Dinner with the Devil | June 1978 | (Open to Death Eater's)

[Ethan Vanderhyde]

The Dark Lord was a pale man, and not as old as Ethan had expected him to be, now that he was seeing him so up close. They had crossed paths before, of course, but he had not been in such proximity before. In the moments he stood there, Ethan sensed an offness about the man that he could not quite place. His fearsome reputation was one thing, but he - he just seemed - there was something different -

They were swiftly dismissed, by name, before he could mull on this any further. He gave a stiff smile and nod before gladly turning his back on not only the Dark Lord but Dean Meadowes, whose eyes he had been stringently avoiding as he wondered whether the dead man walking knew of his youthful relationship with his daughter. Best if that stays mum... Shaking that doomed relationship from his mind, Ethan did his best to focus on his currently-in-the-makings one as he approached the Mulcibers. He was immensely glad when Meredith's father stood to shake his hand; Ethan gave him a firm shake and nod as he met his eye, wanting to be taken seriously in his perusal of Meredith. So as she accepted his request, he took the seat, trying to put away the feeling of Dean Meadowes' eyes boring holes in him, the stomach-churning feeling of being late. Focus, Vanderhyde. So he returned the young woman's smile and made himself comfortable, but before he could start a conversation, the room gained another fellow.

Is that Regulus?

Ethan could hardly keep the look of surprise from his face at spying the youngest Black. It made sense that he was involved here - all besides the fact that he was just a boy. He would be...a sixth year? What was anyone thinking, letting someone so young become a Death Eater? Be here, socializing, learning? What good could Regulus Black do for the Dark Lord?

Apparently many things that would remain a mystery to Ethan, for as the boy attempted to join their part of the table, he was called back by their host. Ethan began eating, storing the look of horror that shortly graced Narcissa's face; he hadn't seen the woman since her graduation, but he'd hardly ever seen her look so concerned. Had never seemed to think outside of herself, really. But this was her baby cousin, and seeing as Sirius was out of the picture...maybe she cared more than he thought she could. In observing this Ethan fell quiet, enjoying the dinner well as he could, until Meredith spoke.

"Now, Meredith, if it is such a chore you needn't bother keeping up the niceties," Ethan remarked in jest, smiling genially through it all. It was amusing to toe the line of propriety with this one - see just how far he had to go to tease her, figure out what exactly he needed to do to get her to smile. It was most definitely a work in progress, but he was doing his best to log everything he learned as time went on and they spent more time together. Before she and her father left this evening, he would need to extend an invitation to a night out, something nice, to keep "repaying" her for all of her help at the end of term... "But since you've gone to all the trouble of asking - I have recently begun my internship under Mr. Asher Shacklebolt, much thanks to your tutelage, and have been keeping busy there when not doing my duties for the Lord. Both positions are proving interesting - " if coffee runs and speaking to ominous strangers does it for you " - but it is nice, I have to say, to have an evening away from the work of it all to spend in such lovely company." He made eye contact and raised his wineglass slightly to the beautiful blonde beside him before drinking and continuing. "I expect that your apprenticeship has gotten off to a favorable beginning? I can't imagine anything less."

[Alecto Carrow]

With a strong hand, the young Death Eater forced the large dining room door open, and as it swung shut with a clamor behind her and her brother, they took in the room side-by-side. Her fierce gaze locked in on her key players - the Dark Lord, naturally, and Bella - before Alecto, in heels as deadly as she, strode to the empty seat next to the woman, her brother following suit. The Dark Lord knew why they were tardy - and knew equally well that had they not completed their mission, they would not be showing their faces at this dinner - so there was no need for simpering apologies, only eye contact and nods of what's done is done as each took a seat. Alecto taking a seat that was likely meant for someone who was - conveniently - away, as Amycus sat beside her.

"I would've killed instead of captured if the target made me miss this," she said under her breath, taking in the beauty next to her with an appreciative gaze, a smirk lifting up the corner of her painted lips. "Maybe he knew I was...impatient. Saved his skin - well, most of it, anyway." The woman gave a careless shrug of her bare shoulders. The man had been a bit singed by the time they'd gotten him to storage, but she had more important things to think about than how a blood traitor was faring in the first hour-or-so of being deposited. The "more important things" were mainly related to Bella, who could now be her focus, her work done for the night. Because Alecto was lucky enough to know just how each and every one of those curves felt in her hands, how their scarred but perfect flesh worked together, and the dress the married woman wore was putting her on edge. And there was no denying that she had dressed herself with the hope of doing the same to the other, to convince her to choose her for tonight instead of the other options Alecto knew were at this table. She was still on her high from her successes this evening with Amycus - they'd finally captured a more-evasive-than-usual target - and Bella was doing nothing but bring her up even more. It was only after raising her glass of wine to the woman and taking a drink that Alecto took note of the rest of the company. Because she had to, or the want of this woman would drive her to drastic measures before the end of the night. Measures that couldn't yet be taken for a number of reasons, but primarily due to the other blonde bookend. For on Bella's opposite side was her little sister - the one that she still had, and one who for all the blood she shared with Bellatrix lacked so much in terms of devotion and action and understanding - and across from them was an odd assortment. Her judgmental gaze crawled over Clever Mulciber and two plucky Hogwarts graduates, if Alecto had to guess. Fresh-faced and whole - they just had that aura of untainted youth about them. An aura that would soon become tinged before altogether blackened, if experience had told her anything. She vaguely recognized them, assuming the girl was Mulciber's daughter, but couldn't place either with a name. Purebloods, obviously, but she couldn't be expected to keep track of all of them.

