27 Oct: Raise A Little Hell: West Bromich (Death Eaters)

[Amycus Carrow]

He knew turning up uninvited may not sit well with some of the children Bella and Alecto were teaching tonight, but he didn’t particularly care. He was bored, and this was sure to be more entertaining than an evening at the Wyvern. He laughed at his sister’s words, not believing them but also not about to put it past her to feed something such as an invitation to the bloody falcons. Bella only seemed slightly annoyed that he had shown up, and was kind enough to say hello before she launched into an explanation of this evening's activities. Wand twisting in fingers, he surveyed the group. Most of them he knew by name only from the dinner when they’d received the mark, but he was interested in seeing their reactions to Bella’s take on their schooling. Some of them looked slightly offended, while others seemed to agree that their education had been lacking. It came as no surprise to him that Bella choose one of the witches first - girl power, and all that - and he grinned as his sister added to the question.

Meredith Mulciber hardly seemed like the type to have cast an unforgivable before, but in all honesty, he didn’t know her. They hadn’t overlapped in their years at school, and he was judging her based solely on the conversation that had occurred over dinner. An eyebrow shot up as she correctly answered, and stayed up as she told the story of her first time successfully casting the spell. Nott was agreeing, and while he wanted to pry into their minds to find the truth of it all, he would have to take their word for it. Amycus didn’t stop the laugh that came out at Rosier’s crude remark, ignoring the look of annoyance that Bellatrix shot him. Nott and Snape both seemed eager for the night's festivities to begin, and he couldn’t blame them. It had been too long since he’d been on a mission of his own. “Are we going to jabber all night, Bella, or can we get around to the hunt?”

[Bellatrix Lestrange]

It was easy to tell as she spoke who her favorites amongst the group would be. Most of them seemed to agree that their education had been lacking, and those who didn’t were recruits she didn’t care for anyway. Bella knew that Alecto didn’t understand the promise Bella saw in Meredith, and smirked at her love‘s addition to the question. Bella didn’t doubt that Meredith had cast it before, she was a force to be reckoned with. In fact, perhaps Bella saw a bit of her younger self in Meredith. She listened intently to the girl's response, giving a nod of approval as she answered her question correctly. It was curious, her first use of the spell. Mostly because the name was unfamiliar to Bellatrix. She caught the smiles shared between the two younger girls, and she could understand what Alecto saw in Bronwyn. Perhaps the young witch was more suited for her cousin than Bella had given her credit for. She gave a nod to the question Nott posed, pleased at the excitement the recruits seemed to have.

Of course, not all of them were great company. Rosier’s remark earned him a side glance, and while Amycus thought it was funny, Bella knew all too well the position of men who felt it was their calling to make comments like that. But her job tonight wasn’t to put the boy in his place, so she looked to Severus at his addition, a smile gracing her features. “Barry, will you join us please?” she said to the darkness, and the muggle she had already cursed walked forward, eyes cloudy. “Barry here is already under the effects of this curse, and tonight he is going to take his illegally obtained gun and kill his neighbors. Simply because I want him to. Go on Barry, and do have fun.” The muggle was walking toward the gate, unable to stop what he was about to do, and Bella laughed as the first shot rang out and a scream was heard.

“Your task is simple, each of you is to use the Imperius curse on a muggle with the intent of them harming as many people as possible,” she said cheerfully, “The Carrows and I are here observe only - don’t look so disappointed Amy - and make sure you cause as much chaos as possible.” If Amycus was ancy to do some hunting, Bella wasn’t about to stop him. She was going to follow her orders, however, and supervise the children. “Severus, is it? You have a different task. Rumor has it you are quite adept at creating your own spells. I’d like to see you use the deadliest one you’ve created tonight on any Aurors that might come snooping about. You’re also welcome to use it on any muggles you feel the need to.” Without a glance back, Bella started toward the gate to lead them onto the street, where chaos had already begun as Barry went on his rampage.

[Alecto Carrow]

As determined as she was to pick apart Mulciber's response, Alecto was disappointed to not have much of a critique. Hadn't she done as much at school herself? Taking on matters of respect herself, or with Bella and Amycus? And finding the will, the strength, the fury, to summon such curses bubbling underneath her skin? She cracked a smile as one was shared between Bronwyn and Meredith, and nodded to the latter in approval of her response. It would take practice for her to speak of such things with confidence, without wavering, as she assumed her new role. But there was, perhaps, promise in her, even if Alecto couldn't admit it with words.

