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

[Lord Voldemort]

It was clear his actions were not approved by many of his trusted, but none of them dared to voice their concerns to him. It was smart of them, to keep any doubts to themselves. There was no room for those with doubts in his circle, and if any of them wished to progress further in his ranks they would continue to keep their thoughts quiet. The exchange between Rabastan and Regulus caused a twitch in the corner of his lips, reminded once more why having family was a hassle. While the Lestranges were some of his most loyal followers, they could be the most dramatic. Only seconded by the Black sisters, both of which had different ways of bringing about drama. For instance, when he called Regulus to him, he’d seen the way Bellatrix had been annoyed that his attention wasn’t on her, but also that she was immensely proud of the fact that her younger cousin was being summoned. His attention shifted, watching as Regulus rose from his seat and discarded his coat, fully ready to accept the mark without any hesitations. He took hold of his extended arm after Regulus approached, before pulling his wand from his robes.

“Fieri mortem,” he said quietly, a smirk pulling on the sides of his lips. Black shot out of the tip of his wand, twisting and twirling as it made its home on Regulus’ arm. The black lines twisted and turned, until the Dark Mark appeared. Satisfied, he released Regulus arm, turning to look at his followers. “For years now, you have been loyal to me. You have trusted me to lead us all into a better world, and that trust is what keeps us going. This war with those who would see us fall has been long, but they won’t defeat us. Regulus, you may return to your seat,” he said as he turned to look at the boy, giving him a smile as Regulus returned to his place at the table. “My plans are great, but only those who are truly devoted will see them unfold. To those new here tonight, I’m sure you are wondering about where your loyalties should lie. If this is the path you should follow. Let me assure you, those are thoughts worth having.” He paused, eyes scanning the newcomers at the table with a smirk. “My path, my plans - they are a path worth following. You can refuse my offer, but do think about it if you chose to do so. Now, enough idle chatter hmm? Meredith Mulciber, might you join me here?”

Fieri moretem - Become death
Order - Meredith, Ethan, Bronwyn

[Meredith Mulciber]

Carrow spoke, and she smiled. She smiled with all of her perfect teeth. She smiled and Carrow spoke and inside she was raging. Even though most of the other woman's vitriol was directed to Ethan, Meredith knew it was for her as well. Who exactly did Carrow think she was? She was no-one of great importance to be questioning her about her qualification to serve the Dark Lord. Meredith had felt like half of her life had been devoted to making her worthy of her father’s long time master. She knew things, had read things and seen things the likes of Alecto Carrow knew nothing about. She was already quite proficient in all of the unforgivable curses, particularly the Imperius, which she fancied was her strong suit. But more than that, she had a strong mind and a plethora of knowledge, which was more than she could say for most of her dinner partners. She could be useful in so many ways. Clever had taught her so much, she was ready, and she didn’t need to prove that to anyone but the Dark Lord. So, Carrow spoke and she smiled in defiance. Meredith could take whatever the other woman had to dole out because soon she would see, they would all see. She was head and shoulders above the rest. When Alecto raised her glass she did as well. "Cheers." she said sweetly and took a long drink.

Momentarily she placed a hand on Ethan’s arm, trying to convey without words that nothing he said now would make any difference, that he should save his words for when they mattered. Even though she did appreciate his little speech, -especially the part about being her ‘trophy husband’, which had made her chuckle into her wine glass- and though everything he said had been true, it was no matter to Alecto. Meredith could tell only action would shut her up and there was nothing to be done about that now. She hoped he understood. Besides, the rest of their party were making their appearances and it left little room for arguments when first Narcissa’s husband, then Bellatrix’s was arriving, the younger Lestrange appearing between them. The first husband she gave a welcoming "Good evening Lucius." she felt she knew Malfoy well enough to greet, the latter husband she simply gave an inclination of her head and staunchly avoided eye contact with. Her father had warned her off of the Lestrange brothers a long time ago, and even though she could probably look on Rodolphus with nothin but appreciation, her father was too near to go against his wishes now. She glanced next to her, to his imposing form, but he was staring stonily ahead as usual.

Then Bronwyn arrived, late, and Meredith shook her head. This was no way to start off, and though it boded well for her she did feel a little bad for her long time roommate particularly when she was given such a command upon entering. Probably best not too play too friendly with her right now, besides the Dark Lord was on his feet and she could not focus on anything but him. He spoke and the room seemed as if it was holding its breath, like they all were, like the walls themselves were enraptured with his words. Meredith knew she was. When he called for Regulus, she looked down the table to the boy, younger than she and far less experienced, and felt a stab of jealously. The blonde always liked being first. She found herself leaning over to try getting a better look as Regulus took his mark, wanting to see what the spell looked like. It all happened so fast though that she barely had time to appreciate the finesse of the magic. Too quickly it was over and the Dark Lord was speaking again, Meredith found herself murmuring her assent at his words with the others. Her former housemate was released back to his seat while their master continued, his next words feeling more like a warning to her ears, and her back straightened of its own accord. Then it was her name being called and as if pulled by some invisible force, she stood in an instant at the sound of it.

