The Weak Fall First

The Riddle House stood dark and alone, its grounds overgrown, its window and doors boarded up to stop the local teens breaking in. but that wasn’t going to stop the others. They didn’t need to use doors to enter houses. The death eaters preferred to apperate in and out of their hideout.

She studied the House and surrounding land carefully, invisibly. She had been there for over an hour, just watching.

She was going to here what he had to say then leave, and she didn’t want any surprises.

She walked up to the House, staying invisible. It was a simple trick she had learned, being invisible without a cloak. All she had to do was switch off her emotions and feelings, which wasn’t hard - she didn’t have many. And then hold her thoughts on one thing: being somewhere else. It wasn’t as though she was actually invisible, just that other people’s eyes refused to see her. It worked very well, she could maintain the condition for well over an hour, although anymore than that and her concentration began to waver.

She took one last look at the House, then apparated inside, staying invisible. She walked silently down the wide hallway of the ground floor, stepping out the way when masked wizards approached. She ascended the stairs and followed the sound of voices to a large room on the second floor where a select few death eaters were gathered. Azalea walking into the room without the assembled seven witches and wizards noticing her. She leaned against the wall opposite the door and waited.

Then he came. The death eaters instantly fell silent when he entered, and all bowed and mumbled ‘Master, we live to serve’.

Azalea almost smiled. Sheep, she thought. that’s all they are, just worthless sheep.

The Dark Lord glanced around the room and his gaze swept over the spot where Azalea was leaning nonchalantly against the wall. His eyes widened in surprise for a second, then he slowly smiled, turning towards her. “A clever trick young lady” He observed in his high, cold voice. The death eaters started in surprise when they suddenly became aware of the woman standing a few paces from them. A few drew their wands. Voldemort waved a hand at them “There will be no need for that, after all, she was invited” he said, cold amusement plain in his voice.

She remained expressionless but inside she was furious. He thinks I’m weak, hardly worth his attention.

“Am I just going to be staring at a load of masks, or do I get the pleasure of knowing who it is I am speaking to?” she enquired coolly. Voldemort just smiled his thin lipped smile and waved his hand at the death eaters, giving the order to remove their masks. Azalea looked around, disdain evident on her face. She almost felt sorry for these people, crawling at their masters feet, squabbling for his approval.

She looked around at them all, and recognised their faces. Antonin Dolohov, Bellatrix Lestrange, Crabbe, Goyle - she didn’t know their first names, and didn’t care - Lucius Malfoy, the usual sneer on his pale pointy face, Severus Snape - their Hogwarts spy - and then her eyes fell on the last wizard.

“Hello pet” Algernon Rookwood said. “Heard about Hector…shame really, he was always such a good student.”

“Father” she replied evenly. “Good student? He was working for Dumbledore you fool. Had you wrapped round his little finger though didn’t he?” she said contemptuously. Her father’s eyes flashed. He hated her, couldn’t stand her. She was unfazed, she didn’t much like him either.

“Ah, family reunions… always so touching. I believe you were not asked to speak Algernon… I shall deal with you later…” he turned his cold eyes on Azalea. “We have things to discuss. I see you haven’t brought the Staff of Amaror with you. I was looking forward to examining that -”

“Stealing it you mean” Azalea cut in. Voldemort pointed his wand at her. “You dare interrupt me! Crucio!” but Azalea just smiled and expertly deflected the curse, causing it to hit Bellatrix and making her shriek in pain. Azalea smirked. Voldemort eyed Bellatrix with distain before turning back to Azalea. “You will learn respect” he hissed softly “In time you will learn. Your powers are considerable and may be of use to me. I suggest we work together. You know my aim. I want Potter dead. When he is gone, there is nothing to stand in my way. In our way. Serve me and you will have power beyond anything you have ever imagined.” she waited until he had finished this time before speaking.

“Well that was a pretty speech. But there are a few problems with it though.” Voldemort narrowed his eyes. “Go on” he hissed.

“Well, first of all, I have absolutely no interest in Potter at all, he means nothing to me. Second, I do not intend to learn to respect you, I will not grovel at your feet like these dogs, and I will serve nobody. Third, all your talk of the power I will have if I join with you. I do not need you to obtain power, I can do that very well by myself thanks. And lastly, I know that you want my Staff, but you will not get it, because I happen to have plans for it…I might let you play with it when I’m finished though, if you’re nice!” With that she departed, the last thing she saw was the look of fury on every face, and the fear in her father’s eyes. She knew he would be punished for her insolence, and she hoped it would be agonizing.

Now she has things to do, things that did not involve Voldemort and his dogs. She found it quite amusing that they were furious with her, it could make things interesting.