Chapter 34 - 1st Cog (2/2)
Narcissa snorts as another pudgy four-year boy says, ”It looks like we have a wrongly sorted Ravenclaw.”
”Well, at least I have a brain, whether as you, Vern Crabbe, it's a miracle you haven't flunked straight out of Hogwarts,” Rowan snapped.
A couple of members snicker at Rowan's comment as Vern Crabbe flushes with rage as his piggy eyes fill with rage. Before Vern Crabbe can cease sputtering, Lucius Malfoy snaps, ”Enough!”
The room quiets down as Lucius says, ”Now then, as usual, we are here today to discuss the muggle infestation that treads through our halls and what can be done to save our precious Hogwarts?”
Rowan keeps a poker face and reminds herself that she must dance to the tune of the devil.
The members of this impromptu meeting cry out different ideas such as:
”I think we should ban all mudblood witches and wizards.”
”Poison them!”
”Round them up and keep them separate!”
This went on for some time until Narcissa flatly interrupts, ”What about you, Miss Prince? You've been usually silent this entire time, cat got your tongue?” Vern Crabbe sneered at Rowan and eagerly waited for swift and utter retribution.
Rowan thoughtfully says, ”The way I see it all of your ideas are rather idealistic and pointless.” The members of the group gape in anger, embarrassment, with a few smarter members looking rather intrigued.
Vern Crabbe points at Rowan and eagerly leers. ”Looks like we have a blood traitor among us!”
”Be silent, Vern Crabbe! I don't think she's quite done,” Lucius harshly rebuked him causing Vern Crabbe to wilt back into his seat. Vern gives Rowan a hatefully glare as Lucius gestures to Rowan to please continue.
”What I mean to say is all this planning is pointless if we aren't able to stop the Ministry of Magic from impending our plans. To bring about any sort of change the requirement needed would be to take over the Ministry of Magic,” Rowan matter-of-factly stated.
Lucius slowly smiles in acknowledgment and says, ”You are indeed just as intelligent as I thought and more, Miss Prince.” Lucius rose to his feet and passionately says, ”Indeed, we are in need of such a leader to lead us into a new glorious age!”
Vern Crabbe eagerly howls, ”I am willing to follow such a leader!”
”As am I!” Slytherin after Slytherin cried out as Lucius narrowed his eyes at Rowan, who remained silent and emotionless at the cheers.
Staring coldly back at him, Rowan claps quite loudly and rather sarcastically just as the cheers quiet down. ”I commend you for your devoted statement it was quite awe-inspiring,” Rowan flatly said as she ceased to clap. ”But sly words will not be sufficient to convince me, unlike these hot-headed youths.”
Narcissa narrows her eyes in anger as she is about to shout at Rowan for her insolence, but snaps her mouth shut as Lucius glares at her to be silent. Rising to her feet, Rowan coolly says, ”I am no such fool and will not be made one lightly, Lucius Malfoy. I only believe in actions, not flattering words. If there is such a man show me his skill and I will gladly follow. Otherwise, I will just disregard this as another conman's attempt to gain followers.
And I am no sheep to be led by such a foolhardy shepherd. Rather that sounds like the actions of a foolish Gryffindor, who would believe such words without actual proof and I am no such thing. For I am a Slytherin and we are always cunning.”
The older Slytherin's in the room eye her with mixed feelings as though a cold pail of water had been poured all over them that had rapidly sobered them. More than a few were actually rethinking their actions as other more cunning Slytherins decided to tactfully take a step back and watch and wait for actual results.
Seeing the unnatural silence, Rowan excuses herself. ”Goodnight everyone,” before striding out of the common room area to the girl's dorms.
Narcissa and Lucius narrow their eyes at the sudden revaluation. Seeing the changed expressions on some of the older Slytherin's and sensing the change in the wind, Lucius thoughtfully nods his head and says, ”Miss Prince made an excellent point this evening. For those that are still doubting on Hallows Eve, our great dark lord will reveal himself and appease any who still had doubts concerning his leadership.”
Some of the Slytherins are mollified a bit by this response, but those had already changed their stance firmly meet Lucius's gaze without any wavering. Seeing the changes in the room, Lucius quickly changes the subject. ”Now off to bed everyone, we all have classes tomorrow.”
Rowan who had hidden behind the staircase hurries up the stairs and rushes into her bedroom. Luckily the 1st year bedrooms weren't that far off and with ease, Rowan made it back before Narcissa or any of the other girls saw her. Rowan lets out a sigh of relief as she sees the sleeping figures of her roommates already sound asleep.
Taking care, Rowan softly removes her bag and changes her clothes to get ready for bed. Although, there was no guarantee she would be getting much sleep. She had the acute feeling that it would be a very long night of that much she was certain of.