As The Flower Unfolds [Dark Magic Only]

[Lord Tenebrael]

First off I just want to say that I apologize for the length of these first few posts. This is to get everyone up to speed with what has been going on with the Dark Magic and to get going on the new plot. So, lets be evil, and if you have any questions or comments, please PM me!! - Lynn

___________________________________________________________

It was morning, though the heavy curtains which hung dusty and damp refused to show any sign of the coming sun. Tenebrael lay in his bed, the sheets tucked around in him in a warm cocoon. His dark eyes opened and adjusted to the dim light of the room. From the window he could see the outline of the coming day, like a golden traced outline of the red curtains and dark wooden sills. He breathed normally, deciding how long to lie so still. On his left lay his bedside table, holding nothing but his wand which laid neatly in the middle of the stained wood. Clearing his throat, Tenebrael sat up and reached out his hand to grasp the long thin wooden stick. There was a rare moment in the day that Tenebrael did not have his wand in his possession. The power he so rightfully enjoyed did not feel as worthy or as strong without the extension of his arm which they so simply called a wand. Together at last, they could now start the day as one.

A piece of toast and a hard boiled egg was positioned at the head of the long dining table in the bare room of which Tenebrael walked. The weight of his steps echoed through the room, every step a reminder of how alone Tenebrael was. This was, of course, by choice. Most of what Tenebrael did was by choice, or force of his own, but never someone else’s. He pulled the head chair away from the table, at which an upwards of fifteen chairs lay dormant and unoccupied. The legs of the chair scratched against the dark mahogany floors like a scream. The walls were painted a deep purple color, with tapestries hanging loosely from the ceiling. These tapestries were said to have once hung in Malfoy manor, each depicting a scenes from Dante Alighieri’s Inferno. Two large golden chandeliers hung from the dark painted ceiling, each one decorated with dragon scales. A large window at the back of the room was covered by an immense piece of fabric which kept out all light and life. A large golden entry way at the front of the room lead to the entrance hall and the main stairway which led both up and down. The side door, much smaller, was made of dark wood and had etched in it the legendary story of the Deathly Hallows. This extravagance was nothing to impress the Dark Lord, but he did enjoy keeping to the appearance of vast power, which impressed those lower then he.

Tenebrael sat and took the spoon on his left and cracked the egg, picking away the shell to the soft core. As he took the saltshaker and salted the newly birthed egg, a scream from below echoed through the room. Tenebrael went on eating as though a musician had just begun to pluck his lute. The scream continued. It was a gut-wrenching scream, as though someone had just been skewered through the middle. Another scream rang through the room, coupled with sobs of pain, and then another wail. Half way through a bite of toast, Tenebrael looked up, as though he just noticed that the room had been filled with the sound of pure terror and pain for more than five minutes. Laughter from the stairway below way entered into the room, and at this, Tenebrael put down his toast and picked up his napkin to wipe any stray crumbs from his face. He stood, the chair again scraping across the floor hideously. Two men, the sources of laughter, came up the stairs, which were in view of Tenebrael through a rather large set of doors, the entrance to the great dining hall. The men, seeing Tenebrael standing at the ready, stopped cold in their tracks. Tenebrael starred at them with dark eyes, ushering them into the dining room. The two men cautiously entered the room, coming to stand at the opposite end of the long table. Tenebrael put his hands on the table and leaned toward them.

“I trust you have quieted the girl.” He said to them softly. The two men shifted in place, unsure of what to respond. One of them, shaking, reached up and pulled of the cap he was wearing, as a sign of respect. The two were quite a sight to see. The one on the right was tall, skinny as a skeleton wearing a tight skin. His face seemed wholly sunken in with dark circles under his eyes. His hair was matted and dirty as to make one unsure of its true color. His clothes were of the same nature. His stood at the table, eyes wide, twiddling his thumbs as a nervous habit. The second, the one to take his hat off as a second thought of respect, was older. His face seemed hardened with age, as though he was now made of leather. He was shorter and fatter, but that was not saying much when standing next to the skeleton at his own left. He stood straight, arms at his sides, almost in attention, and yet seemingly swaying as thought he might topple over at any moment. He was also the first to speak.

