, do you think I should choose one of the others to speak to?" she said, staring into her eyes. The snake paused, looked at her, and shook her head. "Let them come to you. ", she said wisely. Luna nodded, and started pacing, again. She was getting hungry.

Blaise shook his head. "The problem with non magical weapons is that unless they kill you outright, they are too easy to counteract. One minor competent healer can heal anything from bullet to arrow to sword and knife stabs that would be fatal in the muggle world. As for your assassin, I hear that the ministry is on high alert when it comes to security for those that had a deciding factor in the battle. For Potter and the golden trio I'd imagine that it'd be doubly so." He sighed and shook his head. Granted he wasn't one to associate with muggles but he didn't have the animosity that some of the others claim to have for them. Muggles were like pets or house elves. You certainly wouldn't count them as equals and you shouldn't give them any responsibilities aside from the most mundane of tasks, but they couldn't help that they were born inferior. If anything he had a greater distaste for mudbloods as good wizards and witches had sunk to the level of mating with muggles, an idea as abhorrent to him as bestiality. He checked his watch. "I'll go check on Luna.. perhaps get a feel for her mood this morning." He stood and walked quietly over to her room knocking his head as he bowed reverently. "Luna.. It's half past eight. Would you like some breakfast?" he said showing her the reverence that she deserved. Something inside him hated to submit to anyone even the Riddles, but he reminded himself that it was not about him. It was for the greater good. As long as they were on the same team, he'd do what it took to ensure her good will.

"Yes, please, Blaise", Luna said, looking up at him with teary eyes. As soon as she said it, her eyes returned to their normal, aware state. "What is available?" she said, noticing that he was paying her respect in asking her what she needed. She knew that he wanted exactly what she did, but she just wasn't sure how to get what she wanted. Maybe he knew how? Nagini slithered up to Luna, and settled into a position around her neck like a boa. She knew that Luna needed the comfort.

"Cookies pastries.. pancakes and fresh fruit I believe. If the servant's cooking isn't up to your standards, I could pop out and get something for you." Blaise said looking at his nails and scratching a bit of dirt from beneath them. Luna.. I've been thinking... and when you're not encumbered.. " He pointed at Nagini "with your past, I'd like to pick your brain privately about a few things. It's nothing personal.. I'm just uncomfortable with your familiar." He said and bowed to both her and Nagini. "No disrespect. "

"I understand perfectly well", Luna said. She was used to people not trusting her snake.Luna whispered to her in parseltongue, telling her to handle something important. Nagini slithered past Blaise, bowing her head toward him in respect. She left out the front door, which Luna opened for her using her wand. "If you don't mind, Blaise, I'd prefer some fresh strawberries and cream, with a glass of water." she said politely. "Then we can talk"

 

[Hikari Chan]

After speaking with Blaise Luna agrees that her father had lost the plot. She decides to only bring back her mother. So it had begun. The rise of the new order.
"We will need a piece of Bella's body. You said you found it My Lady."

Asteri looks at the snake as it slithers by. She shrugged and continued eating. She turned to Luna and smiled, "Killing Harry Potter? I'm in, he was one of the main reasons my father is dead." She said disgusted and turned back to her food. "This is good.." She mumbled with a mouth full.

"Glad you're enjoying your self. Miss Snape. We will get to Potter at a later date or maybe one of his offspring would be a better choice
No rush. They are clueless at this point."

