Harry Potter and the Black Grimoire

CHAPTER TWO - THE STRANGER

A figure glided silently through the trees as a warm breeze gently shook the boughs overhead. He moved stealthily through the dark forest, weaving in and out of the dense trees. A thick mist rolled upon the ground as he made his way to the edge of the forest. The stranger looked up at the large manor in front of him. He quickly sprinted out of the trees and hid beneath a window of the large gothic mansion.

The figure moved a strand of black hair out of his eyes and listened to their conversation, all the while under the cover of his invisibility cloak.

"What of the giants?" asked the man in the large chair.

"I believe we have lost a good portion of them master. Dumbledore has already sent messengers to them. They are joining him in great numbers, my lord."

"What of the rebels then?"

"They will undoubtedly join our dark forces, my lord. The rebels too have long been awaiting your return."

"The Dementors?"

"They will be joining our forces as well, Lord. The Death Eaters and I have persuaded them. We promised them more souls and happiness to feed on then they could ever want. No need to tell them that soon there will be more people living in despair then in happiness."

"This is fairly good news, Lucius. With the giant rebels, the rebels and our legion of other dark creatures, the Dark Order shall undoubtedly rise once again. Do you agree Wormtail?"

"Yes master. Soon your dreams will come true, master."

He stumbled and fell over a table getting up.

"You clumsy, poor excuse for a wizard Wormtail. You are not worthy of the Dark Order."

I am not master, you are correct as always. I am not worthy," said Wormtail, bowing at his master's feet for forgiveness.

"You are quite lucky your little slip up a few days ago didn't have any repercussions. If the Aurors would have caught you, you surely would have told all our secrets, just like the rat you rightfully are."

"I - I beg your forgiveness master. It- It will never happen again. I swear it!"

"Through our careful, err- 'questioning' of certain individuals," said Lucius with a sly grin of satisfaction, "we are fairly positive that it is indeed where you thought it to be."

"Hogwarts."

"Yes, my lord."

"It is very unfortunate that it is there of all places, but I am quite sure it is a particular obstacle we will get over."

"Of course, my lord. There is nothing you cannot accomplish with your faithful Death Eaters at your side."

"Some of which would be better left behind," said the Dark Lord, glancing at Wormtail.

"Indeed your darkness."

"We must get that book Lucius. It is the key for gaining my immortality. It is vital for our success. I want to continue where I left off all those years ago, and that book is the key."

"I am aware, my lord. I myself can hardly contain my apprehension. The secrets it contains.... The book simply reeks of dark magic. It would most definitely make for an interesting read."

"Yes, well, it will be mine to read when we acquire it."

"Of course, my lord," said Lucius nervously.

"Maybe I will let you have your fun with it when I am finished Lucius."

"Oh, you are kind, my lord," said the Death Eater, kneeling in front of the pale, thin man.

"Lucius, you coward," said the stranger underneath the window.

"Who's there?" said a voice as the stranger's hiding spot was illuminated by the light at the end of a wand.

Had it not been for the invisibility cloak, the face of another pale faced wizard would have been revealed. For the time being though, he went safely unnoticed.

The Death Eater patrolling the grounds disappeared into the house and returned soon after. Voldemort walked swiftly outside a moment later, his long, black cloak flowing behind him.

"Where?" asked Voldemort firmly.

"There, my lord," said the Death Eater, pointing toward the window. "I know I heard a voice."

"Perhaps an invisibility cloak, my lord?"

"Indeed Lucius."

For a split second, Lord Voldemort stared directly into the stranger's eyes before he Disapparated into the night air.

A wicked smile played across the face of the Dark Lord.

"Severus, my slippery friend, why in such a hurry?"