“We do apologize your Grace, we was only checkin’ to see if she had, er, gone away in the night, seein’ as though she was so quiet, and we, we got a little carried away there sir.” He stammered out, trying his best to be as eloquent as possible. His friend was less committed to his choice of words.

“Yeah, she was a right one.” He said, trying to smile a bit before his friend nudged him hard in the ribs. Tenebrael looked at the pair. He knew them well, as he knew all of his “friends”, the tall one being one Wilfred Wilkens, and the other being an older acquaintance, Neil Greeney. Neither were the brightest of his clan. Wilkens was a new comer to the game, enthusiastic about his new position, proud to serve the Dark Lord. However, pride and stupidity would not get him far, and he was already wearing thin on the new company he had formed. But Greeney, he had been around for a very long time. He was one of the very first that Tenebrael had come into contact with when he was first gaining his following. It had been slim pickings of the lowest of the low, and Greeney had seemed one of the best of them. Times had been hard on Greeney in the duty of Lord Tenebrael. He had aged a lot faster then he should have. With this age, Greeney had come to see that he might have gotten into something far over his head, and now, was starting to doubt. It was a good thing these two had wandered into Tenebrael’s midst. He had something to say to them.

Tenebrael sighed and sat back in his chair. At this the two men looked at each other wondering if they were free to go. They were not.

“Tell me,” Tenebrael questioned, “Greeney, you own a pub in Diagon Alley, no?” Tenebrael eyed his toast as he spoke.

“No sir, well, yes sir, but Knockturn Alley actually. Nice little spot, close to Diagon Alley which is why you probably thought…”

“So tell me,” Tenebrael looked up from his toast, “I have heard that some gossip has eluded your walls my friend.” Tenebrael gained eye contact with the older man, who now was as wide eyed in fear as the fellow man standing next to him. Of course, Greeney knew it unwise to lie or even try and twist the truth with Tenebrael. It was why he found his next words so very jumbled.

“I…I…What…gossip, my Lord?”

Tenebrael broke eye contact, allowing the man to breath again, for he did not dare as he was afraid that his very breath would give away something. Tenebrael picked up the now cold toast and took a small bite, seemingly uninterested in the conversation, a false hope for Greeney who was now sweating through his outer jacket. Tenebrael took his time to chew the bread before giving his answer to the question that he was asked to waste his time.

“My Lord?” Greeney again questioned, his hands beginning to shake holding his hat to his chest out of fear and anticipation. Again Tenebrael picked up his napkin, found a clean spot, and dabbed his mouth for stray crumbs. He then brushed off his dark green suit, and looked back up at the men standing before him. Greeney had become shifty eyed and it took Tenebrael longer then expected to grasp his gaze. However, once his dark eyes met Greeney’s drained ones, Greeney yelped and fell to his knees.

Flashes of memory filled his head. Greeney was in his pub, warning his friends to leave before it got too bad, warning some others than the younger Wilkens to pack up, giving false information to protect a family of muggles, and closing his bar service to those he knew were followers. Each flash was fast and held a new form of pain searing through his mind. In a minute, Tenebrael’s gaze broke. It was over and Greeney found himself starring at the dark wood of the handsome flooring of the room. Tears streaked his face as he looked over to see Wilkens pressed up against the wall afraid of the pain that had just crossed Greeney’s face. Greeney weakly got up on all fours and then managed to stand up, again facing the Dark Lord. Tenebrael had sat back in the chair and crossed his legs, waiting for Greeney to face him yet again.

“I do not appreciate what you are doing my friend.” Tenebrael said after a moment of silence only broke once by Greeney’s sob. Tenebrael studied these men again. Wilkens had regained his composer and stood with his sunken face emotionless and dead like. He dared not move an inch. Greeney did not stand up straight, and had not straighten himself out, his face still wet with tears and sweat, his gray hair matted to his head, his jacket hanging limply off his shoulder. Tenebrael grimaced. “Leave.” He said, as he got up and walked out of the room, his footsteps resounding his exit. He left the two men still standing at the foot of the table, still holding their breath until the Dark Lord was out of sight.