Blaise nodded. He still didn't trust Luna's mother not to try and bring back the dark lord, but one piece at a time, he supposed. He couldn't deny her both of her parents. He only hoped that her mother's insanity would be kept in check now that the dark lord was gone. "Very well." He said bowing. "Tell me what you need and I will fetch it for you." His eyes glanced over to where Asteri was sitting and narrowed. He didn't trust the younger Snape, not since Harry Potter had gone before the Wizengamot and pleaded to clear Severus of all charges posthumously. Potter had claimed that the dark Lord's right hand man, his closest confidant was in fact a spy working on Dumbledore's behalf even killing him as part of a plan to ingratiate himself to the dark lord. Blaise couldn't verify if it was true of course but he was very wary against trusting this younger Snape. 'Fool me once...' He thought to himself. He would keep an eye on her and if she threatened their plans, he would string her up from the nearest tree and crucio her until she stopped twitching. He glanced at Rosa and nodded feeling as though she was likely the closest thing he had to a trustworthy companion here. He awaited Luna's next orders.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Luna nodded to Blaise. "I am sure that once I explain the reason why the Dark Lord hasn't already been revived, she will understand. She loved him, but she also loved the idea of leading her own takeover." she smiled. She knew that Bellatrix would honor their Heir, and respect Luna for who she was, not by her age and appearance. "I will need some of you to accompany me on this journey" she said, hoping that Asteri wouldn't volunteer. She didn't trust her; Snape was a traitor. She did hope that Blaise would accompany her, as well as Roselynn, if she showed up. She wouldn't mind Rose joining at all. She just wanted to leave, and in the next few minutes at most. She didn't have any time for messing about; it was already half past nine. She hoped Nagini would hurry up; she wanted her to come as well!

Blaise immediately stood up and walked to stand behind her. "You have my wand mistress." He said calmly. He looked over her shoulder at the other two giving no hint of his emotions either way. He glanced hesitantly once over his shoulder towards where Nagini had gone. He hated the thought of putting his back to the snake but it was time to show allegiance.

"Your allegiance and loyalty will neither go without notice, nor go unrewarded" Luna said gracefully, standing up and looking into his eyes. She turned away from him, and went to the door. "Let us prepare to make the Journey" she said, opening the door to let her snake inside. It coiled next to her as she waited by the door. She looked out the window the pass the time. Clearly, he was making a brave attempt to appear loyal. He was doing a good job, and if he showed no signs of fear of disloyalty, Luna would soon trust him. She never trusted anyone fully, though. Except for one.

"Any time you are ready, My Lady." Rosa balanced on her black hided laced boot. Curtsying deeply. "Accio battle armor" She strapped her dragon hide on. Not knowing what they would get into. Then slipped a dinner jacket over it. Her pants were already dragon hide. "There are probably more suits in the armory. Near the centaur stable if anyone would like to try them."

"I have no need for armour" Luna said. "Let us be off to Azkaban" Luna said. She made a movement with her wand, and her cloak came flying to her. She let Nagini wrap around her arm, then put her cloak on. She stepped outside, into the warm morning breeze. She apparated. POP The others followed.

They appeared on a flat cliff, overlooking Azkaban Prison. It was gloomy, and rainy. Luna signalled to the others that they would be descending. She used her wand to take off a flat piece of rock, and she used it like a muggle umbrella for her and her team. They made their descent, slowly and carefully, down the steep hill. They sought the Graveyard, where Bellatrix was buried .

 

[Hikari Chan]

Rosa got her footing as she grabbed on to Blaise that had grabbed Luna. She swallowed her fear. This is dangerous. we got find a better form of transport. Maybe she could figure out how to use the Dark mark like the elders used it. She noticed that the snake had grabbed others. As they floated down. She looked at Azkaban.

She looked around after they landed. She was surprised at the lack of care the graves had. But who would care given who was buried here. She felt sad her eyes clouded a milky pale. Her mother was buried here. She never spoke of the night she died much and Rosa herself was born. She was now standing in her own birth place. It was haunting.

Fear, Sadness. It would only cause her to be closer to turning. She did not know if that is how dementors came about. She had no idea what she would become if she let it take her over. She could still hear them barely able to be held at bay. The alertness spells her Uncle Viktor cast to keep her alive. Seeing what most people could not watch. Dead from the kiss. She had been lucky to be born at all. Fear is he mind killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me.

She decided to watch the others and go numb. No feeling.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

They finally reached the Graveyard. Luna began searching for her mother's grave. "Split up, and search for the Grave" Luna ordered, as the rain gradually slowed to a drizzle. They split up, and searched.

