Post by G. Novella on Sept 7, 2012 14:42:20 GMT -5
This is my least read fic, so I was wondering if someone could see the prologue, and tell me why they'd read or not read it. Thanks!
Just quick background info! It's a story based on what if Voldemort chose to kidnap various children among the Order members, and how things would have changed from that.
The Meeting that Changed it All
“My Lord,” simpered Bellatrix, her heavily lidded eyes demure as she sat by his feet.
It was 1981, February, and the Death Eaters were gathered in the Riddle manor, their newest base. Voldemort sat in his regular throne, an elevated seat in the dining room. The Death Eaters of the highest caliber sat at the steps around him, and those of no value stood before him. The manor was decorated in dark greens and silvers, the best colors for the heir of Slytherin. He gazed upon his followers with lazy approval.
“My Lord,” said Bellatrix reverently, her eyes caressing him with affection, “We await your words.”
“Soon Bella, soon,” he said, glancing at the clock in amusement. The second hand ticked by slowly, mocking those impatient followers amongst the crowd. Finally, it struck the twelve. The meeting had begun.
“Well, my lord?” asked Lucius with a glint of fire in his eyes. He was eager, just like the rest.
“Two days ago, I was in Berlin,” began Voldemort, his high, cold voice filling the room, commanding the Death Eaters into reverent silence.
“I came across a sight that gave me an idea, an idea that seemed so very, interesting,” said Voldemort, a smirk crossing his lips, as large gold cobra, Apep, slithered up his arm to rest on his shoulders. The snake was getting old, he’d need to get a new one.
“Yes my lord?” asked Rookwood, ever so ready to please.
“Tell me Lucius, you just had a son, as did you Nott, what wouldn’t you do for them?” asked Voldemort suddenly, ignoring Rookwood, but smirking at his disappointment.
“Ah, anything my lord, and we hope to raise them to devote them to you,” said Lucius. Voldemort noticed Lucius’s fear evident in his eyes, and narrowed his eyes. Obviously neither man wanted their child entering his service too soon. That was no issue, he would be almighty anyways.
“Well, the Order, so very much like you, parents, uncles, aunts, family, that concept binds them so wholly, they’d defend their young to death,” said Voldemort, toying with the idea.
“We’ll destroy them and their young,” cackled Dolohov, his thin face twisted in laughter.
“Why blast them to bits? Why not torture them?” asked Voldemort,
his eyes alight with a chilling triumph.
“What do you mean my lord?” asked Crouch, leaning closer in the throng to be near his master.
“So many children within the Order, wouldn’t it be nice to just take the children? Imagine, we take the children, raise them to hate their parents, and watch as they destroy their own family,” said the Dark Lord, now having stood up. Apep shifted to raise his head and glare down at the assembled throng.
“My Lord!” breathed Bellatrix, “It is wonderful!”
“That is my mission for my loyal followers, capture children of a young age, related to the Order, and bring them to me. We will raise the very thing the Order values to be the source of their demise! Now go, and remember, those of you on missions are dismissed from complying! However, fail to bring me a child, and I’ll take yours in return,” said Voldemort, and with that, he disapparated, leaving a crowd of shaken and eager Death Eaters in his wake.
XXXXX
“You cannot be serious Lucius!” whispered Narcissa to her husband as they stood by the crib where their son, Draco, slept.
“I am Narcissa! What am I to do?” he whispered back hoarsely, the nightmare of the previous meeting running through his mind.
“A child? He wants you them to kidnap children related to the Order?” asked Narcissa, her eyes wide with shock.
“That, or hand over their own children, if it weren’t for the fact that I am in charge of recruiting new followers, I’d be drafted as well,” said Lucius, glancing at his son with fear. The baby’s blond hair fell over his forehead, and his pudgy fist clung to a green blanket.
“Who will be amongst the kidnappers?” asked Narcissa, her gaze landing on her son as well.