Tenebrael wandered into his study. It was another large room, though not nearly as empty as the last. Two of the walls were lined with tall bookshelves, filled neatly with books of every shape, size, and color, and the only two windows in the room, again with heavy curtains to block out more eyes then the sun. The third and back wall housed a large fireplace. The mantle was handsomely carved out of black stone which shone red as the fire danced in the hearth. In front of this a great desk seemed too heavy for the already heavy room, and yet it fit perfectly. The legs were thick, which matched the legs of the large wing back chair which gave access to the comfort of the room. The fourth wall was a large mural depicting angels and demons fighting in an epic battle for earth, as well as the continuation of the large door carving of the Deathly Hallows.

Tenebrael sat at his desk and quickly scribbled down a thought. He then called for a house elf. The elf quickly came in the room and waited for instructions. “Bring her to me.” The elf ran off as quickly as it came. While waiting, Tenebrael walked over and studied the mural painted so perfectly on the wall. He gazed at the face of the angel who had the neck of a demon in its grasp. Tenebrael thought it almost comical how serene the face of the angel could be as it choked the life out of the demon. As he contemplated this he heard the sound of footstep come through the door to his right.

“Come, please, sit.” He ushered his guest into the dark room and sat her in a smaller version of his wingback chair which sat before his desk. He then rounded the desk and sat in his own chair. He then gazed upon the face of one of his most trusted friends.

[Stella Harper]

Stella Harper graciously took the seat offered to her by the Dark Lord. Since he had revealed himself to her, her life had become much more stable. She was no longer running from the Dementors that so longed for her kiss, but rather, she was a guest in the Dark Lord’s own home. No longer sleeping on the forest floor and spending almost all of her time as her scorpion animagius, Stella had actually begun to gain a little weight and to lose the age she had gained while on the run. He hair had gotten long and she now wore it loose on her shoulders, which were bare as her corset straps fell off to the side. Her face was no longer covered in dirt, but almost porcelain white and soft skinned. Her eyes were darkened by makeup and shone out in an almost uncomfortable fashion in the dark room. Lord Tenebrael gazed at her for only a moment before folding his hands and speaking.

“I trust you are finding you time here pleasurable.”

“Yes, My Lord.” Stella answered soundly. “To be close to My Lord is an honor I cannot thank you enough for.”

“Good, now I have a little task for you.”

“Yes, My Lord?” Stella sat up at the idea of doing something for him. She would do just about anything for him and enjoy it. After all, the girl in the basement, the minister’s niece, was her little gift to him. Oh, and she would be missed indeed, as would her mother, the minister’s sister, who had gotten in Stella’s way while trying to extract the girl. Stella had enjoyed that little task. She wondered what the next would be.

“Stella, I’m sure you have heard how displeased I am with our mutual friend, Greeney. I had a little talk with him today, but I don’t think he fully understood what I was saying.” Stella was grinning whole-heartedly at this. She had heard Greeney’s screams from her room. After all, it was she who had enlisted his help getting the girl quiet in order to arrange his little meeting with the Dark Lord.

“I’m sorry your words were put on deaf ears My Lord.” She said with a grin.

“Yes, Stella, I am as well. Which is why I think he may listen to you a little better. You have such a way with words my dear.” As Tenebrael spoke, he showed little emotion to what he was saying. It was all business, and he knew that Stella responded very well to this type of coddling. He could almost see her buzz with excitement just from being in his presence. It was what he appreciated most about Stella, not only was she smart and quick on her feet, but she also had a taste of the dark arts which empowered Tenebrael so.

“What would you have me do My Lord?” Stella asked, almost salivating at the idea.

“I would have you take a couple friends and go have a drink at Greeney’s pub, The Cobra, so named for his previous loyalty. I would also have you burn it to the ground when you are done. Leave nothing there. And if Greeney resists, kill him.” Stella almost bounced out of her seat as Tenebrael spoke. He looked at her as she responded, and could see the loyalty in her eyes and in her mind.

“Yes, My Lord.”

