Chapter 40 - Seeds of Doubt (1/2)

After a series of matches with both sides winning and losing, Rowan finally calls it quits. ”I'm done for the night, my brain hurts,” Rowan complained as she slumped into her comfortable leather armchair.

Terry wickedly grins and says, ”For today, but who knows about another day!”

Rowan wryly grins and says, ”I humbly offer Severus as a sacrifice to be at your beck in call in exchange for my freedom.”

”I gladly accept!” Terry cheerfully said.

Severus rolls his eyes and grumbles, ”That's only because we're roommates.”

”Exactly,” Terry impishly chimed.

Severus rolls his eyes and stomps away as Terry cheerfully waves goodbye to Rowan and trots after Severus. Rubbing her temple, Rowan hears a voice from behind her say, ”Rough night, Miss Prince?”

Rowan almost jumps out of her seat as her eyes hurtle open and she glances up at Lucius Malfoy. ”No, it's just that Terry literally gave me a run for my galleons. He's quite the excellent wizarding chess player,” Rowan bluntly answered.

Lucius Malfoy nods his head in agreement and says, ”Well, that may very well be the case, but I am here to invite you to our educational meeting in our debate over the future of the wizarding world with Professor Slughorn's permission. Care to join us tonight?”

Rowan keeps her face nonchalant and answered, ”Most certainly.”

”Excellent, we will gather shortly, please remain behind as the common room will shortly be cleared,” Lucius instructed. And sure, enough no more than thirty minutes later the rest of the Slytherins had retired to their dorm rooms except for those invited to be in attendance. Though Rowan did carefully note that she was still the youngest member in attendance as the rest were fourth years and up. It didn't seem like recruitment of potential Death Eaters such as Avery and Rosier had begun quite yet.

”Excellent it seems as though we are all in attendance,” Lucius said as he turns to face the sitting group in a circle. Of course, not before casting a spell over the common room lest unwanted ears try to listen in.

”Now, I have exciting news to share tomorrow on Hallows Eve, a great wizard will initiate an attack on the Ministry of Magic but lead the pureblood wizards into a new glorious era!” Lucius Malfoy exclaimed.

The Slytherin common room fills with shouts and cheers as a fifth-year boy with furry eyebrows and squashed nose, Gil Goyle says, ”And what is our great Dark Lord's name?”

”Patience, Goyle, don't interrupt!” Narcissa Black snapped back.

Goyle flushes in embarrassment and mumbles, ”My deepest apologies for my rudeness, Lucius.”

”It is of little importance,” Lucius smoothly said. ”I can truly understand your desire to know our Dark Lord's great name.”

Rowan's eyes flicker at those last words. ”How is he getting all this information? It's not like they're sending letters via owls to each other.” Rowan privately thought to herself. ”No, there must be some sort of meeting place that their parents are not opposed to attending a safe haven for purebloods, but where?” Rowan slightly paled as the answer stared her right in the face, the Slug Club.