The young ones were quick to pile on, most of them, although she was quicker still to shoot a Stinging Jinx to Rosier's hand at his remark, even as her brother laughed. A pity, really, as he'd been the only one to enter with energy. "You'll know when we require an opinion of you, Rosier." The boy was no longer alone in his energy, however - Amycus was itching to get a move on, and now that the ice had broken, she could feel the crackle of lightning ricocheting among their circle. And, really - Alecto would be lying if she said she wasn't eager to go, too. The talk talk talking of training had its time and place, and they needed to learn respect - clearly - but they were here to assess their aptitudes in the field. "No one's making you be here, brother," she teased with a toothy grin, rocking back and forth as she primed herself to bolt - for soon, soon, Bella would release them...

She watched the faces of the recruits as Bella brought out their first plaything, wand in hand and buzzing with energy, and when Bella moved? She barked a pair of names and strode towards the street at a clip, smile bright in the darkness.

"Nott, Rosier - with me."

[Meredith Mulciber]

“Vulgar idiot.” Meredith hissed under her breath before she could stop herself. Rosier was just so crude and he had ruined her moment, it was a testament to her class that she hadn’t hexed him. She had only a moment to glory in pleasing Bellatrix with her answer when he was spouting off at the mouth with his crassness. But she had to admit he was at least right about one thing, she shouldn’t be…messed with. One day, she would teach Evan a lesson. She very much was looking forward to that day but lucky for him, that day was not this day. This day was reserved for other things. Like proving her worth. She doubted starting a duel with her ‘comrade’ would look good for her. The blonde took a little comfort in Alecto’s rebuke, at least she wasn’t the only one to find him annoying.

Blessedly their instructors didn’t draw it out any longer and at Winnie’s question and the gruffer Carrow’s prompting, Bella introduced her puppet for the evening and their objective. She tried not to pout at Severus being singled out for his special talent and given a separate assignment. She needed to focus on her own mission tonight. Internally, Meredith heaved a sigh of relief. As far as first tests went, this one was possibly the best for her skill set and she was fairly confident she was going to exceed expectations. She was sure to check herself however, less she be overconfident, she needed to keep her wits about her to achieve her goal.

Meredith moved her attention to her boyfriend and her longtime roommate as soon as Bellatrix had turned her back on them but she didn’t even have time to formulate a plan for them when sassy Carrow was calling the latter away. She scowled, eyeing Evan and instantly feeling bad for Bronwyn. “Good luck.” she said quietly, briefly touching the other girl's arm. Without wasting another beat she extended her hand to Ethan, they had to hurry or they were going to be left behind! “Shall we?”

[Ethan Vanderhyde]

His assumptions on the rules of this space were quickly dashed as his old classmates tripped over themselves in their eagerness to be heard, when Meredith was the only one who had explicitly been asked to speak by their supervisors. Ethan took note, wanting to be safely in the middle of this pack, and sent Evan a glare at his speech. Who was he to insult Meredith? Just because he hadn't been chosen first, he had to try and pull her down to his level? Not that she ever would, and at least he may have lost whatever little favor he'd previously gained with one of the Carrows - but all too soon, in her regal way, Bellatrix was moving their evening forward and Ethan felt his mouth dry up.

A muggle stepped out of the shadows at her call, cursed and not of his mind, and as someone who had never successfully cast it - Ethan could hardly imagine a less opportune moment to be put on the spot. The Unforgivables were no laughing matter, no simple little hex one could pick up without effort. At her first successful casting, Meredith had to have been seeing red from whatever had happened between Mary and the girls, and used that sudden, deserved fury to summon the magic of the curse. You had to mean the curse, whichever you chose, you had to mean it and want to cause its effect. He knew and understood the theory, he knew that he should be able to summon the needed magic - but fear of public failure was a terrifying thing indeed. If he failed tonight, what would happen? Would his Mark get seared off? Would he be cast out, his memory modified? The accomplished witch at his side would surely want nothing to do with him, his failure would reflect shame onto her...

Bellatrix finished her orders, concluding with a special note for Severus, and began towards the street. Alecto was a few steps behind, calling Bronwyn and Evan with her. And Meredith held out her hand.