The usual crowd filled in the table - Amycus making conversation with a number of other Snatchers - but there was an actual child sitting near the Dark Lord. Make that two - Aaron Crabbe and Regulus Black. Crabbe she, unfortunately, knew well enough, as he was part of her competition tonight. But this was the first time she was seeing Regulus at an affair like this. She'd have to hear from Bella later what that was all about. "So - you two," the woman said abruptly, gesturing across at the young ones with her glass, the deep red sloshing around within. For the moment, drink would suffice - no need to get weighed down with what was likely a delicious meal, but one that would be tasteless in her mouth in her current excitement. She only wanted to be further buoyed up by the lightness in her bones good wine left her with. She deserved a good buzz - and a rewarding night with Bella - after her success. "Sympathizers? Trophy wife and a Ministry man? Or are you actually here to work?" The verbal challenge was met with a raise of her brows and another long drink, before her animated look returned to them. If they thought they could just appear and be taken in, they were more than wrong. This was a journey one had to earn one's place in - looks and a name weren't enough, although each surely had both. What are you made of? was the question in her eyes, the question reverberating in her mind.

[Deleted]

Regulus was more than a little surprised to say the least. Just as he’d been about to join his cousins at the table he was motioned to a new seat. And he wasn’t about to refuse a request from the Dark Lord himself. So he changed his course, and moved to the seat directly to the left of Dark Lord.

“Thank you, my Lord.”

Once he was seated he wasn’t sure what exactly he was supposed to do. He’d never been to one of these dinners before. Was he supposed to start a conversation with someone? He had to be one of the youngest people here, and it was a little awkward for him. But he couldn’t very well look it. He glanced over at Narcissa, careful not to move his head too much, and gave her a small smile. Hopefully just enough so she would know he could handle himself.

He hoped.

He wasn’t sure if he should engage with anyone. He didn’t really know anyone besides his cousins well enough to say anything in general or feel comfortable initiating any kind of conversation one on one. So he decided for now to keep quiet, and to speak only if he was spoken to.

[Lord Voldemort]

Nodding to the responses from both the Black sisters, glad that they weren't doubting their husbands. While he knew Bellatrix well enough to know she didn't care if her husband arrived, he was unsure of Narcissa. She wasn't one of his, simply a trophy wife to a man who did his dirty work. He could hardly care about her existence. But without her, Bella's loyalties could falter. The eldest sister had a soft spot for the youngest one. It was a shame though, that their other sister had married a muggle. He'd heard enough about it though, and had no desire to relieve those conversations.

Regulus sat down in the chair next to him, and Voldemort offered the young boy a smile. It was obvious that the invitation hadn't been expected, but Regulus was going to be useful. "The pleasure is all mine Regulus. I'm delighted to have you join our ranks," he responded in a voice that could almost be perceived as kind. The man to his right followed suit, although Voldemort was sure that Dean Meadowes cared little about the plans he had for Regulus.

Sipping his wine, he scanned the table carefully as everyone ate, listening to the conversations at hand. Meredith and the boy whose name he could not remember were talking, and their conversation was amusing to say the least. He avoided making eye contact with Aaron Crabbe, having no use for him at the moment as his attention was drawn to another pair of people entering into the room. He raised his glass to Alecto and Amycus as they took their seats. Their arrival meant that their mission was complete, and that he had work to do later.

Alecto was a good worker, taking after Bellatrix in many ways. The two women were deadly, and good assets to his team. Loyal followers to the end, just the kind of people he needed. He gave a chuckle as Alecto challenged the pair across the table, her fiery spirit showing. He'd let them continue their banter for now, a watchful eye turning to the wait staff as they brought out the next course of the meal.