Blaise smiled gently as Rosa grabbed his arm to steady herself. He glanced around to see that the others had landed safely and at the order, he split up to search for them. Heading to a far outcropping of rocks overlooking the sea, he saw a large flat stone that looked out of place with the surroundings. Venturing closer he found an urn encased in stone. a simple plaque read "Bellatrix Black Lestrange" and the dates of her birth and death. Hard to imagine but inside the urn must be all that was left of Bellatrix whom had been cremated after the battle (In the movie she exploded but in the book she was simply killed. I figure this would cover both deaths). Smeared in what looked to be red spray paint across the ground read the phrase "Burn in Hell" He shook his head and checked the tomb for wards. The urn was covered in them, most likely to prevent vandals. He pressed his wand to his throat and whispered "Over here. I've found her", while looking at each of the members. They would hear his voice in their ear but it would otherwise be undetectable

Luna looked up from Barty Crouch Jr.'s grave, and looked around for Blaise. She quickly neared him, and looked at what he was seeing. She had counted on a body, but that was alright. This would do. She looked at Blaise "Which option do you choose to use in order to reach the Urn? " she said, after one failed attempt at a summoning charm.

"I don't think that we can remove it without the alarm sounding." He said frowning. "It has a freezing charm on it, designed to encase anyone that tries to remove it, magically or otherwise. If we had time and a.. volunteer.. " He snickered at the last bit "I'd suggest we use some blood magic to break it but as we're on a time schedule and unless you want to sacrifice Nagini or Snape, we can try a time delay counter. The spell will still go off and freeze one of us, but we can slow it long enough hopefully to apparate home and get somewhere safe where it can be disarmed at out leisure... unless you have another plan mistress." Blaise said with a flourish and a twirl of his wand. "I'll do it if need be. If things go south, take the urn and leave me. If I'm wrong about the trap and it's more deadly.. just see to it that my mum is safe, will you?" He said sighing.

"No" Luna said, anxious at the thought of losing a brave fighter. "I will open it myself" she said, raising her wand "Stand back" she said threateningly, as Blaise tried to argue. "Catch the Urn, when it comes"She then used a non - verbal spell, and the Urn floated toward her, Blaise catching it. Luna screamed. She was in immeasurable pain, and fell to the floor, nearly unconscious. Her snake came out of her cloak, and fell next to her, also unconscious. Luna had started bleeding quickly, and Blaise had to stop it before it killed her.

Rosa aided Blaise taking out and enlarging her medical kit.

Blaise quickly handed the urn off to Rosa and began casting spells to stem the bleeding. He forced her to drink a blood replenishment potion even as the alarms began going off. He looked up at the others and said don't wait for us. Meet up at the ranch but don't go straight there. Rosa, guard that urn with your life. I'll take Luna and Nagini. He hefted the smaller girl in his arms and coiled the snake around his neck and apparated, first to deserted parking lot in downtown London, then to a ledge 30 stories in the air right beside Big Ben. He stopped to catch his breath and he could feel the snake tightening around his neck. Zabini took a deep breath and apparated again, going to the gravesite of his mother's second husband, his father before finally hopping to the ranch. He pushed his way through the partially open door and laid her on the closest bed, slipping her shirt up enough so that he could see the remaining wounds. He knelt beside the bed and began weaving spells and incantations to minimise the scarring and heal her until she was well enough to sleep normally. He changed into a unbloodied shirt and immediately began to brew a restoration potion called the angels trumpet draught. He called for one of the servants and asked them to bring him a bruise removing paste, marvelling ironically that there was a Weasley product in the house. Then again it worked really well.

Nagini stirred slightly, then became conscious. It slithered off of his neck, bowed her head to him, then went to check on Luna, slithering quickly.

After patching her up as best as he could, Blaise used essence of Dittany to regrow almost all of her skin, leaving a small scar where the wound had been and then relaxed. "She should be fine Nagini. She should regain consciousness shortly." He said to the familiar and stood up. He stretched and then headed into the other room to check on Rosa, Snape and the others.

Rosa apparated to a secret spot that looked deserted. She waved her wand erasing all history, trace, or foot prints like Yaxley had taught her. She slide down the hill. And weaved her way threw the tunnels. Then crossed the river to a swamp layered island. No magic would work there. She decided lay low for a few hours in the cabin before making her way back by thestral.