“Bellatrix and Rodolphus, Rabastan, Crouch, Dolohov, and Mulciber I believe will be the ones to get the children, Nott has not been decided on yet,” said Lucius to his wife.
“They won’t hand their children over easily,” said Narcissa softly.
“The McKinnons are already dead anyways, that leaves the Bones,
the Prewetts, The Potters, and the The Longbottoms who have children,” said Lucius quietly.
“Not all the McKinnons are dead though,” reminded Narcissa, “Selena McKinnon married the Lovegood son.”
“I forgot, she’s pregnant now isn’t she?” asked Lucius.
“Just gave birth,” said Narcissa.
“I’ll keep you informed my dear,” said Lucius to her, leaving to return to his work. Narcissa watched him go quietly, before glancing at her son again. She clenched her fist, nothing would happen to Draco while she was around.
Okay, since that's short, I threw in a bit of the first chapter too
The Order of the Phoenix was considered the most important, underground organization to fight Voldemort since the war had begun. Only recently had rumors begun floating about the Order, and were members being targeted. People said it was run by Dumbledore itself. No one knew the exact location of where they met. Some said it was a grand castle on the coast of England. Others said that they met in an underground, high-tech muggle headquarters somewhere in Ireland. Quite a few felt that the Order met in a customized, super warded cave off the shores of Bangkok.
If you ever asked an Order member to verify these stories, they'd laugh, and laugh, and laugh. Some would laugh so hard, that people would edge away and claim they'd gone mad. The truth was, the Order did not meet at any of these very conspicuous inconspicuous places that everyone liked to assume. One Sirius Black would often complain loudly at meetings over the fact that they're meeting place did not even have a good spot for his motorbike.
The truth was, the Order of the Phoenix met in a very shady pub, right at the basement. This pub was called the Hog's Head, and was run by an even shadier fellow by the name of Aberforth. Hardly anyone would place the man as the brother of Albus Dumbledore. Even fewer would assume he worked for the side of light once having stepped into his shanty little pub.
"Good evening everybody," said Dumbledore gravely as he stepped out of the fireplace.
"Evening Albus," said Elphias wearily.
"Albus," said Minerva curtly.
All around the room, weary exchanges of greetings were heard. The war was taking a toll on everyone. Despite having recently gained an upper-hand on the Death Eaters from Dumbledore's new spy, Severus Snape, who was artfully tailing behind the man, it was still an uphill battle.
"Snivellous is here," muttered Sirius angrily to Remus.
"He's on our side Sirius," reminded Remus gently.
"Doesn't mean we have to like him," said James.
"And there's no proof otherwise," said Peter squeakily. Inside however, he was squirming. One false move now and Snape would catch his duplicity. He was lucky all Death Eaters were offered the ability to wear a mask at the meetings, otherwise he'd have been caught much sooner.
"I have some bad news," said Dumbledore, taking his seat. Snape stood behind him, clearly uncomfortable at the hostility he was receiving from the Marauders and Moody.
"How bad?" asked Emmaline, her brown eyes steely.
"Voldemort has declared a desire to go after children," said Dumbledore gravely. The twinkle from his eyes was gone.
"Children?" asked Minerva quietly, a horrified look in her eyes.
"He wants to kill kids?" asked the Prewett brothers in unison, their eyes wide as they thought of their own nieces and nephews.
"That bastard," muttered Sturgis Podmore.
"Why though?" asked a disturbed Elphias Doge.
"He wants to kidnap the children related to the Order and raise to them to use against us," said Dumbledore gravely.
"No!" cried an aghast Arabella Figg, her hand clapped over her mouth.
"That's monstrous!" cried Remus, thinking of Fenrir Greyback and the proximity he would have near the children.
"I'm afraid so, Severus has informed me we have reasons to fear that Dolohov, Bellatrix, Mulciber, Rodolphus and Rabastan will be targeting the families," said Dumbledore.
"They won't be heading after Molly, will they?" asked Gideon, clearly worried.
