September 1, 1971
It is the middle of the night, and there are several shadowy figures in the nearly-empty parlor of Grimmauld Place. VOLDEMORT sits at an armchair by the fire, and his subjects kneel before him.
VOLDEMORT: Bellatrix. Stand. The rest of you may leave.
BELLATRIX obeys her master, while RODOLPHUS, RABASTAN, and a few others leave the parlor and close the door behind them.
VOLDEMORT: Is the young Malfoy boy aware of the significance of the task set before him?
BELLATRIX: He does not know the details, my Lord, but he knows that our family trusts him to complete the task.
VOLDEMORT: And you have instructed your sisters as well?
BELLATRIX: Yes, my Lord. He needs as much help as possible.
VOLDEMORT: Indeed. (He reaches into the folds of his robes and removes a shiny object. He holds it in front of him, and BELLATRIX can see from the light of the dying fire that it is a crown of some sort). I have already explained the significance of this object to you, have I not, Bellatrix?
BELLATRIX: Yes, my Lord.
VOLDEMORT: And you know that it's placement inside Hogwarts is my first and primordial interest at this moment?
BELLATRIX: Yes, my Lord.
VOLDEMORT: And you are confident that you have done everything in your power to make my wish a reality?
BELLATRIX: Please, my Lord. If you allow me to give this object to my sisters, I know they can hide it in Hogwarts themselves-
VOLDEMORT: (firmly) No. I have already told you that I do not trust children to handle this object. (He places the crown back into his robes). I need to know that Lucius will succeed.
BELLATRIX: He will.
VOLDEMORT: Very well. Leave me now.
BELLATRIX bows once more before exiting the parlor, taking one last look behind her, and shutting the door.
YOU ARE READING
The Marauders Begin (I)
FanfictionBefore they were legends, they were eleven years old and eagerly ready to begin their training in the Wizarding world. "The Marauders Begin" details the humble beginnings of James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter as they journey through the trials and trib...