Luna started gradually regaining consciousness. "You are ssssafe" Nagini said. "Blaise and Rosa took great care of you. " she said. "He was very brave, but you where braver. Why did you take that curse for him?" she said sternly. "Because" Luna said, still slightly weak, "I do not want them to be disloyal, or hateful of me" she said. "Every leader must make sacrifices" she said. "Tell me what is going on outside, because I am still too weak to walk". Nagini nodded, and slithered outside to check on the others with Blaise.

Blaise stood in the living room, his head in his hand. This was bad. this was really bad. Rosa hadn't returned yet with the urn. That could mean that something happened to her. Perhaps she was captured or betrayed by someone. He glanced towards Asteri who was once again eating cake and narrowed his eyes. The time for blame would come later but it was ultimately his failure. Rosa very well could have betrayed them or something could have befallen her, but the result was the same. He didn't have the urn. He heard something brush along the doorway and stepping back he saw Nagini. God, that snake unnerved him. "Is she awake?" he asked. The snake nodded and he sighed. "I'll talk to her." He went to the door and gently knocked before entering. "We were able to successfully retrieve the urn thanks to you. However there were complications. I entrusted the urn to Rosa for safe keeping while I brought you home. However, she has not returned yet." He glanced down at the floor. "If.. If she does not return shortly, I'll willingly accept whatever punishment you deem fit. I understand how close you were to your mother." he said softly, eyes still averted. "I take full responsibility for this failure." He slipped down obediently to his knees and awaited her verdict.

"There is a Mirror in my bag", Luna said weakly "Tell it that you want to see Rosa. Watch her, until she returns. I must rest now, but at least ensure my protection at my weak point." she said, barely awake. She was furious, and sad, but also understood that she would have done the same; what good was resurrecting her mother, while their leader was dead? He had needed to maker her his priority first.

Blaise looked into the mirror and saw Rosa sitting in a cabin with the table. 'What are you doing?' He said out loud to the mirror shaking it slightly. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pendant on a chain. Producing a map, he held the pendant over it and pointed his wand at it. "quod locus ille , sive in terra" he chanted trying to get the slowly swinging pendant to mark her location on his map he could see that she was likely still in the uk. The weather was the same but other than that, the small glimpse he could see outside her cabin window wasn't enough. 'Damn it don't make me have to torture your old man. Hurry up and get home soon.' he thought to himself. He headed down the hall and knocked on Yaxley's door. Perhaps the old man would answer honestly, but he doubted it. Either way he would find out where she was and get that urn back, as soon as Luna was able to move around, unaided.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Rosa returned on Thestral back. She had Bella's remains in a stone box. Of course they had placed a trace on the urn. She had Opal wait to see if any one showed up, sure enough; Andromeda and Cissy were there. But the urn was empty.

The terror hounds were calm. Which was odd. They were usually alert. She noticed Draco and Hunter by the stables when she was suddenly rushed by Pat. Ah her animal gifted squib.

"You got to help us Claire. Torri been taken by potion testers. We can't find them. Please, help." she did not like the look she saw. They thought she would forget past favors. Yes they were old enough for her not to worry about losing her magic due to her wands odd favor of all young children. It would not even let her use another wand if she did not try to defend them. But these guys had always been there when chips were down. She would not just abandon them because they were teens now. They were not muggles. They were handicapped by decisions of their ancestors in the past. She spotted another figure and was thinking of handing the contents to him and informing him. But then she decided against it. Looks like Old man Goyle has decided to return after all. She nodded at Adrian just then the Malfoys noticed him.

"It's just family. Don't do anything to piss him off and all will be fine." she smiled. He was always sneaky and by morning the Old Man would have a new Body and that hermit at the end of the Black family line. Would be trapped in his dying one. She would need to have Marius II show back up and give him a new place. The old man could start over. Hopefully she would be back in time to ward off Richard making any of the team an experiment.

She walked up to the main Ranch House deciding to deliver the stone box with Bella's remains herself. She opened the safe placing the stone box on top the books. Walking to the living area she stopped. Luna. was sitting in the great oaken chair alone at the moment reading. She looked alright but some what pale after her encounter. She noticed a couple of empty blood replenishing potions.