"They'll head after anyone who had a connection to the Order in anyways," said Severus in a clipped tone, "So yes, the Weasley's are in danger."
"What method of action should we take from here then?" asked Fabian gruffly.
"I suggest strengthening the wards around the houses of the Order, Edgar in particular yours, what with Susan having been born only a few months ago. I also suggest fortifying the charms around the Lovegoods now that Marlene and the rest of the McKinnons are dead," said Dumbledore tiredly.
"What about us? Voldemort wants our sons dead," said Frank, indicating himself and James.
"I believe as long as Harry and Neville remain at all times in their homes, then they'll be safe," said Dumbledore.
"We last updated the wards around the houses seven months ago, when should we begin re-updating?" asked Dedalus nervously.
"What about Andromeda and Ted? They're related to me after all," said Sirius with worry.
"We need to re-update immediately, I suggest this week. I think the Tonks will be fine, they already are heavily warded to protect themselves from the wrath of the Lestranges, I believe," said Dumbledore.
"Alright, what age group are they targeting?" asked Alastor, watching Severus suspiciously.
"I believe they're targeting babies and toddlers, children who can easily be manipulated," said Severus in response.
"Do you have any idea where they might keep them, Severus?" asked Minerva.
"I am unsure, currently Headquarters is set up at the mansion of a Death Eater, though due to the Fidelius I am unable to say which, however, that doesn't mean they won't use any obscure place, I doubt the Dark Lord can handle children in his residence," said Severus curtly. A few people snorted at that.
"The sick son of a bitch first ruins our mental health, then deprives of us our lives, and finally emotionally tortures us, and now he wants our kids?" asked James harshly.
"That's the gist of it Potter, glad you could keep up," said Snape rudely.
"Severus," said Dumbledore warningly, as James made to stand.
"James," said Remus warningly.
"Anyways, I suggest you head home and fortify whatever wards you can, we have little time to prepare," said Dumbledore.
"Do you know when they'll attack?" asked Aberforth gruffly.
"They're preparing, I suspect the attacks will begin in the next few weeks or so," said Snape brusquely.
"Well, let's be fortified to take them down," said Moody.
Just quick background info! It's a story based on what if Voldemort chose to kidnap various children among the Order members, and how things would have changed from that.
The Meeting that Changed it All
“My Lord,” simpered Bellatrix, her heavily lidded eyes demure as she sat by his feet.
It was 1981, February, and the Death Eaters were gathered in the Riddle manor, their newest base. Voldemort sat in his regular throne, an elevated seat in the dining room. The Death Eaters of the highest caliber sat at the steps around him, and those of no value stood before him. The manor was decorated in dark greens and silvers, the best colors for the heir of Slytherin. He gazed upon his followers with lazy approval.
“My Lord,” said Bellatrix reverently, her eyes caressing him with affection, “We await your words.”
“Soon Bella, soon,” he said, glancing at the clock in amusement. The second hand ticked by slowly, mocking those impatient followers amongst the crowd. Finally, it struck the twelve. The meeting had begun.
“Well, my lord?” asked Lucius with a glint of fire in his eyes. He was eager, just like the rest.
“Two days ago, I was in Berlin,” began Voldemort, his high, cold voice filling the room, commanding the Death Eaters into reverent silence.
“I came across a sight that gave me an idea, an idea that seemed so very, interesting,” said Voldemort, a smirk crossing his lips, as large gold cobra, Apep, slithered up his arm to rest on his shoulders. The snake was getting old, he’d need to get a new one.
“Yes my lord?” asked Rookwood, ever so ready to please.
“Tell me Lucius, you just had a son, as did you Nott, what wouldn’t you do for them?” asked Voldemort suddenly, ignoring Rookwood, but smirking at his disappointment.
“Ah, anything my lord, and we hope to raise them to devote them to you,” said Lucius. Voldemort noticed Lucius’s fear evident in his eyes, and narrowed his eyes. Obviously neither man wanted their child entering his service too soon. That was no issue, he would be almighty anyways.