[Bellatrix Lestrange]

As Regulus took his seat at the table, Bella smiled at him proudly, although her annoyance with the Dark Lord's request still stuck in the back of her mind. Their family had always been looked upon favorably by the Dark Lord, and it was good to see that Regulus was no exception. There had been a fear in the back of her mind that Regulus wouldn't be accepted due to the arrogance of his older brother, but it had been quickly dismissed. No thoughts were safe around the Dark Lord, and it was best that she not be caught doubting him. After all, doubting his eventual success in his mission was absolutely ridiculous.

She turned her eyes back to the two across from her, smiling politely at their conversation. She had to admit, Meredith's apparent displeasure at the Vanderhyde boy was entertaining. Perhaps the young girl wasn't a complete lost cause. But that was something that she would dwell on later, her gaze turning to the doors as they opened once again. And even she could not stop the smile that appeared on her face as one of her favorite people strolled in with a dress that certainly chosen to catch her eye. Bellatrix didn't try to hide her gaze as Alecto sat down in the chair next to her, leaning over to place a kiss on the women's cheek. "Good to see you Alecto," she whispered quietly.

It was clear what kind of night she was going to be having later.

As Alecto challenged the two across from them, Bella gave a short laugh. If Meredith had thought the comment would end with Bella, she was sadly mistaken. And hopefully Narcissa would be smart enough not to challenge Alecto on her words. Alecto was a dangerous woman, and Bella was not about to pick between the two of them if she didn't have to. Besides, she wasn't entirely sure that Narcissa would like the choice she would make if it came down to it. "Or perhaps he is simply aiming to be a trophy husband?"

[Narcissa Malfoy]

Beginning her dinner - it was glorious, and she couldn't wait to let her dear husband know what a fantastic meal he had unwisely missed - and innocently eavesdropping on Meredith, Narcissa heard the younger Slytherin address the young man as Ethan. Ethan, she thought, flitting her eyes over to him to try and recognize within him the Ethan Vanderhyde she remembered from school. He had grown into a man since last she'd seen him, but she felt silly in not having recognized him immediately. He resembled his father, who - as a a discreet look around the table told her - was conspicuously absent. But perhaps Vanderhyde Senior was simply working, and she heard his son spout the usual "Ministry man" cover story he was pursuing; not altogether creative, but tried and true, Narcissa couldn't argue her own personal results. Lucius had been working undercover for years now, and no one was the wiser.

Throughout, Narcissa glanced to the head of the table, trying to glean what was going on with her young cousin. He was just a boy, and to be called to sit with the Lord at his first dinner was an immense honor, but it was also understandably frightening. She would have to whisk him away at the end of this and see what he would tell her. Amiable chatter was resuming in their section of the table when, as usual, the Carrow siblings made a loud entrance. Narcissa's eyes turned cooler as she watched the two come right for them - well, if she was being honest, right towards her sister. Alecto took the seat meant for Rodolphus as if Bella's marriage meant nothing, which if the rumors were true, it didn't. It...irked Narcissa, to say the least. Not that she could have any say in her sister's affairs, and she and Bella were different in many ways, but...they were right beside her, and it was undeniably uncomfortable.

Additionally, it appeared Alecto was going to drink her dinner, again. Now, Narcissa was all for a bit of nightly wine, especially during affairs such as these, it did help her to relax; however, she couldn't help but think her sister's - ah - friend could take things a little easier. She was nearly guzzling the expensive drink, and she wasn't one to choose her words carefully even when completely sober. It appeared the other blonde was in her usual mood, the way she suddenly addressed Meredith and Ethan. Narcissa contained her look of peevishness at the Death Eater's uncouth approach as well as she could, feeling personally victimized by it. It was true that no one was here to make friends, but one hardly needed to try to make enemies of anyone at this table! Paranoia ran rampant, enemies would be made without conversation starters like this! For as pure as her bloodline was, Alecto never had really understood what it meant to be a lady of their society, and it was a shame. She could be beautiful and look the part if she took better care of herself, and that was half the battle. You certainly needed to have a backbone and let it be known, which Alecto did, but you had to also be seen as delicate, someone to be protected, even if that was a serious underestimation. It was an ungodly difficult thing to pull off, although Narcissa felt she did it flawlessly.

Someone had to.

She gave the pair across from them a stiff smile of well-meaning apology and encouragement as Bella added on to Alecto's silliness. It was challenging to keep herself looking anything but angry, as she felt she was being attacked by Alecto! Many would see her as a trophy wife, and had to for her and Lucius' safety, but little did they know that she was just as much a part of any decision the couple had to make as her husband was! She took care of everything in their home, covered for him when he was absent like the present, and she got absolutely no credit for it. She dabbed at her mouth with the dark cloth napkin, looking around Bella with a simpering smile.