“Also, please call everyone to me tonight. I think I have put something off that is long overdue.”

“Yes, My Lord.”With that, Tenebrael went back to his books, and Stella left the room. She instantly went to round up a few followers and headed for Greeney’s pub. By the end of the night, the pub would be burnt to the ground, and the ashes of Greeney would never be recovered.

[Lord Tenebrael]

Tenebrael spent the rest of the afternoon reading and preparing for the dinner ahead of him. The encounter with Greeney that morning had put him in a foul mood, though the soft-spoken and emotionless man would never show it. It had brought up the fear that he had been lying in wait to long. He had put too much faith in the magic he had released and it had obviously failed with out a mind behind it to control it. He was, of course, thinking of Hogwarts and the fiasco of the previous year. Daniel Hubbles and his little band of students had all but defeated the tricks of the magic he had released into the school. The plan had not worked out as he had seen it. The Dark Magic had not overcome the school and it had not become his calling card in his wake. However, Tenebrael was not lost, it was just a small battle overcome, but he knew now. He would have to take the reins; he would have to be a little more hands on.

The muggle baiting, the derailment of the Hogwarts Express, and now the kidnapping and murder of those in the Minister’s family now needed a face to go with them, or soon, their impact would be lost. It was time that Lord Tenebrael took his place.

The clock chimed eight, and Tenebrael heard footsteps in the hallway and voices crowding the room. He heard them being herded into the great dining hall. A half hour later, a knock on the door, and Stella appeared. She was now wearing a long black gown, her hair tied in a knot on her neck. Her pale face glowed from the light of the door she had opened.

“My Lord, it has been done, and it was a great success.” She bowed to him gently.

“Good.” He said, as he gathered up the things he had been working on in preparation for the dinner.

____________________________________________________

Please feel free to join in pre-dinner conversation and such, the Dark Lord will be with you shortly

[Elziel Woods]

Slumped awkwardly in his gargantual reading chair, Elziel sat behind his shop counter in the back room, simply listening to the repeated ticking of the grandfather clock that stood proudly in the corner. It's dark walnut features barely visible in the shadowed corner except for it's pearly white face creeping out from view. The seconds ticked away and turned into minutes, the minutes faded away and turned into hours and all the while Elziel just sat here, almost transfixed by the item he had been twiddling inbetween his fingers. The item could easily be mistaken for a bone. It's smoothness and shape very much like it had been plucked from somebody's fragile body and left lifeless. He sighed under his corse mustache before looking up to his wife who had entered the room and disturbed his silence.

"I don't know why you obsess over that thing, I really don't. If it had any sort of purpose you would of found it by now, Elziel. It's like it has some sort of hold over-"
"Woman, would you be quiet!" Elziel snapped in a booming voice, almost jumping out of his chair before he glared at her with narrowed eyes. He pouted at her as the couple both stood in silence and awkwardness at his outburst for what seemed like a millenia before he decided he's had read her expression enough to realise he was scaring her. He breathed heavily, a huge weight lifting from his chest of uneasiness.
"I'm sorry Dear, but I know this horn does something. I just need to research it more. I have a good knack for this, remember? I've been doing it for-"
"Fourty-Five years" his wife replied. He offered her an apologetic smile before the room fell back into it's comforting silence once more. Elziel watched as she placed the tray of tea and biscuits down on a spare table and smoothed down her apron. Grabbing his walking cane, Elziel straightened himself out and turned around to his wife, itching his beard slightly as he attempted to schedule himself.
"Oh, no. I musn't stay, love. I've been summoned" he nodded to her before hobbling his way over and pecking her on the cheek with a kiss.
"Don't wait up for me, and when Catherine comes, tell her I have a little mission for her up at Hogwarts..."
"Yes dear, be safe" he replied.
"I always am" he replied, tapping his bad leg with the end of his cane.

* * *

A mist of deep purple apparation smoke appeared at the gates of the mansion. It slowly lifted to reveal Elziel Woods, not wasting any time as he hobbled quickly towards the grand golden doors of Lord Tenebrael's home. Stella was already there and had a face on like she's just smoked from a Hookah pipe and raided a play-doh factory. Elziel raised an eyebrow at her expression, as she stood, almost bouncing in excitement.