"We shall," Ethan returned, stiff and clipped with nerves, and took her hand as they walked together after the others. He only hoped his proficiency with spellwork - and the self-preservationist instincts that had brought him this far - would get him through this test.

And if we're caught breaking the law? That'll look great to everyone at the office.

    One thing at a time.

Meredith, already a standout in the pack, offering her hand, to walk with him, buoyed his confidence as much as it could. The muggles would have no training, no idea of how to resist the curse, which could only work in their favor, however green they were. Who knew how long they had before the magical authorities became wise, but it would not due to use that as an excuse for failing at their task. Gunfire rang down the street in sharp cracks and echoes, screams of terror and fury mingled with delighted laughter, and Ethan's head was on a swivel as they exited what cover they had had before reaching the street. They needed mayhem - they needed muggles, they needed them out of their houses, they needed them disoriented - Ethan raised his wand and sent a silent Blasting Curse to one of the wooden poles that supported the powerlines running down the street, repeating until it cracked and, splinters and energy flying, came crashing into the nearest terraced home...

[Bronwyn Nott]

It was so typical of Evan to be crude, and Bronwyn met Meredith’s gaze as she rolled her eyes, ignoring the laughter coming from Amycus. He’d only been invited to join Lord Voldemort because of his connections through his father, and while that was surely why she’d received an invitation, Bronwyn liked to think she was proving her worth so far. And as long as she didn’t falter tonight, she would still be in Alecto’s good graces. That was assuming though that she got to work with her idol tonight, prepared to learn everything that Alecto Carrow had to teach her. This was the first chance any of them had to prove their worth, and show that they could do more than pass along information from the Ministry to Voldemort. Severus, who had gotten an invitation on his own, without a father to speak their name to Voldemort, had agreed with her, and she shot him a smile before turning her attention back to their teachers for the evening. It was with a satisfied smirk that she glanced at Evan once more, glad that Alecto was giving him sh*t for his comments.

She listened attentively to Bella, twisting her own wand in her hand as they were given their assignment. It seemed simple enough, get muggles to fight and hurt each other. But she’d never cast the curse before, and it would be embarrassing if she failed in front of her teacher. Luckily, she felt she could find enough power in her to cast this one, and was thankful they weren’t practicing one of the other two unforgivables, because killing someone outright? Brownyn still wasn’t entirely sure she could do it. Looking to Meredith and Ethan, she gave them a reassuring smile before she was being called away by Alecto. With Evan, who was sure to be a joy tonight. Bronwyn didn’t wait for him before following Alecto, wand ready. As they reached the street she could see her friends ahead and made a note to compliment Ethan on his wise move to bring down the power lines.

A couple emerged from the nearest house to see what was happening, and Bronwyn took in their scared faces. Muggles didn’t know what was waiting for them outside of their houses, and she looked to Alecto for permission before she targeted the husband. “Imperio,” she said under her breath, wanting to dance in glee when the husband's eyes went glassy. The woman was staring at them confused, and Bronwyn felt herself falter. Could she really make this man hurt someone he loved? She had to - she didn’t want to fail this test - and it was with a grimace that she spoke to the man. “She’s not your wife, she’s a stranger invading your home. Protect yourself.”

[Evan Rosier II]

Evan was feeling rather superior in that moment, having earned a hearty laugh from Amycus Carrow. The man was a legend in their circles, right on par with the Lestrange brothers. It was a shame they weren’t around to train this group up, but perhaps if he did a good job this evening- “Ow!” A sharp biting sensation stung his wand hand and he glared as Alecto Carrow scolded him publicly. What a b*tch. Evan thought she ought to be taught a lesson, but now was not the time for randy fantasies; he could think of the Carrows later. Now he needed to focus on the brunette as she brought forth a muggle and explained their game. Imperius Curse. Chaos. It was bloody perfect. Evan had had some practice with the curse, though nothing as expansive as tonight’s expectations. Mostly just he and his friends, pissed off their arses and pranking each other by making them act a fool in turn. Their enchantments had been easy enough to break after a minute or two, and none of the lads had been made to do anything more dangerous or illegal than nick a bottle of liquor from a bar or punch an elderly man from behind and do a runner. Typical teenage rebellion shite, as his father had put it. But tonight would be different, and he was banking on the fact that the muggles would be so unprepared that they’d have trouble breaking free from his curse – not that he’d expected to do it poorly in the first place.