"No one would be here if they had not been invited, dear," she gently reminded the older woman. "Whatever their aspirations, they have been chosen, and who are any of us to pick at our host's judgement?" Blue eyes positively sparkling at the insinuation Alecto thought she thought better than the Dark Lord - an idiotic notion, indeed - Narcissa sat back up and took a drink, sending Meredith a conspiratorial wink.

[Meredith Mulciber]

Meredith found it easier to draw her attention to Ethan as he spoke than she would have thought. She was surrounded by very influential people, and was even on the way to getting into Narcissa’s good graces, she would have thought she couldn’t be bothered with speaking with only one person. But his words caused an amused draw of her mouth that she could hardly ignore. She could tell, after years of knowing him that he was teasing. He met her cutting remark with tolerant amusement; it was refreshing. It made her feel less harsh, like maybe she wasn't always cruel, maybe she was just darkly funny.

He proved her point by going on about his internship, giving her credit for her help and Meredith was caught off guard by her own smile. “Brilliant.” She said, achieving a pleasantly interested voice instead of the very interested way she felt, as he went on. As usual Ethan had a way of casually making her feel as if he was speaking only to her, like she and he were the only occupants of the room, and that his pleasure in company could only logically be her because she was the only one there wasn’t she? Meredith didn’t notice that she had let his words go without further comment as Alecto had arrived without her realizing and her sudden presence across the table was startling. The girl hoped she hadn’t been seated there next to Bellatrix long.

Again Ethan drew her in and her back straightened, time seeming to have caught up to her, or rather the other way around. Carrow couldn’t have been there long; the eldest Black was just leaning over to… kiss the blondes cheek? How odd. In any case this was a topic she was practiced at and she couldn’t allow herself to act so familiar with Ethan, not here. “Actually, I was just saying how excellent it’s been before you arrived. I’m sure I needn’t explain further as you have already expected as much.” There was always that tone of superiority where academics were concerned.

She glanced up the table, toward the Dark Lord and those closest to him. She wondered if he was paying her any mind at all, if he even cared that she was far more intelligent than anyone sitting at this table except himself, surely more than Regulus Black. She sincerely hoped he did; that he would find her useful. Her father caught her eyes and looked away stonily. She got the sense he wasn’t impressed with the lot of them. Carrow’s voice caught her attention and she turned to the girl with a fierce glare, settling her glass down without taking a sip. Her? A trophy wife? Clearly not.

A hot flush seeped into her cheeks and her eyes flashed but Narcissa beat her to the punch so to speak. The other girl leaned over her sister and spoke to Alecto as one would speak to someone who was missing an obvious factor in an equation. Meredith had to stomp down on a spontaneous laugh. She speared a hapless piece of food, the blush draining out of her by sheer force of will. She commanded herself to be calm and so it was. She hoped Ethan would also not rise to the bait of Bellatrix, and let the anger get the best of him.

It took only moments to bring her temper under control thankfully, it was only a beat after the youngest Black spoke.Having all the air of someone discussing their next garden party, though she shot her unexpected accomplice a pointed look, she turned to the two accosting women. “Oh that’s certainly not at all what Miss Carrow meant Narcissa. That would be a grievous error, questioning His Lords choice in guest, I’m sure they could never be so dim witted. Isn't that right?”

[Ethan Vanderhyde]

Wooing Meredith was proving to be easier than anticipated, and he felt honestly good about the whole plot. She was a smart and beautiful young woman, had her allegiances in order, and seemed to think him charming. That is, she was always quick to smile when he'd do anything slightly endearing. Ethan was thankful her father was here to see this - there was only so much Mr. Mulciber could trust what he wrote to him, after all. But this should give his potential future father-in-law all the evidence he needed when he wrote that yes, he and Meredith were making progress as scheduled. The young woman was set on continuing her academics, which was all well and good - but it would be absolutely improper for her to lack a husband for long, given their social standing. Ethan would be marrying up, as his father had, and there was nothing wrong with that. So as she spoke he gave her a grin and a nod, not surprised in the least to hear she was doing well. She had always poured herself into her schooling, and now that all she was doing was her favorite subject, he truly could expect nothing less. His mind went to work determining how exactly to ask her out on a proper date before the end of the evening, but he was pulled from thought and his meal as more persons joined the table, and questions were directed at himself and Meredith.

