The audience at Theo's initiation was small.
Theo's dad was there of course. So were Harry, Draco, Flint, Avery, and Barty.
Snape and Lucius were there too, standing off to one side, whispering to one another.
' C'mon, Theo. Don't fuck this up'
"Crucio"
Harry sagged in relief as the muggle screamed.
' I knew you could do it'
"Avada Kedavra"
While Theo knelt and swore his vows, Harry let his attention wander.
He looked at Theo's dad. The man was smiling, looking proud beyond belief. It tore at Harry's heart.
' Would my father be proud? Of the things I've done?'
' Probably not. But it doesn't matter. If I ever knew him, maybe it would. But I didn't. So it doesn't'
He watched as Theo's father hugged him, whispering something in his ear. Theo nodded, looking up into his father's face.
' Maybe I don't have a real family, but I've got bonds as tight as one'
"I knew you could do it," he said, voicing aloud his earlier thoughts while clapping Theo on the back.
"Yeah? So why'd you look so worried?"
He was saved from having to answer when all the others started coming over to congratulate Theo, and to welcome him.
Still standing on the dais, the Dark Lord watched, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Lucius. You will ensure that you are seen at the match, yes?"
"Yes, my lord. We will be in the Top Box, along with Fudge and other officials"
"Good. You will be staying at the campsite until the next morning, correct?"
"Yes, my lord. Unless my lord wishes for-"
"No. That will work perfectly. Make sure there is no one in the tent other than the boys, throughout the night"
"I will, my-"
"Once our compatriots are freed," The Dark Lord continued, overriding Lucius completely, "I will be placing the Fidelius upon our headquarters. I, of course, will be Secret Keeper. As such, I will inform you of the secret"
"My lord, thank you for-"
"Your Mark will burn. I will be in your tent five minutes later. Disguised, of course. If there is anyone there not of our family, you will be responsible for taking care of their corpse"
Lucius nodded.
"Very well. I will be seeing you then"
Recognizing the dismissal for what it was, Lucius and Draco stood to leave. Harry, however, remained sitting.
"My lord?"
His head turned to Harry.
"Black told me the Aurors were questioning him about his escape. They want to make their shifts less regular. So that people can't make plans based on the shift changes"
"Yes. But they will only be implementing these changes in their routines after the World Cup. Nevertheless, thank you, Harry"
Harry had thought he wouldn't be able to concentrate on the match. He had been sure his mind would be far too occupied by thoughts of what would be happening at Azkaban while the game was occurring.
He had been totally wrong.
Practically from the moment, they arrived at the campsite his attention had been grabbed by all the dazzling sights around him. The enormous marquees, the music. The strange smells coming from within those tents.
It had been like going to Diagonal Alley for the first time, again.
Lucius had given them a stern lecture about how under no circumstances were they to attempt to apparate. They had both managed it a few times by that point, but it was illegal without a license. Even though Lucius would be able to ensure they received no trouble for it, they would still be drawing attention to themselves. Of course, neither Harry nor Draco were quite comfortable enough with apparition to try it when there were people around.
Lucius also made sure to warn the boys against doing magic outside of their tent.
"Being seen as ignoring the Ministry's laws, idiotic as they may be, will not help our cause"
Even so, when the Weasley's arrived at their box, Harry came dangerously close to drawing his wand. Particularly after the look, Granger gave him.
Still, the game was amazing. It was Quidditch like Harry had never even imagined. The teams worked together in such harmony, that they turned the game into an almost flawless work of art.
It was such a wonder to watch, that even though it ended in such a spectacular way, with Krum catching the snitch and Lynch crash landing, Harry felt disappointed that it was over.
Of course, Draco and he stayed up half the night talking about the game. Going over the whole match, point by point.
"You think you'll ever be able to do that Wronski Feint?"
Draco looked at him thoughtfully. "Maybe. I don't know, I wouldn't want to try it unless I was really sure I could manage it. You saw Lynch"
"Yeah"
' I bet I could pull it off'
Lucius walked into the lounge, where the two boys were sitting.
"Five minutes," he said, rubbing his arm slightly.
' Merlin! I can't believe I forgot!'
"Has there been any news?" Draco asked eagerly.
Lucius shook his head. "We'll find out shortly"
Exactly five minutes later, the blandest person Harry had ever seen walked into the tent.
He was just totally unremarkable. Average height, not fat, but not super skinny either. Short brown hair, and brown eyes. Totally nondescript.
At his appearance, Lucius bowed. Harry and Draco followed his example.
' Wow. How many people saw this guy walking, and had no idea it was the Dark Lord?'
"My lord. It went according to plan?"
"Perfectly"
Even his voice was bland. No one would ever suspect this man of being the most powerful wizard alive.
"And how are they? Are they-"
"Rookwood seems as if he wasn't even in Azkaban. The rest of them were all affected, to some degree or another. Bellatrix and Antonin have taken it the best, Rodolphus and Travers the worst. We will only know with a certainty once the healers are finished their work"
"Has Gregorovitch been complying?"
"He has. You may need to collect some ingredients for him. I will discuss it with you all tomorrow. Harry, Draco. Give me a few drops of blood"
Two glass vials hovered over to them, along with two small knives. None of that stuff had been there a moment before.
Harry cut his fingertip, dripping the blood into the vial. Beside him, Draco did the same.
"Excellent. If you come to headquarters alone before you have received your Marks, you will have to present your blood in place of the Mark"
They nodded as the vials flew back to the Dark Lord.