From her side, she felt a shift and she looked down to find her father staring at her. He seemed about to rise, but he didn’t. She looked back at him as blanking as he looked at her and then, she left. It was only a second in time that had been shared between Clever and Meredith but the recent graduate felt it had held a lifetime within it. It would be a deciding moment in her life, she was sure, and she would not soon forget it. For now, however, she had to forget it because in short order she was before their leader and there was no more room for anything else in her mind. “My Lord.” Meredith said quietly, averting her eyes respectfully. Without hesitation, she tucked a slim, perfectly manicured finger under the sleeve of her dress and pulled it up to her elbow. Then she did look up at him so that he would know, she was ready.

[Ethan Vanderhyde]

He never would understand people who needed to turn conversation into a production.

What did Carrow have to gain by belittling him here? Surely her approval or lack thereof of the relationship beginning between Meredith and himself meant just as little to the Mulcibers as it did to him. Surely she didn't think he was here to challenge her standings in the dark ranks personally. It was an embarrassing encounter for him, to be sure, and while he would have liked his father to be present for his Marking...it wasn't a bad thing at all that Randolph was missing this. He could all but feel Meredith's anger from her seat beside him, although to the ill-trained eye she still looked the picture perfect bride-to-be with her gracious smile and the raise of her glass that didn't miss a beat. Her hand touching down on his arm, however, was in no way coincidental. Ethan looked over to her, a smile quirking as he gave her the slightest nod. The familiarity was unexpected, but not unwelcome, and in the moment he no longer felt like he was therre alone. For was he upset by Carrow's words? Certainly. Was he here to gain her approval? Not in the slightest. If her berating him brought Meredith more firmly to his side, however...

No, no, she's not invited to the wedding.

There was a rush of activity - the Lestrange brothers, Lucius Malfoy, Bronwyn - and then time stood still. Their host and leader rose, and the time for snippy remarks was finished. For when he spoke...you were compelled to listen. Having been raised with hearing these sentiments from his father, they were not altogether new to Ethan's ears - but he needed to hear them as if it was for the first time. He needed to be reminded of why they were here. Seven years at Hogwarts, mixing with those with diluted blood, having friends who decried such words...In the outside world, the fight was on, there was no denying it. His father's fight, his fellows' fight, was meant to become his own. Loyal or eradicated. What's a dinner among fiends without a healthy helping of fear?

Mother saw you fighting in the war. A vision before your birth. You have to meet your destiny. This is what you were meant to do.

Feeling Meredith stir beside him, he smiled briefly at the bright fervor of her gaze, and could almost taste her disappointment at not being called first. He laid a comforting hand on her knee under the table, not to disagree with her enthusiasm - certainly the Dark Lord would appreciate that from her, even if patience was called for in this moment - but to dismiss her jealousy. She had been chosen, she was here. Did it matter that the Dark Lord was making some sort of statement by choosing Regulus first, if they would all get the Mark this evening? It suited that as soon as Regulus was dismissed that she was called, and Ethan watched with pride as she stood and swept towards their host, carrying herself in a regal way to which he could only aspire. Moments later, he heard his own name.

Loyal or eradicated. A better world.

He stood, an inclination of his head to Meredith as they passed - Truly in this together now, aren't we. - on his way to stand before the Dark Lord. He willed his mind to settle as he faced the man himself, and showed his arm.

[Bronwyn Nott]

Bronwyn was late for dinner.

And not just any dinner. The dinner. The one that could very well decide her fate with the Dark Lord. And here she was, running late to the dinner she had planned to be on time for. In theory, it wasn’t her fault. She’d been at work going over the newest law paperwork when her boss had dropped a lump of files on her desk. It was the end of her shift, but he was demanding that she at least get through the pile. That’s when she had noticed Aaron was missing, and she could only hope he’d put in a good word for her with the Dark Lord - assuming that’s where he was.