Apparently, Alecto wanted to engage them in conversation as the wait staff served the next course (although if he had to guess, it seemed like she wouldn't be paying the food any mind, distracted by the drink and the brunette). She did not seem particularly adept at polite conversation, a skill she hadn't honed at Hogwarts either, and Meredith appeared momentarily furious at the insult. Although she was a handful of years his senior, Ethan remembered the girl and her brother for their harsh senses of humor and lack of subtlety. These things he should have remembered and been prepared for, but he hadn't in time to stop himself from looking across the table at the young woman with surprise. He did his best to compose his look into one of pleasant interest as the Black sisters spoke - Narcissa giving himself and Meredith surprising support - and Meredith chimed in as well. With Mr. Mulciber and Amycus otherwise engaged, Ethan felt like the sole cock in the henhouse, surrounded by strong and intimidating women determined to step just hard enough on each others' toes to make a point, but not enough to egg anyone on enough for wands to be drawn. It seemed like it was his duty, as the gentleman here, to defuse the situation. So he simply gave a genial chuckle after Meredith spoke, smiling across at Alecto and Bellatrix. "I would never presume to speak for Ms. Mulciber," Ethan began, giving the blonde his smile for a moment, "but I would count myself lucky to be - what was it? Ah yes, her trophy husband. That said, I am here to work, thank you for asking. I'll take this moment to properly introduce myself, apologies - Ethan Vanderhyde, we overlapped for a few years in Slytherin, and I presume you both know my father? He has been a member of this organization since we were young, and I'm glad to be joining him, and you, in this important work." He raised his glass to the women and took a drink, hoping that would settle that.

[Alecto Carrow]

Alecto was unsurprised but nonetheless pleased when her questions got a reaction from the children - yes, yes, they were only a few years younger than she was, but in terms of experience? They were hardly out of their respective nurseries, compared to what she and the others at this table had been through, had done, over their tenure of service. The girl - blonde and picture-perfect, would be immensely more attractive if she stopped trying to seem like a porcelain doll - flushed a beautiful shade of red while the boy couldn't have looked more shocked at her address. Both tried to cover up their reactions, as was common with the youth in their society, and she couldn't deny the amusement it gave her.

Bella, as always, was there to back her up, and Alecto let out a laugh of her own after her sometime lover's, her free hand gliding onto the other's thigh - that is, until her darling baby sister decided it was time for her to chime in. It was tiresome, this bond between the sisters, and Alecto snaked her hand back. The fewer questions, the better, and all that. It really was quite interesting that the Black sisters were, indeed, even related - throw Andromeda into the mix, and you really had to wonder if their mother had been faithful. They weren't nearly as alike as her brother and herself, and Narcissa's sickly-sweet and positively demeaning speech to her was...nauseating. Alecto had not been second-guessing the Dark Lord, obviously - everyone had a place at the table because they had earned it, obviously. She was simply trying to gauge whether or not she'd be forced to work with either of these new members, or if she and Amycus could continue doing what they did best without interruption.

And Narcissa wanted to put her in her place?

Give me a few moments alone with you, dear, and we'll see who starts screaming first.

Apparently, the Mulciber girl was just chummy with Narcissa already, adding on to the airhead's commentary. The Death Eater couldn't stop her look of peevishness at that, as her un-thought-out plan was backfiring - this little thing thought she could just, what, buddy up with the actual trophy wife? And be safe? Lucius, whatever good he was worth, wasn't even around to protect his partner. Alecto was growing tired of this already, and drank her way through the majority of the next peon's overly amiable speech. It was a speech she had heard again and again - it was boring, unoriginal, and wouldn't get him anywhere. He seemed mightily pleased with himself, and that just would not do. "You didn't need to answer my question," she snipped around Bellatrix to the younger Black, before looking to the Mulciber girl, "you didn't answer it," and finally, the boy, the Vanderhyde, "and you have given me nothing of value. Take a look around." The young woman gestured widely, impatiently, with a thin, bare arm. "We were all in Slytherin, we all have family here, and until you can come up with an original thought, with actual reason for your getting involved, I'd advise you to stop smiling like you're at tea with your mother. You have no reason to." Her wine glass had dried quickly; she snapped her fingers, waitstaff promptly to her to give her a refill, and it was with a mocking raise of her glass to the pair of them that she continued. "I so look forward to engaging in this important work with you - my sincerest welcome."

[Lucius Malfoy]

Lucius Malfoy was never late, it simply wasn't acceptable. During school he had shown up at all classes and meetings on time, if not early. So to be late to one of the most important dinners of this month was not acceptable, not unless he had been given an important assignment to do. Still, the fact his business at the Ministry was making him late was all but irritating. Of course, his connections were deeply valued by the Dark Lord, and his late arrival would be excused. But he was sure that his wife would not be pleased - not that she ever seemed to be pleased with anything he did that came to serving their Lord. But he could only expect so much of her, and at least she was sympathetic to the cause.

Briskly heading out of his meeting, Lucius straightened his hair in a nearby mirror before apparating to the assigned location. There was, quite obviously, no apparating directly onto the grounds of their Headquarters. But the short walk was nice and allowed him to clear his head of all annoyances. The Dark Lord would not be amused if he believed Lucius didn't completely love the tasks he had been assigned.