“Well, the Order, so very much like you, parents, uncles, aunts, family, that concept binds them so wholly, they’d defend their young to death,” said Voldemort, toying with the idea.
“We’ll destroy them and their young,” cackled Dolohov, his thin face twisted in laughter.
“Why blast them to bits? Why not torture them?” asked Voldemort,
his eyes alight with a chilling triumph.
“What do you mean my lord?” asked Crouch, leaning closer in the throng to be near his master.
“So many children within the Order, wouldn’t it be nice to just take the children? Imagine, we take the children, raise them to hate their parents, and watch as they destroy their own family,” said the Dark Lord, now having stood up. Apep shifted to raise his head and glare down at the assembled throng.
“My Lord!” breathed Bellatrix, “It is wonderful!”
“That is my mission for my loyal followers, capture children of a young age, related to the Order, and bring them to me. We will raise the very thing the Order values to be the source of their demise! Now go, and remember, those of you on missions are dismissed from complying! However, fail to bring me a child, and I’ll take yours in return,” said Voldemort, and with that, he disapparated, leaving a crowd of shaken and eager Death Eaters in his wake.
XXXXX
“You cannot be serious Lucius!” whispered Narcissa to her husband as they stood by the crib where their son, Draco, slept.
“I am Narcissa! What am I to do?” he whispered back hoarsely, the nightmare of the previous meeting running through his mind.
“A child? He wants you them to kidnap children related to the Order?” asked Narcissa, her eyes wide with shock.
“That, or hand over their own children, if it weren’t for the fact that I am in charge of recruiting new followers, I’d be drafted as well,” said Lucius, glancing at his son with fear. The baby’s blond hair fell over his forehead, and his pudgy fist clung to a green blanket.
“Who will be amongst the kidnappers?” asked Narcissa, her gaze landing on her son as well.
“Bellatrix and Rodolphus, Rabastan, Crouch, Dolohov, and Mulciber I believe will be the ones to get the children, Nott has not been decided on yet,” said Lucius to his wife.
“They won’t hand their children over easily,” said Narcissa softly.
“The McKinnons are already dead anyways, that leaves the Bones,
the Prewetts, The Potters, and the The Longbottoms who have children,” said Lucius quietly.
“Not all the McKinnons are dead though,” reminded Narcissa, “Selena McKinnon married the Lovegood son.”
“I forgot, she’s pregnant now isn’t she?” asked Lucius.
“Just gave birth,” said Narcissa.
“I’ll keep you informed my dear,” said Lucius to her, leaving to return to his work. Narcissa watched him go quietly, before glancing at her son again. She clenched her fist, nothing would happen to Draco while she was around.
Okay, since that's short, I threw in a bit of the first chapter too
The Order of the Phoenix was considered the most important, underground organization to fight Voldemort since the war had begun. Only recently had rumors begun floating about the Order, and were members being targeted. People said it was run by Dumbledore itself. No one knew the exact location of where they met. Some said it was a grand castle on the coast of England. Others said that they met in an underground, high-tech muggle headquarters somewhere in Ireland. Quite a few felt that the Order met in a customized, super warded cave off the shores of Bangkok.
If you ever asked an Order member to verify these stories, they'd laugh, and laugh, and laugh. Some would laugh so hard, that people would edge away and claim they'd gone mad. The truth was, the Order did not meet at any of these very conspicuous inconspicuous places that everyone liked to assume. One Sirius Black would often complain loudly at meetings over the fact that they're meeting place did not even have a good spot for his motorbike.
The truth was, the Order of the Phoenix met in a very shady pub, right at the basement. This pub was called the Hog's Head, and was run by an even shadier fellow by the name of Aberforth. Hardly anyone would place the man as the brother of Albus Dumbledore. Even fewer would assume he worked for the side of light once having stepped into his shanty little pub.
"Good evening everybody," said Dumbledore gravely as he stepped out of the fireplace.
"Evening Albus," said Elphias wearily.
"Albus," said Minerva curtly.