She knelled down at her feet. "Excuse my tardiness, My Lady. The urn had a trace on it as well as a few delayed curses. So I changed the container out, she held out the stone box and dragon hide books. She never liked being subservient but she was afraid she may have thought her disloyal at this point. That would not due. "Cissy and Andromeda showed up in the area of the urn. So they know it was taken. I have pressing business I need to attend to soon. I do not know how long I will be."

Blaise came from the back room where old man Yaxley had been staying. He saw Rosa and winced a bit as he walked briskly to her. "Excuse me Luna. I need a word with Rosa.. in private." He didn't wait for Rosa to follow him but turned and walked into one of the unoccupied rooms, assuming that she would follow him.

Rosa saw him coming out of the room Yaxley usually used while he stayed in the house. She had hoped to avoid being followed. Now there were visitors. More eyes. She hoped not too may questions would be asked. She looked wearily at Blaise and followed.

Blaise waited for her to come in before he shut the door and silenced the room. He walked over to Rosa calmly and then without warning grabbed her hands and pressed her roughly against the wall, pinning them above her head. He didn't want her going for her wand. His normally calm mask dropped so that she could see the anger in his eyes. "Do you have ANY idea what your tardiness almost cost you? Almost cost US?" He yelled at her angrily. "Luna has a magic mirror. She can see us at any time. "When you didn't return with the urn.. an object that she gave to ME for safe keeping.. MY responsibility... I looked in the mirror and see you relaxing in some godforsaken cabin with the urn." He let go of her hands and stepped away from her, but kept his hand close to his wand holster in case she decided to draw on him. His voice calmed but was still shaky. "Do you know how close I came?.. mere seconds away from torturing your mentor Yaxley when you decided to hop on that thestral and head back? Your tardiness could have cost your mentor his life, just now." He began pacing back and forth rapidly trying to find his composure. "You need to think about how this affects everybody, not just yourself. I will not tortured or murdered for someone else's mistake." He sighed and finally calmed composing himself and turned to face her, waiting for her outrage that he assumed would follow.

Rosa sifted her combat holster just in cast she needed to fast draw her wand.

"I could not get word back. There are no owls at the cabin. Only Thestrals and Blast-Ended Skrewts. If I had came back here the other delayed curses would have went off to full power. Then Andromeda and probably Potter and Ron Weasley to follow. Where would we be then? Yaxley has never been at the cabin. So he would have been of no use. Of course if the mirror was working with out being buggered. You probably have noted a few pieces of Lucius liking in decor. When you have me do something I will do so well. Nice to know you will to take on a elder Death Eater for the cause." She was angrily but she was also under standing.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Luna looked at Nagini. "See if you can hear what they are saying" she said. The snake nodded, and left the room, only to reappear seconds later. "Silencing charm" she hissed. Luna looked back at her book, not really reading. They where probably discussing Rosa's tardiness. Luna sat back in her chair. She could feel her strength returning. By morning, she would be at full strength. Then, she would see her mother again, for the first time in 16 years. She was unbelievable relieved to know that the Urn had made it back safely. She thought about what she wanted to wear for her mother's rebirth. She looked at the portrait of her father... she missed him dearly as well, but she knew that she would never see him again. She peered at the grandfather clock: 8:17. She was proud of Blaise for taking such good care of her, yet she was still outraged at Rosa's lack of consideration... yet, she had protected the Urn with all of her will. If Rosa did anything else wrong; that would be the end of her; she would not be soft; she would not accept failure of wrongdoing, ever. She needed respect, and fear was the best way to get it.

