9 Oct '81: Never Trust My Kind: Lestranges/Alecto

[Lord Voldemort]

Do not tell secrets to those whose faith and silence you have not already tested.”

9 October 1981

He was angry. That seemed to be his state of being most days, with this blasted war that he was intent on winning. His people weren’t working to the best of their abilities, because if they were they would have already located the child. If they were working to the best of their abilities, there would have been more casualties. They’d made some good progress in the last few months, mostly due to the four that were currently in the room with him. The Bones family had been dealt with, then the McKinnons. After that had been the Prewetts, the twins a thorn in his side for far too long now. There were so many deaths, it was hard to keep up sometimes. Their world was shattered, and if it wasn’t for Dumbledore and his group, they’d have taken it over by now.

If it wasn’t for Dumbledore, Voldemort would have gotten ahold of the Potter child by now.

But right now, the child wasn’t on his mind. Instead, he had to think about Dean Meadowes and how much of an idiot he was. How lucky the man was to still be alive, after losing something he’d been told to protect. Having to direct his attention to this matter was irritating, and he’d find a good way to punish Meadowes before long. “Something has been misplaced,” he said slowly, turning to face the Lestranges and Carrow. “Or perhaps, it has been stolen. Meadowes wasn’t quite clear on what happened.” He kept his voice low and steady, eyes scanning between them as he thought. Who could he trust, if not one of these four, so loyal to him. “What I need is for this item to be retrieved, without questions asked.”

He could tell that Bellatrix was eager, the woman often letting him into her mind to read her thoughts with ease. She would do whatever she was asked, he knew that. But this mission was important, it was vital. The horcrux had to be retrieved before it was discovered what it was, before it could be destroyed. He had worked too hard to have this taken away from him now. “Once this item is retrieved, it needs to be kept someplace safe. Meadowes has proven to me that he can’t be trusted to keep it from being discovered.” The words weren’t for the others in the room, they were for himself. Still, that didn’t stop Bellatrix, the woman clearing her throat quietly. “What Bellatrix?” he snapped, looking at her with annoyance.

[Bellatrix Lestrange]

“What is a witch but a woman men cannot quiet?” –Carla Sofia Ferreira

Bellatrix was going crazy with anticipation, practically a buzz at being summoned in front of the Dark Lord. It wasn’t the first time she had been summoned, but it was unexpected. They had work to be doing in the field, they were soldiers. They had been so successful in the recent months, taking out key people who were keeping them from achieving their goal. The Ministry was theirs, maybe not officially, but they had enough spies within the walls to take it when they wanted to. They were so close, and yet their more recent orders had been to find where a child was hidden. And it was more than annoying, because she was a fighter - not a babysitter. She was on edge as Voldemort turned to look at them, hoping for not the first time that the man would just get to his point.

When he finally spoke, she was momentarily disappointed, but amused that whatever was missing had been Meadowes fault. She hated the old man, hated that he was so close to the Dark Lord when she wanted to be the one at his side. It was good to hear that he had messed up, and it was with little patience that she waited for Voldemort to continue, a smirk pulling at her lips. He needed them to retrieve something, and possibly kill whoever had taken it. She was itching to kill again. And more importantly, she knew just the place to keep something safe. She cleared her throat, looking to her husband and brother-in-law with a smile. They would back her up on this, wouldn’t they? Voldemort addressed her, and she took a step forward before she spoke. “My Lord, we could keep it safe for you. In our vault at Gringotts. And if you will allow it, Alecto and I will find whatever has been lost.”

[Alecto Carrow]

This day was delicious.

Not only was she summoned to headquarters among such grand company - despite their usual friction, Alecto could recognize the merits that the Lestrange brothers brought to the table in situations like this - for something special, but their leader needed them. It didn't matter that she hated being stuffed into the manse with them, that the old things and finery and tall-backed-chairs made her itch - their Lord had name-dropped the senior Death Eater who had done him wrong. Her eyes widened as she listened, surprised at how little their Lord held back. He must have known that no one in the ranks would allow something like this to go unpunished, especially among this little gathering, and so naming names? Not long now. Old man must be in a panic. It's always fun to hunt when they're in a panic. Is he here now? The thought that the man might be under their feet, locked away in the basement, Silenced but allowed to hear them plot his own demise - a sharp crack of a laugh escaped her and she bit her fist to stifle herself, to stop more from following in the wake of his words.

Something like this happening was bad, objectively, but Alecto honestly didn't care. They were running out of Dumbledore's lackeys, the important ones anyway, and this new challenge would keep the momentum going. A challenge indeed, especially as they weren't allowed to ask questions, but how strict was he going to be on that? What exactly were the parameters there? He would tire so quickly of them bringing somethings to him that weren't what he desired, but he would tire even faster if she made a game of it, no matter how much the games helped her mind stay on track.

