Chapter 891 - Still Ⅲ (1/2)
The trio departs quickly from the Gibbon's manor wrapping their robes about them, before apparating away to plan how to accomplish their master's request. The Death Eater's gaze is suddenly pulled back to the serpent only to with horror see the serpent jaws widen and widen an impossible length to swallow whole first the house elf and then the corpse of Walden Macnair. At this point, a few sickly-looking Death Eaters are no longer able to keep their bile inside and are forced to run outside and begin to spew onto the frozen steps, in the withered bushes, and the surrounding snow around the front door.
”How utterly weak,” Voldemort contemptuously sneered, before dismissing the Death Eaters from his presence. The Death Eaters hurriedly scurry away lest their Master changes his mind mid-way. ”A word, Lestrange,” he abruptly said causing the Death Eater's passing by to glance at Rodolphus Lestrange with blatant envy and curiosity in their eyes. Lestrange was well known for the time being to have the Lord's favor, but favor rises and ebbs much like the tides.
”I hearken to your summons, Dark Lord,” Rodolphus Lestrange replied bowing deeply to hide his gaze from the Dark Lord.
”Come,” Voldemort ordered leaving his Horcrux, Nagini behind to consume the rest of the corpses.
Voldemort arrogantly leads the way into the inner Great Hall. A marble throne is erected in the middle of the Great Hall for the Dark Lord to rest and command his followers from. Yet as of late, he had not spent much time on his throne, but rather gazing out of the window down on the snow-covered muggle village in the valley.
A single long spider-like finger reaches up and taps on the misted window. ”From here they seem so tiny and insignificant,” Voldemort murmured pressing his bluish sharp talon hard enough against the windowpane to leave a scratch. ”And just like a bug, their lives can be sniffed out so very quickly.”
Knowing better than to interrupt, Rodolphus patiently waits for the Dark Lord to readily address him. After some time, Voldemort turns towards Lestrange. His crimson eyes carefully ȧssess the slender dark-haired wizard. ”Mm, Lestrange, you have always been one of my most loyal of followers,” he pensively commented.
”Milord, it is my task and duty to serve the Dark Lord,” Rodolphus carefully responded telling no lies.
”I know and that is why I shall entrust you with a task of the utmost secrecy and importance,” Voldemort's gravely said.
Rodolphus's eyes widen in surprise at the rare solemnity heard in the Dark Lord's voice. A trace of caution appears in his voice as he asks, ”I shall obey your will, Milord. What does the Dark Lord require of me?”
”Your family served under Grindelwald did they not?” Voldemort pointedly inquired crimson serpent eyes blazing.
”Yes, Milord.”
”Good, good. Lestrange, go and seek out the acolytes. Integrate yourself as part of their circle and when the time is right,” Voldemort's crimson eyes gleamed with hunger, ”propose an alliance between our two forces seeking the destruction of Albus Dumbledore.”
Rodolphus shows no signs of shock but rather his dark eyes become grave. ”Thy will shall be done, Dark Lord. However, might this humble servant be permitted to plainly speak?”
Voldemort signals to Lestrange to speak. ”Milord, the Acolytes have had all these years to seek revenge upon Dumbledore for their Gellert Grindelwald's defeat and capture at the hands of Dumbledore. The acolytes are not interested in vengeance against Dumbledore not as much as freeing Grindelwald from Nurmengard.”