Velvet Whispers | Sebastian Sallow

Ch 7. A Familiar Face

Chapter Cover: © @ephemerasnape | Tumblr

3rd Person POV

"What is the plan, sir?"

Victor Rookwood slowly turned to his Ashwinder disciple, an eager Executioner.

His reign was slowly being reinstated, his influence stronger than it previously was when in league with the goblins. Without those vermin in his way, he had access to the repositories across the globe that they had already dug out before being put back in their place: beneath wizardkind's boot.

It was almost too easy this time.

"We take that final repository, Valdis. It belongs to us."

Rookwood took his place on a large wooden crate at his headquarters in Manor Cape, the very same where Theophilus Harlow took his last stand nearly two years before. Despite being in his early thirties, Rookwood had regained his immense influence with chilling ease. He placed his wand to his neck to amplify his raspy but booming voice.

"My Soldiers of Triumph! I have summoned each of you from every corner of the realm, drawing together the young and the seasoned, the eager and the stoic alike. We all felt the same loss—the bitterness of being denied the ancient magic that surged back into this world after centuries of silence. After nearly two years of gathering and preparation, I am proud to say that we are stronger than before! This power will be ours!!"

The room surged with fervent cheers from nearly a hundred loyal souls, ready to finally taste the power of the magic contained by MC L/n.

"That final repository is my birthright," their leader proclaimed, his voice thunderous. And I am ready—prepared to unlock its contents, to absorb every ounce of its power and share it with each of you. Only one measly witch dares stand in our way," he continued with a dark smile. "But fear not. She will either join our cause willingly or fall to it."

Murmurs and whispers waved across the group. A lone Ashwinder Scout voiced the doubt on everyone's mind:

"Just how can we be sure she will join our cause? She almost killed all of us!"

Rookwood paused in the direction of the Scout. Without a word of warning, he quickly angled his wand towards him.

"Crucio."

The Scout fell to the ground in searing pain, earning small gasps from those around him as they moved away from his twisting body.

Rookwood resumed, shouting instead of amplifying with his wand again, his face stern. "Those who doubt the process are not fit to join this cause and will not reap its rewards. Leave the convincing of Miss L/n to me. We know from that ancestor of Ranrok's, what was his name... Bagond? Borgan?"

"Bragbor!" A distant voice echoed from the back of the crowd.

"Yes, Bragbor! We know from his journals that the final repository is located beneath Hogwarts. Word on the street is that she kept its power contained in it these last two years. It remains there still..." Rookwood paused with an eager smirk on his face before continuing.

"The lot of you will get her to me, and she will give me access to the repository. Find her, and bring her here. As you were."

The crowd split up into multiple predesignated groups and spread out into the highlands to search for MC.

Valdis approached Rookwood, his smile emanating from his voice. "What shall we do with the witch once captured, sir?"

Rookwood exhaled slowly, savoring the thought. A smile crept across his face, stretching from ear to ear. "We will brainwash her, Valdis. She will be subjected to a potion — one so potent that it strips the will, leaving no room for resistance."

"Which potion might that be, sir?"

Rookwood turned to Valdis. "Amortentia, my fellow."

Valdis let out a devilish chuckle. "Very good indeed, sir!"

"Under its spell, she will be infatuated with me, her every thought consumed by my desires. She'll give herself to me completely — mind, body, and soul. I will brew the strongest variation of this potion ever known to wizardkind. It will break her spirit and bind her to me. Still, it won't be enough for a long-term solution."

"What are we to do once the potion wears off, m'lord?" Valdis asked quizzically.

Rookwood put up his index finger, pointing it to the sky matter-of-factly. "The trick is we complete the process before it wears off, my friend. After reading Bragbor's journal entry concerning this last repository, I learned that the magic contained therein is at its most powerful under a united bond...

...of matrimony."

Valdis' eyes widened. "Sir?"

"With her unique abilities and my direct bloodline to one of the Keepers, we will be the most powerful wizarding couple in history. No one will stand a chance against us. By the time the Amortentia wears off, she will either remain by our side willingly or by force. Together, we will rule the wizarding world. This ancient magic will be at its most potent under our vows! Don't you see, Valdis?

I'm going to marry her."