Harry Potter and the Black Grimoire

CHAPTER SIX - CLAD IN DARKNESS

It was nearly evening as the sun began to set beneath the trees of the Black Forest. Darkness began to descend over the trees and the valley below. Long shadows wafted over the land like long fingers cast from the tall trees. Slowly, the moon began to make its ascent into the now dark sky. Soon bright stars could be seen dotting the inky blackness. Somewhere in the distance, the loud hoot of an owl reverberated through the still night. A raven flew past the large manor as a thin man, clad in black, stepped out onto a balcony. He closed the doors behind him and walked to the edge of the terrace where he leaned on the black iron railing.

He stood there for a moment; taking in the cool mountain air and looking over the landscape that went out in every direction around him. The man in black shifted his eyes upward to gaze at the large, full moon that hung lofted in the starry sky. A cool, gentle breeze ruffled his long, straight, jet-black hair.

"Look at them Lucius," said the Dark Lord without turning around. "The Muggles. They look like tiny bugs from up here. It really gives you an idea of how small and insignificant their lives are."

"They really have no idea about half of what goes on in this world, my Lord. And most of them don't even care."

There was a long pause before the Dark Lord answered. He seemed to be thinking very hard.

"Well soon enough, my friend, we will give them a reason to care."

"Of course, my Lord. The time will come."

The Dark Lord shut his eyes and sighed deeply before opening them to scan the surrounding area once more. A sudden wind shook the tall firtrees below. The scent of the forest was wafted upwards towards the men on the balcony. The Dark Lord closed his eyes and sniffed the air, consumed by the sights, sounds and smells of the wilderness surrounding.

Isn't it beautiful Lucius? The night, that is. There is no better time a day that the hours between the death and rebirth of the sun. Do you not agree Lucius?"

"I do indeed, my Lord. It's the one time when people of our kind can come out and truly live in freedom."

"It is peaceful not having the blasted Muggles breathing down your neck. They're always everywhere during the daytime, milling about, going on with their pity lives. They act like they rule the world, Lucius. Yet, little do they know...."

"One day, my Lord. One day."

Lord Voldemort leaned on the railing and sighed deeply once more.

"Yes, Lucius. One day we will rid the Earth of the ones that do not deserve it. And that day could not come soon enough," the Dark Lord said, a look of intense hatred on his face as he peered down at the Muggle town, far below.

"But enough of talking about our troubles, Lucius," said Voldemort, straightening up and turning around. "Let us go inside now and see what news has come for me."

"Yes, my Lord."

Lucius Malfoy stood aside as the Dark Lord swept past him, his cloak swaying behind him. He opened the doors and went inside the darkened room, which was lit only by the firelight coming from the hearse on the far wall. Lord Voldemort went across the room to sit in his large chair in front of the fire.

"Send for Macnair, Lucius."

"Yes, my Lord."

Lucius left the room then and returned momentarily with another man. Macnair walked into the room and moved to the chair opposite the Dark Lord's. He looked at his master fearfully, nervously, as if he was being called on for punishment.

"There is no need to worry my friend; I just want to know what you and the others have developed. A full report, if you will."

"Of course, my Lord," said the Death Eater. "We do not have much to tell you though, my Lord. We are currently working on arranging your plan to get the book. It seems like it is all going to order at the moment. The Death Eaters and I have also learned that Harry Potter is indeed away from his relatives. He is currently staying with his two friends in Diagon Alley."

"Very well. Go on."

"Yes, my Lord. As you may already know, thanks to Wormtail's sighting, Sirius Black's name has been cleared. He has gone back to work for the Ministry and is getting his home back together in the Hollow. This, as you can guess, will drive the attention away from his capture and onto the hunt for us."

"Well, this is something that we expected that cannot be helped. We must take necessary precautions then. As long as nobody is seen by accident and we stay here, we are safe from prying eyes for the time being."

"Of course, my Lord. Also, the search for Severus is underway, although at the moment we haven't been able to find him. He probably went into hiding and is corresponding with Dumbledore from wherever he may be. The Death Eaters have also been, at your request, been looking for more recruits to join our forces. With the outrageous number of Aurors abroad, though, you can imagine it will be a slow process. I have sent Death Eaters to the Middle East, the Orient and the Americas to search there as well. They are on the lookout for any dark wizards and witches that they might find."

Macnair stopped speaking and waited for the Dark Lord's response. There was a long pause while Lord Voldemort took all of the news in and thought it over.

"Yes, my Lord."

"You may leave," said Voldemort, gesturing towards the door.

"Thank you, my Lord."

There was another stretch of silence as the Dark Lord, looked into the crackling fire, going over everything in his mind. A large snake slithered beside him, curling up on the floor beside him. The Dark Lord lowered his hand to pet the creature, while it hissed in return.

"Hello Nagini," hissed the Dark Lord.

Voldemort leaned back in his chair with his eyes closed and his hand on the hissing snake.

"It is almost time Lucius. Soon we will begin the first step towards succeeding in our goals. It is only a matter of time now."

"Indeed, my Lord. Soon it will begin."

"Very well, Lucius. Now leave me please."

"Of course, my Lord. Have a restful night."

"And you as well," said the Dark Lord.

Lucius Malfoy got up from his chair and made his way out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Lord Voldemort opened his eyes and leaned forward in his chair, toward the fire.

"Soon, Nagini," he said, staring deeply into the burning embers. "Soon."

*

The sun was just going down as Harry and Hermione emerged from the library onto the streets of Diagon Alley. They walked in silence all the way back to the Leaky Cauldron, no doubt both thinking about the incident that had just taken place in the deserted basement.

"Yes, yes Hermione. Of course."

"Ok then. What was the last thing I said just now?"

Harry stopped to think. What was the last thing she had said?

"Um -- you were talking about that book right?" faked Harry.

"Nice try, Harry. But you don't have to lie; I know what you were thinking about. I've been thinking about it myself since this afternoon."

"Really?" Harry asked.

"Well, with his current engagements, I don't think he'd mind at all!"

Hermione laughed.

"Of course not. I wouldn't want to lose either of you over anything. But it doesn't look like Ron's going to show up, so lets just go back to the room. We can talk about this more there."

"Alright Harry."

They both got up and Harry went over to the bar to pay for their meals. After that, they went upstairs and into the hallway that housed all of the rooms. They got to theirs; the last in the row and Harry put the key in, turning the lock. They opened the door and walked in.

"Nice to meet you Madeline," Harry and Hermione both said, still with their backs to the couple.