What could be precious enough to their Lord to be under the protection of someone else, but require them to retrieve it, and a new secure location for its keeping?

It was muddling already, but she composed herself enough to grin to her partner as Bellatrix offered them as the pair to retrieve the missing something. It would get them away together, give something to occupy their minds other than their Lord's obsession with the Potters and their boy...

"I accept. On one condition," she grinned, uncaring that she had no choice in the matter. "That while we're out retrieving what he lost, we're not missing out on his punishment. He will pay for how he's failed you, my Lord. What he's proven is that he can't be trusted, hasn't he? It's unheard of, it's despicable." 

[Rabastan Lestrange]

They had never been promised that the way through this war would be easy. Simple to navigate, no barriers, straight as an arrow. And for almost ten years of his life, Rabastan had come when their Lord called. From his Marking and recruitment efforts during his final Hogwarts years, to double-duty at the Ministry while finding who needed to be found, to stirring up chaos or pinpointing kills, to tailing Mrs. Pettigrew in order to keep her husband in line...he answered the call. No questions asked, trusted that he would complete the given task efficiently, neatly, no matter the ask. And in these years, his trust in their Lord and their cause had not wavered - but Rabastan could not recall seeing the man with this particular anger. If he didn't know better, he would hazard a guess that Lord Voldemort was...concerned. But he had no reason to be. The Potters would be located any time now, and the four of them could be counted upon to put aside their differences and remedy the particular situation, to be professionals -

Quiet, Alecto!

He stood, back straight and features stoic as he returned his eyes to their leader, rather wishing that the blonde had not been called up today. Rabastan was no stranger to working with his brother and sister-in-law, but whatever wires that held Alecto's wits together were close to fraying through completely, and he would not voluntarily toss his lot in with her. As Lord Voldemort went on - to hear of such a betrayal was a shock, to be sure, and he struggled to remain impassive. Rabastan could have anticipated such disaster from an untested recruit, but to have a senior member crack...he could hardly imagine the ripple effect of this among their comrades, especially those with questionable allegiances.

Bellatrix offering not only their vault but also to take her unpredictable lackey with her to locate the missing item further tested the young man's restraint. He nodded to Bellatrix, however, prepared to give his assent to the first when Alecto spoke up, practically frothing at the lips in her eagerness to dispense vengeance on their - previous - comrade. His mouth clamped shut as he waited for her to finish - they were all hot under the collar at the news, certainly, but it was their Lord's decision to make - and after exchanging a look with his brother, began. "I concur with Bellatrix," he spoke, bowing his head before stepping forward to match her. "Truly, I believe that the Lestrange Vault is the safest place to store such a valuable item. We would be honored to keep it secure for you." One would have to best the goblins, a dragon, and a slew of enchantments to gain access to the vault of their ancestors. Its security had never before been breached. The only way it could be, would be for one of the three bearing the name to be bested - another "never before" scenario.

"If I may," he continued evenly, turning from their Lord to his sister-in-law with a glint in his eye, "Rodolphus and I, too, are well-versed in finding that which does not want to be found. If Meadowes's mind has more information to yield, perhaps your unmatched talents would be best used there." It was not often that he put forth his two Sickles like this - but this mission was vital, and had to go to plan. Even if it meant risking getting hexed by his family for speaking out. But Bellatrix breaking the man's mind, Alecto breaking his body - just enough to hasten the answers they required - while he and Rodolphus searched for the item? They would resolve this matter within days, if not hours. Rabastan stepped back, aligning with his brother, giving a final nod. "I will go as you see fit, my Lord."

[Rodolphus Lestrange]

Someone was in trouble....

Rodolphus listened to the poetic lamentation of their Dark Lord, not the least bit surprised to see Bella chomping at the bit to throw her own name in the ring for retrieving whatever lost something their master was searching for, but also for taking care of the treasonous old fool who had betrayed Him. You can’t hog all the fun, love, Roddy thought to himself, though he could not be certain his thoughts were absolutely private given their company, Rodolphus knew better than to say it aloud. They were not here to have fun. Enjoyment of one’s work did not supersede the importance of the work itself. “My lord, far be it from me to argue with my wife, but I do have to agree with Rabastan. The gentleladies’ skills would be of much better use dealing with Meadowes in whatever way you see fit. My brother and I are more than capable of retrieving whatever it is you desire.”

He looked briefly to Bella before back to Lord Voldemort. “And our Gringott’s vault is the safest place to keep anything of great value, offered in your service.” He bowed his head ever so slightly. Lads against birds, what a fun little contest this was to be.


