A Change of Heart

Chapter Forty

"We're going to take over the ministry," he told them calmly and matter-of-factly. It had been a week since he'd put his soul back together. His Death-Eaters were all gazing avidly at him. His hood was off. The spell he had performed before leaving his room had changed his appearance to his previous snake-like one. It would last for only a few hours, but that was sufficient.

His Death-Eaters looked pleased.

"What is the plan, my Lord?" Bellatrix was almost crooning. He felt a twinge of pity for her. The damage he'd caused his followers' souls was not so easily repaired as his own. But he was determined that he would not let them sink any lower. He would not let them fall any further. That much he owed them. None of them were going to have happy endings, but he would make certain none of them ended in his service.

"We take the ministry on a date I shall inform you later.  The Dementors shall assist us. I myself shall pick the team. I, of course, shall lead the team. I shall share the details of the plan only to those accompanying me."

They all nodded.

"Bella, Rodolphus, Rabastan, Antonin, Rookwood, Alecto, Amycus, Fenrir and Wormtail shall accompany me." He said now. The ones chosen looked happy, all except Wormtail who looked apprehensive. However, those who were not selected looked quite upset.

"The rest of you shall remain here and await my instructions," he said calmly. "You all have your own roles to play."

They all looked happy at that.

Tom made a gesture to indicate that the meeting was over. His Death-Eaters dispersed and he was about to rise when he became aware that Snape was still there. He considered the man for a moment. Then he said. "Close the door, Severus and the usual enchantments."

Once Snape had finished warding the room, Tom spoke again, "Well?"

"Is this wise, my Lord?"

Tom sat rigidly. "Why do you say that?"

"Dumbledore is not neutralized yet. If he comes to the ministry's aid, we might be outnumbered."

"Do you know where Dumbledore is Severus? After all, you are my spy."

Snape drew a deep breath, "My Lord," said he, "Dumbledore is on the run from the ministry. He is yet to contact us."

Tom's eyes bored into Snape's. Then he nodded. "Very well, Severus. But the fact that Dumbledore is on the run is what makes this the perfect time for a coup. By the time Dumbledore is alerted, the ministry would be in our hands."

"Dumbledore might choose to fight us," pointed out Snape.

"And I'm not afraid of that old fool!" Snarled Tom. "And I do not want any more objections. What information do you have for me, Severus? You do not have Dumbledore's location. You cannot give away the details of the Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. What information have you?"

"Potter suffered a break-down a few days ago."

"I do not see how that is in anyway useful or relevant to our plans."

Snape stared at him in disbelief. Then he bowed. "Does this mean I can get rid of Sirius Black?"

"And expose your true loyalties? I think not. You have to wait for the right moment for such decisions, Severus."

Snape bowed again. But Tom saw the bleakness in his eyes as he turned to leave.