Knowledge is Power

Chapter 54

Wolfgang's dining table was a large solid oak affair and everyone had plenty of room even though it was a party of fifteen. Dinner was plentiful and delicious. It was served by a small blue creature that Wolfgang proudly referred to as a kobold. When Mag asked, he explained that they were at times difficult to capture and tame. If willing, though, as this one was, they could be very loyal and helpful if paid properly.

The meal consisted of roasted chicken, stuffed potatoes, a flavorful vegetable soup and for dessert, chocolate cream puffs. Nightshade sat on the edge of the table beside Severus and stuffed himself with chicken, shamelessly allowing the chameleon spell to drop for food. As they now knew Adler could be trusted, Severus saw no need to hide the fact he had an owl. As such he made no objection to Nightshade showing himself and didn't get between the owl and his stomach.

"How did you know that Potter is supposed to kill Voldemort," Severus asked Wolfgang during a lull in the dinner conversation.
"It's supposed to be a secret."
Wolfgang nodded.
"I'm sure it still is generally. At times I have my kobold skulk about in bars like the Hogshead and he hears a lot. People talk when they get a few drinks in them and they don't look down to see if any little blue creatures happen to be listening."
Severus nodded.
"Smart," he complimented, meaning it.

There were too few smart people in the world, and Adler certainly had it together. After dessert, Wolfgang led them into his library for after dinner drinks of Filius's special wine.
//You know, it's interesting how so many dark wizards love to hang out in the library with all their fucking dark books,// Nightshade observed, head tilted thoughtfully to the side from where he sat on Severus's shoulder.
//Our books are comforting,// Severus replied with a slight twitch of the lips.

As soon as everyone was seated, Raislen stood and cleared his throat.
"As we're all still here, it seems we're all agreeing to work with you. For my part, it's because you're doing what needs to be done in a way that won't stupidly risk our lives. I never minded the concept of stopping such things from happening. I objected to the idea of risking the lives of my family and that of myself. I like you because you're not telling me what to do and you value what I think and what I have to offer. Still at the end of the day, for this all not to unravel like a badly knitted sweater from your grandma, a leader is required to give the final word and hold it all together. As that's obviously you I just want to say that I agree. I agree to listen to your final word so that we can do this thing and so that our little group and its work won't unravel like that knitted sweater that no one wants to get from their grandma."

And then Severus had to struggle to keep his jaw from dropping...Because Raislen briefly bent to one knee on the bearskin rug in front of the sofa where Wolfgang sat with Millicent at his side. Wolfgang inclined his head to Raislen as the dark haired wizard rose to his feet.
"Thank you. I, in turn, promise to do my best and to use every resource and connection I have to keep us all alive."
In turn everyone followed Raislen's example. There were no dark marks and no threats, just people working together out of mutual respect and a mutual goal under someone they had chosen to allow to lead. Even Severus didn't mind, and he expected himself to resist more due to...the concept of following anyone being quite tainted by Voldemort.

//Adler's thinking that it was more than he expected or hoped for. He was always planning to work alone,// Nightshade told Severus, and somehow that made it even easier to follow the German.
//Do you like him,// Severus asked.
//He has good chicken,// Nightshade endorsed firmly.
After a second the owl added, //But that doesn't in any way mean that you can tell him about my awesomeness. Because you know that...//
//Yes, yes,// Severus interrupted.
//You don't want to be put in a fuckin' lab.//
//Exactly! Good Prof.//

The conversation was pleasant and eager as they chatted over glasses of Filius's wine. The stuff was sweet and tasted mildly of spiced mint. Its affects were cheering, and Severus quite liked it. Unlike at meetings of the Order of the Phoenix or those of Voldemort's Death Eaters, Severus could relax and be himself. It helped that he didn't hate most of the people present.

"So are we meeting once a week or something or just when someone has something to share," Kereston asked.
"I think once a week, perhaps on Sundays, should be workable for now," Wolfgang said.
"How does every Sunday at six sound? We'll meet here and dinner will be on me."
Everyone nodded their agreement.
"If there is ever a time when anything comes up and we need to meet earlier, I can of course arrange that as well. All of you know where I am, if something meeting worthy happens and can't wait for the next Sunday meeting," he added.

When at last they all went home, Severus was still pleasantly buzzed from the leprechaun wine. It felt rather odd enjoying a social outing. He had a feeling Albus would become a walking talking buzz kill when informed of what was talked about at the meeting.
"I suspected as much," Albus said when Severus gave him the basic run down, as Nightshade called it.
"If you can live with whatever you assist this person to do, who am I to stand in your way?"
Severus rolled his eyes.
"Is that a legitimate question or are you giving me an answer in the form of a question," he demanded peevishly.

Albus sighed.
"I'm tired, Severus and I'm going to bed. That is exactly what I am doing."
"Tired?"
Severus felt a sudden surge of alarm.
"Just stressed old man tired, Severus, not relapse tired," Albus assured him before quietly leaving the room.
"Well I, for one, feel safer," Raislen proclaimed as he flopped into a chair and picked up the book he was reading before they left for the evening at Adler Manor.
"Remember how I was considering taking some items from work that I didn't want Voldemort breaking in and lifting," Raislen asked Severus.
He nodded, vaguely recalling some mention of that one morning at breakfast a year or so back.
"I think I'll see if Adler wants to put any of them to use in the cause. For example, I know I definitely don't want Voldemort getting his hands on that veil gate, but Adler may like it for disposing of bodies."

"That's really good thinking," Severus said.
"I should think Adler will definitely be interested."
The Department of Mysteries was of interest to Voldemort, so keeping items safe was wise. Using them against the dark lord was even wiser still.

It was three days after that first meeting at Adler Manor when Minerva McGonagall came to inform Albus that it should be safe to return to Hogwarts. Though Severus didn't really want him leaving, that was purely emotional and Minerva's reasoning was admittedly sound. The school was nearly empty and she wanted Albus to have an opportunity to sort out how he was going to settle in before the next school year began.

"Filius, Poppy and I are the only staff currently present, Severus," Minerva told him in her usual stern tone.
"If you're worried about Albus, it's safe for you to come and stay as well. Then you'll be able to check up on him daily and monitor his wellness."
Was that a softening in her eyes, a flicker of kindness?
"It was saving him that turned you into a wanted man, and we're all grateful," she added.

"Very well," Severus said.
"Mag and I will come and stay until the next term begins. That would set my mind at ease."