All around the room, weary exchanges of greetings were heard. The war was taking a toll on everyone. Despite having recently gained an upper-hand on the Death Eaters from Dumbledore's new spy, Severus Snape, who was artfully tailing behind the man, it was still an uphill battle.
"Snivellous is here," muttered Sirius angrily to Remus.
"He's on our side Sirius," reminded Remus gently.
"Doesn't mean we have to like him," said James.
"And there's no proof otherwise," said Peter squeakily. Inside however, he was squirming. One false move now and Snape would catch his duplicity. He was lucky all Death Eaters were offered the ability to wear a mask at the meetings, otherwise he'd have been caught much sooner.
"I have some bad news," said Dumbledore, taking his seat. Snape stood behind him, clearly uncomfortable at the hostility he was receiving from the Marauders and Moody.
"How bad?" asked Emmaline, her brown eyes steely.
"Voldemort has declared a desire to go after children," said Dumbledore gravely. The twinkle from his eyes was gone.
"Children?" asked Minerva quietly, a horrified look in her eyes.
"He wants to kill kids?" asked the Prewett brothers in unison, their eyes wide as they thought of their own nieces and nephews.
"That bastard," muttered Sturgis Podmore.
"Why though?" asked a disturbed Elphias Doge.
"He wants to kidnap the children related to the Order and raise to them to use against us," said Dumbledore gravely.
"No!" cried an aghast Arabella Figg, her hand clapped over her mouth.
"That's monstrous!" cried Remus, thinking of Fenrir Greyback and the proximity he would have near the children.
"I'm afraid so, Severus has informed me we have reasons to fear that Dolohov, Bellatrix, Mulciber, Rodolphus and Rabastan will be targeting the families," said Dumbledore.
"They won't be heading after Molly, will they?" asked Gideon, clearly worried.
"They'll head after anyone who had a connection to the Order in anyways," said Severus in a clipped tone, "So yes, the Weasley's are in danger."
"What method of action should we take from here then?" asked Fabian gruffly.
"I suggest strengthening the wards around the houses of the Order, Edgar in particular yours, what with Susan having been born only a few months ago. I also suggest fortifying the charms around the Lovegoods now that Marlene and the rest of the McKinnons are dead," said Dumbledore tiredly.
"What about us? Voldemort wants our sons dead," said Frank, indicating himself and James.
"I believe as long as Harry and Neville remain at all times in their homes, then they'll be safe," said Dumbledore.
"We last updated the wards around the houses seven months ago, when should we begin re-updating?" asked Dedalus nervously.
"What about Andromeda and Ted? They're related to me after all," said Sirius with worry.
"We need to re-update immediately, I suggest this week. I think the Tonks will be fine, they already are heavily warded to protect themselves from the wrath of the Lestranges, I believe," said Dumbledore.
"Alright, what age group are they targeting?" asked Alastor, watching Severus suspiciously.
"I believe they're targeting babies and toddlers, children who can easily be manipulated," said Severus in response.
"Do you have any idea where they might keep them, Severus?" asked Minerva.
"I am unsure, currently Headquarters is set up at the mansion of a Death Eater, though due to the Fidelius I am unable to say which, however, that doesn't mean they won't use any obscure place, I doubt the Dark Lord can handle children in his residence," said Severus curtly. A few people snorted at that.
"The sick son of a bitch first ruins our mental health, then deprives of us our lives, and finally emotionally tortures us, and now he wants our kids?" asked James harshly.
"That's the gist of it Potter, glad you could keep up," said Snape rudely.
"Severus," said Dumbledore warningly, as James made to stand.
"James," said Remus warningly.
"Anyways, I suggest you head home and fortify whatever wards you can, we have little time to prepare," said Dumbledore.
"Do you know when they'll attack?" asked Aberforth gruffly.
"They're preparing, I suspect the attacks will begin in the next few weeks or so," said Snape brusquely.
"Well, let's be fortified to take them down," said Moody.
