Chapter 68: Veiled Threats

Disclaimer:

Harry Potter and all of its characters belong to J.K. Rowling.

I own nothing but the original characters I make.

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

-Author notes-

Chapter 68: Veiled Threats

"James…" Pollux muttered his name while giving him a look that seemed to advise silence.

He appreciated the concern, but out of everyone in this room, he was the most aware of the type of threat that Voldemort represented.

Had he been a younger and more naive version of himself, he would have been tempted to jump on top of the table and curse him to death, consequences be damned.

Fortunately, his many years of experience had not been for naught, and he could consider the current situation with a cool head.

Currently, Voldemort is still in the process of recruiting allies, and it may still take a few years before his Death Eaters are ready to start a war.

However, even now, killing him would not be easy.

He should have already created most of his Horcruxes at this point, so Voldemort can't be destroyed permanently unless he found those first.

Also, there is the small fact that he is yet to be considered a criminal. No matter if he chooses to call himself a Dark Lord or Lord Voldemort...in the eyes of the Ministry, he is just a wizard, and one with very powerful friends at that.

If James were to attack him unprovoked… he would be the only one who ends up in Azkaban.

'This will require some maneuvering and patience.' James decided that the best way to hurt Voldemort at this moment would be to deprive him of some potential allies.

"Who is this young wizard who questions my intentions?" Voldemort asked. "I thought I was familiar with all the members of this house."

James wanted to do more than just question his intention. He wanted to question his identity in front of all these people. But he stopped himself from opening his mouth after considering the consequences of doing something like that.

Attempting to reveal Voldemort's origins right now, would inevitably show the Dark Lord that he somehow had knowledge about who he was before changing his name.

That would put Voldemort on high alert, as well as make him, and anyone close to him, into the Dark Lord's main targets to eliminate as soon as possible.

Also, his words were not going to change the minds of wizards like Malfoy or Lestrange. It would also have little effect on members of the House of Black like Druella or Walburga.

Since James remained quiet, someone else decided to speak for him.

"He is not part of this family, My Lord," Orion Black answered first. "He is one of my son's f-"

His wife stopped him from speaking by subtly twisting his arm. "He is just the son of Fleamont Potter."

"Potter?..." Voldemort glanced at James. "I wasn't expecting to see a Potter in here, especially conspiring their political views." His red eyes moved to Pollux. "Or is it perhaps the House of Black, the one changing their beliefs?"

"Absolutely not!" Druella snapped immediately. "Our house is still—"

All of a sudden, the entire table shook while making a tremendously loud sound. This startled Druella and almost made her fall from her chair.

Lord Pollux had slammed his hand on the table to show his displeasure, just as he did during the recent dinner. "Stop your unnecessary rambling! As the Patriarch of this House, I will be the one who addresses our guest from now on."

"Oh?" Voldemort smiled. "This is more in line with the Lord Pollux I heard so much about."

"The views of our house have not changed since its founding. We value family and tradition above everything else. This is the only reason we have lasted this long," Pollux said.

"That's excellent then. My proposal w—"

"But…" Pollux interrupted Voldemort. "Although the Potter boy spoke out of turn… he did bring up an interesting point. You identify yourself as the next Dark Lord, but also claim that you wish to create a new Wizard Council...one that would only admit those families who value tradition over progress…"

"Yes, I did say that, but I don't se—"

"I wasn't done." Pollux interrupted Voldemort again. The smile had long disappeared from his face.

"It seems to me that, in reality, this council will only be composed of those who are completely loyal to you. Meaning that the power of this council would only be symbolic, while you… would be the one with all the control."

Abraxas Malfoy and Edwin Lestrange were starting to look uncomfortable while seated next to the Dark Lord. They must be feeling his rising anger.

"Lord Pollux, if you are trying to insinuate that my proposal to you is in some way deceitful, I assure you that my intentions are exactly as I stated before. I want this country to be in the proper hands... the hands of those who value what makes us special and different from the Muggles. The Mudbloods cannot be trusted and cannot be allowed to continue stirring things toward a world where old families like yours will be completely worthless, and the traditions and customs of our ancestors become obsolete and forgotten," Voldemort explained while keeping his temper in control.

His red eyes then moved to James for a moment. "As for those ancient wizarding families who sympathize with the mudblood cause in the name of progress… those blood traitors are even worse. Their punishment will be exemplary. I can guarantee you that."

"Hmm… so you are planning on starting a war, then? Because that is the only way you could come close to fulfilling that promise," Pollux stated.

"A war is inevitable!" Voldemort exclaimed. "Even without my input, it's only a matter of time before that happens. I did not plant any new ideas in the hearts of the Lords and Ladies of this land. This discord between the two main factions is something that has been building up for centuries."

Pollux had no response to that. He knew that Voldemort was correct.

Even his father had once said the same when Grindelwald was taken down. Another war was bound to occur eventually, and it would be even bloodier than the previous one.

Noticing the silence, Voldemort's smile returned to his face. "I take it that you agree with me, Lord Pollux. So what do you say? Will the House of Black join our cause?" He extended his hand.

James glanced at Pollux. Depending on this man's answer, things could take a turn for the worse.

If the House of Black joins the Death Eaters, then it was going to become extremely messy for James to change the events that follow in a way that was favorable for him.

The other members of the family were looking at their Patriarch nervously.

Pollux took a minute to think in silence, but it felt like an hour at least.

Eventually, he opened his black eyes and directed them at the Dark Lord. "I will admit that I agree with much of what you say. And I can see the advantage of joining your cause."

Voldemort frowned. "But?..."

"I don't wish to see my family involved in this war of yours. I have made the decision… the House of Black will remain neutral in this matter." Pollux spoke with conviction.

The tension in the room rose tenfold.

"Lord Pollux!" Abraxas stood up from his chair. "I ask you to reconsider this."

The usual scowl on Edwin Lestrange's face seemed to deepen. "Don't forget about the bonds between our families. Are you willing to put that in danger?"

"Is that a threat, Lord Lestrange?" Pollux glared back at him.

Voldemort stood up and gestured for the other two men to settle down. "Gentlemen, please… there is no need for things to get unpleasant." His eyes went to Pollux. "This is not just my war, Lord Pollux… and neutrality may not be an option for long. But… I will interpret your words as you needing more time to think things through… properly. I will grant you more time, then. I want you to really consider all the possible ramifications."

The Dark Lord left the veiled threat in his words hanging for a while. He was telling Lord Pollux that if he doesn't join his side, he and his family will become his enemies.

This will also put the family alliances in danger, since most of those families had already joined Voldemort's side.

A.N: - Remember to comment, vote, and/or leave a review if you have the time. Those things help me a lot and I would really appreciate it.

You can Support me on P@treon if you like and get 20 advanced chapters. You can also find characters images to view for free in Collections/Invincible Stage Images

-patreon.com/Kriogenix

For donations and commissions, go to ko-fi.com/kriogenix