Noble House of Black

Chapter Thirteen

(Antonin above)

By this point I was more than familiar with Lestrange Manor, even if I didn't come here as often as one would think over the years of our engagement, and that meant I understood his choice of using his personal office over the library or study.

Mainly since this room was more protected, similar to that of his father's office.

It meant I had less fear of our words being leaked to anyone else.

One couldn't be too careful when plotting against Albus Dumbledore if I was honest.

He was not someone to take lightly.

"So, what's wrong?" Rodolphus questioned once more as we settled in the two armchairs facing the fireplace. "I know you wouldn't have sought me out so quickly if there wasn't an issue."

Now, didn't that just make it sound like I only came to him for issues.

Which was hardly the case.

"Considering that I'm usually at Hogwarts," I shot back with a look that had him smirking in return, "it would make sense that I wouldn't be able to see you often or at all."

Least of all to help with issues I might have.

"Good, you're both here," cut in Antonin Dolohov, a good friend of Rodolphus' and one who had become an Unspeakable right out of Hogwarts. "Have you had a chance to catch your future husband up on the current problem?"

I wasn't even surprised he seemed to already be aware since I knew he kept tabs on Hogwarts, and more so possible students who would be great assets for Marvolo.

This just meant I had another person to help deal with this issue.

One who had knowledge that not many had due to being an Unspeakable.

"Not yet," I answered with a droll look before getting serious while facing Rodolphus who had been watching us with a raised eyebrow. "It seems that Albus Dumbledore is using compulsion charms and potions on students."

Though just how many and for how long was the main question.

"How?" began Rodolphus with a narrowed look.

"James had gone too far during a conversation we held," I answered simply with a light wave of my hand since at this point, I couldn't hold it against him. "Sirius was tasked with dealing with the issue, and it was then with the help of Lady Euphemia that we found out."

Mainly that at least James had been placed under compulsion.

"Sirius and Regulus are reaching out to a few people she's tasked them to speak with," continued Antonin from where he now leaned against the side of my chair. "I've also brought it to Lord Voldemort's attention as well as a few Unspeakable's I trust."

That didn't even surprise me in the least.

It also saved me from having to hunt down Marvolo myself to inform him of the issue.

"Meaning we'll likely have a meeting with the inner circle," sighed out Rodolphus as he reached up to rub at his chin. "This could have major consequences for everyone."

Mostly since we didn't know who was affected and who wasn't.

We'd likely have everyone do a purify ritual via Gringotts.

"But this also means that there could be those who would side with us but are under Dumbledore's thumb," I added considering we weren't even sure what compulsions he has placed anyone under other than James. "I'd also mention to Marvolo that he might want to do a deeper check on his followers before each meeting."

This way it was less likely for Dumbledore to have planted a spy.

Not that we couldn't use said spy to feed him false information to lead him astray.

Part of me just knew this knowledge would change everything.

But that didn't matter since I would rather know for sure that those I cared for, and those that followed me, weren't having their actions controlled. This was something I couldn't accept.

Because not even Marvolo really resorted to this type of action.

Instead, he took amusement and joy in converting people to his ideals and knowing they followed him willingly. Which meant in some ways, Dumbledore was worse than Marvolo.

Though they both played God in different ways.

"Rabastan would be a huge help in this since he has become a Runes Master," added Rodolphus while he summoned a quill and parchment. "I'll reach out to him along with Lord Malfoy."

Now, that hadn't been a person I thought to reach out to.

"Keeping the old fool from realizing the gig is up is the main focus," continued Antonin with a solemn look. "He cannot find out that we're now aware, otherwise he might use or try a different option to keep his puppets."

A way we couldn't save them from he meant.

"That's something we can agree on then," I mused before also summoning a quill and parchment as well. "I'll reach out to Marvolo, as I have a simple way of reaching him."

He also might know of more people to set on this project.

And if not, he'd know a few spells or ritual options to use at least.

"We can meet back up during Lucius and Narcissa's wedding," added Rodolphus with a nod of agreement while spelling the parchment closed, and likely with a number of wards. "I have let Rabastan know that we need to meet up to discuss my upcoming wedding."

That was a safe choice in case the letter fell into the wrong hands.

"Speaking of that," mused Antonin with a sly smile that had me seconds away from sending a stinging jinx at him. "Have either of you really discussed when you'll have your wedding?"

"Not as of yet," I answered while finishing my own letter. "Though I have been informed by Marvolo that he would discuss it with Rodolphus and my father."

Not that I minded since my focus was currently on this issue and passing my N.E.W.T.S.

Something that would affect my future prospects.

"Oh?" wondered Antonin before falling silent at the look Rodolphus was now shooting towards him making him hold back a laugh. "I'll say farewell for now, mainly since I have to return to work. Until the wedding then."

Neither of us bothered to voice our own farewells as Antonin left as quickly as he showed up.

Though that did remind me that I was curious on how he had even gotten in.

Then again, it was Dolohov.

"Do you have feelings for him?" questioned Rodolphus after a moment of silence as I summoned a house elf to take my letter to Marvolo.

"I'm not sure," I answered honestly since I never really spent much time with the man who was the worst Dark Lord. "We've spoken only briefly on a handful of occasions."

Not that I didn't feel something for the man.

I just wasn't sure what those feelings were concerning if it was in a romantic way or something else. I'd have to really think about that now though considering my wedding was coming up.