“Interesting. It seems like the mudblood is more capable than we first imagined.” Magnus said.

The death list laid discarded on the table. Days had passed, and very few had left it. “A Fidelus charm? That could pose a few issues.”

“We have tried using invisibility charms and potions, Dark lord. As well as Felix Filicus. But we cannot attack the aurors unless they leave their home. However, they seem to have been traveling using the floo network, and launching a surprise attack from that point will be exceedingly difficult. Many of our agents were exposed, at the meeting or later. I fear that the mudblood may be our strongest opponent yet.” Lucuis said.

Magnus nodded. “Indeed, she is much more capable than Fudge. Perhaps even Dumbledore. But she is a fool for taking such drastic measures. The wizarding community will not support her. She will be like a wildfire. Deadly and powerful, but quick to burn out. Pass my orders, we are to stop harassing muggles.” He said.

“Of course, Dark lord.” Lucius said, confusion visible on his face. “But, what are we to do then?”

“The enemy forces have grouped together. Our previous strategy of infiltrating their ranks and destroying them one by one will no longer work. We need to attack them all at once, and win.” Magnus said.

Lucius’ voice was tinged with disbelief as he spoke. “Is the Dark Lord suggesting that we destroy their forces at their new training location?” He asked.

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“The Dark Lord is ordering you to do so.” Magnus replied.

Magnus noted several uncomfortable reactions among the death eaters. “We have several hundred of us with the mark, and several hundred more without. Even more there are the many that we have put under the imperius curse, and the inferi taken from the muggle cities. Of the thousands of wizards that oppose us, many cannot conjure a proper shield charm. There will be no better opportunity to end the war.” He said.

Of course, he knew that many would not be eager to follow him on the attack. They would die. But those who did partake would have confirmed their loyalty.

Magnus continued. “We cannot wait for the mudblood to train her troops. The time to act is now, before they learn to fight and ask the wider wizarding community for help. If they stall us long enough for the wizards of the world to arrive, we may lose. But they will not, because we will attack in three days.” He said.

His mind flooded with so many emotions at once that he found it difficult to keep himself alert. He felt fear, pain, joy, happiness, and so much more. It was as if his own emotions were being swept away in the tide.

“Make an announcement. Any who join me on the assault will be welcomed to our ranks. Those who fail to do so, shall die for disloyalty. If there are those in the ministry who do not wish to die, they may flee. I will not pursue. Bellatrix!” Magnus called.

The crowd parted as his lieutenant came forward. Wizard’s robes covered her silvery figure, terrible and beautiful at once. She was like a statue come to life, her flesh sculpted rather than alive. The only thing that was normal about her was her gait. She walked naturally, her graceful steps almost gliding over the floor.

“Yes, dark lord?” She asked, her voice like a broken song. It should have been melodious, but Magnus didn’t do the best job with that. Instead, it was cold and terrifying, like the sound of a broken harp string coming from a woman’s lips.

“Go to the Daily Prophet. Go to every wizarding paper you can find. If they will not spread the word, find some means to encourage them.”

The death eaters echoed Magnus’ cold, high pitched laugh.