"Evening Stella. I see you're greatly amused by something tonight. Perhaps it would be nice if, being most of the brains, I was told something that would make me bounce is happiness too.." he said dryly to her. He rubbed his whiskers roughly with a hand and smoothly dragged his nails through his hair as he continued to walk with a limp down the corridor towards the meeting room.

His eyes gazed upon Lord Tenebrael in the darkened room dimly lit by candlelit.
"My Lord" he greeted him, hobbling towards him before taking his hand and bowing slightly.
"It seems that whatever you have to say tonight has pleasured Dear Stella greatly. I fear she might be obnoxiously content for weeks." He remarked, stuggling to pull out the heavy dining chair and plonking his great weight into it's seat.

[Nicholas McNiven]

There is something that needs to be remembered when it comes to Nicholas McNiven, he is not an evil man. He was just one of those unfortunate wizards who fell into the wrong crowd and got swept away with it all and ended up with a bad reputation that came back to bite him in the ass. Now however there was no going back for Nick, he was on the Ministry wanted list after his little altercation with Quinn Locksley many a moon ago. So now it was a situation where the Scot had to keep in the shadows and rarely make an appearance, and even when he did he was sat in a dark, grubby pub with a large hood in an attempt to cover his face. And it was on one of these occasions when he overheard a conversation that intrigued him greatly. There was talk of a new Dark Lord, a gathering of followers and an attempt to overthrow the Ministry…now that sounded good to him!

It was then that McNiven decided to take the risk and go to this ‘meeting’ and find out for himself what it was all about. If there was a plan to overthrow the ministry then that would benefit McNiven and so he knew what side he needed to be on…mainly for himself!

Following the instructions on how to get there McNiven now found himself stood in front of a large Victorian styled mansion. It was all very dramatic and it did bring a small smile his square jaw, it was his kind of thing. He did not even contemplate knocking on the door and politely wait for an answer; instead McNiven pushed the grand oak doors open and made his way through the corridors. He has no idea where he was going but the sound of muffled voices acted as his guide as once again he pushed open the door without knocking and walked into a large dinning room that was light solely by candle light. His cold grey eyes scanned the room as he looked at the few people in attendance. He noticed Stella and gave her as weary smile, but the fat bearded man was an unknown to him. “Evenin” McNiven muttered gruffly as finally his eyes landed on the man at the top of the table…he was not how he had pictured him,

’He is only a child.’ McNiven thought as he finally game to a stop in front of the new Dark Lord. “My Lord.” McNiven dropt into a low bow in greeting. “Nicohlas McNiven at your service.”

[Stella Harper]

Stella retreated with the bow from the Dark Lord's inner chamber. She turned and entered the dinning room. The candles spaced out on the table had been lit by the house elves that lurked in the shadows. Stella smiled at the awe of the room. It would add to the presence of the Dark Lord, not that his presence was not awe inspiring enough.

Stella paces the floor as she heard the immense front door open and feet shuffling on the stone laid floor of the hall. Within seconds Stella could see the faces of those which had just entered the Dark Lord's home.

Stella grinned as they began to shuffle in, taking in their surroundings. She saw faces she recognized and those she did not. Only one commented on her light air. But Stella shot him a glare.

"You are under a delusion Woods if you think that the Dark Lord would divulge something of this caliber, this importance, to anyone before he was prepared to. I am 'bouncing', as you put it, not for anything words that have been spoken between us, but for a victory that I won for the Dark Lord in action."

Stella smiled and her dark glare broke. "Action is what this meeting is about my friend." She said, raising her voice so that all could hear her. Faces turned toward her. "Action is what the Dark Lord appreciates. Words are now useless at this stage in our journey."

With that she acknowledge Woods to take his seat as she took her won at the right hand of the large head chair.

