Means To An End || Tom Riddle Story

Twenty-Four

Tom and Cosette arrived at Malfoy Manor arm in arm. She had swallowed her pride and her anger towards him to ensure that their ruse was believable and everything would go according to plan. Granted, Cosette did not know what to expect. She had never been to any of her father's meetings before, but she took comfort in the fact that Tom had been to many similar meetings amongst his own followers, so she would just follow his lead until it was time to put the plan in motion.

The manor was dark and quiet upon their entry unlike the last time they were here. Cosette insisted on arriving early, in hopes that her and Gabriel would get the chance to talk before the others arrived, but that was not the case. Many council members had already taken their seats at the long table inside the Malfoy's dining room. She recognized many of their faces. Most were families within the Sacred Twenty-Eight.

Tiernan Lestrange and his father sat at the furthest end, near the head of the table where her father would sit. Thankfully he had not arrived yet. Her uncle Torquil Travers sat across from Tiernan, leaving a seat next to him vacant, she assumed for Henry. Next to Torquil was Gabriel. He rose to his feet upon Cosette and Tom's entry, motioning for them to sit next to him.

Cosette and Tom glided over to Gabriel. She wanted to hug him, but wasn't quite sure if now was the time and place. He slid out the chair for Cosette and she sat. Gabriel and Henry following suit and now had both men seated at either side of her.   

Nobody spoke. She wasn't sure if this was customary, but remained quiet and stoic nonetheless. Across from her was Abraxas Malfoy and his father. Both whom gave Cosette a curt nod as a greeting. Next to them sat the Averys, Mulcibers, Notts and Blacks. Fathers and sons. The rest of the faces at the table she did not recognize. She hadn't expected to see many women amongst her father's ranks, but she certainly had not expected to be the only one. However, most women were like Druella. Uninterested in politics and would rather leave that to their fathers and husbands. 

The group sat for what seemed like hours until finally her father and Henry entered the room. It was strange to see Henry portray himself so aristocratically. His suit was tailored and new. His hair was slicked back the same way their father's was. He was a carbon copy of Laurent Travers. Everything her father has ever wanted. She wondered if Laurent Travers even remembered the fact that he once had a son named Theodore. His memory completely tarnished.

Laurent and Henry took their seats at the head of the table. Laurent beaming whilst Henry looked as if a permanent scowl had etched itself onto his face.

"I'd like to thank you all for coming," greeted Laurent, "tonight's meeting is a very special meeting indeed. Not only has my son Gabriel decided to join us, but my daughter as well."

Every single head turned towards Cosette as she shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She was already feeling nervous, but now she felt incredibly uneasy as she clasped her hands together in her lap and twisted her fingers together.

Tom watched her from the corner of his eye and discreetly placed his hand on her thigh, offering her the slightest bit of comfort. She was shocked by the gesture, but appreciated it nonetheless.

"As you all know," continued Laurent, "family is of the utmost importance to me. It fills my heart with pride knowing that our teachings have made an impression on the lives of our children. For they will be the ones to carryon our practices once we are gone."

Cosette watched the expressions of the people surrounding the table. Truly in amazement that so many people bought into her father's bullshit. She wanted to interject already, but knew it wasn't the right time. Plus, it was hard to focus knowing Tom's hand was currently resting on her leg.