Chapter 76 - Papa Legba Ⅱ (2/2)
”Very well, but you have been duly warned,” the Rain Man wisely said. Turning the two cards at the same time to reveal The Zombi and The Market.
”What do they mean?” Lestrange asked as he saw a marketplace and a woman with blue like spirit flowing in and out of her.
”The Market represents the wheel of fortune life so to speak and as for the Zombi, it is the hanged man,” the Rain Man lamely said.
”Very well,” Rodolphus said as a resolute gleam appears in his eyes. It was though the last of his doubts had been dispelled and he was at last ready to step onto the path he had in mind. ”What is the payment?” Lestrange asked as he rose to his feet.
”Consider it on the house, wizard,” The Rain Man honestly replied.
Rodolphus nods to the Rain Man in thanks, before leaving. The door softly closes behind as a soft leaf rustling sound is heard behind him. Pausing to glance back, Rodolphus find that the two flats are once more together and the tiny shop with the crimson door is gone. Warily shaking his head, Lestrange pulls up his hood and apparated away.
Rodolphus reappears on the outskirts of a small abandoned manor and trudges up snow path inside. The doors open at seeing him as the two guards on duty nod to him as Rodolphus makes his way inside. Striding into the great hallway, Rodolphus pauses at seeing all the Death Eater's sitting at a long rectangle table with the Dark Lord sitting at the head.
”So good to have you arrive, Rodolphus, we were just discussing what the Rain Man told the three of you,” Voldemort leisurely said. ”Please take a seat, we saved you a seat.”
”Thank you, Milord,” Rodolphus said, before taking a seat next to Aeron.
”Please continue,” Voldemort coolly instructed.
”Thank you, Milord,” Aeron said. ”As I was saying, we learned that Rockwood was killed by Auror's from the Ministry of Magic.”
”But my contacts within the Department of Magical Enforcement have clearly stated that Auror's are actively pursuing leads on the disappearance of Rockwood,” interrupted, a haughty wizard with hard, blunt features. Tall and haughty, Corban's Yaxley's neat pale blond hair hangs in a neat braid down to his lower back.
”Perhaps, they've lied,” snapped Seth. ”Or have been misguided, it wouldn't be the first time.”
”I can assure you my sources only come from the highest levels of the Ministry of Magic,” Corban retorted back.
”Enough!” Voldemort said as the two men hastily say, ”Sorry, Milord.”
”But I can assure you, Milord,” Corban restated. ”If it was an Auror, it could have been an Auror or a group of Auror's having gone rogue.”
”That may very well be the case,” Voldemort mused. ”However, it could also be that they are receiving instructions from elsewhere. Find out, what you can, Yaxley. If need be offer bait in order to entrap them. I want them dead.”
”Of course, Milord!” The Death Eaters replied. They continue to discuss a few more topics, before being gestured away. However, as they leave to rise, Voldemort says, ”Please stay Lestrange.”
Rodolphus halfway out of his seat sits back down as the rest of the Death Eaters scurry away. The dining halls door solemnly close behind them as Voldemort intertwines his long, pale fingers together and says, ”It has come to my attention that you requested for a private card reading with the heretic.”
”Indeed, Milord, I am guilty of such sacrilege,” Rodolphus admitted.
”And pray and tell what for?” Voldemort coldly inquired.
Rodolphus hesitates and slowly says, ”Because of Bellatrix, Milord.”
”Oh?” Voldemort furrowed his brows.
”I feared for a future without her at my side,” Rodolphus semi-truthfully replied. ”But now I am at ease knowing that I will remain in the company of my brothers and sisters to support thee in the cause until the task is completed.”
”Excellent,” Voldemort coolly replied. ”Though it was highly unorthodox, Lestrange, but I suppose, man is weak in the flesh.”
”That is correct, Milord,” Rodolphus answered as his dark eyes glittered from underneath his eyelashes. Without waiting for a reply, Voldemort rises to his feet and storms out like a dark wraith leaving Lestrange alone in the dining hall. When Rodolphus finally raised his gaze up, the dark eyes were filled with Dante's inferno. Rising to his feet, he strode away with a grave purpose in mind.