[Lord Tenebrael]

Tenebrael had crept into the shadows while his friends entered the room. He took in the faces that had answered his call to meet. Tenebrael was slightly disappointed at the turn out, but he settled on the thought that he had not been expecting a huge crowd. Most were still skeptical of him, and most did not like the idea of being controlled. It was something that he would have to ease them into with finesse and skill. Give them an opinion, and then take it away slowly.

Stella was one of a kind. She was bold, fierce, and fearless. Most of all she was loyal and Tenebrael truly believed that she loved him. It was something that he appreciated, and would gladly use to his advantage. The woman was indeed to his advantage because her little speech was the perfect opening to the meeting. Tenebrael waited for Stella to sit before he stepped out of the shadows.

He stood to the side of the large head chair, placing a hand on Stella's shoulder. He did not say a word, but let everyone take his presences in. His pitch black suit was tailored to perfection and its darkness almost seemed to shine and reflect of his pale skin. His cold eyes glanced calmly around the table gaining eye contact with everyone attending for at least a couple seconds.

"Welcome friends." He said, before sitting in the shadowed chair. The first to approach him was one of his most promising friends. Elziel Woods was a smart man. He was in a position to help Tenebrael. His knowledge of all things magical could help Tenebrael refine the Hogwarts Magic he had recently come into power of. But that would be part of the dinner conversation. Not to mention Tenebrael had heard rumors of Elziel's daughter.

"Elziel. My good friend." Tenebrael said with a smile. "I would have it not other way for Stella. She deserves a bit of happiness after being forced to run from the ministries cruel hands for years. Let her be obnoxious for a little longer." Tenebrael said with the smirk as he eyed Stella who shifted uncomfortably excited in her seat. "How is your daughter my friend, Catherine, am I correct?" Tenebrael said turning back to Elziel. "I've heard that she is doing very well for Slytherin house."

The next to approach him was a man that Tenebrael knew was one that was skeptical. "McNiven. Yes, I have heard of you. Staying clear of the ministry?" He said. It was the perfect example of how Tenebrael made sure that he knew about everyone. It was his job to be informed and to keep informed.

"Sit my friends, let us enjoy a toast before dinner." House elves rushed to fill glasses with a dark red wine. Tenebrael raised his glass. "As Stella put so elegantly, to action, let actions not be diminished by stray words, and let words not complicate the mind in place of action."

[Alyssa Veraldi]

Alyssa finished with the man and as he stared stupidly up at her she simply laughed at him which caused his face to change, as well as his demeanor. Seems as if he didn't like being laughed at by a woman but then again Alyssa wasn't just any woman and she always did as she pleased despite the opinions of all others. So his reaction did not phase her one bit in fact it actually entertained her and made her laugh even harder and that it seemed was mr. what'shisface's breaking point. He got up off the bed and stared down at her his eyes blazing with true anger. Alyssa didn't flinch or cower from him no that was for weak women and she was NOT weak. Adept at non verbal magic it didn't take but a second for her to conjure up a weapon in a second the man was on her trying to choke the life out of her. Alyssa should have known he would go for the neck he kept doing it the whole time they were in bed together, she thought it was just some odd fetish but apparently it was some deep seeded resentment thing he had toward women. No worries she would fix that for him. With one swipe Alyssa had carved a huge slice in his chest. The man screamed out in pain which is when she pounced on him using her fist to punch the crap out of him. Blood was flying everywhere.

A real man would have stayed to fight but then this one was no real man so he scurried away from her as fast as he could then with a sound like a muggle car backfiring he apparated away leaving Alyssa lying on the floor panting covered in his blood. Most women would have probably fainted at the sight of her it would be natural of course too bad Alyssa wasn't like every other woman out there she was as heartless, guileless, and inconsiderate as any man out there if not more so at times. There was no reason for her to care about anyone just as there was no reason for anyone to care about her. That man was just the means to and end an itch she needed scratched and once she was satisfied she had no use for him, too bad he couldn't understand that.

Oh well nothing she could do about the itty bitty cry baby who was mad the evil wench laughed at him. Aly got up off the floor dusted herself off then headed for the shower where in no time at all she was refreshed and ever so clean, the stench of whatshisname washed away from her. Dressed and ready to go she was halfway out the door when she heard the pecking at the window. At first she thought that she should just ignore the wretched bird after all who would ever know, that is what she should have done of course one does not always do what they should that was why she turned and walked to the window throwing it open so the bird could find some place to land so Aly could get the letter attached.