Adjusting her dress, she pushed open the doors of the dining hall, only to discover that not only was she late - she was interrupting. The Dark Lord was standing there staring her down, and all she could do was stare back at him. Move, do anything but just stand there! But her feet wouldn’t move, and she met Regulus' gaze, knowing that he was thinking the same thing she was. The Dark Lord addressed her, and she nodded without a word, hurrying to take her seat next to father. Her father, who looked so incredibly displeased with her she wasn’t sure what to do. As she sat at the table, she found Regulus’ eyes, and she could tell what he was trying to say without any words. This would reflect poorly on her, but she could make this up. She didn’t know the purpose of this dinner, but she took in a good look at who all had been invited to tonight. There were several who had been in service a while, there was Bellatrix and her husband, Narcissa, and Lucius, Alecto - whom Wyn had always admired -, and a selection of her classmates but not all of them were here. She was barely paying attention to what their host was saying, which also would reflect poorly on her, but she couldn’t help it. What was the purpose of this all?

Her answer came as his speech finished, and he called Regulus to him. Her eyes sought his as he removed his coat, hoping to see what he was feeling. Was he nervous about this, as she was? Swearing their loyalty to Lord Voldemort, taking the mark. It meant service to him, for a better world. And after that better world was established, maybe they’d have gained enough respect to be allowed to leave. She watched carefully as her classmates were called, each of them taking the mark wordlessly. Hearing her name after Ethan’s made her throat tight, but she stood and walked to the Dark Lord, pulling her sleeve up to show her arm. It burned as it seared onto her arm, and while this wasn’t what she had wanted - oh, and Aunt Ophelia would be cross - but she couldn’t refuse. You didn’t refuse him and stay in England, and she couldn’t leave Regulus here. Without speaking she returned to her seat, meeting her fiancé's eyes. We’re in this together.

[Evan Rosier II]

Blah. Blah. Blah. These sorts of stuffy dinner parties were generally the sort of thing Evan would enjoy being an arse at; interrupting conversations to share his potentially controversial two knuts, flirting up a storm with any pretty young thing that walked passed, or if he was really bored possibly even playing a childish prank for the amusement of himself and no one else. But one could not behave in such a manner at a dinner party hosted by the Dark Lord unless he didn't particularly enjoy living. Evan wasn't afraid of death but he wasn't about to flagrantly taunt Death either, which was why he had slipped in casually, said his greetings in turn, and fallen into dull conversation along with the others. Trophy wives, and Ministry posts, and name-dropping important family relations; it was all so impossibly tedious, Evan was nearing his breaking point with all of it when, perfectly on cue, Lord Voldemort rose and spoke to the table. f*cking finally! Regulus Black seemed the master's favorite tonight, being called first and practically pouncing on the older wizard with glee. Meredith Mulciber took her turn next in front of the Dark Lord while Evan admired her backside. Then Ethan Vanderhyde, who Evan thought looked about to be sick for a moment but managed to push through. And of course, Bronwyn Nott who had made a splendid entrance busting into the room in the middle of the ceremony but recovered long enough to watch the others and still be called before Evan. If she wasn't so attractive, Evan might have been jealous, but he busied his mind with admiring the way her body stiffened as the mark was seared into her skin and nearly lost himself in wondering how else one might make Wyn's muscles tense in such a manner.

Thankfully, he was not so far gone in his daydreams that he missed his name being called, and an arrogant smile grew shamelessly on his face. Did it matter that he was one of many being inducted in the Dark Lord's ranks tonight? Not at all. Evan was well aware of the skill and passion he brought to Lord Voldemort's army, and was pleased to have it properly recognized in front of so many at such a posh ceremony. He stood, unbuttoning his suit jacket and shrugging it from his shoulders as he made eye contact with Bronwyn on her return to her seat. He smirked. Strolling toward the head of the table, Evan undid the cuffs on his left sleeve and rolled the shirt up to reveal a clean canvas for the Dark Lord's emblem. He had been prepared for the stinging sensation, smiling to himself as he watched his skin burn red under Voldemort's wand before settling on a deep black color. It was glorious. "Thank you, my lord," he said in a reverent tone. There was need to celebrate tonight, though hopefully in a manner more lively than what he had been put through up until now.

Tagged: Lord Voldemort , et al.
Outfit: eat your heart out

[Severus Snape]