Outfit: at your service
Tagged: Lord Voldemort Bellatrix Lestrange Alecto Carrow and Rabastan Lestrange

[Lord Voldemort]

He felt that he knew the four people in this room with him well. And of course, he did, when he had access to their minds. They didn’t bother to hide their thoughts around him - although he could break through their mental shields if they did, Bellatrix was eager to help, as always, and Alecto’s mind was running with thoughts about how Meadowes was in a panic. He was, and he was currently locked away in the basement left with nothing but his thoughts. He would be dealt with when it was time, and perhaps if these four could work together he’d allow them to join in on the fun. Rabastan was annoyed with Alecto, which was not surprising to Voldemort in the least bit, and Rodolphus felt that Bellatrix was having all the fun. But there would be fun enough for both of them.

“Your vault at Gringotts would be a fine place for this item,” he said slowly, taking his time to make eye contact with them all. Alecto hadn’t offered up her and her brother's vault, but that was fine. Amycus was busy with his own mission, and Voldemort had no doubts that he was finding useful information on the extended family of Dean Meadowes. Perhaps he had gone to them with this and asked them to keep it safe. Thinking that the Dark Lord would never go after such lowly purebloods. But Amycus had done his duty, reporting on the niece of the fool. She was loyal to Dumbledore it seemed, as many of the younger recruits to his Order seemed to be. But did Meadowes trust his niece enough to leave the item in her possession?

“Rodolphus and Rabastan, I trust that the two of you can locate this item. It was taken from Hepzibah Smith years ago now, when she was foolish enough to trust me. The cup once belonged to Helga Hufflepuff,” he spoke slowly, dragging out his words. They were already aware that he was furious, but he was trying not to direct his fury towards the four of them. They were some of his most loyal, the ones he really could trust. “Bellatrix and Alecto, you may also join the hunt for this cup, but only after you have given Meadowes whatever punishment you deem fit. Keep him alive, as we may need more information from him. He’s been talking with the Order.”

[Bellatrix Lestrange]

Bellatrix had never seen the Dark Lord so angry, and she wondered what exactly was stolen from him that could cause him to be this upset. He was unsettled, pacing the floor in front of them. He was seething, and Bella believed that they all could feel it. It had been too long since their last hunt, and Bella was itching to cause some pain. However, it seemed that Rabastan and Roldphus were playing a game of their own. She sneered at Rabastan, knowing that his compliment was a double-edged sword. Yes, her abilities would be greatly served ripping apart Meadowes mind, but that could be done at another time. Bellatrix was sure the man was locked away, and wouldn’t be escaping anytime soon. Not to mention it seemed lately that Roldphus and Rabastan were getting to have all the fun. She rolled her eyes as her husband referred to them as gentleladies, as there was nothing gentle about them.

They weren’t often pitted against each other like this, talking down to each other in an attempt to get the Dark Lord's favor. But things were serious, and Voldemort had enough on his mind right now without needing to fret about a missing possession. They had been so close to killing the child before Dumbledore had whisked them into hiding. No one knew where the Potters were, and it was causing rifts among the Death Eaters. Still, she listened intently as their Dark Lord spoke. It was with a scowl that she shared a look with her husband, jealousy practically seeping out of her. But the item in question made her pause, because what exactly was so precious about a cup that belonged to one of the founders of Hogwarts? Surely it was rubbish. “He’ll regret the day he was born - and the day he betrayed you, my Lord. Alecto and I will see to that.”

[Alecto Carrow]

As the Lestranges squabbled with the forced, underhanded politeness they adopted in his company, Alecto watched their Lord in amusement. He had called them there. He had known what role they would each play from the get. And he let them, angry as he was, he let them. All these years on, and he let them rile each other up, elbowing each other for dominance, when he had surely already decided. She grinned, entertained as she waited for them to stop and listen again, laughing outright at Rodolphus's description of Bellatrix and herself. They truly were fighting over scraps now, weren't they? The missions of merit had dwindled as the game pieces around them fell, one-by-one and in great swathes. The only ones left standing were practically mythic, and up to their Lord to dispose of - they had crippled the Ministry and infected its systems, infiltrated the only wizarding hospital in Britain and students with the Mark had been at Hogwarts for years now. Wee Draco and the rest of the young ones had a new world in reach of their pudgy little arms, and Alecto knew she wasn't the only one left wondering why, how, it wasn't all theirs yet.

The unseen battles that the Lord fought were many, and as he finally deigned to speak - answering some of her questions so she needn't break the rules by asking - another piece became clear. Meadowes, her old mentor, the one she'd never trusted, thank you - he'd had this relic. Its importance was what they couldn't question, perhaps, although she was abuzz with them. When had Meadowes had this cup? How long had the Lord known of its...misplacement? Meadowes...there was a girl, a girl Amycus had tailed at the Ministry...This couldn't be a coincidence, could it? Amycus off on some big, important, mysterious mission and the lot of them called in?