Reading quickly Aly crumpled up the letter, watched the bird fly back out of the window, then she herself walked out of her flat.

Reaching the place she was given directions to Aly entered and followed the voices until she reached a room with a few occupants who seemed to be about to share some drinks. All for it Aly entered, wondering what she had just gotten herself into "Good evening" she said eyes wary as she took in everyone in the room.

[Lord Tenebrael]

As the glasses lowered from the lips of the party, Tenebrael smiled. His smile was strangely warm, but for most, uncomfortable. Uncomfortable not because of the nature of it, but because coming from him, the smile could never mean anything good. Like many of his smiles, the reason behind it would make the best of man shiver.

Tenebrael placed his glass, filled with a dark red wine, on the dark wooden table. Instantly, the table filled with a feast of food. A succulent turkey, prime rib still red and bloody, ham, and a roast were spread out amongst the guests, as well as an assortment of potatoes, puddings, and every vegetable you could think off. Tenebrael continued to smile as he motioned for his guest to start the feast. He himself did not take a morsel of food, but picked up his glass once more and sipped the wine, the red staining his teeth and tongue giving him a deadly look.

Minutes after inviting his guests to eat, Tenebrael interrupted them. He cleared his throat and looked around. His smile had not faded.

"Friends." He started, his hearty voice ringing over the commotion at the table. The clinking of forks ceased at his words. "I know that many of you did not come here to indulge yourselves at my table. I know your hearts better then you think." He looked around at those he knew to be the most hungry for information. "You also know that this dinner is just a pretense, a formality, before my words turn to the action I crave. I have dealt greatly in the art of secrecy as of late, but now it is time for my secrets to become my mantle." He looked around at the eyes that were now solely on his face. He continued:

"Those of you that have children at Hogwarts may have heard of the strange things that have taken to the halls of the castle. Paintings coming alive? Spirits taking to vengeance, even children hearing whisperings of darkness in the night. To put it into simple terms, an ancient dark magic has been released into Hogwarts. However..." Tenebrael's smile faded as he thought of how he had been thwarted. "There are those at Hogwarts that meddle." His voice began to raise. "Meddle into things they KNOW NOTHING ABOUT!" He looked around, calming his mind. "Yes, the magic released by my own hands, a magic that I control and am bound to, it can no longer be left to its own demise. It has failed my wildest dreams, and now it is time to ACTION!"

Tenebrael stood up and paced behind his chair. He was thinking of the right words. When he found them, he returned to the table, placing his palms on the wood, leaning over it. "It has come to my conclusion that some people at Hogwarts are too dangerous to go unanswered. I am not worried about certain silly Hufflepuff girls, even werewolves, for they may yet have their place. However, there is one man, ONE MAN, who cannot remain, who does not know what he does, who he is facing. But I have seen his heart. It is too pure for my liking. He will protect those he loves, his students, his friends..."

Tenebrael let the words roll off his tongue as though they tasted bad. Love was not something he held in his heart, it was not an emotion he let over take him. Simply for the reason that it was not something he could control. Love was unfounded, it never needed a reason, it was spontaneous, and something that Tenebrael needed to stamp out before it got out of control.

"My Friends, do not misunderstand my words. I am not afraid of one man, no I do not fear him. Nor do I fear what he can accomplish. I do have another reason for what I say. Hogwarts needs to be broken. It is a safe haven. It is the fortress, the stronghold of the wizarding world. What mother or father would subject their children to pain and suffering. No, my friends, you control Hogwarts, you hold the strings like a puppet. The first step to breaking Hogewarts, stab at it heart. Yes, the heart." Tenebrael smiled again. He was getting to the best part of his plan. The part he would enjoy the most.

"To do this my friends, to start the assault of the wizarding world, to make my name ring throughout the world, so that you along with me will be seated in positions of power. The beginning my friends, is THE END OF DANIEL HUBBLES!!"