Severus shifted uncomfortably in his chair. The evening had started with a lot of socializing; not his forte. He had focused mainly on his food to avoid being pulled into any unnecessary conversation, or worse, somehow say something stupid that would ruin his chances at being formally invited into the Dark Lord's ranks. Looking around the room, it was mostly pureblooded witches and wizards, and while Severus rarely spoke of his home life, he was certain they were all thinking the same thing: what it this halfblood doing here? Severus felt anger roil up inside of him as he presumed what the others were thinking, eyes rarely even hesitating on his face before scanning to more important guests. Se was saved his self-inflicted fury by the Dark Lord himself, rising to speak before beckoning the new recruits. Shoulders hunched, Severus' gaze lowered to the table as one by one his peers were called forth to receive their marks and he was suddenly very away that this could all have been one big joke. Another prank played on him, the likes James Potter and his band of idiots would have pissed themselves laughing at had they been privy to the event. He had been called here to watch as more worthy wizards and witches took their place in the war and he would be left the off man out. Yet again. Severus stabbed at a piece of lettuce on his plate with force as Ethan Vanderhyde trotted back to his seat like proud as a peacock. The sound of silver against porcelain was drowned out by Bronwyn Nott's chair scrapping the floor as she rose to receive her blessing. By the time Evan Rosier had a shiny new tattoo on his forearm, Severus' nose was practically touching his plate, certain they were all preparing to laugh themselves into oblivion at his expense.

But the laughter never came. Instead, Lord Voldemort's voice called out his name and Severus looked up, almost in shock. After a few dumbfounded moments of silence, he stood and nearly tripped over his own feet to meet the Dark Lord at the front of the room. He produced his arm, praying silently that wouldn't still turn out to be a joke, and bit his lip as he felt the burn of Lord Voldemort's wand etching the iconic skull and serpent across his skin. When he returned to his seat, Severus sat taller than he had before. Equal to his peers. Renewed,

Tagged: Lord Voldemort
Outfit: Severely Underdressed

[Amycus Carrow]

These sorts of events, the fancy dinners, well Amycus thought he’d never have to attend them working under the Dark Lord. This was the sort of stuffy pureblood nonsense he found boring and exhausting. The thrill of doing his job was much preferred, but he also wasn’t going to risk not showing his face. His work with Alecto had gone well, and their appearance at this dinner, however late, would reflect that. So they’d returned from the field, high on the energy of the chase, and gotten ready to sit and watch the newest recruits take their mark. It didn’t seem as if they were too late, given by the people missing as he strode into the hall behind his sister. Neither Lucius or Rodolphus had yet to arrive, probably both doing work for their Dark Lord, and Amycus was really only displeased that one of them hadn’t arrived. Lucius was annoying on his best days, and clearly not giving Narcissa enough attention in the bedroom. Alecto took the seat next to Bellatrix, as he knew she would, and he sat down next to her, picking up his goblet and leaning back in the chair.

It took only mere moments before Alecto vocalized the same thing he was thinking, surveying the young people across the table. Clearly fresh out of Hogwarts, and not relevant enough for him to know who they were. They looked so young, and inexperienced. Had they had anyone during school to teach them proper curses? Or were they going to be the same as many other young recruits, unable to move up the ladder from recruiter to something more exciting? He took a moment to see who else was around, knowing that his thoughts were well open to being read by Voldemort, and not caring. Regulus was seated right next to their Dark Lord - intriguing, at the very least - and there were some other fresh faces. He knew Evan Rosier, and he gave the younger man a nod, but he wasn’t sure who many of the others were. And trying to put names to faces was more important to him than participating in the babble that was whatever Narcissa was saying to try and placate her sister and Alecto. He very clearly remembered the dinner she’d been invited to, and he also knew she didn’t have a mark of any sort on her arm.

But the boy across the table was introducing himself. A Vanderhyde, so properly pompous. And he spoke as if anything he said actually mattered, which was not the case. He chuckled into his drink as his sister put the boy in his place. Gods, did they not know anything about what they were really getting into? They may have been invited because of their family name, but they weren’t worth shite. Even some people, like Lucius Malfoy, arriving late and with a flourish, weren’t worth a damn. It seemed though that others were also wrapping up their work for this evening, as Rabastan was soon making an appearance, and he gave the man a grin as he sat only a couple of seats down from him. It would leave a space for Rodolphus next to Amycus, and wasn’t that going to make this night a little better? Especially as it seemed they were in for a long speech, although one that was rather hilariously interrupted by the arrival of another new one. Nott, he thought. The one that was engaged to Regulus, who Amycus also found amusing.

After more boring talking, the process began, and he ate and drank as he lazily watched the new recruits receive a mark. In other company, he would have expressed his doubts about some of them, but he was smart enough to not bring that up here. The pageantry was over quickly, for which he was thankful, and the conversation started up around the table as people returned to their meals. He directed his attention to the new people across the table, finally feeling up to conversation. Well, feeling up to egging on his sister and Bella’s attitude toward the new recruits. “Rabastan, we were just having a lovely chat about the skills of these new recruits. Do you think they’ve actually ever cast a curse?”

posting order going forward:
Voldmort -> Lucius -> Rabastan -> Narcissa -> Bellatrix -> Alecto -> Meredith -> Ethan -> Regulus -> Bronwyn -> Evan -> Severus -> Amycus