"The mirror was working fine." Blaise shot back an annoyed glance. "Next time you feel like delaying something as important as that you better find a way to send word back, or post a note or carve it on your God Damned cheek!" he growled angrily again. "You can think what you like about me. Honestly I could give a garden gnome's trousers what anyone here thinks about me but know this. If Luna's watching us, or Bellatrix or even that blasted serpent of hers then we best be on our toes, because even if you're loyal to her, any hint of disobedience real or imagined, is going to hang on your head. Doesn't matter what your intentions were. You remember the old times, the bad times, there towards the end. Yeah we were still in school but still.. How many snatchers came to the dark lord with good intentions? How many came to her MOTHER with good intentions? Draco told me when they caught Potter the first time, the snatcher that brought him in made the mistake of taking the sword of Gryffindor off of him. That one act, no matter how well his intentions, cost him his life. I'd just as soon not join the pile of bodies that are bound to begin piling up once we resurrect her mum." He sat on the bed and put his head in his hands. "That's all I wanted to say. You can go.. Sorry for not trusting you but I .. I just feel like it's going to get a lot worse before it gets better. I just need you to see before they kill you too.."

 

[Hikari Chan]

Lucius said the house elves attack at Potter's command trying to save his friends. Since no one could block their magic. No question were asked and the Dark Lord had already killed everyone in the room. Nice one Lucius. Rosa looked around for the snake. Hoping it was not there. No sign of it. Good. Hopefully with the mirror gone she would not be ease dropping. She hated this. This sorta stuff brought them to destruction. Everyone paranoid not trusting each other. In the end that was more of what Potter had on his side. Trusted allies. Her eyes when total white and face shifted and rotted. She grabbed the hood of her travel cloak pulling it over her face.. No! No! she screamed inwardly. She had lost control. She had to find Jackson.

"I have to go! I have to go see an old friend. If anyone needs me Yaxley will be able to find me. Other wise I will finish my affairs and return later."

She ran from the room. She paused at Luna walking , " I am sorry. My lady I have pressing business. I am sure you will find everything you need in the tombs. Adrian will make sure you are well received in our home. If you wish to stay. " her voice was raspy. She bowed and backed away/ As soon as she got out of sight she ran to the stables.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Blaise stood, letting his mask of indifference drop back over his face. He walked out slowly and stood behind Luna's chair. "I've reprimanded her mistress, for her tardiness. I hope that I've not overstepped my bounds. I do believe that now she understands the gravity of the situation." He reached down and took the mirror from his belt. Kneeling he bowed his head and offered it to her. "Your mirror, Luna. Thank you for letting me borrow it. It may have saved an old man's life just now." He stayed in position waiting for her to accept it.

Luna reached for it, slowly. She took it, then placed it into her bag. "I am grateful that you have properly dealt with the situation. seeing as how I am unable to do so myself. I appreciate your efforts in taking proper care of me in this weakened state. You will be rewarded, once I can properly stand unassisted" Luna said, in a voice a little higher than a whisper. "Please assist me back to my bed, and then get some rest yourself. We have a very important day tomorrow" she said. She was happy that someone brave could remind Rosa who she was working for.

He nodded and helped her up slowly, shouldering most of her weight without making it seem as though he were carrying her. Once they were in her room he let her down gently onto the bed. "I will install a floor panel by my door to ring. Should you need assistance during the night simply send Nagini to my door and it should ring for her." He said softly. "As for personal rewards mistress, I desire none. We are both working to achieve the same goals. My rewards are the same as yours. I shall see you in the morning." He backed to the door slowly and then shut it before returning to his room. He set the spell so that only he would hear it inside his room. The spell would also tell him the weight of the person outside the door. That way he could determine whether it was Nagini or something much larger, and no doubt, more dangerous.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn Monroe, who was wearing a black cloak to hide in the dark, was walking to her destination trying to keep in the shadows to avoid the light of the moon to reveal her to anyone lurking in the dark, if anyone might been spying. She could never knew. So it was for the best that she kept herself in the shadows with the wand ready in her right hand. She could never know who she might met during this dark time of the night. She refused to use her broom for flying. She refused to fly at all because she was scared from heights. So she ended up walking towards the destination even though she knew she would arriving late. She did not have any dark mark on her left forearm like her parents. She had been to young to join Lord Voldemort once when he was recruiting leaders and according to McGonnagall, her parents had regret joining him until they learned about his true intentions and the horcruxes he had created. He had also failed so many times that they had left him for good.

