The Dark Promise// Theodore Nott

Ch 37

///Meeting with the Order///

The kitchen table was brought outside in order for everyone to hear the conversation. This meeting was much different than the one held by the previous night with the elves. It was much more tense, serious. It felt like so much more was at stake. Olivia sat at the head of table, ready to speak for both her and Theo. It would seem Mattheo already got in good graces with them himself. He did have his own little way with words. It was Parvati that spoke off to the side, standing behind Ron Weasley. "You can stay Olivia, but we just don't trust Theo. He saved you because you're his girlfriend. He wouldn't save any of us, that's for sure." She said in a bitter tone.

It was not time to be defensive. She knew exactly how everyone felt because she was in the dungeons with them. She once felt the same. "Theo has done terrible things for the dark lord, but so have I. I cured the dark lord from a curse that would have eventually put him to sleep, then kill him." Order members were silent, only looking at each other with confused looks. Hermione Granger spoke. "I'm sure you had no choice, Olivia. Parvati did say you were taken there against your will. You were placed like everyone else was."

Olivia nodded her head in agreement. "I was forced. It was either cure him or die. That was the same for Theo. Either join his ranks, or him and his father would die as well. What would any of you do in that situation? Would you let one of your parents die?" Silence and looks again. It would seem none of them wanted to verbally agree with Olivia, even though they secretly did. She continued. "Theo promised to help the rest of the enslaved house elves. He also burned down Malfoy Manor. Sure it was to save me, but it was a big step in tearing down their defenses. Shouldn't that show his true character?"

"Why are you speaking for him? Did Voldemort take his tongue too?" Bill Weasley spoke, an annoyed look on his face. The two winced at the mention of the dark lord's real name. Sure, they had let it spill into their thoughts, but to say it was another thing entirely. Theo walked up closer, placing his hand on the back of his chair. "I can speak for myself. Yes, I did join the Dark Lord, but Olivia was right. I was forced. I know it's no excuse, but I just really didn't feel like dying. I still don't want to die. If the rest of you feel the same way, you will trust me. I know how he works. I know his full plan."

Bill sighed, knowing the two of them were right. He turned to Snape, as if asking for confirmation on what he was thinking. Snape lifted his gaze toward Theo, an ever-present blank expression on his pale face. "You will be kept a close watch over. If you try to contact any of your former death eaters, you will be killed on the spot." Theo shook his head, letting his long bangs hang over his forehead. "That will not happen, I can promise you that."

Bill ran his hand through his long hair, visibly stressed. "Ok, now that is out of the way, we need to talk about the real reason we are holding this meeting. All this Horcrux business." He held up the locket that Mattheo had given them, making Olivia gasp. "The locket?! Where did you find it?" She asked. Bill pointed toward Mattheo, who had a wide grin on his face. "It was under the floorboards to your room. Who would have thought? Oh, that right. Me." Olivia laughed at him, not at all surprised. He was indeed one of the cleverest little thieves she had ever met.

Mattheo then realized something, cocking his head to the side. "How did you know about the locket? I didn't even know it was true Horcrux until they found it in my bag. I mean I had an idea but still." Olivia perked up at his question, digging in the small knapsack she had been given by the elves, pulling out Malfoy's shoe. Odd looks were being thrown her way as she dug in the sole, pulling out a piece of paper. "I found this while snooping in Malfoy's room. It's a written list of all the Horcruxes." She stood up, reaching over the long table to hand Bill the paper. He looked over it for what seemed like a long time before raising his hand, looking around the table before addressing her again. "This is brilliant. This is exactly what we needed." Olivia beamed, feeling as though her capture wasn't all for nothing.