I just want to thank all the kind people for their input on whether or not to change the rating. I have several instances coming up in future chapters where the NC-17 rating will be necessary, so once I get to chapter nineteen, the rating will change. I'll remind you in chapter eighteen so that you won't forget.
I think I may have given some of you the impression that this was going to be done shortly. I just want you to know, that I have the entire story outlined, and it's about forty chapters long. I'm still debating on whether or not I'll add an epilogue. So there will be plenty of opportunity for Harry to get into Sev's pants, and vice versa. *snort*
In a large, dark room lit only by scattered torches sat a tall, dark-haired man, smoking a pipe. He watched as two large and bulky men brought in two younger men who resembled them in looks and stature.
"Come in, come in," MacNair said, motioning the two new recruits into the room, indicating that they should seat themselves on the sofa in front of him.
Crabbe and Goyle did so nervously. Never before had they been allowed to attend a meeting with the Death Eaters. They wondered why Draco had not been summoned as well. MacNair stared at them with cold, blue eyes, assessing their worth to him. They were not too bright, MacNair could see that, but they would do. Crabbe and Goyle were spitting images of their fathers, who were now rotting in Azkaban after being caught trying to capture the Potter boy. Azkaban had been reclaimed by the Light two months before the Potter boy caused the death of their lord.
"We normally don't accept ones so young into our inner circle. We like to wait until they have realized their power, which usually doesn't happen until some time after your graduation, but we have a task for the two of you. It will be much easier done from the inside, and those you see before you cannot accomplish this. Voldemort is now gone, but there will eventually be another to take his place; therefore, we must stay loyal to the cause, faithful to the Darkness. That is why your uncles brought you here. Do you agree with this assessment?"
Crabbe and Goyle nodded eagerly, grinning up at their uncles, who returned the smiles proudly. They beamed at the other Death Eaters present: the Lestranges, who had been released from Azkaban once Voldemort overtook it; Nott and Avery; Marcus Flint, who they'd known in school. There were also several others that they did not know.
MacNair snapped his fingers impatiently. The two boys snapped back to attention. "Now, I want you two to listen, and listen closely. I want the two of you to take care of a little problem of ours that goes by the name of Harry Potter. He killed our lord and he must pay the price for his transgressions. I don't give a damn how you do it, but I want him out of the picture before the end of the school year, do you understand?"
"Yes, sir," Goyle said. "Whatever you wish, we will do."
Crabbe nodded his agreement. "Of course. We can ask Draco for ideas on how to get rid of Potter. Draco's really smart."
MacNair sneered. "Ah, yes, young Malfoy. Boys, I regret to be the one to inform you that young Mr. Malfoy has followed in the footsteps of his traitorous uncle, Severus Snape. Narcissa Malfoy has informed us that once Lucius was caught, Draco renounced our cause, taking sides with his uncle and Mr. Potter. He is now residing with his turncoat uncle, as Narcissa did the only thing she could do-disown young Malfoy."
"Draco...has turned...away?" Crabbe asked, disbelieving. "He has sided with...Potter?"
"I am afraid so, my young charge. You will have to rid us of his presence as well; however, I suggest that you find those who are trustworthy and loyal to us to take care of this matter. I want you two to take care of Potter."
"Yes, sir," Crabbe and Goyle both mumbled dazedly, still trying to wrap their slow minds around the fact that their friend and leader, one they had protected for five years, had betrayed them.
"Very well. You two may go. I believe that you have some planning to do. You may use the fireplace in the next room to Floo back. I want to speak to your uncles."
Crabbe and Goyle got up and left, flooing back to the Crabbe mansion.
Crabbe pounded his fist on the mantlepiece. "I can't believe this! Draco turned traitor!"
"Don't worry," soothed Goyle. "We'll get him. Him and Potter both."
Crabbe nodded. "You're right. They will pay for this. Let's go to the kitchen. We can get the house elves to bring up some food to my room. We've got plans to make. We have to get our revenge."