But Aislinn doubted these stories and used this opportunity to seek out the truth herself. She was feeling a bit anxious as she approached her destination. Hurrying in the dark she was wondering if she would be accepted to join even she did not have the dark mark. What if she was declined? And if the dark mistress declined her what would she do? She had received the letter, which was the one who led her towards her destination. She had not told anyone but would later use this opportunity to her own benefit only if her current plan succeed. She arrived very late to the place where all decided to meet up with the dark mistress. Aislinn entered, still panting and sweating after the almost running while walking. She had been late, very late. She knew immediately that she had missed a lot. Seeing a large snake upon entering, she greeted it in parcel tongue as if it was something natural thing to do..

"Do you wish to be filled in?" Nagini said to her "I will tell you everything you wish, because Luna is sleeping", the snake said mysteriously. "You must come listen to me" , she said, and slithered towards her, slowly. It then filled her in on everything that had happened the last few nights. At the end. the bowed her head, then slithered towards Blaise's door, to alert him to the new visitor.

Aislinn agreed to Nagini's request. She closed her eyes while she tried to slow down her breath. She calmed herself and was breathing like she was sleeping yet she was awake. She felt the presence of Nagini, who was a few inches from her now. She listened to what Nagini had to tell as she viewed the memories of Luna. The attempts and failures. The trip to Azkaban. She heard the voices of the other members and fragments of their words. Aislinn's heart skipped a bit and she stiffened. There were a couple of members who might disclose her or Luna: Hunter, Draco, Roselynn and Asteri. Aislinn did not show any emotion or reaction of what Nagini just had been sharing with her. .

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

The next morning, Blaise woke up early. He headed down the hallway being careful not to wake the others. He found one of the servants and informed them to let mistress Luna know when she awoke that he was heading to Knockturn alley for supplies and that he wouldn't be long. Blaise stepped out of the house and relocked all of the wards before apparating to the busy alley along the way. It wasn't just witches you had to be weary of here. everything from children to house elves to any manner of magical creature that you passed by could likely try to pickpocket you or worse, slip something into your pockets in an attempt to frame or extort from you at a later time. He avoided everyone and headed to Borgan and Burkes. The young caretaker that was currently watching the store had years of experience dealing with dark wizards and didn't ask questions when Blaise purchased the items and reagents that he would need. Next was the apothecary shop. Blaise stocked up on both medical items and charms made to rebound unfriendly curses back towards their targets. Granted he could charm objects to a certain degree but the store-bought charms were almost always stronger. He stopped in at a café and had some muggle concoction brought over from the states. A frap.. frappacino.. something like that. Whatever it was, it was okay but not great. Sighing he headed back to the farm and waited for the others to awaken.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn was pacing back and forth in the little room where she had been supposed to rest for the night. She has been unable to rest her mind. She had put up barriers, locked the room and securing everything but still she had been unable to rest. She trusted herself that no one would be able to use legilimency on her as long as she buried her emotions, which was something she had been practicing alongside with looking up curses in the restricted section of the library during her time at Hogwarts. She smiled ironically and licked her lips at the thought of all the curses she had been memorizing.

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Blaise heard the alarm go off and jumped to his feet. glancing at the doorway he saw 63.5 pounds (28.8 kg) light up by the door. Too heavy to be a house elf or another animal, to light to be a human, unless there was a child running around. It could be a terror dog or more likely, it was Nagini. He sighed and silenced the alarm before opening the door, wand in his hand but behind his back. He glanced around and then down to the Snake on his doorstep. "Hello Nagini. Does miss Luna have need of me? Very well then. Lead the way." He said and followed the snake.

Nagini led Blaise toward the new arrival (Aislynn) who didn't have a dark mark, and wasn't invited.

Blaise glanced at the closed and locked door and drawing his wand he checked it for wards and traps. Finding several barriers there, He knocked on it and stepped back in case the occupant on the other side decided to attack. "Open up. I need to speak with you."

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn heard a knock on her door. She removed the barriers and opened the door on Blaise's request, but she did not lower her guard. She clutched the wand in her right hand behind her back as she kept herself as calm as the surface of ice. "Yes?"