Entering the great dining hall, his eyes quickly scanned to see who all had come. There were the obvious ones, those the Dark Lord trusted the most. His lovely sister-in-law was present, although her husband appeared to still be busy with his own work. Next to her, it was no surprise to see Alecto Carrow, and it was also not shocking to see that Amycus was settled in next to his sister. The Carrow's were very devoted to the cause, in a way that made Lucius quite uncomfortable. Everything about the siblings made Lucius uncomfortable if he was being honest. Catching the eye of the Dark Lord, he gave a nod before taking a seat next to his wife.

His stunningly beautiful wife. He was never more grateful that her older sister had turned out to be worthless than when he saw the face of Narcissa Malfoy. She was the most beautiful of her sisters, and she was the perfect match for his beauty. He leaned in to kiss her cheek, giving her a charming smile. "You look striking, my love." He gave a nod to those seated across the table from them, before staring down towards the Dark Lord to see Regulus seated directly next to him . How peculiar, but he couldn't be more proud. If Regulus served the Dark Lord well, there was no doubt that Lucius and Narcissa would be favored.

[Deleted]

Regulus was doing his best to ignore any looks he was getting for his place at the table. He was honestly proud to be seated where he was, but it made him nervous as well. If he made any mistakes it would be blatantly obvious. No one would miss it if he screwed up somehow, though he supposed it meant he would be ten times more diligent to ensure that nothing happened and that he didn’t mess up.

He nodded when the Dark Lord said he was delighted to have him join the ranks. Was there an appropriate response? Was there something he was supposed to say? He should have asked for advice on how to act before coming here. While there was no questioning his loyalties, that didn’t mean there weren’t any etiquette rules to follow.

“Delighted to be here, My Lord.” Was that correct? Was that the right thing to say? He may sound like he knew what he was doing but he felt like he didn’t have a clue. So when food showed up he was more than happy to focus more of his attention to his plate.

[Rabastan Lestrange]

Rabastan adjusted his cloak about his shoulders, not knowing which he hated more - the fact that he was so abhorrently tardy for this dinner, or that he didn't know who all would be offered the Mark tonight. The interrogation of a mudblood making portkeys under the table had taken much longer with his ministry team than it would have had he had things his way, making his late afternoon more stressful than usual as he had to work to conceal the multilayered reasons for his ire. They didn't even have the authority to use Veritaserum! The shaken man had finally admitted his wrongdoing, but by the time he was taken away to the Department of Law Enforcement, dinner at the Dark Lord's had begun.

You do more than your duties. You will be pardoned. He will know it's not a slight to him.

And while he understood the need for new recruits, he wished there was a way to make due with who they had. They were a trusted few, but if they could wholly devote themselves to this work, give up the pretenses of lives outside of it - they could make such progress, and not waste time on unproven Hogwarts graduates...

Thus, the young man straightened his spine and entered the stately manor house. Events like these were not his particular favorite aspect of belonging to the Dark Ranks, but with Hogwarts just having let out, he expected to see many new faces to size up. Who was here for the glory? Who was here because of their parents? Who was here by choice? Those were the only ones worth his attention, for those were the only ones truly committed, the only ones who would not waste his time. He made his familiar way to the dining hall, entering quietly; his bright eyes scanned the table, flicking quickly over the new youths, a smile to them as they met his sister-in-law's, and he gave a small nod to their host, heading towards that end of the table and its empty chairs. Leaving a space between Amycus and himself for his brother, Rabastan sat next to the most surprising attendee, in his mind: Regulus Black. He didn't recall seeing the boy graduate with Cordelia, so he must still be in school. It was not unheard of for the Dark Lord to recruit so young, and Rabastan assumed that Walburga Black was in a tizzy at the honor...but what was interesting was that, to his knowledge, Regulus had done nothing yet to earn a place at this table.

Especially a space next to their Lord. What does he mean by this? Although not an innately jealous man, Rabastan felt a tickling of the feeling, and was overall...curious at the honor given to the boy. Relieved, at least, to be separate from what sounded like drama coming from down the table, Rabastan snapped his long fingers for a servant to fill his empty goblet. "Good evening, gentlemen. What an interesting deviation from your summer holiday this must be for you, Regulus," he continued with a slight smirk.

[Deleted]

Rodolphus Lestrange had no illusions as to the fact that he was, most likely, the last person to arrive at their dinner tonight. Under any normal circumstances, he might as well had made plans to flee to the continent, because missing an important gathering such as this would have been a death sentence, one that Rodulphus had no doubt, would have been made as a warning for all followers in the future.