The stinging in his hand had subsided and he eagerly pulled his wand from his pocket, ready to begin, but Evan’s eyes narrowed as Bellatrix called on Severus by name. Why had no one else been given a special assignment? What did Snape have that made him more important than he? Did she not know who he was?! The look of envious disgust on Evan’s face was short-lived as Alecto called for him and Bronwyn to follow her, and he trekked behind to catch up with the ladies.

The evening was off with a bang. Literally, Vanderhyde had pulled the power cables down and a small explosion from the boxy-thing was summoning muggles from their homes. He scanned the scene, clocking the couple Wyn had taken note of at almost the exact same time. Best to let her have this one, he thought, though he recognized her moment of hesitation once the initial curse had taken effect. The man, glassy eyed and awaiting instruction. The woman horrorstruck and clinging to her husband’s arm as she watched the scene down the street unfold. “You’ve got this, love.” Evan’s encouragement was quiet as he passed behind her, gently touching her shoulder and taking careful consideration not to block her view or disrupt her concentration. As Bronwyn gave her muggle his new reality, Evan spotted his own plaything.

A flourish of wandwork directed at a bush in the shadows and Evan stood there with his back to his female companions and waited. A slight rustling of the bush made him smirk, and only a few seconds later a disheveled woman walked out into the clearing. Her hair was long and matted, her clothes filthy and ill-fitting. The corner of a ragged sleeping bag poking out from behind the bush had given her away no matter how much she tried to hide from the chaos unfolding on the street. “Come on out, sweetheart. Let’s get a look at you.” He called the woman forward and she moved in her trance toward him without effort. “Give us a spin, love. Don't be shy,” he insisted, as if she were modeling a new dress. Evan chuckled lightly as the woman twirled. She would have been happy for a pair of used trainers, judging by the thick layer of dirt that coated her bare feet, but she spun regardless. Evan took aim once more, but directed his wand not at the muggle who stood there unmoving, but at a twig near the bush the homeless woman used for some form of shelter. “Pick it up,” he instructed the muggle, gesturing toward the twig. Without hesitation the woman bent and picked up what had just been a small stick but now appeared to be a well-sharpened dagger. “Come along, let’s have some fun.” He curled his finger in beckoning call and headed back toward Bronwyn and Alecto to evaluate the progress of his fellow trainees.

[Severus Snape]

Rather than agree or disagree, Severus fixed his eyes on his shoes as his mate was scolded for speaking such vulgarities. It wasn’t something new for Evan to be rude, especially when girls were involved. In fact, Severus had noticed that his crudeness seemed to spike whenever there was someone the younger boy wanted to impress. Merlin only knew which of this lot ranked highest on the ‘show off for’ list: the more experienced Death Eaters they were here to learn from, or his ex-girlfriend who he clearly still held a flame for. Sev knew that if he kept his thoughts to himself, and his head down, it was the best way to get by without incurring Rosier’s wrath.

Another adult joined their group, but this man was clearly not in control of himself, as Bellatrix explained that she had used the Imperius Curse on him. He also had a gun, which was shocking to the halfblood, but thankfully he wasn’t instructed to use it on any of them. Even still, Severus drew his wand just to be on the safe side. He sighed a quiet breath of relief when the muggle and his illegal gun wandered off at Bellatrix’s request. Severus tried to focus on their instructions, but jumped as the first shot rang through the air. Bellatrix continued without pause and Severus was about to raise his hand to ask for more details when their instructor called him by name. “Yes, ma’am,” he answered and listened to his own special assignment. This was something he had not been expecting, but he felt a swell of pride as his work was praised in front of the group. Severus even caught a glimpse of jealousy from Meredith and Evan in the split seconds before they schooled their appearances and trotted off with their partners. Severus broke into a crooked smile as he watched the group disperse, knowing that someone had been bragging about the spells he’d created. 

He wasn’t sure if it was the sound of continued gunfire and screaming that caused his heart to pound so rapidly in his chest, or the knowledge that Bellatrix was expecting aurors to show up and for him to face them. The pride he had felt only a second ago quickly deflated. She could have sang his praises to the Dark Lord himself, and still Severus would not be prepared enough for his first task to be taking on aurors. Aurors!! Defending himself from bullies at school was one thing, but trained law enforcement agents? Even with his deadliest curse, would he be any match for a trained auror? “She- she’s not really expecting aurors tonight, is she?” he asked Amycus Carrow nervously.