Duties were assigned, and Alecto was hardly disappointed at her lot. Treason was the highest offense, and it was an honor to be part of bringing Meadowes to justice. A shiver ran up her spine as more details came to light - he'd spoken with the Order, the girl -

"Amycus can bring us the girl, my Lord," she chanced in excitement, chair scraping back as she shot to her feet, quick to Bellatrix's heels as her mind whirled. The lengths that their victims went to in order to protect those they loved, in vain... "His niece, the one at the Ministry, Amycus can find her. Meadowes knows he's already dead. Closest thing he had to a child of his own, isn't she?"

[Rabastan Lestrange]

It would be quite some time before he heard the end of this from Bellatrix. Rabastan didn't often share his take in front of such a group, preferring to offer his two Sickles privately if he was so moved, of if he was directly asked. But Rodolphus agreed with him, as did the Dark Lord, and he'd take the dirty looks his sister-in-law sent his way. He was not trying to be competitive, to keep her away from the "fun" - he truly felt they all received the assignments they were best suited for - but whatever mending he had to do would have to wait. And while it was not a competition...he'd be damned if she and Alecto not only got information out of Meadowes as he suffered by their hands, but beat them to this artifact. Even with the Lord's permission to take up the search.

For he and Rodolphus were to find...a cup. A cup that could trace its provenance back to Helga Hufflepuff herself. While the witch was the least impressive of the four founders, she had still been one of the greatest of the day. Any relic of hers would surely have hidden magics worth keeping close... They needed to plan, they needed more information, to research. If the Lord had brought them here, surely it meant that Meadowes's home had already been ransacked, and to no avail. They had to be fast, wary of others on their tail - for who knew exactly what Meadowes had, seemingly, voluntarily shared with those who wished them dead. Had he passed this cup to one of Dumbledore's followers already? Told them of its location?

A flicker of a smile crossed his face at Alecto's exuberance, as for once, perhaps she was on to something. The girl, Dorcas. Their fellows had dispatched of her partner and the elder McKinnons at the height of summer, which would have been a waste of pure blood had they not been so determined to deny changing their ways. It was worth following up on, at least, even if it was a stretch to think that Meadowes would have trusted her with something the Dark Lord had trusted him with. Was he naive enough to doom his kin, and one so vulnerable at that?

"We will retrieve this cup for you, my Lord," he promised with a bow of his head. "Is there anything else we should know?"

[Rodolphus Lestrange]

Had they not been in the company of the Dark Lord, Rodolphus would have chuckled at the near snarl that Bella was giving Rabastan as he spoke. Anyone who dared contradict her plans, as tentative as they were, was instantly on her shite list but Rabastan had no need to fear. She was essentially a pussy cat if you knew the right way to stroke her, as Rodolphus did. Alecto, too, for that matter. The three of them were certain to have a glorious time once this mission was sorted.

There was little space for silence in the room as the four servants stood before their master, awaiting their explicit orders, the anger seemingly dripping from his lips as he spoke. Their group could bicker amongst themselves all they wanted, choose their parts and divvy up the spoils as they wished, but in the end the only thing that mattered was what Lord Voldemort wanted of them. The fact that he had permitted them a chance to speak at all spoke volumes about their status in his ranks, and in the end the Dark Lord agreed with the men. Rodolphus’ chin raised slightly in arrogance, his gaze daring a chance at his darling wife who was certain to be fuming that she had to share the fun with anyone. Bellatrix shot him a look and he could see the fire raging in her eyes. He would tame the beast within her soon enough, but first, his mission.

A cup?

A cup once belonging to Helga Hufflepuff…

It would have been foolish to question why the Dark Lord had interest in this particular relic, but Rodolphus could see no obvious connection between Lord Voldemort and the namesake of Hufflepuff House. Even as a founder of Hogwarts and a truly astounding witch of her day, at least according to historians’ accounts, Rodolphus knew of no special lore pertaining to any goblets once owned by the b*tch that would make it of interest to their current plot. Still, the item clearly held more than sentimental value, most likely imbued with some magical powers that were not well known to the public. He dared not ask the multitude of questions that sprung to mind, knowing his curiosity would be sated in time should he be worthy of such knowledge. Whatever the cup’s worth, Rodolphus was assured that he and his brother would locate the item, and he felt that he and his blood were of the same mind that they would leave no chance for Bella and Alecto to accompany them in their hunt.

Rodolphus awaited any answers to his brother's question silently, considering the implications of Amycus' apparent mission and Alecto's sudden eagerness to speak up.