Fortunately, the Head of house Lestrange was currently late on his master’s orders, though the late timing had more to do with Rookwood’s failure to comprehend the time and importance of a deadline rather than the Dark Lord’s decision to have Rodolphus make a showy entrance. The deadline would be quite literal too had his colleague been anyone else. Rookwood, being a special edition to their ranks, was the only one that the Dark Lord had excused from their meetings and various forms of activities. He needed the unspeakable to be a mole in the Ministry of Magic and for his invaluable knowledge and continued research in his study of necromancy and his particular talent in gaining information from various sources.

The Dark Lord had made it abundantly clear that Rookwood’s existence in their ranks was to be kept a secret until a later date, not wanting one of his spies to be exposed just yet. They could never be too careful about the loyalty of those in their little group, a precaution and vigilance that Rodolphus respected. Whilst being an unspeakable himself - one that specialized in obscure branches of magic including blood magic, sacrificial magic, application of ancient runes, etc. – Rodolphus was a much more obvious advocator for Lord Voldemort’s ideals, maybe even bold with his actions and words sometimes, though that was partly in favor of drawing all the attention and suspicion to himself and away from Rookwood. Rodolphus was not one to advertise his own agenda so openingly by his own volition.

So with information and knowledge obtained in his mind, the proud Death Eater made his way to dinner, dressed immaculately in his more modest dress robes of black and gold, with his hair in its usual perfect style, and his plain pair of dragonhide boots. Usually the elder Lestrange had no qualms about looking every single part of his social and pureblood status, but he was careful in choosing his wardrobe to be less than what his Lord would be wearing tonight. Yes, it was proper breading to show up in one’s finest, but it was folly and an insult to their master to shine brighter than him. He was the center of attention this evening. Anyone who did not understand it was blind and foolish. 

“My Lord. Please forgive my tardiness. The minister was having a word.” Rodolphus bowed to his master on entering the small dining room, slipping into his social persona with practiced ease as he subtly took in the many faces seated on both sides of the room. Interesting. The Death Eater raised his eyes to that of his Lord, curling his lips in a charming smile for all to see as he silently lowered his occlumency shields, relating information from Rookwood while simultaneously walking gracefully towards his seat beside his brother, nodding and greeting people along the way.

He leaned down to place a soft kiss on his wife’s temple in order to keep up appearances when he passed by her seat. She was his partner, not his love, but still…she was family, and important to him. “Your beauty knows no bounds, love.” greeting her quietly, finding it amusing to piss off her not so secret lover(s) seated beside her and to one up Lucius. He had never liked the blonde bimbos, and he didn’t need to be here earlier to know that Malfoy likely would have said something to compliment his sister-in-law.

“Brother.” Rodolphus nodded at his brother as he reached out to place a hand on the younger man’s shoulder whist taking his seat. No other words needed to be said. Rabastan knew Rodolphus.

[Lord Voldemort]

While loyal, the minds of his followers were not always great evening entertainment. There was polite conversation around the table, discussions of the political sort, everything so dull and boring. Even their minds weren’t worth much, the only intriguing thoughts coming from Bellatrix (the woman was annoyingly persistent in her advances). It was only when the Carrow’s arrived was there anything interesting. It was clear they had succeeded in their task, but pulling the details from their thoughts brought a twitch to the corner of his lip. He watched with feigned interest until the spat from the middle of the table began, as Narcissa decided to chime in. It was clear Lucius’ wife felt challenged by Alecto’s words, and issued a challenge of her own.

Although, Narcissa hardly had the standing within his circle that she clearly felt she did. She was useless to his plans, other than her ability to make a pureblood child. Continuing their bloodline was a must, and he would need the children in the future . Just as he needed the children of some of his oldest followers. He required their loyalty, their devotion. He could care less about them, he had uses for them. Pawns in his game of chess. Pawns were always worth the sacrifice. His mouth drew into a smirk as the Mulciber child seemed so pleased with herself, foolish. Idiotic Vanderhyde boy, not a surprise. It had been far too long since he had been pleased within any of the new Hogwarts graduates.

It seemed that whatever was being discussed in the middle of the table wasn’t over, but Lucius was finally arriving. While his tardiness had a reason, it was exhausting. The Malfoy’s had their uses, but getting anything done efficiently wasn’t one of them. They were simple tasks, not ones that required such delays. The younger Lestrange brother was entering not long after, his late arrival sparking Voldemort’s interest only for a moment. He raised his wine glass to Rabastan at the greeting, watching as Regulus and Rabastan spoke to each other. Only a few more minutes passed before the doors opened again, and Rodolphus was arriving.