"The headquarters of the Death Eaters is located in a large manor, on top of a hill overlooking the Muggle village of Little Hangleton"
It was like a light had gone off in Harry's brain. Suddenly, he could remember standing outside the Dark Lord's home, looking at the imposing building while he spoke to Lucius.
"I am expecting you to be there at two o'clock tomorrow. Do not disappoint me"
With that, the Dark Lord turned and strode out of their tent.
"You will be introduced to some of my released followers. Those who are at least functional"
All the Hogwarts Death Eaters were there. Flint, Avery, Theo, Draco, and Harry.
"Afterward, I will be meeting with you all to discuss what you will be doing during this year. Come"
They followed him down a passage Harry hadn't even seen before, stopping just outside a large door. The Dark Lord knocked and immediately entered, not waiting for a response.
Barty was inside, talking to three people.
The Dark Lord pointed to them, one by one and announce their names.
"Barty Crouch, Jr"
Barty gave a little wave and tipped back an imaginary hat.
"Augustus Rookwood"
The tall, pockmarked wizard simply nodded at them.
"Antonin Dolohov"
The burly wizard with a long face winked at them. Although he seemed to have a twitch in his eye, so he might not have reacted at all.
"Bellatrix Lestrange"
Her hair shone with a dark fire. She kept her heavily lidded eyes focused on the Dark Lord.
"My followers. My loyal, trustworthy friends. Meet our youngest members"
He named them all, starting with Flint, and ending with Harry.
Dolohov twitched incredibly hard at Harry's name, while Bellatrix jumped up.
"Potter? My lord, he-"
Barty just laughed as the Dark Lord explained.
"Bella. He is one of us. He has proven it, just as you have. I am as sure of his loyalties as I am of yours"
She looked unsure for a second, before throwing her head back and cackling madly.
' And she's one of the ones doing well?'
"My lord, truly you are capable of anything! Who would have ever believed!"
She cackled again.
"Indeed. What have the healers said?"
Rookwood answered, sounding bored. "They're going to be placing us on nutrition potions. They have exercises, physical and mental, for us to do. They don't seem so sure about the others"
Rage flashed across the Dark Lord's face.
"We shall see" he hissed. "What of your wands?"
"Gregorovitch claims they will be prepared within a week. For all of us, that is. In the meantime, the wands my lord gave us from the guards are serviceable"
"Good. Keep me informed"
On that note, the Dark Lord left the room, Harry, and the other students following.
They ended up in a room that was clearly designed for meetings. A large oak table ran down the length of it, with a throne at the end.
Harry was motioned to sit on the seat directly to the Dark Lord's right, with Draco on the other side.
"As you are all aware by now, the Triwizard Tournament will be held at Hogwarts this year. As such, there will be increased security at the school. Certainly, they will add security, now that some of our members have been freed. You are to do nothing to draw attention to yourselves. You will appear to be nothing more than regular students. Is that clear?"
Once they had all answered in the affirmative, he went on.
"It is of the utmost importance that no clue, no hint is given of my return. I will be most displeased with whoever does so"
Someone gulped loudly.
' Idiot'
"Furthermore, I have been told that Dumbledore has hired Alastor Moody as your Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor"
The Dark Lord's lips curled as he named their subject.
"He is an extremely dangerous man. Do nothing of any sort to bring his attention upon you. I know that amongst the Durmstrang students, there are those who have sworn to join us. If any of them are foolish, speaking in public about us or about me, they will be dealt with"
The Dark Lord's gleaming eyes fixed upon Harry. "You, Harry will deal with them. None of them know of your allegiance, none of them have even met me"
Harry nodded slowly.
"Find more recruits for me in Hogwarts," he said, focusing his attention in the group as a whole once again. "At the end of this year, my return will be revealed. I want our ranks to swell! The more of us inside Hogwarts, the better. Particularly those in their sixth and seventh years, but if there is someone younger who would be capable of holding their tongue, bring them to my attention. Dismissed. Harry and Draco, stay"
The room was silent until the door finally shut again.
"You have been meeting with Severus for training once a week. You will be meeting three times a week as of now. By the end of the year, I expect you to be able to face off against an Auror and win. I will also be testing your Occlumency then. Harry, if Dumbledore wishes to meet with you, do so, even if it means missing a session with Severus. And I want you two to watch the others. Ensure that my orders are being carried out. Ensure that none of them disregard my wishes"
A shiver passed through Harry at those words.
"You will both stay at Hogwarts over the winter break. I understand they will be hosting a Ball. Be there. Harry" He turned his visage upon Harry again. "If any of the Durmstrang students require punishment, confirm with their Headmaster that they belong to me. If he raises any issues, remind him that you stand higher than he does"
"Yes, my lord" Harry said, with Draco echoing his words.
The Dark Lord studied them for a moment before nodding.
"Very well. Expect orders to be relayed through Severus. And do not cause me to regret placing trust in you. Dismissed"
Voldemort watched the two boys leave his presence. He hadn't failed to notice the minute flash of excitement in Harry's eyes when the boy was given his orders. When trust had been placed in him.
' Yes. He will do well. The child of prophecy will serve me well'
It was fitting, really, for fate itself to bend to his will. He, who had wielded power unheard of for centuries. He, who had looked into the abyss and dragged it into his service.
His return was drawing nearer, and the wizarding world was not prepared in the least.