A Deeper Connection: A New Beginning

Trials II

On Monday, the day for the trial of three Lestranges blamed for the torture of Frank and Alice Longbottom had finally arrived.

Although the Dark Lord would deny it in public for all eternity, he could not help but feel nervous about the outcome of the trial. Since he had no way of talking to any of the three accused, there was no way of knowing if Rabastan and Rodolphus despite their overall aversion of torture had partaken in the crime they were blamed for, or if Bellatrix had done it all by herself. While Tom prided himself on knowing those who followed him better than his followers were probably aware of, there was always the possibility of misjudgement, especially concerning extraordinary circumstances such as these. There was just no way of accurately predicting what Rodolphus, Rabastan, Bellatrix, and the late Barty Crouch Junior had thought, felt, and done following the news of the Dark Lord's disappearance a decade prior.

Today, he would finally get his answers.

"It is just a shame that you will not be permitted to wear Muggle clothes this time," Harry chuckled as he was checking his appearance in the mirror, throwing a short glance at the black, moderately expensive robes with its silver lining and rather ordinary cut Thomas Prince had just put on.

"Such a shame that Muggle clothing is banned during Wizengamot sessions," the Dark Lord laughed as he was straightening his robes, making sure that they looked like somebody inexperienced with Wizarding wear had put them on, "oh, the irony. Banning Dark Magic and ancient traditions left and right, but bullying Muggle fashion in high court. That is my kind of humour."

"Exactly," his Equal agreed before turning serious, a very fitting description given the nature of his question, "do you think Dumbledore will confront me about my godfather?"

"He might," Tom said lightly, continuing to right his robes, "but given the nature of the upcoming trial and his various side activities, I think he will be otherwise occupied."

"Hopefully," his Equal sighed, "I am still not sure if our plan concerning my godfather was the right decision."

"We agreed that it is the best decision for now," Tom said, placing a hand on his Equal's shoulder, "everything else would have been either too suspicious or pushed your godfather in the wrong direction. He is a stubborn individual who did his best to distance himself from his Dark roots and his family for as long as I can remember, becoming a puppet of Dumbledore in the process. He will not change, at least not quickly. If you had revealed your true allegiance to him, even if you would have revealed evidence of Dumbledore sending him after Wormtail, he would not have believed you, having suspected foul play due to my bad influence on you. I doubt that Dumbledore would have remained oblivious to your doing. Allowing Black out of St Mungo's on the other hand would have been disastrous for his health and our plan. Persuading him to remain at the hospital gives him time to heal and to think. I know it is frustrating, but for now, it is the best option for all of us sans our beloved Headmaster."

"I know," Harry sighed once again, "still, I wish there would be a more direct way,"

"Well," the Dark Lord chuckled, "we could always abduct your godfather, drag him to Gringotts, have him checked for any magical bindings, invade his mind to remove any alterations, and reveal our illustrious backstory."

"Of course," his Equal joined into his laughter, "and after that, we directly overthrow the Ministry and steal all of Dumbledore's lemon drops."

"Obviously," a familiar drawl echoed through the room, "but please do me the favour and take a reporter with you. That way, at least the press will get it right for once."

"Thank you for the pointer, Uncle Severus," The Dark Lord replied, turning around slowly to face the Potions Master, "do you think I could look any less professional in Wizarding robes than this?"