Voldemort didn’t stop the smile as he took in the information, pleased things were progressing. After Rodolphus sat, the Dark Lord stood, the words across the table fading quickly into silence. He looked around the table, noting the still empty seat at the table when the doors opened again, the blonde girl in them looking flustered. She stood there, almost frozen, her mind blank of any useful thoughts. He glanced to Meadowes, reaching for a name. “Nott, sit,” he stated as he motioned to the chair next to her father, silence following until she was seated.

“Magic was once sacred. A gift given to only those pure, those deserving of the knowledge. The world has strayed far from those days, as we hide in the shadows of society and let the powerless have their freedom,” he began as he moved to stand behind Regulus, his pace slow as he continued to walk. “When that wasn’t enough, we started to breed with them. And now there are those with no ounce of pure blood in their veins picking out their wands at Diagon Alley. They are a stain on our society, and our Ministry doesn’t see fit to handle the problem. We will handle the problem, together.”

He stopped at the end of the table, setting his glass down before pulling out his wand. “Those who wish to live in our world will be loyal, or they will be eradicated. It’s quite simple. Now, Regulus come here and give me your arm.”

[Regulus Black]

"Aw, come on now, Rabbit," Regulus teased, gray eyes lighting in amusement at the fire in the other's that always came with the unfortunate family nickname. "Don't pretend you wouldn't prefer to return to your fun times at Hogwarts instead of going to that office of yours on the daily. Still - er - tracking down old portkeys, aren't you? Somebody's got to do it, I suppose." He made a sympathetic face and proceeded to give more attention to his dinner than to his neighbor. The jab at his age was something he should have anticipated, just as his relation should have known he'd stoop as low as he did, but Regulus did wonder who here knew he'd been involved since he was sixteen. And yes, Rabastan Lestrange had been invited to this table at fifteen, not that he or his family would let anyone forget it - and perhaps the Dark Lord had wanted his involvement to remain quiet. He still had another year at Hogwarts, and while those here should be trusted to keep the secret, too many people in the know was dangerous. He was already playing a difficult game, keeping his progress towards his ambitions primarily to himself while he lived under Dumbledore's crooked nose…

He kept quiet as he finished his plate, wanting to engage in the entertainment that was the kerfuffle consuming the center of the table, but already worried that he may have shown himself in poor - youthful - taste to their host by his informality with Rabastan. Just because you’re family, doesn’t mean you can act like it everywhere, Regulus reminded himself in annoyance. Besides, while some schoolmates were here, the one he'd most like to speak with was noticeably absent. Wyn, where are you? He had to believe his fiancee had been invited, her father was present, and he knew her wishes. While the romantic aspect of their relationship was a farce, the woman was an ally he'd want present tonight. Because the events of the evening past the practical expectations of food and drink were uncertain to him - so many new graduates, and himself, mixed in with the old blood? They weren't just here to eat, they couldn't be. Or did these events occur often, but he was unaware since he was trapped at Hogwarts? Whatever was going on, Regulus was inwardly thrilled to be involved - and the Dark Lord stood up beside him, something was about to happen, the room fell into a heavy quiet for a breath - and there you are!

Wyn burst into the hall like she'd just jumped off of her broom, and Regulus felt his heart go out to her as she took in just how late she was, and how she'd essentially interrupted their Lord on what had to be one of their first meetings. Wyn. Move, he willed her, wanting the moment gone quickly even though no one here - especially Meredith, the pair of blondes always trying to one-up each other - would forget it. She did, belatedly, taking a chair opposite him and beside her father, and while he was curious, it was more important that they act as a team than for him to try and piece out the details of her lateness now. He found her eyes, Breathe, love. Settle your heart and listen, and then tuned in, following their host with his eyes as Lord Voldemort paced the table. Should've expected some proselytization, he thought, although there was truth to the strong words... 

He stiffened in surprise upon hearing his name publicly, but quickly took his feet to the sound of drumming in his ears. Regulus stood and removed his suit coat, laying it on the back of his chair and rolling up the sleeve of his left arm as he moved around the table to their Lord. For he had little need for conjecture now - tonight was about loyalty. And to be so seen by the man in charge of this movement, so much so that he was called first - No one else must have been doing any work yet, ha! - was something to be proud of. And due to their union, hopefully Wyn's lateness would be more easily forgotten, as he was being so honored. Wait until you hear about this, Mother, Father. While part of him would have liked his parents' presence, it was almost better that they were not in attendance. It would have seemed like he needed chaperoning, that he was as young as they wanted to think he was. No - it was better that he stood on his own two feet.

He stopped before their host and extended his bare forearm. While another inner voice was shouting at him to fight the man instead - a voice sounding like Sirius, who would never forgive him for this, would he? We knew this was coming. My path and yours. - Regulus looked up to meet his eye firmly, giving a solid nod. I will do what must be done, my Lord.