"I've come to introduce myself and check your mark. I don't believe that we've met before and Nagini told me that we have a new visitor. Is the mistress of the house expecting you?" He said cautiously.

"Nice to meet you" Aislinn nodded towards Blaise. She knew Blaise from what Nagini had shared with her from Luna's memories, but Aislinn did not mention that to him. She just smiled innocently and said: "I do not have the mark since I was to little to join the Dark Lord when he was active, I was only a toddler at that time, though my parents were deatheaters with the dark mark." She paused for ten seconds and rolled up her left sleeve to show him her left forearm. There was no dark mark. Then she continued: "Yes of course The Mistress did expect me" Aislinn smiled and picked up the letter which she had recieved from Luna. "She sent me an owl which I recieved yesterday just before noon. She summoned me here because Im a child to the deatheaters Mr and Mrs Monroe. She even gave me direction on how to find this place. Well you can read" She gave Blaise the letter. She never avoided his gaze and kept the eye contact with him until now

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Blaise frowned and looked at the letter but did not touch it. He had no desire to be marked with something, should it be trapped cursed or otherwise. "Pardon my rudeness but you'll understand that security here is of an utmost priority. To ensure your cooperation and loyalty here I will have to relieve you of your wand until the mistress wakes up and verifies you. I can promise you that if she clears you I will return your wand we will have wards set for the house to verify you as one of us. Currently you are tripping several of them as we speak." His words were polite but had an undertone of malice should she not comply. "Please." He said bowing slightly, his eyes never leaving hers as he held out his hand to receive her wand. His other hand, holding his own wand was behind the door, out of her vision.

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn was not surprised. She was not a seer but she could tell by her instincts that Blaise would not accept to touch the parchment even though she was telling the truth and the letter was completely safe. Outwards she was completely calm and plain like the surface of a stone. Inwards she was boiling with anger for a few seconds until she remembered Professor Snape's famous quote: "Fools who wear their hearts proudly on their sleeves, who cannot control their emotions, who wallow in sad memories and allow themselves to be provoked this easily - weak people, in other words - they stand no chance against his powers" She managed to calm herself down, the emotions were gone within seconds. She smiled innocently. Blaise was so polite, but his politeness did not affect her at all. She had scented his undertone of malice. And she was not stupid "Of course, I understand" she said, pausing for ten seconds, still keeping eye contact with him. "But I can not hand over my wand, I apologize, but I also need to secure my safety here since I am not familiar with this house or anyone here but Luna and Nagini" She wondered how the other members got here and was accepted. Aislinn smiled and continued: "I have no good reason or wish to harm anyone here. Allow me to wait untill she is able to meet me in person please"

 

[Junko Natsumizaka]

Blaise's smile faltered and he looked at her now with cold dead eyes. "It is precisely for her safety, as well as your own, that I cannot allow you to be armed when you meet the mistress. I can promise though, on my family's honor as well as my loyalty to the mistress and her cause, that should you hand over your wand now, no harm will come to you or it, unless the mistress says otherwise. Nagini can bear witness to this pledge and the mistress will hold me accountable, with my life, if need be. Now I implore you one more time, to hand over your wand." He said, and his eyes were ice cold, the eyes of a killer. "If you're with us, you have nothing to fear. The only reason to object, is if you have something to hide."

 

[Hikari Chan]

Aislinn kept her calm surface plain as a cold stone. She was not going to let herself to be provoked by any means or to show any kind of emotion or feeling. She was not like him. Aislinn had no other choice now than giving up on her wand and it was to late to go back. She was also alone and therefor unable to win a duel if she had to face not just Blaise but the others in this house as well. She could not help but wonder if this letter by Luna had been a trap. A trap to lure Aislinn Monroe in order to torture her or anything to take revenge over Mr and Mrs Monroe for leaving him the Dark Lord? Lord Voldemort was Luna's father after all. That if it was the truth...Aislinn forced herself to push aside these thoughts and focus on Blaise because it was to late now. "Here, I have nothing to hide" She said as she handed over her precious wand and let go of Luna's letter which fell on the floor. Aislinn was able to use some magic without her wand, but would it be enough to help her out of this wretched place?...